Mom Loves 2 Read 2 - backup blog: 2014-07-20
For all current Mom Loves 2 Read Reviews, Giveaways, Mommy Moments and More go to ~ www.momloves2read.com

Friday, July 25, 2014

The Practical Prepper Blog Tour, Guest Post, #Review ~ Come find out how my family is preparing for the next emergency


About the book:


Practical-Prepper-blog-tour2


Earthquakes, hurricanes, civil unrest,
economic troubles- no one knows when the next disaster will strike. Will
you be prepared? With everything from cooking in a crisis to home
security and protection, “The Practical Prepper” is the ultimate guide
to making timely preparations for an uncertain future. You don’t need to
bug out to be safe; be ready in the protection of your own home during
any

emergency.










GUEST POST:










Nobody Gets Left
Behind





You are highly focused on your work when the level of
chatter in the office increases. Suddenly you realize that a tornado warning
has been issued in your area. Your first thought is for your family. Where is
everyone? At school? At work? With friends? Do they know how to stay safe if
the tornado touches down? Do you know? Should you risk the 30 minute commute
home to try and gather everyone?





This may never happen to you, but then again it might. Or it
might be some other scenario where the benefits of planning ahead could save
the lives of those you love. Developing a family emergency plan takes a little
bit of time, but it is well worth the effort. In our book, The Practical Prepper—A Common-Sense Guide to Preparing for Emergencies,
we review how to create a good family emergency plan in great detail. For the
purposes of this post, we will just review the basics.





A family emergency plan should include:


·        
Contact numbers for each family member (work,
school, daycare, etc.) as well as other emergency numbers and addresses.


·        
Prearranged meeting places may be with a friend,
family member or any other place that has been decided upon and prepared in
advance. Be sure to include the following:


o  
A primary
meeting
place just outside of
your home in the event of a sudden emergency such as a house fire.


o  
A secondary
meeting place
should be outside of your neighborhood and might be used for
localized flooding, a chemical spill, wildfire or any localized event.


o  
An out-of-area
meeting place
should be at least 100 miles away from your home. This
location would be used for larger scale events such as a hurricane.


o  
A higher-ground
meeting place
might be necessary if you live near the coast and are in
danger of tsunami or a similar risk of sudden flooding.


·        
Home escape plan in the event of a house fire.
Physically practice fire drills regularly.


·        
Evacuation plan, marked evacuation maps, and
up-to-date survival kits.


·        
Communication plan should be incorporated into
daily life.


o  
Where will notes be left? Be sure to include
time and date on each communication!  






o  
Text messages may eventually get through when
voice service is unavailable.


o  
Decide how to connect using social media or
e-mail when possible. A quick update or post, even when service is sporadic,
can provide valuable information.


o  
Create an out-of-state contact. It may be possible
to call out-of-state, but not your neighbor next door.


o  
Communication devices are critical. Cell phones
are amazing when they work. Learn how to use family band radios or get an
amateur radio license to use when traditional communication lines are down. Play
with your chosen devices regularly.


·        
Keep copies of vital documents organized and
ready to take with you.


·        
Current family photos. They may be used for
comfort or to identify lost loved ones.







Those are the basics. Put the entire plan in writing and
strategically place copies so that everyone has access to them. We tape one on
the back of our coat closet door for quick reference and place one in each
survival kit. Our plan has the details on one side and photos on the other.
Each plan is laminated for protection and, theoretically, updated annually. Clear
thinking is difficult during high stress situations. The written plan
eliminates the need to remember details. The plan has been carefully thought
through in advance and clearly written down for reference.  





Practice, practice, practice! Gather the family around and
talk about your emergency plan. Play the “What If” game. What would you do if
there was an earthquake and you were at school? What would you do if a tornado
warning was issued? Listening to the thought processes of family members can be
very enlightening. Make it fun. Remind your family that there is power in the
plan. We will be okay because we know what to do.





