How to be the Perfect Party Guest

This time of year, finding yourself the recipient of numerous invitations to holiday celebrations is expected. With all the holiday parties you’ll be attending with family, friends, and co-workers, you want to be sure you remain a candidate for repeat invitations and not become an addition to the ‘Never Again’ list that Hosts make out after the party. So brush up on your social etiquette and become the perfect party guest at any party, not just the holiday party. 

Honor the invitation

If it says to RSVP, then do so, and do so immediately. If you wait, you are now giving your host an added task of calling to find out if you’ll be there. If the invitation says, “Regrets Only”, then inform your host only if you WON’T be there. And if there is no RSVP request included in the invitation, it’s still nice to let your host know if you cannot make it.    

Plan ahead

Once you’ve decided to go to the party and after you’ve RSVP’d, place the date and time on your calendar and make all the necessary home and family arrangements. Don’t call the host at the last minute and ask if you can bring your children because you don’t have a babysitter. 

Arrive on time and…Bear Gifts

You don’t like to wait on late-arrivals and neither does anyone else; so don’t be that person that’s holding up the dinner party or who comes in and snarls at the picked over table of appetizers.

Bring your host a gift, but don’t make it flowers. They’ll have to excuse themselves to tend to them and even if the flowers are prepped in a vase, there’s always the question of where to place them…still a distraction for the host. Don’t bring a gift of food, either; the menu has already been established. If you want to contribute food for the party, call your host and offer ahead of time. Candles are nice to give; maybe even a ‘good’ bottle of wine. Just don’t ask, “Hey where’s that bottle of wine I brought?” If you want to open and drink it, then it wasn’t really your host’s gift, was it?

When the Party’s Over

Find your host/hostess, thank them and express your pleasure of the evening. Then leave. Don’t overstay your welcome and don’t try to be the last to go. It’s a party; not a sleepover. Show compassion to your host by remembering all the energy it took to make this a nice event for you and the other guests. Your host needs rest and you don’t want to be the one to prevent it.

After a couple of days, send a nice ‘thank you’ note (yes, it’s still socially correct).

This holiday season, remember these little details and secure your spot on the GOOD GUEST LIST for years to come. 

Include Everyone in Your Holiday Celebrations
Want to start a new tradition this year? How about making your Holiday Season a diverse one? 

Some people have family members who choose to follow a different religion than the rest of the family. Some may adopt the cultural habits of others. Embrace those differences. Find out more about them. Celebrate the uniqueness of all during this holiday season.

After all, this is the time of year to express peace and good will toward all, right?

Listed below are a few things you can do with and for family members, friends, and anyone else within your circle of acquaintances whose values, beliefs, cultures, or traditions are different from what you are accustomed to.

• Invite your friend to a dinner/celebration and ask them to bring their favorite dessert or a dish that represents their culture or tradition.  
• Involve the kids. Have them research a culture or religion different from your own and share an interesting fact during dinner. The family can vote for the most interesting fact learned.
• Understand that a need is a need in any walk of life. Combine your efforts and give to a charity in the name of both your religions.

Opening up to the differences of others will not minimize the importance of our beliefs or values in any way. Instead, it creates deeper connections through the sharing of ourselves. It gives us another way to grow and learn from each other. Remember, to share is to care. (Excerpt from my book, "Creating Bliss ~ Better Living In Seven Steps"

Remember, it’s not about your way or mine. It’s not about traveling in only one direction in life. It’s about inclusion, involvement, and support; and sometimes even adaptation. It’s about connecting to expand in all directions of life.

