Erin Rhew's Blog, page 9
October 26, 2016
InHuman Cover Reveal
Today, I have the distinct pleasure of revealing the cover for InHuman, a sci-fi thriller by Kama Falzoi Post! Without further ado, here's the amazing cover!
Title: InHumanAuthor: Kama Falzoi PostGenre: YA Sci-FiRelease date: October 15, 2016Publisher: BookFish Books
Cover Artist: Anita Carroll at Race-Point
About InHuman
Mira’s mother sizes up bodies at the morgue like she’s rifling through the sales rack: this one’s too big… this one’s too small… ah, here it is. Just right. The perfect vessel for the one they’ll
call Adam.
Since Adam’s survival is the key to drawing out the Conduit—a slippery sort bent on evacuating souls from their human bodies—Mira must help him pass for a typical teenage boy. That means showing him how to talk right, walk right, chew with his mouth open... blend in.
Ironic, because blending in is has always been a challenge for Mira, especially with hair the color of a Dorito. But at their small, secluded prep school, blending in is a matter of life and death. Because the Conduit is watching.
Pre-Order InHuman Now!
Add InHuman to your Goodreads TBR list
About Kama Falzoi Post
Kama Falzoi Post is a functioning member of society, a part-time introvert, a pinnacle of contradictions, the mother of a hurricane, a step-mother, and an author. She enjoys drinking red wine and then drinking more red wine, listening to music that moves her, and taking things too far.
She developed a love of books and writing at a very early age. Her stories have appeared in a handful of literary magazines including Inkwell and SmokeLong Quarterly, and most recently in the anthology Outliers of Speculative Fiction. She lives in a small town outside a small city with her husband, son, and too many cats.
Title: InHumanAuthor: Kama Falzoi PostGenre: YA Sci-FiRelease date: October 15, 2016Publisher: BookFish Books
Cover Artist: Anita Carroll at Race-Point
About InHuman
Mira’s mother sizes up bodies at the morgue like she’s rifling through the sales rack: this one’s too big… this one’s too small… ah, here it is. Just right. The perfect vessel for the one they’ll
call Adam.
Since Adam’s survival is the key to drawing out the Conduit—a slippery sort bent on evacuating souls from their human bodies—Mira must help him pass for a typical teenage boy. That means showing him how to talk right, walk right, chew with his mouth open... blend in.
Ironic, because blending in is has always been a challenge for Mira, especially with hair the color of a Dorito. But at their small, secluded prep school, blending in is a matter of life and death. Because the Conduit is watching.
Pre-Order InHuman Now!
Add InHuman to your Goodreads TBR list
About Kama Falzoi Post
Kama Falzoi Post is a functioning member of society, a part-time introvert, a pinnacle of contradictions, the mother of a hurricane, a step-mother, and an author. She enjoys drinking red wine and then drinking more red wine, listening to music that moves her, and taking things too far.
She developed a love of books and writing at a very early age. Her stories have appeared in a handful of literary magazines including Inkwell and SmokeLong Quarterly, and most recently in the anthology Outliers of Speculative Fiction. She lives in a small town outside a small city with her husband, son, and too many cats.
October 11, 2016
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it's a subject that really resonates with me. You all know about my wonderful life with Deek, about our intense love for one another and how truly amazing he is. But I haven't always lived like this. I haven't always been loved, cherished, and protected. Before Deek, I was in a terrible relationship and lived a nightmare every day.
I AM A SURVIVOR.
I debated about writing this blog. Deek and I have discussed it, and he 100% supports me telling my story, especially if it will help other women. But like many women who've experience domestic abuse, I'm reluctant to talk about it. Yet this reluctance leaves the door open for more men to abuse their girlfriends, wives, and partners.
Ironically, when I went on Facebook this morning, a friend of my had posted this meme. I took it as a sign, so I'm speaking out.
I could go into the nitty gritty details of my life with my ex, what he did and all that, and one day I might. But our whole relationship was based on him--what he wanted, what he liked and didn't like, what he thought, and the lengths he'd go to in order to force me to do what he wanted. So, I'm not going to talk about him. It's not revenge or spite; it's freedom. One of the awesome things about not being with him anymore is that I'm free to do what I want, talk about what I want, and think what I think. And what I want to talk about is you.
You know who you are.
You probably look a lot like me.A regular girl with sad eyes and a sad smile.Domestic abuse takes many forms--physical, emotional, sexual, and even spiritual. Maybe you're a women who gets slapped or beaten for putting the dishes in the dishwasher the wrong way. Maybe you're a woman who's told you're stupid and worthless for long enough you start to believe it. Maybe you're a woman who's forced to endure someone else's sexual depravity, even when you've said you don't want to. Maybe you're a woman whose partner throws misrepresented religious texts in your face in an attempt to use your faith to control you. I'm talking to all of you and to all the other women who live somewhere in between these spectrums.
I know you're afraid. I know you don't feel good about yourself. I know he's done everything he can to beat you down so you'll stay. But you don't have to stay.
I know what you'll say. "He was nice in the beginning." or "He has good in him somewhere, I know it." But that's just a cycle. My ex was really great in the beginning. He had all the makings of a nice guy, and then one day, it flipped. And just when he'd pushed me to the edge and thought I might bolt, he turned back on the nice again. It's an abuser's pattern. It's how they keep you there, under their thumb. Don't let them. Don't fall back into the cycle.
If you stay, you're risking your life. I know you're terrified to leave. You worry about what he'll do. You worry about finances. You worry people will judge you. You're worried about a lot of things. But you're not worried about the most important thing: YOU. No one, and I do mean NO ONE, should live that way.
If you're worried about your safety, seek help from lawyers, friends, family, and law enforcement. If you think there is a chance he might try to kill you for leaving, work out a plan to just disappear.
If you think you can't afford to leave, confide in close friends and family. I think you'll find them very supportive and helpful. I tried to keep what was going on in my life a secret, but everyone knew. My friends and family saw how abysmally he treated me and how awful he was to them. Even though I never said anything, they KNEW. And when I finally got the courage to confess the truth about my life to a select few, they cried and said they'd been waiting for me to say it. They'd been watching me suffer for years and had wanted to help but didn't know how. I promise there are people who love and care for you, people who would help you. Trust them. Turn to them.
There are many, many agencies set up to help women get out of domestic violence. They can point you in the direction of lawyers and law enforcement to protect you. Here are some (but be sure to check the ones in your local area):
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: http://www.ncadv.org/National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.thehotline.org/Battered Women's Justice Project: http://www.bwjp.org/Futures Without Violence: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence: http://www.ncdsv.org/No More: http://nomore.org/
I thought I was done with tattoos (Deek and I have 6 each), but I'm thinking about getting just one more. You see, I'm done being silent and ashamed. I'm a survivor. And other women need to know there are survivors out there. They need to see us, see our lives now, and have hope. So, I think I'll soon be getting one of these tattoos. And maybe a woman who's living a terrible life like I used to will see it and know she can escape. You can be free. You can be happy. You deserve it!
If you're being abused in any way, you don't have to stay. Get help. Be smart and safe. Be strong. There IS a better life out there.
Good men do exist. I promise.
October 8, 2016
All the Rhews Down In Rhewville
Haha! I probably should have saved that title for Christmastime, so be forewarned, you may see it again! But honestly, whenever fall rolls around, I can't fully enjoy it because it's the harbinger of winter. And as a summer girl, I abhor winter. Cold, coats, ice, snow...blah! Give me beaches, sunshine, shorts, and bathing suits any day.
Da beach! Da beach! Ahhhh, so gorgeous!
Don't get me wrong, I do like fall. I like the lovely colors and the crisp-but-not-too-cold chill in the air. And yet...it always symbolizes that summer has gone and winter is coming. I love me some Game of Thrones, so you KNEW "winter is coming" had to be said! And for the record, #KingoftheNorth (if you've seen last season, you know what I mean)!!!
