Walking With Peety - Eric O'Grey - Review AND Giveaway

I am a dog person - and a reader who enjoys a good memoir. I found both in Eric O'Grey's book, Walking With Peety. The book was written with Mark Dagostino. And thanks to Grand Central Publishing, I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

"In 2010 at age 51, I was 340 pounds at 5’10”, my waist was 52 inches, and I wore 4XL shirts. My doctor told me to purchase a cemetery plot, because I would likely need one within the next five years."

Instead, Eric visits a naturopathic doctor who advises him to eat a plant based diet - and get a dog. The dog will need walking, getting Eric started on some exercise. The results? Amazing. "Over the next year, my weight dropped to 180 pounds, my waist was reduced to 33 inches".

And yes, changing his eating habits was a major part of that transformation. But the real catalyst was Peety - an older, overweight dog, surrendered by his family to a shelter. He needed rescuing reducing, but in the end it was Peety who rescued Eric. (Peety also lost 25 pounds along the way a well!)

From having no friends, no partner, no joy in the everyday and failing health, Eric completely changed his life and mental and physical health with the help of Peety. Walking With Peety is an inspirational story - and a testament to the love of a dog.

O'Grey registers Peety as a service dog. He does have a valid medical reason for this designation, but I question not having the dog trained by a professional service dog trainer. Instead he trains both Peety and his next dog himself. There may be more to this aspect that was not included in the book.

Overall, Walking With Peety was a wonderfully uplifting read. And an inspiration for those looking to make some changes in their lives. Read an excerpt of Walking With Peety.

You can connect with Eric O'Grey on his website, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

And if you too would like to read Walking With Peety, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends November 18/17.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Power Up 2017 with DK Canada!

Well, we're a few weeks into 2017 already. Did you make some New Year's Resolutions? I prefer to think of it as changes I would like to implement over the coming year. My changes involve both mind and body. To that end, DK Canada has some great books to help you make some positive changes this year!

Mindfulness is a subject that I've heard much about and have been meaning to investigate and I've decided that now is the time. Happiness the Mindful Way: A Practical Guide seemed like a good book to start with. Plus, I always love how DK lays out their books - text boxes, colour photos, infographics, white space and clear concise information.

I leafed through the book at first - there is so much info packed into 217 pages. What I got from those first few random readings was a sense that yes, I would find valuable insights within. So, with that in mind, I went back and started with page one.

What is mindfulness you ask? The definition from Happiness the Mindful Way:

'It is a practice of purposefully paying attention in the present moment and bringing a non judgemental, compassionate awareness to the nature of things. It is a way of being, a way of relating to our inner and outer experiences, and a coming to our senses, literally and figuratively. At the same time, it is nothing at all, nothing but a rediscovery or a remembering of our natural inborn capacity to be fully awake in our lives, in contact with things in a direct way without the filters of concepts, past experiences, or likes and dislikes."

Okaaaay....how to begin.... The first chapter was eye opening - I found I could only read an entry or two at a time - I needed to take the time to think about and absorb the information. As I finished that first chapter, I realized that this was something I really wanted to learn and put into practice. It's not going to happen overnight, so I can't expound on the entire book at this time. But I will say that so far it has been excellent. The first chapter was Discovering Mindfulness. Further chapters are Toward a Mindful You, Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness Life Skills and Mindfulness When You Need It. An index at the end lets you quickly find certain subjects - anxiety, pain, etc.

Happiness The Mindful Way is a great introduction and beginner's guide. And a book I'll be referring to often.  See for yourself - here's an excerpt.

Foam Rolling by Sam Woodworth addresses the physical changes I mentioned.  My daughter has one of these rollers and swears by it. That and the subtitles on the book - Relieve Pain, Prevent Injury and Improve Mobility had me wanting to know more.

Why a foam roller? "Using a foam roller increases flexibility, promotes healing after injury, improves the alignment of your spine, and heightens your body awareness."

Foam Rolling includes 60 step by step exercises and 26 programs. Chapters include Foam Rolling Basics, Core Exercises, Lower Body Exercises, Upper Body Exercises, Pain Relief Programs, Lifestyle Programs and Sports Programs.

Effective illustrations are a key for this type of book. DK Canada always hits the mark. The guide is full of full colour pictures using real people. The layout is great - clear instructions, info boxes letting you know what muscles are being targeted, how to breath and some cautions on avoiding injury. Modified versions of each exercise are also depicted.

I always end up flipping through a book before settling in to read. As I did flip through I actually saw exercises prescribed by my physical therapist. Okay, so I'm on the right track. I was interested in the pain relief programs - specifically those for the upper back - my job (and hobbies) are most definitely straining this area. That and the 'too much standing' module. Things I could do at home to help myself. Note that the book does call for some equipment other than the roller for some exercises - notably a massage stick and/or a sports ball.

