book Archives - Cammo Style Love

book, fitness, health, review, Vinnie Tortorich

Fitness Confidential – It’s not About Fitness

December 22, 2013 No Comments

“This is a sponsored post. Cammo Style Love received the products mentioned in this post as well as compensation. I still strive to provide honest and open opinions and commentaries for my readers. All of this is in accordance with FTC guidelines 16 CFR , Part 255 set up to define the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.“

America’s Angriest Trainer, Vinnie Tortorich, exposes the nasty underbelly of the fitness industry while getting you into the best shape of your life. For over 20 years, Vinnie has been Hollywood’s go-to guy for celebrities and athletes looking to get fit fast. Now, in this hilarious and often r-rated memoir, he holds nothing back. What’s the best piece of fitness equipment money can buy? What’s the fastest way to lose weight: diet or exercise? Why are health clubs worse than used car lots? In FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL, Vinnie tells all. So get ready to get fit, get inspired and get the dirt with Hollywood’s most outrageous personal trainer!

Summary: When I was asked to review this book, there was a couple seconds that I almost hesitated. I’m not really into to fitness books and dieting books. In fact they kind of scare me. They do one of two things, set me up for failure or make me want to throw things. This book didn’t do either of those things. I know right?! This is not a fitness book, and this is not a diet book either. One of the main things that I loved about it was the fact that he spent a good amount of time talking about how all those diet and fitness crazes don’t work and how celebrities are like us, and just all these amazing little tidbits that I’m dying to share with you but I don’t want to give away. His totally “I’m calling you on your BS” way of laying it all out there and the realness of him makes you absolutely love love love him. I’ve been perusing his website and listening to some of his pod casts. I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions, and I probably won’t start now. However I will continue to work on the things I’ve been working on, with maybe a little more focus. There were thoughts and ideas that I already had, and he confirmed them. Instead of trying to make me believe in some health myth, he actually reinforced practical ideas that I had already! Since when does any fitness or health guru do that? Vinnie delivers practical advice with practical application. Seriously, anyone can do this!

Make sure to check out Vinnie’s website, listen to some of his podcasts, check out some of the things he’s got to say.

You can purchase Vinnie’s Book on Amazon in paperback or kindle formats.

One of my lucky readers has a chance to win their own digital copy of the book (yay!!!) and a $25 Amazon gift card. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Copyright © 2010 Cammo Style Love
Cammo Style Love

book, book review, booksneeze, business2blogger, Rhe's Bookshelf

Rhe’s Bookshelf Reviews #6!

May 22, 2012 No Comments

It’s been awhile but I have some book reviews today, HOORAY!!! Ever since I got really sick and pregnant in the summer of last year its pretty much been like I’ve been living my life going 100mph. Really sick, then catching up from the sick, then prepping for baby number three, then preparing for the holidays out of town – Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then, having baby number three and getting ready for a cross-country move. I mean, seriously, I give myself a hard time about it because that’s my personality. I really enjoy walking on the edge of sanity and serious mental breakdown/anxiety overload. My husband swears I do at least. Last year I had a seriously ambitious reading goal, which I completely failed at. This year I’ve lowered it significantly and I’m already feeling like a failure. Not to mention I haven’t done any knitting, crocheting or scrapbooking since I had Phillip. Now that I’ve completely turned this into a venting post, on to the good stuff. I have two books to review for you, both of which I love. I had previously reviewed the second book in the Winston Churchill thriller series by Michael and Patrick McMenamin, The Parsifal Pursuit. Thanks to Business2Blogger for the opportunity to review these books as well. I really love this series, as I mentioned before, so I was very excited to read this third installment. The Gemini Agenda proved to be every bit as good as I had hoped it would be, and its safe for me to say that it was actually my favorite. Here’s a brief little summary –

A string of strange deaths in 1932 leads Bourke Cockran, Jr., and his lover Mattie McGary to uncover a plot by Nazi scientists to conduct lethal experiments on American twins in order to create a master race.
They confront an international conspiracy connecting Wall Street to Washington, DC; from Long Island’s fabled Gold Coast to the marble corridors of the Barlow Palace in Munich, headquarters of the fast-rising Nazi Party; and finally to a sinister clinic hidden deep in the Bavarian Forest. The Gemini Agenda is a historical thriller, the third in the Winston Churchill trilogy.

