How Are You Today?

My mind is in Barcelona today...This building is apart of Park Guell...Beautiful Gaudi Designs and Architecture.

***First, just a quick update...I have been under the weather so I have not kept up with my Yoga Challenge.  I have completed Day 1...I will post to Facebook in the Notes section the Yoga Challenge updates.  Thank you.***

I would like to discuss 'Checking In'.  No this is not what we're all doing on our iPhones when we get to whatever bar or restaurant.  This is checking in with yourself.  A good friend of mine recently walked me through his daily routine.  First thing in the morning he takes a walk to clear his mind and wake up his body.  During his walk he asks himself, "How am I doing today?"  This 'checking in' with himself is a great tool and leveler for everyone to use in their everyday life.

Ask yourself today how you're doing?  If you're happy, play off of that.  If you're upset about something, get to the bottom of the problem, so that you may focus on the good in life.

How are you today?

December is the M.E Month

I tamed this gorilla...I'm that good.

We have now entered the last month of 2011...Then it’s the last year in the Mayan Calender. 

For the month of December, I feel it is only fitting to dub it the ME Month.  M is for More and E is for Exploring.  December 2011 is now officially the month of More Exploring.  Explore life, have an open mind, help others and above all help yourself.  Have more in your life.  More new experiences.  More love.  Move time to yourself.  More time with the ones you care about the most.  More adventures big or small.  More silliness.  More laughter.  I think you get the point.  This month, more is more and you should have your fill!

Ways to get the most out of the M.E Month.

-Small town adventures: Get your friends together and do a scavenger hunt.

-Donate your time to your local community: Nothing feels better than helping someone else

-Wake up and decide to laugh all day

-Plan something just for you: Maybe it’s just an hour in a salt bath or maybe it’s a full weekend of doing nothing and talking to no one. 

-Learn something new: Take a cooking class...My personal favorite was learning to make truffles!

-Listen to your heart in all matters, it always knows best.

-Don’t listen to people, do what feels right

-Do something that scares you

-Plan a trip around something you love: Can’t get enough of food. Plan a food road trip!

-Write your life “To Do” list: Start doing something on that list this month

-Explore the local library: I love spending time in the library.  The smell of books, reading in a corner and then checking out a new book, it's an adventure for the mind.

-Take a chance in love: Don’t hold back if you really and truly love someone, tell them.

-Take a fitness challenge: I have heard doing Bikram Yoga for 30 days will change your life and your body.  I’ve done it before and loved it...Try to find a studio that isn’t smelly...It can be hard to focus on holding a position when you smell something funky in the room.

-Say Yes To Everything: Have you seen the movie Yes Man?  He changed his life with one simple word, Yes.  It’s a funny movie and I love the meaning behind it.

Your world is about to open up and change for the better.  Take a risk.  Be ready for it by knowing that there are great rewards in pushing your limits and seeing how far your spirit will take you.  Enjoy ME Month!

Save on Purchase of Amazing Love Diet

Christmas and Hanukkah is right around the corner!  Save 25% off of your purchase of Amazing Love Diet with this code: BUYMYBOOK305.  This offer is good until Midnight December 14, 2011. May only be used on Lulu.com.  Happy Holidays!

Wildest Dreams - Amazing Love Diet

www.sugarandshinyobjects.com

When I was younger I used to swing on my swing set, look up to the sky and think of the wonderful life I was going to have once I grew breasts and got my very own driver’s license.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would come true.  My first book is out and I’m so excited about the wonderful things people have been saying.  I feel truly blessed and supported...(Kinda like my breasts when they visit Victoria's Secret.)

I am having a contest where you may win a free copy of Amazing Love Diet.  The first way to win is go to Amazing Love Diet’s Fan Page Here.  “Like” the page and you will be entered to win a free book.  The people that “Like” the page between now and the 150th person will be entered to win the book.  The second way to win is to share the post that is on Amazing Love Diet’s wall, “Share the Love” .  Once you have shared, write in the comments below the post, “Share the Love”, this is your entry.  There will be one winner chosen at random from each category.  In total, two ‘fans’ that will win a copy of Amazing Love Diet.  The contest will end when the page reaches 150 fans.  Best of luck and as always Much Love!


