My Next 90-Day Challenge!

My legs are burning and not because I've been sitting in the sun! 

I have taken on a new exercise challenge for the next 90 days. One of the companies I'm in has issued a Challenge Showdown to see how we progress with our health and well being. My crazy self has decided I want to train for a 5k! 

For those of you who don't know me, I have never been physically active. I started exercising earlier this year to lose weight but I have achieved my goal. So I thought what can I do to really push myself? And the thought of running was lingering in my mind for a few weeks but now that this Challenge has been issued, I couldn't put it off.

I started my training this past Monday. The program I'm on is The Couch to 5K® Running Program. Basically it's 3 days of walking/running for 30 minutes, with regular exercises in between. I have to tell you, I am OUT OF SHAPE! I can barely run for a minute! I know, it's sad, but that's why I'm doing it. I need to increase my stamina and strengthen my body. 

How many of you have that nasty inner voice? The one that always puts negative thoughts in your head? Everybody has them. My inner voice told me today, "You can't do this. Go home and do something else." But I pushed through and finished my workout. DON'T LISTEN TO THAT VOICE!! Determine to have a goal and reach it.

For those of you interested in learning more, I am also documenting my progress on my YouTube channel and Facebook. (It's part of the challenge!) I am putting it all out there so that YOU can know, that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Family Fun at CoCo Key

Saturday, July 7th was the hottest day so far this summer. What was worse was the air conditioning in our car was broken. But we had already made plans to spend the weekend at CoCo Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel, NJ to celebrate our daughter's 3rd birthday. So we braved the temperatures, packed our bags, cooler and portable fans, and headed out on the always traffic-jam packed NJ Turnpike to the watery oasis that waited for us.


Our packaged called for a king bed with pullout sofa, complimentary breakfast and access to the park for 4 people for 2 days. The room was spacious enough and even included a microwave and refrigerator. I must warn you though try to stay away from the rooms on the lobby (2nd) and first floor. This floor is the access way to the waterpark so its heavily trafficked.


Attractions at CoCo Key include a lazy river, three large water slides at 300 and 350 feet long, an adult-only hot tub and a kiddie pool area separate from the rest of the water attractions. This area was perfect for our daughter since she couldn't get on the bigger slides. Just outside the water area but still inside the building is a small arcade. I was a bit disappointed because we purchased a card to use on the machines and half of them didn't work.


Although we didn't purchase anything in the water park, there is food and souvenirs as well as a bar available. If you're staying at the resort, there is no need to bring floaties or beach towels. These are provided by the hotel at no charge. However if you're just going for the day, it is suggested you bring your own towels. There are changing rooms, showers and lockers on the premises.


There are various events held at Coco Key such as bingo, karaoke, and birthday parties. This Thursday, July 19 is CoCo's 21 and Over 'After Hours Adult Night. Guests can pay $10 to enjoy the park from 8-1, along with drink specials. The park is also open during the winter months but on select weekends so plan ahead.


Below are a couple of pics from our weekend. We had a great time and I would definitely go again.


Visit their website at http://MtLaurelCoCoKey.com/ to book your weekend getaway.

Interior of CoCo Key

My daughter and I about to have fun!

Adding More to the Brood?

As I write this, my daughter is on her 2nd play-date in a row. The tv is on, my basement is a mess, she's running around with her cousin, and the decibel level is a bit high for my taste. But they are having fun and that's all that matters.

She gets so excited when her friends and family come over. "Finally, someone my age and height," she must be thinking, right? She's almost three and is an only child. I know people who are already on their 2nd or 3rd child from the time I was having her.

I always wonder if she's lonely. I mean, I'm with her all day and even though I play with her and try to teach her, I'm not three. A friend and I were chatting the other day and she also has a daughter around the same age as mine and an only child. Just like me she would like to have more but we both agree, sometimes it's not the right time, or we feel we can only handle the one, or whatever the reason is we haven't had more children.

I'm not an only child so I know what it's like to grow up with a sibling: the rivalries, the fighting and blaming, and then the sticking up for one another when we finally realize the other one is a HUMAN BEING. Big love to my brother by the way who is in the Air Force! Even my husband is not an only child: he is the youngest of six. SIX!! So I know we don't want for our daughter to grow up alone. Then there's the fact that both my husband and I are trying to run businesses from home.

In any case, I know I am trusting God. I know HE will bless me with more when HE feels I'm ready. And if I feel I'm not ready I know HE will prepare me to be. 

I commend all the moms out there with more than one child. I know it can't be easy but at least they have each other to play with and they will always have someone they can count on. And maybe, just maybe, the older kids are helpful.

