Have you ever dreamed of having a home based catering business?  If you have a love of cooking this would be a great career.

In many homes nowadays both parents are working.  Economic pressures require a double income.  Schedules are hectic and it is very difficult to prepare wholesome, nutritious meals.

A catering business can be very lucrative in providing daily meals for these families (singles or couples).  You would not only be preparing delicious meals but eliminating the stress that these people feel when they under the pressure of shopping and cooking.  They would have more time to enjoy each other and do the things they enjoy most.

Before you jump into your apron, here are some things you want to consider:

What will be the name of your business?

Are you doing this by yourself or will you have a partner?  If you have a partner will you both be responsible for the cooking, or will one take care of the administrative duties?  In the future you may find the need to hire a cook.  Dependability is a required.

Create a business plan that you can use if you need to get financing.

Check with your local food administration authorities about the laws governing your type of business.  Find out the appropriate licenses and permits you will need.  Check into these details first so you will not have problems in the future.

Decide on what types of meals you are going to provide.  You will want to include two or three choices daily.  Once you establish your clientele you can give them an order form of the various meals available on certain days.  You can establish the time frame you want to maintain.  A week or two ahead have the forms returned to you. You can come up with a computerized form that you can email your clients and they can email you their choices. Do whatever you can to automate your business and eliminate unnecessary legwork. You will have to decide what works best for you.  You will want a week’s notice for shopping and preparation purposes.

If you want to specialize utilizing your specific cooking/baking talents, your catering service could be for special soups, desserts or birthday cakes.  This is your choice.

Pricing your meals will be more of a challenge.  You will want to keep your costs as low as possible in order to have a desirable profit.  Call other catering businesses to get an idea of what your completion is charging.  You do not want to price your meals so high that you will price yourself out of the market.  Allow for a fluctuation margin in market prices.

You will want to buy in bulk.  Get a membership at your local wholesale club.  This will save you quite a bit.  You still want to be a savvy shopper as there are times when your local supermarket’s prices are lower than the wholesale club.

Bulk shopping will necessitate your knowledge of the shelf life of the foods you are storing. When in doubt of how to, and how long to store food items, the internet holds a wealth of information at your fingertips.

How are you going to advertise your business?  Of course, word of mouth continues to be one of the best forms of advertisement.  You should consider flyers, or posters that you can leave at various businesses in your area. You will be able to create and print these on your computer. This will cut printing costs. Newspapers and mail coupon services can get the word out to many, but will be more costly.

You may want to consider designing a web page so that you can create an internet presence. Print up business cards including your web address. Get permission to leave this in places such as the doctor’s office, dentist, or hairdresser. Design your website so you have your weekly choices listed and your contact information.

If you go this route, you will want to find a web hosting company that also provides you internet marketing tools.  I know of one company that has a bulk emailing program, with an auto responder where you can set up various campaigns. It also provides a video producer with templates that you can create for your specific business.  The best part of this company is that they have training by professionals in the industry.  If you are a cook, more than likely, you are not overly versed in computers!!

How are you going to get the meals to your customers?  They can pick them up from your home or you could deliver to their place for a set fee.  You will need to put great thought into planning your cooking and delivery schedule.  As a suggestion, allow yourself about one hour to an hour and a half.

What type of containers are you going to use to pack your meals? As there is a possibility that the food may need to be reheated, you will have to take this into consideration when purchasing containers. Look into microwavable items. A wholesale club usually has great prices on food containers.

Be a good planner.  The internet will provide you with an endless supply of recipes and ideas for different meals.  If you are cooking for a family with children, take this into consideration. Spicy does not always work with little ones!

When you purchase your fresh produce make sure it is cleaned properly and when possible cut and ready for use.

Keep a cautious eye on your costs.

You want to develop a good relationship with your clients.  When possible, satisfy special requests. Always be the type of person that you would want to work with.

As suppliers are an important element in your business you want to develop a good relationship in this area.  This will go a long way in getting better service.

