My Summer Reads

I have been doing quite a bit of reading lately. I can't quite make my mind up on just one book or magazine, so I tend to start more than one at a time. Along with the book/books that I'm reading, I also add in my favorite magazines to the mix. I have quite a variety of reading material that I enjoy, here is just a few of my favorite books and authors (in no specific order- I love them ALL!).

1. Oxygen Magazine-
Workout ideas, Nutrition, Recipes, Weight Loss Tools, and Training Methods. Anything and everything. LOVE this magazine. Need encouragement and motivation? Start reading!

 2. Jamie Eason-
Great writer and fitness model. Inspiration for anyone that needs to get in the gym or start eating healthy. She has great recipes that are easy to follow, and always has a new take on nutrition and ways to make your food more fun. I follow Jamie on Facebook and love her messages. She is always a positive role-model, and is a great writer and fitness spokesperson. Did I mention she writes for Oxygen Magazine? She is a true inspiration.

 3. Tosca Reno-
Tosca proves that you can be healthy and fit at any age. She has written countless cookbooks and I own most of them. They give great ideas, and prove that you can always make a healthy choice, regardless of what you're eating.  Highly recommend her Eat Clean Diet Stripped book. She will motivate you and teach you at the same time. Great read!

4. Martha Stewart- DUH!
If you know me, you know I am absolutely in love with Martha Stewart. Seriously! What can the woman not do? I not only DVR her daily show, but I also receive her monthly cookbooks and magazines in the mail. She is an idol, and I love the fact that she knows how to do anything and everything. Need a crafty idea or around-the-house inspiration? Tape a few of her shows and you'll either be hungry, or ready to decorate your house or a birthday card. I heart Martha.

5. Slim and Scrumptious, Joy Bauer
Yes, I admit, I only know about Joy because of the Martha Stewart Show. When she was featured on the show, I loved her ideas and immediately ordered her book. When it arrived, I first cooked the ground chicken burgers and they were GREAT! Again, if Dale likes them, they have to be good!! This is a great cookbook for anyone that wants to eat healthy without moving out of their comfort zone. Simple and easy.

6. Better Homes and Gardens
My mom has always had this magazine at home so I secretly think I read it because it reminds me of her. I love to fantasize about a futre home that could even come close to the ones in the pictures. This magazine has beautiful pictures, and fun ideas that can change your home through each season. This is one of my favorites because of the pictures. I love folding down the pages and passing them on to Mom--just letting her know that I think this would be a good idea! Someday, I WILL have a garden like that!

7.  20 Something, 20 Everything, A Quarter-life Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction- Christine Hassler 

I just started this book so I can't give too much information. I heard about this book in a column dedicated to young professionals. The book is written to help young women make it through the professional world. It has been a very good read, and an eye opener. The book encourages you to answer questions about yourself, and really makes you think about life and the decisions you've made. I'll keep you updated about this one!

There are plenty more but this is a great start! If you have any other books you would recommend- please do! I am always eager to get into something new!