"Body and Soul" by Bethany Hamilton with Dustin Dillberg

"Body and Soul: A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life" by Bethany Hamilton with Dustin Dillberg is a great resource for pre-teens, teens and even adults!

Bethany has become famous for her amazing surf skills and for overcoming adversity through her faith in Jesus Christ.

At the age of 13, Bethany was attacked by a 14 foot tiger shark while surfing with friends.  Bethany lost her left arm, but not her determination or her faith.  One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and to surfing -- ultimately achieving her dream of becoming a professional surfer.  Bethany's inspirational story made headlines and was turned into the 2011 movie Soul Surfer.


But -- back to the book!  "Body and Soul" encourages young girls to develop a healthy lifestyle by focusing on body, mind and soul.  While other health books might focus only on food and fitness, this book focuses on improving overall health, keeping a positive mindset and trusting in God's love and support.

I really appreciate that Bible verses are interspersed throughout the book to continually emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus and of being spiritually healthy!

"Body and Soul" has amazing photographs throughout which give step by step instructions for workouts and yummy looking results for recipes.  Having these pictures makes it so much more inspiring!

The exercises in "Body and Soul" are great for pre-teen and teen girls (though anyone can do them).  There is an emphasis on strengthening your core, balance and posture.  One section of the book has a 'q and a' section and a fun quiz that you can take to find out your exercise style.

The recipes in "Body and Soul" have a Hawaiian influence and will encourage you to try new things on your plate.  I like how there is even a section about what to skip -- things like artificial sweeteners and trans fats -- with examples of the specific names and an explanation of why they're bad for you.

While the book has a focus on exercising and eating healthy, there is no condemnation here.  Bethany suggests an occasional treat and says: "Even if you can't squeeze in a workout, starting your day with a prayer and some soulful deep breathing is almost just as good."

Overall, "Body and Soul" is a great inspiration for any "gal" who is hoping to become healthier and looking for motivation.  The book's focus is on being healthy -- inside and out and accepting yourself as God made you.  What could be better than that for young girls in this day and age?

Check out: Bethany's website for more information and inspiration!

"Instead of comparing or complaining,

take time to appreciate what you have,

the good in you and others, 

and most of all, how God has created the uniqueness of Y-O-U."

- Body and Soul

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers http://booklookbloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

My Death-Defying Summer

I had a horrible headache, but I had told the kids that we would go bowling with their friends and I wanted to keep my word. I bowled with a headache because sometimes that's a mother's love.


That night I developed a fever and chills.  The next day I was delirious. On the third day I had a moment of clarity (which I thank God for).  I asked my husband to bring me the thermometer and I also took my heart rate.  Temperature: 104  Resting heart rate: 122 bpm.  I told him I thought I should go to the Emergency.

There were chest x-rays and ecgs, blood tests and ivs.  I found out I had pneumonia.  Mid-summer, no cold or flu to trigger it - pneumonia.  They wanted to admit me for a few days, but I refused since Ernie can't take care of the kids on his own (due to stroke symptoms).  Instead I returned to the hospital every night for the next week to have iv antibiotic therapy.

The night that I came home from the hospital the kids had both said in the dark of the night "I hope you don't die, Mom".  I reassured them by scoffing gently at their concern and saying "I'm not going to die".

I had a follow up visit with my family doctor a few days later and it was then that I was told I had "life threatening pneumonia".  I didn't realize that...  You'd think it would have been more obvious to me if my life was threatened.

I nearly died in my family room left for days to "recover" by my well-meaning husband and children...  Then I reassured my kids of the very thing that was up in the air.

The conversation I had with my children after my follow-up appointment was significantly different.  I reminded them that we all will die and not one of us knows when that day will be.  I told them that the important thing was that I have asked Jesus to be my Saviour and to forgive me of my sins and so I will go to Heaven when I die.

Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."  John 11:25 & 26

Now that's reassuring...

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

On Falling Down the Stairs and Other Things

I fell down the stairs a week or so ago.  In the dark, around midnight, with my hands full.  This is the recipe for falling down the stairs.  

I only fell down the last stair or two (thinking that I'd already reached the bottom).  My knee was twisted at a horrible angle and I've spent a lot of my time lately on my back with my leg propped up in the air.

I purchased a Gal Pal Ice Pack years ago because it was cute and practical, but I hadn't had a reason to use it for myself until now (My kids use yogurt tubes as ice packs and then eat the yogurt tube afterwards -- it's a great system!)

I haven't been on the computer as much as normal since I'm "old fashioned" and have a desk computer, but I have found random things to mention (aside from my cute ice pack).



Have you heard of Kids Bowl Free?  From June 10 -- September 10 kids who are signed up for the program can bowl 2 free games per day at participating bowling alleys.  You just have to pay for shoe rentals.  You can also sign up 4 teens/adults for the summer for an additional 25ish dollars.  Of course you don't have to go every day, but you could if you wanted to...


I have to tell you about Pinterest.  Back in the day I had very well organized bookmarks on my computer with things I wanted to make in the future, things that inspired me etc...  This is like having well organized bookmarks, but with PICTURES!  You can also see things that other people have "pinned" to their "bulletin boards" and re-pin them to your own boards.  I now have all sorts of ideas organized on Pinterest for upcoming birthday parties and crafts that I hope to make in the future.

If you want an invitation you can e-mail me or leave your e-mail address in the comments.  You have to see it to fully appreciate it!

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Simple Living for Stinky Pits

I admit it -- I use vinegar for underarm deodorant. I have a spray bottle that I use to spray the vinegar on each morning. I also spray it on after I shower even though I've just shaved and it stings for a minute. (call me crazy).

Good question -- will you stink of vinegar instead of stinky pits?!?! Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the vinegar seems to minimize the vinegar smell while it's wet and likely helps to keep the bacteria at bay. Once the vinegar has dried you won't be offending anyone with either smell.

My reasons: health, finances, the environment and it works better than any natural deodorant I've tried!

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~