• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Dawna Stone

You Can Have A Better Life

  • Home
  • About Dawna
  • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact

Dawna Stone

Rustic Cranberry Cake

February 1, 2018 by Dawna Stone

It’s easy to be tempted by unhealthy desserts during the holiday season. Make this simple

cake and put it on your dessert table. By opting for frozen cranberries, you can make this

any time of the year. Recipe below…

P.S. If you want to get healthy or lose weight after the holidays, join me for the Healthy You Challenge. Learn more and read the amazing testimonials here.

TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES

  • 1⁄2 cup gluten-free oat flour
  • 1⁄2 cup almond flour
  • 5 tablespoons coconut palm sugar, divided
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed and drained, if using frozen)
  • 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1⁄4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1⁄4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9″ pie plate.

In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, almond flour, 4 tablespoons of the sugar, coconut flour,

and salt. Stir in the cranberries and 1⁄4 cup of the walnuts. Toss to coat the berries and nuts

with the flour mixture.

 

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the orange juice, oil, honey, and almond extract and

whisk until well mixed. Add to the dry ingredients and mix well. (The batter will be thick if

using frozen berries.) Spread the batter into the pie plate and sprinkle with the remaining

1⁄4 cup walnuts and 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick

inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 8 servings

 

Recipe from my Healthy You Diet cookbook

5 Extreme Calorie-Burning Exercises That Also Tone and Tighten

January 26, 2018 by Dawna Stone

Not all exercises are created equal! Some exercises may be great for toning and tightening but may not burn a lot of calories. If you’re looking to tone and tighten your body and burn a ton of calories in the process, these 5 extreme calorie-burning exercises are for you!

Exercise 1: Squat Jumps (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)

How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and arms behind your head. Squat down with knees parallel to the floor. Don’t bend below parallel. Jump up as high as you can while keeping your core tight. Lower back down to your squat position as you land.

BONUS: Disease-Fighting Anti-Inflammatory Recipes – My Gift to You!

Exercise 2: Burpees (Perform to failure or max 15 reps)

How to do it: Squat with your hands on the ground in front of you. Jump your feet back to plank (or push up) position. Jump your feet back under you to the squat position. Immediately jump up as high as you can with your hands straight over your head. Repeat. Note: if you want to make the move even more difficult, you can perform a push up when you are in the plank position.

Exercise 3: Clap Jacks (Perform to failure or max 100 quick reps)

How to do it: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your arms out to your side and parallel to the ground. Jump your feet out wide while clapping your hands in front of you. Jump feet back to shoulder and return arms out to the side. Repeat.

BONUS: Disease-Fighting Anti-Inflammatory Recipes – My Gift to You!

Exercise 4: Split Jump Squats (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

How to do it: Stand with your right foot out in front of you with thigh parallel to the ground. Your back leg should be bent and your knee should be a few inches off the ground. Jump up and quickly switch legs in mid air so that your left leg is now in front and your right leg is now in back. Bend your legs as you land so that your back knee nearly touches the ground. Continue to quickly alternate legs. Note: keep your back straight throughout the exercise.

Exercise 5: Mountain Climbers (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)

How to do it: Start in plank position—Lie on your stomach. Place your palms flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder width. Push up off the ground so your arms are fully extended and you’re on your toes. Keep your back flat and engage your core. Pull your right knee forward and under your body while your left leg remains extended. Then quickly switch legs bringing our left leg under your body while your right leg extends back to the floor behind you. Quickly alternate legs. The faster you switch legs, the more intense the exercise becomes.

Start with just one round of these 5 calorie-burning exercises and slowly build up to doing 3-5 rounds for an intense tone and tightening workout.

**Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.

 

Poached Egg, Avocado and Spinach Toasts

December 22, 2017 by Dawna Stone

I like to make poached eggs on the weekends when there's a bit more time for a leisurely breakfast or lunch. Poached eggs and spinach on toast are a traditional combination, but I add some avocado for another texture.

