Financial Scams 2.0: Don’t be Swindled by New Online Cons
Online financial scams are nothing new, but sophisticated technology and a tough economic climate have led to a recent increase in the number of people falling prey to this type of fraud. Javelin Strategy and Research’s 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report revealed that fraud rose by 12.5 percent in 2009 over the previous year, accounting for $54 billion. From...
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3 Traits to Enhance Your Inner Beauty
When we think of beauty, most of us envision our ideal physical attributes. Personally, I’m a sucker for a great smile and blue eyes (both of which my husband has). A friend of mine said what first attracted her to her husband were his hands — she loved that they were rugged “manly hands.” I’m sure each of you can pinpoint one or two things that...
Continue ReadingThe Anatomy of a Business Plan Getting Your Business on the Right Path
The business plan is an essential part of starting a business, especially if the business will be seeking financial assistance. Most investors or financial institutions will not even consider a company that does not have a business plan. What is a business plan? The business plan is a document that provides the reader with a complete picture of the financial...
Continue ReadingLife on the Run: Amy Dodson Outpaces Life’s Challenges
Get up at 4 a.m.; run between 5 and 6:30 a.m.; teach fourth graders; lift weights after work; swim or cycle after that, then house duties and bed. This is the regular schedule that Amy Dodson follows daily. “I have those days when I talk myself out of working out, but rarely. And by ‘rarely’ I mean a couple of times a year,” said Dodson. Dodson...
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Splurge or Save?
How to Make the Most of your Style Budget To splurge or to save, that is the question. As an image consultant, I am asked this all the time. Perhaps not quite as thought-provoking as Shakespeare’s “to be or not to be,” but important nonetheless. Most people wear 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time. When they come to me, they assume that...
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Joanie Brogan: Fighting for the Family Dinner
If Joanie Brogan believes one thing it’s this: her family is just like every other family. They keep schedules and routines; they bicker and fight; their children have rules and responsibilities. There’s really nothing unusual about the house they keep or the cars they drive. The Brogan’s are just your average, loving family. With 10 children. Brogan...
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The Juggling Act Between My Two Babies
First and foremost, let me take a moment to introduce my beautiful (no bias whatsoever) son: Abyan (pronunciation: Aah – Bee – Yun) Born January 13, 2010, at 8:46 a.m. My little bundle of joy was born three weeks early! Now granted, I am thrilled that I had the pleasure of enjoying him sooner, but I didn’t quite plan for an early arrival. In fact, I...
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Perspective. Eat it up.
Each person is born viewing life from the same place. You need food, shelter and the loving arms of a caretaker. After those first few moments, we begin having experiences or enduring circumstances that shape our unique perspectives. How you’re treated, the schools you go to, the friends you make and the jobs you hold all impact the person you become. It’s...
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Love Your Way Through Life
In February, you have to talk about love. If you didn’t, it would almost be criminal. And since I’m not interested in spending any time behind bars … I think I’ll give my ode to that crazy little thing called love. There are so many forms and levels of that emotion. There’s the love you can’t truly explain to someone who hasn’t had a child yet....
Continue ReadingWhat Women Want
The other day, I was viewing the profiles of people who had viewed my profile on an online dating Web site. There were the usual items — those with no photos, no personal information about who they are or what they like to do; and yet, they want you to drop them notes. Then came what I like to call the interesting reading material. Spelling bee Has anyone...
Continue ReadingPlanting Seeds for Long-Term Health
When growing a garden, seeds are planted, cultivated caringly and watered frequently for weeks before the buds begin to sprout from the ground. Seeds aren’t expected to appear overnight — it takes time for plants to build a good root structure and blossom into sturdy plants. Yet, too often, individuals set high expectations for weight loss and fitness...
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Healthy Holiday Habits
Your holiday schedule is full with parties and events, but that doesn’t mean you have to put on the dreaded holiday weight. Consider these dos and don’ts to make it a happy and healthy holiday season. Do Use cardio equipment with good form We all flock to treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes as the air turns cold, but you may not be burning as...
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