JOIN THE FAITHFUL, FIT & FABULOUS 8 WEEK CHALLENGE AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Faithful, Fit & Fabulous





Filled with humor and “I can relate” life experiences, Faithful, Fit, and Fabulous is the ideal 8-week life boost that will refresh any woman's life. Create a personal and effective life plan, and learn how to readily apply it in your busy daily life. Establish holy habits, feel fit and fabulous, and get organized. Just one goal a week for eight weeks—it's simple and fun.

Amazon * Barnes &Noble

Message from Connie

Hi Ladies,

This is the moment. This is the year. You can be your best self, your most beautiful self, your most faithful, fit, and fabulous self. Ever. Twelve months are before you-what will you do with them?

Years ago, after bearing several children and feeling overwhelmed, I created and lived my “Year of the Change.” During twelve months of taking life by the horns, I lost weight, got organized, and discovered more joy. Since then I’ve tweaked and taught the principles I have learned and now share them with you.

So make this your year of fabulous change by joining us on the “8-week Challenge” starting on January 8th! The 8-week Challenge is an online success program of “8 goals in 8 weeks in 8 areas of your life,” including fit and fabulous, get organized, balance womanhood and motherhood, and more. Using the Faithful, Fit and Fabulous book, each week you set and achieve a goal, with help from my podcasts, video segments, blog posts, and motivational emails!

Simple, fun, and productive. This program works (see testimonials below). And this year, we’re giving our new 2013 Fit &Fabulous podcast series FREE to those who sign up with a friend! Both of you receive weekly podcasts and posts on weight loss/energy gain tips and strategies. Jill Holmes, our online marketing director, has lost and kept off 50 POUNDS! She'll share her personal tips and secrets to make weight loss work for you, even eating chocolate daily.

Here's what women have said about the 8-week Challenge:

“I have learned so many things about who I am and what I want to do in my life. I have also gained a new sense of happiness. My husband and girls have noticed just in the last week the change in my attitude and they have told me that it is nice to hear me laugh again.” C.Adams

“Thank you so much for giving me the needed push to do something I've wanted to do for months & never completed. That has never happened for me with goal setting. THANK YOU!” B.Bird

“If I wouldn't have been doing the challenge I never would have thought to [accomplish this goal]. I am so glad I did this 8 week challenge! I want to continue these small goals for the rest of my life.” C. Rose

So join us now and jumpstart your ideal life. Get that closet organized, start that exercise program going, find that joy in daily living!

Join now and, because you’re reading this blog post, receive your 8-week Challenge for only $29, thru Jan. 8th only!

http://8basics.com/store/books/start-the-8-week-challenge-refer-a-friend-discount.

Sign up a friend and BOTH receive the 8 podcast series of “Fit &Fabulous”.

Email us for more information at connie@8basics.com.

Learn more here: http://8basics.com/b2b-life-coaching-support

So what are you waiting for? Join us for a fun and fabulous life-changing experience!




Author Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

Website * Facebook

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF GET SKINNY BY SCOTT SCHMALTZ

Now that Spring has officially started, it is time to get in shape and lose those winter pounds. Do you need a little inspiration and guidance then the book  Get Skinny: The Six-Week Body Challenge by Scott Schmaltz is just for you.

About the Book:


Imagine having the energy to perform at your peak throughout the day, the inner strength to tap into your true potential, and the ability to permanently lose weight--- all while having absolute confidence in who you are and what you can accomplish.


If you are thinking about losing weight but don't know where to start, let "Get Skinny! The Six-Week Body Challenge" be your guide. Unlike other fitness books on the market, this six-week body challenge won't leave you feeling confused about what you need to do to permanently lose weight and change your life.


"Get Skinny! The Six-Week Body Challenge" gives you the true feeling and experience that comes from working with an elite personal trainer one-on-one. For the next six weeks, you'll be guided through several fun and challenging exercise and nutrition programs as if you were actually meeting with an elite trainer at your local gym. You'll be pushed to reach for your true, inner potential while being praised for your efforts. There are even targeted goals and weekly check-ins to help keep you motivated.


In the end, you'll be able to laugh and have a good time, make mistakes in a safe and comfortable environment, and personally connect with your trainer in a way that will allow you to achieve lasting and permanent success, forever changing the way you look at fitness!