So introduce some new traditions into your family celebrations. Bring family and friends closer through the respect and acceptance of all. Do this and give the gift of love to all; the gift that’s understood and accepted in any culture or religion.

~~~~~Tell Tammy~~~~~

What is your favorite family tradition? Leave a comment below.

Avoid These Mistakes When Planning Your Holiday Party

Wow! Thanksgiving is over and December is here! Some of you are in full swing getting ready for the numerous celebrations you’ll be invited to and some will even host a few. So it’s the Host/Hostess that we focus on in this week’s article.

While some preparations are obvious, here’re a few areas that will require your attention to ensure your holiday gathering is filled with merriment and fun.

5 Actions to Avoid when Planning The Perfect Holiday Party 

1. Overdoing themes and decorations. Enhance your home with adequate trimmings without overwhelming. Strategically place decorative pieces where they give the best visual effect and lend the proper mood to the area. Make your party the theme; not the adornments. Don’t deck your halls to the point where guests get tinsel-tied each time they take a step. And be sure to arrange some of the decorations above eye level to be enjoyed by all of your guests; not just the first to arrive and the last to leave. Balance your decorations so they are enjoyed by the seated and the standing.  

 2. Overlooking food preferences. Consider all your guests when planning your menu. Provide an array of food and drink choices for everyone; Dieters, Vegans, Drinkers and Non-drinkers. Search the internet for Cocktails, Mocktails, and a variety of other GREAT RECIPES. And if you’re not sure what kind of substitution to make for one of your guests, check with them beforehand. Chances are they’ll be thrilled that you asked, and will be happy to share their favorite recipe with you and others. 

 3. Placing food out and forgetting about it. Try to serve food throughout the duration of your party. Especially if cocktails are offered because your guests will need to “feed” their drinks. Instead of setting everything out at once, have various trays brought out in intervals. This way, food stays fresh and your guests stay intrigued over the wonderful surprises that keep coming. They’ll also stay “upright” since you’re constantly giving them something to nibble on as they sip their drinks (if you know what I mean). 

4. Cleaning only the public areas of your home.    Cleaning only the public areas of your home. Include your personal areas when tidying up your home for your party; even if you plan to entertain in only one room. Don’t leave personal items lying around and clear medicine cabinets of anything you don’t want ‘accidentally eyeballed’ by your guests.

Now, for one of the Biggest Mistakes you can make…

5. Forgetting to enjoy yourself. Give yourself enough prep time to grab a nap or just relax 30-40 minutes before your first guest is due to arrive so you can greet them with a real smile that’s fresh and sincere. Days before your party, arrange for cleanup assistance so it’s not on your mind as you watch dishes stack up. Remember, this party is just as much for you as it is for your guests. So enjoy the fun!

Later, we’ll address holiday party fun as a guest. Don’t miss it!

~~~~~Tell Tammy~~~~~

What festivities are you planning over the holidays?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here’s hoping that you and your family enjoy this special holiday of love and gratitude.

I’m thankful for all the blessings that have been and continue to be bestowed upon me. And today, I’m especially thankful for Daddy’s improved health and I’m hoping he gives us something else to be thankful for by getting released from the hospital today. We’ll see. Good luck, Daddy!

Speaking of parents:

It’s funny the memories that come to my mind along with the aroma of all the ‘usual’ things we eat. The cinnamon and other spices that punctuate my senses also transports Mama straight from Heaven and into my kitchen where her hand is on mine as I stir the gravy, and her cheek right next to mine as I bend to lavishly inhale the Sweet Potato Pie.

Of course, additional family memories crop up throughout the day as we continue to make more memories, but at least for a while, before Michael and I sit down for a quiet midday snack and before company comes, there’s that special moment that’s just Mama and me. And I’m thankful for the memories she continues to give me, even after she’s moved on.

May this Thanksgiving and each day forward be a blessing to you and yours!

