Summer Reading List

June 25, 2021

I want to share my summer reading list with you with some new authors, that I know personally! These books are perfect for reading while floating in the pool or relaxing on the beach. I also carry a book with me to read if there is any downtime at my daughter’s softball games. They range from personal triumph over cancer, to encouraging self-help, and small-town romance. Enter to win a copy of Monica Ortega’s book The Power of Pivoting at the bottom of the blog post.

I would love for you to help them out as new authors, and purchase their books. The links I am sharing are my amazon affiliate links, which I earn a commission on; but you don’t pay anything extra for.

Non Fiction

Fitz Kohler: My Noisy Cancer Comeback

Available from Amazon https://amzn.to/35PP8xb

Fitz is a dear friend! She is my cheerleader at the Walt Disney World race finish lines. I met Fitz after a Princess Half Marathon race weekend when we were all hanging out at the Wave in the Contemporary Resort. She is a very strong, smart, courageous woman who spent most of last year battling breast cancer.

In her book My Noisy Cancer Comeback, she shares her struggle with the grueling chemo she had to endure, the extreme sickness, weight loss, and the changes that happen when you fight and beat cancer. She is honest with her experience, in hopes that her journey will help others going through it. Fitz didn’t want cancer to slow her down or take her away from the things she loves.

When I am working out and feel like I want to quit, I OFTEN think of Fitz and what she endured and fought through and still kept working as a race announcer, flying all over the country during her battle with cancer. She didn’t want cancer to keep her from announcing races and noisily greeting the runners at the finish lines.

I am a member of Fitz’ Hottie Body Fitness Group where we encourage each other, and share our struggles with maintaining a healthy life and also supporting us with our weight loss journey. I love that she tells it like it is, and is real and honest with us in the group. Of she notices that we are not making progress, or have gone quiet in the group, she’ll reach out and find out why, and help us get back on track.

Monica Ortega: The Power of Pivoting

Available from Amazon https://amzn.to/35ZAkMd

When I started reading this book I had no idea I was going to need a highlighter and page markers! This book was spot on with putting to words many of the things that I was feeling and experiencing. I know Monica from the blogging community. She is a travel blogger, but now can add the title of author to her name!

This book is about facing your fears, changing your mindset, and moving towards living the life you are meant to live with happiness. She shares her heartbreak with divorce, how she came to where she is today, and helps build a toolkit to manage a healthy mindset.

When I first started reading the book I was in a period of self-doubt, low confidence, and was downright beating up on myself for no good reason. Her words were so helpful in making me change my way of thinking and reversing my outlook to a more positive approach.

Romance/Fiction

Audrey McLelland

Audrey didn’t just publish one book this year, she has published two and she is already working on the next one! Her books are part of a series “The McKay Sisters Series”. These books are the Hallmark channel of love stories in book form. They are feel-good, small-town romance books with a happily-ever-after fairy tale ending.

Available from Amazon https://amzn.to/3gTe7pF

Available from Amazon https://amzn.to/3h4q9Lv

The second book At Last, is about one of the McKay sisters finding a way to make her ex jealous while attending a wedding they will both be at. She finds the hottest guy in town, who happens to be single. After spending a lot of time together prior to the wedding, they start to realize that their time together is turning into something more than a friendship. Find out how their relationship unfolds and what happens in the end with this second book in Audrey’s series.

I met Audrey through blogging as well, and was selected by her and her partner Vera Sweeney to attend their Permission To Hustle Mastermind At Sea event last February. I was so honored to have been selected and all of us who attended are now part of a special club…the Covid club. We returned home from the 5 day cruise to a world that was preparing to shut down. It was like we were in a bubble out to see while Covid was spreading everywhere. It was a surreal experience that will forever bond all of us!

I’m so excited for Audrey’s new books series. She has been wanting to do this for a long time so it’s wonderful to see others’ dreams come true!

Giveaway!

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What Books Are On Your Summer Reading List?

I am in the process of reading all of these books. Yes, I read several books at a time because I have ADHD. But they are all unique and different from each other. I’m almost done with all of them, and I do really enjoy them!

What’s on your summer reading list? I’d love to hear your book recommendations!

The Adventures of Rockford T. Honeypot: Book Review and Activities

July 27, 2020

The Adventures of Rockford T. Honeypot is a great story about a shy, young germ-a-phobe chipmunk who was shunned from his family, and was left to fend for himself in the forest. Looking for a book for summer reading for your kids or perhaps even for yourself? Look no further.

Check out my review of this lovely story of determination and courage, and also download the activity sheets and a delicious hazelnut pancake recipe!