So, I am going slow, easing myself into the entire program. There is going to pain associated with releasing the fascia. The key is to not overdo it. One step at a time, one exercise at a time.

A good introductory book for those interested in foam rolling. Have a look inside Foam Rolling.

Superfood Breakfasts with DK Canada

I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But for years, I just skipped it, either too rushed, too lazy or not hungry.

I've changed my ways and now try to get up and eat breakfast before I head to work. And yes, I've noticed a difference.

So Superfood Breakfasts: Quick and simple, high-nutrient recipes to kickstart your day from DK Canada's Great Tastes Boutique definitely caught my eye. And so did the line ...."the recipes have been compiled with busy, modern lifestyles in mind." Quick, nutritious and all the planning already done for me? Umm, yes please. The other must for me was gluten and refined sugar free. Check.

What is a superfood you ask? From the opening chapter: "These are foods that are nutrient-dense, with vitamins and minerals for the perfect functioning of our bodies." There's a great pictorial index of the superfoods along with each one's benefits.

There are 25 recipes included with lots of choice in both content and time. Me, I like the good to go ones - take it with me and eat it when I get there. Included are recipes for something I've always wanted to try, but hadn't gotten around to - Overnight Oat Jars. Well, I don't know why I haven't done it - it was really easy and only took a few minutes the night before. Or taking it with me. Smoothies are easy to drink on the drive to work.

But there are some great make aheads too. I've made the quinoa and buckwheat granola and it was really, really good. I tried it as a breakfast bowl, but found I also liked it on yogurt and as a snack in midafternoon. The quinoa superseed bread is next up for a make ahead.

With more time on weekends, the Rainbow Vegetable Frittata and Blueberry Oat Pancakes have been enjoyed by my husband as well. The breakfast parfaits would appeal to kids for a fun looking (and good for them) breakfast.

As with all DK books, the layout is great - clear and easy to read alongside great colour photos. And the bottom line? Always packed with great, useful, up to date information. Superfood Breakfasts hasn't made it to the bookshelf yet - it's been in constant use on the side kitchen counter. Recommended! See below for some sample pages.

Inside the O'Briens - Lisa Genova

Lisa Genova simply can't write a bad book. Her latest, Inside the O'Briens is another absolutely fantastic read.

Genova is a neuroscientist. Each of her novels has brain function or brain injury as a starting point. (Still Alice has just been made into a movie)

Forty-four year old Joe O'Brien has been a cop in Charleston, Massachusetts for twenty four years. He, his wife Rosie and his four adult children all live in the brownstone that Joe grew up in. When he starts having temper outbursts, a few muscle spasms and momentary mental lapses, he writes if off to age and fatigue. But....they get worse. Rosie and the kids are noticing more and it's happening at work - a dangerous situation. When Rosie finally gets Joe to a doctor, they are stunned to hear Joe's diagnosis - Huntington's Disease - a neurological condition that is fatal. And it's genetic - his children have a 50/50 chance of also having the disease.

Wow. Genova takes us inside this tight knit family through Joe and his daughter Katie's eyes. The uncertainty, the anger, the denial, the aftermath, the hope, the dreams and above all the love of this family for each other. I know these are characters in a book, but I honesty felt like Genova was actually writing about a real family. The interactions, the dialogue and the situations had me feeling like I was sitting at the table with them, having Sunday dinner.

I had previously heard of Huntington's Disease, but learned so very much about it from Inside the O'Briens, from both a medical, societal and personal perspective. Yes, the book has the disease as a basis, but it is the family of O'Briens that stayed with me after I turned the last page. Poignant, heartwarming, heartbreaking and oh so very, very good. Read an excerpt of Inside the O'Briens.

You can connect with Lisa Genova on Twitter as well as on Facebook.

The Start Here Diet - Tosca Reno with Billie Fitzpatrick

Well, we're already into the second month of 2014. Did you make resolutions for this year? Were they health related? And how's that going?

Personally I don't like the word resolution - I like the word change instead. And yes, I did start making some changes. I've had Tosca Reno's newest book - The Start Here Diet -  for a month now. It's taken me that long to get to the final pages. Not because I haven't enjoyed it, but because I've been reading some chapters over and over again before I move on the next section.

Reno gives us much more than a diet plan or a list of foods to eat. Her own journey is detailed in the introduction. Reno (mom to four) lost seventy pounds after age forty and shares her knowledge in this book. 

"I hope that sharing my experience and my journey to a healthy weight will inspire you to travel the same road - the road to happiness with the way you look and feel..."

From the first pages, she asks the reader to take a real look at why they overeat. In depth, personal and perhaps uncomfortable.  But "...to be truly successful in reshaping yourself is to find the why first. " These are the chapters that I read more than once.

And then down to concrete information.

How about this question? What is the one food that you can't live without?" Or think you can't live without or in moderation. Chances are it is fatty, salty, starchy or sweet. Oh, yes I have one. Tosca offers us ways to change that 'go-to' food into something healthier.

