Success Diaries, by Lorraine C. Ladish

Thanksgiving Marks the Beginning of a New Chapter

2011-11-24T09:54:00.001-08:00

After running 13.1 miles. I did it!

My gratitude list for Thanksgiving is long this year! All the hard work, determination and persistence has paid off:

I ran the Women´s Half Marathon in St. Pete, FL. on Sunday November 20, and finished in 2.5 hours despite running it with an injury. It was one of the most emotional, satisfying and validating experiences in my life, and I’ve had a few …

I sold my book Diario del éxito (Success Diaries), based on my blog. It will be released in Spanish in 2012.

I became the Guide (writer and editor) of Consejos de mamá on About.com, of the NY Times. The site is doing really well and I will continue to run it.

I was contributing writer for Mamiverse, the online hub for Latina moms and their daughters and was able to write and publish in English articles that were heartfelt and reached and helped a lot of readers. I thank my editor Sylvia Martinez for being so easy to work with and so much fun to talk to. I will continue to support her and Rene Alegría, founder of Mamiverse.

With Emilio Sánchez, at VOXXI

And, most recently (yesterday) I accepted the position as managing editor of the Women’s Lifestyle section on VOXXI, the Hispanic Voice of the 21^st Century, leadered by Emilio Sánchez, former Bureau Chief of the news agency EFE in Miami. It is an exciting project in which I will design, create and manage the content for Latina women in English. I will also do my own writing. I could never give that up! I will give VOXXI my all, as I do with every challenge I take on, and I hope you will follow me there, as well as the writers and bloggers I will manage on that site.

I am very thankful to all of you who have followed this blog since the very beginning. It is time for me to close this (blogging) chapter of my life and career and invite you to join me on the next one at VOXXI. I will not have the time or energy to devote to writing on multiple sites, but my content on VOXXI will continue to be heartfelt and real.

I am grateful, and I continue to write a gratitude list daily and suggest you do too. It’s been a trip -a difficult but rewarding one- and I know its not over. Not till the day I die.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you enjoy this blog, follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Lorraine C. Ladish is the author of 16 books and an expert Latina mom, now also the managing editor of the Women´s Lifestyle section at VOXXI.

6 Principles for Success

2011-11-18T09:34:00.001-08:00

Lorraine C. Ladish (left) with Mercedes Soler at CNN

Thanks to those of you who sent me tweets and messages during and after my apperance on CNN en español. On December 22 I will be back on the set to discuss more Latina mom issues.

In Spanglishbeauty I’ve listed the beauty products I used that day, and I’m grateful to all the brands that sent me their best treatments and makeup to help me look and feel radiant.

Following previous posts in which I state that perseverance breeds success as you understand it, I want to share a few tips that help me stay on track.

Even when you don’t see results, keep on taking steps towards your goal.
If you think: “but nothing is happening”, relax! You don’t know what’s going on. You may have sent out a résumé months ago and they may be considering it today.
Everything worthwhile takes time. Even pregnancy is 9 months long. If it´s shorter, that´s not a good thing.
The more difficult life’s challenges, the better. If you overcome them, you will be much stronger than if it had all come easy.
When you reach your goals, don’t forget those who helped you along the way.
Be grateful daily for every little good thing in your life, no matter how small.

If you enjoy this blog, follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Lorraine C. Ladish is the author of 16 books and an expert Latina mom.

Lorraine C. Ladish on CNN en Español

2011-11-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

On Monday November 14, I will be, for the second time, on CNN en español – Notimujer, interviewed by Emmy-award winning journalist Mercedes Soler. The program is aired live, from 12 midday to 1 pm, Miami time.

The subject of the interview will be my book Volver a empezar (Starting Over) and finding love again when you are a divorced or separated mom.

Of course it is wonderful to be able to reach out to my readers through a TV network, especially because I know you follow me from different countries. Many of my readers are in Spain, Mexico and the U.S, but I also have readers in Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Greece, and other places I´ve never been to.

The magic of the Internet is that through Consejos de mamá, Mamiverse, Diario del Éxito, Success Diaries and, more recently, SpanglishBeauty, I am able to reach readers from all over the world.

I am very grateful to every single one of you who write to me and for all of my followers on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks to you all I live my dream every day, which is to make a living of connecting with others through my writing.

Lorraine C. Ladish is the bilingual published author of 16 books and the blogs Success Diaries and Diario del Éxito. She is also an expert Latina Mom.

Writing a Blog to Change Your Life

2011-11-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

With my little one

Entering the tunnel

I launched Succes Diaries in order to keep myself going during tough times that included a recession, unemployment, divorce and eventually, bankruptcy. If my entries helped others who may be facing similar issues, so much the better.

I started blogging a few times a week, while I strived to find writing gigs and resolved financial and personal challenges. I started this blog in English and then decided to write it in Spanish too, as Diario del Éxito, which is now also at Diario del Éxito at Hola.com, which has helped me reach more readers.

Always looking forward

An Internet entrepreneur noticed what I was doing and hired me to write paid blog posts, and that’s how I started to learn SEO (search engine optimization). Shortly after, another company hired me to write SEO content for websites, which taught me even more about writing for the Internet. I had to reduce my Success Diaries postings to two a week, as I again got more paid work.

When I applied to be a writer and editor for Consejos de mamá (Mom Recommends) at About.com of the NY Times Co, I was already fluent in SEO and writing for the web, but the application process taught me even more. When I was chosen to manage that website, I understood it was a wonderful chance to keep on learning on the job - HTML, SEO, key words, linking and social media presence - while writing about something I’m passionate about: motherhood.

