Toxics at Home

Congratulations Melaleuca Athlete Shalane Flanagan

Take a minute and go to this link:
http://www.melaleuca.com/ProductStore/Content.aspx?Page=Melaleuca_Athlete_Shalane_Flanagan

Watch Shalane's race - her first Marathon and she came in 2nd. WOW. Take a look at all the video and interviews. I know you'll enjoy this. Let me know what you think.

Campaign for Safer Cosmetics

    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics : Pink-Ribbon Cosmetics

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.safecosmetics.org%2F&h=47ce7

Pinkwashing: A term used to describe companies that position themselves as leaders in the fight against breast cancer while engaging in practices that may be contributing to rising rates of the disease.
PLEASE read and take action now!!!
 
If you are interested in getting the chemicals out of your make up - I partner with a wellness company that has a CHEMICAL FREE LINE OF COSMETICS. They're wonderful and safe.
 
Think for a minute of how medicines are now in "patches". Then think of all you put on your skin that is obsorbing daily into your system. Let's take action today!!! If interested in more information go to http://www.BeMomFirst.com/ I'd be glad to share more with you.

Top 10 Quotes By Dr. John C. Maxwell

Quote #1

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."

Quote #2

"People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. "

Quote #3

"If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone."

Quote #4

"Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them."

Quote #5

"Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."

Quote #6

"A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them."

Quote #7

"We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it's a continuing choice."

Quote #8

"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up."

Quote #9

"Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best."

Quote #10

"Once our minds are 'tattooed' with negative thinking, our chances for long-term success diminish."

THANKS
John Maxwell

Take The Next Step

"I dream of men who take the next step instead of worrying about the next thousand steps."                  - Theodore Roosevelt

TIME OUT TO PRAISE GOD!

In our busy world it's great to slow down and Praise God. So take a minute and enjoy.

http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html

Growing Your Business On Twitter

What is everyone tweeting about these days? Most often you will find reputable home businesses trying to connect with one another, cooking and baking enthusiasts searching for new content for their recipe and cooking websites, and some are just there for friendship. I see all kinds of people on Twitter every day. Twitter is one of the greatest forms of networking and word of mouth on the planet.

Considering Twitter to help promote your business further is a great idea. How do you go about doing this? Well, there are many right ways and wrong ways to network on Twitter. Let's take a look at the basics and see how they will benefit your business.

1) Profile - Fill it out! I see far too many people daily not sharing a single thing about themselves, their business, or why they are there. This is the most important thing you can do -- show everyone your name, your business, and some pertinent information about yourself. No need to get too personal, however, share enough that potential customers will get a feel for who you are and what your business has to offer. Share your credibility.

2) Photo - A photo of yourself shows your Twitter friends that you are a real person. It is a well known fact that profiles with pictures are sought after approximately 50% more than profiles that don't. Majority of fellow Tweeters will be more inclined to network with you and visit your website if you share a photo.

If you are not comfortable doing this, at the very least, put an image that relates to your business. However, do not just leave the default Twitter image there.

3) No Spam - Don't lurk on Twitter all day and send direct message spam links to your followers. This is not good Twitter etiquette. It is important to establish trust and build relationships. You can share business tips, ideas that are helpful to the market you are trying to reach, personal stories, etc.

It is a good idea to occasionally re-tweet other users who have informative tweets that may benefit your followers. They may return the favor!


For every 5 non business tweets, you can post one business tweet. However, you must be careful not to appear mechanical.


4) Daily Tweeting and Networking - You'll need to invest some time with your Twitter followers on a regular basis. Log in a couple of times a week to say, hi and how are you? You need to invest quality time and get to know your followers to build a reputable business presence.


The above tips are just the basics of using this ever-growing social network and word of mouth smorgasbord. Utilizing it wisely will only benefit your business.

The 4 Steps to Successful Goal-Setting

Successful people have always had clear, focused goals that guide them to greatness.


It took Thomas Edison thousands of attempts and thousands of failures over many years to invent the electric light bulb, but he knew exactly what he wanted, and his goal kept him going until he achieved it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Michelle Kwan had a goal to be the best skater in the world. Oprah Winfrey was an abused child who determined to make a better life for herself.