Continued Bliss!

~~~~~Tell Tammy~~~~~

What special memories do holiday aromas bring to you? 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

In addition to the obviously apparent things that I am thankful for, like my lovely family, my wonderful friends, my health, and of course, the birth of my new book; I am TRULY THANKFUL for the talent the Creator gave me that leads me to inspire and help others embrace life’s challenges, thus elevating their spirits and mine. 

Include Our Veterans in Your Holiday Celebrations

Since the holiday season officially kicks off on November 25th of this month, and Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11th, why not combine them and plan a holiday tribute to all the brave people who have kept and continue to keep our great country safe. A businessman from Maine, Morrill Worcester and his family did just that in 1992 when they turned their gesture of allegiance into an annual holiday event that now includes all of America. With the support of volunteers, this event embodies elements of loyalty, honor, celebration, gratitude, and education. Check out their inspirational beginnings  and consider helping out in your area .

Holiday Bliss the Debt-Free Way

It's the first week of November and like most of you, all of us here at Image Design are gearing up for the holidays. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing some of our tips and tricks for getting to and through the holiday season blissfully relaxed and stress-free, beginning with these tips for Holiday Bliss the Debt-Free Way.

Did you know that holiday spending is back to pre-recession levels? In the past few years, Americans spent more than $500 billion dollars over the holiday season; and about 23% of that was paid for with credit cards (money not yet earned). So what happens then? They go into the New Year owing considerably more than the year before; all in the name of the holidays.

Great holidays are not synonymous with over-spending. Let the following tips lead you to holiday fun without compromising your wallet and without entering the New Year wracked in debt:

1. Decide now on what you want to do regarding everything that's holiday-related; from shopping to decorating; from gift-giving to entertaining. A little planning now will save you a lot of impulsive spending later.

2. For workplace celebrations, determine ahead of time what your contribution will be. Then, if suggested contributions are more than you had budgeted, let the planners know ahead of time. Offer to contribute in another way that will keep you involved while staying within your personal plans. For example, you could offer to bake a holiday cake or donate a seasonal flower arrangement to add to the decorations.

3. Do not window shop. Instead, shop with a plan. Make a list of what you want to purchase, go to the stores that you think have what you want, then go only to the necessary departments of those stores. This may take a little work and a lot of discipline, but keep your goal in mind and you'll be ok. You'll save time and money this way, and just think of how proud of yourself you'll be in the end.


4. Make holiday entertaining both fun and therapeutic for your family and friends. Invite them to a casual pizza party where they can unwind from all the hectic goings-on. For added fun, everyone can bring a pizza topping, drinks, etc to share and you all can build your pizzas together or better yet, make it a competitive team event with little stocking stuffers of homemade treats as prizes. Put on a seasonal CD and enjoy the kitchen clatter, holiday chatter, and the enveloping aroma of fresh oven-baked pizza.

Create lasting memories by giving more from your heart. Follow these tips and when the decorations come down, your spirits will still be up. You'll be mentally healthy and happy; not debt-ridden and depressed.

Remember, Holiday Bliss is not about spending a lot of money, but spending quality time with the people you care about.

National Boss's Day 2011

Is Boss’s Day for Bosses Only?

Monday, October 17^th is National Boss’s Day, a day that’s recognized as a time to shower employers with flowers, gifts, parties and awards to show how much they are appreciated.  But is Boss’s Day for Bosses only?

Not entirely.

Boss’s Day also promotes relationships between the head of the workplace, aka the boss, and the people under their employ. It’s a time when the people from multi-level positions celebrate together to display a unified workforce. You see, this way, employees benefit too.

But it’s called “Boss’s” Day” because the workplace is a reflection of the boss, their performance and their achievements. Boss’s Day acknowledges the “great” boss and inspires the average one to become great.

A great boss:

• Provides direction and focus to create a mutual sense of purpose
• Values their people as individuals
• Fosters solid relationships by earning respect and building trust
• Constantly provide their employees with opportunities to learn and grow

So to Employees I say: Celebrate Boss’s Day to honor the person you work for and the environment they’ve created for you.

To the Boss I say: After all the excitement dies down and you’re posed with the question - What’d you get for Boss’s Day? -  before you answer, think of your staff and ask yourself:

"Other than the fact that I’m the boss, did I actually earn a celebration for Boss’s Day?"

If you honestly feel the answer is YES, then Good For You! If you answered NO, don’t fret; it’s not too late. Just make today the day you turn it around and become the kind of boss you’d like to be; the kind of boss you’d like to have; the kind who doesn’t just know what it takes, but actually does what it takes to earn the title of a Great Boss. 

