All Diets Work by Jen Brewer, RD – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Aug 222011
 

All Diets Work, That’s the Problem

Author: Jen Brewer, RD

Published Date: 2011

Publisher: Petersen Press

Softcover; 132 pages

Genre: Non-Fiction

ISBN# 978-0-9835140-7-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for honest review

First Things First

I really like this cover. I’m not sure if you can see it, but the words are photos of different food textures. The clean white space, colorful words and directly-stated title worked to catch my attention. So did the subtitle:

25 tools to help you stop dieting and start losing weight for good.

As someone who has struggled with weight issues most of my life and health issues more recently, I was very interested in what the author had to say. Over the years, I have come to several realizations about dieting and fitness in relation to myself and I was grateful to find that the information in All Diets Work validated several of these things. It also helped me see the areas I still need to work on.

The Format

All Diets Work is divided into five sections: The Diet Dilemma, Principles, Tools, and What’s in Your Toolbox, followed by an Appendix full of good information about nutrition as well as printable forms to help the reader on their health journey. The entire basis of the book is that “the best weight-loss solution for you is the one you build yourself” and “if you can find an eating program that you can maintain indefinitely, you can manage your weight effectively — for the rest of your life.”

This books serves as support and encouragement for the reader’s efforts. Not only is it a quick read at only 130+ pages, it is to the point — a definite plus for those with limited time. Jen focuses on tried-and-true principles of success, then proceeds to offer several tools that the reader can pick and choose from to set their own personal goals. I found the Appendix to be educational and useful. I will be using several of the forms as I move forward.

Those who like to read about others and their weight-loss successes using a variety of methods will enjoy the seven stories included in All Diets Work. The only endorsement here is for the find-what-works-for-you-and-do-it method.

Summary

I found All Diets Work to be a refreshing change from other health and fitness reading I have done. My copy has several underlined sections and a number of sticky notes peeking out to mark useful charts and information. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for being to the point as well as offering encouragement and focusing on the principles of successful weight loss.

More Info

Learn more about All Diets Work on the website All-Diets-Work.com.

All Diets Work is available for purchase in paperback and Kindle editions from Amazon.

You can read more reviews of All Diets Work by following the blog tour schedule below:

August 22nd: Shanda Cottam   http://www.ldswbr.com

August 24th: Sabine Berlin   http://www.writinginberlin.blogspot.com/

August 25th: Heidi Durant   http://ldwmagazine.com/

August 26th: Cheri Crane   http://crane-ium.blogspot.com/

August 29th: Michelle Jeffries   http://cmichellejefferies.blogspot.com/

August 30th: Karen Clark   http://overbackyardfence.blogspot.com/

August 31st: Alan Barnes   http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com

September 1st: Deanne Blackhurst    http://www.deanneblackhurst.blogspot.com

September 6th: Debbie Davis    http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/

September 9th: Maria Hoagland   mariahoagland.blogspot.com

September 12th: Shanna Blythe    http://www.writing4me2.blogspot.com/

September 16th: Rebecca Blevins    http://www.rebeccablevinswrites.blogspot.com/

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ By Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S.

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Contests, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Jun 062011
 

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ

Authors: Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S.

Published Date: May 2011

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Softcover: 255 pages

Genre: non-fiction

FTC FYI: I received a free review copy that in no way influenced the review that was given.

Book Blurb & Endorsements:

Each day, parents and church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using helpful

information, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel provides ways for you to effectively teach people of all ages with Autism, Down syndrome,

bipolar disorder, memory loss, and other disabilities.


Inside this useful guide, you’ll find


• Guidance for building strong family relationships• Steps to teaching prayer and scripture study
• Practical and creative teaching tips• Programs to help with transitions, communication barriers, and behaviors
• Techniques to help others feel welcome and valued


Find the answers you need and overcome the challenges of teaching the gospel. (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will help you develop each person’s ability to learn and grow

as you build peace in your home or classroom.


(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a resource that may be read, re

read, and used many times. . . . The authors have beautifully woven the frustrations

that so many people have experienced into an action-

living plan to help children with special needs.
—Lloyd Kinnison, PhD. Texas Woman’s University, Special Education

Department


This book is an unexpected and very welcome gift to the community of churches and their leaders. It addresses so many of the problems that children, young adults,

and adults with disabilities face in church activities.