Here is the link to Amazing Love Diet's Fan Page!

Available Now Amazing Love Diet

Well I knew this day would come...Amazing Love Diet is on shelves!  Best way to purchase is by clicking HERE.  This will bring you to my Lulu's Author Spotlight.  Much Love to you Always!

DIY: Salt and Sugar Scrubs

I love when my skin is silky smooth!  I have found that scrubs are the best way to achieve this.  Here is an at home scrub recipe.  It's ridiculous how easy it is to make.  All you will need is some sort of body oil, salt or sugar or both...and of course a container to put the scrub in.  I just use an old container that once contained a scrub I bought from a store.  All in all, it cost me under $25 to purchase the coconut oil and the salt.  I have made three batches and still have plenty to make more!

You should be able to locate almond or coconut oils at your local health food stores. Remember to use extra virgin. Barlean's is also a organic brand. You may ever cook with it if you like.

Make sure to use small grain salt. I used iodized salt.

Salt Scrub - This is my favorite because of the smell and salt cleanses your aura.
1 Tablespoon of Coconut or Almond Oil.
2 Tablespoons of Salt

I use coconut oil because of the smell and the great skin benefits.  Right now my skin is so touchable and I smell like an Almond Joy.  I'm about to gobble myself up I smell so good!  I used to use olive oil since it has many moisturizing benefits, but then my waxer in Boston told me years ago that it may cause in-grown hairs.  For every tablespoon of oil use 2 tablespoons of salt.  If you want to add essential oils to your scrub like Lavender or rosemary this would be the time to do so.  I mix everything together in a mixer and then spoon it into a jar. 

Sugar Scrub - This is the same recipe of oil, just replace salt for brown sugar.  I like the Almond Oil and Brown Sugar combination.

*When scrubbing your body down, I find the best time is before you shower.  Step in the tub and start at the top of you body and work your way down.

New Website

I have been working on this for awhile now.  I wasn't sure which direction I was going to go in.  I  decided to stay within the Blogger family.  I will use my new blog/website as platform for my new books and other exciting ventures.  I will, or course, still continue to do the Lazy Girl posts but I will also be posting on my other site as well.  So, check it out!  Find My New Site Here. I am so excited about it.  It's still a work in progress but I couldn't be more thrilled.  Much Love.

Juice/Smoothie Creations

For the past week, I have been eating my meals through a straw and my verbal abilities have been at an all time low.  It’s been torture to not speak.  Even sneezing was so very painful.  But...Now my mouth is starting to feel like it’s old chipper self again!  I started a post on conscious eating, that I will post at a later date.  Today I just want to share with you some of the juices/smoothies that I have come up with.  Try them out for yourself.  These were my favorites.  Some of the smoothies were big misses but don't be afraid to try different combinations for yourself.  I lost three pounds in the past week.  I would start my day with a scramble of eggs, garlic, cream cheese and avocado.  I would have a smoothie or juice for other meals or when I was hungry.  For a snack I had greek yogurt with chia seeds and fresh fig jam.  On good days for dinner I would make very soft pasta dishes.

I did have one friend that was able to try one of my smoothies, “I don’t know what to think of this?  There are so many layers to it.  What is in it?”  I didn’t want to tell him, since he usually looks at me like I have five heads when he tries my typical smoothies.  But I did anyway, “Apple juice, banana, blueberries, tofu, avocado, spouts and spinach”

Friend: “Yeah, that’s a lot of layers lady.”

The Health Drink
Beet
Celery
Apple
Carrots
Lemon
Water


Green Drink
Spinach
Celery
Broccoli
Apple
Spouts
Water

The Smoothie
Apple Juice
Blueberries
Apple
Banana
Tofu
Greens of any kind
Avocado

What's Your Favorite Thing?

When life gets you down, you need to stop and think, “What will pick my spirits up?”

So, I want you to have a go to list of the things in your life or something that makes you smile, laugh or just makes you happy.  It’s your Favorite Things List.  This list will help change your mood from negative to positive.

