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By Melissa Ackerman
My business partner, Merrillee, and I visit local beaches and coves near our Maine home to collect the rolled stones we feature in our small business, Dance Stones (Dancestones.org). The beauty of a Dance Stone is its unique design and the fact that no two are alike. Different geographic areas possess their own signature stone and in one of our nearby coves, wish stones flourish (stones with a circle completely around them where two stones have been joined together as one over the centuries). Wish stones, friendship stones, or stones that have been kissed by an angel, whichever term of endearment fits, make the perfect Dance Stone creating a little mystical magic to go along with its symbolic fortitude.
These “business trips” are not only good for the soul but invigorating for the body as well. I happened to notice that whenever we go out on a collecting tour, my partner, Merrillee, will come across a variety of heart shaped stones. It never fails. We often sit for hours touching and carefully choosing stones that are just right to be Dance Stones and invariably those of a heart shape cross her path. Is there more to this than meets the eye? Is someone sending her messages of love? Why don’t I ever find heart stones?
At the Holiday Artisan’s Show in Boothbay, Merrillee and I met a woman whose close friend had recently and unexpectedly lost her husband. The woman we met was a collector of stones but her widowed friend was not a fellow connoisseur and, in fact, showed no interest in stones what so ever. Immediately following her husband’s passing, however, she said her friend began daily finding heart shaped stones right outside her door, just walking on the sidewalk or even in parking lots. She was convinced her friend was receiving loving messages from her deceased husband. It is ironic that someone who never before noticed these little gems from the earth at her feet, should suddenly became acutely aware at what lay there now. Perhaps in her sadness she began to bow her head, looking down instead of up at the beautiful day ahead discovering her personal treasures of hope.
On our last collecting expedition, I talked to God; I like to do that outside in the beauty of Maine’s rugged terrain, and asked if I was doing the right thing by starting this new business, Dance Stones? I’m not a religious fanatic but my faith is strong and speaking to God in such overpowering beauty just seemed natural. We collected for an hour that felt like five minutes and, of course, Merrillee added three more heart shaped stones to her collection. And, finally, so did I! A heart shaped stone, well sort of, popped up in my searches. And then another and another. Although they weren’t as clearly heart shaped as Merrillee’s, they possessed all the necessary elements to classify them as “hearts.” At least I could say I found some heart shaped stones even if they were shape challenged and, well, looked broken. Why were my heart stones broken?
Then it occurred to me, Merrillee had a secure and well defined mindset of love and giving. Her personality is vivacious and her wealth of energy contagious. She knew her heart well. I, on the other hand, was just beginning to discover my own heart’s identity aside from other’s expectations and desires. My mindset was still being developed, my passion just beginning to be realized. My heart stones weren’t broken, they were merely incomplete. I needed to send them back for a few more tumbles (dances) in the waves! As we headed back to the car with our treasures, I looked up and before me was a large wish stone, far too big to put in a pocket but just right as a hearth stone with a very distinct cross emblazoned across the whole stone. It leaned to the side and visions of a large cross set down by the road on Palm Sunday came to mind.
I had forgotten about my silent prayer at the beginning of our day. The stone, found because my head was down and I was looking at what lay at my feet, gave me the needed inspiration to continue striving for my dream and living my passion. Even if all these “signs” are just fun in the sun and are merely thought of as someone’s lovely earthbound riches, the stones in their direct simplicity offer hope and happiness if only for that moment that they slip into a pocket. Think of the joyful instant when that same person reaches into his or her pocket in the months to come and discovers that forgotten stone reminiscent of the day’s events.
I’m learning more each day about perseverance, diligence, and strength of soul, not to mention a little about new business success and marketing techniques. Soon, perhaps, my complete heart will be discovered.
Melissa is the mother of a six year old little girl, Madeline, and the wife of a former ship captain. She and her family just moved to Maine a year ago from Monterey, CA to experience a change in lifestyle and become middle aged entrepreneurs. After 22 years of teaching, Mel (Melissa) needed more time with her family and so she and a friend started Dancestones.org; the business of giving comfort through Maine’s rolled stones. Reading and Writing are her deepest passions- when she’s not collecting stones in remote areas of Maine!
