Keto Diet Your 30-Day Plan to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, Boost Brain Health, and Reverse Disease by Josh Axe

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 


About the book-

From the author of the national bestseller Eat Dirt, a 30-day healthy plan -- including more than 80 delicious recipes -- to burn fat, fight inflammation, and reverse disease using the keto diet. 

Today, the ketogenic diet is the world's fastest growing diet, and with good reason. When practiced correctly, it has been proven to burn fat, reduce inflammation, fight cancer, balance hormones and gut bacteria, improve neurological diseases, and even increase lifespan. Unfortunately, many people remain unaware of several key factors that are crucial to the diet's success, setting them up for frustration, failure, and relapse.

In Keto Diet, bestselling author Dr. Josh Axe sets the record straight, offering thorough, step-by-step guidance to achieving lifelong health. Unlike other books on the subject, Keto Diet identifies and details five different ketogenic protocols and explains why picking the right one for your body and lifestyle is fundamental to your success. 

Inside, you'll find all the tools they need to say goodbye to stubborn fat and chronic disease once and for all, including:shopping listsdelicious recipesexercise routinesaccessible explanations of the science behind keto's powerful effectsfive different keto plans and a guide to choosing the one that fits you best! 

My thoughts-

I have been eagerly waiting for this book to be available anywhere for me to read. I have been dabbling with Keto for a couple of years and I have been following Josh Axe on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube for quite some time too, so I really wanted to read what information he presented. I was surprised to find a couple of modifications I have normally heard are keto no-no's like the inclusion of beans (in very small amounts) but over all this book is exactly what I expected. It is full of information about what Keto is, about why it works, how it can help various ailments (cancer and depression/anxiety being of the most interest to me), and Dr. Axe has also included what supplements you should take as well. I loved that there were several meal plans laid out throughout the book depending on why you are doing the ketogenic approach, and pretty much every recipe included sounds fantastically delicious. I also liked that he talks about how to go into maintenance mode as well. Keto Diet is a great place to start for Keto beginners and also a great book for someone who has been on this ride for a while looking for new recipes. I also recommend checking out Dr. Axe's website for his awesome supplements from his wellness company Ancient Nutrition. I use the Keto Multi and it is awesome and I just ordered the Beauty + Sleep collagen to add to my regimen as well. 

The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes 500 Updated Recipes for Doing Low-Carb Better and More Deliciously by Dana Carpender

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Since its publication over 15 years ago, 500 Low-Carb Recipes has become a classic in the low-carb community, earning author Dana Carpender the affectionate moniker “low-carb queen” from her fans. The book is now a bestseller, with over half a million copies sold.

Low-carb cooking has evolved. A decade ago, low-carb menus relied on ingredients like artificial sweeteners, unhealthy vegetable oils, protein additives, and processed foods from grocery store shelves, like low-carb branded snack bars and packaged meals. Today’s low-carb cooking is influenced by larger food movements, such as clean eating; farm-to-table ingredients; higher fat ratios, thanks to the popularity of ketogenic diets; and less stigmatization of foods that have substantial inclusion in a low-carb diet, namely animal foods and saturated fat due to the growth of the Paleo and traditional foods movements. The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes is the beloved cookbook updated for today's low-carb movement. 

My thoughts-

I have spent the last two years living a ketogenic lifestyle off and on. When I am off I still try to do low carb meals for the most part. What I love about "The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes" is that I could utilize a good majority of the recipes will doing my keto thing. I was impressed with the wide variety of food options available in the book. I especially was impressed with the extensive amount of salad recipes because salads can tend to get boring but are so good for you, so it is nice to be able to vary things when you can. I also really enjoyed the dessert section and saw several things I would love to eat. I think this would be a great book for someone who is new to a low carb lifestyle or who doesn't want to have several cookbooks because there are so many recipes in here I think that you could have this one cookbook and not get bored. I recommend "The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes" to anyone who partakes in a low carb lifestyle or would like to move into healthier eating habits.

Easy Home Sewing Projects 101 Projects to Transform Every Room of Your Home by Charlie Moorby

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

There's something for everyone in this bright and inspiring collection of home sewing projects! Whether you're moving into a new home, redecorating an old house, or just updating a room, you?ll find quick and easy projects here to make your living space simply beautiful. Designed to let you give your dwelling a speedy fabric makeover, this book offers inspirational ideas for every room. Transform the heart of your home with bright kitchen accessories, or create the perfect table linen setting. Create a bold boudoir with bright bedroom designs, make tactile toys for the nursery, or revamp your home office with a functional organizer. And don?t neglect the deck, with lovely al fresco accessories and more. 101 Home Sewing Projects is guaranteed to stir up your creativity with clear step-by-step instructions and gorgeous color photography. Inside 101 Home Sewing Projects Sew a new look now make over your home in minutes. Easy projects designed to give your home a speedy fabric makeover. Inspirational ideas for every room in the house?even the garden! Clear step-by-step instructions, beautiful project photography, and ready-to-use templates. Bedroom designs, first floor projects, nursery decorations, kitchen brights, table linen, fabric cover-ups, organizers, and more.