Here are some examples from my list:

-My Family
-My Nieces Laughing
-My babe Jack
-Red Lipstick
-Flirty Dresses
-Thigh High Boots...ok any style of boot will put a smile on my face.
-Paris
-London
-Tapas
-Brunch
-Thanksgiving
-The Bahamas
-The Beach with the sun warming my skin
-Snow Angels
-A fire, A book and a glass of red wine
-Laughing with friends
-Live Music/Concerts
-Christmas Breakfast (My family goes all out...sooo good!)
-And above everything Love

Make your list and see how your day will turn around.  Keep it close to you for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up.  Your mood will change faster than you think.

Save the ta-tas - Guest Blogger

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Save the ta-tas, is having a special event where each day a guest blogger joins them on their blog to help spread breasts cancer awareness.  I was asked to join in this special event.  My day will be Friday October 28th.  Please tune in to other guest bloggers and visit the Save the ta-tas website.  I look forward to sharing my post with you in October!

Save the ta-tas Blog
Save the ta-tas Website

My New Favorite Band - The Civil Wars

On my mini road trip this weekend my friend, The Energizer Bunny, was playing a cd.  It was about two in the morning and their voices blended together so smooth, sexy and ghost like, it was absolutely perfect timing.   I have heard their music before but it wasn't until this moment that their melodies made an impact on me.

The next day I asked him what was the name of that band.  "The Civil Wars...Such a cool story.  They were two separate artists trying to make it in Nashville.  They had the same producer whom suggested that they meet."

I have been hooked these past few days.  Here are a few of their videos.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I...

Coming Soon: Photos and videos from The Life is good Festival...Interview with a Married Man...Stress and Meditation...The Smoothie that changed my me...Amazing Love Diet...War on Love...And I have an exciting announcement!

Get Angry

So he or she broke your heart?  Let me tell you something.  You know you’re healing from a relationship when you can get angry...Maybe even bat sh!t crazy. When Captain American and I broke up, I wasn’t upset at first because I knew we were not meant for each other.  I even knew he was cheating on me. (Or least heavy flirtation with a married woman.)  Still, I wasn’t mad.  My Mother even asked me after we broke up if I was mad...I wasn’t.  It wasn’t mad until a few months later, when I realized I gave up on so many opportunities and changed my whole life around for him.  All I had to show for it was, well, nothing.  That’s when I got mad.  I remember talking with my Mother and her reply to some of the colorful words that I was saying, “Oh good!  You’re mad.  Now you can move on.”  And move on I did!  So, ladies and gentlemen, if you’re mad, you’re healing.  Get angry, get it all out.  Plus, it feels really good to break things.  I like to go out to the "Madaket Mall" (Nantucket's Dump) and take all my glass bottles (Aka wine bottles) and throw it in the bin as hard as I can.  It feels so good!  Once all that anger is out, move on.  Bigger and better things are waiting around the corner for you.  Take it from me, happiness is here!

Time to Reboot

What to do:
Turn off computer.  Let it sit and cool down for a while.  Turn on computer.  Allow computer to adjust.

When I turn off my computer and then turn in on again, I find that my computer works faster and more efficiently.  I have also found that when I open my web browser, everything that I was searching for, pages I may have opened and of course, my Facebook page have all been cleared.  It’s a fresh start for the computer and for me.

It's didn't take long for fall to get here.  For me, it felt as if someone flipped a switch overnight.  I went to sleep in the summer and woke up in the fall.  Now that summer is over, it's time to reboot.  To me this is what fall is, a fresh start.  A time to become whole again after the craziness of summer.  Typically, I hear winter is the time to reboot.  I believe winter is the perfect time to attack, travel and to learn something new.   What better time to delve into something new than in the long, crewel months of winter.  Fall is my time to step back and think.  What do I want?  Am I living the way I want?  What do I need to do?  I believe it’s the perfect time for long meditations and to partake in cleansing rituals. 

So what are you doing to reboot?  If nothing, than may I suggest starting small.  Meditate.  It’s the simplest way to get your body and mind right.  If you start to meditate, you will become more aware of your body.  You will eat better.  Your days will not seem as hectic.  Plus, the daily stresses will just fall right off your shoulders.  I find myself lighter and there is a sense of freedom that overcomes me.  Fall is also a great time to go through your things and cleanse your belongings.  What is no longer a necessity or of need, discard.  Fall is the time to make way for the new in your life.

