top 10 books for female entrepreneurs

December is a month in which annual business plans are put into place by those of us who work from home offices and kitchens–or corner offices and shops. Dreaming and hustling are the two legs of entrepreneurship. Our end-of-year planning sessions may include reviewing the detailed metrics of the previous year and auditing our website functionality and content, or boldly outlining broad strokes of our wildly important goals. Year 2019 seems as fresh as a new copper penny, gleaming with promise.

Who do you want to be? These ten books may help you decide.

1. Katty Kay & Claire Shipman, The Confidence Code: The Science & Art of Self-Assurance

There’s a lot to be said for confidence. Have you ever been in a room when a confident women walks in? She owns the space. She knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to go after it.  In today’s world, where women are more educated and more well qualified than ever before there’s no reason they should still be making 20 percent less than men. 

In The Confidence Code, Claire Shipman and Katty Kay argue that the key reason for this outrageous discrepancy is confidence. If you’re looking for the It factor and want to be the woman to watch, give it a read. Where will your confidence take you?

2. Amy Cuddy, Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

Raise your hand if you’ve ever walked into a meeting with your boss looking for a raise only to walk out wondering, What just happened?

Raise your hand if you thought you were going to land a client only to walk out of your face-to-face “closing the sale meeting” feeling like a sad little puppy with its tail between its legs and no deal.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to speak in front of an audience only to start sweating and shaking through the whole presentation you’ve prepared and feel like a phony by the end of it all. 

There’s a reason you come out of these experiences feeling like a fake and a failure. It’s because you lack presence. When you have presence, you don’t care about what other think of you. Your main focus is what you think of yourself. Often times the work that needs to be done is internal and Harvard professor Amy Cuddy is here to take you on a spiritual journey to find the presence needed in order to approach your next challenge with your head held high.

3. Rania Anderson, Men, Women, and the Decisive Formula for Winning at Work


Full disclosure, I am Rania Anderson’s editor. And a proud one.

I can’t even begin to tell you how long I waited for a book like this to be written. We live in a day and age where stories of men acting inappropriately toward their female colleagues are on the rise. We hear about the backlash and consequences faced by those accused of this behavior, but we often don’t hear about the men who stand by the women being treated disrespectfully. Those “Good Guys,” as Rania Anderson calls them, understand that we succeed together.

This book focuses on the positive. It addresses what is working and how we can make things better. It’s an opportunity for men to be part of the change in the institutions and mindsets of the business world. Girl bosses and team leaders need to read it as much as men.  But it is definitely a book to share with your colleagues.

4. Barbara Stanny, Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life 

Do you make a six-figure salary? Do you want to make a six-figure salary? I can almost guarantee you answered yes to one of these two questions. Women are quickly outgrowing men in the six-figure category and Barbara Stanny wanted to know why.

In her book, Secrets of Six Figure Women she looks into the characteristics of successful women and sees that they have a lot in common. So if you’re making the big bucks or aspire to, this one is for you. You’ll find you’re in good company!

Women start and grow businesses for different reasons, and money is one of the compelling ones. Money brings us options.

5. Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Simon Sinek has the third most popular TED Talk with over 28 million views and there’s a reason WHY (see what I did there?) He’s an inspiration whose approach starts with asking simple questions, like: Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some of us command greater loyalty from our customers and our employees? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success patterns over and over–as a serial entrepreneur would? 

Sinek figured out that people aren’t motivated to buy from us because of what we’re selling, they want to know WHY we’re selling it. He realized that people won’t truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it.  Look at any successful entrepreneur you know–and your own responses to different pitches–and verify this assertion for yourself.

What’s the takeaway? If you’re looking to build a successful, long-lasting business and become a leader in your field and community, then implementing his powerful idea about the “Golden Circle” might just be the missing tool you need to succeed. 

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6. Carmine Gallo, Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds

You’d have to be living under a rock not to know what a TED Talk is, but just in case, I’m here to help. Technology, Education, and Design (TED) Talks are the widely known public speaking events where the world’s leading thinkers and innovators take the stage to share their insights on education, business, science, tech, and creativity. And when you’re the speaker and millions are going to be watching, you need to be prepared to sell your ideas persuasively. 

