Keeping a Book List

I’m completely obsessed with “The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett for two reasons:

1. It’s a great story set in 1960s Mississippi about the lines drawn between white women and their “colored” maids. I’ve been reading it since our trip to Miami and I’ve been hooked ever since. I read walking down the street, in elevators, on the subway — you name it!  I savored the last 15 pages because I didn’t want it to be over.

2. I love Kathryn’s story – she was turned down 60 times before selling this book! I mean – at that point..some people would have said “enough.” But I’m so glad she didn’t. What a great lesson in perseverance.

I always have an on-going reading list. I’m lucky enough to work with a bunch of readers so we swap books often. I also have a Kindle and an iPad but I must say – it’s just not the same for me. I haven’t gotten used to not holding a book. Although—those electronic devices are much easier to carry on the subway! Read more

Must-Have Pregnancy Clothing List

It must be pregnancy season or something — I know a whole bunch of ladies having babies lately!  Some women use this time as an excuse to “let it all hang out.” Well, my friends – it is not. You should take pride in your look at every point in your life. I know that this can be hard, as sometimes things happen that you have no control over so you don’t always want to wear your best.

Maternity clothes can be expensive but there are tricks for stretching your existing wardrobe and cost-effective ways to add to it. Marisa Moss, founder of MineForNine.com, gave me these secrets to share with all of you.

Save yourself a lot of time and stress by “editing” your closet ASAP in your first trimester.

1. Neatly fold and store all the pants without any stretch

2. Put all the dresses you already have to “suck-in” to wear in the back of the closet

3. Hide all your tailored tops Read more

List of Healthy No-Cook Lunches

I take my lunch to work on most days for two reasons:

1. It’s cheaper

2. It’s healthier

Whether it’s leftovers from dinner or a sandwich or salad — sometimes I’m bored with whatever I’ve brought for lunch. So in an effort to spice up my options and be less stressed I reached out to nutritionist Patricia Bannan, author of “Eat Right When Time is Tight” for some inspiration.

21 Healthy and Delicious No-Cook Lunches

By

Patricia Bannan, MS, RD

No time to cook? Whether you’re brown bagging it, busy at home or dining out, try one of these healthy lunch ideas from my new book “Eat Right When Time is Tight: 150 Slim-Down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes.” Nutritious and delicious, they all have 400 calories or less and provide protein and fiber for sustained energy.

BROWN BAG IT

Here are seven lunch options to brown bag and carry with you:

Tuna hummus dip. Mix together 1/2 cup of canned, drained water-packed albacore tuna with 2 tablespoons of hummus and a splash of lemon juice; eat with slices of celery or cucumber or a few baked pita chips.

Italian bean salad. Toss 1 can of drained white beans with 1 teaspoon each of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and add fresh herbs (e.g, parsley, basil and/or oregano) to taste. Read more