A recent girls-only vacation

In the meantime, I wrote a book based on this blog, which will be released in February of 2012, by ediciones Obelisco. I am also a weekly contributor for Mamiverse, the online hub for Latina moms, in English, and will soon be up and running as a collaborator for a new platform for Latinos: VOXXI. Another project will soon be launched with two other wonderful writers I’ve met on the way to follow my dreams, and there are more in the works.

The light at the end of the tunnel
In short, something I started just to keep my spirits up – this blog – helped me create a platform on the Internet and a following that has resulted in my professional reinvention and success. I was able to adapt to the Internet in order to, once again, make a living doing what I love: writing.

The global crisis is still there. Many are still unemployed and confused, as I was. I look back and I recall how difficult it is to get out of bed in the morning when you´ve lost it all.

If that is you now, don´t despair. Focus daily on something that lifts your spirits and do it consistently, while you look for a way to overcome your struggles. Life goes on whether you fight for your dreams or not, and I hope that one day you will look back as I do now and think: “I don´t know how I did it, but it was well worth the fight.”

Now I only write weekly entries in Success Diaries, because I am so busy with my work, but I won´t stop posting, because I know from my stats that there are people who still find inspiration here, even if only to take one more step towards their goals.

The engine of my life

Thank you for following me on this crazy rollercoaster called life!

Some of my articles on Mamiverse.com that may inspire

From Middle Class to Foodstamps: A Latina Mom´s Tale. Please read and share. There may be other women out there who don´t look like they need the help. But, you´d be surprised at how many are still struggling.

A Latina´s Journey to Bulimia and Back. This was the subject of my first book, published in 1993 and still in print. I hope it helps other sufferers and their families.

After a Lifetime of Searching, I Found My Tribe. On growing up bicultural and bilingual. I am proud of my mixed roots and strive to instill this pride in my kids.

A Child´s Mantra. The lessons I learn from my kids.

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Read my articles on Mamiverse.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form in February 2012 by ediciones Obelisco.To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Simply Cupcakes of Naples: Living Life, One Cupcake at a Time

2011-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Simply Cupcakes' creations

I love success stories, which are usually the result of following a passion even when the odds are against you, and so when I discovered the successful Simply Cupcakes in Naples, Florida, I was curious as to who was behind it.

The woman behind this tasty business with four locations in Southwest Florida and soon to be a franchise, is Joanne Glasgow, supported by her husband Ken.

Joanne gracefully accepted to be interviewed for Success Diaries, to share her story and inspire other women entrepreneurs:

LCL- When and why did you decide to open Simply Cupcakes?

JG- Soon after we moved to Florida I realized that although the cupcake craze was sweeping the nation it had not yet come to Southwest Florida. Coming from a family of Italian cooks and bakers, I had a love of baking and I decided to test my cupcakes at the Third St. Farmer's Market in Naples in October 2006 where the response was immediate.

LCL- Were you afraid of making a career change?

JG- I really didn't make a career change in the traditional way. I had been a Pediatric Registered Nurse for over 30 years but when we moved to Florida in 2003, I had already retired from Nursing. When I was a nurse in Rochester, NY I helped a friend of mine part time in her dessert catering business. This satisfied my passion for baking at that time and ultimately gave me the courage to make a business out of it. At the time I started Simply Cupcakes, I was 60, which is the age when most people think about cutting back.

Joanne, loving her work

LCL- What were the biggest stumbling blocks?

JG- My biggest stumbling block was my lack of business and retail experience. It's one thing to bake a cupcake but another to sell it. Since the cupcake industry was young, there were few resources to turn to for guidance, so my business never really had a plan. Of course, I started my business at one of the worst times in the economic history of our country. At a time when businesses were closing, I was starting. Loans for new businesses did not exist

LCL- What are the greatest rewards?

JG- There is no greater reward than to have an idea and see it become a reality. In the cupcake business I get rewarded every day with compliments from our customers. [My husband] Ken and I have also had the satisfaction of creating a Simply Cupcakes training program to help others start their own cupcake business.

LCL- Who have been your best supporters?

JG- My husband Ken has been with me every step of the way behind the scenes although he loves to wait on the customers and schmooze with them. He has taken over the marketing of our business and has successfully created a brand with little or no paid advertising. I also have the support of my brother and sister in law and our children who are in awe of the fact that "mom" is a successful businesswoman.

Pink delight

LCL- How do you promote yourself?

JG- Although we had little knowledge of social media, we taught ourselves to use Facebook and now have over 12,000 fans on the Simply Cupcakes Facebook Page. We have been fortunate to have many articles written about us because there is little good news these days and mine is a "feel good" story. Mainly, we have used word of mouth. Our business plan was to get people to our store (which is in an out of the way location) and get a cupcake in their mouth. We have enough confidence in our product to know what the reaction will be. If we sell a dozen cupcakes, they go into a dozen mouths and hopefully we will have a dozen new customers.

LCL- Do you recall having any "aha" moments?

JG- I remember at the beginning at the Farmer‘s Market, when we sold a Key Lime cupcake to a customer and as he walked away he took a bite and yelled "OH MY GOD ! " It was the first sign that we had something good. The turning point for us was when we started the business without a store and just had a website. We took orders for cupcakes online and delivered them to customers in Naples. By the time we opened the store, we had over 300 customers already. We have been told that this was the reverse of traditional thinking. Most businesses open a store and then put up a website. We put up a website and then opened our store.