But don’t we need to do this all the time? Anywhere we speak? After all, speaking is one of the best ways to attract clients and customers. As founders and owners, we are the face of our businesses.

Carmine Gallo, a public speaking coach and bestselling author, gives us a step-by -step method to becoming an engaging, persuasive, and memorable presenter devised after interviewing some of the top TED Talk presenters. In this book, you’ll learn the nine secrets sure to make your next presentation dynamic.

7. Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith, How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back

Here’s a truth bomb. If you’re looking to make a change in your life, you need to do things differently. Easier said than done? Sometimes the hard part is figuring out what changes need to be made. Good thing leadership expert Sally Helgesen and leadership coach Marshall Goldsmith brought us How Women Rise. 

In this book, Sally and Marshall identify 12 habits that hold many women back. If you resonate with any of these descriptions, you will gain a clear understanding of why some things that worked for you in the past can hinder your ability to move onward and upward.

Every level of business success has its own rules and requirements. Learn from this what you can do today to advance your career.

8. Brene Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts

It’s not easy being a leader. Some people think leadership is about having a title, status, and power. Brown found in her research that real leadership is about seeing the potential in others and helping them grow into the best versions of themselves. The women I have met who are most successful are generous in sharing knowledge and connections, and even their wealth under the right circumstances. It is refreshing to know, as Brene Brown understands, that power and influence become infinite when we share ourselves with others. 

If you have high aspirations and want to improve your leadership skills and expand the roles you play, this is a must-read book.

9. Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance

GRIT may very well be my new favorite four letter word. There are times in life when we look at successful people and wonder, How did they do it? What do they have that I don’t? What does it take to succeed? Chances are it’s “grit.” Growing up, our society trains us to judge others by their talent, looks, and social status. But this book reports that it takes a lot more than talent to get ahead.

Grit is a combination of passion and persistence. It’s what keeps you going when the going gets tough and it’s what New York Times bestselling author Angela Duckworth talks about in my ninth pick this week.

So, do you have the persistence and determination it takes to success? If not, are you willing to learn and train yourself?

10. Alex Daly, The Crowdsourceress: Get Smart, Get Funded, and Kickstart Your Next Big Idea

It takes a village. Have you ever heard this saying? Changes are you have. Do you believe it? I do. Nowadays, practically anything is possible with the support of others. That includes financial support!

Alex Daly, a crowdfunding expert, is here to take you into her most successful campaigns in order to help you fund your next project. This book is a must read before you launch a Kickstarter Campaign to fund your next endeavor.

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Top 10 Books on meditation

Writers and other mortals function best from a state of inner calm. When we can breathe and are clear-headed, then we can be highly productive and creative. Meditation has a ridiculous number of benefits for mind, body, and spirit. And the advantage of the modern literature on meditation is that there is something for everyone.

1. Dan Harris, Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics

Everywhere you go people are telling you that you should be meditating. But if you’re like many others, the prospect of sitting in silence with your eyes closed sounds dull or uncomfortable. So, if you self-identify as“fidgety,” or “easily distracted,” then you might like this book. Too busy to meditate? Can’t turn off your brain? Curious about mindfulness but more comfortable in the gym? Try this practical and at times funny book to turn things around.

[Or try a free version of the meditation app Insight Timer]

The other type of reader this book is intended for is the“skeptic,” meaning, an individual who doesn’t believe in the merits of meditation. This is a totally different issue. I once dated a supercilious Russian dude who told me, “I feel sorry for people who chant because they look like imbeciles.”Needless to say, we were mismatched as a couple! Chanting and meditation are activities I LOVE, and I can report first-hand that there are tons of benefits for brain and body.

Skeptics are people who wouldn’t be caught dead touching crystals. They can’t sense energy. Poor them. They just don’t get it.