Blarg...gotta drink more hot tea and wear a hoodie because I'm ALREADY freezing in fall.
Okay, okay, enough whining about the cold weather (although, my hands ARE little icicles while I type this), let's move on to another of my favorite topics: my hair! LOL!
The blonde had started fading fast, but my hair isn't healthy enough to withstand another round of bleaching yet. So, I talked to my hairdressers (the one in the South and the one in the Pacific Northwest), and we decided to do an ombre look.
But, a few days before my appointment, I decided ombre wasn't "out there" enough for me. I spent last winter doing a hair experiment for my hairdresser in the PNW, which resulted in a slightly blue-greenish look, so I really wanted to love my hair this winter. And ombre just seemed too...plain. So, I talked to my Southern hairdresser, and we decided to go for a dark brown with violet highlights.
Bye-bye blonde!
I love how Google photos does collages!
Hello, purply brown!
Deek and I just can't be serious. LOL!
Headed out to a book signing. I love how you can see Deek's hand on my leg in my sunglasses' reflection. He always puts it there when he drives. It's a little thing, but it's a big thing to me. <3
However, the purple is held in place with a red-violet. Well, my hair LOVES red. I have a lot of natural red and a significant number of redheads in my family. Soooo...the purple faded quickly and gave way to the red. I'm headed back to my stylist to get more dark brown and a blue-violet put in instead. Fingers crossed it works because I head off to Comic Con two days later! EEP!
Red invasionActually, I'm making this face because I'm peeved I just spent time flat-ironing my hair only to discover it had started pouring down rain outside. GAH!
Deek and I are still on our primal/paleo eating plan and loving every minute of it! Turkey bacon at night for a snack? Yes, please! Sign this girl up! And we've been doing primal fitness as well. I can already feel myself getting stronger, and Deek's muscles...hubba hubba! <3
I'm also trying to incorporate some primal lifestyle changes as well. For example, I try to do an eastern-style squat each day while I'm working on the computer. I haven't quite gotten my back strong enough to sit like that for too long (and my feet fall asleep), but I'm building up to it.
Doing the "grok" squat while I format the print version of
She Runs Away
by Jessica Calla. Hmmm...I like how my hair looks darker here.
Oh, here's something exciting! The e-version of Deek's book Birth of an American Gigolo is currently on sale right now for only $.99!! You should run over there and get you a copy. My husband is a totally BRILLIANT writer. I can guarantee you'll laugh your socks off when you read this masterpiece.
I so dig his promo pics too! If you haven't seen them yet, check out his Twitter account!
And right now, I've got my historical fiction, Restore to Me, out on submission. I'm stoked to report that several agents have requested the full, so major fingers crossed on that one!! And while I anxiously wait for word on that one, I'm keeping busy writing my futuristic thriller, tentatively titled Number 25598, although I usually just called it the "Molly and Ryder story."
Restore to MeHistorical fiction -- on submission with agents
Number 25598Futuristic thriller--WIP (work-in-progress)
I also had a book signing recently. Deek and I traveled out east where we met some cool authors, including Chrissy Lessey, and got to have dinner with some of my family members afterward. All in all, it was a really great trip!
Bless Chrissy's heart, she said she practiced making crazy faces in the mirror because she knew she'd get Rhewined. ;)
In a few weeks, I'll be headed out to Crystal Coast Con! Tickets are on sale now, so get ya a few! ;) Guess who will be there?? A bunch of cast members from The 100 (I LOVE this show!) and Lost Girls, but I'm super excited to meet Atreyu from The Neverending Story!
The amazing Anita at Race-Point created a kick-butt banner for me, and I can't wait to use it! I will be SO proud to sit in front of this beauty!! Thank you, Anita! You rule! #AnitaIsAmazing
The whole thing
The banner set up! Deek and I approve! Two thumbs up, Anita!
I hope to see you at Comic Con! I'll be the one with (hopefully) purplish brown hair and a coat on. LOL!
And, as with all things, Deek will be at my side. I know a lot of you would like to meet him--I don't blame you; he's a hottie! But he'll be there with me, so it will be double the fun! I am so thankful to have this wonderful man by my side, through all the ups and downs of regular life and author life. No matter what happens, he keeps me laughing and smiling! Thank you for being the wonderful man you are, Deek! I love you beyond beyond!
From last year's anniversary celebration. Eeeeeeeee!! Our anniversary is coming up! Can't wait to celebrate my amazing marriage to this blessing of a man!
Da beach! Da beach! Ahhhh, so gorgeous!Don't get me wrong, I do like fall. I like the lovely colors and the crisp-but-not-too-cold chill in the air. And yet...it always symbolizes that summer has gone and winter is coming. I love me some Game of Thrones, so you KNEW "winter is coming" had to be said! And for the record, #KingoftheNorth (if you've seen last season, you know what I mean)!!!
Blarg...gotta drink more hot tea and wear a hoodie because I'm ALREADY freezing in fall.Okay, okay, enough whining about the cold weather (although, my hands ARE little icicles while I type this), let's move on to another of my favorite topics: my hair! LOL!
The blonde had started fading fast, but my hair isn't healthy enough to withstand another round of bleaching yet. So, I talked to my hairdressers (the one in the South and the one in the Pacific Northwest), and we decided to do an ombre look.
But, a few days before my appointment, I decided ombre wasn't "out there" enough for me. I spent last winter doing a hair experiment for my hairdresser in the PNW, which resulted in a slightly blue-greenish look, so I really wanted to love my hair this winter. And ombre just seemed too...plain. So, I talked to my Southern hairdresser, and we decided to go for a dark brown with violet highlights.
Bye-bye blonde!
I love how Google photos does collages!
Hello, purply brown! 
Deek and I just can't be serious. LOL!
Headed out to a book signing. I love how you can see Deek's hand on my leg in my sunglasses' reflection. He always puts it there when he drives. It's a little thing, but it's a big thing to me. <3However, the purple is held in place with a red-violet. Well, my hair LOVES red. I have a lot of natural red and a significant number of redheads in my family. Soooo...the purple faded quickly and gave way to the red. I'm headed back to my stylist to get more dark brown and a blue-violet put in instead. Fingers crossed it works because I head off to Comic Con two days later! EEP!
Red invasionActually, I'm making this face because I'm peeved I just spent time flat-ironing my hair only to discover it had started pouring down rain outside. GAH!Deek and I are still on our primal/paleo eating plan and loving every minute of it! Turkey bacon at night for a snack? Yes, please! Sign this girl up! And we've been doing primal fitness as well. I can already feel myself getting stronger, and Deek's muscles...hubba hubba! <3
I'm also trying to incorporate some primal lifestyle changes as well. For example, I try to do an eastern-style squat each day while I'm working on the computer. I haven't quite gotten my back strong enough to sit like that for too long (and my feet fall asleep), but I'm building up to it.
Doing the "grok" squat while I format the print version of
She Runs Away
by Jessica Calla. Hmmm...I like how my hair looks darker here.Oh, here's something exciting! The e-version of Deek's book Birth of an American Gigolo is currently on sale right now for only $.99!! You should run over there and get you a copy. My husband is a totally BRILLIANT writer. I can guarantee you'll laugh your socks off when you read this masterpiece.
I so dig his promo pics too! If you haven't seen them yet, check out his Twitter account!And right now, I've got my historical fiction, Restore to Me, out on submission. I'm stoked to report that several agents have requested the full, so major fingers crossed on that one!! And while I anxiously wait for word on that one, I'm keeping busy writing my futuristic thriller, tentatively titled Number 25598, although I usually just called it the "Molly and Ryder story."