Successful people always have clear goals. Great musicians, great athletes, successful salespeople and inspiring leaders know what they want in life, and they go after it. Great parents work at it. No one becomes an astronaut by accident!

And yet the great bulk of people continue to drift through life with no goals at all, or with only vague dreams, hopes and wishes. No wonder we achieve so much less than we could!

For those who have not yet experienced the joy of setting and achieving magnificent goals, here is a powerful set of principles that have worked for thousands of my clients. They will work for you, too. I call them The 4 Steps to Successful Goal-Setting:

1. Decide what you want. Decide if you would rather have money in the bank, or that new car. Choose the life you prefer! You can’t have everything in life; but you can have anything you choose, if you will focus, pay the price, and pursue it with all your heart.

2. Clarify your values. Too often, people choose goals that are inconsistent with their priorities and daily behaviors. Do you value health, or comfort? Is financial independence a priority, or merely a wish? In a clash between your values and your wishes, your values will win every time. Be certain your goals are consistent with your most important values.

3. Write them down! Have the courage to put your intentions on paper, in your own words. Be specific and describe your goals in detail. When will you achieve them? What will success look like? Write down the details and read your goals every day, even take a moment to summarize them every morning. Stay focused.

4. Take ACTION! To run a marathon, you must jog every day. Building a business requires that you make sales, every day. A loving marriage or happy kids require your time, your attention and your love, every day. Your daily actions need not be profound or heroic, but they must be consistent and persistent. Every day!

Success does not “just happen”. It is built like a work of art. First, it is imagined, then the skills, tools and materials are gathered, and the artist sets about creating a thing of beauty. It takes time. It requires skill, determination, persistence and faith.

Just as an artist will make preliminary sketches and work out the details in her mind, so your success requires written goals, careful choices, clear commitments and daily persistence. You can do this. Make something magnificent of your life!

Tess Reads Yummy Yuckie - what are you reading?

The love of books starts early!

Me reading to our daughter Kirsten years ago.                                     

Kirsten reading to friend. Loving reading so young.

"Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to

mankind, which are delivered down from generation to

generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn."

~ Joseph Addison ~

 

    Kirsten now a mother, reading to her daughter Tess.

Tess continues the legacy of learning to love books early in life.

IS LAUGHTER GOOD MEDICINE?

Knock Knock! Who’s there?


If you’ve got kids or grandkids - you know they love to tell jokes,
play jokes and make you laugh. What you may or may not know
is that laughter is actually good for your health. How do you
know this? It’s good for your heart. “The University of Maryland
Medical Center in Baltimore studied 300 people, half who had
heart disease and half who did not. They found that those with
heart disease were 40 % less likely to laugh in a variety of
situations. These people were also less likely to recognize
humor or to use it to get out of uncomfortable situations.” Even
with these studies they are not yet sure how laughter may help
the heart. However I think you and I would agree that it certainly
seems true that Laughter Is Good Medicine. So grab your kids,
grandkids, family, neighbors, whomever you like and have
some fun! Tell a joke, play a joke . . . LAUGH OUT LOUD. It’s
good for your HEALTH and good for your HEART.

Carol

The Benefits of Walking

A year ago my husband and I started walking regularly in the mornings before we started our work day. Now it’s a normal part of our routine. The benefits are well documented below. ENJOY.

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The Benefits of Walking

The benefits of walking have been documented for decades. It can contribute to weight loss, improve mental health, and lengthen life. You don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment, just two legs and a place to start. And the benefits of walking may surprise you. When correctly done, this low-impact exercise does a lot to help you stay fit without being hard on your joints.

Here are a few documented benefits of active walkers:

•30%–40% reduction in the risk of heart disease1

•50% reduction in the risk of premature death2

•20% reduction in the risk of stroke2

•Reduces your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes1

•Elevates overall mood and sense of well-being3

GETTING STARTED

Walking is a great form of exercise because you can do it anywhere. Take family, friends, or the dog and get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Go to a designated trail, the beach, a park, or just through your neighborhood. Just make sure it’s a place you enjoy and is easy to get to.

It is a good idea to measure distances before you start, because this will allow you to focus on your form and still be able to meet a distance goal. And as with all forms of exercise, it is crucial to warm up first. Walk at your normal pace for about five minutes and then do some light stretching. After your walk, you’ll want to do the same thing—cool down for 5 to 10 minutes and stretch some more.