Moms, weigh in. I know there are pros and cons to having more children so let me know your thoughts. Leave your comments below.

Do What You Have to Do, NO MATTER WHAT

Last night my daughter was in bed and sleeping by 9pm. "Well what's the big deal about that" you may think. That NEVER happens in my house! It's usually a battle to get her to her room and into pjs. Then it's story time, prayers and finally "nite, nite." All of this happens closer to 10. So why was she in bed so "early?"

There was a team conference call at 9 and I finally decided to be on it. I said YES to my business and to learning how I can grow and develop it.

While on this conference call I made sure I wasn't distracted by other things like Facebook or emails. I was sitting in from of my computer itching to write this blog but I waited until the conference call was over. (I did manage to clean up the toys but that was only a few minutes. Hey, I'm a mom!) As much as we feel the need to multitask, sometimes you just have to give 100% to ONE thing at a time.

So what did I "learn?" There are so many people who are super successful in their businesses and I think, "how are they doing it? What can I do to achieve the same level?" Well none of this is "new" news but the key is to DUPLICATE their system. Why make things harder? There's no need to reinvent the wheel when it's already rolling. Look at what they are doing and do the exact same thing. And these things that the successful people are doing are usually already set by the business they're in. It is the company or business model. Are you going to hit roadblocks? Most certainly, but you cannot let those roadblocks stop you completely. You just keep going and keep saying "NEXT" until you achieve your goal, whatever it may be.

Why I Do What I Do

I used to live in the Bronx and work as a graphic designer in the city. My original hours used to be 11-7 as I was hired to be the late shift person. Eventually that was no longer needed so they changed my hours and I worked 9:30-5:30. Commuting was ok, usually with little to no problems. But of course there were on-the-job stresses: cut backs, layoffs, longer hours, no raises.

Then I moved out to New Jersey with my then fiancé. That's when things got different. Commuting both ways took 1 1/2 to 2 hours! I would leave my house around 7:30 and not get home until 7:30 (on a good day!) By the time I had a chance to "unwind" it was time for bed and back to the same routine the next day.

When I had my daughter I knew something had to give. Either I would try to find another job closer to home or quit working all together. Mind you, around the same time I was having my baby, my husband got laid off. We were not in a good situation. I did go back to work for a few weeks and it was the toughest time of my life because I was not at home with her. Then my hubby got called back to work and that prompted me to make THE DECISION. There was no way I was going to put my daughter into day care. It was tough because I had a lot of friends at work and I was with the company for almost 9 years but I knew it was the right decision.

So then I thought, "what if I can work from home? What can I do?" Of course I wanted to stay in my field and try designing at home but the programs were so expensive. I was part of an online travel business but that just wasn't working for me. I wanted to try something different. Then I thought, "what if I can make jewelry from home?" I researched all that was involved but knew with a baby at home I didn't think I would have the time to handle that.

Finally I found a company that sells jewelry and all I had to do was throw/host home parties and make commission off of what I sold. WOW! Just like that? No one ever told me about that in college. You're taught, get an education and get a job. Unfortunately schools don't really promote entrepreneurship. And most people frown on if you try to start something on you're own. But I took the leap and signed up. There are times when the business is slow and the economy has something to do with that but I am dedicated to working from home in one way or another.

My husband supports me wholeheartedly as I support him. We are both in a weight-loss company that we believe truly works, because it has for us. And through the company we have become more aware of how seriously we needed to take care of our health and help others do the same. So that has become my mission! If I can help a friend battle her diabetes so she doesn't have to take insulin or pills, then I've done a good job. Or if I can find a way to help someone lose even 10 pounds and make them happy, then I've done a good job. I am here to help because what else is there in life? It's not always about me and when it gets to that point then I need to reassess my priorities.

UPDATE!

So it has been a while, well, QUITE a while since my last post. I'm not one to blog all the time and as a stay-at-home mom to an almost 3 year old well you know, my attention gets diverted elsewhere!

A lot has happened since then... I am still selling jewelry but am also involved with helping my husband in a weight-loss company that has worked WONDERS for us! We got involved with the 90 Day Challenge right after I got sick this past January. Had to get my gall bladder removed, was in the hospital for several days, lost weight because I couldn't eat anything. It was a trying time but a LIFE CHANGING moment for me. I was never one to exercise but now I am taking care of my body and more aware of what goes in it. All in all my husband has lost about 12 lbs and I lost 6. WOOHOO!!!

I just wanted to post about an upcoming event I will be at with our jewelry. It's a Fashion Show in East Orange, NJ and it's the first time I will be lending some of our pieces for the models to wear so I'm pretty excited about that. Come check it out if you have a chance!

Hispanics UNITE!