LCL- What would you say to other women who would like to follow in your steps?

JG- I would tell them what we tell every person we train: "Unless you have a passion for baking, find something else to do.” Make sure that the passion you have today will still be there a year from now when you have a large order to fill and your mixer breaks down". I would also tell them to bake every cupcake as though your reputation depends on it, because it does. We are scratch bakers, using fresh eggs and butter. We don’t take shortcuts or use mixes. We bake only in small batches and our customers can tell the difference.

Joanne and Ken, the team behind the dream

Some of Simply Cupcakes´ and the Glasgow’s many noteworthy accomplishments:

· The business was started with borrowed money three years ago, and they paid it all back with interest in less than two years. They now operate a debt-free business.

· Joanne has trained 36 locations nationwide in 24 months, to open their own Simply Cupcakes on a License Agreement from California to Puerto Rico.

· Ships Key Lime and Red Velvet bundt cakes worldwide including to the troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

· Donates cupcakes to many worthwhile local causes including cupcakes for the homeless on almost a weekly basis.

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Read my articles on Mamiverse.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form in February 2012 by ediciones Obelisco.To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Her Memorial Inspires me to Run Faster, Live more Intensely

2011-10-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

I often run by the memorial you can see in the picture. It’s for a girl who was hit by a car in 1996. She was 12 when she died.

When I got home after taking the picture, a few months ago, I Googled her name. I found she was hit by a driver who ran a red light. Alycia died on the spot and her friend, of the same age, was severely injured, but he lived. They were on the way back from doing homework at a friend’s house.

Apparently the driver did some time, but was eventually released. I read the testimonies of the friends who were with her that night and the expressions of pain of her parents. That night I had a hard time falling asleep.

Every time I run by her memorial by the sidewalk next to the intersection where she was run over, I salute Alycia. I think of her parents and her friend. I think of my kids. I think about life.

When I run by her memorial I become aware of my feet hitting the ground and, even if I’m tired, even if it’s sweltering hot, I feel good. I’m alive, my kids are healthy and my loved ones are fine. I hope this lasts, but you just never know, and she reminds me of that. We have to squeeze the juice out of life while it lasts.

During the rest of my run, I make a mental gratitude list. And even if I feel like slowing down or walking, I don’t. I keep on running because Alycia can’t. In her honor, I enjoy every minute of my journey. She’s my reality check. RIP.

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Read my articles on Mamiverse.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form in February 2012 by ediciones Obelisco.To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

4 Strong Latina Moms that Inspire

2011-10-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

As much as I enjoy being recognized for my work, it is a far greater pleasure to be able to showcase other strong, creative and determined women. If I’m having an out of sorts day, knowing I made someone else’s, through something I wrote about them, is a better mood enhancer than any happy pill.

In Mamiverse, the place for Latina moms, you can read my pieces on some of the special women I’m fortunate to be able to shine the lights on. They have all overcome odds in one way or another, and turned a challenge into an opportunity to grow and pursue their dreams. Thank you for being such an inspiration, and keep on keeping on!

Eliana Tardio, mami of two children with Down syndrome, raises awareness

While most people complain over petty things, Eliana makes being the mom of two children with Down syndrome seem easy. I’ve never heard her complain about trips to the hospital or having to juggle work and motherhood.

Latina mami Lisana Falcon left law school to become a successful designer

Lisana’s jewelry is a reflection of who she is and where she’s from. She enrolled in Law school to appease her family but eventually followed her dream. It’s not easy to go against the grain, especially when you have kids to tend to.

Aymee Rodriguez-VanDyke was wiped out by the recession and baked her way back to success

Aymee literally lost it all to the recession: marriage, business, money, investments, her house … And yet she is an upbeat mom who rebuilds her life every single day. She is a doer, and she’s doing it her way, with her Wacky Cookie company. She involves her son in all she does.

Monica Kennedy, mami of two, used her MBA to launch her handcrafted handbag company

Monica wanted to stay home with her kids, but she also wanted to work. She used her degree in Business Administration to manage her home business. For a few years now, she’s been designing and selling handbags she handcrafts herself, at Tuffcooki. A creative go-getter with two small tots who make her day, every day.

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Read my articles on Mamiverse.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco.To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

5 Steve Job Quotes that Impacted My Life

2011-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

I had a different blog post in mind for today, but yesterday Steve Jobs died. I cried. Whether he was philanthropist or not, had affairs or children out of wedlock - he stayed true to his vision, which is something few people do. There are the complainers and blamers, and there are the doers and shakers. I like to think I belong to the second group. He certainly did. I'm glad he lived to see his Vision come true.

I can’t say anything he didn’t say better, so in tribute to The Visionary of our times, here are some of his best quotes on life.

"For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

n Stanford University commencement address, June 2005. (All of the above)

“I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”

[NBC Nightly News, May 2006]

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes ... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. ... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things. ... They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

[Apple’s 1997 Think Different Campaign]

I may not be a visionary as he was, but I’ve followed my calling for the past twenty years, as a writer and a communicator, despite those who told me it wouldn’t pay the bills and that I needed to get a “real” job. I´m glad I didn´t listen.

I’m a misfit, I’m a crazy one, a rebel. Writing is paying the bills, although I don´t do it for the money. Writing is my passion. It gives me the sense that I could die feeling I made a difference, however small. At least in that sense, so far I´ve life on my own terms, and I intend to keep it that way.