I really don’t wanna give too much away about the book because they really are that good. It will satisfy a lot of different people I think. People who just love a good mystery, history lovers, or people that just appreciate a good book. Its information intense, which I love. You have to pay attention and you learn so much. And, like with the last one, Michael and Patrick have taken great pains to ensure the historical integrity of the book. I have read a lot of Historical Fiction books, because it is a genre that I really enjoy. These books are some of the best out there. If I didn’t know that there were fiction items in it I would believe that this truly and actually happened exactly as written. It isn’t over the top or outlandish and stays true to that era. It was crazy enough then to not need to really go overboard. I highly recommend this book. Please check out the McMenamin’s website to read more about them and their books. You can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars.

The next book on my shelf is Be The People: A Call to Reclaim America’s Faith and Promise by Carol M. Swain. BookSneeze has given me so many great books to review and read. I’m a lucky girl.

An insightful analysis of the forces of deception rapidly reshaping America’s morals, social policies, and culture, with a call to specific action, written by a thoughtful and courageous Christian social scientist on the front lines of today’s issues.
Cultural elites in the media, academia, and politics are daily deceiving millions of Americans into passively supporting policies that are detrimental to the nation and their own best interest. Although some Americans can see through the smokescreen, they feel powerless to redirect the forces inside and outside government that radically threaten cherished values and principles.
Drawing on her training in political science and law, Dr. Swain thoughtfully examines the religious significance of the founding of our nation and the deceptions that have infiltrated our daily lives and now threaten traditional families, unborn children, and members of various racial and ethnic groups-as well as national sovereignty itself–and provides action points for the people of this country to make the political system more responsive.
The book is divided into two sections: Forsaking what we once knew, Re-embracing truth and justice in policy choices
It also covers key topics such as: America’s shift to moral relativism, America’s religious roots, Abortion’s fragile facade, Historical and biblical views on families and children, Erosion of rule of law, national security, and immigration, Racial and ethnic challenges, Reclaiming the future.

I gotta say, this was a fantastic book. It got me all riled up, and that’s a good sign. It was a rare perspective from someone with her background. Because everything inside me would have guessed that she’s the opposite. Now I know that might not be the most PC thing to say, but lets be real, I’m not PC. Another thing to be real about is who will like this book. Even though I think that anyone, from any view, should read this book, you will either love it or hate it. As an African-American, highly educated, Woman she provides a unique view on these topics, and one that people might not expect. I feel torn as to how to really review this book. Clearly I am biased, but aren’t we all. I’m probably not going to change your mind and you probably won’t change mine. I feel like if people accepted that we’d get along a lot better. If we spent less time arguing to change each other’s minds we might learn a lot from each other. There are so many topics covered in this book and it is easy to get on information overload. However, it proves to a smooth and easy read. It is very conversational and it was enjoyable to read. It re-lit a fire in me and helped me to gain a new perspective and understanding on beliefs I already held true.

I recommend this book. It’s great, and it gets 4 Stars from me.

Copyright © 2010 Cammo Style Love
Cammo Style Love

book, book review, booksneeze, Rhe's Bookshelf, Tyndale Publishing

Rhe’s Bookshelf #4

August 14, 2011 No Comments

Well, its that time again, I’ve got a couple books to review here so hang on to your hats!

My First Hands-On Bible – New Living Translation

My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

I am the mother of a 5 year old and a 3 year old and I loved this Bible. First off I really loved it just for me. A lot of times children’s bible’s can miss stuff, or skim over stuff or just shorten things down because its geared towards kids. I didn’t feel like that at all when I was looking this over. But by far the best part is the illustrations. So beautiful and fun. When my son opened it up for the first time he said, “Wow mommy, i like these pictures”. It was so easy to talk to him and have a conversation with him just about the pictures. That was before we even started reading it. The stories are great lengths and read in such a way that it kept my son’s attention while also spurring questions and conversation between. I love this Bible and I would definitely recommend it to any parent looking for a first Bible for their children! An added bonus for you homeschooling moms with younger children who aren’t quite ready for full on curriculum is the activities included within the stories. Its something for your younger kids to do that will make them feel like they are a big kid. I will be using it for my son who is doing pre-k and kindergarten learning at home this year.