It is up to you to decide on how large of a business you want to create.  A small business will be easier to handle.  Once it grows it will necessitate hiring additional staff members. But then again this would translate into greater revenue.

As an added suggestion, be sure to keep your recipes either on the computer or in a binder in protective sheets.  Who know, someday you can add to your business profits by publishing a cookbook of your catering recipes.

I hope that your love of cooking will be the first step to initiating a profitable home based catering business.  I wish you all the best and a kitchen filled with aromas of happiness and success!

Happy Cooking,

Judy Conway

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February 2nd, 2010 update!!  Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning … so we will have six more weeks of winter!!

Earliest references to Groundhog Day can be traced back to February 4^th, 1841.  Pennsylvania at the Historical Society of Berks County has information noted by James Morris, a storekeeper from Morgantown, in his diary on February 2^nd making reference to a German holiday known as Candlemas day (precursor to Groundhog Day) back then.

German tradition stated that if the sun comes out on Candlemas the groundhog will see his shadow and retreat back to his winter quarters for another six weeks.  After arriving in Pennsylvania the Germans continued this tradition using what we know as groundhogs to predict the weather.

Groundhog Day was first officially celebrated on February 2nd, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  Clymer Freas, the editor of The Punxsutawney Spirit, posted a proclamation that at the time the paper went to press the groundhog had not seen his shadow.

The following year The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club (of which Freas was a member) made the first legendary trip to Gobbler’s Knob in search of “Phil” the Punxsutawney groundhog.  The groundhog’s full name, as given by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in 1887, is “Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary.”  Phil’s fame has spread world-wide.

For the better part of the year Phil actually lives in a climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library.  On February 2^nd he is taken to Gobbler’s Knob and placed in a heated burrow underneath a fabricated tree stump on a stage.  He is then pulled out at 7:25 AM to give his prediction.

People, including news reporters, travel annually to Punxsutawney, located in Western Pennsylvania about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, to cover Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction.   It is a big celebration.  If you are planning on being part of this annual weather prediction plan to arrive no later than 6 AM.  There is no parking at Gobbler’s Knob so you will have to take one of the shuttles.  You might want to make it a weekend excursion and enjoy all of the action-packed activities ranging from a chili cook-off, trivia contests, ice carving exhibitions, the Prognosticators Ball, sleigh rides, etc.  There are even groundhog day weddings and if you celebrate your birthday on February 2^nd you can share the special day with others attending Phil’s Birthday Celebration.

The amount of attention Phil receives must be the envy of our “technical” weather forecasters!

Below are 4 things you might not know about groundhogs and their role in weather prognostication:

1. Groundhogs, scientifically known as Marmota monax, are related to squirrels.   If predators are scarce and a groundhog can find abundant alfalfa is abundant, they can grow to three feet in length (tail included) and may weigh as much as 30 pounds. Groundhogs have been known to live as long as 22 years in captivity. Zoo life agrees with them as well.
2. American groundhogs, mostly brown tinged with gray, are found from Alabama to Alaska. They live in the lowlands.
3. Groundhogs are called by many names.  In some areas groundhogs are they are as marmots; in others they are called land beavers or, sometimes, “whistle pigs” because of they are inclined to sit on their hind legs near their burrows and make a whistling noise to alert their neighbors when danger (a coyote or an eagle, for example) approaches.
4. Regardless of the hype, groundhogs’ ability to predict the weather for the final six weeks of winter (that amount of time is fixed by the calendar) is no better than random chance.

So as Groundhog day is upon us, start your own tradition.  If you do not already own a copy of the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, consider getting one.  Curl up with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy your evening.

Here is hoping that we are NOT going to have six more weeks of winter!

Judy Conway

Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com

http://fullservicemarketingtools.com

http://homebusinessinatlanta.com

Skype ID: judy.conway

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Here is a solution for hot cereal for this cold weather we are experiencing.

I love a hot bowl of oatmeal on cold mornings. We seem to have an over abundance of those mornings lately. One big problem I find is regular oatmeal is not allowed on a low carb eating program. (5 grams of carbs, or less) This morning I set out to look for a solution to my dilemma!