~~~~~Tell Tammy~~~~~

What're you doing for Boss's Day? 

Explore Several Techniques to Maintain Inner Balance

There is no one method to maintain balance in life so it’s wise to use whatever works to maintain yours. 

There are definite practices that afford me the positive feelings that come from being centered and balanced; like meditation, sacred walks, journaling, etc. For the most part, those daily practices work. But then there’re those days when I find I need an extra dose of “letting go” of thoughts and feelings that threaten to rattle my spirit to the core.

In my new book, “Creating B.L.I.S.S. – Better Living In Seven Steps”  , I have outlined various ways to get to that wonderful state of balance and the benefits that come from knowing when to use them; techniques that include prayer, meditation, yoga, walking, breathing, playing, and many others as they all tend to place the spirit in harmony.

What really works is whatever works for you. Explore different methods but know that it’s not necessary to do them all. Only when you understand how you benefit from each, will you know what to do to benefit yourself the most.

For example, an early morning walk can be an energizing start to a great day. And if your day later takes a hectic turn, try meditation to stay focused on the actions needed to get you through the remainder of your day. And if meditation’s not possible at the time, focus on your breathing; that always works. You’re breathing anyway, why not be mindful of it and expel all stress with each exhale. Get the idea?

Know which techniques work best when your spirit needs them the most. And remember; don’t wear yourself out trying every technique you’ve ever heard of. Simply do what’s necessary to boost your spirit when the need arises and you will lessen all threats of imbalance. 


~~~~~Tell Tammy~~~~~

How do you maintain balance in your life? 

Who Are You?

Have you ever asked yourself this very basic question? If you have, did you listen to your answer? Notice I said your answer and not the answer. What comes to mind may not be your true answer; not what's really inside of you. It may come from you and it may come from others who know you; or think they know you. Worse yet, it may come from those who knew you in the past, even though you're not that person now.

So who are you? Did you think of an answer yet? Were they your thoughts or someone else's? We get so caught up in what's going on outside of ourselves...family, work, duties, obligations...yadda, yadda, yadda...that we tend to bury our true selves.

Sound familiar? Recognize yourself yet? Don't feel bad if you do. This has been the case for all of us at some point in our lives. But it doesn't have to continue that way for the rest of our lives. So what do you do? You silence the outside noise and calm yourself to:

• Get to know yourself
• Distinguish between your own ideas and those influenced by others

Then, just as you love, trust and believe in a close friend, you will learn to love, trust and believe in your inner voice...your true self.

~-This post is an Excerpt from my soon-to-be released book 
“Creating B.L.I.S.S. ~ Better Living in Seven Steps”

For a sneak peek, read a sample chapter from the book HERE  

Customer Service Week Begins Today

Today begins Customer Service Week 2011. This special week was introduced over 20 years ago by the International Customer Service Association as a series of week-long events to recognize the people who worked in areas of customer service. 

Dedicate this week to honor your customers' contributing role in helping you achieve success in your business. By focusing on them, you ensure them of their importance to you and your organization. 

Great Customer Service begins with the relationship that you establish between you and your customers from the start. It’s important to build a positive connection with them by building strong rapport. Use these quick and easy methods to create solid connections:

• Give your customers the PERSONAL TOUCH. You can easily show how much you value them simply by taking the time to know their names.
•  BUILD TRUST in your relationship. Don’t just let it happen, make it happen. Honor your word. Keep your promises.
• SHOW APPRECIATION for your customer’s business by doing little things for them. Reward them for repeat business; give inexpensive incentives such as gift certificates or thank-you letters and encourage them to keep coming back.
• SHOW INTEREST in your customers. Recognize milestones. For example, let’s say a customer tells you they are on their way to their son’s soccer game. If within a few days, they come in to see you or they call, ask them, “who won the big game the other day?” This not only shows that you listen and remember, but that you care about them as people and not just as a customer. 

Rev up your team now! Get your workplace involved! Prepare some exciting activities for fun and recognition. 


Need inspiration? Check out the official Customer Service Week site for product, ideas, & more at http://www.csweek.com/customer_service_week.php