The Story of Rockford T. Honeypot

When Rockford was shunned from his family and left to find his own way in the big forest his mother gave him a special message. She told him to “reach for the uncracked diamonds”. She was referring to the stars in they sky.

During his time in the forest he meets several different groups of furry friends along the way. Very similar to how we live our lives. We have school friends, neighborhood friends, church friends, athletic team friends, etc. Some of those friends we keep for our lifetime, and some we only remain friends with during the time we share similar interests with.

Along his journey in the forest, Rockford learns some important lessons about life. He finds out a lot about himself, and uses the lessons from previous encounters towards new adventures he comes across.

I don’t want to spoil the ending of the book for you. So check it out for yourself!

About The Author

Los Angeles native Josh Gottsegen has a background in filmmaking and digital media and is the author of “Joosh’s Juice Bar,” an early elementary school children’s book series that encourages healthy eating habits through vivid illustrations and Dr. Seussian-style rhymes.

Earning his BA in Film Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara, Gottsegen has won numerous awards for his short films and video productions. Starting professionally at NBCUniversal Interactive, later Josh Gottsegen moved into editing as well as other creative projects for the Walt Disney Company, Fox Corporation, IMG, and the NFL.

Activity Sheets

Rockford T. Honeypot Stick Figure Templates

Rockford T. Honeypot Coloring Pages

Recipes

Looking to make something yummy with your kids in the kitchen? Here’s a great recipe idea based out of one of Rockford’s adventures in the book.

Some more great recipes are:

Enter The Giveaway To Get Your Copy!

The books are now available in kindle and paperback version on amazon. I am also giving away a copy of the book, so enter your information for a chance to win! Winners will be selected on Friday, July 31.

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The Gabby Bernstein Super Attractor Book Launch

September 26, 2019

This week I went to NYC to meet up with my friends Claudia and Shelley for the Gabby Bernstein Super Attractor book launch at the Riverside Church. We met up for dinner prior to the book launch at and then walked over to the church.

The church was gorgeous. And I couldn’t wait to hear what Gabby was going to share. I met her at my first blogging conference, Mom 2.0, in May of 2017. We sat at the same table just before she was going to give a keynote on stage. I hadn’t heard of her before then; but related to her story as soon as she started speaking.

My 3 Takeaways From The Gabby Bernstein Super Attractor Book Launch

It’s Good To Feel Good

I don’t know why I struggle with this. Why do I now allow myself to feel happy? Is it because there have been some hard times in my life? I think guilt is part of it for me. I know it is a choice to feel happy; but someone told me this summer that guilt is a useless emotion.

I deserve to feel good. I deserve to receive. Until recently, I was stuck. I kept feeling that I wasn’t deserving of the good things that come my way. That I wasn’t good enough. Sadly, it has taken a lot of time to let go of those feelings. But I think I have finally broken that pattern.

When I was with Claudia she said she had noticed that change in me. She said I looked happy. I seemed less stressed. Angie, who was one of my amazing roommates from the Oprah cruise said I was glowing in one of my photos.

So I guess I am living at a higher level of vibration since this new revelation of mine! When I am happy, I will get everything I desire.

When You Are Aligned It is THIS or SOMETHING BETTER

Whatever you put out, you will receive. If what you are doing right now doesn’t work out, it’s because there is something better out there waiting for you.

When you are aligned with the universe, you can feel happy and excited regardless of what the circumstances are because you have hope that things will work out the way they were meant to.

When I lost my job and started my business I felt positive about the outcome because I knew it was meant to be. This was my ultimate desire. I was upset only temporarily because my ego was hurt. But in the big pictures, my dream was being handed to me.

Your Fear Reveals To You What You Need To Hear!

Look at the Fear. Give it away. Do not fear your fear.

When I wanted to become self-employed, I was afraid. I didn’t pull the trigger and make it happen because that fear was holding me back. It took someone else’s actions to set me free and allow me to step out on my own because I didn’t have a choice. I had been holding on to some negative feelings about that situation, which was causing me to have negatives vibes. Because of that, I wasn’t releasing what my true potential is.

There were feelings of self-doubt that I was’t ready to talk through because I didn’t want to feel those feelings again. But I needed to get it out so I could let it go.

Have you read any of Gabby’s books? I’d love to hear what you thought of them. Share your favorite book in the comments.

Parenting Beyond The Rules by Connie Albers

Parenting Beyond The Rules Book

February 22, 2019

I am happy to share with you that I am helping a wonderful woman I met last year at Social Media Marketing World, launch her new book. It’s called Parenting Beyond The Rules written by Connie Albers.