A Simple Way To Meditate:

Find a quiet place to sit...Sit in a comfortable position...Breathe in through your nose...Exhale through your mouth...Your focus should be on your breathing...If you become distracted, just go back to concentrating on your inhaling and exhaling...Start by doing five or 10 minutes...Work up to an hour.

I do plan on finally posting the cleanse that I love...Please check back soon.

Why am I so afraid of the water?

"The sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli."

It’s a necessity of life for me to be near a water source.  Currently I live on an island, which works for me.  No matter where I drive to, I will always hit the ocean.  Lately, I’ve been going to the beach by myself.  It’s been so wonderfully amazing.  I take a book, my iPod, a sandwich and I’m all set.  I roast and heat my body temperature up for a good half hour.  Then I venture to the waves to cool off.  I start off by putting dipping my feet into the water.  I inch my way, cautiously, into the blue.  Without warning, a large wave will always come crashing down.  I find myself inching my way back to the safe sand.  Then, I say to myself, “Just go for it!  Get in there and play in the water.” Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t.  I’m not sure where this fear has come from.  Over the past few years, I have really had a fear of the water.  Maybe, this fear, developed in my childhood.  Growing up my family had a pool with a diving board.  I would often go to the tip of the diving board and ponder about jumping in.  Just as I made peace with jumping into the pool, I would hear, “Thump! Thump! Thump!”  One of my brothers would be running down the diving board.  I would freeze up, like a deer caught in the headlights.  This freeze motion would not save me from the enviable result of finding myself unprepared to enter the water.  My big brother would give a massive push on my back and in I went.  Once I recovered from the shock of being pushed into the water, I would get out and make my way back to the sallow end.  It was safe, far away from my big brothers tormenting me.

But...
Maybe, my fear stems from the unknown.  The ocean is dark and murky which makes it difficult to spot anything that may be swimming close by.  Whatever the reasoning, it bothers me.  All I want to do is play in the waves.  I want to cover my skin in the salty water.  I remember growing up, we would summer in our family's small cottage on the beach.  The water on this beach was very calm and shallow.  I remember I would always make one of my siblings or a cousin carry me in the water.  Afraid to put my feet down on the ocean floor.  Fearing, that a crab may nibble on my juicy toes.
They would carry me deep enough so that I could swim and I wouldn’t have to touch the bottom of the ocean.  I remember holding on to them for dear life. 

This summer I’ve gone for a few, late afternoon swims with my friend The Snake Charmer.  The other day we went in for a dip and she said to me, “Wow, I’m really surprised how deep you are.”  My reply, “I know!  And I keep putting my feet on the ground.  Normally, I just keep treading water.  I’m getting better and it feels so good.”
We swam around for an hour or so before making our way back to the beach and enjoying “Buck a Shuck” and a cold drink.  I love being in the water so much.  It's spiritual and cleansing.  I should not be crippled by fear.  It was a great day being able to wade around in the water.  I can't wait for my next swim!  Everyday I brush my fears from my mind.

Rain Rain Rain

I love it when it rains.  Rain is magical and renews my spirit.  It washes away dirt and grime. Rain produces the greenest grass. Laying in bed listening to the rain soon leads to waking up to sunshine.  Whenever it rains I always find myself singing Bruce Hornsby's song Mandolin Rain. 

Garmin Adds Yoda Voice

Oh my goodness!  I had to share this.  My world has changed and for the better. Seriously, could this month get any better!  Now, I just need a new Garmin, to download this and get lost all the flipping time. Do you feel The Force?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/03/garmin-adds-yoda-and-darth-vader-voice-navigation_n_917429.html

Email Question: Sun Salutation

AudioYoga

What is an easy exercise I can do in the morning that also involves mediation?

Yoga. The first thing that popped into my mind when I received this question was Sun Salutations.  While I love Pilates and I do feel it does provides some form of mediation.  I have found not as much so as Yoga will provide.  Yoga really is a mind and body experience.  I have friends that go a little batty if they go a few days without this form of stress and muscle release.  The Sun Salutation is a mixture of a few poses.  I suggest starting with just one and working your way up.  When I’m staying healthy and focused, I do three Sun Salutations in the morning.  This exercise will increase flexibility, calm your mind and tone your body. 