RIP Steve Jobs.

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Read my articles on Mamiverse.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco.To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Susie Wang - 100% Pure, 100% Success

2011-09-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

It’s not easy to find skin care products that agree with your skin and your senses. It’s even more difficult to find reasonably priced natural skin care that will accomplish the latter. After testing some of the 100% Pure brand skin care products, I was hooked.

Also, it was obvious that care was taken to provide the user with plenty of information on the products on the company website, and that it was more than just a business. I wanted to know who was behind the brand with the subtle natural scents and pretty packaging, whose message resonated with a passion.

Susie Wang, the founder of 100% Pure, took the time to answer my questions.

Susie Wang

This is why she launched her own skin care line in 2005, based on natural products:

LCL- When, how and why did you found 100% Pure?

SW- During college I invented a way to stabilize natural ingredients from oxidizing in skincare products so I patented the process. Some of the world's largest cosmetic companies asked me to formulate and develop products for them. This was my dream job, so I put school on hiatus and began working on formulas and product development for some of the world’s largest cosmetic companies. It was during this time when I learned of the dangers of some chemicals in cosmetics. One day in the lab, I accidentally spilled a chemical onto the lab table and it literally warped the hard plastic lab counter. I later discovered a lot of the chemicals are toxic and cancer causing. That's when I decided to launch a healthy, pure, nourishing line that's much better for women than the harsh chemical alternatives.

LCL- What have been your greatest challenges and how have you overcome them?

SW- The biggest challenge has been hiring the right people. In the beginning, I didn't know how to hire well and I have had some really strange employees. I have since implemented background checks on everyone and have made it mandatory for my fiancé, who is also my business partner, to have to approve as well.

LCL- What are the biggest rewards that 100% Pure has given you?

SW- Being honest to women – helping them not pollute their skin, their blood stream and instead, nourishing them. And that we have the resources to help animals.

LCL- What is in your bucket list?

SW- One day, I’d like to launch an animal sanctuary to help animals that nobody wants, where they can live and have a good life. I would also love to see more of the world. I've been to many places in Asia and Europe but I'd love to see Africa, the Amazon, India, Australia and South America.

LCL- What would you say to others who would like to realize their own dream?

SW- I would highly encourage it! There is nothing more rewarding than to do what you love. It's worse to live your whole life and not even try to achieve your dream. It's better to at least try.

My 100%Pure picks:

I’ve sampled a few of 100% Pure products for a while now and here are my personal favorites:

Skin Brightening Collection – Great for reviving dull skin. The foaming cleanser is soft and energizing, the scrub+mask is an instant pick-me-up and the night balm is nourishing and calming. Tip: warm the night balm by rubbing your fingers together and then apply. It has a thick consistency and needs to be used sparingly. I am in love with this line.

Scrub+Mask

Organic Cucumber Eye Cream Gel – I love the scent, the consistency and that it has twice as much in the bottle as your regular eye cream. It brightens the eye area but is absorbed quickly.

Blood Orange Body Butter – Another top pick. The scent is energizing without being overpowering. The consistency is thick and also needs to be warmed with your hands before applying. It feels nourishing and gives skin a healthy glow.

Fruit Pigmented Luminescent Powder – Somewhere between a bronzer and a blush it gives just enough luminescence to brighten your complexion without looking overdone. Love it!

Fruit Pigmented Lip Creamsticks – Chubby lip pencils that double up as liners. Velvety feeling, soft tone and feel moisturizing. Convenient and time-saving.

To purchase 100% Pure in the US:

www.100percentpure.com

To purchase 100% Pure in Europe:

www.100percentpure.eu

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Read my articles on Mamiverse.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco. To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Communism and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Phillippe Diederich

2011-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Passion and attention to detail beget art.

Communism and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, is the result of a photojournalist’s drive to capture the detail of the lives of Cuban Harlistas – Cuban Harley-Davidson bikers – in Havana, in the 90’s.

The essay describes the dusty yet rich subculture of Harlistas making do with every-day materials to build their bike parts to fix and customize vintage Harleys. The pictures in black and white describe the world of a unique subculture that Cuba and vintage Harley-Davidson fans will enjoy.

The photographs were exhibited in the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona Beach under the title of ¡Harlista! Motorcycle Culture in Cuba Today.

Communism and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is also published in the Traveler’s Tales Anthology, Cuba, available at Barnes&Noble and other outlets.

Vintage poster of exhibit

Phillippe Diederich spent fifteen years working as a photojournalist, covering news and events in the U.S. and Latin America for national and international publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine and The Atlantic.

His essays, short stories and journalism have been published in The Miami New Times, Cigar Aficionado and The Houston Literary Review. He now teaches photography at Ringling College of Art and Design and is working towards an MFA in writing, while writing fiction.

Communism and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is now available on Kindle, by Six Volts Publishing, and soon on Ibooks (Itunes). Design and Layout by Barbara Gillespie.

If you enjoy this blog follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco. To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

The Digital Mom Handbook

2011-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Can you make money blogging? You bet! Audrey McClelland of Momgenerations.com and Colleen Padilla, of Classymommy.com are proof of it. Their successfully monetized sites gave way to their book The Digital Mom Handbook, recently published by Harper Collins.

In a no-frills down to earth tone, these real-life moms tell how they started posting to an audience of one: their own mother or mother in law, and gradually built their respective audiences until they started getting swag – free products for review, trips and other incentives – and, eventually, paid advertisers.