PROPER WALKING FORM

You may feel like you know all there is to know about putting one foot in front of the other, but there are actually a few things you may not be aware of that can help you get the most out of your walks and keep them as comfortable as possible.

Pay close attention to your posture as you walk. Good posture will help you walk more comfortably and easily, breathe easier, and avoid back pain. Stand up straight and keep your chin up, looking about 20 feet ahead of you. Support your stomach muscles by keeping your tummy tucked in. Walk in a fluid, rolling motion, striking the ground with your heel first and then rolling through to the toe. Also try and tuck in your behind and rotate your hips slightly forward. This will keep you from arching your back, which can bring discomfort during and after your walk.

Swinging your arms in the correct manner can give your walking more power and even burn more calories. Try to bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Keep them close to your body and don’t swing them diagonally. Swing back the arm opposite of the foot going back. Refrain from clenching your hands as well, it’s better to hold them loose in a partially closed curl. Avoid using hand or ankle weights, which put unnecessary pressure on your joints.

LENGTH AND TIME

Regarding how fast and long you should walk, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. A 20-year long Nurse’s Health Study found the majority of health benefits are obtained when walking 3 to 3.9 miles per hour, which is about 15 to 20 minutes per mile.1 Most studies also agree that walking for at least half an hour on most days of the week will help you attain desirable health benefits.2 If that’s too fast or too long for you to begin with, start out smaller and make a goal to work your way up to that point.

KEEP A TRACK RECORD

Keeping a record is one of the best ways to stay consistent with a walking routine. Record the dates and times you walk, as well as thoughts on the progress you’re making and how you feel afterwards. This way, you can track your progress and set goals for the future. If you do decide to go faster or longer, don’t increase your time or intensity by more than 10% per week.

Stepping outside and walking for better health is a safe, and social solution for improved health. With a good pair of sneakers, and some walking buddies, you’ll soon be enriching your life one step at a time.

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be prescriptive. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

1 The Nurses’ Health Study (http://www.harvard.channing.com/nhs)

2 Utah Walks (http://www.utahwalks.org/whywalk.php)

3 AARP (http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking)

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The Work at HOME Mom and Time Management

There are two extreme misconceptions about work at home moms. One is that when you are a work at home mom you have it easy. The extreme opposite is that it’s impossible. In reality if anyone was to spend just one day shadowing a work at home mom they’d quickly see that it’s not “easy”. But it’s also not impossible.

So what’s the secret? The successful MOMS with home businesses have well planned days generally beginning early and ending late. They are women with excellent Time Management Skills and they always have a DAY PLANNER.

Time management skills make it possible to juggle the many varied responsibilities that come with raising a family, keeping a home running and also building a business, therefore a detailed planner is mandatory. Most of the women I’ve talked to first plan the family time and then their work time. This way when “work time” is on the planner women can stay focused and get what needs to be done for that day and not leave “work” until “later” or “when there’s time”. If you don’t put it on the planner and “do it” it won’t get done. Truth is there never is a time “when there’s time” unless it’s planned.

Just as a mom breaks down her family and home activities and then schedules them (i.e. take kids to school, shop, put gas in the car, return library books…) so must your business activities be listed and grouped by task. By scheduling in things like email, training (for yourself and your team), calls and record keeping these tasks can be scheduled into time slots for each day. When these activities are scheduled they are no longer constantly on your mind and you can rest knowing they’ll get done at the scheduled time. This frees your mind and can actually bring a peace and joy to each day. It is also necessary to schedule in a “break” don’t forget this MOMS or you’ll “break”.

The wisest moms that work at home quickly learn how to teach their family to help them. This help may be in household chores to free up mom’s time for work or even keeping quiet while mom’s on the phone. These families experience the joy of working together and seeing success as a “team” with the added benefits of their children learning good work ethics and time management skills simply by watching MOM.

Carol

If you'd like to find out more about how I work from home go to: http://www.bemomfirst.com/ JOIN ME!

Does the FDA protect us from TOXINS in our every day products? LOOK HERE!

