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Interview with the Fabulous Allison Maslan!

August 17, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (3)

CRAVE ladies, meet Allison Maslan. She is the CEO of Allison Maslan International and President of Blast Off! Life and Business Coaching. She is a highly acclaimed author and an international motivational speaker. Allison has a vibrant array of successful businesses to her credit and has assisted thousands of her clients in attaining a new level in their lives by helping them identify and reach their personal and professional goals. We caught up with this busy and successful woman to ask her a few questions we were just CRAVEing to know!

What would you say is the best advice for readers in your new book, Blast Off! The Surefire Plan to Launch your Dreams Into Reality?
I give so much life and business advice in Blast Off! However, I feel the most important advice is to act now on your dreams and goals. Otherwise you will be having the same conversation with yourself in six months or even six years. You see, our dreams are mere fantasy until we put them into action. So point your head toward your Big Picture Visions and take small steps toward them every single day. Do not listen to anyone that tells you it cannot be done. Before you know it, your dream will be glowing in the palm of your hands.

What is the best piece of advice you could give about running a business?
Best entrepreneurial advice: Never take no for an answer. When you hit a wall, get resourceful and find another pathway. Make a right or left turn, build a bridge, whatever you need to do to make it work… but never, ever accept that there is no option. The more creative are, the more secret doorways you will find.

What inspired you to write your book?
I am an entrepreneur and lover of business. I am woman, mother and lover of life. Over the past several years I built nine of my own companies, and as a strategic coach and a homeopathic physician, I have helped thousands launch a life and business experience they can feel passionate about. I feel now that its time to share my success system with as many people as possible. Every time I hear from a reader telling me that Blast Off! has changed their lives, my whole being smiles. That is what it is all about.

You are currently touring the country to promote your book, which cities can we expect you to be going?
So far I have been to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Dallas and San Francisco. Next, I will be in Chicago Aug. 25-28. I am doing a book signing at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at The Book Cellar, located at 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave. I am also presenting a High-Octane Mastermind Gathering at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at The Motel Bar in Chicago. This year I will also be heading to Salt Lake, Vegas, Portland, and New York. All if this information is on my Rocket Tour page on my website.

World Savour: New Guest Blogger Alyssa Goldberg

July 22, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

CRAVE’s newest guest blogger, Alyssa Goldberg, shares her daily stories on her own blog, WorldSavour. Alyssa loves food: cooking it, growing it, buying it, and eating it, but has never received any culinary training. She is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, where she studied Communication and International Studies. Alyssa will be blogging for CRAVE about her post-graduate adventures with food, cooking, travel and life.

What inspired you to start blogging?
I began blogging around a year ago. At the time I had recently developed a love for cooking, traveling and exploring foods from around the world and started blogging as a way for me to document my trip a Brazil and my adventures in cooking. I really just blog as a sort of online diary and to keep track of my recipes, but I am so thrilled that people actually enjoy reading what I have to say. I hope people find inspiration in my blog to try new recipes and explore flavors and cuisines from around the world.

What is the best part about using social media?
I love realizing that people really care about what I have to say, that people care enough to read my blog and try my recipes. In social media you do not have to own a newspaper or be a famous journalist to make a difference and that is pretty amazing.

What is your dream job?
Earning a living writing about food or travel would be amazing, but I have dreamed of starting my own PR or marketing agency specializing in restaurants and chefs. Sometimes I daydream about going to culinary school but I think my cooking will have to stay a hobby.

We know you love trying new recipes- what is the best and the worst you have made?
One of my favorite recipes is veggie enchiladas. They are incredibly easy to make so it is really nothing to brag about, but I love Mexican food and these enchiladas turned out absolutely delicious. As for the worst dish, there is always some trial and error in cooking and I am sure I have made some pretty nasty food but I don’t think my friends and boyfriend who taste my creations would ever actually tell me if something I made was horrible.