Move a little. Those New Year's resolutions are often quite extreme. Join a gym. You might have done that - but are you still going? How about working up to it slowly? I loved these suggestions. They "incorporate movement into activities you already  do - just do them smarter." There are three lists - 25 everyday activities, 25 five easy movements and 25 sport like activities. The idea is to go from not moving to moving a little and so on. It was pretty easy to work these into everyday life.

Reading labels, shopping tips and list, Reno's meal plans, recipes and suggestions on how to stay on course comprise the second half of the book. I've not read any of Reno's books before and I'm now curious about the Eat Clean Diet as well.

For me the biggest takeaway of The Start Here Diet was the first half  - taking a good hard look at yourself, your life and your eating habits. Read an excerpt of The Start Here diet.

You can find Tosca Reno on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Slim for Life - Jillian Michaels

I know, I rarely review non fiction, but Jillian Michael's latest book Slim for Life: My Insider Secrets to Simple, Fast, and Lasting Weight Loss, is one I definitely wanted to read. I have struggled with my weight for many years - up and down, up and down. I've reached the point where I am making the commitment to yes, watch my weight, but more importantly to be healthy.

There are soooo many diet, weight loss and health books on the market today and it's really difficult to know who or what information you can trust. And, I guess that's why I wanted to read Michaels' book - because in my eyes, she is trustworthy, she has a proven track record and although I don't know her and will never meet her, I just, well, like her. So I wanted to hear what she had to say.

"Bottom line, over the last several years, I've come to recognize that the more simple and straightforward I can make the information, the easier it is for you to cut through all the crap, apply the advice, and get the results you want."

I've had this book for a few weeks now, but found it was easier to take a piece of information or an idea, try to apply it to my life and only then go back for more, rather than trying to do it all at once (and expecting results in seven days or less  ;)  ) And Michaels herself says you don't have to follow all the strategies - pick and choose what works for you. Each chapter ends with a checklist that you can use to decide what tips will work for you. It's also a great reminder.

The first chapter was a great refresher on the basics.
-Clean out the cupboards. If it's not there, you can't eat it.
-Write down what you eat - it's there in black and white. Of course I've heard of this, but have I ever followed through before? This time - yes - accountability is hard to ignore. (and you won't have to do it 'forever'.
-Don't eat chemicals "If it didn't come from the ground or the ocean of have a mother - don't eat it."
-Sit down to eat. (and many, many more!)

Chapter 2  - get moving! Again, short sweet and to the point. (And did you know that simply increasing the incline on your treadmill will result in a significant calorie burn without increasing your speed?) Chapter 3 - hitting the grocery store,additives, smart choices and more. I was surprised to find cleaning  and personal care products discussed as well. Chapter 4 - parties, work, restaurants, travelling etc.

Chapter 5 - Now here's the chapter I spent the most time on  - reading and re reading. Because this is where I fall down. Staying motivated. This was one of the best chapters of the book for me. The last few chapters deal with hints, tips and more ideas. Scattered throughout the book are 'slim myth boxes' that dispel notions such as 'lifting weights will make you bulky'. There's also EZ calorie cut boxes scattered throughout suggesting alternatives that will save you calories.

I'm glad I took time to read Slim for Life slowly and think about what changes I want to incorporate in my life. Slim for Life will be a resource that I refer back to for sure. I like the fact that Michaels does not dictate, instead  she provides a wealth of suggestions for you to choose from and tailor to your life. Her no nonsense, straight shooter approach appeals to me. I would have liked to have seen some photos of the exercises she mentions though.

"I don't want this book to be a once-read, I want you to reread it and use it over and over as often as you need to for its information and or reassurance. With it you can keep the special combination that belongs only to you, one that cracks the code of how to get and stay slim for life."

Now the rest is up to me!

52 Small Changes - Brett Blumenthal

Yes, it's almost the end of the year, Christmas is over, the New Year is fast approaching and for many people, resolutions are being planned. We can make changes anytime in our lives, but for some reason, we see the new year as a clean page to start.

"Many of us yearn for instant gratification, and when something takes too long, we give up or move on. Unfortunately, the instant gratification we crave is the exact thing that hinders us from achieving success in our quest for change. The secret to making change that lasts is to acknowledge and accept that change takes time and that patience during the process is essential."

I agree with Blumenthal that 'small changes feed our need to succeed." To that end Brett Blumenthal's book 52 Small Changes actually spans the entire year. She has come up with one change per week that we can incorporate on our way to becoming a "happier, healthier you." The book has four target areas: Diet and Nutrition, Fitness and Prevention, Mental Well - Being and Green Living.

Week One's topic is water - drinking more of it. A basic tenet that we're all aware of and recognize the importance of, but really don't carry out. By just having the one goal for an entire week and following through, one could achieve a feeling of success and the desire to continue on with other small but beneficial changes.