Does the FDA Protect our families? Are there chemicals in your personal care products causing cancer and other health issues? Take a look at this IMPORTANT VIDEO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfq000AF1i8&feature=player_embedded

My Short Story
So a year ago I was using an inhaler and seeing the Dr. about possibly having to start breathing treatments because my "allergies" were getting worse and worse. Then my daughter suggested I seriously look into the personal care products and household cleaners I was using and REALLY LOOK at my exposure to chemicals. I did and I was shocked. So was I just needing "breathing treatments" and "inhalers"? Or was I needing to shop differently????

COMMON SENSE ALTERNATIVES: I switched stores and I've not used an inhaler for a YEAR. Now I keep learning and I'm shocked what we don't know. Learn with me send your comments and tell me what you're learning in this area of TOXINS in our everyday products.

Want to know where I'm shopping now so I don't have to worry about these cancer causing products? Go to http://www.switchingstores.com/carolc I look forward to hearing from you!!!

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Discomfort of Innovation

Take a few minutes to look at the Discomfort of Innovation. Are you feeling uncomfortable? It could be a good thing!!! Would you agree? Let me know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE0T3eZN3ig&feature=player_embedded#!

My Story

A year ago I found a way to stay home and build a business and at the same time shop for chemical free products. I'm so grateful to have this story to share with you.

http://www.internetceomoms.com/carolc/article/internet-ceo-moms-carols-story

Would love to have you join my TEAM and learn how to build a business from your home. Only takes a phone, computer and desire to learn and work. To find out more log into: http://www.bemomfirst.com/

Tess loves doggies!

On a vacation to CA, Tess met several "doggies" belonging to dear friends. She loved each and every one of them so much that she now eats, sleeps and plays with her little "toy" doggie.

TIME

"To get all there is out of living, we must employ our time wisely, never being in too much of a hurry to stop and sip life, but never loosing our sense of the enourmous value of a minute." By Robert Updegraff

Connecting The Generations ~ Grandchildren

Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation. ~ Lois Wyse~

Me (Carol), Tess and my daughter Kirsten

WHAT REALLY MATTERS TO YOU?

"How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most."

Stephen Covey

Summary ~ The Way of The Shepherd

Chapter Six: THE ROD OF CORRECTION

• Protect: Stand in the gap and fight for your sheep.
• Correct: Approach discipline as a teaching opportunity.
• Inspect: Regularly inquire about your people's progress.

Summary ~ The Way of the Shepherd

Chapter Five: THE STAFF OF DIRECTION

• Know where you're going, get out in front, and keep your flock on the move.
• When directing, use persuasion rather than coercion.
• Give your people freedom of movement, but make sure they know where the fence line is. Don't confuse boundaries with bridles!
• When your people get in trouble, go and get them out.
• Remind your people that failure isn't fatal!

Summary ~ The Way of the Shepherd

Chapter Four: MAKE YOUR PASTURE A SAFE PLACE

• Keep your people well informed.
• Infuse every position with importance.
• Cull chronic instigators from the flock.
• Regularly rotate the sheep to fresh pastures.
• Reassure the sheep by staying visible.
• Don't give problems time to fester.

This is one of the things that drives me to do what I do!

Take a few minutes to watch this important report. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cY9ziT0Uw8. Then visit: http://www.bemomfirst.com/ and see what you can do to join me in making your home safe for your family.

Summary ~ The Way of the Shepherd

Chapter Three: HELP YOUR SHEEP IDENTIFY WITH YOU

• Build trust with your followers by modeling authenticity, integrity, and compassion.


• Set high standards of performance.


• Relentlessly communicate your values and sense of mission.


• Define the cause for your people and tell them where they fit in.


• Remember that great leadership isn't just professional; it's personal.

Summary ~ The Way of The Shepherd

Chapter Two: DISCOVER THE SHAPE OF YOUR SHEEP

• Your choice of sheep can make flock management easier or harder


• Start with healthy sheep, or you'll inherit someone else's problems.


• Know the SHAPE of your sheep to make sure they're in the right fold.

These thoughts are transforming my business and my management style. How about you? Chapter 3 summary coming soon.

Rereading THE WAY OF THE SHEPHERD

I'm rereading The Way of The Shepherd 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People. It's a great book by Dr. Kevin Leman and William Pentak. Going to start blogging the lessons I'm learning a chapter at a time.
Chapter One: KNOW THE CONDITION OF YOUR FLOCK

• Follow the status of your people as well as the status of the work.
• Get to know your flock, one sheep at a time.
• Engage your people on a regular basis.
• Keep your eyes and ears open, questions, and follow through.