Yesterday I received my Advanced Readers Copy of Parenting Beyond the Rules. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to start reading it this weekend. I am a member of her book launch team. The book is in presale now on Amazon (this is my affiliate link).

I totally felt Connie’s gratitude and appreciation by the way she had the book so specially wrapped and tucked into our boxes. I loved opening this little gift when it arrived.

Parenting Beyond The Rules Advanced Readers Copy

Who Is Connie Albers

I had the pleasure of meeting Connie via Facebook last year when I volunteered for Social Media Marketing World in San Diego. When we met in person, she was so helpful to me. I had flown in and went right to the convention center to be part of the leaders’ welcome lunch.

Connie was part of the management team overseeing the volunteers. She was such a professional with a kind heart and a strong work ethic. She was amazing. I loved her right away. I always wanted to help out whenever or however I could because I knew this conference was so large, they could use any additional help available.

Since then we have remained in touch on social media. I recently found out about her book brigade and knew I had to be part of her team. As a mom of two tweens, I know I am going to need as much advice that I can get as they enter this new season in their lives. It’s also a new season in my life parenting my kids through this huge change in their lives.

I trust Connie’s advice, and know that her book will be valuable to me. Connie is a mother of five adults, and I have seen the life of love that they live.

I am Now Parenting Tweens

Connie’s book helps with topics relevant to today’s society. She talks about how you can still guide the hearts of our teens and remain the primary influence in their lives. Especially during the world now which is filled with distractions and devices.

I remember my years as a teenager. Every time I hear my daughter get sassy, it’s like hearing my own mouth 30 years ago! I know it’s payback for how I acted as a teenager.

You will discover how to raise a teen according to his or her strengths, talents, and personality type, as these things equip teens to manage life.
Connie Albers

With such a busy world for our children and for us as adults, I need the guidance on what to look out for. I don’t want to be a naieve parent. I want to keep my children safe and aware as well, without scaring them too much. However, I need them to realize what dangers are available outside and inside the home, and their devices.

Join Connie Albers in discovering practical solutions for every parent trying to raise a responsible, godly teenager.
Amazon

This season is going to be hard for both of us; but it doesn’t have to be. Ironically as their bodies, moods and friends are changing, mine is also doing the same. I am also going through changes. I am close to turning 47 years old; and I know my body is doing things it didn’t use to. I’ll be sharing that progress in my life as my journey continues also.

Will you purchase a copy of this book? I’ll continue to share what I learned from her book and how it’s working out with our kids.

Chalene Johnson’s 131 Method Book

February 18, 2019

Inflammation And Your Health

I have an autoimmune disease. Some of you may know that about me; but I’m sure many people do not. I don’t talk about it much unless it comes up in conversation. I have had it since 2002, or at least that is when I got diagnosed. It’s called Henoch-Schönlein Purpura and has given me kidney vasculitis; which is an inflammation of the small blood vessels in my kidneys.

It used to take over my mind for many years when I was first diagnosed. The reason for that was because it took away my dream of starting my family when we first got married. Thankfully, after five years of treatment I was given the go-ahead to start a family; but even that was hard.

I was also diagnosed with unexplained infertility. But with the help of the UCONN fertilitly center, we now have our two beautiful children. So what does all this have to do with inflammation? Well, I’m doing the research so I can share this with you over the next few months.

I am part of the 131 Method Book Brigade and am helping to promote the book 131 Method by Chalene Johnson which comes out on April 16, 2019. You can preorder the book now on Amazon.

I’m not just doing this because I wanted to be on her book brigade, I am doing this because I have been following Chalene for several years. I do her workouts on Beachbodyondemand.com and I also listen to her podcasts. I have listened to her explain about her research of the 131 method and how the processing of foods in America is not helping our children or us live our most healthy lives.

What Is the 131 Method?

Do you try to lose weight and find that you just can’t? Or have you been on a diet, and lost weight only to gain it back? This yo-yo affect is so common in todays’s society to lose weight. I am looking for a way to get healthier. Not only to lose weight; but also to remove the foods that are causing inflammation and irritation to my body and gut health.

Do you suffer from brain fog, irritability or forgetfulness? I do! Sometimes I feel like I have the brain of an 80 year old. I walk into a room only to forget the reason why I went in there in the first place. Or when I am talking, I can’t find the words I was trying to use to explain something. Well it could be because we are deficient in the macronutrients that our body needs.

The 131 Method is explained as this:

1 Health Objective
3 Weeks of Diet Phasing
1 Week of Fast and Refuel

I know it sounds intimidating; but I am going to be learning about the process and will bring you along on my journey so you can learn through me how it all works.

