#FitForTheHolidays >>Free Instagram Challenge with #EmpowerMoms!

#FitForTheHolidays

Free Instagram Challenge

with #EmpowerMoms!

RULES for challenge:  
Post the daily picture on Instagram and use the hashtags: #FitForTheHolidays #EmpowerMoms and tag me @empowermoms so I can see your pictures!

Weekly winners will be drawn for prizes! The 3 winners must have a USA mailing address and must post a picture every day and use the hashtags.

Make sure to pass this challenge on to a friend and get ready to start #EmpowerMoms #fitfortheholidays challenge tomorrow!!!

http://instagram.com/empowermoms

NEW BLOG ADDRESS-coming soon!

I will be starting the transition of moving this blog over to my new address this week. I am moving over to wordpress and my new website will be:

www.EmpowerMoms.net

I am so excited about this new change and I hope you will continue to follow me over at my new blog! 

Lots of exciting things will be happening in 2015!! Stay Tuned!! 

Week 2 recap of Chris Freytag 10 pound slimdown xtreme program

Just ended week 2 of the 10 Pound Slimdown Xtreme schedule by Chris Freytag!

Monday 17th

(38) mins Xtreme upper body, (25) mins recovery upper body

Tuesday 18th

REST

Wednesday 19th

(38) mins xtreme kickboxing, (25) mins recovery upper body

Thursday 20th

(23) mins recovery upper body with my 13 year old, (12) mins elliptical

Friday 21st

(37) mins xtreme total body, (20) mins recovery core

Saturday 22nd

(38) mins xtreme kickboxing, (23) mins recovery upper body with my 13 year old

This week went great!!

I only missed one day-Yoga-this week! and my oldest joined me for two of my workouts this week which was fun. I LOVE her kickboxing dvd!! I added hand weights on Saturday to kick it up a notch and it was an awesome workout!! Ready for week 3!!

What are you doing to stay Fit for the Holidays?

Pound Foolish | Book Four in the Windy City Neighbors series by Dave and Neta Jackson

This is the second book I have read from the Windy City Neighbors series. "Pound Foolish" is about the Singer Family-Greg and his wife and two children. 

I had mixed feelings about this book. I really liked it, but it wasn't a "happily ever after" or "escape from your own troubles and read a happy book" kind of book. It was very well written and kept my interest, but it was sad (and a little close to home) to read about the struggles and misunderstandings with jobs, money, kids etc. Real life struggles-which is why I continued to read the book to the end because I wanted to see how things would work out. 

The story line and character struggles felt real but good advice from friends and earnest prayer to God was sought out, so in the end, the book finished well. I enjoyed "Pound Foolish" and would recommend it! Can't wait to read more from this series! 

About the book: Pound Foolish | Book Four in the Windy City Neighbors series (Castle Rock Creative, October 2014)

Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis---macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. "Greener pastures?" When the recession hits Greg's industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being "pound foolish"?

The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, Pound Foolish explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with Penny Wise (book three), the Jacksons employ the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels." Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters' lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street---a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/DYPC6

About the authors: Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set. As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.

Find the Jacksons online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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

Omega 3 Fish Oil Pills 600mg - Supreme Premium Pharmaceutical Grade Essential Fatty Acids - by NutriRevolution REVIEW

I have been taking these Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements for over a week now and so far I've been very pleased! I've heard alot of positive things about Fish Oil but I've always been scared to try it because I don't want to take a supplement that tastes "fishy" or leaves a weird taste in my mouth.

These supplements by NutriRevolution are easy to swallow; they smell a little fishy in the bottle but not in my mouth. I have noticed I've been alot more clear minded and less anxious at work than I have been lately, so that's a big plus! I would recommend these and I will continue to take them long term.



Product Description
Why is our Omega 3 Fish Oil the hottest diet supplement on the market these days?

Omega 3 Fish Oil has seen an amazing increase in popularity as the most important vitamin a person can take for the best health possible.