I am on the Metabolism Miracle program and woke up craving a bowl of hot cereal. I got out my book, and low and behold, I found recipe for “A Taste of Hot Cereal”. This is listed as a no carb count. I am posting the recipe below for anyone who misses oatmeal as much as I do!

A Taste of Hot “Cereal”

1/4 cup finely chopped almonds (I used prepackaged sliced almonds)
1/4 cup finely chopped Brazil nuts (I substituted walnut halves)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup light cream
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 packet Splenda
Pinch of salt

In a food processor, finely process the almonds, Brazil nuts (or walnuts) and sesame seeds.
Place the nut mixture in a microwave-safe cereal bowl.
Add the butter, light cream, cinnamon, Splenda, and salt (if desired) and mix well.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted.

Stir, close your eyes and think “hot cereal.” I was really pleasantly surprised and hope you will be too.

As an update on my progress on the Metabolism Miracle program … December was not a good month to start a new eating program. Faced with 4 birthdays, a Christmas gathering with some dear friends, Christmas and New Year’s, I must admit towards the end I strayed from what I should have been eating.

I want to encourage everyone who has set out to lose weight and either following this program or any other for that matter, do not give up. I have had a hard time getting back to basics but am determined to succeed. Sad to say this past week was the first week I was able to “totally” be true to what I should be doing. In any event, I have not gained back any of the weight I lost (15 pounds) and have lost another two or three. So I encourage you all when you have times where you slip away from your eating program, DO NOT GIVE UP!! The weight did not suddenly appear on your body overnight and contrary to what we would like to see, it is not going to melt away overnight.

I hope that you enjoy this “Hot Cereal recipe. I have tried recipes on other programs in the past and even my pets would not eat what I had prepared. The Metabolism Miracle book has quite a few recipes in it and everyone that I have tried so far have been very tasty. Even my grandchildren have said they thought they tasted good

I encourage you to keep up the good work. We can do this!!

Judy Conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
Skype ID: judy.conway
http://fullservicemarketingtools.com
http://homebusinessinatlanta.com

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Have you ever found yourself engaged in a conversation being more eager about talking about yourself than listening to what the other person is saying. Successful communication requires having an attentive mindset as well as verbalizing your thoughts. Many associations fail because people talk “at” each other.

Unless someone hears what has been said the words have little value. The person trying to communicate feels that their contribution in the relationship is of little value. When we feel that we are being heard we are more likely to engage in negotiation and compromise. Listening involves far more than words. Facial expressions and body language is often a far more accurate barometer than the words that are being used. In the case of consoling a person, you might want to gently touch their hand, or even give them a hug to show you really care. You need to listen actively to be an active listener.

Here are several pointers that may assist you in becoming a more effective listener. Make eye contact. Do not just verbalize while you are looking all around the room. Look at the person you are speaking to. Read the body language of the talker. Are they relaxed, anxious, angry? It is easy to recognize the extremes, but the message is sometimes more subtle. React in a like manner to subtly mirror the other person’s body language. Nodding in response to what is being said to you shows the other person you are listening.

Make appropriate responses. If you are unclear about what is being said, ask relevant questions and ask for clarification. Do not just nod in response at what you “think” was said.  This can end up being very hurtful and embarrassing if your response is negative when it should have been positive.  At the close of the conversation, summarize your understanding of what was said. The “who”, “what”, “where” and “when” open ended questions are recommended. When responding to questions, and interacting in a conversation, make sure the tone of your voice does come across as judgmental. Do not elude an interrogative manner. The old saying, “It is not so much what you say, but how you say it” rings true in this instance.

If the person you are conversing with is relating a traumatic experience or hardship, be empathetic. Acknowledge difficulties being careful not to relate similar experiences you have had. Simply say, ” I sense that you are finding this rather difficult”, rather than “Oh I know how you feel, a similar thing happened to me, but it was a lot more difficult.” It is important that the person you are speaking with senses your honesty and sincerity. It will be obvious if your conversation lacks these qualities.

