"THE PROMISE" book review and Kindle HDX Giveaway from @BethWiseman!

I stayed up last night to finish up "The Promise" because I just HAD to know how the book was going to end before going to bed. It took a chapter or two to get into the story, but once the setting and characters were introduced, the story line took off.

All Mallory wanted to do was to help save a life-to feel like she made a difference. She struggles through out the book with her relationships with her family and with her belief in God. She is so determined to fulfill an old promise, that she's not smart or cautious in how she tries to help a family in Pakistan. Ultimately at the end of the book though, she recognizes who she can count on.

Clean, christian book with a very intriguing and romantic story line. VERY very good! Would highly  recommend this book!! This is the first book I've read by this author.

About the book: 

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CP8sr 

About the author: 

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

Find Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.

Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Promise by Beth Wiseman

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.


I'm a blog book reviewer for LitFuse Publicity so I was given this book complimentary in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

"The Brickmaker's Bride" review. Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Author Party with Judith Miller!

"The Brickmaker's Bride" is a story about a woman named Laura who lives in West Virginia and sells her Birckyard property to a scottish man named Ewan and his uncle Hugh. Laura is a hard worker with a spit-fire personality, who loves to help others around her.

This book had a good story line through out and a good ending. This was my first book by Judith Miller and I would recommend it to others as a clean christian fiction set in the time period of the 1800s after the Civil War.

About the book: 

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man---a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CAurf 

About the author: 

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

Find Judith online: website,Facebook, Twitter

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

I'm a blog book reviewer for LitFuse Publicity so I was given this book complimentary in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

#OrigamiOwl Jewelry collection and Gift Card DRAWING! Now is the time to order!

This month I signed up to become a designer with Origami Owl Jewelry.

The thing that I love about this jewelry is that I personally have been usng it for over a year and none of my pieces have broken or tarnished. I have really sensitive skin so that was a concern for me, but I haven't had any problems with the metal they use.

I love all my pieces and love that I can personalize my lockets to fit the season, what I'm wearing, my hobbies, or sports team.

Because I am a new designer, I will be having a holiday launch party online and in my home these next two weeks.

For those of you who prefer shopping online or who aren't local, here's my direct shopping link.
http://www.rdevaughn4.origamiowl.com/parties/RachelDeVaughn501464/collections.ashx

I'm also doing a drawing for those that place an order 

using my online shopping link before 

November 15th! 

You can win a $25 GIFT CARD towards anything in stock from my 

Origami Owl shopping link: 

http://www.rdevaughn4.origamiowl.com

(USA only)

Once you place an order using my shopping link, come back here and post a comment below letting me know you placed an order and I will enter your name into my drawing!!

GOOD LUCK!

Let me know if you have any questions or problems with ordering!
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I LOVE all the new holiday items they released this month! Check out the video and pictures below:

Click on this Post by Origami Owl Living Lockets to view the Holiday Collection video! 

Here are what some of the pieces look like in person:

(I'm not using a professional camera-sorry!)  

Here's my direct shopping link.
http://www.rdevaughn4.origamiowl.com/parties/RachelDeVaughn501464/collections.ashx

Don't forget to order before November 15th
using my direct shopping link above
to be entered in the $25 gift card drawing!! 

Here is a very small sampling of the charms you can order to personalize your necklace or bracelet based on your hobbies or likes: 

week 4 recap of #30daywalkoff #LeslieSansone challengeand #livingandactive challenge by #peak313

Just ended week 4 of my October fitness challenges.

First, I'm following my 30 day Leslie Sansone Walking challenge (found here: http://crafts-n-fitness.blogspot.com/2014/10/30daywalkoff-free-october-walking.html )

and the Peak313 5-week exercise/spiritual challenge (found here: http://peak313.com/featured/3rd-annual-living-and-active-week-1-tied-together/ )

10/19 - 10/25 workouts for the week:

Sunday
Rest Day

Monday
(45) mins/3 miles Leslie Sansone, (25) mins Jillian Michaels level 2

Tuesday

(60) mins Burn 30, Firm 30 Leslie Sansone

Wednesday

(30) mins/2 miles Leslie Sansone

Thursday

(1 hr 15 mins)/5 miles Leslie Sansone

Friday

(23) mins Level 2 Jillian Michaels, (30) mins new Leslie Sansone dvd

2 hours at the local Pumpkin patch with lots of walking! 

