I’ve got your next poolside/beach read!
My dear friend, Susie Schnall has just published her sophomore novel, The Balance Project and it is a page turner!
The Balance Project is a story of loyalty, choices and balance that will resonate deeply with all women who struggle with this hot-button issue. Loyal assistant, Lucy Cooper works for Katherine Whitney, who seems to have it all: a high-powered job at a multibillion dollar health and wellness lifestyle company, a successful husband and two adorable daughters. Now with the release of her book on work-life balance, Katherine has become a media darling and a hero to working women everywhere. In reality, though, Katherine’s life is starting to fall apart, and Lucy is the one holding it all together, causing her own life–and her relationship with boyfriend, Nick –to suffer. When Katherine does something unthinkable to Lucy, she must decide whether to change Katherine’s life forever or continue being her main champion. Her choice will affect the trajectory of both their lives and lead to opportunities neither one could have imagined.
Open to all U.S. readers only — leave a comment below with how you find balance in your own life. Please be sure to leave an email address if you aren’t a blogger, so I can contact you directly when you win! (I promise, I never share or sell your email addresses!)
How do you find balance in your life?
Give away ends at midnight EST on Sunday, May 3rd. Winner announced via the blog/facebook/twitter/instagram on Wed, May 6th. Winner will be given 72 hours to respond once contacted to ensure timely conclusion of the give away.
Elizabeth,
Great giveaway and I really must admit that since you shared Susie's book, it has been on my list to read! I find balance;
1. Giving myself oxygen first! Like they say in the plane, you have to administer it to yourself before you can give it to others. Not an easy thing for us Moms!
2. Asking or hiring help because I cannot do it all.
3. Connecting with others to realize we are all trying to balance a lot.
4. Nutrition helps me to stay balanced and that is so important for everything else, so I always have lots of fresh produce and lots of lemons for my lemon water!
5. Take time to stop. To smell, to taste, to listen, to touch, to see – the good in everyone.
6. Kindness. Give and get involved. I am always much happier when I am involved and volunteering or helping another.
7. Make time to read!
xo
Patricia
pve design
Ana amazing giveaway Elizabeth! Balance in my life means taking the time to go for walks, to read, to sketch, to pay it forward in any way possible!! Thank you for the opportunity!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
I've put this book on my must read list. I have a few habits that help me feel like I have a little control over the chaos that is a working mom's life.
1. Make my bed everyday ~ weird but I like a peaceful bedroom.
2. Clean my kitchen before I go to bed. Another simple thing but again less stress when I wake up.
3. Journal ~ I write down what has me anxious or what I'm grateful for.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks so much for this very interesting interview with Susie. I loved her first book and have The Balance Project loaded into my Kindle – it will be my read on our girls trip this weekend, which I think will be just perfect! Can't wait to dive in.
Balance. It's something we all are looking for isn't it? I always thought it was my big corporate job that kept me from being balanced, but I'm learning as I try to kick my work as an artist into high gear that it's just life. And Susie's right, there are sacrifices.
I think she hit the nail on the head when she said you have to know what you just won't sacrifice. I've become much more protective of my time lately. Sadly, I've had to cut back a bit on being social and entertaining, but I'm hoping I can pick those things up again at some point.
The most important thing for me is exercise. I do Barre3 6-7 times a week – ironically we work a lot on literal balance in that class. I find that if I feel strong and healthy, I'm much less likely to go bonkers when something gets out of whack with my life. I can be gentler with others and myself, which is key to well being, I think.
And on that note, I'm off to Barre! Going early this morning so I can fit all the other things into my day (sacrificing sleep this time, but that's ok – yay, coffee!)
Thanks for a wonderful, thought provoking post. Wish we could sit down and talk about it in person over a glass of wine. Looking forward to May and July!
Hope you have a "balanced" day! XOXO
Balance is something that at 55 years old I'm still trying to achieve. In the early years it was young children and balance and now it is grown children, grandchildren, spouse, dog and balance. I try to take care of my self first by exercising every day. It helps set the tone for my entire day. Great giveaway. Would love the book for my bookclub and great tote for the beach. beachcarr4@aol.com
I try to find a few minutes to myself each day–to read or to knit or to take a walk. I also do acupuncture a few times a month and that helps with centering me.
That looks like a great book that I will put on my list for sure. Balance for me comes when I put time for myself at the top of the to do list. Whether it is walking my dog, working in my garden, reading or just having a quiet cup of coffee, the time spent recharging is what gives me my balance. Have a wonderful day and thanks for letting us know about the book!