Kylene and Jonathan
Jones


Authors of The Practical Prepper—A Common-Sense Guide
to Preparing for Emergencies











My Review:


I know many of us think we are prepared for any disaster, yet when one actually arrives we find that we are much less prepared than we should have been.  After a Tornado ripped through our neighboring towns, destroying many friends' homes, businesses and lives; we have all come to the realization that we were not as prepared as we could have and should have been.





My children were scared of Storms before, now they are terrified of a Tornado every time it rains.  To help them with that fear, we have begun finding ways to "prepare" for each storm as it comes through our town.  Making sure we have flashlights for every member of our family, that our dog and children are safely in the basement, that lights and electrical equipment is turned off unless needed to keep track of the coming storm.


Giving the children tasks to help them  prepare helps calm them and give them a distraction as well.





Our family now has a rough tote in the basement with a few nonperishable foods, clean drinking water, flashlights and a few other necessities.  We also have a safe area in the basement with extra bedding, pillows and a weather radio.  And now that I have read The Practical Prepper, I have even more ideas of how we can be more prepared for any future disasters that may arrive to shake up our normal lives.





The Practical Prepper—A Common-Sense Guide
to Preparing for Emergencies
is a wonderful book for every family to have on hand.  It shows tips for how to prepare for any emergency and also how to prepare your family so that they are less scared and more prepared.  A wonderfully written guide for families of any size.





About the author: 




Jonathan is a
licensed civil engineer and an avid enthusiast of alternative energy
sources, especially solar and wind power. He has served as vice
president and advisory board member of The American Civil Defense
Association (TACDA), as secretary/treasurer for a local chapter of Civil
Defense Volunteers, and as an emergency preparedness and communications
specialist. As a city councilperson, has been tasked with developing
the city emergency plan in his own community. He has coauthored numerous
articles with his wife on emergency preparedness topics and published
them in The Journal of Civil Defense. He is the owner of Your Family
Ark, LLC, an education and consulting business designated to assist
individuals and families in preparing for an uncertain future
(www.yourfamilyark.org). 




Kylene has an educational background in
business management and family studies. She has also served on the
advisory board and on the board of directors for TACDA and is currently
the editor for The Journal of Civil Defense. She has a passion for
researching and experimenting, which adds a sense of real life to her
writing and teaching. A firm believer in hands-on learning, she involves
her family in emergency training for everything from fire drills to
living off food storage and garden produce to turning off the power in
the dead of winter just to see if they can survive it. She’s learned
many powerful lessons from these experiences, the best one being that we
are tougher than any challenge. We will not only survive but will
emerge better, stronger people as a result of the adventure.




Jonathan and Kylene make a dynamic
combination. Together they have presented in a wide variety events,
including community education courses, educational seminars,
preparedness fairs, employee education programs, and community classes.
With Jonathan’s extensive knowledge and Kylene’s high-energy
personality, they have a unique talent for taking a relatively boring
topic and turning it into an exciting quest, motivating audiences to
join the ranks of provident preppers.











Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Summer is winding down - do you have your FALL activities planned? Check this out!


Latest and Greatest from Inspired Arts Academy in Morton, IL 


What will YOU sign up for this FALL?


I know my girls will be attending a few different classes and I personally plan to look into aa adult class or two for ME while they are in school -  here is what IAA has to offer YOUR family this FALL . . . 











What's New? Programs!












Image




After School Program-
STEAM


Science -Technology -Engineering -Arts
-Math


Kelleen and I are so excited about our after school
program that encompasses arts and sciences-right brain and left brain
stimulation. Your child
(K-6th) will be TRANSPORTED from his or her school to IAA by
bus.
At the Academy, the
children will participate in homework time, STEM integrated Arts' classes , team
time, and exploring the Academy. Sign up online TODAY- spaces are limited!



Alternative
PreK


Our new Prek Alternative program has been popular!
Clients are seeing the need for a prek program that is based off of the
Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and taught by early childhood
certified teachers. Want to try our child based program? We still have a few
spots left! Sign up here!
















What's New? Classes!












Image




Pricing
Cheaper


Classes start at $40 a month and drop by
$10 the more you
take
(with the exception of the 'performance
classes').

This enables your child to be well rounded and you to provide an affordable
arts' education that we are so dearly lacking in our schools today. Value
without compromising quality...



Group
Piano


Due to client request, we have hired 2
amazing piano teachers! These music educators are excited to teach your child
piano! Read about our piano class here.



Group
Guitar


Back by popular demand, guitar is here to
stay! Join Kari as she transforms your child's guitar playing skills into
beautiful music! Read about our guitar class here.



Performance
Groups


We also have added 'Performance classes'
for those students' who want to be in the limelight and have opportunities
beyond the Academy
(such
as festivals, basketball games and non for profit
events)

.


  • Broadway Entertainers (music and
    theatre)

  • Dancing with the Stars (lyrical /jazz
    funk)

  • Small Town Idol (singing/songwriting/instruments)


Sign your child up for a performance class here.



Combo
Classes


The Broadway Star, The Musician, The
Artist, and The Dancer... These are 2-3 suggested combination of classes your
child can enroll in on 1 night! Check them out here!














Birthday Box Incentive in July












Image




Birthday Box Promo! SIGN UP IN JULY!

It's my Birthday!!! When you register the month of July, your child will
choose an item out of the Birthday Box- could be for ice cream, a DROP, IAA
gear, or even a Birthday! SIGN UP IN JULY!

http://inspiredartsacademy.com/promotions/














Back to School BASH!!! August 15th!












Image




August 15th- Back to School Bash!

From 5-7 PM, we will be hosting a Back to School Bash for you to
register for classes/programs, receive giveaways, meet the teachers and have
fun! Each person who brings a potential referral will receive a token of
appreciation! Join us and celebrate back to school!!!














DROP on August
1st












Image




On August 1st, we are hosting a DROP in effort of raising funds for the
Morton Downtown Plaza! Theme is 'Movie Maddness!! Kids enjoy popcorn, movies,
and red carpet fun while you enjoy an evening out with your loved ones... Time
is 6-9pm, RSVP on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/254289651430338/














Community Events: Auditions for The
Nutcracker












Image




Auditions:

WHO: Ballet, Tap, Jazz dancers, Tumblers and Actors (Adults for
party scene if interested)


WHERE: Cornerstone Academy Studio, 3117 N Prospect Rd

WHEN: Saturday August 23, 2014 / Sunday August 24, 2014


  • Ages 3-6 1:00-2:00pm

  • Ages 7-10 2:00-3:00pm

  • Ages 11 & up 3:00-4:00pm


Please join us in our family Christmas Tradition, we have tons of fun, make
new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Questions....send to info@cornerstoneballetpeoria.com or call 309-620-3164














Upcoming Schedule & Events










Image





  • Ongoing -- REGISTRATION FOR
    FALL 2014


  • Jul 24/25 -- 101 Dalmations
    production in IAA THeatre!


  • Aug 1 -- DROP, Movie Madness!
    Plaza Fundraiser! RSVP HERE!


  • Aug 15 -- Back to School
    Bash!


  • Aug 18 -- PreK Alternative
    program , STEAM program and Fall Classes begin at Inspired Arts. Limited spots
    available!















Disclosure: Mom Loves 2 Read is a business partner with Inspired Arts Academy.  This is not a paid advertisement, simply an update for local families and friends of Mom Loves 2 Read and IAA. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Renewal "Anytime" 10 Day Detox by Lisa Consiglio Ryan ~ Book Tour, Guest Post, #Review




Genre: Health/Wellness/Cookbook

Format: Kindle

Purchase at AMAZON












Lose
weight, energize, and glow with over 50 recipes and complete 10 day detox plan.
This whole foods cleanse includes detailed menu plan, shopping list, and bonus
recipes to make after your cleanse. Renewal "Anytime" also includes
pre-detox plan, daily instructions, FAQ's, and post-

detox next steps.




(from the book)


Questions about detox…


Detox can be an amazing experience, but knowing the
ins and outs of the process is so beneficial to a successful cleanse.







These questions have been compiled during my work
with thousands of clients. You might be asking yourself some of these questions
as you embark on this clean living adventure. Make sure to refer to this
section before you start your detox - and during - if concerns come up.





AUTHOR GUEST POST





Top 5 Energy Boosters To Add
Into Your Life


"I don't have enough energy to get through my
day."

"I crash around
3:00 every
afternoon."

" By the time I get home from work, there is
NO way I have energy left to exercise."

"I wish I could keep
up with the kids. I just don't have the energy to play with
them."


It seems that lack of energy is an epidemic in North
America. We have so much on our plates, and it is overwhelming
even to think of getting it all done.


Overwhelm has taken over!






Most likely you know that your calendar is never going to be
empty, and your to-do lists will never be short. You may want to
make a few simple changes to boost your energy so you can everything done and
more.

Think of your body as an automobile. You need to fuel
up your car by using premium gas just like you need to fuel your body with whole
foods. You can wait until the gas gauge is on empty before going
to the gas station to refill... but your car won't run as efficiently.


Your body is the same way. It is very resilient. It will work for you
unconditionally. But after a certain point, the gas tank hits
empty. Your body becomes exhausted.

Here are the top 5 ways to
get more energy and keep your tank full:


1. Drink water
throughout the day.
The first sign of dehydration is
fatigue. Try beginning your day with a glass of water and take sips throughout
the day to stay hydrated. Anytime you crave sweets, try having a
glass of water instead. If you're thirsty, that means you're already dehydrated.


2. Eat a healthy carbohydrate/protein based snack about
half hour before you tend to start losing steam
. This will help get rid
of the 3pm slump. Try lentil soup with rice crackers, salsa,
celery and hummus, apples and almond butter, or trail mix with lots of seeds and
nuts. Build your snacks with a good fat (ex. avocado), good carb
(ex. veggies and fruit), and good protein ( ex. nuts, quinoa).

3.
Increase your iron intake. Iron is a trace element which gives
you energy and helps your immune system function. You'll get iron from nuts,
sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, millet, and those dark leafy greens
like kale and spinach.

4. Eat foods
that are ALIVE.
Try replacing your crackers and chips
with vegetables and fruits. Their energy levels will give YOU energy. Pick the
foods that look most alive and fresh in the grocery store. Try carrots, snap
peas, celery, juicy tomatoes, spinach salad, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, or
squash. These veggies and fruits have all the vitamins and minerals your body
needs for energy.

9. Get more rest and relax.
Stress makes us tired. Very tired. So does lack of
sleep. You have to make sure to get some downtime in order to give your body a
chance to rejuvenate. Instead of pushing your body past its
breaking point each day, why not listen to it and give in every once in a while?
Try taking a nap (my favorite), taking a walk, reading a book, sleeping in late,
getting a massage... these will all increase your energy. AND they
are fun, too. J


All of these strategies can be practiced while doing a 10 day
detox. As you clear toxins from your body, you will be able to
energize as well as form new habits with your food and managing stress.
Ready to try a detox and feel amazing?








My Review:


Although I did not do the full detox in the book, I did take many of these tips and implement them in my daily routine.  I traded some of my "go to" snacks for healthier alternatives and my favorite soda for water or sugar-free tea.  I have already lost 4 pounds in the past few days just by replacing some of the bad for me quick grabs for healthier and more nutritious options.  I do feel a bit better and seem to have a little more energy than usual.  I plan to continue this and after the kids go back to school, I plan to try the detox as well when I have less distractions around daily.





I like the practical advice and step by step instructions in the book.  Lisa's Renewal guide shows how to live a healthy life by taking care of yourself first.  Using Step by step processes from detox to easing back into a regular eating routine. A good book to have on hand to give weight loss and healthy eating a kick start.