—Brenda Winegar, Early Interventionist/Cofounder, Kids on the Move




I was Primary President for four years. During those years I had the opportunity to work with many children, many of those with special needs. There were children in our primary that were autistic and many with ADHD, including my own children. Being a teacher, I felt like I had a little bit of knowledge of how to help these children enjoy their experience at church. There wasn’t a lot of information available to help me and my counselors to know how to help these children at the time. So when I read the book, (dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ, I knew that this book was inspired. As I read the book, I was so excited to see how Danyelle and Lynn have provided so much information for those working with people that have special needs. The wonderful thing about this book is that even though it is written for people in the LDS church, the ideas will work for anyone of any religion.


Listed here are the section titles and a few of the chapter titles that go
with the sections:

GENERAL INFORMATION
-Gospel Views on Children with Special Needs
-Demystifying the Diagnosis

TEACHING STRATEGIES
-A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
-Power Card Strategies

PRIMARY
-Every Star is Different
-The Baptism Dilemma
-We’ll Be Loyal Scouts

YOUNG MEN & YOUNG WOMEN
-Teaching Youth with a Broader Gap in Needs
-The Young Women Connection
-Deacons, Teachers, and More-Oh My!

ADULTS
-Church Callings
-Love One Another

FAMILIES
-Sacrament Meeting Survival
-Scripture Power
-Can I Make It Through Another Day?
-Building Parent-Child Relationships

I AM A CHILD OF GOD
-Expressions of Faith and Love

One other thing that I feel needs to be pointed out. Many of the things talked about in the wonderful book can be applied to all children, not just those with special needs. I was so impressed with the information and ideas that Lynn and Danyelle shared in this book. My hope is that all wards/branches/homes will purchase this book and then use the ideas found in the book. I think that this would be a worthwhile way of using ward budget money, so the books can be given to Primary and Young Men and Young
Women leaders. Just my humble opinion people. I give this book 5 stars!!

Now the exciting thing about this blog tour is a giveaway…

Blog Tour Giveaways:

Enter to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards! One name will be drawn for a $25 Amazon gift card on June 30th. Another name will be drawn for a $25 Amazon gift card on July 22nd. Winners will be announced onwww.QueenOfTheClan.com There are many ways to enter. You must leave a comment on the reviewer’s blog letting us know what you’ve done. Please include your email address.

1 Point Each:

– Leave a thoughtful comment about the blogger’s review.

– Add the book to your “to-read” list on GoodReads

– Follow the reviewer’s blog

– Follow Danyelle’s blog

– Follow Lynn’s blog

– Follow Danyelle on FB

– Follow Lynn on FB

– Follow Danyelle on Twitter @DanyelleTweets

– Follow Lynn on Twitter @ParsonsLynn

2 Points Each:

– Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Facebook with a person links to Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons

– Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Twitter with links to @DanyelleTweets

5 Points:

– Interview Danyelle or Lynn for your blog or write a blog post about why you’re excited about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Be sure to leave a direct link to your post in your comment so we can visit and say hello!

Blog Tour Schedule

June 2nd – Christine Bryant @ Day Dreamer

June 7th – Tristi Pinkston

June 9th – Tamera @ 3 Boys & a Dog

June 14th – Ashlee @ Topsy Turvy Cakes

June 17th – Heather Justesen

June 23rd – Rebecca Talley

June 27th – Don Carey

July 6th – Danette @ Everyday Adventures

July 8th – Sheila Staley @ LDS Women’s Book Review and Why Not? Because I Said So!

July 11th – Kathy @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

July 13th – Jessica @ Fringies

July 15th – Heather @ Fire and Ice by Little Red Reads

July 18th – Nichole Giles @ Star Crossed Book Reviews

Purchase & Review Links:

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

Deseret Book

GoodReads




Danyelle’s Info:

Website: http://www.DanyelleFerguson.com

Blog: http://www.QueenOfTheClan.com




Danyelle Ferguson is a wife, mom, book editor, reviewer, and writer. She keeps busy

raising four angels-in-training, the oldest of which has Autism. She and her husband,

John, co-founded a non-profit organization, called Friends of GIANT Steps, which raises

money to supplement an Autism preschool in Orem, UT. Danyelle has been active in the

Autism community for over eight years, during which time she

learned that prayer and a sense of humor are the keys to not only enduring but

enjoying the special needs journey.

