The Hatmaker’s Heart by Carla Stewart-book review

Posted on June 11, 2014 by EmpowerMoms

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: website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,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.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Hatmaker’s Heart by Carla Stewart-book review

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

Posted on June 10, 2014 by EmpowerMoms

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.     
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

week 1 recap of #nataliejillchallenge #nataliejillfitness

Posted on June 10, 2014 by EmpowerMoms

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

http://66.147.244.197/~empowfu5/2014/05/natalie-jill-fitness-flatbellychallenge-starts-tomorrow-nataliejillchallenge.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. 
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on week 1 recap of #nataliejillchallenge #nataliejillfitness

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

Posted on June 9, 2014 by EmpowerMoms

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 Challenge: I 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 Challenge: Choose 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 Challenge: If 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 Challenge: Today’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: 


Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Week 7, 8 & 9 of “The Virtuous Life of a Christ-Centered Wife” book study by Darlene Schacht (Chapter 13-18)

We made a gluten free, dairy free cake and frosting for my birthday!! Recipe and pictures.

Posted on June 7, 2014 by EmpowerMoms

This past sunday was my birthday dinner so my hubby decided to make a special cake and frosting per my request. We got a gluten free, dairy free vanilla cake mix from big lots and then I found a recipe online for homemade frosting that was dairy free.

Here’s the frosting recipe we used: http://dairyfreecooking.about.com/od/sweetsaucesfrostings/r/whitefrosting.htm

I honestly didn’t have high hopes of the cake being edible. or the frosting for that matter. But it was exciting to try a new desert that I could eat without feeling terrible afterwards and something for me to blog about! 😉

I was REALLY pleased with how it turned out. It kinda tasted like a vanilla corn bread mix. We added fresh strawberries and its natural juice over the top of it and YUM!! 

Have you ever made anything gluten free or dairy free? What did you think of it? 
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment