EmpowerMoms

 

We’re down to the final two weeks before we celebrate Easter and Jesus’ resurrection. Do your children understand and grasp the full meaning of why we celebrate the holiday? Adventures in Odyssey and Odyssey Adventure Club want to provide your family with a week of meaningful, fun Easter activities to help make the holiday come alive this year. Simply head to this page and sign up to download your free PDF full of family devotions, egg wraps, recipes, crafts, and cards. Oh, and as a bonus, here’s a free activity sheet from Focus on the Family!

 

If you’re looking to dig into the Easter holiday more and want to build your kids’ faith, consider signing your family up for the Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC). It offers safe and free content for everyone in your family. Membership to the OAC costs just $9.99 a month — or even less if parents make a six-month or one-year commitment. Enrollment provides more than enough content to keep kids engaged throughout the year:

• Access to exclusive content and first looks at books and select Radio Theatre dramas.
• On-the-go access to the OAC app for both iOS and Android users.
• 24/7 streaming access to nearly 800 AIO episodes.
• A new, members-only AIO episode every month.
• A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine, and more.

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter. and Pinterest.

This was a great, romantic book between two musicians. I love music as well, so I could really relate to Emma with her “feeling” music and how personal it can be.

I laughed several times during the book because of Emma’s awkwardness around guys and some of the embarrassing things she said. She was very caring towards and her family and friends. I loved how awkward it was when Emma and Elliott first met and their wrong interpretations about each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope to read more by this author!

This was a clean, christian book with some religious references to the Mormon/LDS church. There was no language. There was references to alcohol and drinking.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the book:
Emma Hill was practically born with a violin in her hands. She lives for the life of the piece, for each song’s story, for the perfect stillness after the endnotes when the vibrations of sound are still humming through her body. If only her love life were that harmonic. But she knew her chances at love would take a hit when she decided to leave her prestigious concertmaster position in the Cleveland Orchestra and move back home to Asheville, North Carolina. She justifies her actions with the fact that being concertmaster for the Asheville Symphony is better than no dates and no job.
But when Emma’s world collides with piano-playing YouTube sensation Elliott Hart, she finds herself falling for the way he plucks at her heartstrings. Despite a—ahem—not-so-good first impression, the two soon develop the beginnings of a rhythmic relationship. But when Elliott insists they can’t be together, it’s up to Emma to strike up a little romance . Will she be able to bring their two worlds into harmony, or will she only manage to get herself in trouble?

You can purchase a copy here:

Biography
Jenny Proctor was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she still resides and considers the loveliest on earth. She hikes to spend time with her family, runs because her love for food requires it, and writes because it keeps her calm in an otherwise crazy world. She believes that life in the south has a certain flair to it–and works to capture that flair in her novels. To learn more about Jenny, visit her webpage at www.jennyproctor.com.

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The Hearts We Mend (A Banister Falls Novel #2) by Kathryn Springer

This was such a delightful book to read! I haven’t read book 1 of this series so I’m not sure it would have made a difference with character development. I didn’t have any issues following along with the characters and their stories though.

Evie was widowed within 10 years of being married to her high school sweetheart. After raising their son alone, he is now ready to get married and start his own life. Evie finds herself alone with no son and no dog to keep her company. It made me so sad to feel the emotion and sadness thru the book and made me wonder what I would do once my kids are grown and move away.

I loved Evie’s strong character in this book! Instead of dwelling on her sadness or feeling sorry for herself, she choose to stay busy and help those around her. She meets Jack at church and is immediately drawn to him but he isn’t anything like her late husband or other men. Jack has alot of family drama and issues which keeps him wanting to get close to Evie but hes drawn to her loving and vibrant nature.

I liked how Jack and Evie work together to help other people and bring closeness to the community thru service. This was a very enjoyable christian romance with no language or inappropriate behavior.

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

About the book:
Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie’s firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie’s heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie’s life is stream-lined, Jack’s approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe or predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn’t make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn’t felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

You can purchase a copy here:

About the author:
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books — which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

It’s time to get #SummerStrong!

Starting April 4th, Beachbody Fitness is challenging you to get Strong for Summer. In this 60-day contest, you’ll choose your workout(s), get support and motivation in private Facebook groups, and have a chance to win up to $5,000!

Here’s how to join:

1. Choose a program below to commit to! You can choose between 22 Minute Hard Corps, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel, 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME), CIZE, or an exclusive new program coming to Beachbody On Demand in April that will be revealed on March 18th.