Now to start applying these things!

Starting early with her new teeth!

This is our granddaughter little Tess. She's using her new toothbrush. Love it that she's starting early to take good care of her teeth.

Please Watch this video and WAKE UP

Have you seen this? WATCH IT and WAKE UP: http://vimeo.com/9071036

I love my business! It's a joy to be working towards making a healthier chemical free tomorrow, today. Want to join me? Visit: www.BeMomFirst.com and I'll let you know how to start your own business that will make a healthier world for all of us - especially our children.

Success Factors to look for when choosing a Home Business

With my husband's encouragement I am building a real residual monthly income that is allowing us to become completely debt free with savings and security for our family and our future.

I would like to share that when choosing a home business, there are some key success factors that I believe are critical for long term success. Every one is just as important as the next.

If the company you are currently representing or the company you're considering meets all of these Success Factors, I'd love to know what company it is. The only one I've found so far is the one I represent..:)

1. Company track record - How long has the company you're considering representing been in business? What are the company's annual sales each year since in business? Does the company print average income statistics for business builders? It should and you should ask for them. Proof of long term sales, success and growth is critical with choosing any business.

2. Financially sound - Does the company have outstanding debt? Joining a company that is debt free is something I highly recommend to lessen any risk to you.

3. Strong management team - What are the backgrounds and credentials of the management team? You want to join a company that is run with integrity and strong leadership.

4. Unique consumable products - Are the products of the company, products that people actually need, use, run out of and repurchase month after month. Do the products have any trademarks or patents allowing for exclusive rights meaning no other company can copy them. If the products are not consumable, meaning something that a person would only buy once, then that is a business that will not be viable long term. If the products are consumable, however not necessarily a need, that will lesson your chance for long term success. Products needed, and consumed monthly makes for a solid business model.

5. Wide market appeal - Are the products something everyone needs and uses? If the products are specific for a certain gender, age group or body size for example, you lessen your market as it is not something for everyone.

6. Competitive prices - Are the products comparable in price or less expensive than the competition? If they are too expensive this is not a business that will produce great results.

7. High customer reorder rate - Does the company share it's reorder rate? Meaning how many customers that purchased from the company last month, reorder again the following month? If the re-order rate is low, the business will not be viable as new customers simply replace your old customers producing no real growth or a secure, residual income.

8. Low initial investment - If the cost to join or start is too high it makes for more risk and difficulty in attracting customers and business partners.

9. Low monthly requirement - If there is a high monthly requirement, customers/business builders may end up with an inventory or products they do not need. If there is a low monthly product requirement, then customers are getting what they need for personal use each month, and from a business standpoint you know customers are purchasing each month which creates the security and true residual income.

10. Rewards for leadership development - Does the company reward you for helping others in your business succeed? If there is any way the company could remove business builders from your business because of their success, be very careful about joining. There should never be potential for you to lose great partners.

11. Risk-free - Is everything 100% guaranteed? If not, I would advise against joining?

12. Anyone can be successful - Is the business plan set up for anyone to be successful at any time? If it's a company that says "Ground floor" opportunity, or "Get in Now", be very wary. If only the people who join at the beginning can be successful, then eventually people will get hurt.

Well, how does the company you are with or considering measure up?

Hope this was helpful. :)

Carol
P.S. Want to learn more about my home business, visit http:://www.BeMomFirst.com

Mastering The Art Of Living

"The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion.
He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both." James Michener

February has meant visits from friends and family!

What an odd February in Florida. COLD COLD COLD. Not as bad as the rest of the country so when Uncle Bud came from MI and Von and Greg from CO they still thought FL was wonderful and even warm. Of course seeing family and friends always warms the heart no matter what the weather.

Happy Birthday Tess - 1 year WOW

How quickly time goes when you have little ones to keep track of the years. Our adorable little Tess is now 1 year old. I know everyone in the family would agree it was love at first sight. She's delighted everyone of us this past year. We can't wait to see what she'll teach us this coming year.

I pray I can MULTIPLY and not just ADD in 2010

"A leader who develops people adds; a leader who develops leaders multiplies." John Maxwell
What will you do ADD or MULTIPLY in 2010????