Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness, and a Full Night's Sleep Review & Giveaway



About the book

Order-loving, thirty-something Rachel, and her laid-back, messy mother, Becky, are opposites in many ways. But they both believe that women long for a life that nourishes them inside and out. In this book, the mother-daughter duo will help you make that dream a reality by tackling the “Top 10 Stressors” that mess with a woman’s mind, such as:

•Cluttered Surroundings
•Exhaustion of parenting
•Time-starved marriages
•Feeling like a spiritual slacker
•Crowded Schedules
•Negative Body Image

Following a series of trial-and-error experiments, Becky and Rachel share laugh-out-loud stories, fascinating research, and practical tips to design and a nourished life that fits your personality. By learning how to embrace “nourishing compromises,” you’ll never put happiness on hold again. If you are feeling drained, discontent, or discouraged, join a couple of understanding, entertaining companions on the journey from overwhelmed to nourished.

About the authors

Becky Johnson is the author, coauthor, or collaborator of more than forty books. She’s a natural storyteller who has inspired and entertained audiences for years. Most recently she co-authored We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook alone with a blog by the same name with her daughter, Rachel Randolph. She and her husband, Greg, live in Denver, Colorado. Website/blog: www.laughcrycook.com

Rachel Randolph writes and speaks with humor and honesty about parenting a toddler, young married life, and her mostly plant-based cooking adventures. Rachel is married to Jared, a high school football and baseball coach. They live near Dallas, Texas with their son, Jackson. Nourished is her second book.
Website/Blog: www.nourishedmama.com


My thoughts

I will be the first to admit that there have been several times in my life where I feel like I am lost, stressed, and so worn out. I am pretty good at remedying the problems, but it is always nice to learn more techniques and strategies.

Nourished is a unique self help book because it is written by two authors who alternate throughout the book sharing their stories, experiences, and strategies they use to cope with life.The authors are able to provide different viewpoints since Becky Johnson takes on the mother/big sister who is so tuned to life role and Rachel Randolph takes on the young mom role who is finding her way.

The authors are able to connect with the reader by showing they are human and that they are still learning from their mistakes. I loved how they shared personal stories where they have done foolish things as well as wise things. I feel that this quote sums up this book perfectly:
In truth, the wisest, happiest women pause to consider their life on a regular basis. They interrupt the nonstop flow of activity now and again to ask, "What can I tweak in my life to experience less stress and more joy?" They don't see life as dictated my fate: they see it as a series of choices and actions. They see options and open windows with new vistas, where others see slammed, locked doors.

The authors cover 5 topics that you can nourish in your life: 1) spaces, 2) routines, 3) bodies, 4) relationships, and 5) souls.This is a book that you want to read over and over so you can work on one area at a time.

I love to have a tidy and organized home. My husband likes to have one too; however, he loves to keep everything because he sees the potential in everything. This book has motivated me to take on the decluttering stage again because I feel stressed in a cluttered home. I have already decluttered two rooms (granted these are rooms that I basically maintain....the big task will be to get to the spare bedroom and garage that my husband controls). But, it feels so nice to know that all my drawers are organized and not full of random things. And, I love the fact that I have already gotten rid of 2 bags of things I don't need anymore to thrift stores.

Because I love tidyness, this was something I loved from the book because it touched on the subject of a clean home with children at home.
Because, as my mom has always told me, no matter how organized we are, some of the best parts of real life (especially with kids) will always be messy. It's the nourishing compromise thing: order what you can; let go of what you can't control. The goal is to create a space where real families live and make messes but are simple to put right again at the end of the day.

I also loved the analogy that your mind is a garden that you need to cultivate everyday. I am a big gardener and I know how much work goes into growing your food and how easy it is for weeds to take over the garden. To have a nourished mind and soul, one needs to work on their thoughts. This is something that I plan on tackling right now because I struggle so much with my pessimistic view of life. I want to be the person that regardless of what happens in my life, I can choose to be happy and full of joy and love.

Anyways, I just have to say that I really love this book because it is incredibly helpful and fun to read!

Giveaway
*open to anyone 18+ who lives in the USA or Canada
*Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway
*If you have won a prize from out sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Of if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.
*winner has 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected




"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.  

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

1 comment:

  1. I'd like this book because I'm always looking for ways to make my life better. I like that there are stories from the authors (real people) regarding this in Nourished.

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