EmpowerMoms

“Fit to be Tied” by Debby Mayne

Posted on September 11, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

Fit to Be Tied (Bucklin Family Reunion Book 2) by Debby Mayne

I read book 1 in this series and as I started reading this story I immediately remembered all the characters. Most of them are very unforgettable! 😉

Lots of laughs and drama within the extended family members. I like how the chapters alternate between characters and it doesn’t make it confusing or choppy. The story line really flows and I can feel alot of the characters frustrations and feelings jump from the pages.

I hope there are more books to this series because I want to find out more about some of the family members and how their families are doing and getting along.

Great story line, funny characters and family stories that anyone can relate to! I really enjoyed it!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
The Bucklin family loves each other too much to stay away. . . but not enough to behave

Being rich is fine, but when wealth comes from striking oil, it’s a slippery mess for a family who doesn’t know what to do with it. The Bucklin cousins are all together again, and this family reunion is shaping up to be another disaster.

Coralee falls for the police officer who pulls her over. Sally has finally found a guy, but now she’s not sure a relationship is even worth the bother. No matter how hard Brett tries to avoid trouble, he somehow stumbles right back into the thick of it. And Marybeth and Bucky continue to fumble and bumble as they learn how to handle being rich.

The Bucklin family is known for drama–and Bucklin family drama knows no bounds.

Purchase your copy here:

About the Author
Debby Mayne is the author of more than 60 novels and novellas. She writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. She has also written more than 1,000 short stories and articles as well as dozens of devotions for busy women. She is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce, one of the DotDash (formerly About.com) companies. Her parents were both from the Deep South, so Debby enjoys featuring characters with Southern drawls, quirky mannerisms, and a deep appreciation for down-home cooking. She and her husband currently live in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.

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“The Neverland Inn” by K.C. Grant book review & giveaway

Posted on September 11, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

“The Neverland Inn” by K.C. Grant

Cute story! Really liked the main character Sarah and her love for cooking, taking care of people, and running her Bed and Breakfast. Unfortunately, I spent most of the book disliking the other main character-Daniel. She is way too good for him even though by the end of the story he was a little more “likeable”. It was a good story line though that kept my interest and I was able to read the story in one sitting. Glad I read it but not something I would read again.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Daniel Cavanaugh has it all—a lucrative career as a lawyer, a gorgeous fiancée, and his future mapped out for him. So why is he feeling increasingly dissatisfied with his life? When the assignment to handle his late grandmother’s estate takes him to the California coast, Daniel welcomes the escape. Staying at the nearby bed-and-breakfast isn’t really his style, but he soon realizes the inn may hold the key to the answers he’s been seeking. Spindrift Cove has few opportunities for a young unmarried woman like Sarah Michaels. Even so, she enjoys her solitude as owner and chef at the Neverland Inn. She thrives on catering to the needs of her guests and treating them to her fantastic cooking. But when Daniel walks through her door, he immediately tests her patience. Though he is handsome and well-bred, she finds him insufferable. Soon, however, the tranquility of the inn works its magic, and Daniel and Sarah forge a sweet and unexpected connection—until the life he left behind in the city demands his return and it seems that a happily ever after may not be on the menu after all.

Purchase your copy here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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LewisGale #salemhalfmarathon PROMO CODE & race packet pickup details

Posted on September 7, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

The City of Salem is known as “Virginia’s Championship City”, where we have hosted NCAA National Championships as well as many other tournaments. In 2016, we decided to branch out and bring that “Championship” mentality to running!

We have partnered with Blue Ridge Racing, the area’s leading road race management organization to produce these events. In addition to managing the Lewis Gale Salem Half Marathon and associated events, Blue Ridge Racing handles the race management for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, also known as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon.”

The Salem Half Marathon will celebrate its third year in 2018. Its mission is to encourage people to get outside and get physically active. The race starts and finishes on Main Street, takes runners on a tour of Salem through neighborhoods, Roanoke College and the Roanoke River Greenway.

NEW this year is the KIDS 2 MILE RACE, in addition to the 1 mile salem kids run.

You will need to specify whether you want to sign up for the kids 1 mile or 2 mile option on the registration page-they are both currently $20 each.

The half marathon is currently $85 and the 8k race is currently $50.00. Online registration doesn’t close until Wednesday October 10th, HOWEVER, if you want a shirt guarantee you have to sign up BEFORE Sept 12th!

Don’t forget to use my PROMO CODE: AmbassadorRACHEL20 to save 20% off your race registration!!

You can register here:
http://www.salemhalfmarathon.com/Registration.aspx

What do you get?
Every runner in the Half Marathon, 8K & Kids Mile will receive an official race shirt and a custom medal at the finish line where you will be greeted by the race director, family, friends and other spectators to congratulate you! All runners 21+ will also receive a free beer from Olde Salem Brewing Company to be used Friday night at Packet Pick-up or Saturday after the race.

Expo/Packet & T-shirt Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be at the Salem Farmers Market behind Olde Salem Brewing Company from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
A photo ID is required to pick up your race packet. You may pick up a race packet for another pre-registered runner, provided you have a copy of their photo ID.