In Harris’s book, written in collaboration with master meditation teacher Jeff Warren, the purpose was for them to road trip and figure out what’s stopping us from taking advantage of these powerful benefits and how to help us get out of our own way. The science is embedded. Dan Harris is a journalist, so he reports well. 

2. Sharon Salzberg, Real Happiness

Sharon Salzberg is the ideal meditation coach for the beginner. She’s a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, Vermont. She has thirty years of experience and has written some of the all-time best books on the subject of Buddhism (Lovingkindness). She presents the information in clear language that’s not fussy with strange jargon.

I picked this book for my top ten list because it is a 28-day program that treats meditation like exercise. Your meditation muscle gets stronger as you inaugurate the habit. This means that in a month you’ll be gaining the benefits of reduced blood pressure and stress, increased focus and alertness, better health, calmness, resilience.

Salzberg weaves students FAQs throughout. Gives instructions for twelve alternate meditation practices (something for everyone). It’s just another great book from a great teacher who’s a person I like.

3. Thich Nhat Hahn, The Miracle of Mindfulness

Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn, who lives and works in Bordeaux, France, these days at the 4. Dalai Lama, How to Practice

Nobel Prize-winner Tenzen Gyatso, better known as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, has written numerous books on Buddhism that have been translated in the West. Perhaps the biggest gift he gives us is the gift of showing us a path to happiness.

In the Introduction he says there are two paths to happiness. Way 1 is through external means–the improvement of our circumstances: food, shelter, clothing, and so on. Way 2 is through internal means–moving beyond away from our anger and hatred. He asserts: “The essential objective of daily practice is to cultivate an attitude of compassion and calm. . .Trouble is bound to come, so cultivating the right attitude is crucial.”

Using the story of the Buddha’s awakening to dictate his contents, the Dalai Lama teaches basic disciplines needed to move through three stages of development of our minds. Practices to cultivate morality. Practices to cultivate focused concentration meditation. Practices to cultivate wisdom.

A great book for those who would establish grounded daily practice.

5. Loch Kelly, Shift into Freedom

I had the sincere pleasure a few years ago of doing editorial work on the manuscript for the book Shift into Freedom. Loch Kelly, founder of the Open-Hearted Awareness Institute in New York City, is a psychologist and meditation teacher who is a super clear teacher.

In his book he talks about the gradual path of awakening (and compares it to the sudden path–both are true possibilities), and he talks about experiences such as spiritual detox and spiritual bypass that are very real when awake awareness produces an effect on a human being. Fortunately for us, he has generously placed many videos on YouTube (view the one below, for instance), which correspond with teachings from his book. Loch has been initiated by leaders of many schools of meditation and spiritual practice. Their verification of his approach and his ability to teach is meaningful.

 

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6. Gabrielle Roth, Sweat Your Prayers

The late Gabrielle Roth was an incredible woman who saw energy embodied in the human form as rhythms. She marked how this paralleled emotional states, stages of development/maturation, and simply the tempo at which a day might land on you. Her 5Rhythms dance classes (now taught by her disciples) are opportunities to be fully embodied and present. In Sweat Your Prayers, this becomes a spiritual practice.

Ten years ago I had the privilege to interview her about her work for several hours, for a book on integrative medicine that I was writing. I also, on another occasion, had the privilege to dance beside her and see how deeply she went into herself to express and process her condition on that day–by which I mean whatever was up for her in her mind, in her heart, in her soul. This was evident in how she moved and carried herself, which that day was rather gently. But intensely. And we met a third time at the launch party for that book–we were outside on the sidewalk looking in through a window making a great escape–something we’d done spontaneously as individuals. We talked about how painful writing a book can be. And we promised to discuss it further, but never got the chance. I cannot recommend her beautiful writing highly enough–or her movement practice.

It can really crack your soul wide open.

7. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Wherever You Go There You Are

Many years ago–in 1995–I was given a copy of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book on how to meditate and laughed in delight at the title. So true! Truth usually makes me giggle.