Where do you most want to travel to?
Next on my list is Spain.  I am planning on traveling to Barcelona  within the next year, but I have been dying to go to Italy, eat gelato every day and pizza straight from Sicily- even if I come back to the states 15 pounds heavier than when I left.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My mom and my friends who inspire me everyday.

What do you CRAVE?
I grew up in San Diego but now live in Seattle so most days I CRAVE sunshine, but besides the sun I CRAVE a great book and funfetti cupcakes.

To keep tabs on Alyssa’s latest cooking creations, follow her blog: WorldSavour

Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

July 12, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a  coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style.  At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!

What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally.  I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer.  It’s calming to me.

What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake.  Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen.   Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.

Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy.  When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item.  However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.

What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off.  A little goes a long way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.

What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be.  It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient.  As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.

As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually.  I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle.  Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response.  Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.

If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer.  Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.

What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life.  I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.

Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.

Dangerous Foods Hiding in your Pantry

May 24, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.

When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies. 

 Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models.  Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.

Top 5 pantry foods to replace

Bread crumbs 
 
OUT - The packaged stuff.  Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents. 
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.  
 
Broth 
 
OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock.  Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients. 
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).  
 
Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays 
 
OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.  
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter. 
 
Salad Dressing and Sauces 
 
OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce. 
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon. 
 
Vanilla 
 
OUT - Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.  
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter!  You can also find delicious recipes at www.jamieliving.blogspot.com.   

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Insights from Makeup Artist, Sheila Patel

May 21, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

Whether it’s just a hint of blush on our cheeks, a swab of lipgloss to our puckers, or a brush of mascara to our batting eyelashes, we all want to look and feel our best! However, with the plethora of make-up options out there, finding the right products can be quite overwhelming…what color foundation to use, what eyeshadows look best on a brown-eyed beauty, liquid eyeliner or pencil??? This is where renowned make-up artist, Sheila Patel comes into the picture. With a trained eye, a steady and skilled hand, she applies the right mixture of shadows and powders…Voila! You have your own customized look. Here is her expert advice and a video featuring the “Artist at Work”, enjoy!

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
My sister in law, Xuan Thu Pham encouraged me to get back to doing something that I have excelled in in the past and all the credit goes to her for my getting back in.

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Overscheduling. Earlier on in my career when I just started out, there was a time when I was working continuously from one makeup client to another in a single day. Because I worked with more clients than I could manage in one day, I felt that I did not put in the effort and time that each client deserved. I wanted to give the focus and attention to each person, but with time against me, I was not able to do that. From that experience on, I never did that again. Each customer is special to me and I’ll only work on a client at a time – that is my philosophy.

What is your favorite make-up brand?
I like different makeup brands for different reasons. I use MAC, Shu Uemura, Glauca Rossi, NARS, Makeup Forever, Ben Nye, and Kryolan. In fact, I have so many different brands in my professional makeup toolbox that I can’t name all the brands I enjoy using. Each brand is uniquely used for different purposes and events such as TV or weddings. As an everyday favorite makeup brand, I like Bobbi Brown.

What defines the Bollywood style? Do you think it would cross-over to the U.S.?
I’m glad you asked me this question because so many people have different notions of what the “Bollywood style” is and what it really means. Coming from Mumbai and having worked with Bollywood and MTV – I see the different perceptions of how people view Bollywood. What defines the Bollywood style has more to do with what you see on a film set: the movie scenes, dance scenes, and the ensemble of women who dress up in extravagant attire along with the extravagant makeup to go with it. Bollywood is about glamour, visual performance artistry, and telling a story.

This is why a Bollywood style is not suitable for everyday looks. If you’ve ever seen a wedding scene from a Bollywood film, you’ll notice the rich colors, embroideries, and magnificent jewelry that the women are wearing. Also notice their makeup – it’s created and done up to be very dramatic. When you wear such beautiful clothes, your face is competing with it and pales in comparison to what you’re wearing. That’s why it has to look very dramatic.

