Dustin Maher Fit Moms for Life Review & Giveaway

I recently was given the pleasure to review the book by Dustin Maher Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids.  I will be brutally honest, at first I wondered how a book could help me become fit.  Little did I know the enormous amount of support Dustin offers and not just for those that buy his books and DVD's.  The book was just one helpful part of a much greater collective of support.

Dustin has a goal to help 1,000,000 mothers get into the best shape of their lives.   He knows to help a mom become fit you help a family to become fit.   As a mom we often forget to take care of ourselves.  Eating unhealthy foods on the run, not taking the time to exercise or treat ourselves.  Our children watch this and in turn emulate the same behaviors creating a vicious unhealthy cycle.  This is how a family's fitness and health starts with mom.

Cutting through the hype Fit Moms for Life chronicles 31 mothers' personal weight loss and fitness transformations including before and after photos. Dustin guides his readers through the 5 pillars of fitness: Mindset, Nutrition, Strength Training, Burst Training, and Environment.  With the ultimate goal being Staying Fit for Life.  You are armed with solid exercises, tips to lose weight and to keep it off for a lifetime.

With Dustin's encouragement I started making better choices in my diet.  Stopped buying junk foods and instead bought more fruits and vegetables.  I was surprised that my kid's acted like they didn't even notice the change to their snacks.  Maxx at 2 years old now sneaks apples and celery instead of cookies.

The biggest change has been that I now take the time out of my day for me.  Exercising if only for 15-30 minutes a day is better than not at all.  I want to be fit for my family.  I started reading his book "Fit Moms for Life" shortly after having my son.  It't not your average get thin quick plan.  With life stories from real moms, workout moves as well as health tips; this book made me take a hard look at my choices.

As with every exercise program life caught up to me and sent me spinning away from my goal.  I fell into old habits, letting myself get lost in the hustle and bustle of day to day parenting.  Thanks to Dustin's wonderful community of support I didn't stay lost.  With weekly encouraging emails, I was cheered on and excouraged to to take the time for me.  Remind myself that I am important, my healthy example is important to more than me.






Since receiving his book I have lost almost 30lbs.  It has been 6 months, but give me a break we moved only 2 months after I got the book. I'm a mommy blogger not a professional.. I don't get paid for this.  No you don't rub it on your body and get results.  I made the diet changes and added his workouts.  I will admit to chickening out of one of his many challenges, but I'll get there.  This is not a diet, it is a life change.  I have just started on my journey.

Now it's your turn to make a difference, be the change!  At the very least join The Fit Moms for Life community  (It's FREE)  It's the place where Dustin cuts through all the hype giving eating, exercising and health advice in a fast, fun and effective way that can fit into the busy life of any mom.  As a mom of 5 kids, he has really made a difference in my desire to workout.  Before, If I didn't feel like exercising or eating healthy I rationalized that it was just me I was hurting.  Now I know that isn't true.  By working out and eating healthy I am providing my kids with the proper role model into a healthy lifestyle.

His huge community of support is how I know that Dustin in in this to make a healthier future for Mom's and their families. Join Fit Moms for life on Facebook, Twitter, or in his larger community for all things to become healthier mom, I Love Being a Mom.

I was given a book to try in return for my opinion on this program but in no way is my opinion not my own.

You can win your own copy of Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids  ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

How to Catch Happy ~ E-book Review

I was given the opportunity to read, How to Catch Happy, a wonderfully worded e-book. A delightful read about fishing for happiness. What makes you happy in life? Do you remember what makes you truly happy?  This e-book isn't a 10 step process but insightful stories that will awaken you to the happiness in your life.  

Reading this book made me encourage my husband to find a job that he loves, rather than keep the stable one he hates. (even if the insurance is good)  Life is too short to spend it doing things you don't enjoy. I recently found a balance between a job I love and being a mom that makes me happy. Staying home raising my kids and being an Independent Scentsy Consultant.  He deserves the same fulfillment.

I can't wait to share this book with my parents.  My mom recently got a e-reader for her birthday so she would love to have this wonderful enlightening life guide.

I was given a copy of this e-book in return for my honest review.

The Treasure of God's Word: Celebrating 400 years of the King James Bible

The Treasure of God's Word: Celebrating 400 years of the King James Bible compiled by Jack Countryman really is a treasure for anyone to own.  Included in this beautifully bound book is the history of the King James Bible, from it's origins, many revisions and historical importance.   Then numerous scriptures are separated into different themes, from God's Blessings to Our Hope.  This makes it the perfect gift for those wishing to better understand the Bible.