Saturday
Rest Day

I had a good week!!
Logged all of my food for the entire week and stayed between 1300-1400 calories. I weighed myself and haven't lost anything in 2 weeks though. :-(
I only have one more week left of my Leslie Sansone challenge and about 1.5 weeks left of the dietbet challenge to lose 6.6 pounds. I'm still working hard, but doubt I will make meet that weight loss goal. Boooo!!

Sleep Number mattress store review from a Smiley360 blogger

I went to my local Sleep Number store and spent over one hour with a great salesman.

He showed me and my husband 3 different style beds. He explained the difference between all three and asked our opinions about them. I liked the pillow top P5 the best!

We also got to try out 2 different pillows which I loved! I will definitely be going back and buying one! It felt really good on my neck and head because it was contoured.

The salesman explained in great detail about the Sleep IQ technology and what specifics it shows on the screen for each individual.

He figured out mine and my husbands sleep number and showed us pictures of our sleeping posture in the bed and how the bed number affects our body.

It was a very good, informative experience. He gave us 4 pricing quotes since I requested them for my personal information.

The Sleep Number® bed is the only bed that lets you track and optimize your sleep with SleepIQ™ technology. Sensors work directly with Sleep Number® DualAir™ technology inside the Sleep Number bed to measure your average breathing rate, average heart rate and movement to track how you’re sleeping.

SleepIQ™ technology provides a simple and intuitive way to know more about your sleep. It tracks your sleep and provides information you can use to make adjustments to your SLEEP NUMBER® setting or daily routine. Best of all, it empowers you so you can achieve your best possible sleep, night after night.

And SleepIQ™ couldn’t be easier to use. Nothing to wear, nothing to turn on. All you have to do is sleep.

• Like SLEEP NUMBER and enter a sweepstakes for chance to WIN a FREE SLEEP NUMBER® bed with SleepIQ™ technology with standard UPS shipping 

• Click here to learn more about the SLEEP NUMBER® SleepIQ™ technology
• Click here to find a SLEEP NUMBER® store near you
• Follow @SleepNumber onTwitter for deals, sleep tips and news

**By going to the Sleep Number store and posting my experience on my blog and other social media, I will be sent a complimentary pillow from Smiley360 and Sleep Number. All opinions and pictures are my own**

Is the Victoria Secret Sports line for the average fitness woman? #VSSportBra plus a GIVEAWAY!

Last month I was suppose to receive a box from Influenster containing a complimentary sports bra and pair of bottoms from Victoria Secret Sport line for blog review. I was SUPER excited but after 6 weeks and multiple emails later, was told there was a mix up and I would not be receiving my box.

I had already been preparing my blog post and pictures since I have been using the VS sport line for at least a year now, so I  decided to post a VS sports review anyway even though this post is now NOT affliated with a product review for Influenster.

These are my personal pictures and experiences with the VS sports line and I have personally paid for all my items. I have the angel CC bill to prove it! ;-)
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Did you know that Victoria Secret even had a sports line?

https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport

They started it a couple years ago and to be honest, when I got the catalog showing their sports line,  I wondered if they were just overpriced clothes. I decided to buy some crop bottoms and I've been buying them ever since!!

I love to buy them when they have coupons or during the semi-annual sales. I mostly wear VS sports bottoms, as well as Old Navy active line.

I exercise every day so it's VERY important to me that the clothes fit, wash well, and hold up! I hate spending money on clothes that I have to keep adjusting or that wear out after a couple of uses. I also LOVE that the VS bottoms dont show sweating in personal areas and don't show my underwear underneath. I know they are expensive, but I find them well worth the money!

I love my crops so much, that I've gotten a couple VS tanks as well as just started buying their new incredible sports bras that launched a couple months ago.

I went to my local store last month and was so happy to see a small selection of the sports line!

This is my new sports bra that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

I am really picky about my bras because (1) even though I'm small, I don't want a push up bra when I'm trying to workout! (2) I need adjustible straps because I have a longer torso and I actually get neck strain when my bra straps are too tight (3) because I'm small (36b) I like to have light padding. I've been using the VS pink yoga sports bras, but they recently changed the style to be more pushup style so I was so happy to see this new line!

