Hi, I'm Luci. Welcome to HWA, the life & style online destination covering serious topics to girlie-girl stuff; the way women live their daily lives. We value your trust, so enjoy the articles and reviews knowing they are honest and unbiased. Join us!
Click here to listen to the "Social Networking" episode at Here We Are Radio.
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, "texting", emails, and other social networking sites are tangling up the workplace for employers. If you have employees or are thinking of hiring personnel, you need to know how to navigate this sticky web. Here We Are Radio Guest, Christopher M. Farella, Esq., helps us navigate this complex and exploding area of the law.
You can listen from this page by clicking on the link at the top ("Click here") or visit the Here We Are Show page at Blog Talk Radio. Whatever the topic, you will come away with valuable information that you can easily implement into your busy life! Thanks for joining us and remember to leave your questions or comments.
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Watch for and tune in to our upcoming radio show in September, "Much To Do About Divorce -- Positioning Yourself Before You Ask or Are Asked." Our guest, matrimonial attorney, Judith A. Hartz, Esq., will fill us in on what to do and what not to do before or after the difficult decision to divorce is made.
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{This legal information is being presented by Here We Are as a service to its readers and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not meant to substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed attorney in your state. You should neither act nor rely on any of the information without first consulting a lawyer who will apply the current laws to your specific circumstance or situation.}
The "think green" movement is upon us. Everywhere you turn new ways, products, and solutions are sprouting up to make your life greener. At Here We Are, we are always looking for options to follow this path with an eye toward ease, practicality, and applicability. Based on this criteria, Here We Are is excited to introduce our collaboration with Blue Moon Candles to our readers. {Editorial Note: Neither Here We Are, LUCIMAC Productions, nor its staff have a financial stake in this collaboration. The only benefit isto bring our busy readers a product to make their lives better, brighter, and easier, all with the added bonus of a discount!}
There are a plethora of candle options on the market, but do you know what you are buying and then burning in your home? Burning candles may not always be the greenest indulgence, but with a special line-up of Glow Greener candles offered by Blue Moon Candles, you can indulge knowing you've made a more natural choice when you light these "intensely fragrant" beauties.
Let's shine a light on the Here We AreSpecial Blue Moon Candles:
- 3 flavors scented with Essential Oils (I say "flavors" because they smell so good you will want to eat them - but don't, just light and enjoy the heavenly scent and aromatherapeutic properties!) An unscented option is also available.
Mint & Thyme = Alertness, Mental Clarity, Stress Relief
Bergamot & Grapefruit = Relieves Anxiety and Stress; Uplifting
- Available in your choice of size and shape (see picture):
14 oz. square Recycled Glass container made of all natural Organic Apricot Wax, using a 100% Unbleached Organic Cotton Wick
14 oz. square Drop-in Refill made of natural Palm Wax, using a 100% Unbleached Organic Cotton Wick
3 x 6 inch Pillar made of all natural Organic Soy Wax, using a 100% Organic Hemp Wick
- The glass container candles and refill each have 2 wicks for an even burn. A smart feature that really works!
- Every candle is hand-poured per order. As part of the Here We Are collaboration, your candles will also include Aventurine stones added to each candle (while supplies last). We chose this stone for its power to bring good fortune; a little help in this current economic climate is a good thing!
At the bottom of each candle, you will find the three stones. After the candle burns away, put the green polished stones into your purse or left pocket to enhance your good luck. The number of stones follows the Feng Shui belief that the number three means "abundance and success," while representing the triads of "sun, moon, stars" and "water, fire, wind."
- Every candle arrives decorated with a ribbon, beautifully packaged in a labeled black gift box with tissue paper, both made from recycled material. Each order includes a "how to" sheet of handy tips to maximize usage.
- No colorants; any color is from the wax and essential oils
- No additives to enhance burning time
Unlike store bought candles, at Blue Moon, this woman owned business provides excellent customer service. Lisa Kasper, the owner, is passionate about her products and your satisfaction. Due to her daughter's sensitivities, Lisa is committed to developing and offering better alternatives for her own family and those of her customers.