How Omega 3 Can Improve Your Health

Decreases your chance of heart disease by 32%

Decreases your chances of a heart attack by an astounding 70%

Reduces the pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Reduces the risk of pneumonia by 35%

Reduces the odds of developing Alzheimer's

Reduces the suffering of post-partum depression by up to 51%

Studies now show that DHA is a critical part of a fish oil supplement routine.

NutriRevolution is able to provide the 100mg DHA and 160mg EPA in a softgel that has been molecularly distilled just as medical guidelines recommend any omega 3 fish oil supplement do.

Molecular Distillation vs. Enteric Coated Capsules

The process of molecular distillation is what makes our superior softgels burpless, extremely purified and able to break down in the stomach, so it can be more readily absorbed into your body's system. Enteric coated fish oil supplements, meanwhile, have a layer that protects them from stomach acids, so they don't normally break down before they have reached the gastrointestinal tract, where it's too late for your body to release the fats and oils needed in order for it properly absorb the fish oil.

Safety Information
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Indications
NutriRevolution Omega 3 Fish oil is full of EPA and DHA and Omega 3 6 9 Fatty Acids. These are essential fatty acids (efa). EPA and DHA are famous for their advantages in reducing horrible cholestrerol levels and triglyceride levels, and improving good cholesterol (HDL). They also help cardiovascular system health and normal blood pressure levels, boost blood circulation and also improve the body's defense mechanisms.

Ingredients
Fish Oil, Gelatin, Glycerol, Water

Directions
Adults Take 1 Softgel, 1 - 2 Times Daily Preferably With Meals Or Before Bed


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

Nature Health D-Gas Natural Anti-Gas, Digestive Aid and Gas Relief, by Nature Health REVIEW

My husband and I have been taking these for a couple of weeks now and I can truly tell a difference when I have them after a meal, versus not having them at all. There is no weird after taste and they are easy to swallow. I like that D-Gas uses natural ingredients and not anything weird. I typically take 2 capsules after a meal and feel relief within an hour or so.



Product Description
Size: 60 Count

D-gas is an all natural gas relief and digestive aid. Each D-gas vegetable capsule contains a proprietary blend of all natural ingredients to help relieve symptoms of gas, bloating and discomfort. D-gas may be taken daily as a natural digestive aid, anti-gas aid and antioxidant. It is a fast acting and drug free product.

Safety Warning
Do not exceed 12 capsules in 24 hours. Consult with a physician before use if you are pregnant.

Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients
D-GAS natural ingredients include Ginger, Dill Seed, Fennel Seed, Cardamom, CuminSeed, Coriander Seed, Papain, Peppermint Leaf, Hypromellose, cellulose, vegetable derived magnesium stearate & silica

Directions
Take 2-3 capsules with water as needed or after meals, at bedtime, or anytime you feel discomfort


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

Origami Owl Jewelry FREE gratitude gift!

Don't miss this exciting offer!!!! 

Receive a FREE #GiftOfGratitude with each purchase of $59.50 ❤️❤️ Gift includes large silver Living Locket , limited edition snow globe charm and 16 inch silver faceted ball chain. (Retail value $39)

This offfer is only good from today Nov 20 at 9am MST through Saturday Nov 22 at 8:59am MST.

This is the first time that OrigamiOwl has offered a gift with purchase so don't delay if you're thinking of ordering Christmas gifts this year!

www.rdevaughn4.origamiowl.com

Week 1 Chris Freytag 10 pound slimdown xtreme

Last week I started the 4 week Slimdown Xtreme challenge with Chris Freytag.
I lost most of my pictures on my phone last week so I only have a couple to share from last week's workouts.