When I dug into the book, I discovered morsels of wisdom. Morsels of insight that were small enough that I could wrap my untrained mind around them. Since then, whenever someone asks me what they should read to learn to meditate this is always one of the books I recommend.

Most authors of this ilk write several books and create a library. Kabat-Zinn’s other book way back when was Full Catastrophe Living. He comes by his views honestly from working with people wrestling with illness. He taught Medicine at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for decades. Being that I have always viewed my life as a process of staggering from one change to another, one drama to another, I value the simplicity of the way meditation is laid out.

Why do we need so much variety of practices? We don’t. Find one that works and keep doing it and let yourself be led. Surrender.

8. Flicka Rahn and Tammy McCrary, The Transformational Power of Sound and Music

Twenty-first-century healers and musicians owe it to themselves and the world to develop comprehension of the transformational power of sound and music. From the effects of different drum rhythms on our brainwaves, to the positive impact of vibrational frequencies on the physical structure of our cells and organs, anyone who can hum or sing or clap or stamp their feet already has within their grasp some of the best medicine on Earth. Try toning if you have a headache!

Again, I am so proud to say I was the editor of this book, which has garnered advance praise from luminaries that include Grammy Award-winning recording artist Chaka Khan, spiritual teachers Marianne William and Michael Bernard Beckwith, shaman Renee Baribeau, and renowned flutist Wendy Luck, among others.

The power of sound and music has been familiar to ancient and indigenous healers in every culture around the world for millennia. This book explores that history and then gives detailed instructions. It also describes recent scientific research on healing cancer and awakening the vibrations in solid objects–and details how recording music tuned to certain frequencies changes people’s moods.

You can download a free song  in MP3 from Flicka Rahn’s album Icaros: Chakra Landscapes here.

9. Anne Wilson Schaef, Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much

A classic book to help women put themselves front and center in their lives. To say no. To take time for self-care. This book combines inspiring quotes with short reflections that are encouraging and reassuring  reminders to treat ourselves with loving kindness. It only takes a few minutes to bring wisdom into each day.

Organized as a calendar year, starting on January 1.

10. Amy Bammel Wilding, Wild & Wise

Frankly, I haven’t read this book cover to cover yet. But I was so drawn in BY the spiral on its cover that I had to add it to my list as  aspirational reading material for the winter. The lunar calendar has thirteen moons, and Wild & Wise has 13 goddess-centered meditation practices to do on your own or in women’s circles.

The book is also organized by season, and we are in the season of darkness and making the inward journey now (it is December at this writing). preparing ourselves, like Mother Earth does, for springtime renewal. Multicultural, rather than mono-ethnic.

I look forward to reading this slowly and with deliberation.

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Top 10 Books on Holiday Entertaining


This December I’ve decided to introduce a weekly book roundup to the blog, showcasing books in various categories I deem relevant.

As we’re already immersed in the eight days of Hanukkah (this year it came early, running from December 2-10), I’m skipping ahead a couple of weeks to the needs of the home entertainer for Christmas and then NewYear’s Eve parties. Truth is, though, that many of these books could be (and should be) cracked open throughout the year. Getting together with friends and family–and feeding them–is such a massive demonstration of love, you’re really to be admired for taking it on, you home cook, you. These books are for you!

Welcome to the Holiday Entertaining round up.

1. Cooks Illustrated, All Time Best Holiday Entertaining

Cook’s Illustrated knows a thing or two about putting together a fool proof meal, and since they test all of their recipes, this is a go-to book if you’re having guests for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, for instance, and have no idea where to begin this holiday season.

In this book, they’ve taken their over 20 years of testing experience and put together 75 delicious recipes that are sure to give you confidence in the kitchen during this stressful time of year. Whether you’re putting together a small celebration or a feast for your entire extended family and friends, there’s a chapter devoted to each delectable course, ensuring you create the perfect meal. And with recipes that include Roasted Cauliflower Gratin, Boneless Rib Roast with Yorkshire Pudding, Chocolate Truffles, and Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake, I’ll be waiting for my invite!