Blue Moon Candles was established serendipitously! In an unfulfilled search to find black gardenia candles, Lisa stumbled upon a candle shop run by beekeepers who offered to teach her candle-making. This experience combined with Lisa's love of candles fueled by
fond memories of her grandmother's house, her favorite color, and an
attraction to moonlight launched Blue Moon Candles. Lisa can create Organic wax candles in any scent, color and style that her customers choose. The personal touch, customer service, and easy special orders make Blue Moon a company that shines brightly now and many moons from now.
As part of this collaboration, Lisa has worked hard to offer Here We Are readers a special discount for these select candles. The following Here We Are pricing includes tax, plus Lisa is offering a super-saver flat-rate shipping fee of $7.00/order:
To receive the EXCLUSIVE Here We Are discount, you must usethis link to Blue Moon Candlesandadd the code "HWA" in the "discount box" at checkout.This offer expires on May 31, 2009, so think about Mother's Day and other upcoming holidays. Also, if you have a party,
shower, or wedding where you will need table gifts or just want to treat
yourself, use the available discount + super-saver
shipping rate to save money, glow greener, and burn clean.
Recently, I mentioned the collaboration with Blue Moon Candles in my audio updates. It is exciting to finally introduce you to such a lovely product line as natural as you will find anywhere. Next time you light a candle, be sure to surround yourself with the luxurious, affordable, and naturally intense aroma and light of a Blue Moon Candle.
Announcements That Will Help You Grow Greener This Month
With Spring arriving in just a few days on March 20, there is no better time to think "green" then now. As this long winter wraps up, here are a few dates you might be interested in.
These environmental efforts are easy to participate in with the potential to make a difference in the world.
March 20: If you are trying to change your diet, a good way to begin this spring is to "just say no" to meat. A 25 year old tradition, Meatout asks participants to "kick the meat habit (at least for a day) and explore a wholesome, non-violent diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains." If this is a topic you want to explore further, check out the FREE Vegetarian "Starter Kit."
March 22 - March 28: The Tap Project encourages restaurant patrons to donate $1- for the free tap water that is traditionally served. Participating restaurants give the proceeds to UNICEF in support of their effort "to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world." Amazingly, just $1- is enough to provide a child with clean drinking water for 40 days! To find a participating restaurant, put in your zip code at Tap In Your City.
March 28: Help light up the world more efficiently by turning off your lights! Earth Hour 2009 takes place at 8:30-9:30PM. The goal is to get 1 Billion people to "VOTE EARTH" by turning off your lights in a election to stop global warming. Besides spreading the idea around the globe, this is a fun learning opportunity for kids, too.
Reminder: During the "lights off" hour, think about the type of candles you are burning in your house. Are they made of paraffin, artificially scented, lead-wicked? UH OH! Then be sure to read the next entry on Here We Are when we introduce our collaboration with Blue Moon Candles -- Beautifully hand-poured organic wax candles scented with essential oils -- Phthalate-free and natural-wicked to make your home more green!
These dreamy, tasty, toasty treats can be on the cooling rack in 30 minutes. Here's how...
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (a convection oven will adjust to 375 degrees--this is how I baked them and they came out nicely toasted on the outside, but moist on the inside).
2. Working quickly, but carefully, line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper; approx. 2 minutes. BONUS: Using the parchment paper means no pan scrubbing.
3. In a medium size bowl add the following ingredients and whisk until frothy; approx. 4 minutes total for assembly and whisking: (BONUS: This is a 1 bowl, 3 utensil recipe.)
3 egg whites
1/3 cup powdered sugar (I cut back on this because I used Baker's brand sweetened coconut; otherwise, add a 1/2 cup if using unsweetened coconut)
Pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon pure Almond extract, optional (you can substitute Vanilla extract if you'd like)
5. Using the same ice cream scoop, spoon the coconut mixture in half circles on to the cookie sheets. They will NOT spread so you can bake them close together leaving a minimum of an inch between each cookie; approx. 3 minutes.
6. Put cookie sheets into oven on center rack or racks. Begin clean up. Total time so far from start to oven is 11 minutes.
