Moving-When Is It Really Over?

My family & I finalized our move, just before the holidays, but, we are still not finished. When you decide to move, there's a lot to consider. There's the before, during & the after.

The preparation phase stirs up all kinds of feelings; excitement, nervousness, anxiousness, tired and weariness, hurriedness, etc. And, it seems that these feelings kick into overdrive, during the move.

So, what happens after the move? Well, perhaps, there's a sense of relief, more excitement and then, more hurriedness. Now, you are in a new place, but there's the unpacking to do, the cable & phone hookup, which takes up most of your day, by the way. Then there's the need to change addresses for all the magazine or catalog subscriptions you still want. (These don't get forwarded automatically).

I'm sure there are more things-to-do, on the list, so the point being; moving is a long process; which brings enough of it's share of stresses to the table. We are still "moving".

Be prepared for the before, during and after. It will finally come to an end.

We love our new home, but, we have to learn new places & meet new people, & still scramble through a long list of things-to-do. We also have to learn the rules of the community, & how the mail runs.
But it will come to an end.

October Breast Cancer Awareness: Article-Symptoms of Breast Cancer

All month, I see people "going pink" & showing their support in the fight against breast cancer; from the NFL to our local gocer. That is very noble, and highly to be respected.
We also need to become involved in educating ourselves, and others. I wanted to share this news article on "Symptoms of Breast Cancer", via East Brunswick News.
It's important to know the symptoms of breast cancer. If you suspect, in the slightest thought, that you have one or more of these symptoms, it is also important to consult your physician. He or she can help you with your concerns.
The article below is just a starting point.

Symptoms of breast cancer | eb.gmnews.com | East Brunswick Sentinel | eb.gmnews.com | East Brunswick Sentinel

Wishes of blessings of health & prosperity to each & every one. Please feel free to share your comments, discussions, tips, etc below. Let's all get involved in this fight. Together, we can make a difference.

Pushy Salespeople!

As an entreprenuer, I know all too well how important it is to make a sale. My businesses are in retail, and in direct selling; so I really understand. But, what I have found over time, and throughout life, is, people are more open to a salesperson when they have the following qualities:

1. Sincerity- When a salesperson is upfront with a potential customer or client, and is sincerely concerned about their well-being, versus making a dollar, customers/clients are open to buying from this type of person
2. A Good Listener- When a potential customer sees that you are a good listener, he or she will be more prone to open up about their needs, and will want to share them with you. This opens up a whole new window of opportunity, for both the salesperson and the customer.
3. Helpfulness: Helping is not the same as directing or commanding. A salesperson who is suggesting every product in the store to you, only has one thing on his mind: more commission in his pocket. Again, the importance of sincerity and listening to your customers/clients, goes hand-in-hand here. No one likes to be bombarded with a lot of sales and gimmicks. It's a major turn-off. By listening to what your potential clients want or need, you will make entirely more sales than you would, by pushing products on them, just for a commission.

These 3 simple steps can make a world of a difference in your business. The greatest reward is the satisfaction you receive in helping others receive what they want and need. The sales and monetary rewards are secondary.

Yes, we all have to make a living, but how about making it more than that! Try it for yourself. The next time you feel pressured to just "make a sale", try these 3 steps. You just might gain a few loyal customers. And they just might tell their friends.

Working Online a Gold Rush? Los Angeles Tribune Scam Alert!

A couple of days ago, I received a link in my Facebook inbox from someone claiming to have a perfect opportunity.  Take a look:

This post is claiming that you can make a whopping $5,000  a month, just by signing up for their "free" program. The thing they are not telling you is that it is not so free. They state you have to pay $1.97 for shipping and handling, eventhough this is done all online. * Scam tactic. They are grasping your credit card info. Why? See the Terms and Conditions below.


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EASY GOOGLE PROFIT (securecartcenter.com) – Terms and Conditions






You have also subscribed to a fifteen-day trial to Grant Spring for just $24.87 a month and every month thereafter should you chose not to cancel. Prior charges for all programs are non-refundable but bonus subscriptions can be cancelled and future charges stopped at any time by calling toll free 888-247-2155.



If you choose to sign up for this product and pay the recurring monthly charges using a debit card you hereby provide pre-authorization and consent that blazingkeywords.com may charge $77.82 on a monthly basis. You may stop payment on any pre-authorized charge by notifying blazingkeywords.com at least three business days prior to the scheduled charge date. You agree your pre-authorization and written consent to charge your debit card is given in electronic form by submitting the request for the membership, and that an electronic signature is sufficient to authenticate your authorization to charge the debit card. You further agree that these terms and conditions shall be your copy of your pre-authorization for the debit card.

