Writers and Friends: Take the Beachbody Challenge!

Take my Beachbody 60-day Challenge and get Fit, get Healthy, and Lose Weight over the holidays. Writers have a very sedentary job and staying in shape can be a challenge. It was for me. I have TWO sedentary jobs—I sit at a microscope during the day and write at night. I tried to lose weight, get in shape, and at the same time, was struggling with what I could, should and couldn’t eat. It was all very frustrating. The Beachbody fitness program, Shakeology and support have been a huge help. I’ve lost 14 pounds! Writer friends who saw me at the Romanticon conference noticed the change. (Thank you.)

If you’re ready to do something good for yourself and your health, I’d like to help.

Not only to look and feel fabulous in time for New Year’s, but to be on your way to a new level of health, fitness and happiness.

While friends and family may gain 5-10 pounds, you’ll be losing and getting into your best shape ever. DECIDE to make a healthy choice in your life. COMMIT to a change from now until the end of 2011 and continue into 2012 with a new New Year’s Resolution: Stay Fit, Stay Healthy For Life!!

It’s not as hard as you think. Listen to Carl Daikeler, Beachbody CEO, and what he says about the Beachbody Challenge and the Challenge Packs that are being offered to help you.

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=1247409409001

How does my 60-Day Challenge work?

Drink Shakeology everyday (replace one meal like breakfast or lunch. It's the healthiest meal of the day)
Choose a fitness program like P90X, Slim in 6, Turbo Jam, INSANITY, etc. And stick to the program for 60 days. Email me questions, post comments, tell me about your progress here or on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/kathykulig and let me know how you're doing. After 60 days we can talk about our results and transformations.

How many people do you know indulge over the holidays and gain 3, 5, 10 or more pounds? Then they start the New Year with a resolution to join a gym, go 4-5 times a week and lose 10, 20, 50 pounds or more?? Or, “I’m going on a diet until I can fit into my skinny jeans again.” Or, “I’m getting into shape for my class reunion, wedding, vacation, etc., etc.”

The New England Journal of Medicine did a study about holiday weight gain. In the Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain, they stated, “These findings suggest that developing ways to avoid weight gain may be extremely important for preventing obesity and the diseases associated with it.” Diseases like heart disease, diabetes and other serious health problems. Even though this particular study showed that the average person did not gain more than a pound or two over the holidays, they did not lose it during the year which contributes to increased adult weight.

You can do this Challenge in the privacy of your home. Some people aren't comfortable with going to a gym or can't work it into their schedules because they have small children.

Well, I work out at a gym. And every year January and February is packed with new members. I call them the “Resolutionaries”. Come March or April, they vanish. What’s left are the die-hard members who are committed to a routine of healthy living. They know that staying healthy and fit is a continuous process. Not a three-week crash diet. It has to be part of your daily/weekly routine.

*Beachbody is offering these awesome Challenge Packs which makes it simple to get started right on a path of good fitness and health.

Starting November 1st Beachbody is offering Challenge Packs.

Here’s What’s Included:

For the Challenge Packs: Go to http://www.fitforbeach.com/ to order. Click on the Beachbody Challenge banner on the right, then "Take the Challenge" button. Available on November 1st.

Go to http://www.thebeachbodychallenge.com/ for more info. on how to win Cash prizes every day like $500 just for logging in your workouts. The best transformations will be eligible for over $100,000.

I INVITE you to check out these videos to learn about how awesome Shakeology is.

Shakeology-The Breakthrough  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=29768318001

100 Drs Dont Lie  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=637865717001

Labor of love http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=35137129001

From the Fields http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=637719395001

I’ve been using Shakeology since August and my husband and I are doing the P90X fitness routine. (He drinks Shakeology every day too, either for breakfast or lunch). We love it! And are thrilled with the results! Read about my transformation story and see before and after photos (eeks) on my www.FitForBeach.com website.