NEW! INCREDIBLE BY VICTORIAS SECRET FRONT-CLOSE SPORT BRA

For some reason, there are some negative reviews about the zipper. I haven't had any problems with zipping it up or staying in place. You have to use both hands to zip it up though.

(from their website) Fit tip: Make sure the zipper locks into place! Pull the zipper firmly into the zipper box and hold securely as you zip upwards. Place the fabric zipper cover over the zipper box for ultimate comfort.

https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/sports-bras/incredible-by-victorias-secret-front-close-sport-bra-victorias-secret-sport?ProductID=205933&CatalogueType=OLS

These are the crops that I adore! seriously-best thing ever!

I am in between the medium (8/10) and large (12/14) because of my larger hips/butt, but I hate pulling up my bottoms around my waist, so I chose to wear size mediums so they are snug on me. 

I'm 5 feet, 4 inches so one thing I've found is that sometimes "crops" will look longer on me which I hate because I mine as well wear leggings. So another thing I love is the length of these crops. They fit me just below my knee. 

I also love that they sit on my waist. I have had 2 kids (1 was a c-section) and I've lost over 75 pounds so I have some stomach fat that I don't like jiggling around. The crops have great compression with holding the fat in and being comfortable and flattering. and when I bend down, no one will see my butt or underwear! ;-)   

KNOCKOUT BY VICTORIA'S SECRET CROP

https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/all-bottoms/knockout-by-victoria39s-secret-crop-victorias-secret-sport?ProductID=208630&CatalogueType=OLS

I've pinned some items on my Pinterest boad if you're interested:
http://www.pinterest.com/rdevaughn4/influenster-vssportbra-voxbox-board/
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So in answer to my beginning question-is the VS sports line for the average fitness woman? I say ABSOLUTLY!! I'm obviously not skinny-I still have alot of weight to lose. But I love waking up every morning to workout in great fitting, great quaility exercise clothes that make me feel sexy and confident!

Are you ready for a GIVEAWAY?? 

You can win (USA only):

-a new HUGE VS sport duffle,
-medium resistance tubing (I will be removing them from the box for cheaper shipping),
-samples of Delta Labs Hair skin and nails supplement,
-2 Ellie hairbands,
-Fresh feet wipes sample,
-VS small lotion.

All fun things to get your started on your fitness journey!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah Ladd review and kindle giveaway!

This was my first book by this author, Sarah Ladd and my first book in this series.

"A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" is book 3 of "Whispers on the Moors" and follows the story of Cecily who lives in England during the early 1800s.

It was a good book about love and forgiveness and sin. Virtue and purity were very important in those days, as well as appearances. I don't know if I would have gotten more out of the story if I had read the other two books in the series or not. It was a nice book but not something I personally would read again.

About the book: 

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.

His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw

About the author: 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing.The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.

Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.


I'm a blog book reviewer for LitFuse Publicity so I was given this book complimentary in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

I am taking the 8 week Peak 10 Fit Challenge with Michelle Dozois!

I love to plan ahead with my exercise programs and my current walking challenge will be ending next Thursday, so this is my upcoming program I will be doing next.

I will be starting this program on Tuesday November 4th (so my rest days will be on Sundays) and ending on Monday December 29th. I received this program complimentary last year for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

So what is the Peak 10 Fit Challenge with Michelle Dozois?? 

SECRET of Peak

For years, the best way to burn calories was through traditional interval training, a repetitive cycle of peaks and rests that turn the body on and off until exhaustion.

The problem is that these intervals are a shock to the system, making it impossible to maintain the intensity needed to see dramatic results.

Michelle's peak progressive intervals are smarter than that because their unique blend of cardio and strength moves are sequenced to trick your body into performing at a higher level. Without realizing it, each stage will take you a little further, push you a little harder and help you reach a higher level than you could with a traditional workout.

10 AMAZING workouts in this program:

PROGRAM Intro & Fit Test
Set the bar for success to set your goals and track your success!
Running time: 49 minutes.

PURE Cardio
With Pure Cardio you'll increase endurance, get your body moving and torch calories!
Running time: 54 minutes.

CARDIO Interval Burn
Cardio Interval Burn uses the power of peak intervals to blast fat and help you shed those unwanted pounds and inches!
Running time: 65 minutes.