I think it the Bollywood look can absolutely cross over to the U.S. if it’s in the wedding space. However, with everyday looks, it might be too much, especially without the costumes. But if you’re up for that look for yourself, why not?

What is your favorite make-up look for spring/summer?
I have this secret passion for the orange and yellow color theme. If it’s done well, it can really work for you. Case in point: you can use a yellow eyeshadow
and apply it over your eyelids. Then use an orange eyeshadow to contour the lids as well as the edges. Next, you can define your eyes with black eyeliner and mascara – and voila. Most people think they can’t use these colors, but you can!

What is the most common make-up mistakes you see people make?
Mismatched foundation has to be the topper on the list. This is the most common mistake I’d like to see people stop making. Coming from an Asian country, there is an obsession to have fair skin. People try to correct that by using light foundation. The end result? Your skin will end up looking grey. Also, some people tend to incorrectly use bronzers or foundation that’s too dark for them, which are really too orange for one’s face. This looks hideous.

A good indicator of using the proper foundation for yourself is to reference it in natural sunlight. Typically, when you buy it in the mall under fluorescent lighting, it’s easy to make the mistake of buying the wrong color for your skintone. What you can do is apply a small amount from the tester on your skin – step outside and see if it matches your skin. Just be true to your skin tone and be proud of your natural beauty.

Visit Sheila Patel at:

Website: sheilapatelsf.com
Blog: bit.ly/MakingFaces
Twitter: bit.ly/cZvamc
Facebook: bit.ly/cKLfS7
YouTube: bit.ly/91hB9F

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

April 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet?  Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include: 

Asparagus:  High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar. 

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette. 

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sauté with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts. 

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.  

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C.  Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing. 
 

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy! 

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds 

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings. 

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside. 

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing. 

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve.　 

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with ¼-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at:　www.jamieliving.blogspot.com 

Jamie  is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Go on Girl, Light Your Fire: The Fire Starter Sessions

April 23, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

Danielle LaPorte is all about keepin’ it real. She believes in telling it like it is, and is an avid believer in feminine power. Her latest project,  ”The Fire Starter Sessions” is an e-book for entreprenesses that comes with video and worksheets to help you get the most out of each sizzling session. The root of Danielle’s theory- which every woman can appreciate– is that our actions are driven by desired feelings. What other remarkable wisdom does she have to offer? We asked her a few questions to gain some insight on what really drives her and why her new book is so rockin’. 

 Once you let Danielle get you jazzed about your own inspiration, you lucky CRAVE  ladies can pre-order a copy of the “Fire Starter Sessions” right now! Just click here.

You give people inspiring advice about following their passions in life, what sparked your own “ah-ha” moment?

It was more of a series of soul-sucking moments and gigs than an “a-ha” moment. But it all added up to creative sovereignty. My voice, my time, my way of being of service.

What makes the “Fire Starter Sessions” distinct from other programs for entrepreneurs?

It’s about rocking your revenue streams and doing meaningful things in the world. It’s as much about self-realization as it is about hard core strategy.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a rut, it’s about lighting a fire under your…aspirations.

Summarize your teachings into a motto for how you/to live your life.

 Your truth is worth it.

Would you give the same advice to a female business owner as you would give to a male?

Yes. But a woman is more likely to take it.

 How would you describe your number one strength?

Deep listening. I also build a mean campfire and write bad poetry – which I consider an endearing strength.

Why do you believe it is that so many people do not choose their career path based on their true passions?

Profoundly wanting to belong. That will never change. On top of that deep driving psychology, we pile on social “norms” like dress codes and executive titles, salary structures, everything the goddamn Jonses are doing, and the popularity contest that is social media itself, and well, it’s the makings of an identity crisis.
If can you tune out the noise of “how-to” and “10 steps” and “proven tactics” you will be able to hear your own spidey senses: genuine, sincere, with great reflexes, and it will tell you that you are the expert on you — and you know what lights your fire.

What has been your most rewarding experience with a client?

One of my favorite results of working with any client is helping them decide what they’re going to STOP doing. It makes me giddy. It often goes like this: I’m going to STOP…being the administrator. Worrying so much. Under-selling myself. Checking Twitter obsessively. Feeling the pressure to be so successful. I’m going to stop using my cousin as my web-designer.

 It’s freeing for everyone. And freedom is the best part of being an entrepreneur.

Still want more? Order your very own copy of the complete “Fire Starter Sessions” by clicking here.  You can also learn more about all of Danielle’s endeavors on her website, whitehottruth.com.

Interview with Andrea Martins of Expat Women

February 5, 2010 by Madeline C. | Comments (0)

Andrea Martins may be Australian but that certainly hasn’t defined her. From where she travels to the company she keeps, she is a world-class CRAVE gal. No matter where she goes, she finds comfort in her friends and relationships. Through her experiences, she has created a massive website full of useful tips and stories for women living abroad, ExpatWomen.com

Why did you initially go abroad?
Once upon a time, my husband followed me on a domestic move for my career. So then it was my turn to follow him. We went to Jakarta, Indonesia (3 years), the Mexico City, Mexico (4 years), and then we retreated to the beach in Australia (2.5 years), before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (6 months ago).

What is the hardest part of living away from your home country? What is the best part?
The hardest part is always missing friends and family back home, especially when you miss special occasions—birthdays, weddings, illnesses, etc. The best part is all the new friends you meet, from all over the world, who all have so many exciting stories to share with you from their own adventures abroad!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was desperately searching for a product or business idea that excited me and that I believed in. When I shared the idea of a global website for expatriate women with a friend living in Mexico with me at the time, she loved the concept so much that we inspired each other to make this dream a reality. In doing so, together we made the business concept even bigger and it’s this later concept that you see today in ExpatWomen.com

How do you spend your free time?
Swimming, Going out with friends. Sleeping.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? What is your favorite place to live/travel?
My favorite place to go would be the Balinese-style spa near me for that much-needed fortnightly massage! My favorite place to travel would be any beach with crystal clear water. My favorite place to live changes every week!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
More time—for myself, to spend with my husband, to hang out with my girlfriends, to sleep, and to pursue my other fantastic business ideas!

People may be surprised to know…
That I attended the then President of Mexico’s (Vicente Fox) daughter’s wedding in Mexico in 2006

Interview with Social Media Guru Viveka von Rosen

January 21, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

These days we are all trying to navigate the quickly evolving world of social media. Whether you use it in your personal life or for business, it is a constant battle to stay on top of the game. Thankfully, there are experts we can turn to, such as Viveka von Rosen. Viveka is a Certified LinkedIn expert & trainer and social media speaker. She is a dynamic woman who uses her knowledge to coach her clients on using social media marketing to propel their business. Read our interview with Viveka to learn a few expert tips and get a peak into what her business entails.

What do you say to clients who are intimidated by taking theirbusiness online?
First of all, even though social media looks like it’s “online” there is a bit of a different dynamic. It’s important to remember that Social Media is about communication – there are no special codes or tricks you need to know – there is no specific sales analytic to worry about. Use social media to communicate what you know with your “tribe” of friends and connections. Let your personality and knowledge shine through – that’s the only “trick” to social media. Most women are good communicators, so social media is a natural outlet for us. Don’t let the “online” nature intimidate you – that’s only the channel. You are the content!

Is social media marketing something business owners should be trained to do, or should they hire someone to a new position?
You can certainly hire someone to do your campaign – but they must understand that social media is about communication. In this case, about communicating for your business. So whoever you have must be enthusiastic about your business, product or service. Social media is about attraction or inbound marketing – you have to attract your client by being interesting and useful. Pushing a sales message on social media NEVER works.