Do not make the mistake of thinking ahead to what you want to say next. Doing this takes your mind off the conversation at hand,and and you come across as having a lack of interest attitude. Be totally attentive. It is amazing how much more enjoyable a conversation is when we allow the input of others! You will also learn a lot.

Happy listening!

Judy Conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
Skype ID: judy.conway
http://homebusinessinatlanta.com
http://fullservicemarketingtools/com
http://joinjudyconway.com/bestdealsonline
http://joinjudyconway.com/digitalcameradeals

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Our world of technology grows by leaps and bounds. Every day there is another development in the world of technology. Some of these inventions help us expedite our workloads while others enhance our world of entertainment.

The Kindle is one of those new items. Its usefulness would fall into both categories. Not only can you load your favorite novels, newspapers and magazines but you can also use it for work files.

Macintosh and Windows users can download and transfer through the USB connection Kinddle content, personal/business documents, MP3 and Audible files. When connected to your computer’s USB port Kindle will show up as a removable mass-storage device.
The necessary system requirements are as follows:

• Windows-based: Windows 2000 or later
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.2 or later
• USB port: You can use an available port or an attached USB hub with an available port

The Kindle has a built-in PDF Reader. Just think about the convenience of being able to unload the loose papers in your briefcase, such as case studies, manuals, financial statements, etc and put them all on your Kindle. This would allow you to take all your papers with you and read them on the go.

Another remarkable tool on the Kindle is the “Text-to-Speech” feature. This will read (in English) your newspapers, blogs, books or magazines to you. If you get tired of listening, you can switch back to reading. This is hands-free as when the Kindle is reading to you it automatically turns the pages. If you have a preference between a male or female voice you can make that choice. You can even adjust the speed at which the reader reads to you. You can use the Kindle to read your books to you if you are in your car. It is absolutely amazing all this device does!

If you are a person that finds it difficult to start your day without reading your paper you will really enjoy Kindle’s feature of having your newspapers automatically delivered wirelessly to your Kindle before they reach the news stands. Just think if you are traveling you will not have to rush out to pick up a paper. You can make your coffee in your room, or go to the restaurant for your breakfast and your paper will be waiting for you on your Kindle. Kindle has a 5-way controller allowing you to flip between articles. If you come across an article you want to save and reread later you have the option to clip and save the entire article to read it again later.

I know that when I first thought about using a Kindle I did not think it would work for me as I like to read with a highlighter and be able to make notes in the material I am reading. Kindle’s QWERTY keyboard allows you to add annotations to the text. Because it is digital you can edit, delete and export your notes. Do you ever lose your place when you are reading? This will not happen with the Kindle. It remembers where you left off and opens to the last page you read. This is a real time saver in itself!

If you enjoy audiobooks you can go to audible.com and have the option to download from an inventory of 50,000 titles for a three month trial cost of $7.95 a month. If you decide to stay with this service the cost increases to $14.95 per month after that. I personally enjoy audiobooks when I am spending long intervals working on the computer. You will never be at a loss for reading material.

Kindle has a high-resolution screen that boasts 16 shades of gray giving you sharp images and photos. What a convention way to carry your favorite photos.

The Kindle DX with a 9.7” diagonal E-link® is 10.4” 7.2” x 0.38” and will hold 3,500 books. The smaller version, the regular Kindle has a 6” diagonal E-link® and is 8” x 5.3” x 0.36” and holds 1,500 books. With this type of storage you can clearly see how it will lighten your load when traveling.

Your biggest decision is to decide whether you want to purchase the Kindle DX for $489.00 or the first Kindle that sells for $259.00.

I have included links to Amazon to learn more about the Kindle. Amazon also has a great service involving the Kindle. You can purchase and download books, etc. directly to your Kindle or to your PC. There is even a great assortment of Free Books. Be sure to check this out.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you in making a decision on purchasing a Kindle. After reviewing this information, I personally feel that it could be a great asset.