Blumenthal targets a lot of other 'known' issues such as adequate sleep, food choices, additives, vitamins etc. Some of the suggestions such as breathing right, taking at least a half hour a day for yourself, cleaning products and identifying additives provided lots of food for thought. Each topic is explored and the benefits explained. If you're already following that week's suggestions there are ideas for taking it up a notch.

I think the idea of one small change a week is great. However I think some of the ideas would require greater introspection and thought, such as Participate in Your Life (mindful thinking), Find Your Own Spirituality and Living with Purpose. However, that being said, 52 Small Changes does introduce the ideas for consideration.

The book is cleanly laid out, easy to read and includes pictures, graphs and blurb boxes. I think a reader could pick and choose ideas from the book that are pertinent to the changes they would like to see in their lives. I don't think every idea would work for everyone. Do I think I could make 52 changes this year? No, but I will be making some and 52 Small Changes has given me some ideas.

Essential Back Care- Dorling Kindersley Books

I have a bad back. I have a bad neck. And I'm sure half the population has had a complaint at some point. Some are genetic, but most complaints are due to wear and tear, unintentional injury or not really looking after ourselves. Well I'm at the point where my body is talking back  - a lot lately. I've been to my doctor, I know what's wrong and what I should and shouldn't be doing.
 (And that's an important point to note here - this book is a fantastic reference but "users of this book should not consider the information, advice and guidelines it contains as a substitute for the advice of medical professionals, accredited physical therapists, and other registered practitioners.

Now, that being said - I found Essential Back Care to be a fantastic reference book. It starts off with the basics - you can put your hand on your neck and say it hurts, but what does your spine actually look like? Full colour photos and detailed information on the anatomy of your neck and back are found in the first chapters.

Next are symptom charts, with yes or no answers, pointing you to a possible diagnosis and then to a informational page about the injury. On those informational pages, you'll find causes and possible care for the early, intermediate and advanced stages of injury. Again, detail, detail, detail.

You'll be directed to further chapters that cover many types of care and rehabilitation - seeing your primary care physician, who may order further tests, medication or surgery - all fully explained - seeing a physical therapist, with the different approaches fully detailed - perhaps an osteopath,  chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist or alternative therapies would help you deal with your pain.

I really found the preventative chapters a great reminder on the right way to do things - posture, work activity, sports, controlling your weight, looking after your home, driving and much, much more. (Sitting correctly at the computer setting off any bells for any of you?!)

So maybe you're stuck with chronic pain. What can you do to live easier with that pain? Essential Back Care provides lots of ideas for coping with everyday activities such as dressing and simply getting a good night's sleep as well as mental strategies.

The last, and one of the larger chapters, is Rehabilitation Exercises. I found many of them to be ones that my physio had assigned me, as well as some new ones too. Colour photos with very specific instructions.

I love the care that DK puts into their books. Pictures are detailed, the language used is clear and easy to understand. Their books are well laid out, with graphs, charts and info boxes that are easy to follow. Quite a bit of information is included, but doesn't overwhelm. The progression of the chapters follows logically, each building upon the last. And the information is actually compiled and written by health professionals.

A great reference tool for anyone concerned about their health.

Whole Foods to Thrive - Brendan Brazier - Review AND Giveaway

Continuing on my quest to 'clean up' the way I live and eat, Whole Foods to Thrive by Brendan Brazier definitely caught my eye. Subtitled: Nutrient-Dense, Plant Based Recipes for Peak Health. Yes, it's about what's good for us, but the planet as well.

"What impact do food choices have on your health? Have you ever been curious as to where your food came from, who grew it, and the path it took to get to your table? Have you every wondered how much of each natural resource was used to produce your food—in other words, the soil-to-table environmental cost? In Whole Foods to Thrive, Brendan Brazier clearly explains how nutrient-dense, plant-based foods are the best choice, not only for your health but also for the health and sustainability of the planet."

And you might be saying to yourself - well, who the heck is Brendan Brazier? Well...

"Brendan Brazier is one of only a few professional athletes in the world whose diet is 100 percent plant based. He’s a professional Ironman triathlete, bestselling author on performance nutrition, and the creator of an award-winning line of whole food nutritional products called Vega. He is also the 2003 and 2006 Canadian 50km Ultra Marathon Champion.Nominated in 2006 for the Manning Innovation Award, Canada’s most prestigious award for innovation, Brendan was short-listed for the formulation of Vega.

In 2006, Brendan also was invited to address US Congress on Capitol Hill, where he spoke of the significant social and economic benefits that could be achieved by improving personal health through better diet. The focus of his talk was to draw attention to the role that food plays in the prevention of most chronic diseases currently plaguing North Americans. In 2007 Brendan was named one of The 25 Most Fascinating Vegetarians by VegNews Magazine.

