You Look Like You Need A Hug

It's Monday...You look like you could use a hug.

Sexercises Are Back!

Over the recent months I have received a large amount of feedback in regard to The Sexercises in the original Amazing Love Diet.  I have a few persons that were against them, saying that it read like a Penthouse Forum.  (Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.) And then, I had a great number of people that found they loved the Sexercises!  Some were very disappointed that I had taken them out.  For those of you out there that don't know what Sexercises are, these would be different sexual positions that will help to tone your body.  What could be wrong with that?  I just happen to explain briefly the benefits...Now, isn't that a fun tidbit of information.

Those that I've heard from in regard to the old version of Amazing Love Diet, said that most of the positions they already knew about.  For them, the Sexercises were a nice reminder to engage and explore with their partner.  I have heard that it was a nice refresher for their relationship.  I felt this feedback was powerful enough to add the Sexercises back into the book.  I had a large number of people who voted for the Sexercises, more so than those against them.  So...I did just that.  Amazing Love Diet now features Sexercises!  

Download or pick up Amazing Love Diet today!

Download digital copy from Amazon Here

Order Paperback from Lulu Here.

*****If you've purchased any version of Amazing Love Diet please email me at lazypersonaltraining@gmail.com and I will give you the latest version as a thank you.

Guest Blogger: Step Away From The Potato Chips

The Secret Blogger strikes again!  Here is another motivation photo from The Secret Blogger.  Personally, I almost didn't post this since I have a serious addiction to BBQ kettle cooked potato chips.  Why did I end up using it?  Because these tasty treats can set you back days in your diet and overall health.  Unless you make your own chips/crisps, stay away, it really isn't worth it...Salt, additives, bagged potato chips are just a bag of processed food waiting to sit in your belly and ruin your health...Just avoid the chips lane at the market.  Luckily, it's a lane all to itself.

Easy Recipe: Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger and Cashews

You May Also Dip The Ginger In The Chocolate

This is so easy to make and so satisfying.  I have been on a Dark Chocolate and Ginger kick as of late.  Here is a super easy way to get a quick healthy candy fix.

-4oz of 60% or more Cacao.  I used Ghirardelli...But there are plenty of amazing brands out there that I have used in the past.
-Cashews or any other nuts you may like such as almonds.  Make sure they are sliced or chopped.
-Organic Crystallize Ginger: I bought some from a local shop here on Nantucket, The Green.
-Cinnamon:  Just a few dashes

In a double boiler melt chocolate.  Add a few dashes of cinnamon.  While the chocolate is melting, chop the ginger and nuts.  Mix the chocolate thoroughly until the chocolate is smooth.  Mix in chopped nuts and ginger.  Make sure nuts and ginger is fully covered.  Pour mixture onto parchment paper or foil.  Spread out evenly.  Store in fridge for at least two hours to cool.  Once cooled, break up the pieces and store them in a separate container of your choice.  You may also dip the ginger in the chocolate like I did in the photo above.

20 Reasons Why I Love Nantucket This Winter

Madaket Sunset

When winter rolls around on Nantucket Island, I often hear people complain about the island and how there's nothing to do. 

Nature’s Viagra - Five Foods That Will Raise Your Spirits

Valentine’s Day is typically all about women...20 ways you can enjoy Valentine’s Day with your girlfriends...10 Valentine’s Day dates...Top 15 Movies to watch with your man...Well not this year!  I’m writing today for the guys.  I’m writing for the guys that have to go see a double chick flick feature...I’m writing for the guys that seem to never be able to please their girlfriend...I’m writing for the guys that just want to get a little something, something...

Kick Off The Month of Love

Amazing Love Diet 

In Honor of The Month of Love, Amazing Love Diet Ebook will be $2.99 for the month of February.  Download this little book onto your digital readers and mobile devices.  Happy Lovin' Everyone!

For Amazon Click Here                       For Lulu Click Here 

*****Book cover photographed by Bill Hoenk Photography*****  (Bill is an incredibly talented photographer, whom made me feel more than comfortable being in my invisible bikini.  He has an array of talents in the photography field for your needs, not just nudes...But maybe after you read my book, you'll be inspired to take it all off in front of a camera for a wonderful memory...Respectfully and tastefully of course...Wink, wink.)

Cinnamon Pecan Oatmeal

This is a jammed packed, healthy meal.  You may eat it in the morning or save it for a snack (if you put it into a snack portion).  Not only does this have multiple health benefits packed with omegas, fiber, protein, vitamins and healing qualities but it’s a great way to start your day and keep you fuller longer. 

