This book examines the key question: How can you achieve permanent behavior change both in the workplace and in your private life? Bringing over 20 years of executive coaching experience to the subject, author Howard M. Guttman advances a unique, rigorous approach to the professional and personal development categories, long dominated by pop psychologists and ... Read More »]]>

Whether it is on the job or in our daily lives, Howard M. Guttman brings over 20 years of coaching experience to his latest book, COACH YOURSELF TO WIN: 7 STEPS TO BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE ON THE JOB AND IN YOUR LIFE, for the benefit of readers everywhere.

This book examines the key question: How can you achieve permanent behavior change both in the workplace and in your private life? Bringing over 20 years of executive coaching experience to the subject, author Howard M. Guttman advances a unique, rigorous approach to the professional and personal development categories, long dominated by pop psychologists and new-age thinkers.

Observes Guttman, “The gap in most professional and personal development books is that they offer a program for improvement without providing the core skills needed to help people achieve permanent behavior change. Those skills relate to people’s ability to coach themselves through the highs and lows that inevitably occur along the pathway to change.”

Coach Yourself to Win takes the trade secrets of executive coaching-ones that Guttman has applied to help hundreds of senior executives in major corporations improve their performance-and reinvents  them so they can successfully be put to use for personal and professional growth in the life space and workplace arenas.

Guttman’s book is refreshingly honest. He notes in Chapter One that self-coaching isn’t for everyone.  He provides readers with self-test and evaluation criteria to determine whether or not the approach he recommends is the right one for them.

One of the biggest self-coaching challenges that the book addresses is a person’s willingness to accept feedback, a key part of Guttman’s self-coaching process.  As Guttman explains, “Self-coachees must be willing to be vulnerable and allow others to provide them with feedback. When you treat feedback as a gift rather than a threat, you open up the possibility of achieving personal breakthroughs.”

To help achieve breakthrough performance on the job and in life, readers learn to master a practical 7-step process that enables them to:

Clarify, set, and stay committed to realistic Intentions

Zero in on what had been holding them back

Find the support they’ve been lacking

Develop a path for change

Evaluate themselves along the way-and make necessary corrections

Realize their Intention to achieve a “new you”

To help readers implement their plan, Coach Yourself to Win provides a dedicated Web site www.coachyourselftowin.com, where they will find supporting insights and materials for going through the process.

Howard M. Guttman is principal of Guttman Development Strategies, Inc. (GDS), a Mount Arlington, NJ-based management consulting firm specializing in executive coaching; building horizontal, high-performance teams; strategic and organizational alignment; and management development training (www.guttmandev.com). GDS’s clients include Bloomberg LP; Colgate-Palmolive; John Hancock; Johnson & Johnson; L’Oréal USA; Mars, Inc.; Novartis; Pfizer; and Walmart. Mr. Guttman is also the author of Great Business Teams: Cracking the Code for Standout Performance and When Goliaths Clash: Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization.

By Lisa Hoefinger

My mixed breed shelter dog, Bo, has a very unique talent. He’s a writer and now a published author.  Bo’s accomplished what no other dog has, to have the first non-fiction memoir nationally published under his name.

The story begins back in 1993 shortly after my husband and got married.  It was our first Christmas together as a married couple and I was very excited about the upcoming holiday. To kick things off we went and bought a beautiful tree, but on the day we were going to decorate it fate stepped ... Read More »]]>

By Lisa Hoefinger

My mixed breed shelter dog, Bo, has a very unique talent. He’s a writer and now a published author.  Bo’s accomplished what no other dog has, to have the first non-fiction memoir nationally published under his name.

The story begins back in 1993 shortly after my husband and got married.  It was our first Christmas together as a married couple and I was very excited about the upcoming holiday. To kick things off we went and bought a beautiful tree, but on the day we were going to decorate it fate stepped in and our lives would be forever changed.

My husband, Horst, decided it was more important to go watch a football game than stay home and decorate the tree.  Let’s just say it was very chilly at our house when he got back. A few days later I called him at work and he heard barking in the background. Yes, I was at our local shelter. His decision set into motion a ‘revenge’ adoption, a mischievous four-legged dog was about to become a new family member. We had no idea what we were in for.