2. Shelly Westerhausen, Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion

They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but I dare you to look at this book and not want to open it immediately! Author and food blogger Shelly Westerhausen gives you all the tools, tips, and tricks to create an incredible spread to impress both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. If you like finger food, you’ll be in heaven.

I particularly like this book because while it’s a great resource for planning your next Christmas party, it’s not exclusively focused on the holiday season. There’s a great chart that offers suggestions for every occasion. You’ll be using these ideas all year long.

Sweet and savory platters are featured.

3. Danielle Walker’s Against All Grain Celebrations: A Year of Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes for Every Occasion

My next selection is for all the grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free food lovers out there. In 2018, there are more people with food allergies and dietary restrictions than every before, whether for health reasons or personal choice. But just because your diet’s changed doesn’t mean you need to restrict your ability to enjoy delicious comfort food.

Danielle Walker transforms classic recipes and menus for twelve occasions throughout the year,including birthday cakes, finger foods, and even classics like peach cobbler and corn bread, using alternative ingredients that you’ll feel confident serving at your next event no matter who is in attendance. And everyone can eat up.

4. Elisabet der Nederlanden, Holiday Cookies: Showstopping Recipes to Sweeten the Season

Raise your hand if you’ve ever gotten an invite to a cookie exchange, gotten really excited, responded that you’ll be there, and then realized you now have to make the cookies. Next time, all you’ll need is this book. It covers everything cookie, from baking to decorating, and offers 50 recipes that are sure to make your sweet tooth tingle.

Here are Martha Stewart’s instructions for “Hosting a Cookie Swap

5. Christmas Entertaining (Williams-Sonoma)

Food isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when entertaining during the holidays. Hosts spend hours planning, cooking, and decorating. This book by the posh kitchenware and home goods retailer Williams-Sonoma serves as a guide and gives you everything you need, from complete menus and decorating ideas, to ideas for welcoming your guests into your home with style and ease.[inf_infusionsoft_inline optin_id=”optin_1″]

6. Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook: For the Best Christmas Ever

I’ve been a fan of Jamie Oliver for years. It never hurts to have a charming guy show you a better way to eat, America, right? His school lunch movement was impressive. Beyond that, he really knows how to cook! And this book contains all the classic dishes you need for the big day and beyond,as well as loads of delicious recipes for edible gifts, party food, and new ways to love those leftovers.

And thanks, Jamie, for designing recipes whenever possible to cook in the oven at the same temperature for kitchen efficiency. That’s really helpful and lets us hang out in the living room with the people we love while the meal is doing what it needs to do in the oven.

Roasting, baking, stirring, basting, frosting. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Get Jamie’s list of essential kitchen equipment here on Oprah Winfrey’s blog (favorite things, anyone?)

7. Mary Giuliani, The Cocktail Party: Eat Drink Play Recover

The Cocktail Party looks like a bible.The plain white cover with gold lettering let’s you know the best information is inside. And the subtitle stenciled on there, “Eat. Drink. Play.Recover,” offers a clue that the author know whereof she speaks. Famous New York caterer Mary Giuliani’s core philosophy is “simple yet special.”

Cocktails and “Snacktivities,” meaning food stations, like DIY grilled cheese? OK, Mary, I’m listening. I get the feeling you’re going to make me laugh with your whimsical ideas and at the same time help me out by providing me some themes I can use. Themes like:

  • Christmas: Mini Grilled Cheese with Fontina and OTTO Black Truffle Honey, Baked Italian Mini Doughnuts, and Italian Eggnog
  • New Year’s Eve: Banana Pancake Bites, Mini Kale and Fontina Breakfast Pies, and Champagne Jell-O
  • Game Day: MACO (Mac and Cheese Taco) with Guacamole, Banoffee Cream Pie in a Mug, and Beergaritas
  • AwardsSeason: Chicken Satay, Edamame Dumplings, and Easiest Champagne Drink Ever
  •  Cinco deMayo: Spicy Pigs, Sweet Quesadilla Bites, and Grapefruit-Jalapeño Margaritas

Features include a party calculator for figuring expenses, advice for a party closet so you’re always ready if friends drop by. Granted, my NY apartment may be small, and most of my closet space is full of 20 years’worth of old crap I’ve been meaning to sort through and clean out with the help of books like The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but I love the idea of having friends spontaneously visit.