They never promise that mom bloggers can monetize their blogs overnight and become success stories like themselves, and they do state that they made 0 dollars in their first years of posting daily – sometimes several times a day!

Some of their tips:

- Blog about your passion

- Be consistent

- Find your tribe, aka make friends with other bloggers

- Remember the kids, aka don´t get swallowed by the black hole that is the Internet

- Have fun!

This book is not only for mom bloggers, but also for any woman who would like to start a blog and monetize it but has no idea how to go about it.

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco.

To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Make-up to Look and Feel Better

2011-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

When we look at photos in magazines we may feel that we don´t measure up to the glamorous celebs. Then, of course there are the tabloid pictures in which they criticize the same celebs for having under-eye circles, blotchy skin or wrinkles, when photographed without makeup.

A little makeup goes a long way in making any woman look perkier and, to prove this, I´m including pictures of my eyes before and after makeup (right after a run and a shower). They are both taken with the same bathroom light, and are not retouched or enhanced in any way.

Time taken to apply makeup: 10 minutes (I did my whole face but I wanted to see the difference in the eyes, the mirror to the soul!). The second picture is taken just a few minutes after the first.

Almost all the products I´m wearing are by It Cosmetics, which I received samples of to test. I only used here those that have given me the best results in the last few days.

Under the eyes: Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in Neutral Medium (it´s waterproof and must be used veeeeery sparingly).

On eyelids: Bye Bye Lid Lines as a primer and Brow Power Lift as an illuminator (that did away with the redness).

On complexion, Clinique Workout Makeup in Bisque and over it all, Bye Bye Pores, to set the concealer and foundation (I loved this translucent powder).

I used the It Cosmetics neutral eye shadow palette also as eyeliner.

The mascara is an all time classic: Maybelline Great Lash in brown/black.

I do invest ten to fifteen minutes a day in applying makeup, because looking better makes me feel better and that, is priceless.

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco.

To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Why Run a Half Marathon

2011-08-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Early this year I wrote a blog post explaining why I would not run a marathon. Alas, today´s post is about why on November 20, God willing, I will run my first half marathon.

On the one hand, long-distance running is eerily similar to:

o Raising kids

o Writing books

o Trying to publish those books!

o Having a relationship

o Life´s challenges

The reasons why I’ve officially registered for the half-marathon and started training:

o Because I want to know what it feels like to cross the finish line after running 13 miles with hundreds or thousands of other runners

o Because the discipline of training spills into my writing career

o Because I´m going to write about it and it´s the only way to do it with authority

o Because it´s not quite the same to overcome an obstacle or reach a goal because you have to than because you set out to do it, willingly.

It doesn´t need to be a half or even a full marathon. What goal are you willing to take on because you want to and not because you have to?

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Diario del Éxito (Success Diaries) will be published in book form late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco.

On Age and Running ... Out of Time

2011-08-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Pic by my daughter. Aug. 2011

Abraham Lincoln said that by forty you have the face you deserve.

Today I turn 48, and I´m ok with what I see when I smile into the mirror, dimples, crows-feet and all. I wish I had liked myself as much when I was 15, when instead I felt ugly and inadequate. Alas, The perks of youth are often wasted on the young!

Just in case I may be deluded, I ask my friends that if they ever see me wearing blue eyeshadow, black eyeliner and false eyelashes, caking on the makeup, teasing my hair and wearing leopard tights at 70, to please slap me. That´s what friends are for! Only Cher can pull that off – for now, anyway.

I don´t believe life begins at 40 or at 50 but I also know I´m not the same person I was at 18, 28 or 38. At 18 I dreaded turning 20 and at 48 I´m ok with nearing 50. In fact, I´m looking forward to it.

After my training run - Aug.25.2011

Of course there is a “but”: I´m running out of time. We all are. I suspect that´s the reason why I don’t watch TV. It´s a HUGE time-waster. There are so many other things to do; in my case there are books to write, kids to raise, races to run, places to see, people to love. My Spanish grandmother will be 95 in January – I need to visit her soon.

If I momentarily feel over the hill (like next to a 20-year old at a club), I remind myself that one day I will look back at the picture taken today after my run and think: “I was so young then”, so I better relish that now.

At 48 I´m running my first half-marathon in November … Maybe at 50 I´ll run my first marathon. In the meantime, I´ll take one day at a time. I hope you do too.

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Success Diaries will be a book (Diario del Exito) published late in 2011 by ediciones Obelisco.

David Perry on Being a Successful Connector

2011-08-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

David Perry is the CEO / founder of David Perry & Associates, Inc., an award-winning full service communications firm with international reach based in San Francisco. DP&A’s specialties include community and government affairs, social media, public/media relations, crisis communications, web and graphic design and a full suite of video production and special event services.

Perry serves on the Board of Directors for ChinaSF whose goal is to attract and retain Chinese investment and business expansion into San Francisco and the Bay Area, and to also support San Francisco Bay Area businesses in their business efforts in China. With offices in Beijing, Shanghai & San Francisco, ChinaSF is a public-private initiative of the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED), in close partnership with the City of San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), supported by funding from private sector partners.

He was kind enough to carve out some time to share his views of success and productivity in the following interview:

LCL.- What is your definition of success and have you achieved it?

DP.- I remember after my mother died, finding a scrap of paper in her desk in her handwriting that said: "Success is a journey, not a destination." That has stuck with me for the last 34 years. Success is doing work you enjoy and feeling that you've contributed something to the common good, no matter how small. It's self-measured, not gauged by others.

