Go Broke, Die Rich

I love reading, and when I found the opportunity to read, review, and giveaway a book about entrepreneurs, I jumped at the chance. Through Business 2 Blogger I was sent an autographed copy of "Go Broke, Die Rich" by William Manchee. William Manchee has helped business owners for over thirty-five years, and shares their stories (with names changed) in this book. He explains why they failed, and how you can avoid those circumstances yourself, or how to get out of it without losing your shirt.

I thought this book was great and would suggest it to any aspiring entrepreneur, or anyone who has already established a business-new or old, big or small. Hindsight may be 20/20, but wouldn't it be nice to have a little foresight into possibilities when operating a business. This book does not guarantee success, in fact Manchee mentions quite a few times that you can learn and rebuild after failure. The facts in this book are startling, informative, and delivered in such a way that I, without any legal training, have a more clear understanding of bankruptcy laws, methods, and loopholes.

William Manchee was born in Southern California, then later in life relocated to North Dallas, where he opened his own law practice, where his son Jim now also works. In 1995, Manchee wrote his first book as a release from the stress of his law office. Since then he has written a total of 15 books and has aspirations to write one book a year. He is known best for his Stan Turner mysteries and the Tarizon Trilogy. You can read more about William Manchee and his works, you can visit his website at : http://williammanchee.com/home.html

I'm pleased to announce that I am able to offer one copy of "Go Broke, Die Rich" by William Manchee to one lucky SaMiE Designs reader! Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!


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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Making Your Own Laundry Detergent!

With six people living under one roof, laundry adds up, quick. Lots of laundry detergent means that the money also adds up quick. I was amazed at the idea of making your own laundry detergent for pennies per load and immediately put the task on my "to-do" list.

I found The Duggar Family Recipe of Laundry Soap  through Pinterest. Immediately I began searching for the products to make it. I couldn't find them at the local small grocery store or the local chain supermarket. Instead I found them at my local Whole Foods store. Occasionally I would find one or two of the items, but the local Whole Food store had all three. And right next to each other. I actually hugged the attendant who helped me to the aisle because I was so happy. What were the three ingredients I was so eager to find? Borax, Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, and a Fels-Naptha bar.

For your quick viewing pleasure, here is the recipe from the Duggar's website:

4  Cups - hot tap water

1  Fels-Naptha soap bar

1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*

½ Cup Borax

Step 1.

Step 2.

And here are the directions to make your own laundry detergent:

Step 1. Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Step 2. Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

Step 3. Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

You can add in some scents if you like, but I wanted to try a pure and simple recipe, so mine is just the basic. This recipe was super easy and super cheap. Originally I had kept milk gallons to fill them up with the detergent, but I figured this was anything but a space saver. So I have kept the detergent in the five gallon bucket and add it to an old detergent container I happened to have on hand. It has been very convenient for us. We will definitely be making more when we run out- no idea when that will be!


As far as to how well it works? I think it works just as good as any other detergent we've used. It gets out stains-and get things clean. And best of all-we haven't had to buy detergent in a long, long time. It's great. If you get a chance, I urge you to make your own stash.  Or you can buy ours- in stores Fall 2012. Only kidding- but check out this swanky picture!

Happy Mixing

Project Playsmart

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


I'm always on the lookout for new toys and games for the little ones so I was elated to be chosen to review Project Playsmart.  Project Play Smart helps parents discover high quality, educational toys for their kids.  Join for free and receive a weekly email of spotlighted products, many at discounts up to 50% off retail. I was given the opportunity to pick my own game/toy to review and when I saw The Magic Labyrinth Board Game I knew that was the perfect game for my kids.

Approximately one week after ordering The Magic Labyrinth, it appeared in our mailbox. We all couldn't wait to play. Mr. E (with his new mohawk), Fingers, and Stinky joined me and we played it for the first time. Then we played again. And again. And they ask me every day to play again. The game was amazing and I wouldn't have found it if it weren't for Project Playsmart.

Each week Project Playsmart features new toys and games, all with an education base. Don't spend another moment roaming the aisles of games and toys plastered with licensed characters. The focus with those games is less on education and building skills and more on putting big bucks into big companies.

You can also earn and redeem credits to purchase more toys and games using the Project Playsmart referral program. A customized url is created for your account, and you can post links to your facebook and twitter accounts. For each person you refer that makes a purchase you will receive $5 in credit towards your future purchases.

Project Playsmart is revolutionizing the way we think about toys and playing games with our children. I know by now you are excited to check out Project Playsmart for yourself. Head on over to their website and set up an account. There's no obligation to buy- although you will find the toys and games too good to pass up!

Don't forget to visit Project Playsmart on Facebook and Twitter. Tell them SaMiE Designs sent ya!

Through Mom Blog Society and Project Playsmart, SaMiE Designs is able to offer one of our valued readers a $25 credit towards any purchase on Project Playsmart product. You can use the Rafflecopter below to enter for your chance to win!

Good luck and Game on!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.