Danyelle discovered her love for the written word in elementary school. Her first article

she placed runner up in the Pennsylvania School of Excellence for Arts program, specializing

in creative writing. Since then, she’s won several awards for her poetry, short stories,

articles, and other writings. Her work has been published in newspapers, school journals,

and online. Some of her short stories appear in the book ofMormon Mishaps

and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints by Cindy Beck and Nichole Giles. Her book,

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel, will be published in May 2011 through Cedar Fort Publishing.

Danyelle served as Treasurer for the League of Utah Writers – Utah Valley Chapter.

She’s a member of Authors Incognito, Super Edits critique group,

and meets weekly with her local writers group. She was also a member of the

Whitney Awards Committee.

Danyelle grew up surrounded by the beautiful Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania.

Then she lived for ten years among the majestic Wasatch Mountains. She is currently

experiencing mountain-withdrawal while living in Kansas with her husband and family.

She enjoys reading, writing, dancing and singing in the kitchen, and the occasional

long bubble bath to relax from the everyday stress of being “Mommy.”







Lynn’s Info:

Website: http://www.lynndparsons.com/

Blog: http://lynndeniseparsons.blogspot.com/


I am a wife, mother, grandmother, educational diagnostician, and writer. I entered the field of special education because two of my four children had special needs.

My thesis for BYU was titled, “Non-Drug Treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder.” After receiving my Bachelor of Independent Studies degree from BYU, I became certified as a special education teacher, primarily working with students with Autism.

My classes and teaching methods were featured in “District Administration Magazine”, the online magazine “Edutopia”, and several web sites on disabilities including “Positively Autism” and “The Family Center on Technology and Disability“.

My thesis for my master’s degree through Walden University was published by the Council for Exceptional Children. I have also been a community columnist for the “Fort Worth Star-Telegram” and I continue to work on my writing skills. I’m also working on a PhD in Special Education through Northcentral University.

I am an experienced speaker and presenter. I have taught many teacher in-services, given presentations on using technology for learners with special needs, and done presentations about disabilities for the community.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but now call Texas home. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and needlework. I am currently works as an Educational Diagnostician. I continue to seek out and develop innovative teaching methods for children with special needs.

Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa. M.D.

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
May 272011
 

Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat
Author: David Dosa, M.D.
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: 2010
Hardback: 225 pages
ISBN# 978-1-4013-2323-3
FTC FYI: Borrowed from the library
Synopsis From Publishers Weekly
Dosa, a geriatrician with a strong aversion to cats, tells the endearing story of Oscar the cat, the aloof resident at a nursing home who only spends time with people who are about to die. Despite hearing numerous stories about Oscar’s uncanny ability to predict when a patient’s time is nearing, Dosa, ever the scientist, remains skeptical. Slowly, he starts to concede that there may be something special about Oscar. Dosa starts to pay more attention to the cat’s decidedly odd behavior, noticing that Oscar seeks out the dying, snuggles with the patient and family members until the patient passes; with others, he smells the patient’s feet, sits outside a closed door until admitted, or refuses to leave a dying patient’s bed. Dosa discovers how powerfully Oscar’s mere presence reassures frightened or grieving family. Ultimately, the good doctor realizes that it doesn’t matter where Oscar’s gift comes from; it’s the comfort he brings that’s important. This touching and engaging book is a must-read for more than just cat lovers; anyone who enjoys a well-written and compelling story will find much to admire in its unlikely hero. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Making Rounds With Oscar by Dr. David Dosa has become one of my favorite books. You might wonder, why a book about a cat that senses
when someone is dying would be a favorite book? I can answer this question by saying that Oscar is no ordinary cat, he is on a mission. Pets have always been known to bring love and comfort to people. Oscar is no different, except he comforts those patients about ready to pass.
Here is what Dr. Dosa had to say about Oscar…
“When I first met him, Oscar didn’t want anything to do with anybody,” says Dosa. “He spent most of his time hiding or finding a quiet place to sit in the sun.”
But when a patient neared death, the physician relates, Oscar would quietly enter the room and remain until the patient passed away. Dosa described the cat’s unusual habit in a 2007 article in the New England Journal of Medicine:
Mrs. K. is resting peacefully in her bed, her breathing steady but shallow. … Oscar jumps onto her bed and sniffs the air. He … turns around twice before curling up beside Mrs. K.