**this book was provided by the Tyndale Blogging Program for my review. This review is my own and I was not provided any compensation for a positive review

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.

I wasn’t actually sure what to expect when I first got this book. But after opening it up and powering through about the whole thing in one night I loved it. Josh McDowell is amazing and so I knew anything by him would be great. I believe that this is such a relevant book for this day in age and I really think that groups from Jr. High and even College Age could use this book. The stories are relevant and easily comparable to life. The follow-up questions are great. I’m always worried with things like this because I fear that the topics would become too relevant if you know what I mean. The questions and topics become too watered down. The future of Christianity today is in the hands of our kids and feeding them wishy-washy garbage isn’t going to do us any good. I would pick up this book if you’re a youth leader or any kid, or if you have teens in your house, or even before your kids get to that age. I have a five and three year old and I loved this book! Its a tough task to raise our children and anything that helps with that is good in my book!

Copyright © 2010 Cammo Style Love
Cammo Style Love

book, book review, booksneeze, Rhe's Bookshelf, Tyndale Publishing

Rhe’s Bookshelf – My First Hands-On Bible/Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door

August 14, 2011 No Comments

Well, its that time again, I’ve got a couple books to review here so hang on to your hats!

My First Hands-On Bible – New Living Translation

My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

I am the mother of a 5 year old and a 3 year old and I loved this Bible. First off I really loved it just for me. A lot of times children’s bible’s can miss stuff, or skim over stuff or just shorten things down because its geared towards kids. I didn’t feel like that at all when I was looking this over. But by far the best part is the illustrations. So beautiful and fun. When my son opened it up for the first time he said, “Wow mommy, i like these pictures”. It was so easy to talk to him and have a conversation with him just about the pictures. That was before we even started reading it. The stories are great lengths and read in such a way that it kept my son’s attention while also spurring questions and conversation between. I love this Bible and I would definitely recommend it to any parent looking for a first Bible for their children! An added bonus for you homeschooling moms with younger children who aren’t quite ready for full on curriculum is the activities included within the stories. Its something for your younger kids to do that will make them feel like they are a big kid. I will be using it for my son who is doing pre-k and kindergarten learning at home this year.

**this book was provided by the Tyndale Blogging Program for my review. This review is my own and I was not provided any compensation for a positive review

[click to purchase}

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.

I wasn’t actually sure what to expect when I first got this book. But after opening it up and powering through about the whole thing in one night I loved it. Josh McDowell is amazing and so I knew anything by him would be great. I believe that this is such a relevant book for this day in age and I really think that groups from Jr. High and even College Age could use this book. The stories are relevant and easily comparable to life. The follow-up questions are great. I’m always worried with things like this because I fear that the topics would become too relevant if you know what I mean. The questions and topics become too watered down. The future of Christianity today is in the hands of our kids and feeding them wishy-washy garbage isn’t going to do us any good. I would pick up this book if you’re a youth leader or any kid, or if you have teens in your house, or even before your kids get to that age. I have a five and three year old and I loved this book! Its a tough task to raise our children and anything that helps with that is good in my book!

**this post contains affiliate links**

book, book review, booksneeze, Rhe's Bookshelf

Rhe’s Bookshelf #3: The Fight of Our Lives

July 13, 2011 No Comments

I was given the opportunity to read this book by the publisher and I’m so glad that I snatched this book. It was an amazing read, and as a Military Wife and American I recommend that everyone read this book. Don’t let the title of this book scare you or make you have any pre-conceived notions about this book. This is not just a random blathering of some right-wing, pro-war, Islamic hating person. This is a well-written and intelligent book, that includes the praise of those doing positive things in the Islamic words and the worlds of Muslims themselves. Granted, depending on your political views there may be many things you don’t like about this book, but there are several chapters that should be read regardless of where you stand politically. You will definitely learn something. While this book expresses many ‘Opinions’ of the authors, this book was well researched and includes so many facts that can not be construed as just opinions. I didn’t feel as if I was being manipulated or things were shoved down my throat. I have seen other people say that they felt like the author was trying to scare us or turn us into “1984”. I didnt’ feel that way. It could, however, be me. After putting it down I felt like buying everyone I knew a copy. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read a book I might not have otherwise seen. It had a lot to say and was a lot to take in; and isn’t what I would consider “light reading”. Spread the word because it needs to be spread.

4 stars frome me