I highly suggest this book to people who want to bring scripture into everyday life.  It really breaks passages down into understandable themes.  The excellent overfall look of the book with make it a treasure in any book lovers collection.  With it's leather bound cover, embossed in gold and gilt edged pages, it is a beautiful book.  With the large typeface it is very easy to read.  I learned more about the history of the King James Bible from this beautiful book than from any other source in my lifetime. I would recommend this book for many different people in my life from the very devout Christian to the avid historian and even a grandparent or two.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart

A book about real life happy endings.  It centers around a group of 2 sisters, their cousin and a pastor who's lives intersect in the picturesque town of Charleston.  This book went from a story about your divine destiny to the greatest story of how with the support of loved ones and faith you can overcome anything.

It starts with the story of Roy, a widower and small town pastor asked to offer his guidance at a large well to do church that he fears he can't connect with.  His strong belief in a greater plan leads him to accept the challenge of going where he was not comfortable, but led him to find love again.

The story of one sister, Anne, who as a bell-ringer for St. Michael's church in Charleston believed God spoke to her one day, telling her to "stay and wait" for her true love.  So, wait she does even when those around her try to make her doubt her unquestioning faith.

Then there is Anne's cousin Della, a wife and mother struggling with the stress that lack of money can put on your relationship and happiness.  The lingering doubts that she chose the right man.  The distance that can separate spouses when they don't clasp to their connection with each other when times are tough.

Though as this story shows the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  It also portrays Anne's sister life that from the outside looks like a picture perfect life.  After an emergency c-section with her 3rd pregnancy Lish falls into a deep depression.  Her battle with postpartum depression and the heart breaking way it takes over her life pulls at the reader.

Upon reading the first chapter I thought to myself,"Oh no, an overly religious book.", but the further I read into the book the harder it was to walk away from.  When the story turned to Lish's struggle with postpartum depression it was so vivid and heart wrenching that is left my hands sweating and shaking.   The strength of love, faith and unflinching support illustrated in this book left me hopeful about humanity.  I feel that no matter how many times I read this book I will come away with a different insight into faith and love, all depending on what I am facing in life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the book publisher through the website http://BookSneeze.com, but I am under no obligation to give a positive review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

For other reviews on this book visit Book Sneeze

Baby Books and Milestones

As a crafty mom I would love to have the baby books filled out for my children as the milestones occur. Being a busy mom of 4 kids I know that isn't realistic. I have come up with a way for me to have the best of both worlds, a complete baby book and be on top of my day-to-day drudgery. (yes, dishes and laundry I mean you.)

I hang a large wall calendar, out of reach of little sticky fingers, but in a convenient spot for myself. As my children grow and reach their different milestones I can quickly jot them down on the calendar. Later I can transcribe them to my baby books when it is a more convenient time. (usually after bedtime)

I've saved little silly sayings from my kids and even taped a small envelope from the first haircut to a calendar.

Now that my older children are in school they are constantly bringing home art work or other papers they are proud of. (Make sure they put their name and date on the back of the artwork as soon as you see it. At the least the month or even school year) Ever year I make a folder with their name, grade and teachers name on it. We will fill this folder throughout the year. At the end of the school year we pick out the papers and art that meant the most to us. One piece of art makes its way to a special frame on the wall. (turning a part of the hallway into my own children's art gallery.) The remaining stay in the folder for the day I can transfer them to their own special book of works.

Book Sneeze

As a blogger I recently signed up for a free service called Book Sneeze. It's a great program that gives a complimentary copy of a book for bloggers to become an online reviewer of. In some cases you may even receive advance copies before they even hit store shelves. The bookworm in me was quivering with excitement when I discovered this service.

As part of the program you're not required to give a positive review about the book , just an honest one. They do have a few easy guidelines to adhere to while writing your reviews. When finished you just need to post your review on your blog, the Book Sneeze website and another suggested consumer website. Your reviews must state that you did receive your book as a complimentary copy. (this is due to FCC regulations)

I was very excited to receive my first book and am thoroughly enjoying this unexpected read. I am an avid reader so the Book Sneeze program thrilled me to take part in. Although I can speed read a larger book in less than 2 hours I am enjoying the chance to throughly engulf myself in this book.

Look for my book reviews in the future.

If you are a blogger and interested in trying Book Sneeze just click on their link in the sidebar and sign up. In a few short days you too can also be a book reviewer.