Sonia Harmon

Win Alison Sweeney’s New Book!

May 3, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

Alison Sweeney is one hardworking woman. Not only does she star on Days of Our Lives and host The Biggest Loser, she’s also mom to son Ben, age 8, and daughter Megan, age 4. In our July/August issue she answers your questions about how she lost weight and gained self-esteem, but even with everything else she has going on this busy mom still found the time to fulfill another dream: becoming a novelist. This month she releases her new book, The Star Attraction, which is about a Hollywood publicist who scores a dreamy big-name client, but she lets her love life become intertwined with her work. Sounds juicy, right? We agree—that’s why we’re giving five away copies signed by Alison herself! Just leave a comment on this blog post and you’re automatically entered to win.

Only one entry per person, per email address. Official Rules

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Win A Signed Copy of Lauren Graham’s New Book!

March 29, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

Parenthood star Lauren Graham has come a long way since she began pursuing acting—she once played a dog mascot at the World Cup!—but she never gave up on her dreams. (Read our full interview with her in the May 2013 issue.) In fact, she turned those difficult moments into inspiration for her first novel, Someday, Someday, Maybe, about a struggling young actress in New York City. The book hits shelves on April 30th, but three lucky winners will get a free copy of the book signed by Lauren herself! All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post and you’re entered to win. Good luck!

Only one entry per person, per email address. Official Rules

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Win Joyful Heart’s ‘No More’ Necklace by Me&Ro!

February 1, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay totally inspired us in our March 2013 cover story with her words of wisdom on everything from loving her curves to gaining self-confidence. Another reason she inspires us? In 2004 she started the Joyful Heart Foundation to raise awareness and empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. It’s a cause very close to her heart, and she’s teamed up with jewelry design company Me&Ro to offer this necklace to support Joyful Heart and the “NO MORE” movement to end domestic violence and sexual assault. You can purchase the necklace here, or you can enter to win one of five necklaces we’re giving away by leaving a comment on this blog post! Only one entry per person, per email address.

Official Rules

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Win a Signed Copy of Hoda Kotb’s New Book!

January 15, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

Hoda Kotb is mostly known for her Today show antics with co-host Kathie Lee Gifford (check out their February cover story here!), her award-winning broadcast journalism, and her battle with breast cancer, all of which she wrote about in her memoir Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee. Today she’s releasing her next book, Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives, and this time she gets back to her news journalism roots by telling the amazing and inspiring stories of six others. Interested yet? Because we’re giving away three copies signed by Hoda and all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post to enter. Good luck! Only one entry per person, per email address.

Official Rules

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The Reader Interview: Taylor Swift

November 19, 2012 at 9:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

Every month an LHJ reader will get the chance to interview one of their favorite celebrities. This month, Gigi Kidary of Winter Park, Florida quizzes the singer-songwriter about her new CD, the most influential person in her life, and more.

Why is your new album called Red?
Most of the songs on this album are about fast-paced, out-of-control love. And the title track, “Red” is about a love that’s so intense, you can’t forget it. To me, intense emotion is red. This album documents my experiences with those types of relationships, from beginning to end.

Do you write better songs when you’re happy or sad?
I write songs about both the good and bad parts of love, so it’s hard to say which is the better inspiration. Sometimes sadness can be so overwhelming, it stifles you. I’d much rather be happy, so I choose that as my preferred inspiration.

You’ve collaborated with a lot of great artists. Is there someone you haven’t worked with yet that you would like to?
All of the artists I wanted to work with more than anything are on this album.

How long does it usually take you to write a song?
It varies. I could get a lightning bolt of inspiration and write a song in 20 minutes, or I could labor over one for four months and put it down, then go back to it. That’s what I love about songwriting. You never know how or when it’s going to happen.

When you find time to read, what kind of books do you read?
I love The Hunger Games series and I was so honored to get to write music for the movie. Those books suck you in and keep you engaged like nothing I’ve read before.

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My mom. I’ve never gone a day without talking to her, and she gives me the wisest advice. But most of all, she’s put her kids first since we were born. Growing up, she was always there for me when I needed a friend. That’s why she’s still one of my closest friends now.

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Win Two Free Movie Tickets From Fandango!

November 19, 2012 at 8:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

The holidays are one of the best times to hit the movie theater—doesn’t relaxing at the movies sound perfect after a big family meal? And it’s so much easier to avoid the Friday and Saturday night crowds if you have some time off of work. Luckily, there are some great films coming out this season including Les Miserables, This is 40, and Jessica Biel’s new movie, Playing for Keeps (check out our In My Words Q&A with her in the December 2012/January 2013 issue!).

To help put you in the holiday movie-watching spirit, we’re giving away five sets of two Fandango movie tickets. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog post. Happy holidays! (Only one entry per person and per email address.)

Official Rules

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In My Words: Helen Hunt’s Most Memorable Roles

October 1, 2012 at 9:30 am , by Sonia Harmon

If you enjoyed our In My Words interview with Helen Hunt from the November 2012 issue, you’ll love these soundbites of her talking about some of her most memorable roles. This month she stars in The Sessions, which hits theaters on October 19th. Which of her roles is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

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