Happy reading!

Judy Conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
Skype ID: judy.conway
http://fullservicemarketingtools.com

http://homebusinessinatlanta.com

http://joinjudyconway.com/bestdealsonline

In compliance with the FTC Compensation Disclosure Guidelines I am required to inform you if you click on my links and join a program or purchase a product I may make a commission. I hope you have found useful information on this site and will stop back again soon.

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Primarily our blogging efforts are for creating traffic to our websites, sharing personal notes, and overall social activities.  There are those times when I use mine to share what is on my heart.  This is one of those times.

I know that the world is aware of the total devastation that the country of Haiti has suffered as a result of the recent earthquake.  Without actually being there it is truly difficult to imagine what those people are feeling.

Just think what it would be like to all of a sudden have your world, your possessions (few as they are in Haiti), your children, your parents, family members, food, water, limbs, etc. ripped from under you.  Just the thought of this horrific occurrence brings tears to my heart.

I realize that with our economy the way it is, some of us are having difficulty meeting our expenses and would find it hard to give for the relief cause for Haiti.  I was in the grocery store the other day and they asked me if I wanted to “round up” my bill for the Haiti Relief program.  I said yes, of course.  I looked at the register screen and was sad to see it was only four cents.  But even that meager amount, when coupled with other people’s four cents will add up and make a difference.  I am retired and on social security and find it a challenge to make ends meet.  This brought to my mind the story in the Bible of the widow’s mite.  (Mark 12:41-44) God will honor your giving, no matter how small it may be. He knows what is in our hearts.

The Haitian people need everything.  Perhaps a look in your closet will reveal clothes that you are no longer using.  Maybe your children have grown out of some of their clothes. There are organizations that are collecting clothing items to send to Haiti.  Whatever you can give, I know will be appreciated.

The enormous lack of all things in Haiti is something that has been going on for many years and will continue in the future.  This earthquake has only intensified the situation.  They will need our help for many months to come.

I personally know of people whose family members have been killed in this earthquake, while other family members are still among the missing.

If we have come to the bottom of our pockets and what we can financially contribute to Haiti there is still something that we can do.  We can make intercessory prayer on behalf of these people.  We can cry out to God for them to have the courage they need to go through these times, peace and understanding for the loses, especially for little children that have lost their parents and home and now find themselves living in the street with no food or water, and the list goes on.  We can pray that God will provide people to make great sacrifices and go to Haiti to help. We need to keep all those people who have gone to Haiti to provide their services in our prayers as well.   Whatever is on your heart can be given to God.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Please join with me in remembering Haiti in your prayers.

Blessings,

Judy Conway

Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com

Skype ID: judy.conway

I was reminded this week, that it is not always the adults that are the motivators and leaders! We can, in fact, learn from our younger generation.
How often do we encounter a situation that we just can not seem to resolve. No matter what we do we find ourselves without a solution. More than likely most of us would give up If we do not come up readily with an answer. How long do we struggle before giving up? How often do we give the problem to someone else to resolve?

I watched my grandson the other day struggling to overcome his lack of knowledge with PowerPoint. He just turned ten. He asked me if I knew how to do animation in PowerPoint. I had to admit that I only knew the very basics when it comes to PowerPoint.
He did not accept that answer. He was not going to be defeated. He has taught himself how to draw cartoons in PowerPoint and he was determined to get these characters moving. When I was leaving to come home Sunday evening he was sitting at the table with his dad working on finding an answer to his dilemma.

In speaking to his mom the next morning I learned that he still had not come up with the answer. I told her to tell him I would research it during the course of the day. It was shortly after lunch when he called to tell me not to worry about the animation project. He had figured it out.

This brought to mind the saying about “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you will feed him for life.” I am so very proud of my grandson. Both he and his sister have been brought up to ask questions and learn where to find the answers. Through his determination he had read through information and learned how to do animation.

I got to thinking. If we, as adults, could be that tenacious we could find the answers we need to become successful. We give up too soon. The answer is often times just around the corner.