7. While coconut macaroons are baking, do clean up of bowls, scoop, and whisk. Then set up wire cooling rack and get out your last utensil, a spatula. BONUS: This is all NET (= No Extra Time) because you are waiting for the baking process anyway.
8. Check at 15 minutes, be careful, they can quickly over bake if you leave them in longer at this temperature setting. If you are not sure, only give them 2 more minutes and remove. I know because I have tested this recipe several times and the first few attempts produced macaroons that resembled charcoal briquettes. I also once used wax paper by accident...let's just say, I baked up a sticky situation!
9. Use the spatula to place cookies onto wire cooling rack. They should easily lift off of the parchment paper; approx. 2 minutes. Throw the paper away, spatula goes into dishwasher, plus, your pans should be totally clean! Voila! 2 whole minutes to spare!!
10. Let cookies cool on wire rack, then serve. This recipe yields approx. 20 macaroons. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tip: You can rev these cookies up by adding chocolate chips, dried apricots, nuts, or even a cherry on top!
If you have more time and would like to try another recipe for coconut macaroons, here is one that uses condensed milk from Ina Garten of the Food Network.
As promised a while back on Here We Are, I hope you enjoy this recipe for the upcoming Easter and Passover holidays!
Don't leave home for your scheduled C-Section without the following items from this list. Even if you aren't planning on a C-Section, you might want to consider assembling these items...just in case! When you are in the hospital, you will be glad you arrived prepared for your new arrival.
Good luck and start packing!
1. Electronics: Remember your camera, video camera, and cell phone, along with their chargers and batteries. Check with your hospital, many don't allow videotaping of the surgery. Either way, since you and your husband will be preoccupied, put someone in charge of the videotaping and camera to capture the family in the waiting room, then again later in recovery. We were allowed a regular camera in the O.R. and a nurse took some pictures for us. It is great to look back at the video and pictures to see the first hours of your baby's life, which might be hard for you to remember.
2. The Baby Book: Again, you may want to assign this task to someone. In my case, they did the ink prints of the baby's feet when I wasn't in the room because I was still in recovery. My sister asked the nurse to also put the baby's foot prints into our baby book.
3. Mom's Clothing: Think comfy, comfy, comfy! If, on the second day, you can take a shower and change your clothes, you may want to wear something other than that glamorous hospital gown. But think: sore belly! Expandable waists, drawstring or very loose elastic pants are best. Whether it is a new pair of PJ's, a robe, or your favorite maternity outfit, you don't want any pressure on your belly area or below. Plus, the doctor will be visiting frequently to check your incision; the looser the clothing, the easier it is to be examined.
Remember your feet, too. I wore socks with rubber grippers on the bottom so I could get in and out of bed slowly without bending for slippers or shoes. They also kept my feet warm under the sheets.
4. Massage Ball: Unless you have a massage therapist in the family, this ball will give you lots of relief. I know this may sound crazy, but get this...When you have a C-Section, air can get trapped inside your body and travel to odd places, like your shoulder. When this happens, it causes a lot of pain.
My mother discovered a blue massage ball called, True Blue Spa - Rollerball Massager. I really liked it because I could use it on myself. Plus, your husband won't complain that his thumbs are getting tired since he just has to rub this ball over the area that is bothering you!
5. Cord Blood Storage: If you have decided to store your baby's cord blood, then remember to bring your completed paperwork and the provided storage box. We used Cord Blood Registry. They provided colored bands for us to wear in the O.R. as a reminder to tell the doctor we made this decision. After the surgery, the doctor will return the box to a designated family member who then calls the courier to pick up the sample. The whole process was quite easy.
6.Pillows: Do you have a favorite pillow or blanket? How about a pillow for your husband or loved one who may stay with you but have to sit in a chair for hours? Bring whatever will help you sleep, you could be in the hospital for several nights.
7. The Must Call List: Pack a list of the names and phone numbers of the people you need to call. (My sister called friends while my mother called family members.) Also, think about an email address list for the Blackberry and iPhone users to keep busy updating everyone with your big news.
8. Underwear: Moms-to-be...there is no need to pack underwear. This sounds kooky, but the hospital will give you some very unique underpants to wear after your C-Section. Believe me when I tell you, they are not the sassiest of under garments, but they are designed to avoid sticking to your incision. Very chic!