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This is absolutely absurd. You are told you will only have to pay $1, but end up paying over $100 initially and then be billed every month. They tempt people who want to make a quick dollar.

I run my own businesses and running them does require risks, but my advice to anyone who is looking to make a quick dollar, don't start a business; home or traditional. Running a business requires patience, dedication, and hard-work. You can't even win the lottery overnight. Statistics show that a lottery winner has played the lottery more than 25 times before actually winning; could be much more. Fast quick easy money is just a delusion. Check your priorities. Don't be fooled into believing that running a business will bring you overnight riches. It is just the opposite. Most businesses take a loss before they make a gain. And some just never make a profit, and end up closing.

You have to not only be business smart these days, but you have to be street smart. All that education we learn in business school is good to a certain extent, but when you are out here in the real world, the experience you have gained throughout the years, sure comes in handy. I know right upfront what a scam looks and feels like.


I evaluated this offer and what alerted me was why would a legitimate News site promote such propaganda? Next, there were too many people claiming that they made a vast amount of money so quickly. If it were that easy, then why wouldn't everyone just quit their jobs and work from home? Also, when you click on the link to sign up, there is no concrete information about the program. There's just a form for you to complete, and to enter your credit card information. There really is not much information about what you will be doing or anything.


I found this website that tells more about this scam:Working Online a Gold Rush? Los Angeles Tribune Scam Alert!


Be alert. There are many people out there who want to make their money by scamming others. They find it easy to do. Let's make it hard for them, by being sober and vigilant. Spread the word like a wildfire.
 
Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

Running a Value-Driven Business

Running a value- driven business means understanding the five dimensions of a company. It's become popular throughout the 20th century to believe that the most important factor of running a business is to make money. This is not true. It is true that a business needs to generate income, but without the development of the 5 dimensions of a company, you can almost guarantee that you will either make a lot of money and lose it, or you will not make any at all.

The five dimensions of any company, no matter how great or small, in order, are: employees, suppliers, customers, community and environment.

1. Employees are first on the totem pole. They are the back bone of the company. They bring the company to light and life with their gifts, talents, ideas and dedication. They are what makes your company run and what helps it grow. They should be rewarded for being a part of your company, and made to feel part of the company; not to feel like the "hired help".
2. Suppliers come next. Without any supplies and products, what would you provide to your customers and clients? Treating your suppliers with respect and creating a good relationship with them will not only show character, but will bring you benefits. Your suppliers will be more willing to help you with ideas, and more prompt to negotiate deals and savings with you. This will generate repeat business for them, and you both will come out winners.
3. Customers are next on the list. Without the customers, you would have great employees, great products, but no sales. Without sales, you will not be able to generate income. What's more important about customers, is not sales. Building relationships and helping people solve problems is.Customers need to be treated like people who need our assistance. They need to feel they can come to us when they want and need to solve a problem. That's what businesses provide customers: solutions. If you are money-oriented, then you will not be interested in helping others solve their problems. This is where value must kick in. Once you do this, then your sales will increase, and so will your income.
4. Community-The area in which live, and even beyond, makes up our community. We are all a group of people who depend on one another. Your company is a part of a bigger picture. Value-driven businesses give back to the community, through time, resources and service.
5. Environment-Businesses need to use the environment each day. Did you use water to make your morning coffee? Do you use fuel in your vehicle to drive to the office? Do you need air to breathe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are using the environment. A value-driven business preserves natural resources and shares in the responsibility in caring for the environment.

Well, there you have it. Business should not be about "being busy making money". It should be about adding value: value to everyone who is involved in your company: employees, suppliers, customers, the community and the environment.

Thank you for reading this article. I really hope I was able to help you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add them below.

Sarah Kim,

Days in the Life of  A Mompreneur Blog Manager

Resources: Values-Driven Business: How to Change the World, Make Money, and Have Fun (Social Venture Network)

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Mixing business with pleasure seems to be something we are advised not to do. But how can you really take pleasure out of business, and be successful? If you do not enjoy what you do, then how can your business yield productivity? How can you benefit others?

I say yes to mixing business with pleasure. You should always be professional. This means being organized and know your stuff. But being a prune should never be included in the equation. You need to be yourself. You need to let your personality shine through in whatever it is you do. People are attracted to reality. Just look at the reality shows' success rate these days. How about the Lifetime Movie Network? The majority of its shows are based on true stories. And, of course, there's the traditional news channels. These shows get super high ratings.

Yeah, we enjoy a little fantasy and fiction every now and then, but fiction has its place. In the real world; in the business world, people want to see the real deal; the real you. After all, you are going to be servicing them and they are going to be spending their hard-earned money with you for your time. So, start out with doing something you enjoy, so that you can better service your customers and clients. They will love it and your business will too.