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup Steal Cut Oats
-Hemp or Almond Milk
-1/4 cup Pecans
-Cinnamon
-2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds

Benefits:

Steal cut oats - Gluten free.  They provide fiber and protein as well as many vitamins. They stabilize blood sugar since it takes the body longer to break it down, especially compared to rolled oats.  Steal cut oats may also help to lower cholesterol. 

Hemp Milk- Contains Omegas, all 10 essential Amino Acids, Protein, Vitamins A, E, B, D, Iron, Zinc...and much much more.   

Almond Milk - Low caloric content, easy to digest, Amino Acids, Vitamins A, E, B, D and Iron and much much more.

Pecans -  Pecans protect your brain.  Look at this nut, you may notice it has a resemblance to a brain. Studies have shown that eating a handful of pecans daily will help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cancer and Heart Disease.  Pecans also contain anti-oxidants, which aid in heart health and disease prevention.

Cinnamon- Cinnamon has so many health benefits you would be surprised.  Some of these benefits include: Aiding in arthritis pain when combined with honey, inhibits bacterial growth, is a natural food preservative, helps to regulate blood sugar, contains manganese, fiber and iron

Chia Seeds - I did a whole blog post of Chia Seeds.  These little seeds are my best friends.  See here.

Directions:

Do you have a rice cooker?  If no, get one, this gadget makes like easy.  Pour the cut oats into the rice cooker or pan and cover with hemp or almond milk.  If in the rice cooker just click the button to cook.  If in the pan cook on high until it boils, then lower to medium.  Remember to keep stirring so that you don’t have a sticky mess.  Once the oats are cooked remove and place in bowl.  Add chia seeds...Chop the pecans and add to oats.  Add cinnamon to taste.  (I like a tablespoon or two.)  Mix contents in the bowl and enjoy.  What you don’t finish, save for later as a snack. 

December Naughty/Nice Rules

Holy Holiday Parties Batman!  Ugly Sweaters, Santa Pub Crawl, Naughty or Nice Festival, Office Parties, Christmas, Hanukkah and Festivas for the rest of us...December is chock full of events.  If your social calender isn’t packed yet, give it time, it will be!

December is the perfect excuse to put off working out and eating right...But lets not.  Let us stay amazingly healthy this month while, still enjoying ourselves to the fullest.  How to do this and maybe even lose a few pounds?  Follow my December Naughty/Nice Rules.  It will allow you to indulge, stay fit and maybe prevent your from wearing a Santa Suit instead of your favorite catsuit to this year’s New Year’s Bash. 


Rule 1: Before the party drink an 8 oz glass of water and eat a salad with olive oil.  Add pepper, garlic powder, basil and fresh squeeze lemon for added flavor.  The water, salad and olive oil will help to curb your cravings.  The water also helps to avoid those pesky hangovers.  Plus veggies, olive oil and water will help keep your skin looking luminescent.

Rule 2: Stick to clean, unprocessed foods.  If it's packaged or came from a package stay away.  Only indulge at the party.  No cheating in-between parties.  Substitute your craving for something healthy.  If you can help it, know your favorite holiday treats and enjoy them in moderation.

Sub-rule: What are you craving?  Here are some substitutes. 

Sweet?  Grab a piece of fruit like an orange or apple (Maybe even drizzle a bit of honey over the slices.)  Fruit not your thing?  3 oz of Dark Chocolate (At least 70% Cacao)

Savory?  Grab a hand-full of nuts, not salted.  Best for you are Walnuts and Almonds

Try to avoid salt.  Not consuming salt will help to prevent becoming bloated and you’ll fit better into that dress that hugs you in all the right places.

Rule 3: Keep moving...Even if you’re standing still, talking with that hot co-worker, keep your stomach tight and your legs moving.  This still burns calories.  Don’t forget to laugh!  And My favorite...Get on the dance floor!  Burn calories, tone your body and help your skin glow.  You know that dance move that girls do with their hands waving above them?  Well, this move will help to tone your arms.  Want to tone your booty and legs?  Drop it like it’s hot!  Think squats for the dance floor.  Want a tighter stomach?  While on the dance floor focus on pulling your belly button into your spine.  And added dance move is rocking side to side while moving your hips in the opposite direction.  Want glowing skin, sweat it out!  The moisture from sweat will help to keep wrinkles away and give you some added moisture through the winter months.

