HOME TO HARMONY has been on shelves for a week now, I reckon, and I'm hoping it's selling well. The four-star review from Romantic Times was nice to get. I was thrilled when a fan told me she thought my first Super, A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, was her fave of my 20+ books so far, so that's good news.
In honor of the release of my second Super, I'm giving away a copy of A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS to five contributors to the blog. Just share your best sugar-resistance technique...besides making out with your husband or loved one.
Got the title for the next book, coming out in September, THE BABY CONNECTION. It's about a baby surprise between an investigative reporter embedded in Iraq and a photojournalist in Phoenix and the title is spookily right on because their career and soul connection is boosted by the baby that hits the reporter between the eyes when he finds out about him. This without my editor reading a WORD of the book. Talk about psychic. I hope that means the book will sell like hotcakes, too.In the meantime, I'll be dragging my husband into the bedroom to work off those Paradise Bakery cookies every chance I get...hey, it's healthy, right?
All my best,
Dawn Atkins
36 comments:
Hi, Dawn! Congratulations on your latest release and great review! I checked out "Home to Harmony" and it sounds terrific : ) There is so much temptation in the way of edible delights during the holidays that it's hard not to indulge. I think you have a terrific plan to battle the bulge ; ) If it works out really well, you might want to keep eating those cookies just so you can "work off" those calories!
The most important thing is to reach and maintain the manageable weight which is right for you as an individual. Lifestyle changes are just as important as dietary changes. I believe in moderation in diet and exercise, with long term results as the goal. Variety in foods as well as exercise is very important. If something becomes too routine, it loses its "oomph". Support is also essential. Family, friends and self-support help keep you going! Don't completely deprive yourself of foods you love until the craving becomes unbearable and then you binge! If you are a chocolate lover like me, keep a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips on hand for an occasional chocolate treat. The semi-sweet chocolate is potent in small doses, so you can eat a few chips for a "chocolate hit"!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Does a woman need to be thin or "Barbie-esque" to be beautiful? Does a man need to be muscle-bound to be a hunk? For me, if the personality doesn't meet or exceed the looks, then the looks start to lose their appeal. Many times. the inner person is so terrific that the outer person becomes more attractive as time goes by! That's the kind of beauty and good looks that really lasts!
It's hard to resist sugary sweets, I know all about that. And us single girls don't have this magical way of getting rid of those extra pounds, how depressing.
What works best for me is putting up my favorite music and dance dance dance, like nobody is watching. Shaking everything (and hopefully burning some calories) makes me tired and yes also hungry...
So then I drink a glass of water and indulge in some sweet goodies. Dried apricots, raisins, cranberries or prunes. They are also sweet and a bit healthier, or so I like to think.
I have a sweet tooth and I refuse to give it up. I do try and control it to some extent. I find if I buy quality chocolates individually wrapped I'm less likely to over indulge. I love dark chocolate and used to buy big bars of it. you know the kind ~ 3 or 4 pieces by 10 or so pieces. The trouble with these bars is you cannot break away just one piece. You have to break it off in rows and that is even hard to do. So what started off as one piece rapidly grows to 3 or 4 pieces to the whole bar. I just don't buy those bars anymore.
To keep my needs for sweets a bit healthier I eat a lot of fresh fruit. All types. I also eat yogurt.
I usually read all the comments posted on this site so am looking forward to reading all of them today.
I have a very sweet tooth. Oddly, I found stopping what I thought was a better way to feed it than eating anything sweet- drinking vats of diet cola- has made a huge difference, and I crave sugary things far less now.
Of course, then the question was, how to stop the diet cola. Has to be done gradually, as caffeine withdrawal headaches are vile!
Twice the calories? Wonderful!
I try not to keep sweets at home.
I gave up, just try to stay healthy. Looking forward to your book, it sounds wonderful.
