Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ringing in the New Year with Candace Cameron Bure...plus a book giveaway!

Ending the year on a high note, we're thrilled to feature Candace Cameron Bure and her book, Balancing it All, which comes out tomorrow!

If you don't already know this, Full House is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. It never fails to make me smile and even elicits tears from time to time. I got my kids hooked on it, as well. Given that D.J. and I were closest in age and both had younger sisters, I could relate to her the most. (Although I never got as lucky as she did to have a hot boyfriend like Steve when I was in high school.) Oddly enough, I got to see Bob Saget perform live in The Drowsy Chaperone back in 2007. Now I have been given the honor of being able to interview Candace at CLC. What's next? Please say it's that I get to meet John Stamos in person....

Anyway, I can also relate to Candace now, in real life, as we are both married to the loves of our lives, have two sons and a daughter, and are strong in our individual faiths (and do philanthropic work to go along with those faiths). And like Candace, I constantly get asked how I "do it all." ("It all" in my case is balancing family, work, blogging, religious practices and also finding time for friends, my favorite TV shows, and--obviously--reading.) I sometimes ask the same of myself and am still seeking that balance, which is why I look forward to reading Balancing it All.

Working since the age of 5, Candace has been in the "balancing" act for the vast majority of her life, and while there is no miracle formula or step-by-step method, there are lessons to be learned; lesson's that come to life in Candace's story. Candace delivers her story from the very beginning and her start in commercials, to her years on Full House, complete with funny anecdotes and stories involving cast mates and friends, to now adding her demanding roles of wife and mother of three while returning to the Hollywood spotlight. She recently starred in Let it Snow on the Hallmark channel.

Following the birth of her children, Candace took a self-imposed hiatus from television and film to devote all of her time to her family and children. Candace balances her busy career, a healthy and active lifestyle, and raising her three beautiful children-taking them to and from school , preparing a healthy home-cooked dinners, participating in school activities, and keeping up with after-school sports schedules--all without the aid of a nanny or housekeeper! Her philanthropic spirit has given support to the Skip1.org, Compassion International, Sheraton House, and Children's Hunger Fund. She also serves as the National Ambassador for National House of Hope and continues to travel the country speaking at various churches and women's conferences sharing her Christian faith.

You can find Candace at her website, Facebook and Twitter. Check out a video about Balancing it All, as well! Thanks to Anderson Group Public Relations, we have a copy of Balancing it All for a lucky US reader!

Since your book is about finding balance in life, what are your thoughts on the concepts from I Don’t Know How She Does It?
How she does it all isn't necessarily how you'll do it all, because each of our lives look different. I believe we are all blessed with individual gifts and talents along with our own unique families, situations and circumstances. So what you need to balance in your life may look pretty amazing to one women, while you may wondering how another does it with her life. Understanding that we only need to balance and "do everything" with what we've already been given is enough. No one falls short if they aren't balancing as much as the next woman.

Actresses writing books (both fiction and non-fiction) seems to be a trend these days. What motivated you to write a non-fiction book? And if you were to ever write a fiction book, what would it be about?
Is it a trend? Maybe because actors seem to be good storytellers! I wanted to write non-fiction so I could use examples in my own life that may help the person reading it. I enjoy reading most when I'm learning something new. I like books that give me a fresh perspective on living life as a working woman, a mom, and a wife and particularly, giving me insight into the areas of life that are more challenging.
I can't imagine ever writing a fiction book, but if I did, it would be a romantic comedy I'd make into a movie! (I think that's called a script! LOL!)

In one sentence, please share some advice for women trying to find balance in their lives.
Establish your top three life priorities and keep them in that order, so when push comes to shove, you know what needs done and what needs to take a backseat.

If you could have any actress play you in the movie of your life, who would it be and why?
Drew Barrymore. I just love her and she seems as upbeat, happy and as positive as I am! And she's not afraid to be goofy.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to ask this question: What is YOUR favorite episode of Full House?
After 26 years…. I forgot!

What is the best feedback you’ve ever received from a fan of yours?
That in one way or another I inspired them to know Jesus Christ.

What was the greatest reward and biggest challenge of being an actress during your pre-teen and teen years?
The biggest challenge was going through puberty in front of millions of people on TV. It wasn't as glamorous or as comfortable as you'd think. The greatest reward was when you heard from other girls who related to you and you (unknowingly) helped them through it.

What is your favorite New Year’s Eve memory?
At home in sweats with my hubby and kids- letting them stay up all night long if they could. We'd eat a long dinner, play board games and always watch the ball drop on TV.

Thanks to Anderson Group Public Relations for coordinating this interview and sharing Candace's book with our readers.

~Introduction and interview by Melissa Amster

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


US only. Giveaway ends January 5th at midnight EST.

47 comments:

michelle said...

My favourite episode of full house might be the one when Stephanie was on TV instead of DJ doing the cereal commercial!

Samantha Stroh Bailey said...

What a fantastic interview! Candace, your book looks great. I love what you said about choosing your top three priorities, and I am now going to try that. Happy New Year!

susieqlaw said...

I love all the Full House episodes and love that my nieces and nephews now enjoy Full House! Have mercy!

I am trying to find a balance by becoming healthier, getting enough rest, making a strong effort to keep in constant communication with friends , family, and God (support system), and enjoying life-being happy!

Book Mama said...

My favorite episode is any with Uncle Jesse :)

I try to find balance by knowing my limits and prioritizing.

S.Sabia said...

My favorite Full House episode is the one where Jesse finds out he's going to be a Dad.
I try to balance it all by taking some time for myself every day (usually it's to read!).