8. Joy Pierson, Angel Ramos, and Jorge Pineda, Vegan Holiday Cooking from Candle Cafe: Celebratory Menus and Recipes from New York’s Premier Plant-Based Restaurant

I met Joy and her business partner and significant other,Bart, owners of the famed New York establishments 9. Christmas with Southern Living 2018:Inspired Ideas for Holiday Cooking and Decorating

For over three decades, Christmas with Southern Living has been the most dependable, comprehensive, and up-to-date guide to the holidays. Christmas with Southern Living 2018 brings an inspired new lineup of creative ways to decorate,entertain, and make gifts for the holidays. Festive menus and décor ideas,along with more than 100 brand-new recipes crafted by the professionals of The South’s Most Trusted Kitchen ensure success and wow factor at every turn. Also included are dozens of kitchen tips and entertaining ideas to take the pressure off the host. A special gifts-from-the-kitchen section includes simple but fun recipes for shareable foods, along with packing and storage information. Over 200 vibrant photographs inspire, showcasing unique holiday decorations–including table settings, wreaths, trees, centerpieces, and mantels–making Christmas with Southern Living 2018 the only guide you need to make the holidays memorable and spectacular.

10. Maggie Battista, Food Gift Love: More than 100 Recipes to Make, Wrap, and Share

My choice for the crafty foodie and DIYer is Food Gift Love by blogger Maggie Battista.  Small-batch,hand-crafted foods make truly great, highly appreciated gifts. The book offers 100 memorable, edible gift ideas with simple, delicious recipes, detailed wrapping instructions, and stunning photography. Recipes to show your love include simple homemade infused salts and sugars; instant-gratification gifts,like fresh ricotta and flavored butters; jams, pickles, and vinaigrettes; and irresistible cookies, desserts, savories, and spirits that will impress fellow food fans.

Inspiration for cooks, food-lovers, and DIY fans.

So, that’s it for now, my friends. Eat hearty. Love open heartedly. I’ve got to go because I think I just put on ten pounds in my imagination.

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Essential Oils for FOCUS (during Tax Season!)

Watch Laura Rubinstein and I discuss three invigorating recipes for keeping focused, clearing brain fog, staying sharp on the job or in school, and getting important tasks done–like completing your taxes in a timely manner. If you have ADHD, or just feel like it by 2 PM every day, then you will want to know the secrets and benefits of essential oils, especially the three recipe blends posted down below the video.

Now, I should add that these are either good in a water diffuser with about a cup of water OR you could blend them with a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut, and then apply a small amount to the back of your neck from time to time. (I explain more about this in the video.)

The basics recommend oils for focus are:
Peppermint
Rosemary
Clary Sage
Basil
Juniper Berry
Cypress
Eucalyptus

TRY ADDING ROSEMARY TO YOUR SHAMPOO OR BODY WASH IN THE MORNING

TRY A PEPPERMINT “SHOT” (BREATHING IN A DROP FROM YOUR CUPPED HANDS) TO OPEN YOUR LUNGS AND FRESHEN YOUR BREATH.

PLAY WITH THE PROPORTIONS IN THESE COMBINATIONS IN YOUR DIFFUSER.

RECIPE 1: MENTAL CLARITY
• 4 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops clary sage essential oil

RECIPE 2: FOCUS/PERFORMANCE
• 6 drops eucalyptus
• 2 drops peppermint
• 5 drops basil

RECIPE 3: CONCENTRATION
• 1 drop basil
• 2 drops rosemary
• 2 drops cypress

Contact me if you’d like to get an enrollment kit for a wholesale membership and save 25% on your purchases for the next year.

 

And remember, you can self-regulate your moods and mentality!