Connect with Scott:


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scottschmaltz.fanpage
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/scottschmaltz
You Tube http://www.youtube.com/precisionfitness1
Linked In http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottschmaltz


My Thoughts: 

There are many exercise books and miracle pills on the market. But do they work? Get Skinny is very different from all the other exercise books that I have read. The author has written a book that is motivating, easy to follow and very informative. All of the exercises mentioned in the book are explained fully with pictures that show the correct form that is needed to do them right. In the chapter "Committed to Change," he told a story of a woman who was struggling with her weight and when she met Scott her life changed and she became fit. I have also been struggling with my weight and have followed many Fab diets that did not work. I have reached my ideal weight and maintained it for a while and the pounds have always crept up. Scott has written a great book to get you started on your weight loss journey. Would you like to win a copy?



Contest: USA ONLY


Win a copy of Get Skinny!

Enter below via Rafflecopter- Contest ends on  4/7 @11:59PM EST- See rafflecopter for rules.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW OF IT WRITES ITSELF BY S. RAULINO

 It Writes Itself: A Travel Guide to Writing Fiction by S. Raulino, is a wonderful writers guide that can assist the beginner to the most seasoned writer make their writing better. The book covers key points important in writing fiction and takes you on a journey of discovery. 
The topics covered are:

1. Why do you write and for whom.
2. Getting to know your characters.
3. Using your senses, point of view, language and voice. (Essential for the development of the story)
4. Architecture (The things around you including textures, shapes,speed and other things) and Nature (What do you see outside and can it make a better story)
5. History and Culture. ( Makes the story believable)
6. Situations, actions and plots.
7. Now how to put it all together, and building the story.
8. Rewards of writing. What do I get from writing and sources of inspiration.
9. Writers block, opening up to new ideas and knowing when it is time to stop writing and take a breather.

Read an excerpt here

Visit the author's site

My thoughts-

I have always loved to write and I have written a few short stories and a novel. There are times that I get very frustrated because I ran out of ideas and stopped writing.  The book has helped me overcome my writer's block and continue writing. The author's writing style was relaxed and I did not feel that I was reading a boring textbook. The exercises were easy to follow, useful and you do not have to follow them in order. After reading the book, I feel that I have learned a little more about creative writing and how I can make my writing better. So if you want to jump start your writing, read the book and hey.. you never know you may end up with a bestseller.




Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF THIS IS WHY YOU'RE FAT BY JACKIE WARNER

According to Jackie Warner, "Being fat isn't your fault; staying fat is." In her book This is Why You're Fat, she shows you how to lose weight and inches quickly without depriving yourself and doing grueling workouts. There are behaviors that make you fat and with Jackie's core principles you can learn to make you thin forever:

1. ADD TO LOSE- With her 2-week jump start you add foods to your diet and no food is forbidden.

2. CHEATING IS ALLOWED- After you eat clean for 5 days, you can indulge in anything you want over the weekend.


3. FAT IS NOT THE ENEMY- She says that sugar makes you fat and you should have no more than 9 grams of sugar.


4. SKIP THE CRUNCHES- They only make you build muscle under the fat. It is important to find the best and fastest way to burn calories, tone muscle and increase your metabolism for rapid weight loss.


5. LESS (EXCERCISE) IS MORE- You do not have to spend hours working out. Give her 20 minutes and you will see results.


So if you head to the gym, follow Jackie's advice:


Gym Etiquette


If anybody knows about proper gym etiquette, it’s me. I own a gym and have to constantly stay on top of my staff to follow the rules. A lot of clients tell me that they’re intimidated by gyms because they feel they don’t know how to use the equipment or feel they are out of place, in the way. Part of feeling comfortable in the gym is knowing the rules of a gym.
I’ll clear up a few of these for you, so you can go into any gym with confidence.

✱Learn the proper operation of equipment. If you’re unsure of how something works, ask for assistance.


✱ Pick up after yourself. Put your weights away. The next people in line don’t want to hunt around for the weights they need or, worse yet, try to remove the weights you left out.


✱ Allow people to “work in.” Many people do multiple sets on the weight machines, then sit on the equipment during their recovery time. If someone is waiting to use the same machine, the proper etiquette is to allow her to work in or do her set while you recover. So do your set, get off, and let the other person work in.

