January 7, 2020
The Permanent Weight Loss Plan Spotlight
The Permanent Weight Loss Plan encourages readers, with gentle humor and compassion, to embrace a paradigm shift and transform their lives for good.
About The Permanent Weight Loss Plan
Diets come and go, and the scale needle swings as you drop pounds and then gain them back. But what if there were a weight loss solution for forever? Not another fad diet based on deprivation and restriction, but a holistic system for shedding pounds and maintaining your weight?
In The Permanent Weight Loss Plan, Janice Asher, MD, and Fulbright Open Research Fellow, Jae Rivera, reveal (from their own first-hand experiences) that it’s not just about the food you eat or don’t eat—it’s about a mindset and lifestyle change. After collectively losing 170 pounds and maintaining their weight for years, Janice and Jae share scientific evidence, personal experiences, and practical insights on how you can successfully reframe your relationship with food.
It’s about stopping the shame associated with body size, recognizing instances of disordered eating, equipping yourself with the knowledge of what behaviors contribute to lasting weight loss, and making use of proven strategies. Get actionable tips on how to:
- Overcome barriers like stress, shame, and emotional eating
- Escape the comfort food circle of hell
- Eat food that nourishes your intestinal microbiome and brain
- Replace unhealthy habits with new ones that will treat your body well
- Boost your metabolism by eating during the right times of the day
- Commit to an exercise regime you can enjoy
- Transform your kitchen from danger zone to a safe space
- Survive potential landmines like holidays and parties
- Develop strategies for not gaining back the weight you lose
- Stop the cycle of fat-shaming and treat yourself with kindness
Complete with 26 recipes for cauliflower quinoa puttanesca, “umami bomb” roasted portabella mushrooms, blueberry breakfast smoothie, curried lentil salad, and more, The Permanent Weight Loss Plan encourages readers, with gentle humor and compassion, to embrace a paradigm shift and transform their lives for good.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
About the Author
Janice Asher is a gynecologist at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to being a clinician there, she began the MILE (mindful, intuitive living & eating) Program, and the PANDA (Physicians And Nurses Domestic Abuse) Program. She is a co-author and co-editor of a textbook on sexual assault.
Jae Rivera is a biological anthropologist specializing in human osteology. She received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania, and continued on to work at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Presently, she is living in Peru analyzing human remains with a Fulbright Open Research Grant. and will begin her PhD when she returns in 2018.
The Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveawayDisclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post.
January 1, 2020
Cherish Family Moments with Medieval Times #MTCelebrate
The holidays are a hectic time of the year. This busy schedule starts in November and goes right up until the last present is opened. There are tears, frustration, success, happiness, lots of food and more. The only downfall? Not enough time to just spend together and focus on your family. There is always something else to bake, wrap and another party to attend and sometimes the true reason for the holidays is lost.
The kids were about a week into their school holiday, the Christmas get togethers were done and we strongly felt that we needed a day to focus on our family. We wanted no cooking, no cleaning and no technology to disturb us – just laughs, quality time and fun.
What better way to achieve all of this then to travel to the Middle Ages with Medieval Times?
Not only was it a break for Mom and Dad from cooking and cleaning, the entertainment and education value for the kids is superb (honestly as a Mom, this is a huge win for me if I can get my kids learning without even realizing it). A complete win-win for every family member!
We did a bit of research on jousting and a medieval feast, starting with the Medieval Times website and then doing our own searches online. Our youngest was really curious about how the jousting happened, if they would really injure each other and how a winner was chosen.
I strongly suggest arriving at the Medieval Times castle prior to the doors opening (roughly seventy five minutes before the start of the show). We were greeted by Lord Cedric and the Queen and welcomed into her Castle in true royal style at that seventy five minute mark and it was worth waiting for. I was a bit nervous on how they would assign seats, but they have a truly efficient system set up that moved the flow of traffic from the front doors into the great hall quickly while still enjoying the atmosphere, allowing you to take photos and take in the design of the castle and pictures with the Queen.
We really wanted our younger kids to fully immerse themselves in the experience and purchased the knighting ceremony add on for them. Both of the kids were made a Princess and a Knight of the Realm in a special ceremony in the Great Hall prior to the start of the show. The looks on their faces was just priceless. The Queen knighted them and presented them to all of the people in attendance for their great acts of courage battling a dragon.
