Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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Why Are We So Fat?
Chick Lit Plus

Why Are We So Fat?

A headline from Yahoo! Heath caught my attention: “Why are American’s so fat?” Well, why are we? According to this article, written by David Zinczenko, it’s because we are consuming far more calories than we need. And I agree with that. Each time I open my Shape or Women’s Health magazine, I am learning about consuming too many calories and how to cut them down. I even started using a calorie counting website to help me figure out what exactly I was putting in my body.
According Zinczenko’s research, the food we eat is often filled with extra calories, especially in mass produced foods. Sure, that can help make the food taste better, but it’s only bad news for your pant size- and your health. Zinczenko helps uncover which foods contain more calories than necessary, and where to find healthier options of the same food.
One example is a new favorite food of mine. I recently tried guacamole and fell in love at first bite. I thought the guac was healthy for me (it comes from avocados after all) but that’s not always the case. The truth about premade guacamole dip is that it often times lacks a punch of real avocados. When you see the word “dip” after guacamole, you can assume that is contains less than 2 percent avocado, and is instead filled with chemicals and fillers. So where can you find real guacamole dip? Zinczenko suggests Wholly Guacamole to buy in stores, or making it yourself. Avocados are filled with fiber and mono-saturated fats (good for your heart) and can be easily made from home. Scoop out the flesh of two avocados, combine with two cloves of minced garlic, a bit of minced onion, the juice of one lemon, chopped cilantro, one medium chopped tomato, and a pinch of salt.
Be sure to check out the full article filled with more foods that could be upping your calorie intake!
Source: David Zinczenko, Yahoo! Heatth

January 17, 2011
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Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink DVD
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Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink DVD

I was looking to add a new Pilates DVD to my workout collection, and I have found the best results with Shape DVD’s. I found the Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink DVD, which included a pink exercise band and donated $1 from my purchase to breast cancer research. There are three separate sections, and you have the option to do them separately, or all together for a fifty minute workout. There are sections on upper body, lower body, and abs. I thought the workouts were okay. They were less challenging then other Mari Winsor workouts I have tried, and I got a little bored through some of the sections. They feature basically all of the regular Pilates stretches, but they were more difficult with the added resistance of the band. I think having the band included makes the DVD worth it, and if you are a beginner to Pilates, I would suggest picking this one up.

January 16, 2011
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My Favorite Product for Frizzy Hair
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My Favorite Product for Frizzy Hair

I have struggled with frizzy hair for most of my adult life (the constant hair dye and highlights might have something to do with that) and I am always searching for the best frizz-free products. I have bought countless shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, gels, waxes, creams, you name, I have probably bought it. But nothing seems to really help. I was always embarrassed to leave my hair down because of all the frizz, so I would constantly wear ponytails and buns. I decided the more expensive route would be the one take, the expensive products would have to work, right?
I bought the shampoo and conditioner set from Tresemme, under their Smooth and Silky line. I didn’t even use half the bottle of conditioner before I had to throw it away. It was awful! It was impossible to work the conditioner through my hair, so I kept using more and more of the product, which in turn made my hair look and feel greasy. When I would try to comb out my hair after a shower, I kept running into knots, making me pull my hair out in the process. And my hair did not look any sleeker or smoother after use. It almost looked to have more frizz! This conditioner was definitely not the answer, and I was disappointed that I had wasted my money.
Enter Herbal Essences. I love their commercials, but never tried out any of their products. They have catchy packaging and were less expensive than the Tresemme, so I decided to give them a try. And I found a winner! Not only did the conditioner go on easy in the shower, it smelled great and I could comb through my hair without any problems. But the big test- the frizz. My hair is virtually frizz free. I can’t believe it! I have been able to wear my hair down since I started using Herbal Essences and I am so happy. The product I use is None of Your Frizzness, and it is completely worth it. If you have frizzy hair, I would suggest giving Herbal Essences a try.

January 14, 2011
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In My Mailbox: Week of January 9
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In My Mailbox: Week of January 9

In My Mailbox: Week of January 9, 2011

Title: Millie’s Fling
Author: Jill Mansell
Received: Bought for Amazon Kindle
Synopsis: When Millie Brady saves Orla Hart’s life she doesn’t realise how drastically it will change her own – not least because the boyfriend who was proposing at the time stormed off in a huff. Actually, Millie’s relieved. She’s happy to enjoy a man-free summer in Cornwall. But Orla has other ideas. She’s determined that Millie should meet the man of her dreams. Trouble is, Millie’s taste in men doesn’t tally with Orla’s. The one who really interests her is Hugh Emerson, and he’s the man with whom Orla’s adamant she mustn’t get involved…

Title: Eclipse
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Received: Borrowed from a friend
Synopsis: As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob—knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

Title: Stir Until Thoroughly Confused
Author: Heather Wardell
Received: From Heather Wardell
Synopsis: Mary’s given up everything, including an unsatisfying marriage, to become a chef. But the career comes with a side dish: Kegan, her sexy but controlling new boss. They’re soon in a relationship, and in all-too-frequent arguments, and when it becomes clear they can’t work together and be together Mary faces a dilemma: keep her dream job or her dream man?

January 9, 2011
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Health Tests Women Need
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Health Tests Women Need

I read an article from Fitness Magazine that was titled “Eight Medical Tests Every Woman Needs,” and knew I needed to pass the information along. Not only is it important for women to know what tests they need, but they should know how often they need it and why. The writer, Donna Fennessy, did a great job at breaking down the eight different tests. Here are three that she touched on, and be sure to read the entire article yourself.
TEST: Pap Smear
WHO TO SEE: Gynecologist
WHY: Collecting cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam is the best way to tell if your cervix is healthy — cell changes can lead to cervical cancer.
HOW OFTEN: Starting at age 21, most women need to be screened every other year or less, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Once you turn 30 — and you’ve had three consecutive negative tests and no abnormal history — you can get it done once every three years.