You don’t have to count calories or deprive yourself; but you do need to have an open mind. It’s not about getting skinny, it’s about being smart and getting healthy.

Have You Heard Of Leaky Gut

I’m a strong believer that my husband is suffering from that, and that’s why his fibromyalgia is so bad. But what about me? Do I have it too? Irritation caused by stress, over-exercising, and eating foods with artificial sweeteners, fat-free, low-fat, etc. are causing our intestinal walls to become inflammed. Which in the end, thins out those walls and causes malabsorption, slower metabolism, imbalanced hormones, weight gain and more negative effects. Does this sound like something you are experiencing?

I need to learn more about it and find out how to treat it. That’s why I can’t wait for my copy of the book to come! I’m going to study it like a textbook to get myself and my family on the right track to a healthy gut and healthy bodies.

How Long Does The 131 Method Take?

Typically you go through the program in 12 weeks. I am on a mission to take back my health before my 47th birthday. I kept blaming my symptoms on perimenopause; but I want to see what’s really going on once I take control of everything that I put into my body.

This may be a challenge when I travel; but if I am armed with the information now; then I can plan accordingly and not lose all the work I am putting into my research.

According to the book, there are three phases:

Phase 1 – Ignite

This phase cranks up your metabolism and changes your body from burning sugar, to burning fat for fuel. You have probably heard about the Keto diet people are now on. This phase is similar to that. It’s a higher in fat, lower in carbs phase which will help to stabilize your appetite, reduce inflammation and balance your hormones. During this phase you are also rebuilding your immune system.

Phase 2 – Nourish

During the Nourish phase, for three weeks you will cut back on animal proteins and increase vegetables and plant-based healthy fats. During the end of this phase you will boost your immune system and increase your gut microbiome diversity.

What is microbione diversity?

It’s responsible for the balancing and production of your major hormones. When you can improve the health and diversity, you can minimize the symptoms caused by this imbalance. So the mood swings, the anxity, depression, thyroid disorders, and more can be managed and controlled by cleaning up your gut health.

Phase 3 – Renew

This last four week phase of the program you should feel amazing. By now you would have found out how ot use fats, proteins and carbs for energy. You will know your insulin sensitivity, and you will have figured out PERSONALLY, which foods give you trouble and cause your bloating and inflammation.

You Have To Be In It To Win It

I am going to be honest, I am a little scared of learning about all of this. I don’t want it to make me feel sick or hungover or have headaches while cleaning out my gut; but I am going to trust the process and bring you along so you can see the changes in my mind and body as I take back my health.

Like Chalene says “The most difficult choices almost always come with the greatest reward!” I know this won’t be easy; but I’m going to try my hardest. Sadly, you know what is going to make it hard? Going to the grocery store and still finding the foods that are clean, non GMO, organic and won’t break the bank when buying them fresh.

Pre-order your copy of the book today!

The Wisdom Of Walt Book By Jeffrey Barnes

September 1, 2017

If you haven’t read The Wisdom of Walt book yet, I suggest you go on amazon.com now and order one, or visit Jeff’s site to get an autographed copy. I had been wanting to read the Wisdom of Walt book written by Jeffrey Barnes for quite some time, but just hadn’t gotten to it. Then one day I saw his second book was about to be printed and released. So I ordered my own autographed copy of The Wisdom of Walt and couldn’t put it down.

I felt Jeff’s love of Disneyland right from the beginning. In fact, while I write this review, I am in flight to Disneyland now for the Disneyland Half Marathon races and I am planning to spend the day Saturday touring the Magic Kingdom and riding the original rides with my friends. I really appreciated know that this was the park that Walt walked in. Sometimes in disguise and sometimes not.

I am from the East Coast so I am most familiar with Walt Disney World and the four parks; but since my first visit to Disneyland I fell in love with the quaintness of the park. I can’t wait to sit on the same benches Walt sat on to people watch. I want to ride those special original rides he created with his imagineers. I want to let go of all my worries in the world and go to that special place that he created for us to be a kid at heart.

I also thought the book was a great workbook for life. I am a dreamer and I am at a point in my life where I want to live up to my dreams. So I am going to use the activities that he has at the end of each chapter to help me create my new life plan going forward to help me reach those goals and dreams I have for myself. I highlighted many areas in my book and I plan to extract those quotes and put them on my wall as a reminder of how I want to live.

I have the Disney vision and I want to live like Walt did.

“If you can dream it you can do it” – Walt Disney

I want to instill this message in my children. I want them to know they can do anything they put their minds to. I wanted to give the book to my ten year old son to read; but I think I’ll wait a few more years so he can really appreciate it.

I can’t wait to read the next edition!

Category: book reviews