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS

Check out the three Challenge Packs. These Challenge Packs can be found at http://www.FitForBeach.com Click the banner on the Right side that says "Beachbody Challenge" , then “Take the Challenge”. This will provide you with more information and direct you through the sign up process, then choose a Challenge Pack. If you have any question just let me know.
*If you’re interested in joining the team of Beachbody coaches contact me at: FitForBeach@rcn.com

* Or if you have any questions about Shakeology, the fitness programs, or the Challenge Packs, you can email me at that address or contact me through the http://www.FitForBeach.com website.

Intro to Team Beachbody Coach  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=632106888001

Solutions. What we offer as coaches  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=1861298193

Coming January 2012: After the Challenge. Fit For Beach members get to share their success stories.

http://www.fitforbeach.com/
http://www.beachfitshake.com/
FitForBeach@rcn.com


Independent Team Beachbody Coach

• 1 Beachbody Fitness Program
• First Month’s Supply of Shakeology (ordered on Home Direct)
• 30-Day FREE Trial of the Team Beachbody Club Membership
• FREE Shipping!

Now.. there are THREE different Packs Available…

For $160 you can get:

• Choice of: Power 90, Slim in 6, Brazil Butt Lift, Hip Hop Abs, or TurboJam
• Shakeology on HD
• 30-Day FREE Trial of Team Beachbody Club Membership
• FREE Shipping

Savings of: $35!!

For $180 you can get:

• Choice of: Body Gospel or 10 Minute Trainer
• Shakeology on HD
• 30-Day FREE Trial of Team Beachbody Club Membership
• FREE Shipping

Savings of: $45!!

For $205 you can get:

• Choice of: P90X, TurboFire, or Insanity
• Shakeology on HD
• 30-Day FREE Trial of Team Beachbody Club Membership
• FREE Shipping

Savings of: $55!!

Beachbody Challenge

Beachbody Challenge & 7 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Beachbody Challenge Packs are comin' November 1st. As an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, I'm really excited about this. These Challenge Packs are complete packages including a choice of fitness programs, Shakeology, 30-day trial membership to Team Beachbody, Free shipping and great savings.

If you'd like to check out my transformation story on how I lost 14 pounds, go to: http://www.FitForBeach.com It's tough staying in shape as a writer. Or getting into shape. But besides being a writer, I work in the medical field and I know how important fitness and nutrition is to staying healthy, feeling good and looking good. These Challenge Packs are an awesome formula for success.

Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success

Need some incentive while you're working out and getting healthy? The Beachbody Challenge. You're eligible for $500 every day for just logging in your workouts. And, at the end of the year, the best transformations will be eligible for $100,000. http://www.TheBeachbodyChallenge.com

Here's more informations about Shakeology. Love it! Dh and I have it everyday.

Shakeology-The Breakthrough  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=29768318001

100 Drs Dont Lie  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kathykulig?bctid=637865717001

*I'll be posting details HERE on Monday (a day early) about these Challenge Packs and how to order them. They'll be available to order on Tuesday.

7 Simple Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain






by Charlene Johnson

1. Drink less.

Avoid calorie-laden beverages like alcohol, eggnog, peppermint lattes, and hot chocolate. Permanently attach a bottle of water to your hand during the holiday season. One cocktail is fine. But keep in mind, alcohol usually makes you less attractive, less articulate, less responsible, and more likely to overeat. Cheers!

      2.  Bake less.

One of the sneakiest ways calories can creep up on us is via the mixing bowl! Avoid volunteering to bake your famous snickerdoodle cheesecake and you'll instantly cut down on unneeded stress and calories.

      3.  Be fashionably late.

This accomplishes two things. One, the less time you spend at the party, the less time you spend with a plate of cheese-stuffed mini-quiche while making uncomfortable small talk with the boss. Two, the more guests that are there before you, the less food that is available when you arrive.

      4.  Throw away leftovers.

I know your mother would gasp at such a wasteful suggestion. I'll let you in on a little secret: that half-eaten pumpkin pie is not exactly what the local food bank had in mind. Toss it and get over it. Your neighbor brings over a delicious plate of cookies. Take a nibble and toss the rest! She'll never know the difference, and your thighs will thank you.