In 2006 Bo was fourteen, in what we called ‘bonus time.’    Horst decided to write a book about all the crazy adventures we’ve had over the years and give it to me as a Christmas present. His goal was to give me something I could cherish long after Bo was gone. He decided to do something a little different and wrote it through the dog’s eyes.  When I received my gift it was a complete surprise. He most certainly made up for his bad judgment 14 years prior.

The book was different than any other dog memoir I had ever read, it was 100% funny.  After reading it I thought dog lovers everywhere could relate to the hilarious stories and I decided to find Bo a literary agent. In the summer of 2007 I found an agent and the following summer he put paw to paper on a contract with Kensington Books.

What started out as a little Christmas gift for me became a published book in October 2009. BAD TO THE BONE: Memoir Of  A Rebel Doggie Blogger is available at bookstores everywhere.

Now readers can join Bo on his adventures, and while doing so, hopefully it will bring back happy memories of life with their dog. If you read Bo’s book I guarantee the only tears shed will be tears of laughter.

As Bo say’s, “What you’re getting is one hundred percent, genuine Mr. Bo Hoefinger and family. The characters in this book, the stories, and the thoughts are all real. The names have not been changed to protect the innocent.

So take pleasure in the world as I have seen it, experienced it and lived it.

Welcome to my mind and my story…”

Bo continues to write, in between naps, of course. His mom, Lisa, also enjoys writing and does so freelance. They both work together to spread the word about dog adoption and are big rescue advocates. Bo donates 10% of his proceeds from the book to help homeless dogs. His goal is for every dog to have a copy of his book and a forever home to read it in. He would like to become pet ambassador for shelter dogs because who better to bark about adoption than a former rescue?  Find Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger on Amazon.

Published in January of 2010, Starless Sky touched on the tender subject of death and how a teen, named Kahlen, deals with pain and grief, but it also has blatant messages of hope and expectation as Kahlen begins her journey back towards understanding ... Read More »]]>

While most other 15-year-old girls were at the mall trying to figure out how they could get the attention of their latest crush, Paige Agnew was fast at her desk writing her first fiction novel. You heard right, at fifteen, this Michigan-born writing enthusiast decided to not only pen her own novel, but have it published as well.

Published in January of 2010, Starless Sky touched on the tender subject of death and how a teen, named Kahlen, deals with pain and grief, but it also has blatant messages of hope and expectation as Kahlen begins her journey back towards understanding and wholeness.

Starless Sky is about a girl, Kahlen, who is experiencing the loss of a friend. Kahlen feels alone and lonely, but she also gets tired of people feeling sorry for her and giving her sympathetic looks. Going to Dean’s Creek is the only place she finds solace. Well, at least it WAS the only place until Kennley showed up. Now she can’t even find solace there…or can she?

In the midst of loss, there is life; a sentiment Kahlen was not quick to accept. But in the process of the daily routine of school, dropping grades, frustrated parents, and pain, Kahlen begins to gain insights (the kind that comes from fortune cookies or good friends). Her newfound wisdom and the strain of dealing with Kennley and his troubling past lead her to an exciting new phase of life. Starless Sky is a genuine portrayal of grief and loss, yet comforting and filled with hope and expectation. It is a book of encouragement through following the lives of high schoolers.

What are the three words that describe Starless Sky?

Paige: Encouraging, Inspiring, Serious while Entertaining

What makes Starless Sky unique?

Paige: How many times have you read a book or seen a movie where a character dies and you can’t help but bawl your eyes out? (Never? Well then, may I recommend Nicolas Sparks? Great writer, but grab a box of Kleenex). Because I have experienced my share of tears reading and watching movies, I wanted to write a story where I could tap into something as deep as death, but instead of
leaving the reader in despair, I would portray hope. This makes Starless Sky unique.

Where did you get the idea for Starless Sky?

Paige: Sitting bored watching TV is when I generally come up with an idea for writing. I wanted to take on the challenge of writing a book about death that wasn’t entirely sad. In addition, the story gave me an opportunity to draw from my own very real pain of having recently loss someone I loved so much.