I offer this post as an encouragement to us all to keep looking for the answers. If we are consistent and persevere we can become victorious.

Happy Tenacity!

Blessings,

Judy Conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
http://homebusinessinatlanta
http://jconway.gogvo.com
Skype ID: judy.conway

Affiliate marketing is a working relationship between a merchant and an affiliate marketer’s website. This method is used by many internet marketers trying to create revenue for their site. Done properly affiliate marketing can be an effective cost-efficient, method that will deliver long-term results. Affiliate marketing is quickly becoming a trend in the internet marketing industry.

Many benefits are realized by the merchant . To begin with, they will have a more extensive market in which to sell their product. Having more outlets serves to create more sales for the merchant. It will be beneficial for the merchant to do research to be certain the proposed affiliate marketer’s niche will be advantageous with his product or services.It is important that the merchants needs align with the interested affiliate website. If the merchandise coincides with the affiliate marketer’s website there would be a better chance to generate income.

There are many markets and customers that a merchant does not have the time to research. Think about all of the banner ads you see on the various sites you come across. These all serve to create business and profits for the products/services being promoted. After seeing a banner ad a person might be interested in checking further into the information they saw. If a sale is forthcoming the affiliate marketer will make a commission and the merchant makes a sale. This is a win-win situation. The merchant benefits from repeat customers and their word of mouth recommendations to other consumers. The more sites a merchant’s product is seen on, the more his earnings increase.

There is a learning curve when you become an affiliate marketer. You want to be sure that the merchandise you are promoting on your site lines up with your niche and the articles on your site. You would not promote horses if you were writing about exotic cruises!

As an affiliate marketer you want to offer appropriate products and services to the users that will visit your website. Be sure to do your research to determine what your user base would be interested in. Are you appealing to stay-at-home moms, other internet marketers or the business industry? Remember you more than likely can not be all things to all people.

Affiliate marketing is a non-disruptive means to generate additional income from your website.You will need to research the dynamics of banner marketing if you choose to go that route. Learn the proper ways to add links and merchant information to your web pages. Just do not throw a web page together. Take your time, do your research and it will pay off in the long run.  To assure that you will be getting more traffic to your sites, be sure to add new content to your articles on a consistent basis.  We all know that the Google spiders enjoy new content!

When a relationship is developed between an affiliate marketer and a merchant it can be an advantage to both parties.You can turn a website that currently is an out-of-pocket expense to a site that is self-paying.

I hope that this information has been helpful and given you some ideas to create additional revenue from your blogs and websites.

Judy Conway

Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com

Skype ID: judy.conway

http://jconway.gogvo.com

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Okay, we have launched another year.  As with past years, my on-going resolution is that I am going to get fit and lose weight this year.  I am sure I am not alone in this mindset.

For those of you who have been following my blog since I stated the Metabolism Miracle program on November 9^th, 2009 here is an update.

December is a month of celebration for me.  My two daughters and four of my five grandchildren have birthdays in December.  Not to mention Christmas dinner parties, New Year’s Eve and all the epicurean delights along the way.

I usually come out of the holidays gaining at least 10 pounds.  However, this year I tried to stay on my Metabolism Miracle eating program as closely as possible, and today weighed in only gaining 3 pounds.  I was relieved to say the least.  So even with the stress, and bad food choices, I am still 12 pounds less than I was on November 9^th.

As a result of diverting from the program more than once or twice, I have chosen to start from day one, thus repeating Step One.  I am excited about the continued progress and look forward to reaching my goal weight.