We were then allowed to wander the hall until the show started. We found swords, a falcon, and so much more. Once we were allowed to sit, the excitement level went through the roof! Between the lights, sitting in the benches, cheering for our knights with the serving wenches and the realization that they get to only eat with their hands, the anticipation and excitement was incredible.
The show itself has something for everyone – an incredible falcon show (the falcon flew so close to us, our youngest was convinced it hit one of the crowns), the horse display and then the knights. It is hard to pinpoint one part that we loved the most – it was all executed so well with such great attention to detail. You truly feel as though you have stepped back in time.
The knights were fantastic to watch as they completed challenges and then jousting. Our yellow and red knight started off very strong but was ultimately defeated. They were animated, full of strength and bravery – they were truly a pleasure to watch as they performed.
Ready to plan your visit?
Head over to Medieval Times now to book your trip – right now you can save 40% on adult tickets and 20% on children tickets using the code USF4020. The code is valid until September 30, 2020 so you have a lot of time to take advantage of this fantastic deal. Make sure to check on the extra add ons for your trip (they are well worth it).
Feeling lucky? Enter to win tickets now here (good luck!).
What would you celebrate at Medieval Times?
Make sure to follow Medieval Times on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with promotions, giveaways and more.
Disclosure: I received tickets in order to facilitate this post, all opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2019
Strengthening Confidence and Ease: #theOriginalStretchlace
When I first heard the word Stretchlace and how it created slip ons out of any shoes, I was intrigued by the hows.
I visited their website and kept looking at the images, the laces didn’t look any different, it didn’t change the look of the shoe or how the model wore the shoes, so how did these actually work?
The creator of Strechlace (Jamie Montz) originally developed the laces to help her three boys learn to tie their shoes. How many parents here can relate to that?! This is one of the most trying lessons to teach as a parent. What seems like an easy concept, can end in tears and frustration. Even when they do master the skill, there will be moments when they will struggle, their laces will come undone during an important game and they will panic.
Stretchlaces are just that – they stretch. When they came in the mail, I wasn’t sure if there was a trick to them and I am going to be honest, I kept looking for instructions in the box. I expected them to have a loop somewhere or that they would need to be threaded differently in your child’s shoes. I can be quite honest with you, I had to google to make sure all that I had to do was thread them and then tie to them to ensure they are tied properly on your child’s feet.
After they were tied, because of the stretchy material in the laces, it gives the shoes that extra room for your child to slip the shoe on and off. That was the real magic, it is the extra give in the laces that allows the shoes to come on and off easily.
As most children (and adults), already like to slide their shoes on and off, we know the damage this causes to our shoes (or our walls as they ricochet off your child’s feet when they wont slide on!). Shoes with regular laces are not meant to slip on and off, the stretchy material in these laces changes that.
Here is what I loved the most:
- The stretchlaces look identical to regular laces! This is so important for younger children, who don’t want to look different than their peers.
- They are easy to thread through the shoes and once on and tied, you can forget about having to re-tie the shoes.
- The company offers fifteen different colours, allowing your child to express themselves and to better match their shoes.
- The company also offers nine different lengths of laces, which allows people of all ages to benefit from the laces.
I didn’t list it here because only time will tell, but I do have a strong suspicion that this will actually increase the life span of my son’s shoes. He breaks the backs on them quite frequently (I am also guilty of this as I don’t untie my shoes to take them off) because he turns them into slip ons, when they were not meant to be. I suspect because of the extra give in the front of the shoes, this will not happen anymore.
What I also noticed (and can fully appreciate), is how many adults would benefit from these laces.
Adults that may have any type of mobility issue which can make it difficult to bend, pull and tie, would benefit greatly from these laces – once they are tied to fit their feet, they will no longer struggle with these actions. I also noticed how Jamie mentioned that it also benefits those who suffer from swollen feet (right here!!), parents who have their hands full all the time, and those with special needs.
The Stretchlace is reasonably priced, with prices starting at $9.99 and can be purchased on their website.
Want to learn more? Visit the Original Stretchlace website and make sure to follow Stretchlace on Facebook and Instagram.
Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2019
Forever My Duke Book Review
Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?
About Forever My Duke
Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.
But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart.
My Thoughts
Natalie is a free speaking, independent young American woman who has travelled to England to see that the young child in her care finds his home with his grandparents. She has seen a lot in America – from war, to brutality by the British to illness and death. It has changed her views on life and people, including her own family that moved to America from England.
