Friday, June 13, 2014

Odyssey Adventure Club by Focus on the Family

I am so excited to be a new Odyssey Adventure Club Blogger thru LitFuse Publicity. In exchange for a three month complimentary club membership, I will be blogging and sharing all the cool things this club offers. 



Adventures in Odyssey started many years ago as a christian radio program by Focus on the Family. As a child in my early youth-so around 1994, I remember listening to the episodes with my family in the car. I could imagine what the characters looked like in my head as they had new adventures every week. I don't think we missed an episode for years and as a child I LOVED it! Not only was there cool adventures, but life Godly lessons to be learned. 

So when I found out last month they were offering bloggers the chance to review their new Odyssey Adventure Club, I jumped at the chance! I would love to be able to listen to episodes again, and this time with my two boys-ages 12 and 4.  I admit I jumped up and down when I found out I was selected. :-) and maybe squealed too! 

Read on below about the Odyssey Adventure Club and what the membership includes. I can't wait to share more about this program in the upcoming months.      

Limited Time Offer!
Join the Odyssey Adventure Club
Today for only $5.*
* First Month, New Accounts Only, Please use promo code OAC

Your Membership Includes ($15/month):

**Unlimited streaming of Adventures in Odyssey Library (740+ episodes) retail value over $1,500
**New monthly exclusives episodes
**Monthly web quests
**Clubhouse magazine subscription
**Daily Devotions based on Adventures in Odyssey episodes
**OAC exclusive blog posts
**OAC Monthly Member Newsletter
**OAC exclusive video stories
**Other Odyssey content (Last Chance Detectives and More!)



Summer Book Club for Moms-books by Tricia Goyer

I love to read so I'm always looking for more books to review and/or book clubs to be apart of. I heard about this Summer Book Club for Moms from my friend Erin who blogs at www.homewithboys.net 

These three books are by christian author Tricia Goyer and be found online or at your local library. The first book "The Memory Jar" is to be read in June, so check out Erin's blog for more details. I will be doing this three month book club along with my mom, so I hope you will also join me!


More details go here:
http://homewiththeboys.net/summer-book-club-moms/

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Influenster #GoVoxBox review #influenster

Influenster #GoVoxBox Review: 


Items in my #GoVoxBox :
-Playtex sport fresh balance tampons #playon
-Vitamin Shoppe 3 protein drink packets and shaker cup #nextstep
-Profoot triad orthotic and pedi-rock #goprofoot
-Blue Diamond Blueberry flavored Almonds #getyourgoodgoing
-AquaSpa Body creme lotion #relaxwithaquaspa
-Voucher for free Muller yogurt, which I purchased at Kroger #mullerquaker

My Review: 
I was really pleased overall with this Influenster GoVoxBox because I'm a very active person so I was able to put all of these items to good use.

-The playtex tampons are good to have on hand and I like that it was a very faint fresh scent to them. I don't typically use tampons very much but it will be good to have them for when I need them.

-My family and I shared the NextStep packets because I couldn't drink them all because they aren't gluten and dairy free. I did try them all though for testing and tasting purposes. We mixed the chocolate one with the shaker cup with milk and it tasted creamy and mixed very well. We then mixed the other ones in our Ninja blender using fresh fruit and water and again they were impressed. Not something we would buy though because of dietary restrictions.

-I love my ProFoot pedi rock!! It washes really well after use and does an awesome job with scrapping extra dry skin off my feet. I love that its soft enough for me to hold in my hand. I won't be using the profoot orthotics because I don't particularly care for them.

-I LOVE the Blue Diamond Almonds!! I've had them before as well as the other flavors, so I was familiar with them. I like that they don't have dye in them just because they are flavored. Unfortunately my 4 year old likes them as well so I didn't get to eat very many from my bag! ;-) Time to buy some more!! I can buy them at my local Kroger.

-I loved the AquaSpa lotion!! It smells like lavender which is super calming for me. Very moisturizing!! I keep this by my night stand and love it!

-Purchased the Dark Chocolate Cherry Muller Yogurt at my local Kroger and shared it with my boys. I couldn't eat more than a spoonful because it's not lactose free but I liked the flavor and that it was rich and creamy. The boys loved it too-said it tasted like cherry ice cream. However I wouldn't buy it again because of the cost and dietary restrictions.