Anonymous said...

I love the Full House episode when Rebecca and Jesse elope

Anonymous said...

I try to maintain balance by focusing on my relationship with God over everything else.

Yvette said...

The Bicycle Thief

Yvette said...

Finding Balance - getting "me" time.

Between the Pages with Katrina said...

My favorite episode is when Jesse meets Rebecca. Actually I love them all.
I try to find balance with church. No matter what is going on that is where I find the most peace and can work problems out.

That Girl said...

My favorite one was when DJ lied to sneak out of going to school to get someone's autograph at the mall and she got 'caught' by Michelle.

Katie Kirby said...

My favorite episode was when the car went through the dining room wall.

Lindsey said...

My favorite episode of Full House is when Becky and Jesse get married and how I find my balance is prayer, me time, and spending time in the Word with the Lord.

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

My favorite episode(s) were when the family went to Hawaii!

I find balance by always making sure to take time to take care of myself by exercising, eating right and participating in hobbies that keep me sane (reading!)

Laura Chapman said...

My favorite episode of Full House is when they go to Disney World and Steve appears to DJ as Aladdin - so meta! :) And as for finding balance, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to juggle everything, but I'm starting by creating more structure in my schedule.

AiringMyLaundry said...

She's fantastic!

I love the Disney World episode of Full House. There are so many good ones though! I also love Stephanie's first day of Kindergarten when she says she's not going. Ha.

I balance my life with lots of chocolate.

Jamie said...

My favorite episode of full house is the one where Jesse and the girls get locked in the auto repair shop on one of the girls birthday and they put on a circus. ( I haven't seen it in a long time!)

I try to find balance in my life by getting outdoors with my family and having fun as much as we can!

Dana Klement said...

My favorite episode is when DJ and Kimmie wear super trashy clothes to fit in with their junior high peers. What a wardrobe!

How do I find balance? Prayer and exercise!

Anita said...

My favorite episode is hard to choose, but I really love the one when Stephanie gets married. :)

Anita said...

I learned to say, "no thank you" to many things and am trying to take care of myself and my physical and spiritual health.

fredamans said...

I'm totally jels you got to interview her. But seriously, she couldn't think of one funny episode?! Sounds like the show is not as memorable for her as it is for her fans.

Connie said...

Maintaining balance means taking a little time for ME to regroup and catch my breath. I can’t get it all done if I tired.

Rita Wray said...

My kids and I watched it every week. We loved all the episodes.

Unknown said...

Fav show Disney show

Unknown said...

Balance, I haven't mastered:)

Diana Montgomery said...

Wow I have watched you grow up. What a beautiful young lady you have become. I liked all the shows but one standing out was when you was becoming the teen and the makeup and dress issue. I always love how the show shows a point in life and always for the good. Loved the father and daughter talks.

Diana Montgomery said...

I need help in the balancing department don't think I have that in control. Help me please!!!!

bn100 said...

when Jessie and Rebecca get married

exercise more

Jan H said...

I loved watching the Full House each week. I have enjoyed reading others comments as to their favorites. Brought back memories. I don't know of a particular favorite. I liked them all.

Jan H said...

Just recently I found balance by setting my priorities and then saying no to everything else. I had to stop teaching at church and resigning from some ladies clubs in order to take care of my family and my health. It was very hard to admit I couldn't do it all.

Maureen said...

It's been a long time but I remember enjoying an episode where Becky had twins.

Maureen said...

I find balance by taking some time for myself often by reading.

Melanie Backus said...

That show was always full of fun and you never knew what any of the children were going to say. That is why it is so hard to pick a favorite. They were all good! Positive, family shows seem to be a thing of the past.

I find balance through my grands! When I am down, the bring me happiness....they make me forget what was troubling me. Smiles and love flow just being around them.

jodi marinich said...

loved all the episodes with john stamos....lol

Unknown said...

i find balance in my life by trusting God and praying everyday.

crystal nichols

Unknown said...

my favorite episode of full house is the last episode. theyre all together and michelle has her memory back. they can always make it through anything together and with God.

Meredith said...

I want to know what it was like to grow up with Kirk as your brother. I had an enormous crush on him :) Loved Full House - best of luck with your book and happy new year!

Kritters Ramblings said...

My favorite Full House episodes where when Jessie and the Ripers were performing! love the mullet!

Kritters Ramblings said...

I find balance by making sure that each day I do something for myself, whether that is a half an hour of reading or putting music on while unloading the dishwasher.

Jessica said...

My favorite Full House episode is when Stephanie drives Joey's car into the house.

Caroline N. said...

My favorite Full House episode is when they do the episode with the beach boys.

Lauren said...

My favorite Full House episodes were when Uncle Jesse and Becky got married!

Marsha Bachmeier said...

My favorite episode is the one with Tommy Page. When Stephanie thinks he's in love with her because he wrote a song about her (only it was really about his girlfriend, he just changed the names from Melanie to Stephanie.) Then DJ thinks he loves her, and the girls start fighting about it.

Kim V said...

I don't have a favorite episode that I can recall. I am still trying to find a balance of things. I always seem to tip one way and then the other and hope that it somehow balances out.

Marina said...

Shape Up (Fav episode w Candace) and yoga helps me at times

Nova said...

Stephanie is playing the pretend game of "hairdresser" when she accidentally cuts a chunk of Jesse's hair off, forcing him to go to his hairdresser.
sparkle40175@hotmail.com
I try to find balance by remembering myself as a person as well as a mom.

iona said...

Her books are cool.