If you want a jump-start to better eating, join me for a quick and simple 5-Day Detox!

Recipe: 
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (+ more to taste)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
3/4 pound spinach, stemmed and rinsed, but not dried
Ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 large eggs
4 slices gluten-free bread, toasted
Hot sauce (optional)

In a small bowl, combine the avocado with the lemon juice and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until

fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, using tongs to turn the spinach. Transfer

to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Wipe the skillet clean.

 

To poach the eggs, fill the clean skillet halfway with water and add the vinegar. Bring to a boil

over high heat. Break the eggs into 4 small bowls. Remove the pan from the heat and gently

slide the eggs into the skillet. Cover the pan tightly and let the eggs sit for 4 minutes, or until

the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.

 

Spread the reserved avocado on the toast. Spoon the warm spinach mixture on top. Using a

slotted spoon, carefully transfer the eggs from the skillet to the toast. Serve with the hot sauce

(if desired).

Makes 4 servings

Recipe from my Healthy You Diet cookbook

What I Ate Today to Stay Fit and Healthy…

November 15, 2017 by Dawna Stone

People always ask me what I eat to stay fit and healthy. Every day is a little different, but here's a sneak peak at today's meal plan.

P.S. If you want to jump start your healthy eating, join me for a quick and simple 5-Day Detox! It's the perfect way to clean up your eating, lose weight and improve your health.

Pre-Breakfast: Coffee or Tea
I stopped drinking coffee for nearly 10 years and stuck with tea only. Slowly, coffee has made it back into my life. I gave up coffee because I hated how dependent I became on it. One day I just decided to give it up. I suffered through the intense withdrawal headaches and started drinking tea. Now that coffee is again part of my life, I’ve made myself a promise that I would never again be so dependent on it. I tend to drink one cup of coffee 3 or 4 days a week and on the other days I drink tea.

Breakfast: Smoothie or Green Juice

There is something about starting off your day with a nutrient-packed drink. Not only do I love the smoothies and juices I make, but I also feel good about starting my day off right.

BONUS: I’m giving you two of my favorite recipes (free). Fill out below to Download!

Lunch: Sweet Potato and Kale Salad

I'm big on salads and love to add roasted vegetables in the fall. I usually try and add some protein as well with nuts, seeds, beans or fish.

Snack: Hummus and Vegetables
Today was hummus and vegetables but my snacks often change depending on what I'm craving. Sometimes I have nut butter and sliced apples or tortilla chips with guacamole. The goal is to not go over board on the snacks and instead, have just enough to satisfy me until dinner.

BONUS: I’m giving you two of my favorite recipes (free). Fill out below to Download!

Dinner: Red Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado

I love this salad and I usually make a big batch so I can have it again the next day. (Hint: this is one of my two favorite recipes that you can download).

After Dinner Snack: Dark Chocolate
I go through phases with my after dinner snack. I try to be healthy but this is typically the time I crave something sweet. At times, I indulge and have some ice cream or other treat. But I try to stick to a piece of dark chocolate or a piece of fruit.

Trying to eat better? Join me for a 14-Day Healthy You Challenge! Learn more HERE!

3 Steps For Ultimate Success

November 14, 2017 by Dawna Stone

Are your current beliefs—those you keep hidden deep inside for only you to hear—holding you back? Do you think you’re worthy of a better life, with more success, more happiness, more money, a more fulfilling job and more meaningful relationships? You may want these things, but desire on its own isn’t enough. You have to believe that you’re worthy, and you must also put aside all your fears, all negative thoughts and any beliefs of unworthiness.

The first step to finding success involves believing you are capable of having it. Most of us want more success, but few of us actually are convinced we are worthy or have what it takes. Wanting and believing must work in tandem for success to be found.

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to believe in myself. They made me feel like I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I realize how extremely lucky I was to receive this unconditional support and encouragement that so many never experience. However, while it’s undeniably great to have others believe in you and offer encouragement, true greatness and success only arrive when you first believe in yourself.

The initial step to finding more success in your life: Believe you’re truly capable. Initially, that may not sound so difficult. But if we look deep inside ourselves, we often find that we are the ones sabotaging our own greatness. How often do you hold yourself back? How often do you let fear or another person keep you from pushing forward? How often do you quietly think, “I can’t,” “That’s not possible” or “That isn’t going to happen to me?”

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

Step two is to decide what it is you really want. I mean really decide. Make your desire a focal point in your life. Make all your decisions based on that want. Once you make that determination, you need to focus on that end goal like your life depends on it.

Take some time to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for. If you don’t know what you want, how are you supposed to get it? Without the specifics, you can’t take the necessary steps to move forward and get what you want.

And no matter what you seek, the final step is to assess any limiting beliefs and make them disappear. Get in the habit of purging negative, limiting thoughts and inviting in the positive thoughts to help catapult your success, ultimately giving you the life you desire and deserve.

Take the next step and download the 7 Secrets To Your Best Life audio training. It’s absolutely free and will provide you with the tips and tools that can help you find more success! Download Now!

To Your Success,

Dawna

A Letter To My Dying Dad

October 14, 2017 by Dawna Stone

It took my dad’s deteriorating health and the realization that he wouldn’t be with me much longer to make me realize I wasn’t living the life I desired. Sitting beside him in the hospital and not knowing how much more time he had left served as my wake-up call. I want to share the letter with you as it was what sparked me to write my newest book, You Can Have a Better Life. I hope you can relate to the letter below and use it to motivate you to go get the life you desire before it’s too late.

P.S. My new book You Can Have A Better Life: 21 Secrets to Getting the Life You Desire—Full of Significance, Joy and Purpose is now available! See it HERE.

— Before Five —

Dad,

I'm trying to remember the early years—those before I was 5—but I'm not sure if the memories I have are real ones, or whether they're simply “memories” from stories I've heard and pictures I've seen.

I'm told you weren't around much during those early years, but I don't remember that. I know now that you were working two jobs, just trying to get by. Already a father to me, and a baby on the way, I'm sure you were worried about how you and Mom would manage. I remember (or I remember hearing) that the landlord of our tiny two-bedroom, one-bath apartment gave us a small folding table so we had somewhere to eat and four metal folding chairs so we had somewhere to sit. I don’t remember if we had a sofa then, but I know we had one by the time I was 5, as I saw a picture of me sitting on it with a freshly-molded cast framing my broken arm. I was a tomboy back then and although I thought it was a good idea to swing like Tarzan on the branch of the sizable yet decrepit tree in our backyard it turned out to not be such a good idea.

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

I know now that when Mom cried as the table and chairs showed up outside our apartment door, her tears weren’t 100 percent from joy like she claimed. “Honey,” she said, “sometimes people cry when they’re happy.” Instead, I understand that she shed tears of relief since her family now had somewhere to sit and eat. The table, gifted by someone we barely knew, I now realize was something some adults might view as a handout—something to cause slight embarrassment (even if feeling grateful at the same time). But as a 4-year-old, I only remember the event through a child’s eyes: receiving a wonderful gift that was very unexpected.

I’m not sure, Dad, why I’m telling you so much of what I remember at this age. Somehow it seems important to me now—like this is where all my memories of you and mom began. Like this small apartment was the beginning of all my future memories. So here I sit, trying to remember the rest of our humble home. I can visualize the layout of every room. Near the front door, there was a small living space that held our folding table and chairs. Past that, I can see two small bedrooms—yours to the left and mine to the right. The one meager bathroom was closer to my room than yours. Ironically, the kitchen, the room that seemed most important, is also the one I’m having the most difficulty remembering. I can visualize its location, but I only remember how small it was and no other details. That entire kitchen could easily fit inside the space that holds my kitchen island today.

Mom made all our meals in that small space. I remember eating hot dogs and beans often—not because you and Mom loved them (like I assumed at the time)—but because we couldn’t afford much else. I never went hungry.

The only other real memory I have from that time—the time before I became a 5-year-old—involves Mom walking me to preschool. I remember only because the school was right next door to our apartment, with the playground right off our backyard. Mom would walk out to the yard while I was at recess and wave to me, and I’d always excitedly wave back. It's funny how perceptions change. As a kid, I thought living next door to an elementary school—especially one with the playground right off our backyard—was extremely lucky. As an adult, I realize that the close proximity to school wasn't the best feature of our small apartment, but I was happy.

— Five Years Old —-

At age 5, so many things changed. I remember all the big events of this year, even if I can’t remember the minute details. I remember you teaching me how to ride a bike while mom looked on—holding the back of my sparkly silver banana seat and running next to me while I tried to remain upright. I remember you letting go and cheering me on, truly excited for my accomplishment, as I veered off straight into the trunk of the big oak tree that grew out from a sidewalk in front of our place. Fortunately, I wasn’t going fast enough to do any damage to the tree, the bike or myself. But I was startled nonetheless, and you came running to my rescue, comforting me and encouraging me to try again (something I would later do with both of my own kids).

Five was a big year. Not only did I learn to ride my bike without the wobbly training wheels, but it also marked many significant life changes for our family. For years I’d been asking for a baby brother or sister, and this was the year you decided to grant this wish and give me one—a little sister. She came into our lives (and into my bedroom), and I got the title I’d been dreaming of: “big sister.”

This was also the year during which we moved into a real house. We left the small apartment for a humble (900-square-foot) house, which to me, and in comparison to our previous apartment, felt enormous. The house was more than an hour from our apartment, so I said my goodbyes to all my friends, not knowing I’d never see any of them again. Life as I knew it, in the tiny apartment with the school next door, was over. I was heartbroken, but you and mom were elated.

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

Our new house in Valencia, a town named for its acres and acres of orange groves, felt monstrous in comparison. Not only did we have a separate area for our table and chairs, but more importantly (to me), I had my very own room once again. You and Mom even had a bathroom connected to your bedroom rather than out in the hallway to be shared. I remember running all over the house and in and out of each of the three bedrooms. You let me pick my room first, since I was the older sister.

It was strange having our own place. We even had our own front and backyard. Although the back remained dirt for some time, the front was vibrantly alive with green grass included with the purchase of the newly built house.

— Pre-Teen —

My pre-teen years are full of memories that might hold little significance to an adult, but back then, they felt paramount in my mind. This was the year of “banana butt” (I’ll explain later), Del Taco, Dolphin shorts, Kmart and the realization that not everyone lives the same exact way.

As a kid, some seemingly insignificant events unfortunately become the most memorable. We lived only a few miles from the nearest Kmart. This was the only store where I remember ever shopping for school clothes—or anything else, for that matter. In fifth grade, it started to become very important to wear the “right” clothing, which typically cost more than the rest. When it was time to shop before the new school year, I remember begging Mom to buy me the same jeans as the other kids wore. I wanted Jordache, Sergio Valente or even Sasson—name brands that had not yet made it into my closet. But we didn’t have the money for these extravagances, so like all previous years, Mom took me to Kmart to stock up on that year’s essentials.

When we got to the jeans section, there were no popular name-brands to be found. So I reluctantly opted for two pairs of jeans—the first with a pair of cherries on the back pockets and the second with bananas. The jeans spent most of the summer in layaway, but when it was time for school to start, we paid the last of what we owed and brought the new purchases home. That year, unlike the girls with the perfect hair and cool jeans who were called by their real names, I became known as “banana butt.”

I spent many a night crying to Mom about this unfortunate situation. And even after she agreed that I would never have to wear those jeans to school again, the name stuck for nearly the entire year.

The next year, when it came time to go shopping again, Mom took me to lunch at a local fast food restaurant (a very special treat). We chatted over our tacos and burritos and, as we were walking back to the car, she took my hand as we veered toward a popular clothing store that stocked all the newest and most hip clothing brands (like Ocean Pacific and Levi’s). I asked Mom what we were doing, as we had never stepped foot in that store before. She said she’d been saving up extra money and wanted to buy me something special. I came out of the store that afternoon with two brightly-colored pairs of Dolphin shorts and my first pair of name-brand jeans. I still remember how great I felt putting on those Jordache jeans, envisioning the memories of “banana butt” slowly fading away.

It wasn’t until many years later, when I was in college having a heart-to-heart with Mom, that I learned just how difficult it had been for her to save up enough money for that very special shopping spree. And I know you had something to do with that, too, Dad. Now, as a parent of a 9-year-old daughter for whom I would also do anything to make life easier, I greatly appreciate what you and Mom did for me. (But to this day, I still wish I had been stronger and simply continued to wear my “banana butt” jeans without caring what others thought.)

As I grew, your business did, too. The financial struggles we once faced seemed to slowly disappear—replaced by family vacations, new cars and updated clothing choices. Yet although we were doing well, I know that no matter how hard you worked or how quickly your success came, you continued to compare yourself to your brother.

I know this is a tough subject to address, but I think it’s worth a little discussion, even if just to tell you that I would always choose you for my dad. Although I loved my uncle and his big house next to Michael Jackson’s—and although a Rolls-Royce parked in a five-car garage, a personal limousine, private chauffer and live-in maid may have been nice—it wouldn’t have meant anything without having you as my dad. I realize the financial differences between you and your only sibling didn’t make you feel good, but I want you to know that never—not when I was young and not now that I’m nearing 50—did I ever wish to be anyone other than YOUR daughter.

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

I acknowledge the struggles and dedication it took for you to give us the wonderful life you did. And I have always felt the immense love you showered upon us, as you also taught us more about strength and perseverance than anyone else ever could. I remember being invited to some of those lavish parties that your brother hosted, later listening to their stories about celebrity appearances and feeling somewhat envious of their trips to Europe. Yet, my fondest memories involve the times when our family—you, Mom, me and Michele—enjoyed backyard BBQs with our neighbors and played at the park pool and later in our own backyard pool, as well as always having you there to tuck me into bed at night. We’re the lucky ones!

— Young Adult —

As I became an adult, I began to realize just how fortunate I was. Because of you, I was the first person in our family to go to college. I know my enrollment must have been a huge financial burden, but I am forever grateful that you found a way to make it happen and insisted it wasn’t a hardship (even though I know it was).

You know I’m a huge believer in education. And although I realize that it may have been possible for me to succeed both personally and financially without a college education, I truly believe those years helped shape my life to make me the successful person I am today. Thank you for your unconditional love and unwavering support.

— Now You’re Dying —

I can’t remember a specific point in time when I realized that your health was deteriorating. The first heart attack came so unexpectedly that we were all caught off guard. The next three, although always terrifying, didn’t seem as surprising. The thought of losing you is not only painful but now also very real. As your health continues to deteriorate, I am trying to face the fact that you, my biggest supporter, may not be with me much longer.

I know you’re dying, Dad, but before you go, I want you to know that you made a difference. I know, with certain clarity, that my success is in large part due to what I learned from you. You taught me about perseverance, forgiveness, leadership, hard work and, most of all, you taught me about putting family first. I learned from you that life is short and having fun should be a priority. I learned to always be myself, always believe in myself and always have faith. And I learned that making people laugh (something I’ll never be able to do as well as you) is as important as anything else.

My life is richer and I am more successful because of the things I learned by watching you.

Thank you for everything!
I love you!

Dawna

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

Site

  • About Dawna
  • Speaking
  • Contact Dawna Stone

Write A Book

  • Blog Posts
  • Books
  • Course

Improve Your Life

  • Blog Post
  • Books

Improve Your Health

  • Blog Posts
  • Recipes
  • Books
  • Course

Get In Touch

Follow me on Social Media
FacebookTwitterPintrestInstagram

DAWNA STONE All Rights Reserved – Copyright © 2021

Copyright © 2021 · Dawna Stone on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in