Freefall to Fly Book Review

I was given the extraordinary opportunity to review the book Freefall to Fly, A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning by Rebekah Lyons.  Thanks to Handlebar for allowing me this opportunity!

Here is what Amazon says about it:

Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we’ve lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we’ve missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?

In this vulnerable memoir of transformation, Rebekah Lyons shares her journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to the heart of Manhattan, where she found herself blindsided by crippling depression and anxiety. Overwhelmed by the pressure to be domestically efficient, professionally astute, and physically attractive, Rebekah finally realized that freedom can come only by facing our greatest fears and fully surrendering to God’s call on our lives. This book is an invitation for all women to take that first step toward freedom. For it is only when we free-fall that we can truly fly.

Here is what I say about it:

At first, I was a little leery.  See, I had just gotten done reading a memoir that I really wasn't a big fan of (see earlier posts).  This was supposed to be a memoir too...but it was really good.  Very revealing....very much what I needed right now for this stage of my life.  Let me start with her style of writing.  Very easy to read.....and she is incredibly descriptive.  She was able to put things into words that I couldn't even imagine putting into words.  Simple visual things...but also deep feelings.  Feelings that I have felt before but had no idea how to describe.  She was so open....so vulnerable, it was captivating to read someones innermost thoughts...thoughts that I have always been to afraid to let out.  She really helped me deal with a lot in just this one book.  I would definitely suggest this book to anyone that wants to....needs to find their life of meaning!

*I was given no compensation for this post, only my honest opinion was asked.

Can I lose 12 inches in 12 workouts? Really????

Remember THIS post???  It is the one about how to lose 12 inches in 12 workouts with that cowboy?? Remember that?  If not....go to the link above and read it again.....well....here I go!!!!  You are LUCKY enough to FOLLOW me!!!  Hmmm...lets see how this goes.  What is your opinion??  Do you think it is TRULY possible to lose 12 inches in 12 workouts???  Well....I am going to watch the video tomorrow...see what he says....do what he says....post my measurements......and I guess we'll find out!!!!

I do have to tell you though.  I have been walking/jogging with a friend 4 mornings a week....3.5 miles around Wherspann Lake.  And I have been using weight watchers however very minimally.  We have been doing this walk/jogging...and weightwatchers though for a few weeks and I have seen no change. So....whether or not that will play into this, I don't know.  But....we will see.  Stay tuned!!

Tell me what YOU think....is it possible????  You should do this with me!!  We can hold eachother accountable!!!

Ready, Set, GO!!!!!  Stay tuned....

North of Hope Book Review

North of Hope, A Daughter's Arctic Journey, by Shannon Huffman Polson is a memoir.....a memoir that deals with the sudden and unexpected loss of her father and step mother.

Here is what the back of the book says:
When her parents are killed by a grizzly bear in Alaska's remote Arctic, author Shannon Huffman Polson is forced into a wilderness of grief. Her quest for healing is recounted with heartbreaking candor in North of Hope.

Polson travels from her home in Seattle to the wilderness of Alaska, where she retraces her father and stepmother's final days along an Arctic river, effortlessly weaving together the internal landscape of grief with the exterior landscape of the Arctic, elegantly entwining natural history, adventure and sacred pilgrimage while she wrestles with and draws strength from her faith and memories.

This deeply moving narrative is shot through with the human search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Readers will find inspiration for their own challenges through Polson's journey.

My Take:
I lost my mom 4 years ago....so I was excited to read someone else's story of loss and strength. Always wanting to go to Alaska, I really enjoyed her very precise details about the landscape, location, smells, colors, etc. She was VERY detailed....and that I enjoyed very much. The author had a very traumatic experience losing her parents the way she did. I felt for her, I really did....but to fill 254 pages with it seemed a bit much. It became very depressing to have 254 pages of her bitterness and sorrow. I am NOT saying that she didn't have the right to be bitter and sorrow given what she had been through...but I had a hard time reading it....maybe because of my experiences....maybe not. Who knows why I struggled with it. The author seems to be a great writer...obviously...her writing was so descriptive, I felt that I was in Alaska with her.....I just had a hard time with the ongoing sorrow. I saw very little hope in it. I really didn't get much strength from it. Although the strength that SHE showed was awesome as far as traveling the same river that her parents did, etc., I just didn't get much strength from it.

