This Thursday, I’m thankful for:

1. Making lots of time to work on the book.
2. Feeling better this week than I did last week. Booo migraines : (
3. A reader of my other blog, Mocha Writes, sending me a free ebook.
4. My mom helping me out financially this week.
5. Hearing from a couple of Twitter friends this week.

Now it’s your turn. What are you thankful for today?

- Ruth Carter Stapleton

Hi dolls!

One of my Twitter followers, @anitacharlot, shared her ebook, The Five Phases of Dating…Without Losing Sight of  Your Purrfectly Authentic Self, and she allowed me to share it with you!

Here’s what she had to say about it:

I had a wonderful exchange this morning about relationships after reposting a quote on Facebook from Gary Zukav. The thread started me to thinking… “How can I share the information with the masses regarding the internal groundwork that needs to happen before beginning a relationship with another?”

Spirit said…give the book way…! WHAT?!? REALLY? GIVE IT AWAY? Since I allow Spirit to direct my life…I became obedient. Please accept your free copy of The 5 Phases of Dating as my gift to you. No matter what your sexual orientation is…you will walk away with something you can use– and a chuckle along the way. Be sure to do the exercises…they are the most helpful.”

To get the book, go here–>http://forms.aweber.com/form/53/1877351753.htm

Permission received to repost by Anita Charlot~ The Radical Life and Relationship Transformation Alchemist, Speaker and Radio Personality; Radically transforming lives by assisting you with relating to others from your truth! For more information on Anita and the services she offers, log on to www.anitacharlot.com or email clientrelations@anitacharlot.com.

I love the idea of being healthy and fit, but sometimes, it feels like there’s sooo much to do to maintain. And maybe you feel the same way (and if you don’t, what’s your secret?). Anyhoo, I found this article on Shine that gives small changes that I (and you, too) can make that have big health payoffs:

Floss more. According to Robert Emami, DDS, flossing is one of the simplest and quickest ways to remove bad bacteria from your body. “Plaque and bacteria are constantly building up in areas of the teeth that brushing does not get to. If plaque accumulates, it eats away the bone that holds the teeth in place.” Additionally, oral bacteria can get into the bloodstream; studies have indicated that such damaging bugs can worsen diabetes and high blood pressure; it can lead also to premature births.

Eat every two to three hours during the day. If you eat less often, you’re likely making your metabolism crazy, and you may be setting yourself up to eat more later on, says Scott Colby, Dallas-based fitness trainer. He encourages women to eat when they’re hungry– this often translates to three meals and at least two snacks a day. By doing this, you should feel full and satisfied which will lessen the odds of binge eating at the end of the day.

Wear a pedometer. “Becoming aware of how much you move is such motivation to move more,” says Boston-based personal trainer, Helena Collins. You can get your family in on it, too, because kids will probably enjoy using them. For starters, 2000 steps=one mile. To increase your mental and physical wellbeing, wear a pedometer and challenge yourself to add more steps every day.

For seven more tips, check out the article: 10 Small Changes with Big Health Payoffs.

Photo from: corbis.com

- Alex Brown

Occupation: Creative Director of F Records, LLC, fashion stylist and style blogger.

Why she’s a real beauty: My Motto: True Beauty is more than skin deep; Love the person, not the appearance. Of course, everyone is attracted to whatever looks good to them, and being in fashion, you come in contact with a lot of beautiful people. However, it’s not only appearance that makes a person beautiful but personality. To me, being humble and having a beautiful spirit that is uplifting, makes others smile and feel good is what I consider “A Real Beauty!” We all have our days, but being able to rise above circumstances and situations, showing strength and promoting love for self through an innate ability is True Beauty! Beauty from within is the most powerful and alluring reflection!”

- Somerset Maugham

Cry me a river?

We’ve all had that pillow-soaked, can’t catch your breath, smiles and laughter in between “good cry.” Sometimes it comes after a breakup, after a really stressful day or even when you had big expectations for something but got a big let down instead. Some feel that shedding tears can often make us feel better and learn to put things in perspective. Others think it’s not worth all the stress, increased heart rate and having to reapply mascara.

There have been all types of lab studies on the psychology of crying, and some docs say it’s beneficial for your mental health as long as the time and place of your crying is controlled. But controlling when you cry in the real world doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, the moment is personal and natural, and you don’t know how you will emotionally react. Growing up, I cried at the drop of a dime, and it seemed to always help me come to grips with what I was feeling. But lately, I feel that I can handle my life without crying, and I feel others see me as a stronger young woman.

This week’s question:

Is crying a river an unhealthy sign of weakness or a display of emotional strength?

As always, looking forward to your comments!

Photo from: browngirlnextdoor.com

- Anonymous

Summer heat is definitely here, and when the weather gets overwhemingly warm, cooking over a hot stove is the LAST thing in mind. If you don’t want to break the bank eating out all the time, throwing a weekend dessert party is a cool way to chill out with friends. The sky’s the limit when it comes to dessert parties; just know it’s all about your style and discovering the trendy treat in you!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Pick a theme like ‘Room for Dessert.’ With this theme, place various toppings in each room of your home. Allow your guests to get cherries in the corner, nuts in the bedroom, whip cream in the wash room. Have everyone meet up in the kitchen, toppings in hand, and you provide the ice cream (don’t forget the cones), and Voila!– an inexpensive and creative ice cream party.
• Throw a BYOD (Bring Your Own Dessert) party. This allows budget-savings for you and creative involvement from your friends. Be sure your guests bring enough desserts for everyone.
• Create a signature drink for your dessert party. For instance, like purple? Love your single life? Try the ‘Purple Flirt’ as your siggy drink. All you need is Smirnoff Vodka, Romana Sambuca and cranberry juice ($8). Serve with chocolate mocha liqueur cake.
• Have a dessert tasting party with your top five in mind. Here are the five I would use:
  – Créme Brûlée
  – Strawberry Cheescake
  – Any flavor of Häagen-Daz
  – Homemade blackberry ice cream
  – Cookies & Cream Cheesecake

What are your ideas for staying cool, showing off your inner food fashionista and enjoying sweet treats?

Photo from: fotosearch.com