9. Dad's Clothing: As you pack for yourself, don't forget your husband's wardrobe. Since he will be posing in once-in-a-lifetime pictures, be sure to set aside a specific shirt for him. I bought my husband a new one to wear on delivery day. No matter how terrific a dad or husband he is...Better to take care of this one yourself!
10. Baby's Clothing: Finally, pack a few newborn clothing items and a baby blanket for the trip home to bundle up your new bundle of joy.
Try not to worry, the hospital will take good care of you and your baby. Hint: Do yourself a favor and stay as long as they will let you.
If you are not expecting, send this list to a pregnant friend so she can pack her "must bring" list and greet her new baby a bit more prepared for this wonderful experience.
Feeling caught in a maze of ideas and "things to do" for a big project or venture? Not sure which way to turn? A Mind Map can lead you in a clear direction.
The Tag Party subject for March is to share a "how to" on any subject. After much thought about what I might be able to share with you, dear Readers, I realized that my successful "projects" have one thing in common, a Mind Map. Ease on down the road with me for a fun and FREE way to approach a big objective, a giant sized project, or a desired venture that you have already begun or might be thinking about starting.
Wait! Don't drive off the exit ramp because you don't have time to add something new to your daily commute...By cruising through these steps, your Mind Map will keep you on the road to success!
GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN'...
Neutral: The Parts Department
Pencils, pens, colored markers (if you have some), a highlighter pen.
Paper - the larger, the better (a sketch pad works well). Or use my super-fancy equipment trick-- tape together four 8.5 x 11 inch plain sheets of paper.
Your MIND -- make sure your imagination button is turned up to High.
An uninterrupted block of time (30-45 minutes max) in a comfortable chair.
A hot cup of tea or coffee to keep the pistons pumping.
First Gear:A Mind Map IS
A way to put a lot of information together in a collective, but separated, format to help you see "the big picture." Look at it as an outline that will drive you from Point A to Point Z via necessary routes while you also stop to explore various off-the-beaten paths.
Second Gear:A Mind MapIS NOT
A list of everyday "to-do's," a diary, a vision board, or a "wish list" of things you would like to have happen to you. There are probably more examples, but you get the idea.
NOTE: There are many ways one can do a Mind Map, and after doing a few of them, you will find your own best technique.
This exercise is a way to put rubber on the road to start driving
toward your destination. Don't be surprised by very elaborate or
detailed examples you'll find on the web; these will make you crash into a
ditch before you start. That being said, let's shift into third.
HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY...
Third Gear: Driving Straight
Step on it Stan! (FYI: Stan is my imaginary chauffeur.) Sit down in your comfy seat with your imagination cranking, take the pen in hand, write down your destination in the middle of the paper. Your destination is your objective, project name, or venture; it is the one thing you want to make happen or achieve. For example, it could be to launch a website, plan your wedding, or get a new job.
LOOKIN' FOR ADVENTURE...
Fourth Gear: Turning Right
To reach your destination, you need to take a complex route and simplify the required ideas, tasks, and chores. Thisfirst simplification step is the body of your Mind Map (no pun intended).
Working outward from your center "destination," let your mind spit out the BIGGER ideas, tasks, chores, people you know, technology you can use or need, places to visit, required reading, classes and seminars to attend, and anything else pertinent to your project. Draw lines connecting the center to each of your listed categories. Don't worry if you have two or twenty, write down as many as you can think of -- there is no limit.
When you are satisfied that you have listed all of the potential categories, be happy, you have completed the first simplification step. You have just created the major highways, bridges, and tunnels that will lead you to your destination.
AND WHATEVER COMES OUR WAY...
Fifth Gear: Turning Left
The second simplification step can be a bumpier road; slow down and take your time. A Mind Map has no roads blocked by judgments, impossibility, or improbability.
Don't stop to focus on the
destination, stay on the highways, bridges, and tunnels moving OUTWARD
from your destination. This may seem counter-intuitive, but you are
on your way!
