Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

I can't say that I am sad to see 2011 be over. It was a pretty tough year, not just for my family, but I think for almost everyone in some way. We battled unemployment twice and have had our share of financial difficulties. We had good times and bad times, but nothing that together we couldn't make it through as a family. As a nation, we saw natural disasters of epic proportions. We've seen unemployment and personal and national debt at all time highs, we've seen icons leave this earth sooner than we would have liked.  But rather than dwell on the bad that 2011 brought us, I want to start the new year on a higher positive note. That is one of the things I love about New Years. It a chance to start over, a chance to reflect on the things that didn't go as planned and make them right in the new year. It's a chance to change your life. And that is precisely what 2012 will be all about.  I have quite the bucket list for 2012. Some are rather redundant. By that I mean, it's the same resolution, year after year; lose weight, save money, become more organized, pay off bills...you get the idea. And every year, I start the year working out and eating right and paying off bills and organizing my home until the tasks become so daunting that I, well, quit, mostly because it's too much change all at once. And really, who said all resolutions need to begin simultaneously at the start of the year? Isn't the object to cross off items on your bucket list as you take your journey through the year?  But this year I'm going to try something different. I am making one single resolution that encompasses all those other resolutions: be a better person. All around a better person. Do things right, make good decisions. Live our life as best as we can with the situations and resources that are put in front of us. Cause really, isn't that all we can do right now? (besides hope to win the lottery). So, as we enjoy ringing in the new year with some of our dearest friends, my family wishes each and every one of you the best that 2012 has to offer; good health, happiness and most of all prosperity. Be kind to one another and be kind to yourself. Follow your dreams... Happy New Year!!! 

Just Like That, It's Over

For the last week, I have been baking cookies, wrapping gifts and putting finishing touches on Christmas. You see, the week before Christmas for me is a busy one. I spend countless hours baking cookies and making tins and the Christmas Eve cookie platter. Each night of the week I make a different cookie, usually in the neighborhood of 7 or 8 dozen each. Every year, I make the same staple cookies; chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, butter and moon cookies. To make it investing on myself and keep my family guessing, I start scouring the Internet just after Thanksgiving to find a new cookie to add. It isn't until around 2 weeks before Christmas I find the cookie. This year it was the struffoli. came out okay. Every year, I have one cookie the gives me trouble and usually its the first batch or 2 of a new creation. But this year my true nemesis was the butter cookie. Seriously, the butter cookie of all things gave me the hardest time. The first batch I made an attepmt to have our son help. Yes, I, the queen of the Christmas cookie thought it would be best for a 2 1/2 year old to help make cookies. He was very enthusiastic! Mommy, however, was resisting the urge to redecorate each one because they weren't decorated evenly or symetrical. They were his creations, though, and I was happy to have them included in my platter and tins. Until I went to check on the first tray of cookies. FLAT!!! They looked like wafers. This had always been my quickest cookie. It was late, our son needed to get to sleep and so did mommy. As if the wafers weren't bad enough, when I went back to wash everything, neither myself or my hubby could get the cookie press apart. It was as I'd it was glued shut! So, the next day, I borrowed my mom's and tried a new recipe, again...FLAT!!! New press, new recipe, same result. On day three, I went to get a brand new press and tried yet a third recipe. These ones were not like my usual perfect butter cookies, but they we're good enough. I was done at that point. I also was baking a carrot cake and brownies. I was literally baking up until we walked out the door both days. I'm never that far behind. So, I decided that for the sake of the holiday and how totally awesome it would be with my son this year, I disconnected from social media for the better part of Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I had been so busy and hadn't had the chance to spend real quality time with him. I wanted his Christmas to be special and I wanted to remember it for myself and for him. But after all of the prep work, all the stress, it's just done. But today, when I woke up later than any other Monday (I'm on vacation this week) with my son and hubby snuggled in bed with me, I smiled knowing that I still have 6 more days to enjoy my time with them...and I'm so happy for that.

Do You Dream of Being an Entrepreneur?

The difficult economy and unemployment rate have pushed many Americans to follow their dreams and become their own boss, start their own businesses and do what they love. Mothers are opting to work from home in order to help contribute to household income (and saving on exuberant day care costs) while enjoying time with their families. Fathers are starting businesses to create better work/life balance and be there when their families need them.

I, too, have the entrepreneurial spirit and while I work my full time job, I do my best to create the life I choose and start my own business from home. It’s not easy while working a full time job and caring for a family, but you do what you have to do to achieve your dreams.

Friend and Editor-in-Chief of TheGatekeepersPost.com, Jeff Rivera, recently introduced me to Mark Cuban. Mark has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. I was fortunate enough to interview Mark and ask him a few key questions about becoming a successful entrepreneur. Although Mark’s business is somewhat different than mine, the desire, drive and purpose remain the same. You can read more about Mark here: http://www.diversionbooks.com/authors/mark-cuban

There are many mommies out there that dream of creating their own business

but haven't a clue where to start. What advice do you have for them?

Find something you love to do, can do on your own and doesn’t require

any more capital than you can afford to lose personally. The most

valuable asset you have is your time, talents and ability to

communicate. Focus on those strengths and what you can do rather than

what you can’t do.

There are many young moms who are just beginning their lives and can relate to you when you said you were sharing a small apartment with 6 people and

sleeping on the floor.  How can someone keep their eye on the prize when they’re living on Ramen noodles?

Who cares how you are living today? I loved every minute of living in

that dump. The low rent and utilities and eating Mac n’ Cheese

 all the time allowed me to afford the startup of my business. Instead of

paying myself much, I could put it in to my business.

One part in your book I loved and my heart sank at is when your fiance

lost your $7500 ring.  What's your advice for those moms out there who are distracted by a relationship? How do you balance a real life with your dreams?

I never was able to balance. Each person has to make their own

decisions. But remember, your competitors aren’t sitting by idly

waiting for you to have a nice dinner with your significant other.

They are trying to kick your ass. So choose wisely.

You encourage entrepreneurs not to hire a public relations firm, Mark. How did you get the word out about your eBook?

I tweeted, posted on Facebook, [used] Google Plus and responded to emails. Nothing more.

Where can we get a copy of your eBook, How to Win at the Sport of Business?

Anywhere eBooks are sold: Amazon, BN.com, and sites that support independent bookstores too.