Restore to MeHistorical fiction -- on submission with agents
Number 25598Futuristic thriller--WIP (work-in-progress)I also had a book signing recently. Deek and I traveled out east where we met some cool authors, including Chrissy Lessey, and got to have dinner with some of my family members afterward. All in all, it was a really great trip!
Bless Chrissy's heart, she said she practiced making crazy faces in the mirror because she knew she'd get Rhewined. ;) In a few weeks, I'll be headed out to Crystal Coast Con! Tickets are on sale now, so get ya a few! ;) Guess who will be there?? A bunch of cast members from The 100 (I LOVE this show!) and Lost Girls, but I'm super excited to meet Atreyu from The Neverending Story!
The amazing Anita at Race-Point created a kick-butt banner for me, and I can't wait to use it! I will be SO proud to sit in front of this beauty!! Thank you, Anita! You rule! #AnitaIsAmazing
The whole thing
The banner set up! Deek and I approve! Two thumbs up, Anita!I hope to see you at Comic Con! I'll be the one with (hopefully) purplish brown hair and a coat on. LOL!
And, as with all things, Deek will be at my side. I know a lot of you would like to meet him--I don't blame you; he's a hottie! But he'll be there with me, so it will be double the fun! I am so thankful to have this wonderful man by my side, through all the ups and downs of regular life and author life. No matter what happens, he keeps me laughing and smiling! Thank you for being the wonderful man you are, Deek! I love you beyond beyond!
From last year's anniversary celebration. Eeeeeeeee!! Our anniversary is coming up! Can't wait to celebrate my amazing marriage to this blessing of a man!October 5, 2016
Release Day for REX!
Today, we are excited to announce the release of Rex, by Adam Rocke, Mark Rogers, and Cody Stewart.
Title: RexAuthor: Adam Rocke, Mark Rogers, Cody B. StewartGenre: Middle GradeRelease date: October 5, 2016Publisher: http://www.commondeerpress.comBuy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Rex-Cody-B-Stewart-ebook/dp/B01GUEAVJ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467646180&sr=8-1&keywords=common+deer+press
Blurb
When eleven-year-old TJ finds a weird looking egg in the Florida Everglades after a tropical storm rips through, naturally he takes it home for identification. It could be the egg of a mutant duck or something, which would be awesome. Problem is, the egg doesn’t look like it came from a mallard, even a mutated one—it’s too big and heavy and…strange. So he hides it away in his closet and continues on with his life as usual, doing his best to ignore the creepy men constantly banging at his front door and the significant rise in military helicopter sightings in his typically quiet neighbourhood.
Then one day he comes home from school and it’s as though a hand grenade has gone off inside his bedroom. Suddenly, TJ knows he’s dealing with something a little more interesting—and a little more deadly—than a duck.
About the Authors
Cody B. Stewart
Cody B. Stewart was born in the Adirondacks, in Upstate New York. His love of stories began in those mountains as he vanquished trolls, fought in the American Revolution and discovered his latent mutant powers. Stories have continued to consume his life, but he now plucks them out of his head and puts them down on paper in the form of novels and comic books. He left the Adirondacks to grow into a man, did so, and has since returned with a wonderfully supportive wife and two sons.
Adam Rocke
Adam Rocke Slutsky never met an adventure he didn’t love. From swimming with great white sharks without a cage, to jumping out of a plane without a parachute, Adam’s adrenaline junkie tendencies play a major role in his writing. Throw in a secondary degree in CryptoZoology and it’s anyone’s guess where Adam’s literary travels will take him.
Mark Rogers
Mark’s career as a travel journalist has brought him to 56 countries and counting. These trips have fed his imagination while at the same time provided authentic experiences and sensory detail that find their way into his novels and screenplays. Mark’s won multiple awards for his travel writing, including an award for his Hurricane Ivan coverage in Jamaica. His work regularly appears in USA Today and other media outlets. Mark lives in Baja California with his Sinaloa-born wife, Sophy, where they recently built a rock house overlooking the sea.
We hope you love the book as much as we do!
www.commondeerpress.comwww.facebook.com/commondeerpress@AHerdOfDeer
Title: RexAuthor: Adam Rocke, Mark Rogers, Cody B. StewartGenre: Middle GradeRelease date: October 5, 2016Publisher: http://www.commondeerpress.comBuy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Rex-Cody-B-Stewart-ebook/dp/B01GUEAVJ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467646180&sr=8-1&keywords=common+deer+press
Blurb
When eleven-year-old TJ finds a weird looking egg in the Florida Everglades after a tropical storm rips through, naturally he takes it home for identification. It could be the egg of a mutant duck or something, which would be awesome. Problem is, the egg doesn’t look like it came from a mallard, even a mutated one—it’s too big and heavy and…strange. So he hides it away in his closet and continues on with his life as usual, doing his best to ignore the creepy men constantly banging at his front door and the significant rise in military helicopter sightings in his typically quiet neighbourhood.
Then one day he comes home from school and it’s as though a hand grenade has gone off inside his bedroom. Suddenly, TJ knows he’s dealing with something a little more interesting—and a little more deadly—than a duck.
About the Authors
Cody B. Stewart
Cody B. Stewart was born in the Adirondacks, in Upstate New York. His love of stories began in those mountains as he vanquished trolls, fought in the American Revolution and discovered his latent mutant powers. Stories have continued to consume his life, but he now plucks them out of his head and puts them down on paper in the form of novels and comic books. He left the Adirondacks to grow into a man, did so, and has since returned with a wonderfully supportive wife and two sons.
Adam Rocke
Adam Rocke Slutsky never met an adventure he didn’t love. From swimming with great white sharks without a cage, to jumping out of a plane without a parachute, Adam’s adrenaline junkie tendencies play a major role in his writing. Throw in a secondary degree in CryptoZoology and it’s anyone’s guess where Adam’s literary travels will take him.Mark Rogers
Mark’s career as a travel journalist has brought him to 56 countries and counting. These trips have fed his imagination while at the same time provided authentic experiences and sensory detail that find their way into his novels and screenplays. Mark’s won multiple awards for his travel writing, including an award for his Hurricane Ivan coverage in Jamaica. His work regularly appears in USA Today and other media outlets. Mark lives in Baja California with his Sinaloa-born wife, Sophy, where they recently built a rock house overlooking the sea.
We hope you love the book as much as we do!
www.commondeerpress.comwww.facebook.com/commondeerpress@AHerdOfDeer
September 28, 2016
New Place, New Adventures!
So, I think I mentioned how Deek and I had been spending a lot of time chillaxing after our move across the country. When you travel across the nation at break-neck speed, live in a hotel for a month, interview like crazy, and search for a place to live, you get a bit worn out. And that's the state we've been in for about two months. But we're finally starting to get that familiar "let's adventure" itch. Naturally, it started with ziplining!
Did you say ziplining? Why, yes, I did. When we decided to get back into the adventuring saddle, we didn't start off small. LOL! In fact, we chose to go ziplining over a waterfall!
Here's a pictorial view of our amazing weekend!
Friday, I picked Deek up from work for a dinner date.
And we immediately started laughing. We LOVE our time together and cherish each precious second.
The next day, we lounged in bed talking, laughing, and writing until it was time to go ziplining. Rules: Close-toes shoes, comfy clothes, all long hair pulled back
I don't know why we decided to do this pose, but it's adorbs. LOL!
Deek is ready to rumble.
Half excited, half scared.
On the practice line
Me on the practice line with a photobomber...
We're ready to go. Geared up, we know how to zip, and now it's time to do this thing!
Deek was brave enough to let go.
I wasn't. LOL! But I did make sure to hold a tight plank while going through the air to get an additional ab workout. That counts, right? Haha!
And we climbed bridges. This ziplining wasn't just fun in the trees; it required a quite a bit of strength and cardio too!
Case in point--look at how steep that bridge is!