Working in no particular order, begin by listing the SMALLER ideas, tasks, chores, etc., that fall under each specific category that you created in the first simplification step. Write down all the things that are needed to fulfill that particular category, be specific and detailed.
Shift into neutral and let your engine spin freely as you write everything down. Go crazy with this part, you were born to be wild. Keep going...There is more to get out of your head even if it doesn't seem organized, logical, or possible. The only requirement is to fill each category with everything that you can think of doing. When you circle back to the same items over and over, you are done with this step. Reward yourself and stop to add some air in your tires...You have just created the bridle paths, roads, cul-de-sacs, avenues, boulevards, rivers, and streams of the map.
You can also think of each of the items in the second step as the tires on an 18 wheel truck (the truck cab, storage container, and load are the bigger categories from the first step). Each
tire spins separately, but all 18 have to work together to carry the
truck down the major highways, over the bridges, and through the tunnels
to reach its ultimate destination. If one tire isn't filled with air the rest
suffer making the trip more difficult...So fill them up!
YEAH DARLIN' GO MAKE IT HAPPEN...
Reverse: Reading The Map
Now that everything is on the paper, look at it. This is your road map to success. At this fork in the road, you will now work from the outside toward the center. If you'd like, use your colored markers to associate similar ideas, tasks, and chores under your categories. Use whatever color coding works for you. It is helpful to code by the easiest items to the more difficult ones, then code by the items you can do first, second, third, etc.
Pin up the Mind Map where you can see it every day. Put the pedal to the metal and allocate time to work on your destination by completing the items one by one. Don't be discouraged by the amount listed on your Mind Map. A complete Mind Map often contains items that take time to work up to and finish. As you roll along, you might find that some items become unnecessary or new ones pop up. Keep steering toward the center.
At this point, there is no exact or correct direction except to continue working on the items you wrote down in the second step. Let them be your guide to which way you turn next. Do each item and as you eliminate them you will eventually end up back at a bigger category.
You will pick up speed as you arrive at each of the bigger categories, use your highlighter to check them off when you get there. Soon, you will be checking all of them off...When that happens, you have arrived!! You have driven yourself to your destination. Congratulations!
I hope this "how to" helps you create your own Mind Map to drive you to your destination with success.
Every road trip needs some inspirational music and right now, I'm betting you need some inspiration for your ride.
Back Into Drive: Next Stop
Truck on over and check out Donna Maria Coles Johnson's own "How To" at Indie Business. Can't wait to learn something new!
Announcements & Updates...Plus, Our First Audio Entry!
Announcements
1. Thank you for listening to our first audio entry! You will be hearing more from Here We Are as we move along building this community of busy women, and men, too.
2. A big WELCOME to the newly added blog list member, Bionic Beauty!! Jami, the editor-in-chief, writes informative, truthful, eye-opening articles on all things beauty related. She offers lots of "sample finds, beauty news, cosmetic product reviews, makeup tips and tricks with readers across the globe."
In a recent Bionic Beauty entry, I learned that some mascaras are made with recycled tires! WHAT??? So, if you are at all interested in learning about products before you buy, then this is the site for you. PLUS: Be sure to check out the Friday feature, "Achieving Powerful Beauty." It will have you thinking about what "beauty" really means.
3.Here We Are has been collaborating with a candle company to feature sensationally fragrant, hand-poured candles. Designed with our readers in mind, these candles are as natural as you will find anywhere. When I opened a box, the scent of the essential oils was so heavenly, they sent me over the moon! No wonder Lisa Kasper, the owner, calls her company, Blue Moon Candles! Watch for our upcoming entry featuring this woman owned business; BONUS: it will containa special discount code for Here We Are readers. We are excited to introduce these luxurious, affordable, and NATURAL goodies to help you stay green and burn clean.
Update
At the end of February, the recipient of our Gift Giveaway was the Children's Heart Surgery Fund. When I learned about the fund drive, it motivated me to donate and write a piece about the effort. If you can help this worthy cause by giving a small amount, please do; or help spread the word by emailing the entry so others can learn about it.
Reminder
As March comes in, once again, like a lion, it is comforting to note we are almost through the winter and nearer to spring with each passing day!
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