I used to love those hazelnut covered chocolates in the gold foil wrappers. Then my son was diagnosed with nut allergies. The only chocolate we keep in the house now are the one brand of chocolate chip that isn't processed in the same plant as nuts.
Hey Dawn--Is there anything better than a psychic editor? Also, will take your advice and start working off calories, lol.
Thanks, you guys for the suggestions. I can tell you share my pain. The dancing idea is solid, too, Kirsten. My gym classes have saved me over and over, especially ZUMBA, if you've tried that--Latin/hip-hop aerobic dance. What a blast. Lots and lots of water helps and I can't do small quantities. If the stuff's in the house, I inhale it. I know what you mean about those big chocolate bars and having to eat a row at least, Kaelee--just deadly...
One more bit of advice--watch the wine--it spikes insulin and reduces willpower. I had a glass at dinner with friends Sunday night and we drove straight to a gourmet grocery store for a rocky-road brownie...or two...sigh.
I'm back on the path today...onward and upward.
Dawn
Gum helps me when I'm really craving sugar. Just keeping the good stuff out of the house helps, though that leaves me cranky.
I've also noticed that the earlier in the day I eat a sugary dessert, the more likely I am to keep eating sugar. So it's best to leave the dessert I'm craving for after supper. But, yeah, that doesn't always work, and snow days home with the kids are the worst!
I've been a diabetic since childhood but my dream would be to sit down to a huge plate of gateaux, sponge cakes and chocolate!
However, I don't do the splurges I've always been a great believer in "a little of what you fancy can do you no harm". So that's what I do. If I want it, I have it, probably just a little less than most people do.
To counteract this - Just Dance 2 on the Wii. I am currently dancing my calories off to songs from my teenage years and my husband and two sons look on in disbelief.
A daily walk is my salvation.
Love the new title, Dawn.
Deb
I agree with Debra......WALKING is the key!!
Outside...when weather permits!
Oh, I try not to keep sweet things in the house...I used to be strict about only eating sweets that I made and since I don't like to bake very much, that worked!
I also try to fill up on fruits when the urge hits. Sometimes that is more successful than others!
Running around after two under three children will keep a grandmum fit!
And then to tire them out, take them for long walks so everybody can sleep without disturbances.
Love your new tile!
Thankfully I don't have a huge sweet tooth because I have a cupcake and sweet treat business and constantly have sweets all around me. And even though my husband says he married me because of my curves, I'm sure he wouldn't turn down a makeout opportunity. :) Congrats on the great review!!
Congrats on the release. My favorite form of exercise is walking and I take the stairs whenever possible. I've also learned not to shop when you're hungry because you'll end up buying all the sweet and fatty foods.
Love the sound of your new title.
I am hopeless with sweets. I find i need to go cold turkey cos I'm not all that good at portion control. Small wrapped chocolates can work in keeping me from splurging too much.... sometimes!
Dawn,
I have no resistance whatsoever. Exercise when I can and leave the rest to God. LOL
Congratulations on the new book!
Linda
Don't buy them at home so they're not tempting. My problem is work... there are jars and bowls of candies and cookies and I find myself eating all day long, not becuase I really crave them, but because they are there!!! I try to hide them or hope that otheres eat them all before me!
I don't buy a lot of sweets---so they are not in the house to tempt me.
Everything in moderation. It's human nature, the moment something's forbidden, you crave it all the more.
Congratulations on the new book and great review! This time of year is tough because it has been so cold which makes me want to bake which makes me want to eat some of what I baked but then I think that it will only be a few months before the sweaters are put away.
Yes, Susan! I love Just Dance 2 for the Wii! It really gets my heart pumping. I sweat like a maniac. I like ZUMBA too, but since I moved it's waaaay across town. I walk at least twice a week too. I try to get my exercise in because I love sweets. Just spent ten minutes on the Valentine's aisle :(
I think we are sharing the shelf this month. Love meeting my shelfmates :) I've been loving the Super covers - all of mine have been great. And my titles too.