Team Competition
The Team Competition is where groups of five or more may compete against one another. Sign up as a team and go head to head for bragging rights as this year’s best team! Awards will be given out to the Top 3 finishing teams in both the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon and the Virginia’s Blue Ridge 8K (total time of your five fastest runners). There will also be a Participation Award for the team who has the most members registered. The team captain will create the team during registration then members will be able to join using the team name when they register for the race.

Already registered?
If you have already registered for the race you can still be a part of the Team Competition! All you will need to do is log back into your Active account and add a team to your registration form! If you have any additional questions please email specialevents@salemva.gov.

Race Rules
Entry fees are non-refundable; Race numbers and entries cannot be transferred to another person. If you have signed up but want to switch to another race, you can switch to either race at any time including at the expo. There is no cost to switch races except the difference in price for races.

In consideration of the safety of all participants, we ask that no runner bring handcycles, strollers, baby joggers, babies in carriers/backpacks, in-line skates, skateboards, bicycles or animals on leashes.

Sign up now for the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8k or Kids Fun Run and save! Plus, use my race ambassador discount code: AmbassadorRACHEL20 to save 20% off your registration code!

This challenging course is one that you will want to come back to year after year! Don’t miss out, sign up today!

You can register here: http://www.salemhalfmarathon.com/Registration.aspx

This will be my 3rd year participating and doing the 8k race and both my boys will be joining me this year. You can see my race recap from last year here: http://empowermoms.net/2018/04/lewisgale-salemvahalf-va-lewisgale8k-race-recap-for-2017-virginiablueridge.html

Learn more about the LewisGale Salem Half here:
http://www.salemhalfmarathon.com/RaceDetails/LewisGaleSalemHalfMarathon.aspx

Learn more about the Virginia’s Blue Ridge 8K here:
http://www.salemhalfmarathon.com/RaceDetails/VirginiasBlueRidge8K.aspx

Learn more about the G&H Contracting Kids Run here:
http://www.salemhalfmarathon.com/RaceDetails/GHContractingKidsRun.aspx

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The Daily Question for You and Your Child: A Three-Year Spiritual Journal Diary

Posted on September 7, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

The Daily Question for You and Your Child: A Three-Year Spiritual Journal Diary
My son was so excited to get this book! He loves journaling, reading and writing.

There are 365 questions with spaces underneath for the child or adult to write the answer. There are 3 lines with the date to fill in so you can use this book for 3 years. It will be interesting to see how my son’s answers will change over the years with answering the same question on the specific day for 3 years in a row.

Great idea for a parent and child to get a few mins of quality time together each day. Love it!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
A fun, thought-provoking 365-question guided journal and keepsake that sparks daily interaction with your child to create a memory book capturing your child’s life, personality, and faith journey.

This interactive prompted journal allows a parent to create a keepsake of three years of their child’s life. By answering each of the 365 questions together on the same date each year, readers will get a unique and precious picture into their child’s feelings, development, and personality. Some of the questions focus on spirituality and the child’s heart, while some are meant to capture their creativity, spirit, and sense of humor. All questions spark conversations and memories that span well beyond the pages of this book.

Purchase your copy here:

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#RunLikeaDiva DC packet pickup info & SAVE 15%!

Posted on September 7, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

Join me for the 6th Annual Divas® Half Marathon & 5K in DC’s Wine Country, VA IN ONE WEEK!! It’s not too late to sign up!

This will be my 4th year attending and I’m so excited to go back! I have done the half marathon once and the 5k three times.

DC’S WINE COUNTRY, VA
SEPTEMBER 14 & 15, 2018

All participants (half & 5K) will receive:

– Pink tutus
– Amazing finisher medals
– Women’s fit tech shirts
– Divas drawstring bags
– Boa & tiara along the course
– Shirtless hunks
– Post-race nourishment & entertainment

Go here for more details and to sign up:
https://www.active.com/leesburg-va/running/distance-running-races/divas-half-marathon-and-5k-in-dc-s-wine-country-2018

I have a BRAND NEW code to save you 15% off your race registrations!! Use code: 1RDDIVADC18 exp. 9/12/18

Facebook event link is here if you want any last minute reminders:
https://www.facebook.com/events/341948589611200/

RACE PACKET INFO:

The Health & Fitness Boutique in DC’s Wine Country will feature exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, designs, and advances in running shoes and apparel. The best thing about the boutique is that it is free and open to the public!

The Health & Fitness Boutique is also the Official Packet Pick-Up Headquarters. Unless VIP Packet Pick-up is purchased, all half marathon participants must pick up their race packets (race bibs, participant shirts, tutus and drawstring bags) at the Health & Fitness Boutique prior to race day.

BOUTIQUE LOCATION:
Lansdowne Resort
44050 Woodridge Parkway
Leesburg, VA 20176

BOUTIQUE HOURS:
Friday, September 14, 2018 – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM*

*5K packet pick-up will end PROMPTLY at 5:45 PM to ensure an on-time start. There is NO race day packet pick-up on Saturday for the half marathon, unless VIP packet pick-up is purchased. Photo ID is required to pick-up your packet.

BOUTIQUE PARKING
Free parking will be available at Lansdowne Resort. Overflow Boutique parking will be available at the location below:

Lansdowne Medical Center
19415 Deerfield Ave
Lansdown, VA 20176