LCL.- How do you help others become successful by means of your services?

DP.- I'm what the book The Tipping Point refers to as a "connector." I like putting people together: media with clients; clients with customers; friends with friends. My job is, as I say in my firm's tagline, is to "create dialogue fearlessly." I don't believe anyone can truly control anything -- certainly not in the realm of public relations or communications. Communications are not controllable, but you can help create an environment in which informed conversations takes place. That's what I do for our clients and colleagues.

LCL.- What does a typical day look like for you?

DP.- Like right now -- 6:30am: hour of reading news and social media posts on my iPhone, huddled in the dark in bed with coffee on one side and husband on the other.

8am: gym (unless some early morning crisis averts that discipline)

9am-6pm: client correspondence / email and the deluge begins. I'm a great believer in "to do" lists and every time I have an idea I type it into my daily calendar so that I don't forget it. Typical day involves advising clients on media strategy; setting up a media preview or launch for a client and in-between actually writing original copy / text about a project. And -- always -- throughout the day I'm talking / e-chatting with members of the press and sharing info about our clients. Every one of our clients gets "pitched" in some way, every day. I have a number of standing meetings with clients but if I can, I avoid them. Most meetings are deadly and inefficient for advancing a real workload. I'm constantly getting info via social media and email and much prefer one-on-one and short exchanges of info to old-fashioned business confabs. In the evening, although I'm often pulled into an after work networking or client event, I'm home with my contact lenses off, feet up and laptop on my lap checking to see what "to do" list items got digitally crossed off. Weekends -- one day of nothing and one day to be proactive about work projects, think and create original written content.

LCL.- Do you believe in balance (family/work)?

DP.- Yes. My husband and family come first. I love my work but the main reason I love it is because it gives me a life that is creative, diverse and helps support my at-home reality. Balance isn't always "1/2 work”.

LCL.- What would you tell others who want to live a successful life but feel they aren’t quite there yet?

DP.- Breathe and stop complaining: nothing ever got achieved by negativity or fear. This isn't mystical advice - it's practical. Whatever you're feeling negative about, stop and ask yourself: what have I got going in my life that's positive? The fact is: anyone reading this article has more advantages and gifts than 98?% of the world's population. Use those gifts to help others, and be patient with yourself.

LCL.- What have you yet have to do in life?

DP.- Take a full year to do nothing but write. That, I would like to do. My favorite writer is P.D. James, who didn't start her (incredible) writing career until after she finished a 30-year stint working in the British civil service. I'm hoping I get the same chance!

Follow David Perry & Associates on Facebook and Twitter for information and inspiration.

Follow Lorraine C. Ladish on Facebook and Twitter.

Success Diaries will be published as a book (Diario del Exito) by ediciones Obelisco late in 2011.

13 Reasons to Run

2011-08-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

I started running when I was 12. I still remember the burning feeling in my chest, the pain in my legs and the extreme fatigue because I didn´t know how to pace myself. Still, at the end of that run I felt good: my pre-adolescent difficulties seemed to wane after having accomplished the difficult task of running.

36 years later I still run regularly. So far, running has helped me overcome many challenges to include a broken heart, separation, divorce, financial strife, unemployment and more.

Why I run:

- It´s free

- You can do it anytime, anywhere

- It doesn´t require fancy equipment other than a good pair of running shoes

- It´s a great way to explore new surroundings

- It can be a form of meditation

- It´s an excellent cardiovascular workout

- You can do it alone or with someone else

- You can run while you push a baby stroller

- Running helps produce endorphins, which are a mood enhancer

- The discipline of running spills into other areas of your life

- It helps keep your weight in check

- It´s a great conversation piece

- It beats getting hammered

If you enjoy this blog like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter.

To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Success Diaries will be published in book form in Spanish, late in 2011, by Obelisco.

Rollerblading Life Lessons

2011-08-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday I unpacked my rollerblades – that hadn´t been used in at least three years – and decided to take the kids to a nearby parking lot so I could revive the feeling of being on wheels, while they skated or biked beside me.

I´m a runner, not a skater, but I enjoy skating because it´s a challenge. Years ago I broke my tailbone after a bad fall, but that didn´t prevent me from snapping those wheels on my feet again. I do, however, wear protections every time.

As I started gliding on the concrete again, I felt rusty, but then I remembered the little tricks that make rollerblading (and goal setting, and life) happen:

- Practice falling before you start skating. Having a plan helps you recover sooner from any fall in life.

- Lean forward into the skates, to avoid falling backwards. Lean into problems in life instead of resisting them.

- Keep your eyes on your destination. Just doing that helped me turn and make figure 8´s again. In life, don´t lose sight of your goals, and eventually you will reach them.

- Relax your body, stay calm, engage only the muscles that need to be engaged. In life, relax your body, stay calm, engage the muscles and senses that need to be engaged. In both cases, this prevents exhaustion.

- Enjoy the ride. In life, enjoy the ride.

The picture was taken by my 10-year old, who wore my skates right after I did and after I gave her the few pointers above, she glided away from me as if she had done it her whole life. I hope she keeps it up both on rollerblades and in life.

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To learn more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Sharing Difficulties Helps Overcome Them

2011-08-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

No matter how many self-help books you read, how many positive affirmations you chant, or how often you tell yourself that you build your own reality, there will be times in life when you feel that none of this is helping you to improve your situation.

