My Weight Loss Journey

          Why can't we as humans do what's right for us? We do things we know are bad for us, it's proven that it's bad for us and we just keep on keepin on.

          Almost two years ago I started on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. My starting weight was around 190 pounds. I began eating right and running/working out. And you know what!? It was easy. I was losing weight like nothing. My body was changing, I was feeling better and I was much more confident. I kept it up for about 6-7 months with my weight being around 154. I had went from being obese to a normal weight range.

        Then..I stopped. Not all at once though. I just stopped running as much then slacked off on watching what I ate and then I started drinking pop again. Of course I just ignored that the weight was coming back on. And now I'm right back where I started near the same starting weight however this time around I'm much less motivated.

        Which brings me back to my original statement. Why is it so hard to to what you know is best for you!? I know how to lose the pounds, I know how great it made me feel and look but I'm so reluctant to start again.

        I've been slowly trying to watch what I eat the last couple weeks and so far so good but it definitely hasn't been easy. I really need to get back into it full force though.

        So wish me luck guys! And if you're taking part in your own weight loss journey and have a blog make sure to comment and let me know because I would love to follow you!

The White Oak by Kim White

My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:In The White Oak, the first book in the Imperfect Darkness series, Cora Alexander falls through a sinkhole and enters the underworld still alive. Her living presence threatens the tyrannical rule of Minos and the infernal judges who have hijacked the afterlife and rebuilt it, trapping human souls in a mechanical, computer-controlled city that lies at the core of the earth. To survive, Cora must rely on her untrustworthy guide, Minotaur, an artificial intelligence built by Minos. She is helped by a mysterious voice, and by Sybil, underworld librarian and author of each person’s book of life. Sybil’s collection holds the key to humankind’s intertwined life stories. When Cora’s own book is destroyed, Sybil gives her a magical golden pen and sends her to the underworld city to write her own destiny. Along the way, Cora finds the ghost of her dead brother, Lucas, a genius programmer who alone is capable of finding the chink in Minos's armor. But will he be able to get Cora out alive, or will they both succumb to the seemingly inescapable underworld trap?

My review:

This story tells a tale of a girl who has a connection with living things in a non living world. This book was so different (in a good way) than most books coming out today. The whole idea of the plot and where the book takes place is so unique and will keep you wondering what happens next. And it definitely leaves you on a cliff hanger! If you read the synopsis above you see that it talks of a mysterious voice although you learn the name of the voice you don't actually get to meet him in the first book. So I'm definitely looking forward to learning about this mystery man.

I highly recommend this book to someone looking for something totally different than anything they've read before. This book takes the idea of tales from mythology throws in some technology and a whole lot of adventure!

Buy the book: Amazon

Follow the author: Facebook,Twitter

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The Emerald Quest by Renee Pawlish

My rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis: A long-lost emerald, a missing treasure map, and a wealthy villain combine for an action-packed adventure!

Thirteen-year-old Noah Winter, the son of sea-exploring treasure hunters, dives the San Isabel shipwreck with his parents in search of a mysterious treasure map lost in the murky depths off the Florida Keys over a century ago. The map reveals the hiding place of the priceless De La Rosa emerald. But before the Winters can find the map, a wealthy treasure-hunting rival kidnaps Noah’s parents. Now Noah must match wits with a dangerous adversary, not only to discover the treasure map first, but to rescue his mom and dad before it’s too late.

My review:

      The book started out a little slow for my taste but there was a lot of foreshadowing to keep me interested and questioning what will happen next. But this book soon turned into a very action-packed adventure! The main character Noah would be easy to relate to for young adults reading this book. Although his parents are treasure hunters and he doesn't go to a regular school he does have typical childhood problems to deal with, for instance getting his homework done and making good grades while being home schooled.

      I'm not the target audience to which this book was written for however I greatly enjoyed it. It's probably slightly more suited for male children but I'm sure a girl could enjoy it as well ( I know I did!) It even made me want to be a treasure hunter...and I can't swim! This would be a great summer read at the beach to make you wonder of all the treasures hidden beneath the ocean in front of you!

Buy the book: Amazon

Follow the Author: Facebook,Twitter

Children's Advil (Review)

Anyone with a child knows that there is NOTHING worse than a sick kid. Their coughs and sniffles break your heart and the touch of their hot forehead scares you to death. I had received a product to review and although I was excited to review it because it would be my first official review on my blog I still hoped I wouldn’t have to review it so soon.

I received a bottle of Children’s Advil to review. The bottle I received was dye-free white grape. Although my daughter doesn’t have any allergies or such to food dye this can come in handy for parents whose children do. They also offer the Children’s Advil in Grape, Blue Raspberry and Fruit flavors.

Kaylee had developed a slight stuffy nose, cough and fever resulting in me getting to give this medicine a try. The box says it is a fever reducer, relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, sore throat, headaches, and toothaches.

Children’s Advil says it relieves fever for up to 8 hours with just one dose. And it did just that. Kaylee’s fever came down and she was feeling much better.

This is her getting a drink of juice preparing for the awful taste she expected, but didn't get!

 She didn’t even mind the taste of the medicine either! This is great because fighting with a sick child to take their medicine can be a pain. Children’s Advil worked for Kaylee and I’ll definitely use it again.

To receive a $1 off coupon for your choice of Infants, Children’s or Junior Strength Advil click here.

I received this product free through smiley360.com for review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Free Schick Hydro Silk Razor

Soon I will be posting a review on a Schick Hydro Silk Razor. I haven’t received mine yet but their website says this new razor has moisturizing serum, 5 curve sensing blades, unique skin guards, a unique oval cartridge and a soft touch handle. Wanna try it out for yourself? I have a link where 5 people can receive a free one for themselves to try out. So the first 5 to follow me via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment with their email will get the link!

Welcome to Read Review Cook

Hi everyone!

My name’s Holly and this is my new blog, Read Review Cook. The title just begins to summarize some of the topics my blog will cover.

I’m a mother, a wife, a student and an employee. I have a passion for reading and cooking, however I’m only a recipe maker, not a recipe creator.

I’m a newlywed of one month, so far so good. But seriously my husband is a really great guy. I probably wouldn’t have started this if it wasn’t for his support.

My daughter is my rock. Without her I wouldn’t be who I am today. She has a head full of curls and says the silliest things. She’s growing up too fast on me though. As much as I love to watch her grow it breaks my heart knowing she’ll never be at this time in her life again.

I created this blog because although I have many responsibilities I don’t have a lot of hobbies. I enjoy reading, cooking and trying new products, I also enjoy reading blogs. So I figured I might as well combine those and make a blog about my favorite things. I’m not going to promise you a lot of in-depth, deep, soulful content, because that’s not really my style but who knows what you might get. I hope everyone enjoys my blog and I’d love to hear any suggestions.