2. Commit to your fitness track by choosing a program below and joining the corresponding Summer Strong Facebook Group.

3. Submit your before photos between April 1st and April 30th and your after photos between May 23rd, 2016 and June 7th, 2016.

Full Details and Facebook challenge group links here:
http://www.beachbody.com/beachbodyblog/summer-strong-contest

Doesn’t that sound fun? A chance to win prizes and get ready for summer!! And every participant that submits pictures will win an exclusive SummerStrong tshirt!

Want to participate in this challenge with me?

You can either order these programs online at www.teambeachbody.com, from a Beachbody coach OR online from AMAZON!

>>>Here are the authorized programs for this specific challenge and the Amazon links if you would like to purchase:

Tony Horton’s 22 Minute Hard Corps Workout Program – Base Kit


The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit with Autumn Calabrese and Sagi Kalev

Autumn Calabrese’s 21 Day Fix – Essential Package

Autumn Calabrese’s 21 Day Fix EXTREME – Essential Package

Shaun T’s CIZE Dance Workout – Base Kit


So what am I going to do for this #SummerStrong challenge?

Typically this is not a program that I would want to do. I’m not a “hardcore” fitness person. However, I have 3 obstacle course races coming up this year-my first one in May-that I need to train for and I know this program will help me with that! It may be overkill, but at least I’ll be prepared, right?

I am NOT a Beachbody Fitness coach or affiliated with them in any way, but I love (most) of their fitness programs and have been using them for years! They also run some really cool challenges so I’m totally jumping in on this one! Several years ago I joined a summer TurboFire challenge and earned an exclusive TurboFire water bottle!

This is what I’m getting in my 22 Minute Hard Corps Deluxe DVD Package that I purchased from Team Beachbody:

BASIC TRAINING WORKOUTS:
8 workouts on 2 DVDs
Tony takes you through a series of total–body rounds designed to maximize strength gains and fat loss with the objective of boot camp fitness in just 8 weeks.

Resistance 1.
These are 5 simple moves, but with 3 back–to–back rounds, the challenge is intense. That’s how you get results in just 22 minutes a day.

Cardio 1.
This 7–move workout gets your heart pumping from Minute One. Keep up with the platoon and earn a massive calorie burn.

Core 1.
It’s called “Hard Corps” for a reason. Get ready to work your lower back, abs, and obliques in this epic, 10–move drill.

Resistance 2. Did I hear you ask for more? Here it is. More resistance. More sweat. More muscles recruited.

Cardio 2.
This is basic training, but there’s nothing easy about it. It’s 3 rounds of 7 exercises, just like Cardio 1, but these moves will push your limits even further.

Core 2.
You’ve survived Core 1. Now the reps are doubled – to test your limits and maximize the burn.

Resistance 3.
This workout takes the intensity up a click by adding plyometric strength training to challenge your endurance.

Cardio 3.
Alternates between floor work and plyo moves for 3 hard-driving rounds. Your mission is to deliver every rep.

3 ADVANCED TOTAL–BODY WORKOUTS:

SPECIAL OPS RESISTANCE.
Three rounds of 5 advanced exercises that incorporate the variable–resistance PT Sandbag to search and destroy any weakness.

SPECIAL OPS CARDIO.
These weighted cardio exercises utilize the PT Sandbag to boost endurance and obliterate calories with extreme prejudice.

SPECIAL OPS CORE.
This elite 10–move core workout hits your midsection hard to leave you ripped and ready for action.

FITNESS TOOLS AND EXTRAS:

QUICK START MISSION GUIDE
It’s go time! Here are the simple steps to make 22 MINUTE HARD CORPS fully operational. Take your PT Fit Test, so you can track your progress.

BASIC TRAINING ACTION PLAN
If you want Hard Corps Results, you have to get with the program. With this 8–week calendar, Tony makes it easy to plan your workouts and track your success.

RATIONS FOR RESULTS NUTRITION FIELD GUIDE
A basic, but satisfying nutrition plan that lays out the three squares and snacks you’ll need for the mission ahead. It makes meal prep easy so you can get back to the business of getting results.

A SET OF 7 PORTION–CONTROL CONTAINERS
You’re going to need the right fuel to turn your body into a lean, mean, fighting machine. That’s why Tony includes a set of 7 color–coded portion–control containers to take all the guesswork out of eating right.