***I have posted alot of pictures and individual reviews for these products on my Instagram and Twitter pages.

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart-book review

My review of "The Hatmakers Heart" by Carla Stewart:

This book was set in the 1920's which typically isn't a time period I read. This story line follows Nell and her struggles with being a hatmaker and being successful in a man's business world. It was a good story but not something that kept my interest or what I would typically like to read. I give it 4 stars because its a good story and great writing, just not for me. 


Read on below for the book description to see if it's something you would like... 


About the book: 

For Nell Marchwold, bliss is seeing the transformation when someone gets a glimpse in the mirror while wearing one of her creations and feels beautiful. Nell has always strived to create hats that bring out a woman's best qualities. She knows she's fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. Yet when Nell's fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stammer she's had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon.
But it seems Nell's gift won't be hidden by Oscar's efforts. Soon an up-and-coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There, she sees her childhood friend, Quentin, and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream, and what her dream truly is.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlicl

About the author: 

Carla Stewart is the award-winning author of four novels. With a passion for times gone by, it is her desire to take readers back to that warm, familiar place in their hearts called "home." She and her husband live in Tulsa and have four adult sons and six grandchildren (with one on the way!). 


Carla can be found at: websiteFacebookTwitterPinterest,Goodreads

You can view more of her books here: 
http://www.carlastewart.com/books/


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.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

The Daniel Plan-40 days to a healthier life. My Blog and Instagram Challenge starts this week!

A friend recommended a book to me last month that I finally started reading last week from the library.
It's called "The Daniel Plan".
Have you heard of it?


As I started reading it (I'm not completely done with it yet) I felt inspired to complete my reading and 40 day challenge journey with my blog and instagram friends. One of the key ingredients to this program is Friends, so I thought it would be cool if I directed a 3 week reading program and then a 40 day challenge using this book. 

This is what the book looks like. You can purchase it online or see if your local library has a copy.



The 5 key ingredients to their program are:
FAITH
FOOD
FITNESS
FOCUS
FRIENDS


SO WHERE DO YOU START? 
First create a free profile here on their website:

PROGRAM SPECIFICS: 
Second, come back here to my blog every week to get the weekly assignment and check in with me about your progress. I will also be posting daily on my Instagram page when the 40 day challenge starts. 

For the next 3 weeks we will be reading the book together and then we will start the 40 day "Daniel Strong" challenge on Monday June 30th and end on Friday August 8th. 

Every 10 days from June 30-August 8 (so 4 times during the challenge) we will do a BLOG CHECK IN here for accountability and PRIZES! I will be using The Daniel Plan Journal as a guide for check in questions and focus on the program. 
I can't wait to get started on this journey with you!!

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENT: 
1. Buy or borrow the book
2. Create your free profile on the Daniel Plan website
3. Read chapters 1-4. Thats all-just read. Don't worry about the eating and exercise part just yet. 
4. Check back here on my blog on Sunday 15th for next weeks assignment.     

Monday, June 9, 2014

week 1 recap of #nataliejillchallenge #nataliejillfitness

I just ended week 1 of the #nataliejillchallenge.
Here's my blog post with more specifics about the challenge.

http://crafts-n-fitness.blogspot.com/2014/05/natalie-jill-fitness-flatbellychallenge.html

Monday's workout
2 miles Leslie Sansone, 20 min body workout (didn't like!) and Natalie Jill day 2 video-wall workout #2.

Tuesday workout
1 mile Leslie Sansone, 12 min indoor power walk with Jessica Smith, 10 min best inner thigh exercises with Jessica Smith, and day 3 Natalie jill best ab exercises. 

Wednesday workout
3 miles Leslie Sansone, day 4 Natalie Jill thigh slimming exercises. 

Thursday workout
Natalie Jill wall workout and 25 mins Burstfit Fire Legs. 

Friday and Saturday rest day. 

Some of my food this week: 




Did you do the challenge with me this week? 

I really enjoyed her videos and can't wait to continue with the challenge this month. I will also be doing her 7 day Jumpstart program starting on Monday. 

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Week 7, 8 & 9 of "The Virtuous Life of a Christ-Centered Wife" book study by Darlene Schacht (Chapter 13-18)

I'm a little behind with sharing the last 3 weeks of The Virtuous Life of a Christ Centered Wife book study I was doing. 