Brendan has become a renowned speaker and sought-after presenter throughout North America, helping individuals and businesses thrive by sharing his dietary stress-busting program, the Thrive Diet.

Brendan is from North Vancouver, BC. But spends most of his time on the road touring."

So, yes, he knows what he's talking about.

I've been eating gluten free for over a year now and this has had a positive impact on my health. Whole Foods to Thrive provides a wealth of information on taking eating well to the next level. The first chapter - Health's Dependence on Nutrution is one I will be referring back to quite a bit.

Frazier describes the key components of nutrition as well as the nutrient value of each of the ingredients used in many of the over 200 recipes included. And the recipes are honestly very simple. Some of the ingredients are new to me, but readily available at the health food stores I have been frequenting. And Here's a quick smoothie you could try for breakfast.

Chocolate Almond Smoothie with Sacha Inchi Milk (A protein rich Peruvian fruit)

Rich in protein and omega-3, this smoothie will keep you going for hours with sustainable, non-stimulating energy. Time: 5 minutes • Makes about 3 ½ cups (2 large servings)

1 banana

2 fresh or presoaked dried dates

1 cup water

1 cup Sacha Inchi Milk (or chocolate variation) (see p. 126)

¼ cup almonds (or 2 tbsp raw almond butter)

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

1 tbsp hemp protein powder

1 tbsp roasted carob powder

• In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

I grow a large garden and there are a wealth of salad recipes I'll be trying out this year. This is also the time of the year to start thinking about trying to eat local.  Head out to your local farmer's market, join a food co-op, plant a few seeds yourself. The chapters covering the environmental toll of food production are really eye opening.

To celebrate the release of Brendan's book, one lucky reader will win a prize pack containing six Vega smoothie mixes (either Shake & Go Smoothie mixes or Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer mixes) in an assortment of flavours like Vanilla Chai, Bodacious Berry, and Choc-a-Lot. Thanks to Penguin Canada and Vega.

Simply comment to be entered. This one's quick - ends Sunday June 5th at 6 pm EST. Open to Canada only.

Giveaway - 21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart - Neal D.Barnard MD.

So....did you eat all your Valentine chocolate already? (And you're eyeing up those Easter bunnies that are out there already?) Here's a giveaway you might be interested in. 21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart by Neal D. Barnard, MD.

From the publisher The Hachette Book Group:

"For years, Dr. Neal D. Barnard has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research on what it really takes to lose weight and restore the body to optimal health. Now, with his proven, successful program, in just three short weeks you'll get fast results-drop pounds, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve blood sugar, and more. With Dr. Barnard's advice on how to easily start a plant-based diet, you'll learn the secrets to reprogramming your body quickly:
Appetite reduction: Strategically choose the right foods to naturally and easily tame your appetite.
Metabolism boost: Adjust eating patterns to burn calories faster for about three hours after each meal.
Cardio protection: Discover the powerful foods that can help reduce cholesterol nearly as much as drugs do in just weeks.

Whether you are one of the millions who are anxious to get a jumpstart on weight loss or who already know about the benefits of a plant-based diet but have no idea how or where to start, this book is the kickstart you've been waiting for. Complete with more than sixty recipes, daily meal plans for the 21-day program, tips for grocery shopping, and more, this book will teach you how to make the best food choices and get your body on the fast track to better health."

Two copies up for grabs, open to US and Canada, no po boxes please. One win per household. Closes Sat. March 1st at 6 pm EST. Good luck and check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways.

Get a head start - read an excerpt.

Giveaway - Get Energy - Denise Austin

It's that time of the year - resolution time. Well, thanks to the lovely folks at The Hachette Book Group, I have three copies of Denise Austin's latest book - Get Energy - to giveaway that might help you meet some of your goals.

"With busy schedules, demanding careers, and little time, many of us battle just to stay awake. But energy is something that is in our control, enven when time is short. Now 50 years young, fitness guru Denise Austin shows readers how to super-charge their lives, using her innovative lifestyle plan. She eats the right foods at the right time of day. She uses the power of stretching and breathing to feed her body with energy-enhancing oxygen. She uses mini-workouts to get energy even on her busiest days--and now you can too!

Denise shows how simple changes can add up to increased energy levels throughout the day. From the foods they consume to the way they sit in their chairs, readers won't believe how Denise's quick and easy plan will dramatically increase their energy levels. In as little as a week, results will be felt: radiant skin, more restful sleep, and a sharper mind...so follow Denise Austin and prepare for a fitness wake-up call!"

I'm looking forward to reading this one. You can find Denise on Facebook, on Twitter and there's even a feee iPhone app. Read an excerpt of Get Energy.

Sound good? Simply comment to be entered. Open to US and Canada, no po boxes please. One winner per household. Closes Sat. Feb 5/11 at 6 pm EST.