What advice can you give to a teenager who is grieving?

Paige: Talk about your loss, write about it if you are not a talker, but get it out somehow. Share your feelings with someone who can help you and that is not always peers as their knowledge may be limited regardless of how mature or well meaning. Ask to speak with a counselor for additional support. Know that the stages of grief and loss are not really stages that happen in a specific order; know that you are not losing your mind. Healing takes time and it is a deliberate process. Healing does not truly happen just because you will it. Mostly, I am saying, do not go through it alone – let others help you – take some time to be alone if needed but balance it with self care and support.

How old were you when you first started writing?

Paige: I honestly do not remember when I first started writing, but I do know when I became very serious about it and had a passion for it. I was in 5th grade and I absolutely loved writing stories. Sixth through eighth grade I attended the Young Author’s Conference in my city. I was delighted students had the opportunity to attend the conference. While I liked school, meeting authors and learning more about writing was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Each summer since 5th grade, I have spent every day writing and reading. My mother first bought tons of notebooks, then eventually my own laptop because she did not want to share with me (as she would never get equal time), and now I have flash/thumb drives to store all of my writing.

What inspires you to write?

Paige: What inspires me to write is my love for books. Every time I read a good book, I think about my own, I think about how I can improve my writing skills, I think about how one day I want someone to read the final page of my book and just say “wow” -the same way I do with others. I love stepping into others’ worlds in the realm of literature. I just hope other people enjoy the adventure as much as I do.

How do you develop the characters?

Paige: You can’t tell a story if you don’t know it. You have to play around with ideas inside your head and get to know your characters and their personalities. What would they say? What would they wear? Who would they hang out with and why? The more real the world is inside your head, the better it transmits to paper. When Kahlen first met Kennley at the creek, I had to ask myself who I wanted Kennley to be as a character. I wanted him to be a bad boy, but he seemed too nice for that. Okay. But why? Why would a bad boy seem good? Well maybe he used to be bad but now he’s not anymore. Well what changed? Hmm, I don’t know. And since I don’t know, I won’t let the audience know either. For now, let’s just make him…a mystery.

Is any of the book from your real life?

Paige: It is funny when people who know me think the book is all about my real life just because they know about the loss I experienced. There are bits and pieces that come from real people, but the book is not a replica of my life. For example, the Random game in the book comes from a game a friend and I made up while bored and waiting for track practice to come up. However, the character is not like my friend. Another example occurs when the parents and Kahlen go to the movie theater; in real life, we laugh about movies my dad wants to see. However, the parents in the story are not the same as my parents. Most genuine are the feelings of Kahlen; I felt those feelings and I experienced that pain when my friend died.

How do you remember to wrap up loose ends?

Paige: Sometimes tying up loose ends is easier than others. When preparing for my writing, my notes are very detailed; as I go along, I add and add and add to my notebook, making sure I keep those loose ends in mind. Sometimes the loose ends are so prominent in my mind that it just flows naturally in my writing and it’s not difficult at all. Overall, what helps is reading over my work for myself so I can catch my mistakes and think ―oh, that’s right. I still have to add this in.

What can you tell us about your next book?

Paige: My next book is titled Seven; it is a fiction, mystery, suspense-thriller. Seven tells the story of seven people whose lives come together because of a kidnapper. The story of each individual leads to the time they all come together. For example two characters are escaping an abusive childhood home and one character is an attorney without much direction. In the book there are clues (or things that appear to be clues) that mislead reader thus building the suspense. A common thread I have recognized in this book (as in Starless Sky) is self exploration among both the teens and the adults in the book. Each of the seven characters is forced (literally) to look at their own talents and lives in order to escape. Not all of them are willing. So, will they all be freed from the grips of the kidnapper? Want to know the answer? Great, read Seven.

Starless Sky can be purchased www.PaigeAgnew.com, BarnesandNoble.com, as well as Amazon.com. You may also connect with Agnew via Starless Sky on facebook.