A nurse walks into the room to check on her patient. She pauses to note Oscar’s presence. Concerned, she … grabs Mrs. K.’s chart off the medical-records rack and begins to make phone calls.

Within a half hour the family starts to arrive. … Oscar has not budged, instead purring and gently nuzzling Mrs. K. A young grandson asks his mother, “What is the cat doing here?” The mother, fighting back tears, tells him, “He is here to help Grandma get to heaven.” Thirty minutes later, Mrs. K. takes her last earthly breath. With this, Oscar sits up, looks around, then departs the room so quietly that the grieving family barely notices. “

Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat, written by Dosa, an assistant professor of medicine and community health at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School, was published by Hyperion in early February 2010. The book recounts the stories of families who got to know Oscar and his unique ability. Dosa hopes that in reading Oscar’s story, readers also will learn more about terminal dementia and end-of-life care.
“End of life care is an important topic now as the health-care reform debate goes on,” Dosa says. “This book gives an inside look at how one works with families at the end of life – what they experience and what their thought processes are. And,” he adds, “it is much more readable and approachable because there is a cat involved.”
Even though there is death in the story, this book leaves you with a sense of peace. I read this book after my own Dad had passed away. I wasn’t sad as I read this book, but I felt enlightened and blessed. I almost wished that Oscar had been there for my dad. This book has also given me great empathy for the families of loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s.

This is what I said on goodreads.com after I finished reading the book:
“I really loved this book! I want my own copy so I can read it again. There are many sad stories that truly will touch your heart. You will look differently at Alzheimer’s patients and also cats. It just makes me love my cat more.”

So many people ask me for book recommendations for their book clubs and individual reading. Making rounds with Oscar is a book that  I HIGHLY recommend to everyone. I gave this book 5 stars on goodreads, so that  says a lot how I felt about this book.

Content:

-No Language

-No sexual Content

-No Violence

Making Rounds With Oscar can be purchased at Amazon.com

Following the Light of Christ Into His Presence by John M. Pontius

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 302010
 

Surprise, surprise…today I am sharing with you about a non-fiction book. I know our “favorite Hillary” is usually the one that is well known in LDSWBR for covering these, but I do read a non-fiction book occasionally.

A few weeks ago I had a friend that let me borrow a book called Following The Light Of Christ Into His Presence by John M. Pontius. She has been aware of the many trials and struggles that I have been facing the past two years. The main reason that she wanted me to read this book, besides the obvious reasons of living in God’s presence again someday, was the chapter on “Voices”. In today’s world there are so many voices that are speaking to us and wanting us to follow them. In the book it tells of how there are three main voices in a healthy mind.

-You hear yourself think. You talk, discuss and argue with yourself. You berate, praise and jabber with yourself all day long.

-The second voice comes from Satan’s realm. When we hear a voice from this source it will be cleverly disguised and enticing. This realm plans and plots against us. These promptings will always lead us away from the truth.

-The third source of information in our minds is the voice of the Lord through the Holy Spirit. This voice always entices to do good, to believe, serve, pray and repent.

As we are going through trials in our lives, I feel that we are more vulnerable to hearing that second voice coming from Satan’s minions. We also are harder on ourselves and our own thoughts can be very destructive. It is at this time, that we should be the most open to promptings from the Holy Spirit. This dear friend of mine, knew I had been struggling with self doubt and voices from the world beating me down. This book has helped me so much in remembering what is most important. I can feel the peace and comfort that only the Savior can give to me.

Let me share with you the other chapter titles:

Chapter One: Personal Revelation

Chapter Two: The Light of Christ

Chapter Three: Preparing for the Rebirth: Faith in Christ

Chapter Four: Rebirth of the Spirit

Chapter Five: Beyond the Rebirth-Making Your Calling and Election Sure

This book was originally published in hardback in 1997 and republished in paperback in 2002 by Cedar Fort Publishing. You can still purchase this book here at Amazon.com

If you would like to read an except from the book you can go here.

John M. Pontius has a wonderful website called “Follow the Light”. You could spend a lot time there reading about him and what he has devoted his life to. At this site you can also see the other four books that he has written, go to his blog from there and contact information is available there. You can also connect with him on facebook.