~~~~~Tell Tammy~~~~~

I'd love to hear about your Customer Service Week plans. Why not share them here. 

Eliminate Clutter on Your Computer to Create Balance

By Lorri Morin


If you are like me, you spend much of your waking hours at the computer. But how much thought do you give to keeping your computer organized and clutter-free?
I would like to suggest that you schedule 15-30 minutes each week to perform housekeeping on your computer - yes, actually block time on your calendar for it. That really isn't a lot, and once you start implementing these techniques, you will find that you won't need that much time.

• Give some thought to how you name your files - this will make it easier for you to retrieve them next time. For instance, if you name your file Letter to Dave.doc, it will show up in your directory among all the other "Letters to...". Instead, name it Dave Pruett Agreement Ltr_26 Feb 06.doc to make it easier to find.
• Create folders to store your documents, rather than putting everything in My Documents or in C:Data. Break this down into meaningful categories, such as:  Clients

ABC Coaching

1. Agreements
2. Invoices
3. Letters
4. Speaking Engagements

EFG Consulting

1. Agreements
2. Invoices
3. Letters
4. Proposals

• Reserve your desktop for files that you need frequent, immediate access to. If you haven't used a file for a week or two, move it to a more appropriate location. 

• Download Google Desktop to make searching for documents and emails on your computer even easier. Once you download and install this free program, it will index your entire hard drive (run this process overnight, as it can take several hours, depending on the amount of data you have stored). 

• Create a spreadsheet to track all your usernames and passwords. This time, give the file a name that isn't obvious. This will eliminate the need to create duplicate accounts or request your log-in info by email and will avoid lock-outs when you enter the wrong info multiple times. Note: you should not store passwords to bank accounts or other sensitive information in this file in case your computer becomes compromised. 

• Even better than keeping a spreadsheet to track your passwords is a tool called RoboForm which creates strong passwords and securely stores your log-in information for all the sites you visit. Free and paid versions are available. 

• Clean out your browser's bookmarks. Eliminate any default bookmarks or any that are no longer of interest to you. As before, create folders for your bookmarks to categorize them, such as "Vacation Spots", "News", "Shopping & Gifts", etc. 

• Reduce junk email by creating a free email account and using it for online purchases or registering with websites. Check it only when you make purchases to retrieve your receipts and shipping confirmations. This will cut down on the amount of junk that is sent to your primary email account.

These little steps will soon have you working in a less cluttered virtual environment, which will help you feel less distracted and more energized.


~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
Lorri Morin is the President of Virtual Synergy, a virtual assistance practice, and functions as a Virtual Chief Operating Officer for her clients, handling the day-to-day activities, managing customer care, coordinating with other service providers, helping to brainstorm and plan future programs & products, and managing the maintenance of websites, blogs, and shopping carts. For free tips on Selecting a Virtual Assistant, visit http://www.virtualsynergy.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorri_Morin

ALL MY CHILDREN and Other Soaps Did More than Entertain Us

Today is a very special day in my life and in the life of countless others. It's the last airing of ABC TV's Daytime Soap Opera ALL MY CHILDREN. Although that may seem superficial to some, don’t judge. At least not before you hear why it’s important to me and why Soap Operas are important in general.