TEST: Skin Cancer Screening
WHO TO SEE: Dermatologist
WHY: She can ID weirdly shaped moles or other growths that might be cancerous or precancerous.
HOW OFTEN: Get new or changed growths assessed ASAP. If you’re a current or recovering tanning-bed or sun lover, are fair or dotted with moles or freckles or have a family history of skin cancer, see the derm twice a year. If not, go annually.
FAST FACT: Derms are better at diagnosing melanomas than primary-care docs, finds a recent study. The result of better screening? Higher survival rates.

TEST: Cholesterol Panel
WHO TO SEE: Your GP
WHY: High cholesterol means higher risk for heart disease. You want total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL; LDL (bad cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL; HDL (good stuff) 60 mg/dL or more; and triglycerides under 150 mg/dL.
HOW OFTEN: At least once every five years, starting at age 20.

January 9, 2011
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Author Profile: Lucie Simone
Chick Lit Authors

Author Profile: Lucie Simone

Author Name: Lucie Simone

Website: http://www.luciesimone.com/index.html

Bio: Lucie is a girl’s girl. Her novels reflect her love of living in LA, sipping fruity drinks, rubbing elbows with almost-celebrities, and trying to find love. She has also had the luck to travel, seeing the United States from coast to coast and even vacationing around the globe. Lucie lives in Hollywood, and enjoys spending her time in coffee shops and bookstores, often reading a romance novel or working on writing one of her own. She has a degree in journalism and television production, and has worked in both the entertainment and advertising industries. Her blog describes her as an author, a girly girl, a feminist, a yogi, a vegetarian, an animal lover, a bookworm, a film fan, and so much more.
Titles: The Waterdance, A Taste of Italy, and Hollywood Ending.
See my review of A Hollywood Ending
Bio Retrieved from luciesimone.com

January 8, 2011
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Author Profile: Sibel Hodge
Chick Lit Authors

Author Profile: Sibel Hodge

Author Name: Sibel Hodge

Website: http://www.sibelhodge.com/

Bio: Sibel has dual British/Turkish Cypriot nationality, and divides her time between Hertfordshire and North Cyprus. She is a trained fitness instructor and sports and massage therapist and writes freelance feature articles on health, fitness, and various lifestyle subjects.
Sibel’s debut novel, Fourteen Days Later, is a romantic comedy and was short listed for the Harry Bowling Prize 2008. Written in a similar style to Catherine Alliott and Marian Keyes, Fourteen Days Later is My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets P.S. I Love You.
The Fashion Police is Sibel’s second novel and was a runner up in the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition 2010. It is a screwball comedy-mystery, combining murder and mayhem with romance and chick-lit – the first in a series featuring insurance investigator, Amber Fox. Written in a similar style to Janet Evanovich, it is Stephanie Plum meets Bridget Jones.

Currently: Sibel currently is working on the sequel to Fourteen Days Later.
Titles: Fourteen Days Later and The Fashion Police.
Read my interview with Sibel or check out her health and lifestyle blog!
Bio Retrieved from sibelhodge.com

January 6, 2011
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In My Mailbox: January 5th
Updates

In My Mailbox: January 5th

In My Mailbox: Week of January 5th

Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Received: From a friend
Synopsis: Isabella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife — between desire and danger.

Title: A Taste of Magic
Author: Tracy Madison
Received: Bought from AmazonKindle
Synopsis: A young, divorced bakery owner discovers she’s inherited her gypsy ancestress’s fabulous magical powers, but learns that when seeking true love with her hunky new neighbor, a person has to be careful what she cooks up.

Title: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Received: From a Friend
Synopsis: Legions of readers entranced by Twilight are hungry for more and they won’t be disappointed. In New Moon, Stephenie Meyer delivers another irresistible combination of romance and suspense with a supernatural twist. The “star-crossed” lovers theme continues as Bella and Edward find themselves facing new obstacles, including a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of dangerous wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a terrifying threat of revenge from a female vampire and a deliciously sinister encounter with Italy’s reigning royal family of vampires, the Volturi. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.

January 6, 2011
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Debut Author Spotlight: Jesi Lea Ryan
Chick Lit Authors

Debut Author Spotlight: Jesi Lea Ryan

Debut Author: Jesi Lea Ryan
Debut Novel: Four Thousand Miles

Jesi and I connected through the great land of Twitter, and she offered to send me a copy of her debut novel, Four Thousand Miles. I gratefully accepted, another book to read and another new author to meet, and Jesi agreed to do a Q&A session with me. After checking out her blog, http://diaryofabibliophile-jesilea.blogspot.com/, I found out we are from the same hometown of Dubuque, Iowa- we even went to the same high school, just during separate years. What a small world! Jesi was really inspiring to chat with, and gave some great insight on why she decided to begin her journey as a writer without an agent. She works with a fabulous publishing company, DCL Publications, and is steadily writing her second novel- which I can’t wait for! Four Thousand Miles was a terrific story filled with romance, uncertainty, and my favorite part- travel! Read a clip of my review:

“Natalie was a terrific heroine, and I supported her when she boarded that plane to London. There were real people with real problems going through the motions and figuring out their lives. And I love that! I think Jesi Lea Ryan did an outstanding job in Four Thousand Miles, and I hope she has more for us soon.”

So please check out Jesi Lea Ryan by checking out her blog or follow her on Facebook or Twitter. You can find your copy of Four Thousand Miles at DCL Publications.

January 4, 2011
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