High up in the sky and about to climb higher!
Our guides were awesome! They took good care of us, made sure we were safe at all times, told us interesting stories, and made us laugh!
The waterfall. It was so gorgeous! First, we walked on a suspended bridge to get a good view, and then we ziplined back across that baby!
Stopping for a moment to enjoy the view!
And to sneak a kiss!
We had a total blast with our awesome guides and with each other!
A little celebration and mediation on the way back to our car. LOL!
And now that we're back in my home state, we have opportunities to meet up with old and new friends as well as participate in more author events. Recently, we traveled a little farther east and attended a Q&A session and book signing with our buddy, Chrissy Lessey! Deek will be writing a blog on that, so stay tuned for more Deek and Erin Adventures!
I am beyond thankful to have a partner who chooses to be involved in all aspects of my life. We chill out, adventure, write, attend writing events, and just "do" life...together. Together. That's the key word. I've lived a life of loneliness before, where I did all things by myself, and I'm just tickled pink to have a partner to do them with now. And more over, I'm blessed that partner is Deek. :)
Be sure to check out Deek's upcoming post about Chrissy and our book adventures!
Until next time, live out loud!
Did you say ziplining? Why, yes, I did. When we decided to get back into the adventuring saddle, we didn't start off small. LOL! In fact, we chose to go ziplining over a waterfall!
Here's a pictorial view of our amazing weekend!
Friday, I picked Deek up from work for a dinner date.
And we immediately started laughing. We LOVE our time together and cherish each precious second.
The next day, we lounged in bed talking, laughing, and writing until it was time to go ziplining. Rules: Close-toes shoes, comfy clothes, all long hair pulled back
I don't know why we decided to do this pose, but it's adorbs. LOL! 
Deek is ready to rumble.
Half excited, half scared.
On the practice line
Me on the practice line with a photobomber...
We're ready to go. Geared up, we know how to zip, and now it's time to do this thing!
Deek was brave enough to let go.
I wasn't. LOL! But I did make sure to hold a tight plank while going through the air to get an additional ab workout. That counts, right? Haha!
And we climbed bridges. This ziplining wasn't just fun in the trees; it required a quite a bit of strength and cardio too!
Case in point--look at how steep that bridge is!
High up in the sky and about to climb higher!
Our guides were awesome! They took good care of us, made sure we were safe at all times, told us interesting stories, and made us laugh!
The waterfall. It was so gorgeous! First, we walked on a suspended bridge to get a good view, and then we ziplined back across that baby!
Stopping for a moment to enjoy the view!
And to sneak a kiss!
We had a total blast with our awesome guides and with each other!
A little celebration and mediation on the way back to our car. LOL!And now that we're back in my home state, we have opportunities to meet up with old and new friends as well as participate in more author events. Recently, we traveled a little farther east and attended a Q&A session and book signing with our buddy, Chrissy Lessey! Deek will be writing a blog on that, so stay tuned for more Deek and Erin Adventures!
I am beyond thankful to have a partner who chooses to be involved in all aspects of my life. We chill out, adventure, write, attend writing events, and just "do" life...together. Together. That's the key word. I've lived a life of loneliness before, where I did all things by myself, and I'm just tickled pink to have a partner to do them with now. And more over, I'm blessed that partner is Deek. :)
Be sure to check out Deek's upcoming post about Chrissy and our book adventures!
Until next time, live out loud!
September 16, 2016
One of Our Favorite Primal Recipes
I just did a blog post about our fitness journey and how we've begun to Primal eating style as created and explained by Mark Sisson at Mark's Daily Apple.
As I sit here munching on a primal energy bar, I thought I should share this recipe with the world. Deek and I are CRAZY over it! Just this morning, we fake argued over them. We only had four slivers left, and wanting to be a generous wife to my overly generous husband, I offered him all four. He said he wanted to leave me some because we love them so much. I insisted. He insisted. Finally, he took two out and put them in a bag for him and left me the other too. That man is just beyond thoughtful!
<swoon>
Here's the original recipe from Mark's site: Primal Energy Bars
But Deek and I have made some modifications, so here's our recipe:
Deek and Erin's Modified Primal Energy Bars
Ingredients: (We usually double the recipe)1/2 cup Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix (I pick out the cranberries--they mess up the flow of the food)
1/2 cup Trader Joe's crushed pecans
1 scoop of Warrior Blend chocolate protein powder (I'm allergic to milk and soy)
1/4 cup homemade cashew butter
1/4 cup Trader Joe's coconut oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of raw honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Method:Pour nuts into a food processor. Pulse until nuts are chopped and the mixture becomes coarsely ground.On a cookie sheet, toast nuts until golden brown. I set the oven to 350 and let them toast for about 10 minutes.In a mixing bowl, melt coconut oil and coconut butter. I do 30 seconds for 1 batch and 45 seconds for a double batch. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth.Add vanilla extract, honey and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.Add protein powder. Mix thoroughly. Fold in nut mixture and mix.Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pour mixture onto that.Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.Cut into squares or strips.Enjoy! If you don't plan to eat immediately, put them in a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator. If you drink black coffee, I recommend taking a bite of primal energy bar then taking a sip of coffee. Your mind will be blown! Holy wow!
If you're looking for a non-dairy, non-soy, or vegan alternative to standard protein powder, one with the appropriate balance of amino acids, I recommend this one. My former trainer, Leo, had me bring in nearly every kind of non-dairy protein powder on the market, and he gave a big ole "no" to every single one of them except this one. He said only Warrior Blend had the right balance for muscle development. That worked for me because of all the ones I tried, I liked the flavor of this one the best. Oh, and I just had to reorder and discovered it qualifies for Amazon's 1 Day Free Shipping for Prime Members!! WOOT!
And since you've probably often seen me in photos with my "Pizza is Life" shirt, here's a primal idea to be able to nosh on your much loved pizza!
Chicken Pizza Crust Recipe
The Friday night favorite at our house!
Do you have primal recipes you enjoy? If so, I'd love to hear them!
As I sit here munching on a primal energy bar, I thought I should share this recipe with the world. Deek and I are CRAZY over it! Just this morning, we fake argued over them. We only had four slivers left, and wanting to be a generous wife to my overly generous husband, I offered him all four. He said he wanted to leave me some because we love them so much. I insisted. He insisted. Finally, he took two out and put them in a bag for him and left me the other too. That man is just beyond thoughtful!
<swoon>Here's the original recipe from Mark's site: Primal Energy Bars
But Deek and I have made some modifications, so here's our recipe:
Deek and Erin's Modified Primal Energy Bars
Ingredients: (We usually double the recipe)1/2 cup Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix (I pick out the cranberries--they mess up the flow of the food)
1/2 cup Trader Joe's crushed pecans
1 scoop of Warrior Blend chocolate protein powder (I'm allergic to milk and soy)
1/4 cup homemade cashew butter
1/4 cup Trader Joe's coconut oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of raw honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Method:Pour nuts into a food processor. Pulse until nuts are chopped and the mixture becomes coarsely ground.On a cookie sheet, toast nuts until golden brown. I set the oven to 350 and let them toast for about 10 minutes.In a mixing bowl, melt coconut oil and coconut butter. I do 30 seconds for 1 batch and 45 seconds for a double batch. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth.Add vanilla extract, honey and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.Add protein powder. Mix thoroughly. Fold in nut mixture and mix.Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pour mixture onto that.Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.Cut into squares or strips.Enjoy! If you don't plan to eat immediately, put them in a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator. If you drink black coffee, I recommend taking a bite of primal energy bar then taking a sip of coffee. Your mind will be blown! Holy wow!