My thoughts-

I am new to sewing so I was looking for a book with simple projects that might not overwhelm me too much. I think there are several in this book that I could definitely try with my newbie skills, but for the most part they seem a little difficult for a beginner. However, I think there were so many interesting projects and patterns that I would love to create once I am feeling more comfortable with my skills. I may try some of the easier ones and work my way up to the more difficult ones, but I definitely think there are some fun yet practical things to be made! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sewing, I think a newbie or seasoned sewer alike would enjoy the projects within these pages. 

Christmas on Cape Cod by Nan Rossiter

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. -

About the book-

In this heartwarming holiday tale by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nan Rossiter, old friends discover the best gifts are the ones worth waiting for . . .
 
With Christmas just around the corner, Asa Coleman has his hands full keeping up with his young son Noah’s rambunctious spirit. Whether he’s playing Santa or keeping a furry surprise under wraps, the joy Asa feels in Noah’s delight is all he could ask for as a single father. His best friend Maddie Carlson has been more than helpful throughout the season’s sometimes overwhelming rush of activities, and she can’t help but see how well she fits into their lives. But as always, something holds Asa back from accepting the happiness he deserves. Except this year, when it’s time to open gifts, something special might surprise them all . . .
 

My thoughts-

This was a short and sweet novella and I really enjoyed it. I think I will literally read anything set on the Cape because it is one of my favorite places I have ever been. I also get an itch around late September to read Christmas novels, so this one was definitely one I enjoyed. It was a sweet love story and I read it in just a couple of days. I didn't know before I read it but it is a continuation of a book called The Gin and Chowder Club which, of course, immediately went on my to-read list, as well as many of Nan Rossiters other books since they are all mostly set on the Cape! 

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible by Doris Rikkers

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Flyby Promotions in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Over 40 Bible stories are brought to life the words of Doris Rikkers and the illustrations of Fernando Juarez. From the story of creation, to the letters of Paul, as well as many other old and new testament stories, The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible reminds us that the spirit of God is always with us.

My thoughts-

I absolutely love The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible! The pictures are so gorgeous and appealing that even adults would enjoy looking at and reading these stories. It is nice to have illustrations to go with easy to understand words for kids to better understand the Bible and to enjoy reading about it in the process. I like the way each story is a few pages long so you could read one or two each night with your kids before bed or at whatever time you decide to read it. I love that it is a hardback book so that it will stand up to little hands and last a long time!

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Unbroken: The Path to Redemption- In Theaters Tomorrow! + Fandango Ticket Giveaway!

*Disclosure of material connection- I received an advanced screening of the movie from Flyby Promotions in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

Several years ago when Laura Hillenbrand wrote Unbroken, it became my absolute favorite biography, and it still is 6 years later. There is just something so gripping about Louie's story while he was a prisoner of war. I happily went and saw the movie version of Unbroken when it came out too, and then when I heard that there was another movie about Louie Zamparini coming out, I couldn't contain my excitement! I was so excited to watch this movie! Unbroken: The Path to Redemption is the story of what happened to Louie after he came back from being a prisoner of war, and about his relationships with his family and with, his struggles with PTSD and his faith and ultimately what all led up to him becoming the man of faith we learned about in Unbroken. This movie was moving in a completely different way than the first one, but maybe even more important to watch  (although I recommend watching both!) . Unbroken: The Path to Redemption is out in theaters tomorrow!

Look below the trailer for your chance to win 2 tickets to see Unbroken: The Path to Redemption!
 
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Little People BIG DREAMS- Mother Teresa by Isabel Sanchez Vegara

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Mother Teresa, in this true story of her life.

With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!

My thoughts- 

I have enjoyed every book in this series, and I love seeing all of the amazing, positive female role models being profiled, but I saved my favorite for last. I have always found inspiration from Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to helping the poor in India. If there were anyone famous I would ever strive to be like, it would be here. Once again, this is a great introduction of a female role model to kids with gorgeous illustrations to match. I think this book belongs on every kid's bookshelf!