       5.  Amp up your workouts.

Many Americans excuse themselves from healthy eating and regular workouts because "it's that time of year." Poor choice. Rather than skipping your workouts, intensify them. Holidays are when you really need the mood-enhancing, stress-busting effects of exercise more than ever. You deserve it, and you'll be more proficient because of it, so make time to do it!

       6.  Enjoy a taste.

Some do well by swearing off "forbidden" foods, but for many of us that notion only leads to bingeing or a feeling of deprivation. If that's the case, allow yourself the treat, just make it a small portion and account for it during your next cardio party!

       7.  Scrap the "dieter's mentality."

I forbid you to say these five little words ever again: "I'm starting my diet tomorrow." This mentality leads people to believe that healthy eating is all or nothing. Have a cookie or two, but catch yourself before you slip into the "Oh, I've blown it, so now I might as well have ten more!" way of thinking. That mentality is the root of all yo-yo dieting. Think of your eating as a way of life, not a diet. Enjoy the occasional treat, but do so in moderation.

Why I Write BDSM

I find the aspect of BDSM intriguing. I enjoy reading it, so it would follow I enjoy writing it. This lifestyle and subculture has many complexities and is often criticized and misunderstood. There’s a level of intensity between characters in these stories that isn’t usually found in typical vanilla romance. When I first decided to incorporate elements of BDSM and later write a full story, I have to admit I was intimidated.

Had I read enough? Did I understand the dynamics well enough to portray the characters accurately? And couples as loving, caring people? Through recommendations from well-known authors of this subgenre like Joey W. Hill, Ann Jacobs, Maria Isabel Pita, Marilyn Jaye Lewis, the 1-800-DOM-help series authors and many others, I’ve acquired quite a library of BDSM non-fiction and fiction books.The emotional, physical and psychological areas in a BDSM relationship can create problems and conflicts such as insecurities, jealousy, dependency issues, fear of abandonment, physical injuries, etc. Some of these issues may also cause conflict in a traditional romance but not to the same degree. These difficulties provide lots of interesting ideas for stories. Imagine the level of trust involved when a character first allows a new lover to tie him up? Or uses a whip, or performs some other element of pain and/or pleasure.

In this kind of power exchange activity, communication and trust is essential. Of course you don’t have to be involved in this lifestyle to enjoy reading or writing it. I believe most of us are voyeurs at heart and curious about the dynamics of Domination and submission, Sadism and Masochism, bondage and discipline. We want to experience it, if only through our fantasies and through the eyes of the characters in the book. Even if we have no desire to ever feel the sting of a flogger.

Writing BDSM fiction has been a writer’s journey for me, talking with authors who write in the genre, reading non-fiction and fiction books. There certainly is an ‘edge’ to these stories that I like and writing them well is not easy. I’ve enjoyed reading all of the 1-800-DOM-help books. There’s a similar thread that these books share but each author has taken a very unique twist. Each one explored a different area of the lifestyle too. All of them great reads!

A well-crafted BDSM scene is an adrenaline rush, euphoric, and arousing for the reader and the writer. Author Susie Bright in her non-fiction book “How to Write a Dirty Story” says that once you’ve hit your zone and you’re writing the perfect erotic scene, it’s like, “an orgasmic cocktail.”

CONTEST: Reminder. My contest for a chance to WIN a copy of Dial B for Bondage is going on until November 15th. Check out the post on October 10th (link below) and post a comment to enter in the drawing.
http://kathykulig.blogspot.com/2011/10/contest-time-with-author-island.html#comments

Matchmake, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

I'm celebrating with my friend Francesca Hawley with the release of her new book Alpha vs Alpha this week at Ellora's Cave.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match…

By Francesca Hawley

How does a lonely shapeshifter find love? That was the “what if” question that helped me create the concept for my current release, Alpha vs. Alpha. I reasoned that it isn't as if your average shapeshifter could advertise on eHarmony or Match.com. After all, explaining “and oh by the way I can change into a wolf sometimes,” would not be great icebreaker material on a date with one of the typical subscribers.