EXCLUSIVE: First Interview with CC Webster, Author of So, That Happened

CC Webster is a hoot! We always laugh when we talk. Even so, I am moved by her story of her year from diagnosis to remission from cancer, which occurred between age 29 and age 30.

This book is her answer to the question, What does it mean to be one of the lucky ones that survive cancer?

In our conversation, you’ll find out how CC and I met seated side by side in a café downtown in New York City in a “divinely orchestrated” moment, what it was like to take the hardest thing she’d ever endured and turn it into a source of creative expression, and hopefully a source of inspiration for others, how readers are responding to the descriptions and truths she reveals, what its like to lay bare for the world one’s greatest vulnerabilities and to draw strength from them.

So, That Happened, is funny, touching, and honest, and it is a light in the darkness. You are not alone.

Visit CC’s website: www.websterworks.com


Interview with Debbra Lupien, Author of Akasha Unleashed: The Missing Manual to You

Join me for a delightful conversation with the Answer Diva, Debbra Lupien, author of the new international best-selling book Akasha Unleashed: The Missing Manual to You. I took this opportunity to ask questions about the Records: What are they? Why should we be interested in “reading” them? What’s it like to experience the Records? How do they help us find our purpose? And more.

Right in the middle, Debbra surprised me with some information she offered about my soul purpose. I hadn’t expected it. But it felt very affirming and “right” on a professional level. You’ll have to read the book to learn how you can reduce the dissonance between your ego self and your higher self and soul. And once you do, your plans could come to fruition more rapidly and in ways that delight you.

Buy the book on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BNULLn

Interview with Lori Ann King, Author of Come Back Strong

Lori Ann King joins me in this insightful interview to discuss her new book release COME BACK STRONG: BALANCED WELLNESS AFTER SURGICAL MENOPAUSE, which is a holistic look at preparation for and recovery from surgery. She shares what to do moving forward to feel great and lead a purposeful and active life as a woman. Some 600,000 women per year in the United States have this intense and transformative experience, and as an athlete, wellness coach, and someone who has been through it herself, Lori Ann has tons of tips to share.

Visit her website: www.loriannking.com and sign up to get her excellent free reports.

You may buy the book and Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2zCTLIf

Interview with Courtney Marchesani, Author of The Fifth Chamber

It was my pleasure today to speak with the writer of a seductive new novel of erotica that dares to look into the shadows of a woman’s life. Courtney Marchesani speaks so eloquently about the creative journey that led to the writing of the book, the formation of her central character and plot, and how writing the book was a part of a larger process of discovery and healing for her.

Visit Courtney’s website to learn more about her work in other areas. In addition to creativity and self-expressions, she’s quite the expert on herbs/plants and healing.

Find her on www.InspiredPotentials.com. Ask for a free one-hour integrative health consultation!

Interview: Lucy Quigley, Author of You Are Worthy: A Personal Story of Recovery and Hope

New York University college student Lucy Quigley, in recovery from an eating disorder, wrote an eloquent book to encourage other young women and men to seek treatment if they are experiencing compulsions related to food: including anorexia, binge eating, purging. Her message is simple: You deserve love, happiness, and attention.

You can purchase copies of Lucy’s book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bound, and elsewhere.

Please visit her website: www.lucyquigley.com

The Writer’s Book of Inspiration

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The Writer’s Book of Inspiration: Quotes on Writing and the Literary Life

Selected and Edited by Stephanie Gunning

Buy the Paperback Book on Amazon

Funny, perceptive, and practical—this compendium of memorable quotations from our favorite writers and great literary figures shows us that, as word smiths, we are not alone in how or why we choose to meet the challenge of the blank page. Despite the fact that writing is an often sloppy and sometimes frustrating process, it is also an exhilarating, joyful, entertaining, and even noble, endeavor, which, if done honestly and practiced faithfully, ultimately reveals every aspect of the human condition. Here you will find encouragement, advice, and motivation, along with belly laughs. A gift for everyone who writes, or longs to, THE WRITER’S BOOK OF INSPIRATION reads like the conversation at a gathering of old, close friends.

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