CARDIO Strength 1
Cardio Strength 1 & 2 feature the perfect storm of cardio and strength training to help you develop long, lean muscles and incinerate calories both during and hours after your workout!
Running time: 60 minutes.

CARDIO Strength 2
Cardio Strength 2 blends more of the cardio and strength moves needed to develop long, lean muscles and incinerate calories during, and even hours after your workout!
Running time: 60 minutes.

DYNAMIC Flexibility
Stretch, reset and rejuvenate! The perfect workout to get you stronger, fitter and sexier than ever!
Running time: 40 minutes.
 
PURE Strength 1
Pure Strength 1 & 2 feature all the moves you need to sculpt, tone and tighten your body into Peak condition.
Running time: 55 minutes.

PURE Strength 2
Pure Strength 2 features more killer moves to sculpt, tone and tighten your body into Peak condition! Running time: 55 minutes.

ANYTIME Anywhere Workout
Never miss a workout! It's perfect for travel, vacation or when you're just short on time.
Running time: 40 minutes.

CORE Dynamics
The Core Dynamics DVD has proven exercises to get hot, sexy abs quicker than ever!
Running time: 20 minutes.

For more information about the program you can go here: 

http://peak10.michelledozois.com/

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WORKOUT SCHEDULE: 
Week 1
Day 1- Program fit test
Day 2- Pure Cardio
Day 3- Pure Strength 1
Day 4-Dynamic Flexibility & Core Dynamics
Day 5-Cardio Strength 1
Day 6-Rest
Day 7-Cardio Interval Burn & Anywhere/Anytime workout

Week 2
Day 1- Pure Strength 1
Day 2- Pure Cardio
Day 3- Cardio Strength 1
Day 4- Dynamic Flexibility & Core Dynamics
Day 5-Cardio Strength 1
Day 6-Rest
Day 7- Cardio Interval Burn & Anywhere/Anytime workout

Week 3
Day 1- Pure Strength 1
Day 2- Pure Cardio
Day 3- Cardio Strength 1
Day 4- Dynamic Flexibility & Core Dynamics
Day 5- Cardio Strength 2
Day 6- Rest
Day 7- Cardio Interval Burn & Anywhere/Anytime workout

Week 4
Day 1- Pure Strength 2
Day 2- Pure Cardio
Day 3- Cardio Strength 2
Day 4- Dynamic Flexibility & Core Dynamics
Day 5- Cardio Strength 2
Day 6- Rest
Day 7- Cardio Interval Burn & Anywhere/Anytime workout

Week 5
Day 1- Pure Strength 2
Day 2- Pure Cardio & Core Dynamics
Day 3- Cardio Strength 2
Day 4- Pure Strength 2
Day 5- Cardio Strength 1
Day 6- Rest or Dynamic Flexibility
Day 7- Cardio Interval Burn & Anywhere/Anytime workout

Week 6
Day 1- Pure Strength 2
Day 2- Pure Cardio & Core Dynamics
Day 3- Cardio Strength 2
Day 4- Pure Strength 1 & Dynamic Flexibility
Day 5- Cardio Strength 1
Day 6- Rest or Dynamic Flexibility
Day 7- Cardio Interval Burn & Anywhere/Anytime workout

Week 7
Day 1- Pure Strength 2
Day 2- Pure Cardio & Core Dynamics
Day 3- Cardio Strength 2 & Anytime/Anywhere workout
Day 4- Pure Strength 1 & Dynamic Flexibility
Day 5- Cardio Strength 1
Day 6- Rest or Dynamic Flexibility
Day 7- Cardio Interval Burn

Week 8
Day 1- Cardio Strength 2
Day 2- Pure Cardio & Core Dynamics
Day 3- Cardio Interval & Anytime/Anywhere workout
Day 4- Pure Strength 2 & Dynamic Flexibility
Day 5- Cardio Strength 1
Day 6- Rest or Dynamic Flexibility
Day 7- Fit Test
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Michelle Dozois has been in the fitness industry for almost 20 years! She has other fitness DVDs, along with this progam I'm starting. You can visit her website here:
http://www.michelledozois.com/

I will be posting weekly recaps during this program and can't wait to share my results and thoughts with all of you!