So, I came up with the concept of an online dating service which is supplemented by an office staff that could also provide personalized service if someone was willing to pay the price to be personally matched. Now this idea for a matchmaker entered my head in 2004 when I originally wrote the story and long before Patti Stanger began her entertaining Millionaire Matchmaker’s program on Bravo TV in 2008. I'd like to think I was a bit ahead of the reality TV curve there.

The heroine of Alpha vs. Alpha is Serena Goldwolf is a bit abrasive and volatile but in her defense, this is only because she's on the verge of going into heat. A heat cycle she wasn’t expecting because it’s brought on by meeting her True Mate, Damien Blackwolf.

What’s a True Mate? It’s a shapeshifter’s destined mate—a life partner and lover from whom there is no escape because they are fated to be together. A True Mate is the very last thing Serena wants in her life. Her parents are True Mates, and her perception is that her mother gave up everything to support her father.

Her mother put off college and had a pup as soon as they met. Serena can’t remember ever hearing her parents argue. Her mother would smile and nod when her father made decisions regarding how the Goldwolf pack will be run. Serena can’t and won’t live that way, so meeting Damien Blackwolf is a nightmare. She doesn’t want to find herself saying “Yes, dear” like a Stepford bitch no matter what half-assed pronouncement comes from her True Mate’s mouth, but she fears that’s her destiny because her True Mate is an Alpha male. The conflict raging through her is, “do I have to give up me to be with you?” She fears the answer is yes, so she fights her attraction to Damien.

Damien is at the age where he wants to settle down. He has approached Predator-Match.com (Serena’s matchmaking service) to find a Chosen Mate, never expecting that he’d meet his True Mate. All he hoped for was a compatible female with whom he could share his life and have pups together. A female he could fall in love with and with whom he could share the rest of his life. Instead, the first female Predator-Match.com found for him was a scary stalker type female and he’s pissed. When Serena realizes that he’d been matched with a female she’d thrown out of the service, she’s pissed too because it means she has to apologize and she hates it. And she especially hates apologizing to Damien.

All it takes is one deep breath, and Damien is sold on Serena. She’s his True Mate and he wants her in his life now and for always. When she runs, he gives chase…because that’s what True Mates do. Is he able to convince her that he wants her just the way she is? Pick up Alpha vs. Alpha to find out.

BLURB:

Alpha female Serena Goldwolf has spent a lifetime vowing never to be a submissive mate to any Alpha male. But all it takes is one surprisingly sexual meeting with Damien Blackwolf, a dissatisfied client of her shapeshifter dating site Predator-Match.com, and she is down on all fours, wanting to be mounted by the hottest male on two legs—or four—whom she’s ever met.

Damien Blackwolf doesn’t understand why the voluptuous Serena won’t admit they’re True Mates. To convince her, he decides to bring out her baser desires by dragging her off to someplace private to get to know her…intimately. But how can he convince her of their destiny when she refuses to acknowledge their True Mate connection and runs away from him? Guess he’ll just have to hunt her down and persuade her.

In a passionate battle of wills, there most definitely can be two winners.

Publisher’s Note: Previously published elsewhere but has been revised and expanded for Ellora’s Cave.

EXCERPT:

Chapter One

“What the hell kind of outfit is this?”

Serena Goldwolf’s head shot up at the irate shout coming from the outer office of her shapeshifter matchmaking business, Predator-Match.com. She brushed her bangs off her forehead with a sigh. Damn it, couldn’t anyone in this office take care of stuff without her intervention?

The male voice continued to roar out there, and she knew her secretary wouldn’t be able to handle him because Kara was such an omega even omega males dominated her. Serena sighed again, saved her database update and headed out to confront the wolf male jerk. Serena took in the male outrage with a shake of her head. Asshole. He shook his head as if he’d heard her. Yeah right. She wished.

“I’m sorry, sir. Really.” Kara huddled in her chair, her head dipped and her eyes on her desktop. Submission in her posture and her voice.

“You people set me up with some stalker bitch! I want to talk to one of the owners, now.” A tall black-haired man with dark-brown eyes leaned on the desk, his large hands flat on the wood.