If you want to discover what Alaska has to offer, this is a great book to read. Like I said, very descriptive. If you are looking for a book that will give you hope, you may want to look elsewhere. BUT...if you love to read....by all means, pick up this book!!! It is a memoir after all....just not one that I could relate to!


Check out the Book Trailer HERE!  It is really neat!

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort Getaway!!!

Want to win a trip!!!  Click here NOW.....you have GREAT odds!!!!

http://www.usfamilyguide.com/Zion/?blogid=335

About the Resort

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort at Zion National Park ranks as one of the best active-life family destinations. We have 4,000 acres literally on the border of Zion. You may find that our canyoneering adventures are very unique (LINK) and very exciting for an active family. Please view the condensed information below (with links), and attached photos.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

- Three hours from Las Vegas. Four hours from Salt Lake City.

- 4,000 acre ranch resort adjacent to Zion National Park (literally against border of park)

- Overview of operation and location - here

- Aerial View of operation - here

- Most activities (on property) of any destination resort in the region - http://www.zionponderosa.com/activities.htm

Horseback Riding

Rock Climbing Wall

Rappelling / Canyoneering Adventures

Zip Line
Miniature Golf

Swimming Pool (Two Level / Gravity Edge / Water slides) / Jacuzzi)

Jeep Tours

Rifle Range

Lodging Options (Six Lodging Types)

Camping

Western Wagons

Cowboy Cabins

Cabin Suites

Vacation Homes/Cabins

RV

Nearby Attractions

- Zion National Park

- Bryce Canyon National Park (75 minutes)

- Summertime rafting trips (90 minutes)

- Grand Canyon North Rim (105 minutes)

- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (20 minutes)

- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

- Pipe Spring National Monument

- Coral Pink Sand Dunes

- Frontier Movie Town

We offer fine dining, relaxation / spa treatments and excellent accommodation options. We welcome your contact and questions.

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For more information contact - Mark Wade at 435-216-8171 or via e-mail at Mark@OculusMedia.com

Total Value - $428.00. Valid May. Sept - Nov, 2013. Not valid on holiday weekends. Based on availability. Must reserve at least 14 days in advance. Winners of getaway are responsible for own transportation and all other expenses.

*I was given no compensation for this post*

Adventure Treks

Win a Summer Camp Experience at Adventure Treks!
Click here for the official contest entry: Adventure Treks Essay Contest Announcement!

Scale snow-capped peaks you’ve only seen in postcards. Shoot towering rapids with your new best friends. Walk wildflower-laced trails by day and wonder at a twinkling sky by night. Cook crazy concoctions around a campfire and laugh more than you ever thought possible!

About the Camp:
Adventure Treks is all about making memories, fostering lifelong friendships and creating more confident and capable young men and women. We are a small and personal company and getting to know you is our biggest priority. But Adventure Treks isn't just about outdoor fun; it's about YOU! We want you to discover your best self, and we believe that the great outdoors is just the way to do it!

Adventure Treks is more than a summer adventure camp.  Our two, three and four week outdoor adventure programs for teenagers ages 12 - 18, help great kids build skills for future success.  While our students are having the time of their lives rafting, climbing, hiking, and biking in some of the greatest scenery on the planet, something else is happening. They are growing in numerous ways: self- confidence, social achievement, teamwork, leadership and new outdoor skills, to name just a few.

Get Quick Facts About Adventure Treks Here!

*I was given no compensation for this post*

Soft Scrub 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care Review and Giveaway!!!!!

Soft Scrub introduces another innovative bathroom care product, NEW Soft Scrub 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care!!!!

Available in two fragrances:

Alpine Fresh...a fragrance with bleach
Sapphire Waters....a fragrance without bleach.

Say goodbye to constant scrubbing and hello to 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care that:

Cleans Toilets PLUS Prevents Future Buildup PLUS Fights Toilet Ring PLUS Freshens up to 4 weeks!  

What makes Soft Scrub 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care different?  Unlike other toilet bowl rim hangers that don't stay in place or that dissolve too quickly, Soft Scrub 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care provides long lasting cleaning and freshening thanks to its unique design and advanced formula.  The plastic cage keeps the product in place and allows water to activate the cleaner with each flush.  What's more, it freshens for up to four weeks and costs less than $2.00!!!!  Available at Walmart.