If you're looking for a non-dairy, non-soy, or vegan alternative to standard protein powder, one with the appropriate balance of amino acids, I recommend this one. My former trainer, Leo, had me bring in nearly every kind of non-dairy protein powder on the market, and he gave a big ole "no" to every single one of them except this one. He said only Warrior Blend had the right balance for muscle development. That worked for me because of all the ones I tried, I liked the flavor of this one the best. Oh, and I just had to reorder and discovered it qualifies for Amazon's 1 Day Free Shipping for Prime Members!! WOOT!
And since you've probably often seen me in photos with my "Pizza is Life" shirt, here's a primal idea to be able to nosh on your much loved pizza!
Chicken Pizza Crust Recipe
The Friday night favorite at our house!Do you have primal recipes you enjoy? If so, I'd love to hear them!
One of Our Favorite Primal Recipe
I just did a blog post about our fitness journey and how we've begun to Primal eating style as created and explained by Mark Sisson at Mark's Daily Apple.
As I sit here munching on a primal energy bar, I thought I should share this recipe with the world. Deek and I are CRAZY over it! Just this morning, we fake argued over them. We only had four slivers left, and wanting to be a generous wife to my overly generous husband, I offered him all four. He said he wanted to leave me some because we love them so much. I insisted. He insisted. Finally, he took two out and put them in a bag for him and left me the other too. That man is just beyond thoughtful!
<swoon>
Here's the original recipe from Mark's site: Primal Energy Bars
But Deek and I have made some modifications, so here's our recipe:
Deek and Erin's Modified Primal Energy Bars
Ingredients: (We usually double the recipe)1/2 cup Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix (I pick out the cranberries--they mess up the flow of the food)
1/2 cup Trader Joe's crushed pecans
1 scoop of Warrior Blend chocolate protein powder (I'm allergic to milk and soy)
1/4 cup homemade cashew butter
1/4 cup Trader Joe's coconut oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of raw honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Method:Pour nuts into a food processor. Pulse until nuts are chopped and the mixture becomes coarsely ground.On a cookie sheet, toast nuts until golden brown. I set the oven to 350 and let them toast for about 10 minutes.In a mixing bowl, melt coconut oil and coconut butter. I do 30 seconds for 1 batch and 45 seconds for a double batch. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth.Add vanilla extract, honey and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.Add protein powder. Mix thoroughly. Fold in nut mixture and mix.Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pour mixture onto that.Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.Cut into squares or strips.Enjoy! If you don't plan to eat immediately, put them in a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator. If you drink black coffee, I recommend taking a bite of primal energy bar then taking a sip of coffee. Your mind will be blown! Holy wow!
If you're looking for a non-dairy, non-soy, or vegan alternative to standard protein powder, one with the appropriate balance of amino acids, I recommend this one. My former trainer, Leo, had me bring in nearly every kind of non-dairy protein powder on the market, and he gave a big ole "no" to every single one of them except this one. He said only Warrior Blend had the right balance for muscle development. That worked for me because of all the ones I tried, I liked the flavor of this one the best. Oh, and I just had to reorder and discovered it qualifies for Amazon's 1 Day Free Shipping for Prime Members!! WOOT!
And since you've probably often seen me in photos with my "Pizza is Life" shirt, here's a primal idea to be able to nosh on your much loved pizza!
Chicken Pizza Crust Recipe
The Friday night favorite at our house!
Do you have primal recipes you enjoy? If so, I'd love to hear them!
As I sit here munching on a primal energy bar, I thought I should share this recipe with the world. Deek and I are CRAZY over it! Just this morning, we fake argued over them. We only had four slivers left, and wanting to be a generous wife to my overly generous husband, I offered him all four. He said he wanted to leave me some because we love them so much. I insisted. He insisted. Finally, he took two out and put them in a bag for him and left me the other too. That man is just beyond thoughtful!
<swoon>Here's the original recipe from Mark's site: Primal Energy Bars
But Deek and I have made some modifications, so here's our recipe:
Deek and Erin's Modified Primal Energy Bars
Ingredients: (We usually double the recipe)1/2 cup Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix (I pick out the cranberries--they mess up the flow of the food)
1/2 cup Trader Joe's crushed pecans
1 scoop of Warrior Blend chocolate protein powder (I'm allergic to milk and soy)
1/4 cup homemade cashew butter
1/4 cup Trader Joe's coconut oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of raw honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Method:Pour nuts into a food processor. Pulse until nuts are chopped and the mixture becomes coarsely ground.On a cookie sheet, toast nuts until golden brown. I set the oven to 350 and let them toast for about 10 minutes.In a mixing bowl, melt coconut oil and coconut butter. I do 30 seconds for 1 batch and 45 seconds for a double batch. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth.Add vanilla extract, honey and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.Add protein powder. Mix thoroughly. Fold in nut mixture and mix.Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pour mixture onto that.Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.Cut into squares or strips.Enjoy! If you don't plan to eat immediately, put them in a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator. If you drink black coffee, I recommend taking a bite of primal energy bar then taking a sip of coffee. Your mind will be blown! Holy wow!
If you're looking for a non-dairy, non-soy, or vegan alternative to standard protein powder, one with the appropriate balance of amino acids, I recommend this one. My former trainer, Leo, had me bring in nearly every kind of non-dairy protein powder on the market, and he gave a big ole "no" to every single one of them except this one. He said only Warrior Blend had the right balance for muscle development. That worked for me because of all the ones I tried, I liked the flavor of this one the best. Oh, and I just had to reorder and discovered it qualifies for Amazon's 1 Day Free Shipping for Prime Members!! WOOT!
And since you've probably often seen me in photos with my "Pizza is Life" shirt, here's a primal idea to be able to nosh on your much loved pizza!
Chicken Pizza Crust Recipe
The Friday night favorite at our house!Do you have primal recipes you enjoy? If so, I'd love to hear them!
September 12, 2016
The Truth About Diet, Food, and Exercise
If you've read my bio, you know I used to be a fitness trainer. More specifically, I trained runners. And I was a runner. <cue sound of record scratching> Did I just say "was a runner?" Did you read that right? Yep and yep. So, let me just put this out there. I'm not writing this blog to be all "this is what you should do" and "this is what you shouldn't do," but instead, I'd like to be open and lay out my journey in hopes it will help or inspire others.
I think I would describe my shape as an "upside down funnel." I have small shoulders and a lean torso, but man do things balloon out at the bottom. My grandmother, who is a twin, says I have "twinning hips." LOL! I played a lot of sports in my youth, particularly soccer, so I have large quadricep muscles. Basically, the bottom half of me is out of alignment (in my opinion) with the top half.
Me as a teenager with a artist who painted Gone with the Wind portraits.Excuse the quality of my parents' old camera. LOL!
I had a very dark period in my life, and during that time, I watched what I ate and exercised a lot. I could control my food when aspects of my life were out of control. And I could exercise to relieve stress and escape. During that time, I was super fit. I began running, and soon, I began training runners as well. I took up boxing, kickboxing, and lifting for cross-training.
First place! WOOT! (Notice how my smiles are often forced unless I'm with friends or special family members, and sometimes even then. This is part of the dark period. BUT you'll notice a BIG change in the genuineness of my smile when Deek enters my life)
My running partner and soul sister, Dawn. She's also a Dream Team member!
Ninja mud run with my girlies!
Cross-training
More cross-training
Once, prior to deciding to run half marathons, I tried this diet called Primal from Mark's Daily Apple. I felt amazing eating that way. My body really responded to the higher fat, lower carb idea, and I thrived physically. But I had to stop that eating plan in order to run longer.