I make sure that everything is in it's place before I sit down for the evening. It might mean missing the first 5 minutes of Scandal 🙂 but it truly helps to clear my mind and it also makes for a much less frantic morning when everyone knows where to find their stuff! jordan294@comcast.net
Sleep is key, I can't do anything else without that. ellen_dunlap@hotmail.com
What a terrific giveaway! Well for me, the best way to find balance is in the quiet times – when I deliberately put it all aside and read a great book. I do it every day, no matter how busy, and it helps me regain my equilibrium. I put the book down ready to refocus and get on with the rest of the day, or if in the evening, unwind and recharge for the next day.
I find balance by making sure I do some reading every day. If I don't I start to feel anxious and stressed out. Reading is my therapy!
sfsabiaATgmailDOTcom
Elizabeth,
When you mentioned your friend and the book last week I put it on my list and it is now on my Kindle!
I find balance in my life by reading, exercising, volunteer work and spending my time wisely doing the things that bring me the most joy and peace.
I love this give-away! I think everyone needs a tote, and a good book for Sumemer.
Hi! One way I find balance is spending time alone. .I love spending a few quiet hours writing a blog post, creating a style set on polyvore or simply reading the Bible. Everyone MUST take time for themselves. Do whatever makes you happy & at peace.
Debra
stylewisebydebra.com
Hi! One way I find balance is spending time alone. .I love spending a few quiet hours writing a blog post, creating a style set on polyvore or simply reading the Bible. Everyone MUST take time for themselves. Do whatever makes you happy & at peace.
Debra
stylewisebydebra.com
I am so excited for the release of Susie's book…I love "On Grace". Balance…it is the word I chose for 2015 and, unfortunately, I must admit, I haven't been doing too well at achieving it. I am still settling into my "new normal" of working pretty much full time, albeit from home. I need to take some lessons from the other commenters and learn to put myself first. I do try to unwind at the end of the day with a nice dinner and a glass of wine with my husband, and quite often a relaxing bath and a good book. Thanks for sharing this giveaway, Elizabeth!! xoxo
Stay connected to those I love.
Pray
Sleep
Read
Work life balance
Exercise
Ah, balance… there's a tough one to find. As I approach a milestone birthday I've been really working at accentuating the positive and making time for people that matter to me rather than projects that keep me busy. And I have to say, it feels really great!
Please count me in, this is one book I want/need to read, I think we all need to share what it is we find works to create a perfect balance (assuming there is even such a thing)!
Just when I think I have it all worked out, life throws me a curveball like right now being sick and at home, knowing how much there is to do..oh well! I love the idea of the totebag getting thrown in…what a wonderful duo. Thank you to you both!
PS The only one thing that to me is a sure thing to create/maintain balance is taking time out for oneself even if its only 15 min. a day whether it is to go sit outside under the sun, take a brisk walk, a power nap or a quick manicure, it is vital for balance to have a little "me" time in the middle of all the crazy!
I find balance in my life by breathing deeply and telling myself I can't accomplish everything I want in one day. Everything takes time.
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com
I just try to take things week-by-week, day-by-day, or even minute-by-minute if I have to. Somehow what really needs to get done, gets done. Even if nothing else does.
k3kdpv at gmail dot com
Wow! I am currently reading On Grace, and completely cannot set it down. This gal is fantastic at conveying how we as women approach our lives.
How do I balance my life, great question. When I need a solution or feeling overwhelmed I go for walk, weed the garden… Connect with nature. In doing so I gain clarity and a strong plan to move forward on the task at hand, big or small.
All the best
Sharon @zoesfrontporch
It is so hard to find balance. my life is about running around for everyone else (kids hubby) and struggling to take care of my own needs. But the one things I do that keeps me sane is going to bed early and making time to read before bed. it unwinds me and clears my head from the chaos of the day. I would melt without that time!
I try to balance time for my family and time for myself.
I try to find balance in my life by 'compartmentalizing'- trying to be present and really focus on what I am doing at the moment, knowing other things will have their time. Good nutrition, drinking lots of water, exercise, reading, and playing piano all contribute as well.
I try to find balance in my life by 'compartmentalizing'- trying to be present and really focus on what I am doing at the moment, knowing other things will have their time. Good nutrition, drinking lots of water, exercise, reading, and playing piano all contribute as well.
Terrific interview and giveaway! I find balance by tidying up before bed every night…exercising 3x/week…eating dessert every day (which explains #2 on my list!). Email: shoppyshops@gmail.com