Serena took him in, her body responding immediately. Damn it. She didn’t need this shit, but she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He wore a very expensive, black Italian suit, Italian black leather loafers, a crisp white shirt and red tie. The ultimate in power wear for the busy executive. And he was so good-looking he resembled an escapee from Fashion Week. She shook her head to remind herself that he wasn’t all that…he was just a wolf like any other.

Heads hung out of office doors, watching the confrontation with enjoyment, yet no one came to Kara’s rescue. Probably glad to be out of firing range themselves…that’s what she got for hiring betas. The females all wanted him and the males would jump to follow his orders.

Female musk clogged the air. Especially from Lea Redcat, one of her business partners. Predator-Match.com was damn successful. To the outside world, their site looked like a zoo animal match service. To the shapeshifter community, it was a way to find a lover or a life partner. Since Lea was allowing this thing to escalate, it looked like Serena to the rescue. Again.

“I’m really sorry, sir. We do our best to match our clients up with the best fit for them.” Kara cringed lower behind her desk and wouldn’t meet the man’s eyes. Typical omega posture. The male frowned.

“Are you saying you think I deserve a psycho bitch as my Mate?” His quiet voice seemed to scare Kara more than his shouting had because she backed up. It wouldn’t be long before she crawled under her desk.

“No s-s-sir,” Kara stammered.

Damn that bastard. He was done scaring Kara. Unable to suppress her temper, Serena growled. His gaze flashed to her and she felt it all the way to her womb. Damn but he was hot. Life was just not fair.

She challenged him—head up, shoulders back—inspecting him from top to bottom and allowing her gaze to linger, as if she were checking for fleas. His shoulders were broad and filled his Italian suit to perfection. His broad chest narrowed to athletic hips, and she would bet money that his belly sported a six-pack, and not of the beer variety. He had the kind of face that artists wanted to sculpt and women wanted to sit on. His eyes were the piece de resistance—large, dark brown and thick-lashed beneath perfectly arched brows.

In short, he was a god—or a male model. This was the kind of male who never looked twice at Serena because she wasn’t tall and thin, or tiny and doll-like. She had yet to meet a male wolf who wanted a woman with curves, but this kind of wolf was the worst. These wolves wanted trophy bitches.

“Who are you?” His voice cut the air like a knife.

She lifted her chin when the bastard stared her down. How dare he try to intimidate her? She was an alpha female, damn it!

“I’m Serena Goldwolf and one of the co-owners of Predator-Match.com. Who are you?” No way would she back down from this one. The man needed to be taken down a peg.

He scowled at her and his eyes narrowed at her temerity in confronting him. The bastard was an Alpha from the tips of his perfect black hair to the bottom of his highly polished Italian loafers.

“Damien Blackwolf. A fucking unhappy customer.”

He straightened to face off against her, obviously waiting for his pronouncement to have some effect. He said it as if she were supposed to curtsey to him. Not only was he an alpha, but a Blackwolf Alpha. An alpha was a dominant male, but an Alpha was the heir of a clan, or the leader of one. This male had or definitely would found his own clan group one day.

“What seems to be your problem?”

On the whole, Serena was not fond of Blackwolf males—they were too arrogant by half, and this one seemed to think he was God’s gift. She had to admit he was a beautiful specimen who made her wet just to look at him, but she wasn’t about to admit that to him.

He smiled the smile of the male who knew a female was reacting to him. Shit. Her scent must be broadcasting. He licked his perfect full lips. Males were not supposed to have lips like that. Double shit.

“Your much-acclaimed psychology matching service paired me with the psycho bitch from hell!”

“Well, considering your obnoxious attitude with my secretary, it would seem our ‘much-acclaimed psychological matching service’ did just dandy,” Serena countered with a smile.

He growled and took a step toward her. She tensed but stayed where she was. The worst thing to do when a predator challenged was cringe or run, and this man was definitely a predator. If the bastard thought she was that easily intimated, he was in for a rude awakening.

She raised her brow and crossed her arms over her chest. He paused, dumbfounded, looking as perplexed as a pup trying to figure out why he tripped over his tail. Damn it, that made him adorable. Serena shook her head in disgust at herself. Alpha males were not adorable. They were royal pains, emphasis on both royal and pain.