Super slim on the Primal eating plan
As a long distance runner, I learned bad habits. Since I'm so small, I burn my entire daily caloric intake during a 10+ mile run. I tried to do it the right way--eating healthy foods after my runs--but I just couldn't consume enough calories to make up for the deficit. I'd get sick, shake, or feel like passing out (and that's with consuming Gatorade and gels during the run). It got so bad, I even went to see a nutritionist. But nothing worked...until I discovered the secret. Post-run, I'd eat a bowl of EnviroKidz Koala Crisps (yes, I ate kids' cereal; it's good) with chocolate coconut milk. After my shower, I'd have half of a large pizza and a 24oz Coke. Only then did I not feel like passing out. Sounds great, right? The only problem was, I was eating pizza and drinking Coke! And I got used to eating that way...
Half marathon with my bestie (aka: "twin") from high school
Thankfully, the dark period came to an end, but with that came lots of new stresses. Instead of eating right, I turned to food for comfort. I stopped exercising as much, but I kept eating like someone who ran and trained a lot. Pizza, Coke, Wendy's Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers comprised way too much of my diet.
Fries... Man, do I love fries.
And I continued to eat that way for quite a while, without any repercussions because I'd been so fit beforehand. Then, Deek and I decided to start dating, and a bright, happy light shined in my life. I wanted to get back into better shape (Deek was super into fitness and very buff).
Deek at the gym with his very serious trainer!
Soon, Deek spent half of his time on one coast and half of his time on the other, and we knew that wouldn't work for much longer. So, we decided I would move to the Pacific Northwest with him for a while and then he would move back to the South with me for a while. I ran my last half marathon in March 2014, packed up, and moved across the country to live with Deek.
Last half marathonEverything is awesome, except running 13.1 miles in the pouring, freezing rain!
For the first time, I was truly happy. So you'd think my eating would improve, right? Well, Deek and I started doing what we call "happy eating." LOL! We ate *because* we were happy. Yes, we worked out together too, but we had trouble establishing a good workout routine because we moved, sold houses, and traveled back and forth across the country several times. Just when we'd get on a good fitness/eating roll, it would be time to take the train across the country to the South for a month. Let me tell ya, that really messes up those good habits!
Panda Express
Yep, more Wendy's
Pizza
But we did some running and lifting and a lot of hiking and adventuring.
Kiss before our run
Deek ran is first official 5k race
Weight training
But despite the workouts, the pounds crept up on both of us, thanks to our bad eating habits. When we moved back to the South, we vowed to get those pounds off. After a few stutter-starts, I'm pleased to say we've FINALLY figured out an eating and workout routine that has consistently slimmed us down! We returned to that eating style which had worked so well for me in the past, Primal.
Drinking my protein shake
We eat higher fat, lower carb meals. It takes some planning, but we're both committed to it. I'm so grateful that Deek's not one of those guys who thinks cooking is a "woman's job." We do it together, and we can get the meals made so much faster because of it. And we've found ways to work in some of our favorite foods!
Meatsa! Crust is made from ground chicken. Oh, so good!
The exercise program is straightforward and easy to do. We focus a lot on bodyweight training, and we sprint once a week (tabatas). Boy, do we hate tabatas, but they're great for us! And we walk...a lot.
We found a pedestrian bridge in the South. How very Pacific Northwest!
And guess what? The pounds are falling off. We're losing weight, eating in a way that works for our bodies, and getting/feeling fit. We have energy to do what we want to do and aren't limited by the extra weight. In fact, we just had an epic date weekend where we went ziplining over a waterfall. This course required a good amount of upper and lower body strength, and we completed it like a boss.
Headed out to zipline! (Note the genuine, big, goofy grin my handsome husband puts on my face!!)
I'm not one of those people who believes every diet is a one-size-fits-all. I've tried my fair share of ones that worked for other people but didn't work for me (NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, SlimFast, counting calories). I am hypothyroid, so the calories in/calories out methodology is pure bunk for me. I have to eat an endocrine based diet (diabetic, South Beach, paleo, primal), or I will not see any results. I also have a protein based body, meaning I run best on protein and fat instead of carbs. Carbs leave me feeling immediately hungry, shaky, and unsatisfied.
Me after tabatas, but it's also how carbs make me feel. LOL!
And I'm done running. I no longer need to go for a long run to destress or escape. I'm insanely happy with my life. And I'm convinced that running, ironically, started me down this path which led to weight gain. I was always hungry and ate more as a result. With bodyweight training and sprints, my hunger stays in check while my heart and muscles get the necessary workout.
Chillin' on da porch with our protein shakes after a workout
And I can fit into my old clothes again.(Deek kept taking pics of me during our date--to a primal friendly place--and telling me how beautiful he thinks I am. #LuckyGirl)
I'm thankful to have a partner who works with me on fitness and exercise goals. He's my true partner in every aspect of life, and he puts the smile on my face and the skip in my step. I adore him more than words can ever express! I'm thankful to be on this fitness journey and this life journey with such an amazing man!
I think I would describe my shape as an "upside down funnel." I have small shoulders and a lean torso, but man do things balloon out at the bottom. My grandmother, who is a twin, says I have "twinning hips." LOL! I played a lot of sports in my youth, particularly soccer, so I have large quadricep muscles. Basically, the bottom half of me is out of alignment (in my opinion) with the top half.
Me as a teenager with a artist who painted Gone with the Wind portraits.Excuse the quality of my parents' old camera. LOL!I had a very dark period in my life, and during that time, I watched what I ate and exercised a lot. I could control my food when aspects of my life were out of control. And I could exercise to relieve stress and escape. During that time, I was super fit. I began running, and soon, I began training runners as well. I took up boxing, kickboxing, and lifting for cross-training.
First place! WOOT! (Notice how my smiles are often forced unless I'm with friends or special family members, and sometimes even then. This is part of the dark period. BUT you'll notice a BIG change in the genuineness of my smile when Deek enters my life)
My running partner and soul sister, Dawn. She's also a Dream Team member!
Ninja mud run with my girlies!
Cross-training
More cross-trainingOnce, prior to deciding to run half marathons, I tried this diet called Primal from Mark's Daily Apple. I felt amazing eating that way. My body really responded to the higher fat, lower carb idea, and I thrived physically. But I had to stop that eating plan in order to run longer.
Super slim on the Primal eating planAs a long distance runner, I learned bad habits. Since I'm so small, I burn my entire daily caloric intake during a 10+ mile run. I tried to do it the right way--eating healthy foods after my runs--but I just couldn't consume enough calories to make up for the deficit. I'd get sick, shake, or feel like passing out (and that's with consuming Gatorade and gels during the run). It got so bad, I even went to see a nutritionist. But nothing worked...until I discovered the secret. Post-run, I'd eat a bowl of EnviroKidz Koala Crisps (yes, I ate kids' cereal; it's good) with chocolate coconut milk. After my shower, I'd have half of a large pizza and a 24oz Coke. Only then did I not feel like passing out. Sounds great, right? The only problem was, I was eating pizza and drinking Coke! And I got used to eating that way...
Half marathon with my bestie (aka: "twin") from high schoolThankfully, the dark period came to an end, but with that came lots of new stresses. Instead of eating right, I turned to food for comfort. I stopped exercising as much, but I kept eating like someone who ran and trained a lot. Pizza, Coke, Wendy's Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers comprised way too much of my diet.
Fries... Man, do I love fries.And I continued to eat that way for quite a while, without any repercussions because I'd been so fit beforehand. Then, Deek and I decided to start dating, and a bright, happy light shined in my life. I wanted to get back into better shape (Deek was super into fitness and very buff).
Deek at the gym with his very serious trainer! Soon, Deek spent half of his time on one coast and half of his time on the other, and we knew that wouldn't work for much longer. So, we decided I would move to the Pacific Northwest with him for a while and then he would move back to the South with me for a while. I ran my last half marathon in March 2014, packed up, and moved across the country to live with Deek.