Now about burning those extra calories...let's not let my husband get ahold of your post! LOL.
Hi Dawn, your book sounds wonderful! My husband works for Cadburys and brings home boxes of chocolate at times! I have a tiny bit and exercise every day. But if I don't eat any sweet stuff for a few days the craving for sugar goes away. And yeah, wine is full of sugar. The trick there is to not drink it on an empty stomach.
Hi Dawn, best of luck with Home to Harmony. A commune. I love the idea.
Sweets? I’m afraid I take care of my sweet tooth by feeding it. I do try to keep the sweets to high caliber rather than anything at hand—and sometimes the magic works…
I've learned there are a few things I keep eating and eating so I try to keep those things out of the house. I also try to fill up on things like fruits and vegetables before I eat the chocolate!
Hi there!
I like the "making out with your husband" exercise. Works for me, LOL!!!
Do I have a sugar-resistance technique? I doubt it. You're asking the woman who just made a double batch of brownies. Seriously, though, I tell myself that one or two small brownies for dessert is okay. After all, moderation is the key, right?
Other than that, I highly recommend that you find something fun to do and then do it with others. Other people keep you "honest". I play badminton several nights a week. Yes, I exercise plenty, but I also have fun socializing with everyone, both on and off the courts. For you, it might be walking, playing tennis, or even watching a special show or reading a book while on the treadmill. You have to find what YOU like to do and then do it (and if it's being with your husband, I say, "Way to go, girlfriend!").
Congrats on your latest book and your next one sounds great. So I have to have caffeine in the morning or else I get a headache. I don't like coffee so typically I would grab a soda. Now I can't have anything sugar-free cause that also causes headaches. So I was drinking at least 2 or 3 cans a day. And I liked it the sugar and caffeine I didn't think I would ever give it up. Well I was in the store the one day I noticed that a 24 pack case of Dr.Pepper went up to about 7 dollars! I decided then and there to give up my soda habit. I switched to tea. I still add sugar but there is not nearly as much plus my money goes a lot farther. I have done this for a little over a year and now if I try to drink a soda it is like drinking maple syrup. It has gotten to sweet for me. Also we have a candy dish at work. I would buy chocolate for it but the last couple times my boss has brought in hard candy. It is all different flavors but I don't like it as much so I don't eat nearly as many as if the candy dish was stocked with my favorite chocolates.
Resist sugar, ha! Dawn, you're asking an awful lot. I was supposed to get back on the low carb wagon at the first of the year, but I'm afraid I keep falling off. Donuts at work are my downfall :(
And' I'm usually the one who brings them in ;)
Joan, Cadburys? Every day must be Easter at your house!
I think that keeping active is the key. Also I find that socialising is keepig me from stuffing myself with chocolate. If I feel the need to binch on sugary things I call a friend (or two). Good support/conversation is keeping me strong.
Hi Dawn,
Drinking lots of water and not eating any sweets when I am stressed work the best for me. And I already have this book, so no need to enter my name.
Your new books sounds lovely! Good lúck with it!
Well, I try not to have any sweets at home but my husband does have a sweet tooth and he's one of those who don't put any weight on, no matter what they're are eating. So, when I'm really in the mood for chocolate I always raid his pile! Bad hubby for keeping it near me! *g* But besides that, I'm really strict with my eating habits and I do exercise regularly.
Oooh, I'm sure any psychic connection betwen author and editor will mean the book sells its socks off *wink*.
As for beating sugar... I drink herbal peppermint tea (hot). Have to drink it slowly, the peppermint kinda tricks me into thinking it's sweet and it helps fill my tummy. If that doesn't do the trick I have 1 square of Lindt 85% dark choc. It's only 10grams and being so high in cocoa is low in sugar - and full of those good antioxidants. See, anything can be justified *grin*.
Congratulations on the new book! HOME TO HARMONY sound wonderful. My favorite form of exercise is walking.
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