So you can just imagine how Natalie first felt when she met Hadrian – a wealthy Duke on his way to secure a bride that he did not love. But what I think no one was quite expecting was the attraction that bubbled up immediately between the two and their internal struggles with it. Neither wanted to be attracted to the other – he stood for everything she disliked and she was just the complete opposite of what society would expect from a Duchess.
I loved the personalities of our two main characters, they definitely keep you on your toes while you are reading! Natalie is a breath of fresh air – full of her own opinions and not afraid to share it. But she also has this vulnerable side to her, as she has seen and witnessed some horrible things in her time in America at the hands of the British. I loved watching Hadrian grow into his own person, not afraid to make a decision that goes against society.
The novel was a fun and unpredictable ride from start to finish. I enjoyed the plot and our main characters. A great holiday time read!
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 4/5
About the Author
Olivia Drake is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in Texas. Her novels have won critical acclaim and numerous industry awards, including the prestigious RITA. Olivia is the author of Scandal of the Year, Never Trust a Rogue, and If the Slipper Fits among others.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 19, 2019
The Katie Clemons Journals Review
Looking to celebrate life and those special moments? Create deeper bonds with your children and those around? Look no further – Katie Clemons will help you celebrate those special moments.
We Are So Thankful: A Shared Gratitude Journal
This journal is a thoughtful, creative way for families to connect with one another. Some days, you may be overflowing with reasons to give thanks―capture them so you can always remember, and look back to when you need a pick-me-up. Other days, being thankful isn’t always easy, and you may need to stretch yourself to “choose gratitude.” Through the engaging prompts, kids and parents can discover and celebrate all the things they are grateful for together. Keep record of the little things that brighten up your family’s life―in good times and bad―and foster an attitude of gratitude that will last for ages.
You can purchase a copy of this on Amazon.
Between Dad and Me: A Father Son Keepsake Journal
This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build father-son relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their dads! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both dad and son to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Between Mom and Me: A Mother Son Keepsake Journal
This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build mother-son relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their moms! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both mom and son to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Love, Dad and Me: A Father Daughter Keepsake Journal
This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build father-daughter relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their dads! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both dad and daughter to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Love, Mom and Me: A Mother Daughter Keepsake Journal
This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build mother-daughter relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their moms! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both mom and daughter to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Awaiting You: A Pregnancy Journal
Lower the volume of your busy life and savor the heartbeats thumping inside of you with this lovely pregnancy journal. Thoughtful prompts guide you to capture memorable moments and milestones, beautiful and complex feelings, and future dreams. You’ll feel your emerging mother-baby bond strengthen as you collect memorabilia and compose a series of love letters to your child.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
My Thoughts
These stunning keepsake journals are a beautiful memory and moments for you to share with the ones that mean the most to you – your children. I love my children more then words can begin to describe and I am always looking for ways to connect with them. These books give parents a great way to connect with their child, share their past and things that make them happy in an easy, stress free, fun manner.
Each book comes with conversation starters, plenty of blank space to write, draw and get creative. You can use the journals any way you want – front to back, skipping pages, complete it together or maybe separate. The most important part is that it gets you two talking and sharing about the things that mean a lot to you. You engage and truly listen to each other and share things that may be hard to share vocally and face to face.
These books make a great gift to new parents, young families and families with older children (especially older children who sometimes stop sharing how they feel). They are a truly beautiful collection of journals that will get you talking, sharing and connecting on a deeper level.
About the Author
Katie Clemons is an avid storycatcher, mom, and fifth generation Montanan whose super power is asking questions. Her mission-Let’s celebrate your story!-began in elementary school when Katie craved a consistent, fun way to capture and write her stories. Today, she’s a No. 1 bestselling author who’s shared her story on HGTV’s “You Live in What?,” given a TEDxTalk, created a storycatching community, and received numerous awards and press for her innovative approach to journaling. Katie and her journals have been featured by media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping and Pregnancy and Newborn.
Katie’s work helps both children and adults celebrate their life stories and nurture deeper bonds with their families while finding greater joy and gratitude. Find Katie and share her storycatching discoveries at www.katieclemons.com or @katierclemons on social media.
Disclosure: I received the above mentioned books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.