Learn more at softscrub.com.  MAKE YOUR SURFACES HAPPY!!!!  :-)

THE SWEEPSTAKES:
Soft Scrub is hosting a sweepstakes along with the release of New Soft Scrub 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care.  One grand prize winner will receive $1000, while 250 additional winners will receive one Soft Scrub coupon for a free product.  Just click HERE.

MY TAKE:
Well, I am ALWAYS looking for THE PERFECT toilet bowl cleaner that is NOT me!  :-)  I've tried just about everything.  This was a new one for me.  In theory it sounds great!  And honestly, it has kept my bathroom smelling pretty for about 2 weeks.  The package says 4 weeks....but I figure with 4 boys living in the house....it probably has to work overtime on the smells!  :-)  It doesn't seem to keep the toilet any cleaner than my usual product, but it does still work.  But...again....4 boys.  It would have to be magical to keep my toilet clean!  All in all....it wasn't an ASTONISHING product....but it worked just fine!

DISCLOSURE:
*The Soft Scrub brand provided me with a samiple of Soft Scrub 4 - in - 1 Toilet Care in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fast Metabolism Diet, by Haylie Pomroy

 

I was given the GREAT opportunity to review The Fast Metabolism Diet book by Haylie Pomroy.  Haylie is a celebrity Nutritionist and wellness Consultant.  She claims that in just 28 days you can lose up to 20 pounds and that you can eat more food and lost more weight.  You can check out the website at www.fastmetabolismdiet.com.  

I can't wait for you to experience the awesome tips and delicious recipes designed by Haylie Pomroy.

Just to give you a little bit of an idea what this book covers, I will write what the front and back flaps say:

Haylie Pomroy has helped thousands of clients lose up to twenty pounds in just four weeks, all through the fat burning power of food.  Hailed as the metabolism whisperer, Haylie reminds us that food is not the enemy but medicine needed to rev up your sluggish, broken down metabolism to turn your body into a fat burning furnace.

On this plan you're going to eat a lot, three full meals and at least two snacks a day, and you're still going to lose weight.  What you're not going to do is count a single calorie or fat gram, or go carb free or ban entire food groups.  Instead, you're going to rotate what you eat throughout each week according to a simple and proven plan carefully designed to induce precise physiological changes that will set your metabolism on fire.  

Phase 1:  Monday - Tuesday, Lots of carbs and fruits

Phase 2:  Wednesday - Thursday, Lots of proteins and veggies

Phase 3:  Friday - Sunday, ALL of the above, plus healthy fats and oils

By keeping your metabolism guessing in this specific and deliberate way, you'll get it working faster.  This isn't just a theory, its' the results based product of Haylie Pomroy's successful programs.  It has worked for celebrites, for athletes, and for people with chronic illnesses who need to lose weight, doctor's orders.  Now its going to work for you.  

In four weeks of meal plans and more than fifty recipes, including vegetarian, organic, and gluten free options, this is the silver bullet for the chronic dieter who has tried every fad diet and failed, for the first time dieter attempting to kick his or her metabolism into gear, and for anyone who wants to naturally and safely eat his or her way to a skinnier, healthier self.

I will be honest, I have NOT yet read the book....but I have skimmed bits and pieces of it, and it looks like a very sound idea.  Everybody's body is a little bit different though, so it is hard to say for sure if this particular one will be the right fit for you...but if you've tried everything else and nothing has worked...why not try this one?  Purchase her book HERE, and give it a try!  You have nothing to lose, but weight!!

I did have a Party to launch this new book and idea....we had a great time playing games, chit chatting, discussing our weight issues, etc.  Here are some fun pictures from the party!  Some of the recipes in her book are yummy by the way!!

 Here is the blender and the crock pot...ready to get going....

 These are all of the things that I was sent to help make my party a success!

 Here are a couple of my friends checking out the contents of the crock pot!

 Here are a couple people getting food set out!  Our kids had their own little party in the other room!

 Looking over the book.....

*I was given a crock pot and books as well as coupons and many things to make my party a success from Mom Select Media, in exchange for my honest opinion.