SHAKEOLOGY® SHAKER CUP
Utilize this 26–ounce shaker cup to hydrate your body during workouts or to mix up your favorite recovery shake afterward

VARIABLE–RESISTANCE BEACHBODY® PT SANDBAG
Inspired by the weighted rucksacks used in military training, this sturdy training tool can be weighted with up to 20 lbs. of sand and used to add resistance to the advanced workouts—and every workout in 22 MINUTE HARD CORPS.

BONUS GIFT #1: HELL WEEK CHALLENGE CARD
Test your limits with a two–a–day challenge week after your 8 weeks are through, and push your results from great…to absolutely epic.

BONUS GIFT #2: COLD START PRE–WORKOUT DRILL
Fire this up before you get down to work. This no-nonsense warm-up gets your body ready for the battle ahead.

Contest begins 12:01 AM PT on 4/1/16 and ends 11:59 PM PT on 6/7/16.

Full Details and Facebook challenge group links here:
http://www.beachbody.com/beachbodyblog/summer-strong-contest

Are you the winner of my recent #BeFitAllYear giveaway?

>>You can view the winner here:
http://empowermoms.net/2016/03/befitallyear-with-befit-free-30-day-fat-burn-fitness-program-plus-a-giveaway.html

Congratulations!

❖Even if you didn’t win, you can still feel like a winner by accessing BeFit’s awesome and FREE YouTube channel of workouts!

Here’s an intro video about the BeFit 30 day Fat Burn program. All the workouts are 10-12 minutes so there’s no excuses!

30 Day Fat Burn: Fitness Program Introduction

There is no warm up or cool down because of the short workout time, so make sure you do that on your own. I really liked the Dynamic Strength Training workout. I used 3-5 pounds hand weights with the workouts because of the fast pace.

30 Day Fat Burn is a unique, high-intensity cardio program that torches calories and tones muscle with a mix of cardio exercise and strength training moves. It is a full body workout system that will burn fat, shed pounds, and work all major muscle groups for lean and sexy results. This fitness program consists of 10 workouts, each 10 minutes long that are designed to target the abs, arms, thighs, butt, chest, legs and back. These workouts consist of a special blend of jogging, running and sprinting to increase endurance and melt away pounds. You will learn several variations of squats, and lunges to tone the lower body and firm the glutes & legs, as well as push up, dips, and tricep pulls to build muscle and sculpt the upper body. Strengthen the core and activate the abdominals with side planks, crunches and leg lift variations as you ignite your weight loss potential and build stamina and increase agility through unique plyometric exercises including ski jumps and mountain climbers.
Transform your body with Expert 30 Day Fat Burn Trainers Astrid McGuire and Danielle Pascente as they provide motivational, step-by-step instruction on each highly-effective move to ensure correct form and maximize results. Look and feel your best in just ten minutes a day!

Click here for the 30 Day Fat Burn Playlist:
http://bit.ly/1dSyeul

Did you also know that BeFit offers 12 other FREE workout system playlists on their YouTube channel?

https://www.youtube.com/user/BeFit/playlists?sort=dd&view=50&shelf_id=4

❖❖Are you a beginner and don’t know where to start?
Check out the BeFiT 101-301 Series Workouts!
Courtney Prather, Maddy Curley and Allie Cohen are getting back to the basics in this three-level, full-body-burn workout series. Each level combines plyometric, explosive moves with fast-burst cardio to burn fat, build strong legs abs and arms and tighten your whole body. Allie takes you through the Beginner level, mastering the basic movements in each of the three workouts. Courtney will take you through the Intermediate level, upping the intensity of the movements as your body adapts to a bigger challenge in the 201 Level. Finally, Maddy takes you through the Advanced, 301 level, featuring an intense combination of moves that are sure to kick start your weight loss potential and sculpt lean muscle throughout the body from top to bottom!

❖❖Do you like to dance?
Then check out the Burn to the Beat Fitness Series!
Burn to the Beat is an electrifying new fitness series that is designed to activate all major muscle groups, and re-shape the body from head to toe! Crank up the beat and have a blast with this sizzling dance party that gets your body groovin’ to torch calories, trim inches, burn fat, and transform those trouble zones.

❖❖Want to tone your butt?
Then check out the 30 Day Butt Lift Workouts!
Effective cardio drills will help you burn fat while glute defining strength training moves build lean muscle to help you get the best lower body of your life.

❖❖❖As you can see, this is just a quick sampling of what BeFit offers on their YouTube channel of workouts! Try out one of their videos or complete systems and let me know what you liked and tried!