Schedule: 
April 20-26 discuss Chapter 13 and 14
April 27- May 3 discuss Chapter 15 and 16
May 4-10 discuss Chapter 17 and 18

Ch 13- A Joyful Wife
Blog link: 
http://timewarpwife.com/?p=2910

Today’s Challenge: Start a gratitude journal. If you already have a journal, maybe you can find a little space in it to add the things that you’re thankful for. If all you have is a pen and a plain old piece of paper, there’s one thing to be thankful for right there!

Some things that I underlined and liked in this chapter:
"Happiness doesn't come from your spouse-it comes from a Christ centered life."

"Day by day, teach yourself to refocus. In everything give thanks because in doing so we learn to trust God and see His hand at work in our lives." 

Ch 14- A Passionate Wife
Blog link:
http://timewarpwife.com/?p=2964

Today’s ChallengeI think you got the idea! *wink*


Some things that I underlined and liked in this chapter:
"Passion is good when our focus is in the right place. If we hunger for a better marriage and strive in our walk with God we can achieve powerful growth. The choice is ours." 

Ch 15- A Radiant Wife

Today’s ChallengeChoose one of the characteristics from the list (honesty, purity, humility, strength, consideration, or kindness) and tackle that one area of your life this week. Or if there’s another characteristic that you feel needs a little working on, then take on that one instead. 


Some things that I underlined and liked in this chapter:
When we live and love the way that Christ did, we reflect the beauty of God's mercy and grace."

"A woman whose heart takes root in the Lord possesses a radiance that lasts longer than her youth ever will."

Ch 16- A Balanced Wife
Blog link:
http://timewarpwife.com/?p=3041

Today’s ChallengeIf your priorities are in order and your life still feels out of balance, write down the areas that you need to work on, then ask yourself this question: What can I change, if anything, to improve this?


Some things that I underlined and liked in this chapter:
"There isn't one of use who can do "it all" but we can manage to get a lot done when we put our affairs in order." 


Ch 17- A Good Wife
Blog link:
http://timewarpwife.com/?p=3070

Today’s ChallengeToday’s Challenge: Go out of your way to do some good things this week. Consider small acts of kindness as a big way to show love. 


Some things that I underlined and liked in this chapter:
"...do I grow weary, or do I see these chores as a way to bless others?" 

'we are to dress and act in a way that conforms to God's will..."


Ch 18- A Courageous Wife
Blog link:
http://timewarpwife.com/?p=3132



Some things that I underlined and liked in this chapter:
"Courage is the backbone of faith. Without it we can't be a light on a hill that shines through the darkness." 

MY RECAP OF THIS BOOK STUDY: 

I REALLY liked reading this book. In fact, its the first "self help" book that I've read completely thru from start to finish in a very long time. I HIGHLY recommend this book because it really helped me see what I could do to personally be a better person and a better wife. I took lots of notes thru out the book so I can continue to reference it and work on my personal challenges for personal growth. 



About the Book
The Virtuous Life of a Christ-Centered Wife is written in the format of an 18-part study for daily or weekly reflection. Not only is it a powerful tool for personal growth, it’s also an ideal study-guide for small groups!
Each lesson leads you through one virtue at a time, offering you applicable and inspiring ways for a wife to grow closer to God and her husband. The virtues discussed are these:
• Purity
• Self-control
• Love
• Diligence
• Patience
• Kindness
• Humility
• Faith
• Forgiveness
• Joy
• Passion
• Radiance
• Encouragement
• Balance
• Goodness
• Trust
• Courage
Virtue calls us to action. As we exercise each one, they bring our flesh in line with our Spirit.
It’s one thing to know what’s good, and it’s another to walk in obedience to the knowledge that we have received. Not always easy, but obedience to our faith is always worth the effort it takes!

Every lesson concludes with the S-O-A-P method of study, prompting you to dig deeper as follows:
S – Scripture: You’ll be provided with a portion of Scripture to meditate on.
O – Observation: This is a good chance to journal your thoughts. What are some personal observations? If you’re in a group study this might include some things you’d like to share with the others.
A – Application: How can you apply this to your life? Are there changes you’d like to make? Is God prompting you to focus on something?
P – Prayer: Each lesson includes a short prayer in hopes that you will invite God to play a vital role in this personal journey.


You can purchase the book here: