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Book Review-Anchor in the Storm (And Giveaway)

I did receive this book complimentary from Litfuse Publicity Group for my review. These thoughts are my own.

 In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin’s new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

That is a snippet from the blog tour. Sounds intriguing right?

I read the first in this series almost a year ago, and I was excited to see this book come up! Here is my review on Through Waters Deep.

Unlike the first book, Anchor in the Storm I was able to get right into. Since I already knew the characters and the setting of the book, I was ready. I really enjoy Sundin’s writing style of back and forth between the two main characters.

This book was also a little different because it broached the world of disabilities with Lillian and the effects and stigmas of PTSD with Arch. Since PTSD is something that hits close to home for us, I really enjoyed reading the perspective written here. Even though it was fictional, it made me really glad that there have been a lot of changes for our military members, but it also reminded me that we still have a long ways to go to serve this population well. Just because you have PTSD doesn’t mean you can’t be a fully function member of society. But I digress.

Anyway, back to the book. I rate this one a 4/5. I honestly liked this one better than the first. It is a fun read with intrigue and romance.

I love the style of the women being heroines and being independent. The story does tell a lot about the push back of women moving into more traditional men’s roles, and I love the strength portrayed by these female characters.

 This is a great read for a WWII fictional time piece. What I liked about this was it really hit on how the home-front was affected. I think a lot of times when we look at WWII pieces, it focuses on what was happening overseas, so this was a different spin on that time. I was not disappointed, and I was often thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it.

Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

anchor in the storm - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.

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June Goals

I really enjoyed myself this last month. It’s always good to reflect on yourself and make sure you are enjoying life. Isn’t that what birthdays are for?

Anyway, I think I also did some damage to my goals…in a good way.

 Recap on my May goals

  • Fitness-get at least one day with 25,000 steps. I got this the first weekend! Then my steps when downhill from there, but I did get it that one time!
  • House Tasks-
    • Hang up photos in our bedroom-Friends! We finally got these up. This picture doesn’t do the room justice on the change it made. It only took us 5 months…
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    • Get the basement visitor ready-We got this mostly done. We have to hang the shower curtain in the bathroom, but we cleaned out a lot of the construction trash and straightened up and organized things . So I would say this is progress!
    • Put in flower beds off our porch-This didn’t happen yet. One it has rained a lot this month which makes any project difficult. And two we have changed our minds several times on how we want to lay it out once we saw how we may use it with friends over. So we may wait a little longer to see if there are any other tweaks to our design we want to make to make sure it is fully functionally for what we need.
    • Dig up flowers to put in tree beds-I blame it on the rain and the fact that Tom and I had almost no days off that were the same this month. So no we did not do this.
    • Tear down the creeper shed-Can I blame it on the rain again? I think this is just going to be put on the back burner until we have some other yard projects done. Until then we will use it to get some aggression out when needed. 
  • Something with George-Have a play-date with one of my mom friends. We did have some friends over who have an almost toddler. While it wasn’t a mom date since our hubbies were there, I think having another kid over for George was good for him. We also had Tom’s entire squad and their families over for a BBQ, so he got to interact with a lot of kids then too. He is really jealous of sharing Mom and Dad, so I think all this interaction on his own turf is good for him.
  • Something with Tom-Go to the restaurant in our little town. We did not do this. Other than my birthday weekend, we didn’t have any weekends off together. 
  • Something for me-Blog about my favorite things. I am actually really surprised I did as many as I did. I hope you all enjoyed it because it was great for me to be in this space every day. 

Not so bad. About 50/50. Let’s see what I can do this month.

June Goals

  •  Fitness-
    • I found some BodyPump videos that I want to try out. I miss BodyPump so my goal is to do it once a weekend.
    • Go through Jessica Smith’s Walk-a-Thon twice. There are 8 videos, so I think this is completely doable right?
  • House Tasks-
    • Finish Living Room Wall-I have a gallery wall I want to do, but we have to make one thing before that can be finished. Pallet boards are in my future!
    • Fix the flower beds around the trees-we have to do something new. THe rocks are not working out with the lawn mower
    • Get the basement visitor ready-We just need to top off the bathroom!
    • Clean the craft room-This seriously needs to happen. I want to make things!
  • Something with George
    • George starts swim lessons this month. (I know! How can he be old enough for that business?) We were gifted a blow up pool, so my goal is to get that out this month.
    • I also want to get out the bubbles. I think he is old enough now to actually enjoy them more, so it is time to play!
  • Something with Tom-We celebrate our anniversary this month. Even though it is Year FIVE, we just want to do something simple. We want to go to a dinner and a movie.
  • Something for me-I am going to be very vague here, but there are some things that I need to do this month for me. Tom’s pep talk to me was “If you can birth a baby out of your vagina, you can do this.” Yep. That’s it. I just need to have the confidence to advocate for myself this month.

 

 

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Bachelorette JoJo Week 2 Thoughts

Ahhhh, another night of romance and roses. So what were my thoughts on this week’s JoJo adventures?

  • Do you think JoJo actually writes the date cards?
  • You have to admit…JoJo was gorgeous coming out of that firetruck.
  • Chad’s job is Luxury Real Estate…seriously? There is a field for luxury real estate?
  • Chad, could you be peacocking any harder? There has to be gym equipment on that property so why is there a need for him to bring a weight belt.
  • How much pressure is that for Grant on the fire fighter date? He has got to win right.
  • I’m right there with you Wells. I would pass out from that too.
  • The guys writing songs by the pool for JoJo was too cute. Bromance rising.
  • Derek’s date-I would totally pick sea. This is a cute date though with all the signs.
  • Beware of nice guys? Seriously? Chad and Dan you have the wrong approach. Also that protein shake analogy was not really an analogy.
  • The ESPN date would be so much fun!
  • These touchdown dances are so funny. Apparently most people only know how to do the ride the pony.
  • Wow Chad. Just to call her out as a nagger. Just dig your grave. This is supposed to be a cheesy date, just have fun with it.
  • Yes there is something to be worried about with Chad, JoJo.
  • While I don’t like Chad, he had some good points during his “press conference.” I appreciate that he wants to get to know her, and I agree that these guys don’t really know her yet. However, I don’t know if I would do it with that kind of delivery. So awkward.
  • I love the ESPN hosts approach of who they would like having over as a brother-in-law. I think that is a great way to be real about your opinions.
  • James Taylor was so sweet with the note. Also I just want to put my hands through that curly hair. Isn’t he dreamy?
  • JoJo hit the nail on the head that Chad is overcompensating for something. If he thinks this is so cheesy why is he on the show?
  • JoJo NOOOOO! Gross kissing Chad. And what is with the champion-winning music in the background?
  • I do agree that the guys got super sensitive about Chad getting the first moment during the rose ceremony.
  • Chase’s little snow date was super cute.
  • Did anyone else notice that Chase and Jordan look very similar?
  • The little bit about Chad’s eating habits made me super hungry…
  • This post is basically my reaction to Chad…
  • It does seem a little early to already have an intervention going on.
  • I can’t tell if Chad’s “in your face finger pointing” is alcohol induced or if he just has that intense of a reflex. Maybe he is having a reaction to all that he is eating.
  • Chad is snacking during the rose ceremony…now all of this lunch meat intake is making me nauseous.
  • Oh you know Chad is getting a rose because that is just the way of the world. But it was really labored how she said his name.

 My favorites as of this week: Luke, James Taylor, Chase, and Jordan. (My radio station had James T on this morning, and by some of the cryptic things he was saying I don’t think he will make it as the final guy. I still love him though. )

It looks like next week has the potential for a lot of drama to come up!

Did you watch this week? What did you think of the dates?

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My Favorite Workout Youtube Channels

We cut ties with a gym about 9 months ago, but my wannabe fitness guru heart needs fitness classes.

Not going to lie I grew up watching Sweating to the Oldies with Richard Simmons and Tae Bo with Billy Blanks. Group fitness is my jam.

Some days I aspire to be a fitness class instructor. But then I remember there is now way I would remember the choreography for an entire lesson nor do I really have the skills to teach fitness form.

This would be me (as the toddler)…

So in an effort to help my fellow fitness enthusiast wannabees, here are my favorite workout channels on Youtube.

All of these channels have free videos that I have enjoyed. It can be hard to find the motivation to workout at home, but these videos make it a little easier. Having access to these still keeps me active and energized since there are so many options.

PopSugar Fitness

I really like this channel. There are all kinds of videos. You can do just 10 minutes which some days is all you have time for or full body workouts if you have some extra time. They also have short videos to show you one move or stretch. This channel does focus on full health with videos about food choices too. I would say these feel the most like you are in a workout class. The lead talks to you like you are in a classroom with jokes and motivation along the way. There is also a lot of modifications that they show you. This is my favorite video from this channel…I was dripping with sweat and felt this workout for a few days afterwords.

Jessica Smith TV

Jessica does some really good low-impact workouts. I found her for her barre workouts. While they aren’t true ballet workouts, they do have some influence. Even with the low impact, I still get a good sweat on with her videos. I usually do the ones that are 30 minutes, but she does have some shorter videos. I think I am going to do her power-walking challenge here soon.

Fitness Blender

This is a great channel. They give really good instructions so I always feel like I know what I am doing. There is also a timer on the side which I like. I love working out but I also like to know when it is going to be done so I can keep pushing myself. They have a wide range of videos so you can really diversify your workouts with this channel.

Millionaire Hoy

This guy is really energizing. I love his kickboxing videos. I really get into these. Most of his are HIIT inspired which I really enjoy. He loves what he does, and that shows through instruction. There is a double timer on these:  one for the total time and one for the move. He also has a preview box that shows you what is the next move. This is my favorite workout I have watched so far.

BeFit

This is another all-encompassing healthy channel. There are workouts and videos on healthy eating. Jillian Michaels has several videos on this channel which is how I watched her 30 day shred series. I love all the options!

There are so many workout channels out there, but these are just a few that I have enjoyed and found benefits with.

Do you watch workout videos? What are your favorites?

 

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Bachelorette JoJo Week 1 Thoughts

I love my Monday nights! Going from Dancing with the Stars to the Bachelorette-so good.

Let’s get to watching reality TV!

Here were my thoughts from this week’s episode of the Bachelorette.

  • I loved having the former bachelorettes back. They were so chill and gave really good advice. Also I love seeing Dez and Ali pregnant!
  • Everyone is so punny on the first night. “Mojo for Jojo, Be my first round draft pick. She can light my fire…”
  • Aaron Rodgers’s brother! Yowza!
  • Bachelor Superfan is a job? Where can I get paid for this?
  • Daniel, from Canada, seems like a skeevy perve.
  • Santa was a little weird and too gimmicky.
  • Hipster is a job? What is happening?
  • All 4 One!?!?!?! What the heck Wells?
  • Luke getting a “unicorn” was adorable, and he is from Texas. I think that will be a draw for JoJo
  • The kiss with Jordan gave me goose bumps.
  • Chad just wants to talk smack on everyone and seems very full of himself. He seems like bad news from the previews too.
  • I am sorry, but since when is your nationality a profession? Why do their jobs bother me so much?
  • The guys got obnoxious really fast. Have you not learned from other seasons? Do better with your alcohol intake! There is always that one guy that jumps in the pool.
  • I actually vomited when Jake Pvelka came out. Then they are family friends? Ok he redeemed himself by actually giving her good advice.
  • WHY DANIEL!!!?!?!?! My jaw dropped to the floor when she called his name…
  • If I was on this…I would have passed out in a corner somewhere not because I was drunk but because of physical exhaustion. I never made it through the night at sleep overs.
  • She makes out with a lot of dudes from what the previews show, but there doesn’t seem to be as much crying. Apparently there is a lot of blood though.
  • I am interested to see if she falls for more than one person and how she will handle that with what had happened to her with Ben.
  • BachelorNation thought-I am going to say it here, but I think Caila will be on Bachelor in Paradise. While I am excited about JoJo, I think that Caila got the raw end of the deal.

 I think this season will be extra fun to watch because the radio show I listen to in the morning is based out of Dallas. One of the DJs knows JoJo in real life, and another person behind the scenes has watch parties with people that JoJo went to college with. So I feel like I will get some great perspective with their recaps on Tuesdays. They say that she is really down to earth and super sweet. They claimed that she will be a “good” Bachelorette because she will be in tune to everyone’s feelings and be classy about the process.

We shall see!

My top picks as of the first night are:  Jordan, James Taylor, Christian, and Luke.

Did you watch the premiere with JoJo as the Bachelorette? If not you should at least watch this…