Thanks for blogging with me. Continued success to you. Your questions and comments are welcome. Just post below. Until next time, take care of yourself, and yourself will take care of you.

Slash Your Grocery Bill with America's Cheapest Family

I was browsing the Internet and came across this interesting video. Featured on the Today Show, this family is called "America's Cheapest Family". See this video and learn more about how this family of five has managed to spend just $350 a month on groceries;including their toiletries, personal hygiene and paper products.

The Smart and Effective Way to Connect with your Kids Today

Children don't come with instructions when they are born. They are unique, little people who seem to depend on you for everything. And boy do they. From birth to 18 months, parents seem to have the hardest time. It's the time when we are walking on egg shells, trying to figure our little ones out. They look at us, but can't say a word. But I know what they may be thinking. "OK, parents, maybe I can't talk, but I still can communicate. Can't you read the signs? Read between the lines?"

All the while, we are thinking, "Hey little one, you've got to say something soon. I can't take much more of this game of charades". My children are teens and I still feel this way sometimes. They are so independent and want to grow up so quickly. With that independence comes sign language, foreign language and grey hairs. (Yes, I have a few)

So, what is the smart and effective way to connect with your kids today?

• Listen to them. That's right! Stop, look and listen to them.
• Show them that you are human. You're not supermom/dad. You're human and you make mistakes. Just quickly correct them, to be their example or they will surely call you on it. Don't give them that, "do what I say, not what I do", line.
• Stay in their lives, but not on top of them. Don't smother them by being overly protective. Be protective, but don't overkill. This could actually backfire.
• Prepare them for their future. That should be one of the top goals a parent has. You have a little person in your life for whom you are responsible. Teach them that life is about living and learning; then show them how to do it.

I had to learn some hard lessons in child rearing. I am still learning, but so are they. If you learned something from your parents that was inaccurate, then don't blame them, just change it. Your children are in a whole new day and time,where things change. But good morals and strong family values should not.

Well, I'm signing off. But before I go, I want you to remember these words. "Kids are people, too". Until next time, take care of yourself, and yourself will take care of you.

Buyer Beware

Stop, before you make that next purchase

I'm a retailer, but I am also a consumer. I love a bargain just like the next person. Shopping for bargains is fun and also relieving, to know that you are are smart-shopping. But what happens when you shop for a bargain that is nothing but a scam? It doesn't feel so relieving. Instead, it feels as if you have stepped into a nightmare.

How can you avoid being scammed? I have to tell you that I can't promise you that you never will be in your lifetime, but there are some things you can do.

• Ask questions. Don't be timid in this area. Reputable companies must be registered in their cities/states. All companies must hold a license that allows them to operate in their prospective states. Contact your local business regulator to check the legal status of a business you are interested in.
• Search your Better Business Bureau database for more information on the business. Not all businesses will be registered with BBB, so don't let this deter you. You can use other measures to find out the information you need about business besides using BBB. Business Owners: You can become a BBB member, but please know there is a registration fee.
• Search RipOffReport.com's Database. This is an open forum that people go to in order to share their experiences with not so reputable companies, or companies they feel deal in unfair practices.

If all checks out, still use precaution. The business may be reputable, but every business has employees, even if it is a sole proprietorship. You will be dealing with real people. There should be a mutual relationship between buyer and seller, business and consumer. But it doesn't always work quite that way. Some people are just really out to make a buck. They have no realization that people are the reason they are making their money in the first place. If they mistreat their customers, the customer has the freedom and every right to go elsewhere. Businesses who put customer service last on their list, should really rethink this method. Without the customer, you have no business. Treat them right, and they will come back. Mistreat them and lose business and loyalty. Plus they may just tell everybody to steer clear of you.
This should be a no-brainer for business owners, but apparently this is not taught in most business schools. You have to learn that morals are a part of character. It would be such a shame to work so hard to market a business to only find that your customers are running away because of your immoral business practices. Take that into consideration. If your business school doesn't teach morals and ethics, then you better go elsewhere to learn them quickly. Quite frankly, you are wasting your money going to a school, who does not teach you these things. If you really think knowledge and money is what it takes to run a business, you will find that your business will fail quickly. Consumers look far beyond your sales, your store layout, and your smooth talking. They look at how you treat them. Yes, they really do.

In closing, this post was created to help you be aware, not to live in suspicion, and to help my fellow busines owners along the way. Consumers, shop freely, but be informed and vigilant. There are scammers out there who make their living off of other people by deception. They do not have your best interest at heart. So, buyer beware.

Thanks for blogging with me. Feel free to add your comments below. Until later; take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you

Passion or Obsession?