If you have no work, no money to pay the bills, if your marriage is in shambles, you have health problems and your best friend turned her back on you, it´s not easy to smile.

Something I learned when I experienced some of the previous circumstances all at once, is that if you share your problems with others, they become more bearable. Not only that, but you open yourself to the possibility of receiving a helping hand. After all, if those around you don´t know you´re going through a rough patch, how can they offer to help?

Pride doesn´t fill your pantry nor does it solve problems. On the other hand, there is no reason to be embarrassed because you´re going through difficulties, no matter what they are. When I dared to share my own challenges with others, I received help I never asked for, and that, I will be forever grateful for.

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To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Celebrate Your Achievements

2011-07-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Give a man health and a course to steer, and he'll never stop to trouble about whether he's happy or not. - George Bernard Shaw

Every time you set out to achieve something and manage to do it, whether it’s losing ten pounds, running a marathon, getting your college degree or being faithful to your workouts, you strengthen your character. Celebrate every stepping-stone, because you’re worth it. Set aside false modesty and never underestimate your achievements. Acknowledge your successes without flaunting them, but do acknowledge them. If you don’t see yourself as a writer, a painter or a dancer, for instance, how can you expect others to?

Achieving a goal implies overcoming a self-imposed challenge; it means that you were able to discipline yourself and make short-term sacrifices in order to reap the benefits of delayed gratification. It’s also more commendable to reach a goal that you set for yourself because you wanted to, than a goal someone else – your boss, for instance – set for you.

What goals, big or small, have you achieved in life? What about last year? What goals would you like to reach in the next six months? And next year? In five years?

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To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Mamiverse - for Latina Moms, the Hottest Demographic

2011-07-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

Club Mami is a new social network for moms, embedded in Mamiverse, the new portal for English-speaking Latina moms. These are moms whose parents or grandparents hail from Spanish countries, but they may themselves have been born in the U.S. Their main language is English, although they are proud of their roots. According to the Daily Beast, Latina moms are the hottest demographic,¨ and we are gaining ground everywhere.

Being proud of one´s heritage breeds success, not only for ourselves, but for our children. Some Latinas do speak Spanish, as you can read in other sites, such as La Cosmopolatina, and even Spanglish.

Being bilingual and bicultural myself, I enjoy mingling with other Latinas, both online and in real life.

If you enjoy this blog, like my Facebook Page.

Read my section Mom Recommends (Consejos de mamá) on About.com, in Spanish, for Latina moms.

www.lorrainecladish.com

Kettlebell Training Madrid® helps you stay in shape when visiting Spain

2011-07-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

Some people stand by their dreams no matter what, and make them come true. Kettlebell Training Madrid® is the product of the commitment of Gastón Giorlando and Sandra Carbonell, both certified personal trainers and certified TRX® and Kettlebell trainers in Spain. Following is my interview with them.

LCL.- How did the project Kettlebell Training Madrid® start?

KTM.- It was a result of our stay in Florida, where we experienced the fitness craze that is not as prevalent in Spain. There are the two extremes in the U.S.: people seem to either let themselves go or exercise to exhaustion. When we moved to Spain three years ago we realized there was a gap to be filled in the fitness field, and that we could fill it by teaching Kettlebell training. We had already experienced its benefits ourselves.

Sandra Carbonell

LCL.- What are Kettlebells and why did you choose them as a fitness routine?

KTM.- A kettlebell is a Russian weight. They are round and have a flat base and a handle. We chose this as a fitness routing because training with kettlebells involves the whole body, unlike a gym workout, which is intended to isolate different muscle groups.

There are many benefits: you lose body fat faster than with a traditional training routine. It tones and strengthens your muscles while giving your flexibility and resistance. It´s also a good cardiovascular workout, and therefore you can get all-over results faster. You can train anywhere with just one workout tool.

LCL.- What services do you offer?

KTM.- Seminars and training courses for personal trainers, martial arts experts, instructors, sports enthusiasts, athletes, martial arts specialists, gyms, and anybody who is interested in all-over fitness. Anybody can benefit from this type of training.

LCL.- What has been your greatest challenge?

Gastón Giorlando

KTM.- It´s been hard to break into the fitness market in Spain. This sector is slowly embracing this type of training.

LCL.- And your greatest satisfaction?

KTM.- Seeing our clients satisfied and improving their physical shape. Our students acquire knowledge and technique that are hard to come by in Spain. Training with kettlebells requires proper technique and regular practice.

LCL.- What would you tell someone who wants to shape up?

KTM.- First, they need to establish a clear goal and find out what their options are and not stick only to conventional forms of exercise. They should try kettlebell training and if they like it, they will soon be hooked, while getting in shape.

LCL.- What would you tell someone who has a dream that others are trying to squelch?

KTM.- We all have dreams and it is up to each one of us to pursue them or accept what others believe. We believe in pursing the dream. If you are true to it, you will make it happen.

KTB and their students

Visit their website: www.kettlebelltrainingmadrid.blogspot.com

Contact Kettlebell Training Madrid®: kettlebelltrainingmadrid@gmail.com

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To read about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Spanish publishing house thrives during the recession - Jirones de azul.

2011-07-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

Interview with Rosa García Perea, Coria del Río (Sevilla) 1965

Rosa García Perea is a Spanish poet, author of “Las tres miradas del Cíclope” and “Como las manos de Pandora”, amongst others. She has taught Creative Writing and is now at the helm of the publishing house Editorial Jirones de Azul together with Esperanza García. Her first novel, Mesa para una (Table for one) will be published in October.