What are some ways to avoid blending your personal and business profiles?
I’m not sure you DON’T want to blend them – you want your personality to shine through. Having said that – Facebook – being the most social of the mediums, might blend a little too much. I.E. – you might have your friends saying something you don’t want your clients to know. In that case, make sure you have a fan PAGE that you direct your clients too – not your personal profile.

When did you become active in the social media world, and how did you become an expert?
I’ve been involved for about 5 years now – I became an expert by getting the name first. Honestly though, I am such a social media enthusiast that I probably spend way too much time on it. Not only using the tools, but learning about them. I have a very helpful fan base that shares useful info with me as well. I am not the end all and be all of social media, but I try to know as much, and use as much of it as possible. I suppose that’s what makes me one of the experts.

Your upcoming book looks at how social media becomes a tool of empowerment for women- can you give us a sneak peak?
I have training as a life and business coach, and early on I realized social media gives women a voice, gives them freedom, gives them flexibility. My book speaks to how social media empowers women – as a tool they can use. I have some amazing guest authors contributing as well. Some of the top women in their fields who have experienced great success through social media in their own careers. We are all going to share secrets!

What are some common misperceptions about Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook? How can each be used to promote a business?
I think the biggest mis-interpretation is that you have to be on it all the time. Which would be impossible. Like any tool, you need to know how to use it strategically and successfully for the best results. There is strong ROI – but you have to be very clear on your business, your message and your strategy to receive it!

What is the most common consulting question you receive?
How much time is this going to take?

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I thought I was more clever than some of the social mediums and didn’t follow their EUA (End User Agreement). That mistake has cost me dearly. But now none of my clients have to experience it! A common mistake other people make: treating social media like normal media and trying to push their sales message. Just like a commercial – people will turn you off if you do that.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have a lot – Mari Smith, Tim Sanders, Al Lautenslager, Miles Austin, Dr. Joan King, Ava Diamond, Laurie Macomber, Pete Cashmore, Colin lewis, Zig Ziglar, I could go on and on.

People may be surprised to know…
I actually look like my picture

@linkedinexpert & Facebook

C’mon, Get Happy!

January 11, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (1)

With the arrival of each new year, we once again have a chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. What is it that you want this year? So many of us seem to be constantly searching for happiness in our lives – we want to be happy in our job, our family life, our friendships – we are continually striving to reach the point in our lives where we are finally happy – with all of it. Maybe this is the year – to finally discover what it is that makes you happy, find out what brings you joy, and go after it.
 
Writer, wife, and mother of two, Gretchen Rubin, recently took her own journey to happiness and wrote about it all in her new book, “The Happiness Project”. Full of practical advice, humor and charm, her memoir chronicles the year that she spent learning to be happy by test-driving different studies, theories and lessons. She consulted poets, novelists, philosophers, scientists and psychologists. She drew from history, analysis, real-life experience, research and pop-culture. From Oprah to Thoreau, she used it all to gain insight into this feeling we call happiness.
 
What she found was that you can be happier simply by taking small, concrete steps in your daily life. The Happiness Project is an approach to changing your life.
 
Step One: Identify what makes you happy. Spend time to really discover what things in life bring you joy.
 
Step Two: Make resolutions. Just like New Year’s, put together a plan and concrete actions that you can take, that will bring you to the happiness you are searching for.
 
Step Three: Now this is where, as Rubin says, “it gets interesting”. You have to keep those resolutions.
 
Since her book arrived on shelves, groups all over the country have started their own Happiness Projects – not to mention the hundreds of blogs that have popped up of people sharing their journeys towards lives filled with more joy. So, why not start your own Happiness Project in 2010? A few tips from the woman herself to get you started:
 
Be You.
Let It Go.
Do it Now.
Enjoy the Process.
Lighten Up.
Act the way you want to feel.
 
Sounds like a good plan to us. This book and life-philosophy will definitely make you smile and think. Get to it ladies! Find out what makes YOU happy in 2010.

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