She might be an alpha female, but she was damned if she was going to take an Alpha male like him as her Mate. When she did date, she dated betas because they were easier to manage. Serena blinked. Why was she using the permanent possessive with this one? A Mate was a partner for life, and a mate was good for a tumble. This male didn’t come close to fulfilling her needs for either role.

“Miss Goldwolf…”

“Ms.”

“What?”

“Ms. Goldwolf. I’m not some untried adolescent, Mr. Blackwolf, and I would appreciate if you would acknowledge it.”

“Ms. Goldwolf…” His sarcastic voice was deep and made her nipples harden. She pretended it didn’t affect her, but she knew he realized it did. Why did he show up here today? She didn’t need the aggravation.

“Yes?”

He glared down at her. “This is a business, Ms. Goldwolf, and I am a very dissatisfied customer. I have friends who I’ve told about this company who could very easily withdraw their business at my request. I suggest you moderate your tone.”

That was it. Serena saw red. She stalked over to him and poked him in the chest with her finger while she scowled up into his black eyes.

“Listen to me, you arrogant wolf! You come in here, guns blazing, and abuse my secretary then threaten me. Pull your business if you want. Tell your friends to take a hike too. I don’t give a flying fuck! I will not be treated this way by you or anyone!”

Serena felt as if she were outside herself, and she watched herself in horror. She was never like this, even when she was fully in heat. Oh, she snarled and clawed at males, but she’d never attacked anyone before. She sure wanted to attack this one though. He smiled grimly, and only then did Serena realize his last speech had been a deliberate taunt. Damn it to hell. Damn him to hell…

He grabbed her waist and lifted her easily. He took two strides to the nearest wall, pushing her against it while wrapping her thighs around his hips. He pressed his erection against her wet pussy. She moaned and her head dropped back. She heard him snarl and realized she’d closed her eyes—when she opened them she saw triumph in his.

“Oh fuck.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you like wolf shifters? What are your favorite shape shifters???

Visit Francesca at http://www.francescahawley.com/

CONTEST TIME!!! With Author Island

Ready for a CONTEST? Author Island is helping me celebrate the release a HOT new anthology from Ellora's Cave, and I'm dying to give a copy away.

I just got back from Romanticon and while I was there, I got my hands on the new anthology: Dial B for Bondage. This anthology has 4 novellas from the 1-800-DOM-help series from Ellora’s Cave, including my novella EMERALD DUNGEON. The other authors in this book are Delilah Devlin, Francesca Hawley and Samantha Cayto.

They sold like crazy at the Romanticon book fair but I managed to grab a copy just for AuthorIsland Readers!!  I also had all the authors sign it and even Cole the Caveman who posed for the hot cover. You don’t see his face in the cover but you can tell by the tattoo!

EMERALD DUNGEON by Kathy Kulig

Dana’s summer job as a musician in an Irish castle takes an adventurous turn after she witnesses a BDSM scene in the dungeon, and her submissive side awakens. Jack is a sexy Dominant who recognizes the sub smoldering beneath her demure exterior. His skillful commands take Dana beyond her darkest erotic fantasies.

Whips, restraints and increasing levels of pain heighten her passion, but complete surrender and ecstasy are out of her reach. Secrets and strange events around the castle only add to the couple’s troubles. Will a summer affair be enough to find what they both need? The appearance of a mysterious business card may help guide them. If Dana can accept Jack with complete trust and surrender, then ultimate pleasure and true love are possible.

Other stories include BEGGING FOR IT by Delilah Devlin, CONTROLLING INTEREST by Francesca Hawley and MISTRESS MINE by Samantha Cayto.
BUY THE BOOK   ***   READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - Kathy's EMERALD DUNGEON is set in a castle dungeon in Ireland.  To get your name in the hat for the autographed copy of this hot book, let me know where you'd like to see me set my next  1-800-DOM-help story - In Ireland, maybe in the same castle? Or a completely new setting? If a new setting, any favorite locations? Leave your ideas as a comment on Kathy's blog and please leave your email address so I can contact you if yours is the name I draw as the winner!  A winner will be drawn on November 15th - Good Luck!