What to drink:  Stay away from anything pre-mixed like Margaritas.  Remember to alternate between alcoholic beverage and water.  Not only will this help fight the bulge but you won't have a hangover the next day.

Wine
    In one 5oz glass of White Wine there are 120 calories and Red Wine there are 127 calories...Be aware, restaurants and parties tend to pour a much larger portion than 5oz (Thank goodness right?)

Champagne
    In one 4.1 oz glass of Champagne or Sparkling Wine there are 78 Calories.

Spirits

    Vodka: One ounce has 78 calories.  Best to have this with soda water and fresh lime juice.
    Tequila: One ounce has 64 calories.  Best to have this with soda water and fresh lime juice.
    Gin: One ounce has 64 calories.  Best to have this with soda water and fresh lime juice.
    Whiskey: One once has 73 calories.  Depending on your preference, serve over ice.  It’s a crime to drink Whiskey or Scotch anything but straight or over rocks. (Ice)

Beers - I love beer!  Unfortunately, It can make you look and feel bloated.  There’s a reason they call it beer belly.  If you can drink something else, do.  If not, here are some choices.

    Amstel Light: 95 calories
    Bud Light: 95 calories
    Michelob Ultra: 95 calories
    Guiness: 125 calories


I was going list what to eat at the parties but I don’t want to discourage you from enjoying yourself.  What’s the point of having taste buds if you can’t enjoy them.  Enjoy the Season!

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!

A Little Egg Info & How To Do A Dropped Egg

Eggs are amazing!  Not only do they provide a great source of protein but vitamins and omega-3s as well.  Eggs will help you to achieve a well-balanced diet, help your skin, hair and nails look their best.  Best way to eat an egg is hard-boiled or poached.  Some say scrambled, but in my opinion you still have to add butter or spray to the eggs and as well as the eggs are still prepared in a fry pan.  Almost like fried eggs in my opinion, not quite as unhealthy but still.  Personally, my favorite way to make eggs is fried with the yolk runny.  I love dipping my bread!  Health wise, this isn't the best choice, since it is fried and this raises the calorie count.  So, I have made the conversion to a dropped egg also known as a poached egg.  Bonus: There is also an easier clean up compared to fried eggs.


Calories in a dropped egg (Poached Egg) - 54 Calories
Calories in a fried egg - 92 calories

You'll save 38 calories per egg just by switching to poached eggs.  That's 532 calories per week, if you consume two eggs every day of the week.

How To Do A Dropped Egg (Poached Egg)

What you will need:
A small pot
Water
A mug
Eggs
White Vinegar
Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon
Slotted Spoon
Paper Towels


Boil water in a small pot.  While water is reaching boiling point, crack egg(s) in a mug.  Once the water is boiling add white vinegar and stir water clockwise or counter clockwise.  While the water is whirling pour eggs from the mug into the pot.  The vinegar and the stirring action allows the eggs to mold together.  Once the eggs are cooked at the point of desire, take the slotted spoon and drain the eggs.  Place eggs on paper towels or napkins to drain the excess liquid, then move to a plate and enjoy!

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!

Bananas Foster French Toast with Gluten/Yeast Free Bread

So, today the following occurred: First, I had plenty of gluten free bread.  Secondly, I remembered a fantastic breakfast I had while on my recent trip to New York City.  And lastly, I know how to make French Toast and Bananas Foster!  So Sunday morning breakfast I would combine dessert and breakfast...voilà Bananas Foster French Toast!

French Toast
1 Large Egg
1/4 cup vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I like cinnamon you will not need this much but I love the stuff!)

Sauce
2 tablespoons of butter
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon of rum extract
Chopped Pecans
2 bananas chopped



French Toast
Whisk egg, milk and cinnamon in small bowl. Cover and soak the bread in the mixture.  Heat skillet with a pad of butter and cook the bread on each side for three minutes.  Remove from burner.

Sauce
In a medium sized skillet combine butter, cinnamon, sugar and syrup.  Bring to a boil and add in extract and pecans.  After about 30 seconds add bananas.  Add sauce to french toast and enjoy!  You may add whipped cream or ice cream to make this a indulgent dessert.