Don’t be shy about asking someone if you can work in, either. However, don’t work in if there are already two people waiting to use the same equipment.


✱ Don’t drop weights. Not only is dropping weights dangerous for your toes, but it damages the equipment and the floor. The rule of thumb is: If you can lift it, you can put it down gently.


✱ Observe time limits on cardio equipment. Some gyms have time limits (usually thirty minutes) on the cardio equipment (treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and so on), especially during peak hours. If you see people waiting around to use your type of machine, be especially conscious of the time limit.


✱ Wipe your sweat off the equipment. Gyms are notorious places for spreading nasty germs like staph infections, so practice good hygiene. And always lay a towel on the equipment to protect yourself.


✱ Don’t disturb other gym goers. The gym can be a great place to meet other healthy
people. But don’t be too chatty. You are there to work to intensity. Stay focused on
your goals.


MY THOUGHTS-

There are many diet books out there and so called miracle pills on the market. But do they work? In the book, she talks about balance in your body chemistry, and hormones. She explains what foods will help you to maintain the balance so you can lose that unwanted fat. She says that the biggest culprit is sugar. Most of us eat too much sugar every day. The author supplies all the tools to help change the way you look at food. She also says that exercising is an important part of losing weight. There is a section in the book that explains all of the exercises and how to do them correctly. I have joined a gym with my mom and it has helped me stay motivated but you can do them at home. There is a section in the book with some recipes to help you get started. I recommend this book for anyone who wants some motivation to get started.

Check out the article posted on the AOL fitness site.

The book even made it to the New York Times Best Seller List this week.

AND NOW FOR THE CONTEST-

Thanks to the folks at Hachette Book Group I can giveaway 3 copies of the book-

US or Canada only.
No Po Boxes.
Prize will be sent by the publisher.


ALL ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT PLEASE AND LEAVE AN EMAIL.


+1 entry for a comment
+3 entry for Google follow ( Google Connect on right)
+1 for sharing on facebook ( use share button below)
+1 For following me on Facebook (melissa.gingerhigh)
+1 entry for Twitter Follow @ginger_high
+2 for tweeting about the contest(please leave link to be counted)
Win a copy of This is why You're Fat by J Warner #Giveaway from @ginger_high Enter here http://ow.ly/1JRcs Ends May 26th
+3 entries for blogging about contest (post link)
+2 For grabbing my button- Please leave the link to the site to be counted.

Contest ends May 26th at 12mn Eastern




Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book by the Hachette Book Group for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

GIVEAWAY AND REVIEW OF THERE'S ALWAYS A WAY BY TONY LITTLE

AND THE WINNER IS DR. BILL SMITH.

In the book There's Always a Way: How to Develop a Positive Mindset and Succeed in Business and Life,  Tony tells us about his life story. We always see Tony with his Ponytail and shouting "You can do it" but his life has not always been easy. He had run-ins with the law and his mother sent him away to live with his uncle. While he was there he became a successful body builder. His whole life changed when he had a car accident. He had numerous surgeries and his body building dream was put on hold. He was in the worst shape and he gained over 50 lbs. He had to change his life. He is living proof that you can always achieve what you want in life.

In his book he explains:

1. Tony explains how to use fears and insecurities to sharpen one's selling game and build self-confidence.
2. Tony demonstrates dynamite secrets for self-motivation, overcoming negativity, and thinking out of the box.
3. Tony explains how to build a positive mind set, create a buzz, exploit humor, find a niche, set goals, ask the right questions, close the sale, make the customer into a star, achieve peak selling performance, and turn oneself into a lean, mean selling machine.
4. Having grown his business in a tough market, Tony explains how to stand out in these down times.

My Thoughts-


When I started to read the book, I thought that this was just another book by a celebrity. Boy was I wrong. I had seen him on TV and he always had such energy. In reading the book I found out things about him I did not know. The book was well written and I enjoyed the photos. There was a wealth of information that can help you succeed and the information was presented in an upbeat way. That is what I would have expected from Tony. I recommend this book to everyone to help you make a positive change in your life.


AND NOW FOR THE CONTEST-

Thanks to the author and SSA public Relations I am able to give away a copy of this great book.

TO ENTER- PUT ALL ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL


+1 entry for a comment
+3 entry for Google follow ( Google Connect on right- it pays to follow me)
+1 for sharing on facebook ( use share button below)
+1 For following me on Facebook (melissa.gingerhigh)
+1 entry for Twitter Follow @ginger_high
+2 for tweeting about the contest(please leave link to be counted)
+2 entries for blogging about contest (post link)
+2 For grabbing my button- Please leave the link to the site to be counted.

Contest ends on May 2 at 12mn Eastern


Thanks for reading and good luck-



Disclaimer: I was given a free book from SSA Public Relations for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.
Thanks to the Product Review Place for listing this opportunity on their blog.

REVIEW OF WAKE UP BY MICHELLE PEARL

In Wake Up! You're Probably Never Going to Look Like That . How to be Happier, Healthier and Imperfectly Fit the author Michelle Pearl talks about her experiences with weight loss. She had suffered with being overweight most of her life and she learned how to overcome it. The book talks about calories, weight loss, plastic surgery, eating disorders, pills and other interesting topics. She discussed some "Myths" of weight loss and how some programs may be teaching people the incorrect way of losing weight. I did find that there were some negative comments about other weight loss programs in the book. Whether they are true or not everyone has their own opinions. Throughout the book there are testimonies from people who were able to overcome obesity and get fit. I found the book interesting and there was a wealth of information.

The book has three objectives: To teach us about some of the mistruths about weight loss that we are constantly being bombarded with, to give realistic advice on how to lose and keep off the weight and finally to encourage you to have realistic body expectations to help you succeed. There are no exercise or diet programs to follow in the book but the author provides the tools to help you lose weight. There are charts and tips to help explain what the author is saying and the book was easy to read. There is information that everyone could find useful. Check out the authors website where you can download customized  dance fitness videos to help with your fitness journey.



Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author and Westwind Communications for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF THE SEROTONIN POWER DIET

In the book The Serotonin Power Diet , the authors explain how boosting serotonin can help curb your appetite and change your mood. Carbohydrates trigger Serotonin production in the brain and this can be used to your advantage. We all have a lot of stress in our lives that can cause us to binge eat and gain weight. The book has a section that helps us deal with stress and gives very useful tips in how we can manage it. There are many recipes that are in the book, but my favorite was the Asian chicken wrap. I have lost 5 lbs. on the program and I feel good about myself. The book also stresses that exercise is a major part in weight loss and there is a chapter dedicated to it.

The book was easy to read, and gave us real life examples of people who shared their temptations and what strategies they used to overcome them. I have always thought that eating to many carbs caused you to gain weight, but if they are eaten at the right time and in moderation they can actually help you lose weight. The plan provides a 12 week guide that not only tells you what to do but why you are doing it. I recommend the program to everyone who needs a jump start to lose weight correctly and for good.








Disclaimer- I received a free copy from FSB Associates for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF TOTALLY TONED ARMS BY RYLAN DUGGAN

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To all of those who made New Years resolutions to get in shape,let me be the first to introduce the Book Totally Toned Arms by Rylan Duggan.

Rylan is a personal trainer and has specialized in women's sculpting for many years. When President Obama was elected to office, everybody was impressed with Michelle Obama's arms that they wanted their arms to look like hers. Rylan received so many letters and emails that Totally Toned Arms was born.

I was so excited when I received the book in the mail and I read it right away. In the book, he discusses the three step system for sculpted and sexy arms. Each step is explained in detail and examples are provided to help clarify the steps. He describes the equipment that is needed and all of the exercises can be done at home or in the gym. The equipment needed for working out at home are dumbbells, an exercise ball, and a resistance band. Rylan explains each piece of equipment in detail in the book and how to use them correctly.

The resistance band is to be attached to a door and my mom was a little concerned that it may damage the door so we followed the instructions that were provided in the book and the You Tube video. It worked fine and the door was ok.

The book was easy to read. All of the exercises used have pictures to explain the correct technique. The author incorporates diet and cardiovascular training into the workout routine that involves the whole body. The sections covered are:

Strength Training.

Cardiovascular Training.

The Nutrition Program.
The 21 Day Program.
The Maintenance Plan.

Although I have not started the program, I feel that the information provided will help you fulfill your New Years resolution. Can You get Michelle Obama arms in 21 days? Enter my contest and maybe you will win a copy of the book.

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book by the publisher for review and was not compensated in any other way.