Check out the Summer 2009 issue of a cool little magazine, Massage Envy Magazine for great tips on healthy and happy living.

Look to the article, A Dose of Closeness:
Connecting with friends is good medicine to learn what writer Teresa Caldwell Board (and Corrie) have to say about the importance of friendships. Here is an excerpt:

 "Sure, it can be tough for busy women to stay connected to their friends. But what are you missing when you don’t do it?
“I challenge people to ask themselves, ‘What
price am I paying when I feel disconnected from
my support system?’” says Corrie Woods, women’s self-care coach and author of The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living.
Say no to say yes. “Learn how to say no to things
in your current schedule so you can make time for
friends,” Woods says. Decide what supports your
overall well-being and make those things a priority."

This magazine makes for a great read cover to cover with down-to-earth great tips.

It is true to say that many of my favorite books and favorite people have one thing in common - they have been recognized as recipients of the Nautilus Book Awards. As its stated mission, the Nautilus Book Award program wants to Change the World One Book at a Time. When you look to the list of just a few of the past winning authors you know they are serious:

Angeles Arrien
Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Caroline Myss
Barbara Kingsolver
Frances Moore Lappe’
Thich Nnat Hanh
Jean Houston, PhD.
Eckhart Tolle
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Yes, my beloved bookshelf has a title or two by each. In fact, when I am looking for a great read I frequently look to the Nautilus list and I am always more than pleased.

With this said, I am thrilled beyond words to share news that The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living has been honored as a Silver Recipient of the Nautilus Book Awards in the Small Press Category. Winners of the Gold Award will be chosen from Silver winners in late May 2009.

A dear friend recently called my book, deceptively simple, and one she'll go back to for a good second read. I love that description and perhaps it's just that formula that results in this being the fifth national award. I like to think that maybe my book offers something the world needs a bit more of!

Learn more about the Nautilus Book Award program here.

I am all for the kinds of Mother's Day gifts that are homespun, picked from a field of wildflowers, or even the surprise-breakfast-in-bed kind. If, however, you are going shopping this Mother's Day here are some fresh ideas to brighten your Mom's special day:

• What woman would not love gorgeous one-of-a-kind wearable art? Artist Debra Bryant has been weaving her magic for many years and each piece she creates is a masterpiece! What's Your Bag - Handwoven Accessories

• How about give your Mother (or yourself) a retreat to remember? In my little corner of Western NC one of the best spa deals around is at The LakeHouse Lodge and Spa at Highland Lake. It is truly a serene setting perfect for a spa day or a few days of R & R. They offer a wide variety of spa services and the comfy accomodations will make you melt. The stellar staff will make you feel like they have rolled out the red carpet. Ahhhh

• Well, of course, what woman won't love to get a copy of The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living?

• For the Gardener: A Gardening Magazine that is a cut above the rest! There are over 100 how-to gardening publications in this country. Only one magazine, Green Prints,  shares the human side: the joy, humor, frustrations, and heart in fine prose and fine art. It's the best personal garden writing, old and new. It's funny. It's tender. It's truthful. It's inspiring. There is absolutely no other gardening magazine like it.
  

• Knock-your-socks-off stationary and more. If you don't know about the Heron Dance Store, or have not visited it lately, it is a feast for the eyes and you just might find a perfect gift for Mom.

It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys: The Seven-Step Path to Becoming Truly Organized, Marilyn Paul, Ph.D.

Marilyn Paul takes a holistic approach to tackling a fracturing facet of many of our lives - disorganization. Rather that simply providing check-lists and processes to follow, the author begins by helping us to understand the underlying stories that so often fuel our disorganization. She then goes on to provide practical exercises and steps that can lead us to calm, clear air.

I love this book because it's both a delight to read and it gets right to the heart of things. Being organized is one of the many facets of exquisite self-care. Marilyn Paul has given us a powerful and comprehensive tool for self-discovery and transformation in her fabulous book  It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys.

Here is a cool and fun podcast that you might enjoy. Corrie joins Vicky and Jen for a lively conversation on their program What Really Matters to explore her favorite topic: self-care.

An overview:

Be Exceptional!

Challenge yourself to shift from negative to positive priority living and dramatically improve your life! Listen to Exceptional Woman on What Really Matters, a podcast by Vicky Thornton and Jen Rehberger, two moms who have taken networking beyond the next level. Corrie Woods, women’s author, inspirational speaker and life coach, joins Vicky and Jen in a casual chat about easy and practical self-care tips to engage in our lives. With humor and honesty, these three ladies entertain and enlighten, sharing real life scenarios about the small things that make a big difference. The companion page on vickyandjen.com includes free book downloads, additional articles and links for more about becoming an exceptional woman.

Check out the podcast and resource page here.