Sunday Nov. 9:
(10) Leslie Sansone, (15) Baladea Flow

Monday Nov 10:
DAY 1 of challenge!
(39) xtreme total body, (10) bonus buns

Tuesday Nov 11:
(40) xtreme kickboxing

Wednesday Nov 12:
(40) xtreme lower body, (10) bonus abs

Thursday Nov 13:
rest day

Friday Nov 14:
(10) xtreme yoga, (40) xtreme kickboxing

Saturday Nov 15:
(40) xtreme kickboxing, (22) recovery lower body

I was really pleased with how week 1 went for me! I was pretty sore the first couple of days because of the lower body exercises, but a good kind of sore. Chris Freytag is an amazing woman and great trainer! On to week 2!

AVIVA advanced hair nutrition review

I was given a two month supply of AVIVA to try as a Bulu Box ambassador, complimentary for blog review. All opinions are my own.

AVIVA BENEFITS

TWO SOFT GELS. ENDLESS HAIR BENEFITS.

• + Boosts Length
• + Increases Shine
• + Builds Strength
• + Balances Hair Health
• + Improves Texture
• + Reduces Shedding

GROW
Aviva works with your natural hair growth cycle to help your hair to grow longer and stronger.


NOURISH
Happy hair is healthy hair. Aviva keeps your scalp rich with the vitamins it needs to keep hair healthy and encourage new growth.


PREVENT
Our studies show that hair loss will dramatically slow when Aviva supplements are part of your daily routine.


PROTECT
The nutrients provided by Aviva fortify hair against product buildup, sweat, and damaging environmental elements such as sun exposure.


STRENGTHEN
Aviva will help to strengthen the new hair growth so that it breaks or sheds at a decreased rate.

HOW AVIVA WORKS

Our exclusive, GMO-free certified scientifically formulated Pentaplex and TetraPlex dual complexes work with the natural phases of hair growth. Aviva is the precise combination of daily nutrients every follicle needs. A blend of 18 botanical and nutraceutical ingredients nourishes strands from root to tip while supporting strength, length and luster.

PENTAPLEX: THE GROWTH COMPLEX
Provides nutrients critical to hair follicle health and function.

TETRA: THE NOURISHMENT COMPLEX
A combination of fatty acids and plant-derived lipids preserve a healthy  environment for new growth.

These complexes and active ingredients provide the complete nutrition your hair  needs to be beautiful.


Without key nutrients, hair growth is inhibited. Aviva’s exclusive 18 key  ingredients and PentaPlex and TetraPlex dual complexes work with the natural  phases of hair growth to provide optimal  levels of these key nutrients. PentaPlex  provides the stuff critical to hair follicle  health and function while TetraPlex, a combination of fatty acids and plant derived  lipids, a healthy environment for  hair growth. Together, these complexes provide the complete nutrition hair needs to be beautiful.

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

+ Boosts Length

+ Builds Strength

+ Improves Texture

+ Increases Shine

+ Balances Hair Health

+ Reduces Shedding

MY OPINION:

I don't do very well remembering to take vitamins, but I tried to take at least one of these pills a day. They look big but they were easy to swallow. No taste and no weird after taste. I have actually noticed that my hair has gotten longer faster so it's obviously working. I have about another month to go before my box is empty, so I'm curious how my hair will look by the end of the year. The price is a big deterrent for me, so I don't see myself actually buying these in the future.  

You can buy a 2 month supply or get more information here:
https://avivahair.com/product/aviva-advanced-hair-nutrition-2-month-supply/

"Where Treetops Glisten" by Goyer, Sundin and Putman.

This book was set in the time period of WWII and although it contains 3 separate stories, they all involve the same family members so it links the book together.

I loved all three stories. They were light reading with romance and Christmas cheer. I loved that they had such strong family ties/memories and believed strongly in God. I would highly recommend this book!

About the book: 

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas,trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BwVP9

About the authors: 

TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books includingShadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.

Website, Facebook, Twitter

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.

Last week's exercise workouts -Jillian Michaels and TurboJam!

I haven't been diligent lately with posting my weekly exercise workouts here on my blog and because I updated my ipad, I accidentally took off all my pictures from my device. :-(  

Here are my workouts from last week, November 2-8 without pictures. Boring I know-sorry!