By Christian Piatt, AKA Big Daddy
I was sitting in the car with my son in the grocery store parking lot the other day while my wife, Amy, picked up a few things. He was as short on sleep as I was on patience, and though I love him, I had visions of hooking him to the bumper and making him walk home.
It was just one of those days. We’ve all had them.
Then, from out of the store comes my wife with a single red rose in her hand. She gives it to me when she gets in the car, kisses me on the cheek and tells me how much she appreciates my support of her career and help with our son.
Who says guys don’t dig getting flowers? I had a smile on my face the rest of the day, and I made sure to return the favor later on; I’ll leave the rest to your imaginations.
It only cost a couple bucks, and I know she picked it up on impulse on her way out of the store, but the very idea that she went out of her way for me was enough to make my day. Guys are usually pretty easy to please that way. It doesn’t take much, and even if we don’t say so, we thrive on a little bit of special attention now and then.
Here are a few simple ideas for this Valentine’s Day season to keep things fresh in your relationship.
In addition to flowers or little gifts now and then, an impromptu shoulder rub on the couch or in the kitchen while I’m working on dinner is the best. A lot of times, I carry around so much tension throughout the day that I don’t even realize it until someone reminds me to relax. Also, that little bit of physical contact makes a guy feel more grounded, connected with you and more at home, having had little to no physical contact the rest of the day.
It’s no secret that guys are visual creatures, so try spicing up your outfit with a stealthy application of lingerie under that business attire. A little peek at what lies beneath the corporate exterior is a major turn-on. It’s a small investment of effort that can pay serious dividends when the lights go down later on.
Frustrated that you haven’t been out on a date in a while? Make plans for a babysitter as a surprise to your partner. Coming home to a quiet kids-free house is as much of a green light as most men need. Better yet, have a friend or relative come by the house, and meet us at work to take us out on the town.
Finally, little notes on our bathroom mirror, on the pillow or in the dresser drawer are great little touches to keep us thinking about you all day long. Again, it’s the idea that you’re going even a little bit out of your way to make us feel special that we appreciate. And if you’re hoping your husband will pick up on the not-so-subtle hints you’ve been dropping about doing the same kind of things for you, remember that most guys come from the “show-don’t-tell” school of life. If you want us to do something for you, try it out first on us. Odds are we’ll pick up on the hint.
Got a question for big daddy? Email me, at: BigDaddy@mommyscompany.com
Christian Piatt is an author, columnist, and owner of http://www.mywordtree.com/ , a professional writing, editing and marketing service company. Their flagship service, Branching Out, is a custom weekly drip campaign service for only $129 a year. He is the father of four-year-old Mattias, and husband of Rev. Amy Piatt, pastor of a new church in Pueblo, Colorado, where he leads music. For more information about Christian’s books, and to read his personal blogs, please visit http://www.christianpiatt.com/
By Erin Nowak
With that Valentine’s Day kiss coming up this month, I figured this was the perfect time to talk about lips. Lips also dry out quickly at this time of year so giving them some TLC during the winter season is important.The first step to beautiful lips is to make sure they’re healthy. Chapped lips require extra treatment. Don’t lick them (a difficult habit to break for some people, but well worth it) and increase your water intake to avoid dehydration. Most importantly, if your lips are irritated give them a chance to heal. Don’t pick at your lips or chew on them (we’ll discuss preventing flaky lips later).
Protect lips with a lip balm containing an SPF of 15, and generously reapply throughout the day. Give yourself another quick swipe with some balm before bed to moisturize lips overnight. As lips recover avoid traditional lipsticks that may include drying ingredients or pigments that might irritate cracked or sore lips. I’ve notice many “long-wearing” brands aggravate chapped lips the most.Once you’d got the soft, healthy lips of your dreams, it’s time to focus on upkeep. Continue drinking water and tending to lips with moisturizing balms. For healthy lips that still tend to flake a bit, give them a gentle brush with your toothbrush before brushing teeth. I’ve also found a few helpful products that slough off dead skin cells and leave lips feeling smooth and conditioned. Body Shop Lip Scuff, which retails at around $10 and looks similar to a lipstick, exfoliates lips using natural ingredients. It was my nighttime staple for many years, as it also moisturizes and gives lips that perfectly polished feeling in the morning.