Denise's Daily Dozen - Denise Austin

Okay well let's just start off this post by saying...Denise Austin is 52 years old! Doesn't she look fantastic? Okay so how does she do it? Well she follows her own advice! It's a well kept secret but here goes....eat right and exercise. A lifestyle plan - not a diet.

In Denise's Daily Dozen, she's made it easy for those of us who moan that they don't have the time. Here's the deal - she's come up with 12 minutes of exercise to do every day of the week. Each day targets something different - cardio, abs, upper and lower body, yoga and more.

12 minutes! I can do that!

Now to go along with the 12 minutes a day in exercise, Denise has created meal plans for three weeks as well. No crazy grocery list - just everyday wholesome foods from Denise's 'Power of Twelve' eating plan - 3 fruits, 3 veggies, 3 proteins, 2 grains, 1 fat. The nutritional info for each day is listed too.

There are lots of extras tucked into the pages, text boxes full of great tips on shopping, time savers, going green, inspiration - including pics and stories from successful 'losers'! One of my favourites were the tension tamers - really quick stretches you can do at your desk to relieve stressed muscles. Another great idea are the fidget-cizers. Exercise while waiting for the kettle to boil, the toast to pop or firm your butt while talking on the phone!

I really liked this book. I've chosen to go at my own rate - and I thinks that's the beauty of it. There is so much great information included you can't help succeeding - whatever pace you set. I'm looking to get moving more and 12 minutes is soooo doable!

The book itself is well laid out and easy to read. The pictures of the different exercises are clear and easy to follow. It's in a weekly order, with everything you need for each day - meals and exercises. What's nice? The work is all done for you - all you need to do is follow along.

Keep up with Denise on Twitter. Or you can find Denise on Facebook.

Check out her website too! There's a menu every day, message boards, exercises and lots more.

Sounds great eh? Make sure you enter my giveaway for five! copies ending Jan 30th.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has been following The Daily Dozen and post your thoughts.

Giveaway - Denise's Daily Dozen - Denise Austin

Okay, so if you're anything like me, you kind of, maybe, sort of ...overate the last week.....just a little bit, but still.... Or maybe you've made your health one of your resolutions for 2010.

You might be interested in winning one of five copies of Denise's Daily dozen, courtesy of The Hachette Book Group!

From the publisher:

"From Denise Austin comes the perfect health book for anyone who wants to live better but just can't seem to find the time. Much more than just another exercise book, Denise's Daily Dozen covers a whole range of health and diet related concepts yet manages it all in a no-stress, time-conscious program of 12's. At it's core, this book contains the minimum daily requirements to keep the reader flexible, strong and trim. Organized simply into seven chapters, which equal the seven days of the week, it covers a full week in daily allotments. Each day will have it's own focus from Monday being "fat burning day" to Sunday's "recharge and rejuvenate."

Denise has created a total body program, including a 7-day balanced meal plan that includes healthy recipes, and a workout that encompasses 12 exercises done in 12 minutes each day. Everyone can take just 12 minutes, at whatever time of the day works for them, and turn it over to these simple and fun exercises. Cardio, toning, yoga and breathing exercises...they're all here but in a way the maximizes effect while minimizing time.

Beyond a dozen exercises for each day of the week this book will include many other of Denise's dozens for each day."

Follow Denise on Twitter. Or you can become a fan on Facebook. Or check out her website - DeniseAustin.com. Make sure you stop back for my review on Jan 24th.

Giveaway is open to both US and Canada, no po boxes please. Ends Jan 30th at 6 pm EST. Leave a comment to be entered.

How Not to Look Old - Charla Krupp

Charla Krupp is a former beauty editor at Glamour magazine. And yes - she does look amazing!

Her take on things is little bit different than Bobbi Brown's. (see Wednesday's review) Brown seems to embrace and celebrate aging whereas to quote Krupp: "Aging sucks. " "We're going to fight aging - and we're going to look great doing it."

We are asked to define our maintenance level at the beginning of the book - how much time, effort and money are we willing to put in? Each subsequent chapter has suggestions for each level. Topics covered include hair - cuts and colour, eyebrows, glasses, teeth and nails. Lots and lots of make up tips and guides. (Who knew there was such a thing as lip exfoliater?) Clothing takes up many chapters, including jeans, undergarments, jewellery and shoes. Each chapter finishes with 'Brilliant Buys' - specific product recommendations that Krupp has tested. (Interestingly Bobbi Brown's line pops up often) We are treated to the 'old way' vs 'new' (Y&H) way of doing things. Y&H is used throughout the book and stands for Young and Hot.

A little more from Krupp's intro:

"We want fast fixes. That's why there's also no mention of the fact that diet and exercise are essential to looking younger and staying healthy over the long haul. There isn't a woman alive who doesn't already know this. Eating salmon and doing yoga are good things to do for sure, but they won't give the instant results the to-do's in this book will."