Sunday Nov 2
(40) mins Leslie Sansone
(28) mins Jillian Michaels Kettlebell

Monday Nov 3
(20) mins Leslie Sansone
(28) mins TurboJam lower body

Tuesday Nov 4
(29) mins Fit Test for Peak10
(20) mins AM yoga
(15) mins Leslie Sansone

Wednesday Nov 5
(52) mins Pure Cardio Peak 10 day 2

Thurs, Fri, Sat
Rest days/sick/female issues

How are your workouts going? Are you doing any particular program?

I decided Peak10 wasn't something I could do right now-its too high impact-so I started a 4 week Chris Freytag challenge this week.

Awesome changes are coming!

As some of you know based on my Instagram post last week, I am in the process of changing my social media names and branding myself to better explain my purpose of blogging and what I want to accomplish. I will be switching over this blog to a different format and html, but I will keep you updated as to when that will be so you can easily find me! I don't want to lose any of my followers! :-)

For the past couple of weeks I have been meeting with Amanda Tress with http://fitpregnancyandparenting.com/hire-me/ as part of her mentor program and have learned so much! I HIGHLY recommend her!!

2015 will be an incredible year full of growth and new things for my blog, my fitness clients and my Origami Owl partners.

I will keep you posted with my exciting new brand, blog and everything else that's coming! Stay tuned!

Messy Beautiful Love BOOK CLUB starts now! #EmpowerMoms

Last month I posted about the pre-order of Messy Beautiful Love and I'm excited to announce today that this month's WomenLivingWell.org book club study is that exact book!! 

Part of my passion for Empowering Women is to not only encourage fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyles; but also developing yourself and your relationships. 

They have already started week 2 but you can jump in at any time. I admit I'm behind because of all the other books I read for blog review, but reading a couple of chapters a week shouldn't be too hard. 

http://womenlivingwell.org/2014/10/messy-beautiful-love-book-club-begins-november-3rd/

So are you going to join me?

If you don't have the book you can order it here from my amazon affiliate link:
Messy Beautiful Love: Hope and Redemption for Real-Life Marriages

Stay fit during the Holidays! Starting a new 4 week challenge tomorrow with Chris Freytag.

I posted last week that I've been discouraged and have not been able to find a workout program that I've stuck with in the last month due to injury and/or program being too advanced.

So I decided to go thru my exercise dvd stash to find a program that I've done before, and that it be a shorter 4-6 week program to stay in shape during the holidays.

Introducing the program I'm starting tomorrow:

10 Pound Slimdown Xtreme

by Chris Freytag

Have you heard of it? It's been around for at least a year or so.
Here's the description:

Lose up to 10 pounds in 28 days. Are you ready? With Chris Freytag's Slimdown Xtreme DVD Program, you can make it happen! It packs body cardio, yoga, and core workouts--as well as recovery routines and a healthy eating guide--into four intensive weeks to help you achieve your workout goals. From Chris Fretyag.

As always, please consult your personal physician before beginning any diet or exercise program.

Take a realistic approach: If you work consistently and follow the program, you maximize your results.

Includes DVD set of six extreme 40-minute workouts, five 20-minute recovery workouts, and two bonus 10-minute workouts; better eating guide; workout plan; and measuring tape
Made in USA

I will be following the 4 week Xtreme calendar which is here:
http://gethealthyu.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/10lb_Xtreme_WorkoutTracker-4.pdf

You can get more info and purchase the program here for $39.99:
http://gethealthyu.com/product/10-pound-slimdown-xtreme/

Chris Freytag is a phenomenal fitness trainer!! I have many of her dvds including this program and her original 10 pound slimdown (which is included in the xtreme workouts). I would highly recommend her workouts to anyone!