Last half marathonEverything is awesome, except running 13.1 miles in the pouring, freezing rain!For the first time, I was truly happy. So you'd think my eating would improve, right? Well, Deek and I started doing what we call "happy eating." LOL! We ate *because* we were happy. Yes, we worked out together too, but we had trouble establishing a good workout routine because we moved, sold houses, and traveled back and forth across the country several times. Just when we'd get on a good fitness/eating roll, it would be time to take the train across the country to the South for a month. Let me tell ya, that really messes up those good habits!
Panda Express
Yep, more Wendy's
PizzaBut we did some running and lifting and a lot of hiking and adventuring.
Kiss before our run
Deek ran is first official 5k race
Weight trainingBut despite the workouts, the pounds crept up on both of us, thanks to our bad eating habits. When we moved back to the South, we vowed to get those pounds off. After a few stutter-starts, I'm pleased to say we've FINALLY figured out an eating and workout routine that has consistently slimmed us down! We returned to that eating style which had worked so well for me in the past, Primal.
Drinking my protein shakeWe eat higher fat, lower carb meals. It takes some planning, but we're both committed to it. I'm so grateful that Deek's not one of those guys who thinks cooking is a "woman's job." We do it together, and we can get the meals made so much faster because of it. And we've found ways to work in some of our favorite foods!
Meatsa! Crust is made from ground chicken. Oh, so good!The exercise program is straightforward and easy to do. We focus a lot on bodyweight training, and we sprint once a week (tabatas). Boy, do we hate tabatas, but they're great for us! And we walk...a lot.
We found a pedestrian bridge in the South. How very Pacific Northwest!And guess what? The pounds are falling off. We're losing weight, eating in a way that works for our bodies, and getting/feeling fit. We have energy to do what we want to do and aren't limited by the extra weight. In fact, we just had an epic date weekend where we went ziplining over a waterfall. This course required a good amount of upper and lower body strength, and we completed it like a boss.
Headed out to zipline! (Note the genuine, big, goofy grin my handsome husband puts on my face!!)I'm not one of those people who believes every diet is a one-size-fits-all. I've tried my fair share of ones that worked for other people but didn't work for me (NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, SlimFast, counting calories). I am hypothyroid, so the calories in/calories out methodology is pure bunk for me. I have to eat an endocrine based diet (diabetic, South Beach, paleo, primal), or I will not see any results. I also have a protein based body, meaning I run best on protein and fat instead of carbs. Carbs leave me feeling immediately hungry, shaky, and unsatisfied.
Me after tabatas, but it's also how carbs make me feel. LOL!And I'm done running. I no longer need to go for a long run to destress or escape. I'm insanely happy with my life. And I'm convinced that running, ironically, started me down this path which led to weight gain. I was always hungry and ate more as a result. With bodyweight training and sprints, my hunger stays in check while my heart and muscles get the necessary workout.
Chillin' on da porch with our protein shakes after a workout
And I can fit into my old clothes again.(Deek kept taking pics of me during our date--to a primal friendly place--and telling me how beautiful he thinks I am. #LuckyGirl)I'm thankful to have a partner who works with me on fitness and exercise goals. He's my true partner in every aspect of life, and he puts the smile on my face and the skip in my step. I adore him more than words can ever express! I'm thankful to be on this fitness journey and this life journey with such an amazing man!
August 29, 2016
Leaving the Rat Race
I've been thinking lately that our lifestyle must really make some people scratch their heads. At our age, we're supposed to be chasing the next big thing--a bigger house, flashier cars, more stuff, all the "things" people are "supposed" to want. But Deek and I have gone in the opposite direction. We've gotten out of the rat race. And I'm sure people wonder, "Can they really be happy?"
Well, here's the honest to goodness truth: yes.
Deek and me exploring our town
What a complete and total relief to not reach for the next thing. What a joy to just BE present in this moment, to be thankful for what we have and enjoy the freedom our life provides.
I honestly wasn't sure how I'd feel about living in an apartment. We went from owning a home to renting a home to renting a town home to now renting an apartment. (Side note: We LOVE renting. I know it doesn't have tax benefits, yada yada, but there's freedom. If there's a problem, someone else fixes it and pays for it. We just have to arrange the time for the workmen to come.) But I've found I really like apartment life. I'm an extrovert, so I don't mind the noises from upstairs or the throngs of other people who live here. Our neighbors are super great in that they're quiet, polite, and respectful.
I also adore the amenities we have here: a saltwater pool, free Starbucks 24/7, a state-of-the-art gym, free breakfast on Tuesday mornings, walking trails all over the place, and we're within walking distance of Trader Joe's (which may or may not be a good thing for the wallet--LOL). Also, the complex is super cool about letting you personalize. We're allowed to paint the apartment and screen in the porch. Deek screened in our porch last weekend, and I've literally been out there every day to sit, drink coffee, and enjoy the sounds of summer.
Coffee and reading poolside!
Views from the screened in porch
Oh look, I'm there...again!
Deek and I still have one car and don't have plans to get another one anytime soon. I get up early and take him to work and then pick him up in the evenings. It affords us extra time together (not that the commute is long--we picked this apartment specifically because it's super close to his work), and he's close enough that we can go for a walk or have lunch together most days.
Look what we saw on our latest walk around the lake at his work!
When we moved, we could only take what we could fit in a small 6x12 UHaul trailer. It sounds big, but when you put stuff in it, it's not. So, we sold or gave away a whole lot of our possessions. And you know what? We don't miss those items. Instead, it's freeing. When we got the apartment, we only bought a few items, but overall, we have a very small amount of "things." And I love it. The apartment looks spacious, it's a cinch to clean, and we aren't inundated with junk.
Of course, we had to keep our favorite works of literature! ;)
My dad is a realtor, and he said the trend of late is to scale back. Renting is becoming as popular (and in some areas, more popular) than buying. More and more people are getting out of the rat race. They're seeing the benefit in stepping back and living a simpler life.
If Deek and I elect to buy a house, it will only be as an investment for our future vagabond lifestyle plans. But we both dread the thought. If we get a house, we'll actually have to start making our own coffee again (the horror)! LOL! But seriously, it's amazing to be able to spend our time and money on things we want to instead of things we have to.
This weekend, we had a lazy weekend (I think we're still exhausted from the move/living in a hotel/job hunting because we STILL haven't felt like adventuring). Deek said, "If we had a house, we might be doing yard work right now, but instead, we're writing and taking selfies with our unamused cat. I love this life!"
Bless Trinna's heart. She puts up with all her humans' antics!
Lazy day hair
I love this life too. I mean, I epically love it.
And best of all, I get to spend all this free time with my best friend/husband/love/soulmate, Deek! I always have the best time with him! We talk about nothing and everything and laugh... a lot. I'm happier than I ever dreamed I could be. It's all about people, not stuff. That's where the real life is.
<swoon>
They have pedestrian bridges in the South. How very Portland!
Found some interesting art on one of our walks
Trinna baby loves the relaxed lifestyle too! ;)
So, today, stop what you're frantically doing and take a look at the people in your life. Kiss your significant other and ask him/her how the day went. Spend time reading to your children. Call your mom and/or dad. Be sure to take time every day to show the people in your life just how much they mean to you. The rat race can wait. Relationships can't.
Until next time, love and laugh out loud! <3
Well, here's the honest to goodness truth: yes.
Deek and me exploring our townWhat a complete and total relief to not reach for the next thing. What a joy to just BE present in this moment, to be thankful for what we have and enjoy the freedom our life provides.
I honestly wasn't sure how I'd feel about living in an apartment. We went from owning a home to renting a home to renting a town home to now renting an apartment. (Side note: We LOVE renting. I know it doesn't have tax benefits, yada yada, but there's freedom. If there's a problem, someone else fixes it and pays for it. We just have to arrange the time for the workmen to come.) But I've found I really like apartment life. I'm an extrovert, so I don't mind the noises from upstairs or the throngs of other people who live here. Our neighbors are super great in that they're quiet, polite, and respectful.