Another product I’ve had the pleasure to try is Mary Kay’s Satin Lips® Lip Mask. Part of Mary Kay’s Satin Lips® set which also includes a balm, this mask buffs away dry skin in a flash! No need to use these products daily, 1-3 times a week should do the trick.For the perfect everyday pout, I’m a fan of CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Tints. I love the glossy shine and the sheer color. The bonus—peppermint oil used in the formula actually freshens your breath and imparts a pleasant cooling sensation. Lip balm never looked (or smelled) so good! For a look with a bit more staying power, line lips and fill in with a lip pencil that coordinates with your tint color. Layer the lip shine over it and you’re good to go.
I also change up my look by layering different tints over a wide variety of lip colors. The combinations are endless.Strangely enough, I was turned on to one of my favorite lip care products at my children’s pediatrician’s office. Aquaphor® Healing Ointment, the same remedy I use for my daughters’ dry and very sensitive skin, is a life-saver for lips! Besides healing just about every skin ailment under the sun, this fragrance- and preservative-free formula is a wonder salve for lips. It also works as a great gloss over your favorite lipstick. The best part is the small little sample tubes given out at the pediatrician. They’re the perfect beauty stow-away for your purse, briefcase, or diaper bag.The variety of lip care products and cosmetics out there can overwhelm the average woman (including myself!). From primers—a base usually designed to smooth creases and help lip color stay put, to plumpers—products that give lips a boost making them look full and extra-lucious, there’s something out there for everyone. I’ve found trial and error to be the best method when it comes to choosing the right products for me.
Luckily, some of my favorite products are on the less-expensive end of the pricing scale (Bonne Bell Lip Smackers you will always have a place in my heart!), and there are a few tips and tricks I use to keep some extra dollars in my wallet and my bathroom counter clutter-free. Instead of using a primer, I moisturize lips with a regular lip balm (ladies that use a liquid foundation can also use a light coating of that to prime lips) and then set it with a dusting of translucent powder. Rather than buying tons of lip liners I stick with one or two neutral shades, similar to the natural color of my lips, that I can use with almost any lip color I choose.
Since they’re used for communication, eating, and that all important job of kissing,, lips are one part of our body that are sure to get noticed. So whether you use gloss or balm, lipstick or lacquer, give your pout a present this Valentine’s Day…some tender, loving care!
About the Author: Erin McKenna Nowak, is an entrepreneur, wife and the mother of two stylish little girls. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and printmaking, she worked in New York City, Chicago and Providence, RI. Having been everything from a children’s book designer to the art director of several magazines, in 2004 Erin struck out on her own and started Bride Design. Bride Design features Erin’s fashion-forward, custom wedding and event stationery and accessories. Each of her one-of-a-kind creations reflect her clients’ personal style and highlights the unique details of their event. Erin is also the pen and paper portion of Invitastions™—edible cookie invitations—the tastiest trend in event stationery! An author and illustrator, Erin loves just about everything pop culture has to offer. When she’s not busy designing or chasing after her kids, she can be found chasing after the latest styles in beauty, fashion, home interiors, music and more!
http://www.bridedesign.com
http://www.invitastions.com
Amy Lang, MA
It’s a sunny, Saturday morning in
According to Justin Richardson and Mark Schuster, authors of Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They’d Ask), children need to hear about sex, love and relationships from both parents. This teaches girls to see their fathers as a resource for questions about sex and sexuality from an early age. Who better to ask about the validity of any number of reasons teenage boys “need” to have sex than trusty old dad? By talking to girls about sex, love and relationships regularly, fathers teach their daughters that men are safe to talk to when it comes to this subject. It is vitally important to both partners’ sexual health that conversations about sexual history, STD’s and testing are normal, expected and easy. If a girl can talk to her father about these things, it stands to reason that she will be more willing to talk to a new partner and have the self-confidence to protect herself each and every time she has sex.
