To My Critics...THANK YOU!

Some of the early reviews of my book have come in and I must say...I am starting to like criticism! So far, so good in other words! Read what reviewers have said about The FabYOUList below, and if you think it sounds like a book you'd like, good news...it's available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and IndieBound. It's coming out September 10th--and I would HATE to run out without my friends and family (YOU!) getting their very own copy. It's a relatively small first run...and while they can make more, I have no idea how long it will take. If you'd like one, please don't hesitate--order now! They make great holiday gifts, and also work as paperweights and door stops.

xo,

Susan

PS Please forward a link to this post to your mailing list, or post it on your social media sites...THANK YOU!!! I can use all the help I can get in spreading the news about the book.

PPS Speaking of news, if you haven't signed up for my newsletter, here's the link.


"Ms. Campbell-Cross is very likable and her writing style makes the reader feel as if she is sharing her stories with a good friend over a glass of lemonade on the patio. It is very humorous and I laughed many times while reading the book."

"I plan to pass it along to my husband, and I feel that it would be a good, light book for men to read to better understand some of what women feels. Even if you don't fit the description above, but are looking for a quick, light, funny read, this book fits the bill."

"Overall I think it was a good read if you are looking for some soul searching inspiration. I will def rec it some of my friends. And I can't wait to start working on my own list!"

"She gives you ideas of areas in your life to explore such as making friends or being creative with the advice to tweek it to your interests. We will see what my list brings ...."

"I'm starting my list for retirement....it's not that far off. This book has motivated me!"

"This was a great book!! Really enjoyed reading it!! Susan writing is very easy to read, very passionate and funny. I felt like I could really relate to her reasons for starting her list and many of the things that she put on her list,. It very much inspired me to start a list of my own. Great read, would recommend it to anyone!"


"It was a treat to read--I definitely recommend it!"

"An enlightening, laugh-aloud read. . . . Filled with open, honest glimpses into Susan's real life, woven together with constant doses of humor. The FabYOUList book is a breath of fresh air that will inspire you! Well-thought out and sharply written."

"What a fun book! I absolutely enjoyed reading all about Susan figuring out how to cross off items from her 40 before 40 list...She helped you see how important it is for you to take time for yourself and to focus on finding your own self with these lists. Her friendly and engaging tone kept me reading all the way to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a fun and inspiring read!"

5 Ways to Fight the Fear of Holiday Weight Gain

 The holidays are supposed to be full of fun, togetherness, and celebration. But for many people, myself included, they’re also full of anxiety. That’s because all that fun, togetherness and celebration often lead to overindulgence and the guilt and self-loathing that come along with it. As a kid I couldn’t wait for the holidays. As an adult I still looked forward to them, but I began to dread them a little bit, too--all because of the fear of gaining a few extra pounds. I don’t know about you, but self-deprivation doesn’t exactly put me in the holiday mood! And so, I decided to figure out a way to ditch my dread without giving up any fun. Follow these five tips and see if with a healthy helping of moderation and a dash of modification, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Switch it up. If you want to make a traditional holiday feast, then do it! Just trade one or two ingredients for their healthier cousin and you’ll save on calories without missing any of the flavor. I always bake loaves of banana bread to give as gifts and also to enjoy Christmas morning. I still plan to, but this year I’m swapping the butter and sugar for non-fat yogurt and applesauce for an equally moist and delicious (but better for you!) treat. For more healthy swaps check out “Healthy recipes: A guide to ingredient substitutions” mayoclinic.com.

• Get moving. Who says every gathering has to be around a table? There’s no reason that good conversation and memories have to include fattening foods and alcohol. So, instead of meeting the girls for happy hour, why not meet early one morning for a holiday hike instead? You’ll boost your spirits and your metabolism. 
• Don’t go hungry. If you’re a guest at someone else’s holiday party, you don’t have control over what they serve. If you’re starving when you arrive you’re more likely to end up eating more than you’d like. Best way to avoid that is to eat a healthy meal an hour or two before the party. You’ll be able to sample everything without going over board, and you won’t feel deprived. 
• Minimize the Temptations. I mean literally. Instead of making a pecan pie for example, make miniature single serving pies in mini muffin tins. A little bite of heaven is all you need and, you won’t be one of those women who refuse to eat dessert, or ask for the tiniest slice. I found some great recipes online on sites like tastespotting.com and delish.com.
• Give yourself the gift of forgiveness. If you do slip up a little, instead of a guilt trip, why not give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Very few people are perfect all the time, and nobody likes them much anyway! So if you overindulge at one meal, just eat extra healthy at the next. Or better yet, start a new family tradition of exercising together for some “bonding while burning”…calories that is!