If you are Hispanic/Latino and are a business owner, entrepreneur, you work from home or are looking to network, don't forget to check out the events listed on the left. The first is the Hispanic Business Expo, a networking event for business owners. The next is the 1st Annual Hispanic Professionals Business Solution Golf Outing. ALL Proceeds will go to a Youth Leadership Development Grant, and assistance to youth seeking secondary education in business.

Your Plan B

So after almost a year of being laid off, my husband got called back to work last week. With him being an electrician in the union, we know that when he's working he makes good money, but when there's no work (or in his case, an excessive amount of workers), the layoff comes with some pretty fretful times, not just in his profession but in most. We don't know how long this job will last but we are certainly grateful to have it.

After having my daughter in 2009 I knew three things: 1. I didn't want to deal with my commute anymore, 2. I did not want to put her into daycare and 3. I wanted to have the option of working from home either in my profession as a graphic designer or something else. So when I left my job, we took the risk of living on just one income, and with my husband's line of work, the possibility that he could be out of work too. Which happened immediately! For the last 2 years he has been laid off at least three times.

We have struggled and are still trying to get back on our feet but I have to say we have God's help. Most people in our situation would panic instantly. But we were able to put food on our table and pay most of our bills on time (unfortunately using a 401K). And we both have work from home businesses that has brought in some income.

Working from home in any career field takes discipline, so it's not for everyone. And it has it's pros and cons. But if you're serious about finding your "plan b" check out this youtube video. It shows the reality of the instability of the workforce and the stock market but you have the opportunity to take matters into your own hands. Remember, just start with something you're passionate about.

Contact me if you have any questions or if you're looking for a way to supplement your income and I'll direct you to a couple of resources. Have a blessed day!

Franchise Friday!

Sorry folks! I couldn't think of a clever title. =D

Anyway, I went to Menlo Park Mall yesterday for their franchise fair. I just wanted to check out what types of businesses offer this option to making money and being your own boss. To name a few stores exhibiting were: Nestle, Haagen-Dazs, The Little Gym, and Cartridge World. Nestle was kind enough to have some chocolate chip cookies so I made a bee-line for their table!

Franchises require a lot of money: startup (the right to use their name); legal fees (to make sure everything is in order); build-out costs (furniture, equipment, fixtures for your location/s); inventory; supplies; and finally working capital (day to day cash available). For more detailed info you can visit about.com or Wikipedia.

If you're looking to see what are the best and up and coming franchises you can get your foot into, check out these articles:

Entrepreneur Magazine's 2011 Low Cost Franchises
Inc. Magazine's 10 Promising Franchises for 2011
Forbes Magazine's Top Franchises For the Money

The sites are endless but here are a few where you can find a complete list of franchises and more info on how to buy/start one visit:

http://www.franchise.com/
http://www.franchise.org/
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

Lupus Foundation @ Somerset Patriots

Hi everyone,

The Lupus Foundation of America, NJ Chapter is hosting Lupus Awareness Night at The Somerset Patriots on July 2. Tickets are only $8 and there will be a Fireworks Show after the game. Please come out and support this wonderful foundation who I have been supporting for the last 2 years. For more information call 973-379-3226 or visit their website and click on the Patriots logo.

Down to Earth Fashion

I was just browsing the web and came across this article about first lady Michelle Obama wearing a $29 Gap dress. I thought it was really neat that she's so down to earth when it comes to fashion. There really is no need to spend $500 or more on an item of clothing when you can find something just as nice for less.

So this prompted me to find more articles on celebrities shopping at stores I can find in my own neighborhood. Check out what I came across:

- Seventeen Magazine compiled a slide show of celebrities shopping at their favorite stores.
- The Looking Fly on a Dime blog posts celebrities wearing chic styles you can find anywhere.
- The Thread on Yahoo shows how and where you can shop for your favorite celebrity style.

Happy Shopping!

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog! Here I hope to motivate and inspire people to their fullest potential. I am an entrepreneur by heart and believe in taking charge of your life rather than just "getting by" with what the world throws at you. I try to live my life in humble adoration and service to the Lord Jesus Christ. I realize this may turn some people away but I hope it does not.

A little more about me: I'm a stay/work at home mom to a 2 year old girl and wife to the best man God has ever placed in my life. I'm a graphic designer (mostly for print) and I love to write. Stories, poems, articles, etc... I also love to travel and used to blog about it. Visit my old blog listed at right.

So right now, I am building my sterling silver jewelry business from home and work on various freelance design projects that come my way. In between, I am always looking for fun free/cheap things to do with my family, especially now that summer is here.

Thanks again for visiting and I hope you enjoy my blog!