Starting conversations about sex, love and relationships early, by age five, helps conversations in the teen years become much easier because your teen will know they can check in with you about this subject. Both parents need to be available to children and willing to engage in conversation, even if they are uncomfortable. This is a family conversation and kids that have both parents involved; the more likely they are to get the message that sex is not a taboo topic in their family.
The easiest way to start the conversation is to purchase a book and then read it to your kids. The pressure is off of you in terms of being an “expert” and you can then focus on managing your anxiety about talking about this oftentimes difficult topic. Hopefully, the rapport has been started and the conversations will become a normal (maybe not comfortable!) part of family life. If all goes according to plan, your children will learn your values around sex, love and relationships, have explored their own, and be fully prepared when they decide to become sexually active.
About the Author: Through her business, Birds + Bees + Kids, Amy Lang teaches parents how to talk to their children of any age about sex, love and relationships. She has a 16-year history as a Sexual Health Educator, a Masters in Applied Behavioral Science and loves to help people learn about this vital part of parenting.
Enjoy Great Food Without Breaking the Bank
Roses are cliché. Heart-shaped boxes of candy are so predictable. Dinner out? Sure that’s easy, but why fight the crowds and shout to be heard? This Valentine’s Day show your special someone how much you care by cooking up a romantic home-made meal and evening at home. It can be a great surprise, or better yet, cook it together and enjoy the heating things up in the kitchen a little.
“If you think you can’t even boil water - don’t worry”, says Stacey Hawkins, President and Founder of Time Savor Gourmet and host of the Cable TV show Real Meals. “With a few simple tips, you’ll be surprised at how easy it can be to make a delicious meal at home that both of you can delight in, from first course right through to dessert.”
First, find recipes that work for you. It’s okay to keep it simple -you’ll be surprised at how good simple can taste. “There are a lot of great online recipe resources,” says Hawkins. Try http://www.foodnetwork.com/ or http://www.timesavorgourmet.com/ for recipes like spinach salad with mandarin oranges and balsamic drizzle, garlic-grilled steaks with citrus parmesan pasta and chocolate lava cake. The Time Savor Gourmet website is full of easy-to-prepare recipes, perfect for cooks of all experience levels. “Valentine’s Day is not the time to experiment with a new technique or a complicated recipe,” Hawkins cautions. “You want to spend the time enjoying each other, not all day in the kitchen.”
Second, plan ahead. Before you start, make sure you have the ingredients you need on hand. Running to the grocery store in the middle of your meal preparation will really dampen the mood. Also, know that it’s okay to use some short cuts. Prepared salad greens in a bag are a great way to pull together a delicious salad fast. Make sure you’re prepared ahead of time and have the right tools for the job. If you’re planning on grilling- make sure there’s gas in the grill.
“Finally, set the mood”, says Hawkins. “Whether you’re cooking alone to surprise your loved one or cooking together - make your kitchen a space you’ll enjoy spending time. Light a candle, turn on the music, put out some flowers. Maybe even pour yourself a glass of wine.”
When setting the mood, don’t stop with the kitchen. If you have a dining room - use it — this is a special occasion. Pull out those other special occasion items too - the good china, crystal, silver, linens, Grandma’s silver water pitcher, and lots of candles throughout the house. If you want to splurge on flowers for the table, go for it. But if you’re watching your budget, you can obtain an equally romantic effect using a single rose. Gently pluck the petals and scatter them over the table. And, don’t forget the music- set the mood you want by choosing appropriately.
Before serving dinner, consider taking some time to change your clothes and freshen up. Then, take the phone off the hook, turn off the TV, and focus on each other and the fabulous meal you’re enjoying together. Leave the dishes ‘til morning - its okay.
Something to consider when you’re planning ahead - if you’ve got kids, see if they can spend the night at Grandma’s house!
