The Woman Code --- Sophia Nelson Book Signing Dec. 6th #FCEvents #FCBlogger

   This post is a promotion for Family Christian. I was compensated for sharing this information. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Those who live in the Manassas, Virginia area have the opportunity to attend author Sophia Nelson's book signing December 6th. Nelson will be signing copies of her newest book, The Woman Code.

Family Christian bookstore of Manassas will host the event at 5 PM on 12/6. Address details are listed below.

About the Book (from Family Christian): Every woman lives by a code, whether she realizes it or not. It informs how she treats others and herself, how much she expects of herself, and how far she is willing to go in order to find success. But is the code we're living by truly helping us create the lives of purpose and fulfillment we desire? Or are we sacrificing the deeper things for mere achievement? 

In this inspiring book, Sophia A. Nelson calls women to live out a powerful life code that will lead them to purposeful and successful lives. With the wisdom that comes from experience, Nelson reveals to women:

The true meaning of "having it all"

How to take better care of their minds, bodies, and souls

How to achieve professional excellence without compromising their values

How to find lasting love and purpose in life beyond their accomplishments

How to navigate the sisterhood of women, to build collaboration rather than competition

How to heal from past hurts, rejection, and life's inevitable storms

And much more

The Woman Code is a way of living, of navigating life's challenges, and of interacting positively with other women. It's a way of pursuing our dreams and our deepest desires. It reveals a universal and timeless set of principles of the mind, body, and spirit that help women balance the demands of work, home, family, and friendship. The Woman Code not only calls on women to practice purpose in their lives, it shows them how to do it with grace.

About the Author (from Amazon): "Sophia A. Nelson is an award-winning author and award winning journalist. She is also a highly sought-after corporate leadership trainer and motivational speaker. Nelson has a national platform that is making strides to help women lead more fulfilling and powerful lives in and out of the workplace."

Visit Nelson on Twitter and at IamSophiaNelson.com.

Meet Sophia Nelson at Manassas Family Christian bookstore at 5 PM on December 6th:

Family Christian

10404 Portsmouth Road

Manassas, VA 20109

Phone: (703) 330-7845

Hope to see you there!

Warm Up with Marie Callender's Pot Pies #PotPiePlease #Ad #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PotPiePlease #CollectiveBias 

Winter is here! Oh, how I love the smell of chimney smoke in the air and snuggling up with a warm blanket and tea and cozy socks and... I'm definitely a cold weather girl! The cold weather makes me want to bake and cook warm hearty meals for my family. No more cold sandwiches and pasta salads---bring on the soups, stews, and pot pies! Marie Callender's pot pies are one of our family's new favorites. I made one for lunch today and everyone who had some loved it!

Last week, I made a big shopping trip to Walmart where I picked up all of our Thanksgiving food, as well as a few quick and easy dinners for the nights before and after the busy holiday. I found Marie Callender's pot pies in the freezer aisle labeled Family Meals.

My Dad made the three-day trip out here from Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with us. It's been so great having him here and showing him around Northwest Arkansas. I love having a few meals in the freezer to pull out when we have family or friends come to stay because it saves me prep time--time that can be better spent hanging out with our guests! It's especially nice at holiday time because there's always something else we'd rather be doing---like decorating the house or playing a board game. 

This was the first time we'd tried the Marie Callender's pot pies and I was impressed from the first bite. The crust was buttery and flakey and a perfect compliment to the light chicken gravy inside.  The meat was moist and the vegetables were barely crisp---a wonderful change from the usual mushy veggies I find in many frozen meals. I couldn't have made that crust better myself. I've tried. Ha! I like my crust really light-colored so I took it out of the oven about three minutes before the timer was set to go off. For a darker and glossy crust, brush beaten egg whites over the top of the crust during the last 5-6 minutes of baking.

Since Marie Callender's pot pies are now available in family size, most of you can feed your whole family a warm and hearty meal from one box for less than $10! We need to buy two---but that's still better than 11 individual ones, right?

It can be difficult, sometimes, to find something that the whole family enjoys. Marie Callender's tastes like homemade, and these pot pies are a satisfying, tummy-filling meal that will please both your family and guests. Let me know if you give one a try. To learn more about the product, visit MarieCallender's online. You can also visit potpieplease.com for some delicious recipes.

Making Christmas Memories with Santa at Northwest Arkansas Mall #NWARK

I was compensated for this campaign by Northwest Arkansas Mall. All opinions are honest and are my own.

You're never too old to have your picture taken with Santa! All the Coller kids, from little 2-year-old Brenna, on up to almost 15-year-old Lynzie, gathered round the big guy this morning at Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville for a festive photo shoot. 

Even though we don't really do the "Santa thing" here at home, it's still fun to keep this tradition that both Jamie and I enjoyed as kids. Here are me and my brother getting our photos with Santa in Heppner, Oregon in 1984. Joe and I sure grew up, but Santa hasn't changed a bit!

It was easy to find the spot where Santa would be making his magical appearance at Center Court---everything was decorated so pretty and Christmasy! The kids were especially excited about this great big Christmas tree standing behind Santa's chair. This year, Santa is enjoying a brand new set and décor. Trust me--if you've not decorated for Christmas yet, this festive setting will make you want to!

Santa will be at the mall now through 

Christmas Eve. 

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am - 8pm 

(break from 3-4)

 Sunday 12pm - 6pm 

(break from 3-3:30) 

As you can see, most of the kids were pretty happy to be posing with and sitting on the lap of a guy they've never met before...but you always have that one kid who just won't smile and cooperate. Ha! Oh well, it's a cute picture anyway!

There are several photo packages to choose from, along with the option to add a phone app to your package, if desired. The photos printed immediately for us to bring home. 

Near the checkout counter, they've got all kinds of cute frames, snow globes, and other products in which to display your picture. Lots of great gift ideas!

I had an idea for a frame using some supplies that I had at home, so I stopped by Claire's before we left and grabbed a couple of sparkly things to add to it. I found these sweet Christmas tree earrings, along with a hair tie featuring Rudolph, Clarice, and lots of pretty ribbons.

Once we got home, I grabbed an old frame, some scrapbooking paper, scissors, and a glue stick and got to work. First I covered the front of the frame with the pretty paper. Then I cut up the hair tie and removed the posts from the earrings. I glued them on the frame in a kind of cute/kind of gaudy way---and voila! Our Christmas 2014 photo is done and being displayed in all it's messy beautiful glory!

I can't wait to see your family photos with Santa this year! Make sure to leave me a link in the comments, if you have one, and let me know what some of your favorite Christmas traditions are. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!