Do you feel driven towards some specific things you do in life? Do you feel like you want to do these things all the time, and that's what keeps you going? If you answered yes to these questions, then now you must ask yourself another highly important question: Is it passion or obsession?

The answer to this question may seem obvious to some, but not so obvious to others. The Webster Dictionary definition for the two words are as follows:

1. passion-strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor. a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything:ex, a passion for music.
2. obsession-the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistentidea, image, desire, etc.; an addiction, a habit of activity; often injurous

You may look at the two definitions and think to yourself, what's the difference? Well, let's go a step further. We looked at the definition. Now, let's look at some synonyms for each word.

1. passion-craving, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, infatuation, obsession, devotion
2. obsession-enthusiasm, delusion, attraction, fixation, complex, compulsion,preoccupation,phobia

While we can notice some similarities, we can also see the difference. Passion and obsession are two words that represent a feeling or movement; both closely relative to the other. The difference is: passion yields productivity where as obsession yields destruction. The dictionary described obsession as something that often causes injury.

When you are passionate about something, you are calm, cool and collected. You are in control of your desires, though they be strong. When you are obsessed with something, that something is in control of you. You are fixated on it and it becomes your life. You don't have control over your thoughts or actions. So your end results and what comes forth is vanity and destruction.

Passion is the depth of life. We all were created with special gifts and talents. To find them is to find your purpose in life. Obsession for over achieving something, whether it be your passion or not, only brings destruction. Today, I urge you to find your passion and take hold of it, but don't become obsessed with it. Passion helps you enjoy life, while obsession makes life seem worthless, apathetic and even unbearable.

Look carefully at this rose. How beautiful are its petals; beautiful and flourishing, such a delight. But just beneath such beauty lies thorns; right where we must hold such a beautiful flower. We could prune the thorns and hold on to the beautiful flower with such pleasure or we could become so obsessed with reaching the petals that we totally ignore the thorns, holding onto them, while painfully climbing toward our goal of reaching those petals. Which would you prefer?

I personally would prefer to prune the thorns, so that I could comfortably hold the stem that leads to my passion: the petals.

Become passionate and start enjoying life today! Thanks always for blogging with me. I welcome your comments and feedback. Until later, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

Love is

Love is_____________ Fill in the blank.

Love is many things to each person. You have to look in side yourself to find out what love is to you. I could tell you over and over what something is, but you have to see it for yourself. I would like to share what the Bible says love is in 1 Corinthians 13.

Listen to this song by the lovely and talented Stacey Oricco



This is the definition of true love; not emotional or fabricated in nature; rather, genuine and agape in all its facets. It is the deep burning desire to give to someone even when they don't give back. It is the passion from the depth of one's soul to give and to forgive. It is the compassion of one's soul that moves them to do for someone who does not even return the favor. True love just is. It does not love because it is loved. It just is.

I hope that your soul finds this type of Love...

Be Still My Soul

Today I was bit restless. I felt like something was missing in my life today. Out of all the blessings I could count, I still felt dissatisfied. I went to see Eclipse with my daughter today, and have to tell you that I am a sucker for romance. I loved the vampire and wolf action, but I must confess, I have to envy Bella. Yes, envy her. She has two guys fighting over her and she has to make a choice. I wish I had one guy who loved and admired me as much as Edward and Jacob do love and admire Bella. Yes, I am married and really try to put an effort into my marriage, as I believe we all should, but please see below.

Agape/Covenant Love: I think that kind of love only exist in G-d and fairy tales. Edward is so kind, gentle, caring and passionate. He has a warm heart, and the sad part about it is, he's not even human. So, my next question is, can humans love unconditionally and totally? Is there a soul mate out there for each of us? Does
G-d create someone special for everyone? Are we mismatched with people whom we have found lustfully attractive, but have no love for? Well, just look at the global divorce rate; every 2 out of 3 marriages end in divorce. Those who stay together, stay for several reasons other than love. And then they have extra-marital affairs, which causes more problems and closure.

Oh, if there were a love like Edward and Bella's on this planet. That would be a sight for sore eyes, because personally my eyes are tired of seeing the same old, same old. My heart is filled with joy when I watch the Twilight Saga. I love to watch Edward and Bella together. I do wish Jacob would just grow up though. Of course, the movie wouldn't get all the high ratings its getting, now would it!

That's just it. It's just a movie. Does love like Edward and Bella's really exist? I have yet to see it; two hearts beating as one, two souls in love with each other and two souls who live for the other; soul mates. That's two words people don't think about today when they get married. That's why there's such unhappiness in marriages. Marriage is a wonderful institution when it is shared by two people who really belong together. Just consider that before you say I do.

I sincerely wish you the best and thank you for blogging with me. Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you ;)