How Not to Look Old was a New York Times bestseller. It is certainly commericial in nature, with additonal appendices listing the 'best' salons, spas etc. to go to city by city. There are definitely tips and ideas that everyone could take advantage of and if that's what you're looking for, this is a great book. Personally the celebrating of aging rather than fighting it appeals to me more.

Thanks to The Hachette Book Group I had a giveaway for this title as well. If any of the winners would like to send me their thoughts, I would be happy to include them!

Here's what Jodee from AZ thought:

"After the no-nonsense title claimed my attention, the promise of immediate results sealed my interest. I have purchased many magazines that promised to detail how I could “get gorgeous, now!” This book is like such an article that has been pumped and plumped, then presented with a gorgeous, glossy glow. First, I noted that the author established credibility, so I felt confident that her observations are those of a well-trained eye to issues of appearance (she was even a beauty editor). Then, I found the familiar glossy photos, and magazine styling and organization attractive. It is clear that the author is very familiar with magazine writing and layout. Overall, it was an enjoyable read that avoided self-promoting (as I find true in too many self-help books), and was often self-deprecating (there are some endearing stories in there). I especially loved that advice was broken down by budget, or “level of commitment,” because some fixes are affordable to all. All the given advice had value, even though I find myself outside the primary target audience. The only drawback I could find was that this is not a book I could give as a gift, even to someone I know well. Given as a gift, the title would scream, “You’re looking old and you need professional help.”

Living Beauty - Bobbi Brown

It's only really as I've started noticing that I'm getting older - when did that happen?!- that I've thought about taking some action. Better late than never right?

Bobbi Brown is an internationally renowned make up artist and beauty editor. What attracted me to Living Beauty was Brown's approach to aging. She encourages and celebrates women over forty.

"Aging (or getting older) should be seen as a process through which a woman can gain more vitality, strength, wisdom, and a new sense of her beauty."

Brown advocates an entire way of living, not simply make up. Eating and living right with a positive attitude is the foundation of her philosophy. What she then offers are suggestions of ways to enhance what you already have. Make up tips with step by step colour photos on glossy stock. I enjoyed the before and after pictures. Hair cut and colour is also covered. Clothes, including foundation garments and what flatters every shape is also covered as is fitness and nutrition. I did find the chapter on BHRT - Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy interesting. BHRT differs from traditional HRT in that it is formulated from naturally occurring plant sources and individualized.

I did enjoy this book and will be incorporating some suggestions into my life.

Read an excerpt of Living Beauty.

Thanks to The Hachette Book Group, I had a giveaway for this book and invited winners to send in their thoughts once they had a chance to read it.

Here's what Sarah M from PA had to say:

"I finished it! I thought it was fantastic that along with the variety of makeup and fashion tips she stressed again and again the importance of what we put in our bodies. Bobbi Brown believes that eating, sleeping and managing stress well, along with other natural methods, are the core of the secret of timeless beauty. I loved that a makeup artist with such a successful cosmetic line of her own would write a book that doesn't push her products but encourages women to feel good to look good."

Any other winners, send along your thoughts and I'll add them to the review!

Giveaway - Becoming Beauty - Dimitri James

Thanks to Dimitri James of Skinn Cosmetics, I have three copies of his latest book, Becoming Beauty, to giveaway!

Any of the following interest you? From the publisher:

"Internationally recognized beauty, hair and skin care expert, Dimitri James, shares his 25 years of experience in creating total head to toe “make-over magic!”

Get the most out of your look by learning the simple building blocks of skin care, make-up, hair, clothing and accessories to build the best you possible!

• Become your own brand by discovering your personal unique style.

• Make a powerful impression by discovering the secret language of color.

• Look like you stepped out of a magazine cover on your wedding day.• 50 ways to beat acne for good.

• Disguise figure faults by choosing the right clothing for your body type

.• Strengthen your internal beauty and project a stronger more powerful image.

• Never have to ask “how do I look” ever again.

• Look 10 years younger with skin care recipes you can make in your own kitchen.

• Learn the right hair style and hair color for your personal face structure and never have a bad hair day again."


Dimitri is a TV personality on ShopNBC, The Shopping Channel Canada & TVSN Australia. He is a cosmetologist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, educator & founder of SKINN Cosmetics.

Giveaway is open to both US and Canada. Simply leave a comment to be entered. Please ensure I have a way to contact you - either by email or on your web page. Ends Sat. June 6 at 6 pm EST. Good luck and check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways!

Winners - Giveaway - Bobbi Brown Living Beauty

And the five lucky winners (chosen by random.org) of a copy of Bobbi Brown Living Beauty courtesy of the Hachette Book Group are:

1. Trishden
2. Smooshy
3. BermudaOnion
4. Caroneko
5. Arielle

Congratulations and thanks to all who entered. As mentioned in the giveaway I would love it if you would sent me a few sentences on your thoughts of the book once you receive it and I will include those in my review. I have emailed you for your mailing addresses. Please respond within 48 hours. Check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways.