Check out amazon for a listing of several of her workout dvds here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Achris+freytag&keywords=chris+freytag&ie=UTF8&qid=1415568476

As always, I will post weekly recaps about this challenge here on my blog and daily posts on my Instagram page. I hope you will join me in this 4 week Xtreme Challenge so we can stay fit during the holidays!

"Quilted by Christmas" -Quilts of Love- by Jodie Bailey and Kindle Giveaway!

I have read a couple books from the "Quilts of Love" series, and this one was just as good!! All the books have a quilt theme, but are written by different authors with completely different stand alone story lines. 

"Quilted by Christmas" is a story about Taryn who lives in North Carolina with her grandmother. She struggles in the book because of her past relationships with an ex boyfriend, her father, and her faith in God. My heart hurt for Taryn and some of the decisions she had to make at a young age and wondering whether she made the right choice or if it was a selfish choice. I loved that she found answers to her questions and found love, trust, and forgiveness by the end of the book. 

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It was light christian fiction reading with some romance centered around Christmas time. 

About the book: 

A grandmother's last wish is to communicate God's love through an Irish chain quilt.

Taryn McKenna believes she's easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree---something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.

When Taryn's grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project---an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

About the Author: 

Jodie Bailey is Tarheel born and bred. After 15 years as a military spouse, she settled with her family back in North Carolina. She is the author of the military suspense novel Freefall and is a contributor to a devotional for military families, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home. While not working on her next novel, she teaches middle-schoolers to love writing as much as she does.

Connect with Jodie: website, Facebook, Twitter

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey. October’s QOL release is a warm Christmas tale of God's steadfast love.

Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Two copies of Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey (One for you and one to give away as a gift!)
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 17th at the Quilts of Love blog.

Wait! There's more! RSVP for the "Merry Quilted" Quilts of Love Christmas Book Chat Party on December 9th and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors. Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn will be hosting a "merry" evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on December 9th!

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 Wounded Warrior's Wife" by Hannah Conway Book Review , plus an Amazon gift card GIVEAWAY!

I read this book in one sitting because I was so caught up in the story line and what would happen to Whit and Collier and the other characters. 

I have no idea what it's like to be an army wife and for my husband to be in harms way every day for weeks and months at a time, but I felt very sympathetic and sad for Whitt as she struggled with her life purpose and longing for him. By reading Whit's emotions and experiences, I felt like I was there and experiencing things with her. 

Whitt was able to find forgiveness and peace in situations that I'm not sure I personally would have been able to do. I liked that the author addressed some very real physical and emotional struggles that happen to soldiers when they get home, and that the husband Collier recognizes that he needs help and seeks it out. 

"The Wounded Warrior's Wife" is a VERY good story line that kept my interest the entire book. I can't wait to read another books by this author! I would consider this book to be a clean, christian, romantic drama. 

Here's some info about the book and don't forget to enter my giveaway at the bottom of this post!  

Available Now! For eCopy Click Here!
Want it in paperback? Click Here!



WHITLEIGH CROMWELL dreamt of a happily ever after with her newlywed soldier husband. COLLIER CROMWELL loved God, his wife, and his country, though military life exacted a demanding toll.

An unexpected deployment during the height of war sends Collier away for yet another year. Their lives tumble down a path marked with struggle, and fatalities. Burdened with unseen emotional wounds and crippled faith, Collier's homecoming only increases their trials.

The angry, defeated hermit at Whitleigh's side barely resembles the loving, faithful hero she married two years earlier. Concerned about possible career repercussions, admitting his need for help proves difficult for Collier and his behavior worsens.

Angry outbursts — and his cold, callous nature — isn't all that provokes Whitleigh to pack her bags. Collier seeks solace for his private suffering in the worst possible place leaving Whitleigh to walk away from shattered pieces of broken trust.


Will Collier seek the healing he desperately needs in time to save their marriage, or is it over? Are there wounds too deep, marriages too broken, and lives so far gone they fall beyond even God's ability to restore?