From the very first show that I watched with my mother when I was 11 years old; which happens to be the current age of my granddaughter, I loved the anticipation of sharing that time with my Mama who is no longer with us. After the show, she and I would chat about the stories; some parts I understood, and some she'd have to explain to me, often stating, "we'll talk about it in more detail when you're older and better able to understand". Some of it may have been put on hold, but all of it was discussed and believe me, they opened up some great 'life' discussions. Those moments were and shall remain very fond memories of Mama and me.

ALL MY CHILDREN was also a great influence on my creativity. Amazed at the intricate story lines and how they successfully weaved real-life lessons into entertaining drama, it helped me to remain positive when working through life's challenges and to be creative when solving life's problems. Come on...tell the truth; how many times have you been in a tough spot and asked yourself, “What would Erica do?” You may not have the answer right away, but you learned to know that things would always work out. Good training for real life.  

ALL MY CHILDREN and Soap Operas in general, present us with opportunities to open up and learn how to dream; a prerequisite to success. In real life, success begins with one inspiring moment in your heart; in one flash of a dream where you get a glimpse of your true desire. Success comes from the one thought that you learn to nourish into reality. So in essence, Soap Operas gave you practice at being successful, each and every day.

Finally, through ALL MY CHILDREN, I witnessed first-hand (via my TV set) that what is seen by some as hard work, actually enriches your life when you’re doing what you love to do. And to do what that cast did for so long expresses absolute love of the art, regardless of the bad rap Soap Operas sometimes got. It doesn’t matter whether others understand what you do, as long as you understand and believe in what you’re doing. And when it can inspire many people without hurting any people, you can’t help but be happy.

  

Over the top? Yes, Soap Operas are famous for it. The stories did get over-the-top at times, but I simply viewed them as attention-getters; you know, like how you sometimes get loud and animated when you're trying to drive a point home. With their bottom line being that the viewers did get the point…mission accomplished. And everyone came out ok, with us being entertained in the process.   

They say the end of ALL MY CHILDREN marks the end of an era, and that’s true for daytime TV. But with the buzz about Soap Operas going online, ALL MY CHILDREN will probably continue in some other media; which teaches us the ultimate lesson; Nothing dies; it's just reborn into another form.

I thank you, ALL MY CHILDREN, for all my lessons and especially for all the good times you brought into my life. I feel like I’m saying good-bye to an old and dear friend. So, as I complete this tribute, I stop for a moment, raise my cup of Chamomile tea and say, Here’s to a fantastic show!  It’s been a great ride!



~~ Tell Tammy ~~
If you're a fan of ALL MY CHILDREN, share your favorite moments.

How to be Etiquette-Savvy in the Workplace

It is a natural desire to want your children to know the socially acceptable rules of etiquette, so you teach them often and reinforce the lessons even more. Some of you even provide additional training from an outside organization or etiquette coach. After all, they’re your children and you will do anything to nurture them into caring, well-mannered individuals that you can be proud of, right?

But what if you work with adults who know less about manners and proper etiquette than your child’s pet rock? What if you’re constantly in the presence of people who just don’t think at all about cordial behavior? How do you keep your own manners intact when you’re reeling from the faux pas of others?

Well, a large part of proper etiquette is knowing what to do when the behavior of others around you is less than proper. Below, you will find three common “missteps” that are often made in the professional arena. Following are tips on how to respectfully handle them without anyone’s feelings getting hurt. 

Misstep #1: You are in the middle of a telephone conversation with a colleague and find that, without your permission, you have been placed on ‘speaker’.

Your Etiquette-Savvy Response:

If you don’t care about being on speaker, then don’t worry about this and let it go. But if you do care about proper telephone etiquette and this behavior of your colleague, which is rude; whether intentional or not, politely ask to be taken off speaker and request that in the future, you are asked before being placed on speaker for surrounding ears to hear. After addressing this, you can freely search your mind to be sure you hadn’t said anything that could be considered inappropriate if you were overheard.

Misstep #2: During a formal business luncheon, the person next to you unknowingly takes the cutlery that is meant for you which leaves you with no utensils to eat with since the person on the other side of you knew which pieces belonged to them.