After your Sun Salutations, I suggest lying or sitting on the floor and concentrate on your breathing for 5 to 20 minutes...Namaste.

*Sun Salutations are also really helpful while being involved with any body cleanse you may partake in.  

Use your head Recycle!

Photo taken of the aftermath of 4th of July on Nobadeer Beach, Nantucket by Nicole Harnishfeger of The Inquirer and Mirror

I had to share this because my jaw dropped when I saw this photo.  It's appalling, disrespectful and irresponsible, especially this day in age.  This is bad advertising for Budlight, Coorslight and Svedka Vodka.  Maybe liquor and beer companies need to add onto the "Please Drink Responsibly" line, "Please Recycle."  If you brought it to the beach, you can dispose of it.  It is lighter than when you lugged it to the beach after all. 

What a bunch of duffel bags!  Someone told me today that cops back in the day used to take down names and numbers and said if the beach wasn't clean they would all get a 'What For'.  I just don't get it.  Were the tears of The Crying Indian not heard?

Amazing Love Diet

Amazing Love Diet, coming soon to a book store near you AND Kiddle/BlackBerry/Apple Products. 

Enjoy! Thank you again for all the support and of course...Love!

Check out my new site, www.dorothystover.com

Do What You Love

I recently had my photo taken by Bill Hoenk Photography for the cover of my book.  Adventure Girl introduced us, she knows everyone.  Again, everyone needs a friend, like my friend, Adventure Girl.  It was a great experience, doing the photoshoot with Bill. When I was originally deciding on the layout of my book, I thought the best way to convey what my book was all about, was for me to be nude on the cover.  This book will leave me exposed to say the least and I wanted that image for the cover.  When I first met with my photographer, Bill, my first thought was this guy loves what he does.  If you’re thinking, "Um yeah, he photographs nude girls, why wouldn’t he love what he does?” You would be wrong.  I’m sure he enjoys this aspect of seeing the female form in it’s natural state but there was more to him.  He has a passion for capturing beauty in all forms, not just women in the buff.  When I got to his studio, he made me feel very comfortable and at ease.

“Should I take my clothes off now?” I asked.

Bill, “Oh no just relax.  I just need to set up a few things.  Would you like something to drink?”  I really wanted some Champagne but decided I need to have my wits about me, so I just asked for water. 

When he was done setting up the lighting and getting everything just right, he looked at me as held up his camera and said, “Ok, this is it.” I knew what he meant by “this is it”. I just didn’t realize I would really have to take my clothes off.  Up until this point, I was ready to be naked, after all I have always thought most bodies look better naked.  It became real that I am  going to have to go through with my original plan and disrobe.  I took a deep breathe, gave a little laugh and said, “Ok!”

I took off my clothes and Bill could tell I was nervous.  He put my mind at ease when he said, “You have a beautiful, femine body.  I like when women have curves.”  I was so happy I found Bill as my photographer because he made me feel safe and at ease and I feel the same way when it comes to female bodies.  I think every women has a beautiful body and the curver the better!

After the initial shock of being in my invisible bikini, Bill started his magic.  He is so amazing and I felt so lucky to have him as my photographer.  You could tell he paid close attention to the littlest details.  Such as, where my hair was falling, the position of my chin or where my eyes should be directed.  In between shots he would say, “Ok, take a break, you may put on your robe.”  Bill would set up the next shot and after awhile I felt so comfortable being naked. 

The meaning behind this post is to do what you love.  When you’re not doing what you love, you are swimming against the tide.  When you are doing what you love, things will fall into place and before you know it, life is worth living and happiness floods your everyday. 

On the other hand, It’s hard to do what you love when you have obligations such as a family.  What I say to you is, do what you love on the side, cultivate your love and try to find some small piece of joy in what you are currently do for a living.  Hopefully, eventually you'll be able to make a living out of what brings you joy.


*The above is the cover of my book, Amazing Love Diet.  The photo is the photo that Bill Hoenk shot of me.  He is so amazing isn't he?!