Gluten Free/Yeast Free Bread

I find it very hard to make quality, yummy gluten free food.  It's never quite the same as your typical gluten yeasty rich pasta and breads.  I do however prefer to eat gluten free as often as possible.  My body and mind is at it's best when doing so.  Here is the Gluten and Yeast Free Bread that I just made.  It would be vegan but I had to add eggs...sorry.  Still, it turned out well and I paired it with my home-made chicken soup.  Please remember this is not your typical fluffy bread.  I have yet to perfect how to make fluffy gluten/yeast free bread.  This bread is packed with anti-oxidants, all the omegas (3, 6, 9), protein and fiber...Oh My! 

Gluten Free/Yeast Free Bread

1 cup of tapioca flour
1/2 cup of flaxsed meal
1 1/2 cups of brown rice flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoon of agave nectar
1 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
2 cups of vanilla or regular almond milk
3 tablespoons of chia seeds covered with water and gelled
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Place chia seeds in a bowl, cover them with water and mix.  Pre-Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix dry ingredients.  Check chia seeds to see if they have gelled.  You may need to add more water. Should become a thick gel.  Add wet ingredients to dry and mix on low.  Once all ingredients combinded, mix on high for three minutes.  Grease bread pan and sprinkle with flour.  Pour contents into bread pan and cover with foil.  Cook for 25 minutes and then uncover and cook for around 30 minutes.  Take loaf out of pan and place on cooling rack for 10-20 minutes.  Enjoy!  ***Because of the Flaxseed this bread will have a nutty consistency and texture.

On a side note: "Amazing Love Diet" is currently ranked #101,796 out of over 750,000 books in the Kindle Store. This may not see like a big deal to you but to this little lady, I peed my pants from excitement!!!!  Thank you to everyone for their support.

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!

Home-Made Chicken Soup

I am traveling and it's been quite difficult to grab a moment...But today I am under the weather and have decided to make myself some Chicken Soup to ease my mind and body.  Use this for those days you are in need of some comfort. 

Chicken Soup
3 Pound Whole Chicken
Carrots, halves
Celery, halves
Large onion, halved
Water to cover
Course salt and pepper to taste
Sage, thyme, bay leaf and parsley
Add rice or pasta if you desire

 

Put bay leaf, the chicken, carrots, celery and onion in a large soup pot and cover with cold water. Do not use warm or hot water.  Heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken meat falls off of the bones.  I do not skim the white foam off because there are nutrients in this portion.  If you want a clear soup then skim the foam.  Take everything out of the pot. Pick the meat off of the bones and chop the carrots, celery and onion. Season the broth with salt, pepper and sage, thyme, bay leaf and parsely to taste. Return the chicken, carrots, celery and onion to the pot, May add in rice or pasta at this point if you like. The longer you simmer, the better the soup!

Book/Cooking Club

While out to dinner with some of my childhood friends last month, one of girls suggested that we start a book club.  This quickly evolved to finding good reads about food and try our hand at cooking some of the recipes.  Honestly, best idea ever!  I loved our last book, Lunch in Paris.  The writer's descriptions of Paris and her description on the food constantly had my mouth watering.  There's a great part in the book, that we all agreed with, (I can't quote since I don't have the book in front of me.) that compares eating to sex.  A woman that is picky about what she eats, will probably not rip her lover's clothes off.  But a girl that hasn't put down her spoon and devours her chocolate souffle will probably show her lover a thing or two.  Pick up the book for yourself...It's entertaining and there are some yummy recipes.  We each made something from the book and we will take turns hosting the event.  Sorry, I was so distracted by the food, I forgot to take photos of everything. 


Book/Cooking Club 1st Meeting Menu: Hosted by The Domestic Diva
Mushroom Turnovers
Fennel Salad
Pork
Haricot Vert
Chocolate Souffle

Mushroom Turnovers...Yum!

Pork and to the right are the Apples and Onions to make the Delicious Sauce!

Chocolate Souffles with Whipped Cream. (I covered them with whipped cream.  I don't care if it's wrong or right.)

I can't give you any of the recipes from the book but I can share with you my recipe for whipped cream. It's very easy to make.

I am bad when it comes to measuring.  I grew up in a house where if it's the right color or you can smell it then it's ready.

Homemade Whipped Cream
Heavy whipping cream
Sugar (I think about a 1/2 cup)
Vanillia extract (I would say about a tablespoon)

Put mixing bowl in fridge.  The cream mixes best with a cold bowl.  Combine ingredients in mixer on high and add ingredients to taste.  Enjoy!

*Our next book is Comfort Me With Apples by Ruth Reichl.  This was my choice and I will be hosting the next gathering.  I couldn't put this book down when it first came out in 2001.  I am excited to relive it once again!

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