About the Author




Lisa Consiglio Ryan is the founder of Whole Health Designs, juicy clean
living advocate and mama of two. She loves her yoga practice, running, and has
a mission to spread the word, "Food is love." She provides
detox programs and private coaching for women who
desire to embrace clean living.





As a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach, Lisa has worked with
thousands in her
Renewal 10Day Detox programs. Her work has been featured in Fitness Magazine,
TinyBuddha, Elephant Journal, Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Life, The Daily Meal, and
Mind Body Green. You can also check out Lisa's new membership program, Clean + Sexy 2014
(year-long detox + community)
Kickin’ ItClean  gluten-free meal plans for plant lovers and Juice Shop. Lisa is leading
a wellness retreat in Costa
Rica
this July:  Clean + SexyWellness Retreat





Her latest book is the health/wellness/cookbook, Renewal“Anytime” 10 Day Detox.







Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Penny Wise ~ Windy City Neighbors series by Neta & Dave Jackson ~ #review


About the book: Penny Wise introduces us to
yet another family in "the neighborhood"---the Jaspers, busy with demanding
jobs, busy with church, busy volunteering, parents of three active teenagers,
juggling sometimes crazy schedules. All good things. Until all those "good
things" feed into a series of crises


that affects the whole family. Something's
gotta change!




The third in the Windy City Neighbors series, Penny
Wise
is a contemporary peek at an urban family wrestling with the spiritual
and practical challenges of real life. The series employs the innovating
storytelling technique of "parallel novels," each with its own drama and story
arc, but whose characters' lives become intertwined with their neighbors and
affect one another. Welcome to Beecham Street---a typical, isolated American
neighborhood that is beginning to come out of its shell . . . for better or
worse.





Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/yLCKz





About the authors: Dave and Neta Jackson are
award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels
from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set. As a
husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books,
kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the
authors or coauthors of over 100 books.





Find Neta and Dave
online:
website





My Review:

This is the first book I have read in this series and I can honestly say it can be read as a stand alone story.  It was quite slow in the first several chapters and took me quite a while to really get into the story.  The setting is great - it is set in a Chicago neighborhood where most of the families are mixed races and barely acknowledge each other.  Once the Bentley's move in, they work hard to change the way neighbors view each other, striving to bring them together and get involved in praying for each other.



What a wonderful way to show Christ's love and His desire for us to "love our neighbor as ourselves."  The story is well written, though the flow could be better, especially in the first several chapters.  I love that the main characters are Christian parents trying to raise their children to Love the Lord.  That the main family have real life issues yet are a devoted and faithful family.



The characters are engaging and once into the story, they keep the reader wanting more. The ending was ok, but left me wishing it was a bit different.  Overall a good read and one that did leave me wanting to read more books by Neta and Dave Jackson.








Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green ~ Clean Fun Fiction ~ Book Spotlight


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Yankee in Atlanta


River North(June 1, 2014)


by


Jocelyn Green





ABOUT THE BOOK





When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse,

Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta.



Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta.



Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?



Id you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.





*No review - but this is one I'll add to my TBR!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:






Jocelyn
Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She
is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though
she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most
widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed.
Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a
military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with
members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed:
Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith
Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is
also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq
& Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home
Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook
page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources
for military wives worldwide.








Disclosure: I am posting about this book because it sounds intriguing and I feel some of my readers might enjoy it. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Firewall by DiAnn Mills ~ Mystery, Suspense, Good Clean Romance






This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Firewall


Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)


by


DiAnn Mills







ABOUT THE BOOK





After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.




Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to

catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?




With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.




If you would like to read the first chapter of Firewall, go HERE.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




DiAnn
Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a
fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable
characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many
awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the
recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and
2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in
2010.



DiAnn is a founding board member for American
Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive,
Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor
for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and
teaches writing workshops.



DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills






Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for posting about this book.  I am a CFBA partner and post books that sound interesting to me and my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

 

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