I also adore the amenities we have here: a saltwater pool, free Starbucks 24/7, a state-of-the-art gym, free breakfast on Tuesday mornings, walking trails all over the place, and we're within walking distance of Trader Joe's (which may or may not be a good thing for the wallet--LOL). Also, the complex is super cool about letting you personalize. We're allowed to paint the apartment and screen in the porch. Deek screened in our porch last weekend, and I've literally been out there every day to sit, drink coffee, and enjoy the sounds of summer.
Coffee and reading poolside!
Views from the screened in porch
Oh look, I'm there...again!Deek and I still have one car and don't have plans to get another one anytime soon. I get up early and take him to work and then pick him up in the evenings. It affords us extra time together (not that the commute is long--we picked this apartment specifically because it's super close to his work), and he's close enough that we can go for a walk or have lunch together most days.
Look what we saw on our latest walk around the lake at his work!When we moved, we could only take what we could fit in a small 6x12 UHaul trailer. It sounds big, but when you put stuff in it, it's not. So, we sold or gave away a whole lot of our possessions. And you know what? We don't miss those items. Instead, it's freeing. When we got the apartment, we only bought a few items, but overall, we have a very small amount of "things." And I love it. The apartment looks spacious, it's a cinch to clean, and we aren't inundated with junk.
Of course, we had to keep our favorite works of literature! ;) My dad is a realtor, and he said the trend of late is to scale back. Renting is becoming as popular (and in some areas, more popular) than buying. More and more people are getting out of the rat race. They're seeing the benefit in stepping back and living a simpler life.
If Deek and I elect to buy a house, it will only be as an investment for our future vagabond lifestyle plans. But we both dread the thought. If we get a house, we'll actually have to start making our own coffee again (the horror)! LOL! But seriously, it's amazing to be able to spend our time and money on things we want to instead of things we have to.
This weekend, we had a lazy weekend (I think we're still exhausted from the move/living in a hotel/job hunting because we STILL haven't felt like adventuring). Deek said, "If we had a house, we might be doing yard work right now, but instead, we're writing and taking selfies with our unamused cat. I love this life!"
Bless Trinna's heart. She puts up with all her humans' antics!
Lazy day hairI love this life too. I mean, I epically love it.
And best of all, I get to spend all this free time with my best friend/husband/love/soulmate, Deek! I always have the best time with him! We talk about nothing and everything and laugh... a lot. I'm happier than I ever dreamed I could be. It's all about people, not stuff. That's where the real life is.
<swoon>
They have pedestrian bridges in the South. How very Portland!
Found some interesting art on one of our walks
Trinna baby loves the relaxed lifestyle too! ;)So, today, stop what you're frantically doing and take a look at the people in your life. Kiss your significant other and ask him/her how the day went. Spend time reading to your children. Call your mom and/or dad. Be sure to take time every day to show the people in your life just how much they mean to you. The rat race can wait. Relationships can't.
Until next time, love and laugh out loud! <3
August 24, 2016
She Runs Away Cover Reveal -- Jessica Calla
Today is the cover reveal for She Runs Away by Jessica Calla! It's Book 2 in the Sheridan Hall Series and a follow up story about Ben, whom you may remember from
She Laughs In Pink
. And stay tuned for a giveaway!!
Let me just say, Jessica is a SUPERB write, and Anita at Racepoint is an SUPERB cover artist. So, when you put the two together...mind blown! Enjoy!
The Cover
Title: She Runs Away (Sheridan Hall Series, Book 2)Author: Jessica CallaGenre: New AdultRelease date: November 15, 2016Publisher: BookFish Books
Cover Artist: Anita Carroll at Race-Point
Blurb: After tragedy strikes New Jersey University's Sheridan Hall, freshman quarterback Ben Riley’s stable, normal life is turned upside down. Sidelined from playing the game he loves and on the verge of losing his scholarship, Ben wants nothing more than to escape the chaos of college and return home to rural Pennsylvania and his family.
Yet, there’s something that keeps him from running. Or someone. A cute blonde he had a chance with but blew off for all the wrong reasons.
Megan Smith has secrets. Secrets that have burned her in the past. Secrets she’s unwilling to share with anyone at Sheridan Hall—especially Ben, her sexy, rough-around-the-edges floormate who broke her heart in a matter of days after moving into Sheridan. Meg decided early on that it’s easier to live life on her own than to share her secrets and let people in.
Meg runs, and Ben follows. But sooner or later, the clock on their chance at love will expire. With inner demons dragging them both down, they must find a way to stop running and trust one another or risk losing their perfectly matched love forever.Preorder She Runs Away!
About the AuthorJessica Calla is a contemporary romance and women's fiction author who moonlights during the day as an attorney. If she's not writing, lawyering, or parenting, you'll most likely find her at the movies, scrolling through her Twitter feed, or gulping down various forms of caffeine (sometimes all three at once).
Jessica is a member of Romance Writers of America, involved in the Contemporary, Young Adult, and New Jersey Chapters, and is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She recently became the oldest marketing intern ever at BookFish Books, and was named a Young Adult mentor for the FicFest writing contest. A Jersey girl through and through, she resides in the central part of the state with her husband, two sons, and dog.
Find Jessica on Twitter (@jess_calla) or at her website (www.jessicacalla.com). She loves to make reader and writer friends.
There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of She Runs Away. One person will win a $25 Amazon gift card!Here is the link to the rafflecopter giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveawayNow that we've shared this awesome cover, we can't wait to share the book! See you in November (just in time for Christmas--YAY)!
Let me just say, Jessica is a SUPERB write, and Anita at Racepoint is an SUPERB cover artist. So, when you put the two together...mind blown! Enjoy!
The Cover
Title: She Runs Away (Sheridan Hall Series, Book 2)Author: Jessica CallaGenre: New AdultRelease date: November 15, 2016Publisher: BookFish BooksCover Artist: Anita Carroll at Race-Point
Blurb: After tragedy strikes New Jersey University's Sheridan Hall, freshman quarterback Ben Riley’s stable, normal life is turned upside down. Sidelined from playing the game he loves and on the verge of losing his scholarship, Ben wants nothing more than to escape the chaos of college and return home to rural Pennsylvania and his family.
Yet, there’s something that keeps him from running. Or someone. A cute blonde he had a chance with but blew off for all the wrong reasons.
Megan Smith has secrets. Secrets that have burned her in the past. Secrets she’s unwilling to share with anyone at Sheridan Hall—especially Ben, her sexy, rough-around-the-edges floormate who broke her heart in a matter of days after moving into Sheridan. Meg decided early on that it’s easier to live life on her own than to share her secrets and let people in.
Meg runs, and Ben follows. But sooner or later, the clock on their chance at love will expire. With inner demons dragging them both down, they must find a way to stop running and trust one another or risk losing their perfectly matched love forever.Preorder She Runs Away!
About the AuthorJessica Calla is a contemporary romance and women's fiction author who moonlights during the day as an attorney. If she's not writing, lawyering, or parenting, you'll most likely find her at the movies, scrolling through her Twitter feed, or gulping down various forms of caffeine (sometimes all three at once).
Jessica is a member of Romance Writers of America, involved in the Contemporary, Young Adult, and New Jersey Chapters, and is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She recently became the oldest marketing intern ever at BookFish Books, and was named a Young Adult mentor for the FicFest writing contest. A Jersey girl through and through, she resides in the central part of the state with her husband, two sons, and dog.
Find Jessica on Twitter (@jess_calla) or at her website (www.jessicacalla.com). She loves to make reader and writer friends.
There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of She Runs Away. One person will win a $25 Amazon gift card!Here is the link to the rafflecopter giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveawayNow that we've shared this awesome cover, we can't wait to share the book! See you in November (just in time for Christmas--YAY)!