Will I read this again? I am still reading this and I will be buying my own copy.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

Would I read other books by John? Yes

Following the Light of Christ Into His Presence Book Description:

This book is the owner’s manual we were sent to earth without. Have you ever longed for a clear, precise, unamiguous description of the way to powerful righteousness? Revealed within this book is the grand key. It is the key to receiving answers to your prayers, daily guidance, personal revelation, prophetic understanding, power in the priesthood, rebirth of the spirit, calling and election, unspeakable joy, and much more.

Publisher: Cedar Fort
Author: John M Pontius
Edition Number: 3
Language: English
ISBN:

1555176437

EAN:

9781555176433

No. of Pages: 254
Publish Date: 1997-01-31
Binding: Paperback





Change it Up! by Amanda Dickson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews
Apr 282010
 


Hello friends! Hillary here-

First of all, let me say that LDS Storymakers Conference was fabulous! I learned so much, and met some wonderful people! If you couldn’t be there this year, please seriously consider coming! Okay, enough exclaimation points! You get the idea!

For the first time in a while, I am reviewing a non-fiction. This week, it’ll be Amanda Dickson’s newest book, “Change it up”

I’ll start with my favorite quote from the book:

“Change is inevitable. Except from vending machines.” (c’mon, you can’t help but laugh)

Amanda talks of change and how it is inevitable. She started by talking about physical change and how a simple change to your hair and makeup and clothes can make a very large difference in your life. To me it’s amazing how just buying a cute new shirt, or a well-fitting pair of jeans can do for you. Well, ANY time we can find a well-fitting pair of jeans it’s a miracle. Along those same lines, she talks about beauty, but from a totally different perspective. She says that “Beauty, real beauty, truly is in the eyes of the beholder, and not the beheld. The beholder feels beautiful herself because she loves what she beholds” Kind of makes you think.

Sometimes we think that we can’t do anything to change the world. Amanda again brings out a good point: “Be the change you want to see”. That thought reminds me of a book I read about changing your husband. Really to see the change you want, you have to change yourself (Isn’t there a James Taylor song about that?). She goes on to talk about happiness needs change to breathe. Happiness that depends on anything staying the same is not really happiness. It’s just some counterfeit contentment that will blow up the second somebody spills the milk.

The only issue I had with the book is that meaning that the writing takes a gender neutral stand, which is actually the same problem I had with her first book. It feels like it should be addressed to women, but in fact stays neutral. I get the purpose of doing that, it’s just not my favorite style. I was also semi expecting it to be a bit religious, however there wasn’t any mention of religion. It was published by Shadow Mountain (publishes nationally), so I shouldn’t be terribly surprised there either. This book is an interesting, quick read, and clearly I liked her style enough to read a second book, so I would say give it a try ! It brought out points about change that I just hadn’t thought about, and ideas about simple things I can do any time to embrace change. Overall, I would say give it a read!

Ftc-fyi- publisher supplied copy.

One Bright Shining Hope by Gordon B. Hinckley

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 092010
 


I love watching General Conference and hearing from our prophet. I love President Monson and his loving manner. I can’t help but still miss President Gordon B. Hinckley. He had been a part of our lives so long, it was hard to let him go. So, I decided to read a quote every night from his book, “One Bright Shining Hope: Messages for Women from Gordon B. Hinckley”. This book came out in 2006. I received this book soon after I had miscarried a baby at 11 weeks. Little did I know, that I would need this book even more now in my life.



Product Description

“When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright shinning hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley. Heavenly Father treasures His daughters, and through His prophet has encouraged them to be a force for good in the world. President Hinckley’s words of encouragement and counsel to women are paired with beautiful visual images in this lovely gift book. A perfect companion volume to Sister Hinckley’s Small and Simple Things, the book is a thoughtful reminder to women everywhere of how much God loves and needs them.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“You did not come into this world to fail. You came into this world to succeed. You have accomplished much so far. It is only the beginning. As you move forward on the trail of life, keep the banner of faith in self ever before you…And you will be amazed at what might happen when in faith you take a step forward.”


“Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.”

This quote is my favorite:

“We know not what lies ahead of us. We know not what the coming days will bring. We live in a world of uncertainty For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much rejoicing and gladness, good health and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow, We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.”

If you have never read this book you should. If you already have this book, get it out and read it again. Whenever we hear the words of any prophet we know their words are true and come from our Father in Heaven. These messages encourage us, lift us up and remind us of our divine nature.

You can order this book here. This would be a perfect gift for someone on Mother’s Day or just a gift for yourself.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries