Do you have a vacation planned this Memorial Day weekend? If you do, you might be working extra hard around the office to make sure everything is taken care of. Vacations have a wonderful effect on the work day -- they make you work harder and more effectively.  It's surprising Americans typically only are allowed two vacations a year. If time off were more common, employers might find their employees clearing off their desks, ticking off of to-do items, and enjoying everyday tasks with a little more than average enthusiasm. Time off encourages productivity. In that spirit, a little-known "holiday" was created by productivity expert Laura Stack. Wednesday June 2 is National

One of our newly released books, Sierra Bender's Goddess to the Core, got a great review at Healing Lifestyles & Spas. "Bender’s philosophy is inspiring, empowering, and what women and girls truly need in this world where we’re torn in so many directions." "After reading this book, you'll feel inspired to change." "Bender offers an entirely new approach to reconnecting with one’s desires." As an acquisitions editor, it's fulfilling to see the books we publish make a positive impression in the world. And I knew this one would. What is Sierra's philosophy all about? It's about rediscovering your best, ideal self by aligning with your own deep inner wisdom -- not

Spring is coming! The temperature is creeping above 32 degrees and birds are chirping away every morning. It's the perfect time to start making plans for growing, cooking, eating, and healing with all things green and fresh. Publishers Weekly chimed in at just the right time with a pitch-perfect review of one of our newly released books: The Wild & Weedy Apothecary. Described as "well-considered alphabetic valentine to natural healing," author Doreen Shababy proves her graceful and extensive knowledge of herbs. From manicotti to tinctures, from homemade yogurt to healing salve, Shababy gracefully walks us through her lifelong love of spiritual and culinary herbal applications. PW

It's that time of year again -- Girl Scout Cookie season, which has been part of our culture for more than 80 years. With so many nostalgic and nearly-addictive cookies in the line-up, it's hard not to overindulge. It helps that they go oh-so-well with a cup of coffee or tea and support a great cause. If ever there was a good reason to eat a cookie, I'd say this is it. While they taste so good, these kinds of indulgences can also jeopardize our best-laid healthy eating plans. A dietian at WebMD offers her perspective on Surviving Girl Scout Cookie Season, which includes a nutritional analysis of each cookie and a few tips for conscientious ways to eat them. "Believe it or not," she