LCL.- What is your definition of success?

RGP.- Success is the unexpected prize you get after years of working hard and when you´ve almost stopped believing your project will come through.

LCL.- Do you think you´ve achieved it?

RGP.- I will say what Oscar Wilde said: a fool never recovers from success. That´s why I like to believe that I haven´t achieved it yet. It´s but a mirage.

LCL.- When and why did you launch the publishing house Jirones de Azul?

RGP.- Jirones started out as an e-zine in 2004, and then went to print version in 2006. In 2005 I turned 40 and I didn´t want to let such a significant age fly by without making one of my dreams come true. I also thought Seville, Spain was in need of a publishing house that opened the doors to new voices. So the first business day of 2006, I did the paperwork to establish my company. The first few months were hard, but special. I would do it all over again.

LCL.- What were your biggest challenges?

RGP.- Even though I had worked in marketing, I didn´t know the publishing business. It was also undergoing a shift – from paper to digital. And in 2006, one of the worst global recessions hit. It was like trying to sell books in a war zone.

But instead of backing off, we took it as a challenge and it´s made us stronger and be more professional. We´ve learned the hard way and every time we fall, we get up with more enthusiasm.

LCL.- And the biggest satisfactions?

RGP.- Professionally, looking back and seeing that in five years we´ve put over 200 titles out there. Many have become best-sellers, by first-time authors. Personally, when I see my team, smiling and full of energy. That erases any doubts I may have.

LCL.- What personal qualities have helped you start and keep your publishing house going?

RGP.- Mainly perseverance and knowing that I have to get up as fast as possible when I fall. Whining won´t take you places. Having a sense of humor is a must. There is nothing more important than having a sense of humor.

LCL.- What haven´t you done yet?

RGP.- Professionally, I have a lot to left to do. I´m 46 and I would start any project from stratch. I like a challenge.

Personally, I haven´t lived as much as I´d have liked to. My life is full, but I´ve missed out on personal satisfaction by putting a lot into my profession. And I´m missing children. I won´t have them, but they would have made my life fuller. I´m sure they would not have taken one bit away from my professional life.

LCL.- What would you say to those who have dreams they haven´t accomplished yet?

RGP.- Not to be afraid of their mistakes. You learn more from your mistakes than from your success. To surround themselves with good people, those that help you feel good. There is only one secret for success: work and good energy. It´s so simple that it seems impossible.

www.jironesdeazul.com

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To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

To read Mom Recommends: www.mamalatina.about.com (Spanish)

How to achieve your goals

2011-06-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I’m a bit sick of all the canned positive messages, despite being the author of self-help books. The general message seems to be that we must want to achieve stardom or have the bank account balance of Donald Trump to be happy. Many people are going to get seriously depressed under that kind of pressure. Especially in this economy!

I believe it’s perfectly fine to have humble goals as long as you are ok with that. And you don’t have to travel to Tibet to meditate or wear amulets around your neck to attract positive changes in your life.

However, even if your goals are not that big, you may find it difficult to achieve them. If so, try the following:

- When you know what you want, take action. No matter how small, take a step in the direction of your goal. That will counteract the inertia of doing nothing about your current situation.

- Make a plan. What will you do and by when? If you want to land a job in three months’ time, how many résumés will you send out every week? How many people will you contact on LinkedIn? What friends or acquaintances will you tell that you are looking for a job?

- Enlist a partner. Ask a friend who has a similar goal to be your pacing partner. Giving each other support will help you keep on going when one of you wants to quit.

- Commit yourself. Few goals are achieved from one day to the next. Keep in mind that there will be difficult times and days when it will seem nothing is happening. Wait those moments out, and just keep going. Too many people give up right before they were about to achieve something they wanted.

If you enjoy this blog, like my Facebook page.

To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

If you read Spanish, see my Consejos de mamá (Mom Recommends)

Happiness, a Guide to Life's Most Important Skill

2011-06-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

A reader of my blog recommended the book Happiness: a Guide to Life’s Most Important Skill by Ricard Matthieu. I’ve read the book and listened to the audio-version too.

Based on Buddhist principles, Matthieu’s message is simple: we can learn to be happy. True joie de vivre does not depend on outer circumstances. This would make happiness precarious.

When joy comes from within, then circumstances cannot alter its basic structure. You can be upset temporarily, but you will still be basically strong of character and content.

I recommend the book or especially, the audio book.

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To know more about my book: www.lorrainecladish.com

Overcoming Addictions

2011-06-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

Few things build character as much as overcoming an addiction does. It could be smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or being at TV-watching junkie, a coffee addict or a shopaholic.

Admitting that an addiction interferes with your life, your relationships or your work is quite an achievement. And actually doing something about it is a success!

I overcame bulimia, which is very similar to any other addiction, with the added stress of the “drug” being something as mundane and accessible as food. It took me many years to conquer it, and the result of that was my first book: “I Feel Fat”, published in 1993, followed by “Fear of Eating”, in 2002.

However, I consider that my greatest achievement was that I never gave up, regardless of the outcome. Actually overcoming the addiction was the icing on the cake.

When you manage to overcome an addiction, which is a huge success that most people do not readily admit to, perhaps out of shame, you feel you can do anything.

What addictions or bad habits have you overcome? Which would you like to overcome? What are you going to do about it?

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To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.com