Craving Grace by Lisa Velthouse Book Review

Craving Grace

From Publisher:

For Lisa Velthouse’s whole life, Christianity had been about getting things right. Obeying her parents. Not drinking. Not cursing. Not having premarital sex. Vowing to save her first kiss until she got engaged, even writing a book called . . . well, Saving My First Kiss. (This, it turns out, does not actually help a girl get a date.) Yet after two decades of trying to earn God’s okay, she found her faith was lonely, empty, and unsatisfying. So she turned to more discipline, of course: fasting! By giving up her favorite foods—sweets—Lisa hoped to somehow discover true sweetness and meaning in her relationship with God. Until, one night at a wedding, she denied herself the cake but failed in such a different, unexpected, and world-rocking way that it challenged everything she thought she knew about God and herself. Craving Grace is the true story of a faith dramatically changed: how in one woman’s life God used a bitter heart, a broken promise, and the sweetness of honey to reveal the stunning wonder that is grace.

My Review:

I did not know who Lisa Velthouse was before reading this book.  She seems to be an intelligent, and fun lady after reading the book.

However, I did not get the story in the book.  It was missing the dramatic turning point.  From the publisher's description, I was expecting a book with failures and then change.  I didn't see it or get it.

That being said...I could not recommend this book.   If I am going to recommend a book, I want something that is going to inspire or make a change in someone's life.  It breaks my heart having to write this review.  I want to be able to encourage but I also do not desire to waste someone's time.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

 Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Love Food and Live Well by Chantel Hobbs Book Review

Love Food and Live Well: Lose Weight, Get Fit, and Taste Life at Its Very Best

From Publisher:

Go ahead. Get passionate about the food you eat.

You don’t have to hide it. You can love food and lose weight at the same time! The secret, which you’ll learn about in Love Food and Live Well, is to know when to have carrot cake and when it’s time for just a carrot.

For most dieters, food is the daunting factor that trips up our best intentions to lose weight and get fit. Let Chantel Hobbs teach you that food is not the enemy! It’s our attitudes toward it that defeat us. Losing weight does not require being deprived of the foods you love and being forced to eat boring, tasteless meals, and left feeling hungry most of the time. Turn food into your ally by following Chantel’s 80/20 rule: A full 20 percent of the time, splurge on the foods you love and incorporate them into celebrations and social occasions. The remaining 80 percent of the time, choose food on the basis of delivering maximum fuel for your body and ultimate health. Simply by having freedom in what you eat, you can train yourself in self discipline and achieve sustainable weight loss, being free from food anxiety.

Using personal inventories, original recipes, food plans, and new, detailed exercises for strength training and aerobic fitness, Chantel will inspire you to live well in every area of life. What are you waiting for? Start the pursuit of a life lived well and healthy: body, mind, and spirit.

My Review:

I don't usually review diet or health books.  This one caught my eye, probably because of the cover.

This book is a cheerleader if you want to lose weight.  The problem is it won't do it for you.  You have to take the initiative.  However, once you have that...this book is for you (or me.)

I was encouraged by her writing and her testimony.  It is real.  The info she presents are truly real and seem easy enough to do.  From carbs to eating on a cruise - she gives pointers.  I liked that!

This is one of those books - if you are on a diet and need a cheerleader, then it would help you out!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Please review my review here:

Interview with Mia Hamm’s Mom and Gatorade {Plus, a $100.00 gift card Giveaway!}

Winner has been chosen!  Contest Closed! 
It is not easy being a Mom!

Much less a Mom to active, athletic, energetic, never.still.for.a.moment-children.



Most of the time I feel like a Circus Clown.  Juggling home education, exercise, family life, the calendar, friendships and making nutritious meals - all while roller-skating around the house on an unicycle dusting the ceiling fans wearing pearls.  (I know- true talent!)
 
I wouldn’t trade it for the world!  (Well, maybe the unicycle.)

When I was picked as one of the Gatorade Sideline Moms to ask Stephanie Hamm, the mother of retired American soccer player and U.S. Olympian, Mia Hamm, I was ecstatic!

When I get to speak to any Mom or really any Person who has walked the road of life and had life experiences that I’m about to go on – I close my mouth and I listen.

I listen to not what exactly they did -  but - what they wouldn’t do again.

My question to Stephanie was simply this:

“When all was said and done at the end of the day or before they moved out of your home, was there something specific you as a Mom would have done differently?”

Stephanie Hamm responded:  “More time!” 

She wanted more time to spend with her children!  It went way too fast!  She is now spending time with her grandchildren.  So many parents that I speak to now say – “Enjoy your time.  Your children grow up before you know it!”

She also stressed on how her husband and her made a good tag-team.  They had other children who played sports (other than Mia).  They had to make things priority i.e. stocking the car with good snacks and drinks like Gatorade.

Stephanie Hamm video

As Sports Mom, she stressed a good breakfast for young athletes.

Not only being physically prepared but mentally also by letting the kids talk through their frustrations.  I.e. a referee making a bad call.

I thought this was so good – sometimes in my own family – those moments are the best teaching moments for good character!

Stephanie Hamm also commented on not only being competitive on the field but also in the classroom.  “Sports can be helpful but is not usually a life long wage earner.   

Not every person is going to be the next Mia Hamm  but they need to be well-rounded!”

I just loved that!

After the interview with Stephanie Hamm – we got to hear from GSSI scientist, Lisa Esposito, who talked about the science of sports nutrition for young athletes.

I was floored!  I had no idea what went into that Fave sports drink.
 
It is Science in a Bottle!  (Okay, not really.  But, then again, really!)

Since 1985, GSSI (Gatorade Sports Science Institute) has tested metabolism, heat stress, hydration and so on…it is too technical for me to even spell.  Seriously, I had no idea!  (I think I already said that!)

I loved how they had a strategy, before, during, and after for athletes.

Before strategy: 

• One of the main things that could be life-changing for our young athletes is monitoring the color of their urine.  Yep, I just said “urine” on my blog.  I’m officially a Mom-blogger!
  • “If the pee – is yellow like lemonade – it is good pee.
  • If the pee  - is dark like soda – BAD!  Go to HOSPITAL!
  • If the pee – too clear – Over-Hydration.  Drink slower!”

My kids and I need to have a serious “pee” talk soon! 

• Weigh in before exercise.

During strategy:

• Drink every 15-20 minutes. 

After Strategy: 

• Weigh in again.  For every 1 pound lost drink 16-20 fluid ounces.

There was so much more!  For more info – go see Gatorade Moms.

Fine Print:  I will say – you should not take my blog as medical advice.  If you have worries, questions, or just want to talk to someone about your child – call your doctor.

Now for the Giveaway!

How would you like a $100.00 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods?

Rules: No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment telling your favorite exercise or sport as a child.
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.  Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.  You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.  Official Rules here.

Official sweepstakes dates:  6/1-6/30/2011.

Please link to the BlogHer round up page and mention there are more chances to win: (use the link below)

Prizes & Promotions section

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Just a note:  This has been a sponsored post.  However, all views expressed have been my own.  Again, please talk to your own doctor if you have any questions…I just juggle kids, oranges, and dust balls.