Your Etiquette-Savvy Response: 

Avoiding a big fuss, simply signal your waiter or waitress and mention that you are missing your utensils. This is neither the time nor the place to give basic table setting lessons to your business colleague. Hopefully, they will realize their mistake without embarrassment and appreciate your consideration in the matter. Then everyone is free to proceed with the business lunch.  

Misstep #3: You work in adjoining cubicles and your ‘neighbor’ is carrying on a personal telephone conversation that is getting progressively loud.

Your Etiquette-Savvy Response:

Avoid the impulse to go over and hang up your co-worker’s phone, stand up (if the partition’s height allows you to be seen) and gently tap on your ear to indicate that the phone conversation is too loud. Another response would be to write your co-worker the following note and pass it to them: “You may not be aware, but your voice is carrying and I’m sure you don’t want the office to know your personal business”.   

There you have it; three ways to address less than proper workplace behavior while remaining Etiquette-Savvy. Keep in mind though, that it is never polite to point out someone else’s mistakes in front of others or in such a way that will embarrass them. Etiquette is about respect; for people and relationships. By considering the feelings of others, you build trust in relationships.

When a behavioral error has been made, there’s no guarantee that anything you do or say to correct that behavior will be positively received by the person who made the mistake. But chances are great that a polite response from you will be appreciated, maybe even reciprocated somewhere down the line. Remember, no one’s perfect. We all slip-up from time to time and being reminded of basic etiquette is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s all in how we deliver those reminders.

So in the interest of employee morale; and not to mention, your own peace of mind, don’t you owe it to your place of business and to yourself to do what you can to keep relationships trusting and behaviors pleasant? And since etiquette is all about respect and considering others, what better way is there to show loyalty to colleagues and ultimately, your workplace.

Want to keep a Journal but find it's NOT your forte?

These days, many find pleasure and answers through the art of journaling. You can journal about any topic under the sun. You can journal about the sun if you choose – anything you’d like to write about, you can have a journal for it.

But is journaling really an art form? Is it something made by the hands of only a creative few? Are there special skills involved in journaling?

No. Then why do some consider themselves journal-challenged? Why does it seem to come so easy to some people while others struggle with it? And how can the seemingly journal-challenged individuals find the same pleasure as the journal-inclined?  

There are various ways to keep a journal; audio, video, etc. But if you find journaling hard to grab hold of, try your hand at these alternatives to traditional journal-keeping to get you started. You can always alter your techniques later:  

Overcome Challenges in 10 Easy Steps

When you find yourself in a challenging situation, reject inner tendencies to view it as a problem. Instead, embrace the challenge, and then

DO's and DON'Ts of BBQ Etiquette

Nothing says summer like a good ol’ barbecue. Whether you’re among those who will be cooking and hanging out in a park on the Fourth of July, or plan to join your buddies in the backyard, it’s good to brush up on some BBQ etiquette. So consider these Dos and Don’ts to keep your place among the socially savvy and keep your friends in the process.

Embrace Technology for Old-School Pleasures

Pleasures of Writing
I've just finished my new book and it's on its merry publishing way. It's been quite an interesting process. Not only the writing of the book; I've been writing all my life so that part was great. But once the final penning was complete...well, all systems went go, and I found myself,

Happy Birthday, Grandson!

Trevious



Grandma & Baby Tre



It’s hard to believe that Trevious, our oldest grandchild turns 14 today, April 15^th…tax day. I remember that enchanted day like it was yesterday. Our wedding anniversary falls on April 14^th and on that day in 1997, in addition to celebrating the pleasures of wedded bliss; Michael and I were at the hospital excitedly awaiting the beginning of the next generation of our family. That beginning came in the strength of a little bundle that admirably fought through tremendous, unforeseen physical challenges just to get here to us and enrich our lives.

     We’re very proud of you, Tre. You’re an inspiration to the family and we all love you! Happy Birthday!