**updated Monday May 4. Unfortunately I did not hear back from two of the winners, so have had to go to the next two on the list.**

**updated Wed, May 6. Okay, really how hard should it be to giveaway a fantastic book? Redrawing to get one last winner - yet again.**

Winners - Giveaway - How Not to Look Old

And the five lucky winners (chosen by random.org) of a copy of How Not to Look Old, courtesy of the Hachette Book Group are:

1. lisagee
2. Jaclyn
3. The Prophecy Girl
4. Beth
5. Demmi

Congratulations and thanks to all who entered. I have contacted you by email for your mailing addresses. I hope to include some of your thoughts in a future review of this book. Please respond within 48 hours. Check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways.

**updated Monday May 4th. I didn't hear back from Mineola, so on to the next on the list!**

Giveaway - The G-Free Diet - Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Yes, that's her - you know, Elisabeth Hasselbeck from the televison program The View. But did you know she also suffers from gluten intolerance? And discovered it while on the tv show Survivor in Australia?

From the publisher:

"For years, Elisabeth Hasselbeck couldn't figure out what was making her sick. She asked doctors and consulted nutritionists, but no one seemed to have any answers. It wasn't until spending time in the Australian Outback, living off the land on the grueling Survivor TV show, that, ironically, her symptoms vanished. Returning home, she pinpointed the food that made her sick -- gluten, the binding element in wheat. By simply eliminating it from her diet, she was able to enjoy a completely normal, healthy life. But that wasn't all. Hasselbeck discovered the myriad benefits that anyone can enjoy from a gluten-free diet: from weight loss and increased energy to even the alleviation of the conditions of autism. In this all-inclusive book, Hasselbeck shares her hard-earned wisdom on living life without gluten and loving it. She gives you everything you need to know to start living a gluten-free life, from defining gluten - where to find it, how to read food labels - to targeting gluten-free products, creating G-Free shopping lists, sharing recipes, and managing G-Free living with family and friends."

Weight loss and added energy - I want to know more!

Read an excerpt of the G-Free Diet.

Thanks to the Hachette Book Group, I have five copies to giveaway. Open to both US and Canada, no po boxes please. To be entered, tell me why you want to read this book! An extra entry for followers - please let me know. And a third entry for blogging or tweeting about it. Make sure you leave me a way to contact you, either email or through your webpage. Giveaway ends May 29 at 6pm EST. Good luck and check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways!

The Engine 2 Diet - Rip Esselstyn

Okay, so I admit - I need to lose a (clears throat) few pounds! But what really caught my eye of Rip Esselstyn's new book was the subtitle - "The Texas Firefighter's 28 Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds."

Okay - cholesterol is a major concern for many North American adults and who couldn't stand to lose a (clears throat) few pounds?

The basis for The Engine 2 Diet is Esselstyn's belief that "...the most basic, profound and powerful way to take care of your health on a day-to-day basis is to eat a healthy, plant-based diet."

As a firefighter and dedicated athlete, Rip was concerned about the health of his fellow firefighters. He convinced them to join him in his plant based diet and all who participated saw profound results, both in weight and health improvement.

He has two plans - Fire Cadet - which slowly weans you off meat, eggs, dairy, oils and refined products. And the Firefighter - you're off all the above at once. There are numerous studies and facts presented to back up his belief that this is the way to live the rest of your life. Results can be seen in four weeks.

Of course, it needs to be combined with physical activity, muscular and cardiovascular. Rip uses a method called functional training - using your own body weight, no equipment needed. There is a full section on stretching and exercise, complete with descriptive pictures. He advocates having a number of medical tests (ie blood work, BP etc) done so that you have a baseline to measure your progress against. The book is peppered with testimonials and anecdotes, giving it a personal feel.

The second half of the book cover recipes and meal plans. I found the section on label reading and specific product recommendations to be extremely helpful and very clearly written. How to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need from sources other than meats and dairy were helpful as well. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised with the recipes and meal plans. They were absolutely do-able, if that makes sense. Many of them were foods I already enjoy. Most of them appealed to me. (But I will take a pass on kale butter!)

I have to say that a lot of it really makes sense to me after reading this book. Even if you took some of his ideas and adapted them to your life, you would reap some benefit. Am I going to jump on the bandwagon? (or fire engine as the case may be) It's given me a lot to consider. I will be reviewing another diet book from Hachette Books in the next couple of weeks and deciding which plan would suit me best. Stay tuned!

You can check out a video of Rip discussing his program here. Or if you'd rather - you can read an excerpt here. Or head over the website - http://www.engine2.org/.

And in the meantime if you think you would like to have a copy of the Engine 2 Diet for yourself - enter my giveaway for three copies here!