Chic Galleria is pleased to be giving away a copy of Starless Sky (ARV $28.88) to one (1) lucky winner.  Would you or someone you know enjoy reading this book?  To enter, just leave a comment on this article.  A winner will be chosen at random from the comments and announced here on February 28, 2011.

For extra chances to win:

1. Like Starless Sky on Facebook.

2. Post the giveaway on your Facebook profile page tagging @Chic Galleria and @Starless Sky.

3. Follow @ChicGalleria on Twitter.

4. Like Chic Galleria on Facebook.

Please leave a comment for each additional entry.

Congratulations to our winner, Mary Ward!

Whimsical and witty, this beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of nostalgia celebrates the elegant, mysterious, and delightful trappings of bygone ages. Based on author Lesley M. M. Blume’s popular Huffington Post column of the same name and featuring entries from many contemporary icons of style, culture, and letters  — including Kate Spade, ... Read More »]]>

When was the last time you wore a cape to the opera? Or white gloves to lunch? Why did we ever do away with bed curtains or cuckoo clocks? Whatever happened to parlor games, calling cards, double features, duels, monocles, riddles, turbans, and parasols? Well, let’s bring them back!

Whimsical and witty, this beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of nostalgia celebrates the elegant, mysterious, and delightful trappings of bygone ages. Based on author Lesley M. M. Blume’s popular Huffington Post column of the same name and featuring entries from many contemporary icons of style, culture, and letters  — including Kate Spade, James L. Brooks, Nora Ephron, Daniel Boulud, and Arianna Huffington — Lets Bring Back . . . revels in the past and, above all, honors the timeless tradition of artful living.

Lesley M. M. Blume, is an author, journalist, columnist, cultural observer, and bon vivant based in New York City. She writes about fashion, media, and culture for a wide array of publications, from Slate to Vogue, and is the Huffington Post‘s contributing style editor. Sadly, most of her heroes and heroines are dead or fictional. They include but are not restricted to Diana Vreeland, Marlene Dietrich, Isak Dinesen, Royal Tenenbaum, Oscar Wilde, Elsa Schiaparelli, Anthony Blanche, and Edith Wharton.

For more information, view Lesley Blume’s Web site.

Chic Galleria is giving away a copy of Let’s Bring Back… (ARV $19.95) to one (10) lucky person.  To enter, just leave a comment on this article letting us know if you or someone you know would love to read this book.  A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on January 31, 2011.

Congratulations Nancy M (madprofnancy)!

Naked Fitness is not about working out in the nude. And it’s not about being dressed in the best workout attire either. Naked Fitness is about stripping away all the clutter that stops you from getting your wonderful, beautiful body into the best shape possible. It’s about breaking down the barriers and fears that are keeping you from becoming motivated and staying on track. It’s about learning how to move your body without pain, align it to its fullest potential, and recognize ... Read More »]]>

Naked Fitness: The Proven 28 Day Weight Loss Program for a Slimmer, Fitter, Pain Free Body by Andrea Metcalf

Naked Fitness is not about working out in the nude. And it’s not about being dressed in the best workout attire either. Naked Fitness is about stripping away all the clutter that stops you from getting your wonderful, beautiful body into the best shape possible. It’s about breaking down the barriers and fears that are keeping you from becoming motivated and staying on track. It’s about learning how to move your body without pain, align it to its fullest potential, and recognize how the correct alignment impacts your daily health. Naked Fitness is not just another exercise book. Instead, it uniquely tailors a solution specific to your body and build.

In Naked Fitness, you will look in the mirror and find your fountain of youth. Whether you are a couch potato or an agile athlete, you will learn how to look at your body and understand exactly what it needs to be in perfect alignment, and to feel and look your very best. The “Daily Ten” personalized routines are specific to which part of your spine needs alignment to function better. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, live healthier, or improve your performance on and o+ the field, you will find the answers in Naked Fitness. You can then take your routine one step further by completing the Naked Fitness web questionnaire and download your personalized exercise routine DVD.

Chic Galleria is giving away a copy of Naked Fitness (ARV $25.95) to one (1) lucky person.  To enter, just leave a comment letting us know if you or someone you know would love to read this book.  A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on January 31 , 2011.

Congratulations James Coyne!