For more helpful tips and great-tasting Valentine’s Day menu ideas, visit Time Savor Gourmet online at http://www.timesavorgourmet.com/ and check out their Sizzling with Your Sweetheart meal preparation gift pack.
| Announcing the newest event to hit Cleveland and Washington DC, Rock-n-Tot is an “out on the town” experience for kids (through age 12) and their parents (or anyone who has a part in their lives).Rock-n-Tot was co-created by two moms living in Ohio and Maryland, in an effort to provide a wholesome event for the whole family, adults and kids alike.Liz Weirshousky and Naomi Hattaway have 4 children between them and have great support for this new venture from their husbands and children both. The simple premise of this event is to encourage families to spend quality time together, create new relationships and educate themselves with new products (most parent-created!). These events are held in an environment that provides a fantastic atmosphere for everyone in attendance to be treated as a VIP!
Held two Saturdays a month in premiere downtown nightclubs, these fantastic venues will be transformed into kid-friendly zones. The dj plays great music (clean lyrics!) and you’ll find bubbles, egg shakers and scarves are a-plenty.Rock-n-Tot provides face painting, airbrush tattoo artists, complimentary massages and other services for the adults, not to mention free juiceboxes and kid-appropriate snacks! The founders of Rock-n-Tot have thought of everything - giveaways that appeal to everyone, nursing zones, changing stations, a special area for the ‘rockstars’ (those kids ages 8-12), even an area to just get away from it all and rejuvenate with toys, books, puzzles and more. Did we mention there are fantastic goody bags and giveaways? Rock-n-Tot starts off in Cleveland and Washington DC with plans already in the works for expansion! Look for a Rock-n-Tot event near you soon! $12 per person, non-walkers are free. For more info: http://www.rock-n-tot.com/ |
Happy New Year, MC Family! A New Year, a New you?
For me, reinventing myself, is reinventing the way my family eats. That being said, I received Jessica Seinfeld’s, Deceptively Delicious Cookbook for Christmas, and it’s changed my outlook for family battles with vegetable consumption in our home.
Jessica has provided my family with a new way of cooking. Deceptively Delicious has healthy, easy-to-make, delicious recipes. Mom’s are always concerned with adding more
vegetables, and Deceptively Delicious includes 11 simple, whole vegetable purees. She also includes fruit purees; however, my kiddos don’t have a problem with eating fruits. They give me a flat, “no,” when presented with anything green, unless it’s hidden in their favorite foods, like meatloaf, nachos, or turkey burgers.
For our family, Deceptively Delicious fits right in with my children’s refusal for healthy veggies.So far, my kids love the Mac and Cheese 1, with butternut squash puree. The cauliflower puree’s smell was too potent, and they would not touch it. I would love our Spencer and Cooper to learn to eat vegetables without deception, but this book is still a helpful vehicle. The Brownies with carrot and spinach purees, are a big hit too.
I use a steamer, a Magic Bullet and a small food processor, and it takes about an hour a day to make the purees for my weekly menu. It’s worth the effort, because it forces me to look at the entire week, and provide a healthy balance for the entire family. My husband seems to enjoy the meals too. His favorite are the quesidillas with butternut squash puree. Yum; these are tasty.
The retro-inspired cookbook, is full of healthy, kiddo-friendly recipe ideas. I tell Spencer and
Cooper, I’ve cooked with veggies, and they seem to be ok with the knowledge. They have looked through the colorful pages, pointing out other recipes for me to make.
If your kids are at a picky stage with fruits or vegetables; and you feel you need to intervene by hiding the goods, then Deceptively Delicious is worth a try. You can get your copy at any bookstore, Target, or on our Read tab, via amazon.com.
Happy Cooking!
By Helen Graves, Business Coach Mama
Sad to say, but a significant majority of solo entrepreneurs are laboring under the delusion that once they get their website up, clients will flock to them in droves. (Hey, I used to be one of them.)
Unfortunately, my friend, that is quite simply a load of. . .well, let’s just call it hooey.
Don’t get me wrong. I write web copy for a living, so I certainly believe in the importance of an online marketing presence for the 21st century small business owner.
You need to understand, though, that a website in and of itself is rarely going to turn a chance visitor into a money-on-the-table client. That’s a lot of pressure for 3 or 4 pages of cyberspace, no matter how well written.
NOTE: Before you inundate me with “But it happened to me!” emails, let me hasten to say that it CAN happen. If the exact right prospect finds your site at the exact right time in their buying cycle and your message strikes the exact right chord with them – yes, they will call you up and hire you on the spot.
But (pause for dramatic effect), that is generally the exception, rather than the rule. (Sorry to burst a few bubbles here.)
Back to my point: Your website is an extremely important –nay, critical- part of your overall marketing strategy. Don’t leave home without one.
But rather than pinning all your hopes on that bit of virtual real estate having the charm and determination to single-handedly fill your client list, why not aim for a less risky outcome.
A more likely path for your potential client is a progression that looks like this:
- From Stage 1 - Just Looking
- to Stage 2 - Hmm, Sounds Interesting
- to Stage 3 - Tell Me More
- to Stage 4 - Sign Me Up.
So what you need on your site – and what an estimated 87% of service-based entrepreneurs (from life coaches to professional organizers to marketing consultants) don’t have on their websites – is a way for visitors to let you know they’ve moved from Just Looking to Hmm, Sounds Interesting.
The simplest way to do that is with what I call an Attractively Compelling Temptation (or ACT). Otherwise known as your free giveaway.
Simply put, this is a piece of valuable information in the form of an article, e-book or audio that will help your potential client with a burning challenge they’re experiencing. It also serves as a demonstration of your talent and expertise. And in exchange all you’re asking for is their name and email address.
Any ACT is better than none, but I’ve got 5 highly effective tips for squeezing the most juice out of your Temptation.
1) Don’t lead with your newsletter. Most of us have such full In Boxes these days that the idea of signing up for a newsletter (even one that has great info) just doesn’t have the appeal it used to. Instead, lead with your Top 10 list, special report or audio course -and give your newsletter subscription as a “Thank You” gift.
2) Set the offer off visually so it catches the eye. You know those guys who stand on the street corner holding a Quizno’s or Subway sign, dancing around and bouncing the sign up and down? They do that to catch your attention. Translate that idea into the graphic elements of your ACT opt in form.
3) Take the time to craft a gotta-read-THAT title. You don’t have much room for text in that little opt in form. Your title has to do a bang-up job of letting visitors know what earth-shaking result they’re going to get in exchange for their name and email. Otherwise, no sale.
4) Use a snappy word or phrase for the button. You want to create connection and move them into action. The word “submit” in a gray box (the apparent standard) is incredibly dull and impersonal. Spice that link button up so it fairly screams, “Click Me!”
5) Last but certainly not least, the opt in form for your ACT must be placed “above the fold.” More than 50% of web visitors don’t scroll anywhere. So if you’re relying on them reading down the page before they get an eyeful of your wonderful free offer – you’re out of luck, Jack.
You can see some examples of simple, effective ACT offers here:
www.crackerjackwebsites.com (I practice what I preach)
www.livingthewellorderedlife.com
To get the most out of your website you need to use it as a powerful tool rather than the be all and end all of your marketing strategy. It’s a way to say “howdy, here I am” and with your Attractively Compelling Temptation in place, your visitors can say “howdy” right back.
Then let the relationship-building begin.
© 2008
Helen Graves, Grand Poohbah of Crackerjack Marketing, helps lighten the marketing load for solo entrepreneurs. Get her free audio seminar, “7 Quick & Simple Ways to Get Your Website Working Hard–So You Don’t Have To” at www.crackerjackwebsites.com
By:
This time of year, everyone seems to be talking playoffs and Super Bowl or starting to think about the upcoming baseball season. I personally don’t follow professional sports all that much. I do enjoy them from time to time, but my sport of choice is always the sport that any one of my kids is participating in. It doesn’t matter what the actual sport is. To me, there is nothing better than watching my kids participate in a sport. I LOVE it!
The next step in getting involved in your kids’ lives and activities is getting to know the other kids on the team and their parents. Get to know the kids your kids are spending time with. Things happen in and out of the pool and it is much easier to help your child disseminate the information or incident when you know the other kids involved. And the best part is that we have all met some wonderful parents and kids. Now we all look forward to practices and meets. It helps make for a positive experience for both you and your child!
You may publish any of the articles for your magazine, trade journal, newspapers, business journals, website and/or Ezine provided you keep them in their original form and include the resource box at the end.