I can honestly say that while on the Metabolism Miracle program I do not feel deprived or hungry in the least.  I do have the following suggestions for anyone starting this or any other weight loss program:

• Check with your doctor first.  Get your lab work done so you will have a starting point for all of your criteria. It is truly an encouragement to see the improvement from one time to another.
• Make sure your kitchen and food pantry are totally ready for your success.  If you cannot resist opening a package of cookies or other foods not allowed on your program….get rid of them.  Don’t set yourself up to fail before you even begin.
• On a similar note, make a list of foods that you can have.  Stock your cupboards and refrigerator with these items.  That way you will not be tempted to eat things that will defeat your purpose.
• The Metabolism Miracle has some great recipes.  One is for delectable muffins.  I look forward at the end of the day to sitting down with a cup of coffee and a chocolate brownie muffin.  Hard to believe this is an allowed food.
• Plan ahead.  If you have not planned out your day’s menus you could possibly find yourself resorting to eating more than you are allowed, or something that you should not be eating at all.
• Remember eating healthy is not any more difficult than eating poorly and look at all you have to gain (really lose!) from making the right choices.
• It helps to have a “buddy” you can check in with and share your progress.  I have a friend who has just started the same program I am doing and we will continue to encourage each other along the way. It definitely helps to be accountable to someone else.

Be sure to fit exercising into your day.  I know how you feel.  I used to think, “And just when am I supposed to do that?”  I am using the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds program and it takes thirty minutes to walk two miles and do the stretchy bands for toning.  This includes your stretching, beginning and ending.  Just think about it.  Isn’t your health worth 30 minutes?  You will feel so much better.

If you have a day, or two, that you stray from the  weight loss program you are on, the most important thing to remember is …. DO NOT GIVE UP!!  Start right back on the program.  The longer you wait to do this the harder it will be to get back to basics.

My “Aha” moment was in thinking that I needed to lose weight and get healthy.  I want to be around to enjoy my grandchildren, watch them grow and have families of their own, and most definitely enjoy my daughters and their spouses.  I do not want to be a burden in my “golden” years.  It all boils down to my making the right choices.

Remember … nothing tastes as good as thin!!

Blessings and success with your weight loss program,

Judy Conway

Email:  judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com

Skype ID: judy.conway

http://jconway.gogvo.com

This is an extremely busy time of the year for everyone. It seems every December I feel I should have started the previous January so that I will have everything done on time! Of course that sounds utterly ridiculous. But in fact when you are like me and enjoy showing your love and appreciation for others in special homemade gifts at least starting planning for the projects you want to complete and setting up a schedule for completetion makes perfect sense.

The month of December is a month that is full of joy and activity for me. I am not only getting Christmas cards out in the mail to keep in touch with special people that have touched my life, but also celebrating six birthdays. Both of my daughter’s were born in December, and four of my five grandchildren have birthdays in December. One really needs to stay focused with this type of schedule.

I was just thinking how sometimes we get so caught up in all we have to do that we miss the sheer joy of the season. Every year I have a dear friend that opens her home for an annual Christmas dinner get together for three of her friends. We may go the entire year without seeing each other, but that friendship is still there waiting to be rekindled at Christmas time. That is truly when you know you have a good friend. You just pick up where you left off and it seems like no time at all has elapsed since you were last together. I am very thankful for these friends.

With technology as it is, we communicate more regularly by emails. Telephone calls are not even as frequent as they used to be. Think back to many years ago when dropping by a friend’s home to check on them and share a cup of coffee or tea and discuss what was going on in your life used to be the thing to do. Now we get on the computer and shoot an email. I have a very wise friend who doesn’t like communicating via an email. He told me once, “I don’t really know how Judy is feeling by reading an email. I can’t sense the emotion.” How very true. As it has been said, we get so caught up with high tech activities we fail to use the high touch things we used to do.

This plays a big part with those who are involved with internet marketing. People are more apt to hit the “delete” key when you are trying to share an opportunity, than if you gave them a call and personally told them about the opportunity you feel might be helpful to them. That is not to say that both methods can not be use together.

We are so busy we forget to look around at the beauty and blessings we have in our lives. I hope that you will take a deep breath and do just that …take a deep breath and look at all you you have in your life. With the economy the way it is, we all have suffered losses of one kind or another. But if we look around we will discover we really have a lot to be thankful for.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a New Year that will allow us to open our eyes and hearts to what is going on around us. We are truly blessed!

Blessings,

Judy Conway
Skype ID: judy.conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com