Check out The Wounded Warrior's Wife Pinterest Board! 



Hannah Conway is the author of The Wounded Warrior's Wife and Wedding the Warrior. She is an Army wife of more than a decade, mother of two, writer and speaker. A Kentucky native, Hannah lives near Fort Campbell where she and her family are currently stationed.  She holds a BA in History from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and is active in ministry, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), as well as the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and My Book Therapy (MBT).

When she isn't writing, you'll find Hannah volunteering for community service projects, jogging (slowly), neck deep in Pinterest crafts, or browsing thrift stores. The most important thing about Hannah, is that she's a follower of Christ. It's her prayer that readers will come to know just how much God loves us through her writings.

Subscribe to Hannah's Mailing List to receive a FREE Prequel Novella to The Wounded Warrior's Wife entitled, Wedding a Warrior. 

Stop by and visit Hannah on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorhannahconway. 
Follow Hannah on twitter @hannahrconway.  

Order eCopy Here!
Order Paperback Here!

Want to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card from 

author Hannah Conway? 

Leave a comment below and tell me something that is on your Amazon.com wish list or something you want to buy. 

Giveaway ends at 10pm EST on Sunday, November 9th. 

Winner will be notified on Monday and will have 24 hours to respond to my email. Gift card will be sent to you (via email or mail) from the author.




I was given a complimentary ARC of The Wounded Warrior's Wife for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own. 

What do YOU do when you've committed yourself to an exercise program only to find it's not what you like or too easy/too hard for you?

So I'm keeping it real today with this post. I'm pretty discouraged with my workout goals right now.

Back in September I did 2 out of 3 months of Jillian Michaels Body Revolution which I loved. I stopped it though because I was given the opportunity to try a workout program for blog review. I knew it was advanced but I honestly thought I could do it because I've been workout out consistently for a couple of years now. Well, I couldn't and I was foolish and pushed thru the week and injured my back. Making it very difficult to exercise or move for a couple of weeks which resulted in several trips to the chiropractor. I will not disclose what workout program I started because it wouldn't be fair to the company since they did state it was an advanced workout and not suitable for everyone.

So for the past month I've been  doing a Leslie Sansone walking challenge (I love her dvds but I know they don't challenge me) along with misc. workout dvds. I had planned for at least a month to start another workout program this week which would take me thru the rest of the year, but I've done 2 days and I will have to stop. There's no modifier and it's very high impact and half the time I'm trying to figure out how to do the move instead of actually moving. :-( so my calorie burn wasn't very good today even though I did 45 mins of a workout. and I felt very dissatisfied afterwards. My 4 year old was watching me this morning and said, "mommy how come you aren't doing what the people on the tv are doing?" LOL "Because I can't keep up and my knees hurt!" Yesterday I had to use my inhaler twice and I felt so fatigued the rest of the day.

So, now I'm discouraged because after years of losing weight and working hard, I still feel like I haven't progressed enough to do "everything" I want to do. I hate feeling like I have limits. But I also know if I don't listen to my body I could injure myself which would be a very bad thing of course.

What do YOU do when you've committed yourself to an exercise program only to find it's not what you like or too easy/too hard for you?

Also, I love having an exercise schedule so I want to follow a program for the rest of Nov and Dec. Should I complete the last month of Body Revolution? Do another round of 21 Day Fix? TurboJam? Body pump? I love doing strength training with a little bit of cardio. These are all programs I've done before.... Suggestions please!

BECOMING BEA By @LeslieJeanGould | Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party!

"Becoming Bea" is book 4 in the "Courtships of Lancaster County" by Leslie Gould.

I read a couple of chapters of this book but couldn't really get into it because the main character Beatrice seemed very juvenile which was a big turn off for me. I felt like this book was for a younger audience so it didn't appeal to me at all. It may be something you like if you're familiar with this series or author.

About the book: Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Dcnfl 

About the author: Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestsellerCourting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.

Find Leslie online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

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.