~ The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom Blog ~

Coronela!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:23:00 +0000

The Coronela isn’t your typical orange cocktail and we couldn’t be more thankful for that. It’s reminiscent of a margarita all due to a light touch of salt to awaken your taste buds, along with smooth tequila to instantly relax you. On the other hand, it’s similar to a classic, sparkling Tom Collins because its usage of lemon juice and sweet, ripe cherries make it highly refreshing. The Coronela has three types of juices and it’s almost like having two cocktails without all the manual labor. Plus, using the right tequila will give the cool Coronela a luminous honey color with notes of delicate plums. Have it all tonight, this weekend, or any day (or night) of the year because when it comes to the Coronela, there’s never a wrong time to get your dose of vitamin C.

Coronela Recipe

Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Tequila (We used 1921 Reposado)
A pinch of salt
½ oz. Lemon juice
2 oz. Orange juice
5 oz. Grapefruit soda
1 Orange slice
1 Cherry

Preparation:
Add each ingredient in a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour in a Collins glass with four ice cubes. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

~Courtesy of Latina Magazine!

This should work almost overnight!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:42:00 +0000

What’s stopping you from making money on the Internet?

Is it lack of time? Lack of money to invest? No product to sell?

In MANY conversations with my subscribers over the years, these have turned out to be the “big three” deal breakers — so you’re definitely not alone there.

Which is why I wanted to bring this to your attention:

The experts over at the Internet Marketing Center have recently developed a simple five-step system you can use to eliminate ANY of the challenges you’ve been facing…

… so you can start earning the money you deserve.

When you follow these five simple steps, you’ll finally be able to start making profits online, even if you have:

>> NO products (The IMC experts show you what to sell, then help you source it)

>> NO upfront investment (don’t pay a cent until you’re earning money)

>> NO time (start today, and be earning you first profits in 24 hours)

And here’s the real kicker: You won’t even need a website!

Sounds like something that would come in handy right about now, right?

You can learn the 5-steps by visiting:

http://www.marketingtips.com/5-step-profits/t/771270

10 Quick Tips for Getting Organized!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Every year, I spend time in January and February getting organized and ready for the upcoming year. My organizing actually starts during the holidays—with every present I receive, I’m thinking “Out with the old and in with the new.” When I receive a gift, I have to decide what old item I’m going to get rid of. This year, after putting away the new china I got for Christmas—and selling my former set on eBay—I moved on to organizing my office. If you’d like to get the new year started right, follow these tips to help you get organized for a successful 2009:

1. Clean, organize and purge your desk. Update your files and replace all torn files. Buy new files, in different colors, and organize them by color: green for financial papers, purple for clients and so on. Be sure to label all the files, and then organize them alphabetically within each color scheme. And never, ever put the word “Misc” on any file—once you file it, you’ll forget what you put in it. If you can say out loud what the file is, you have your label.

2. Be like Santa every day of the week. Make a list and check it twice. There’s nothing more satisfying than checking things off your “to do” list! Make a list every night of all the things you need to accomplish the next day. Do this every night, including the weekends, so you get in the habit of relying on your to-do list to help you get things done.

3. Use only one calendar. Choose the one that works best for you: one on your computer, a handheld one like a PDA, or a paper one on your desk. Then get rid of all your other calendars and use just the one to record and keep track of everything. If you’re maintaining more than one person’s schedule, like your children’s, use different colored inks to record information for each family member.

4. Make a note on your calendar, one week ahead of any event, about what you need to do for that event. Do you need to buy wine to bring to a housewarming party? Do you need to send flowers for your mother’s birthday? Whatever it is, make a note of it in advance so you can stay of top of your tasks.

5. Make a list of your goals. Write down at least 10 goals you want to accomplish in your lifetime. Be specific. Then put the list away and update it again next year.

6. Choose one or two goals you want to accomplish this year with your business. Maybe it’s to make more money or to land more clients. How will you accomplish that goal? What amount of money will you make this year? How will you do it? Type that information out in a clear sentence, put by your bedside, and read it every morning and every night to help inspire you to reach your goals.

7. Get rid of any office supplies you haven’t used in the past year. Return them to the store for credit or donate them to your favorite charity. The less clutter there is in your office, the more happiness there’ll be in your life. If you buy a new printer, donate the old one. You don’t need two printers—the old one is just taking up space. This goes for everything in your office.

8. Start planning now for the 2009 tax year. Label a box “2009 Taxes,” and put it in your office. This box will hold all your 2009 tax-related documents throughout the year: bank statements, receipts for business expenses, online statements indicating what bills you paid and charity receipts. At the end of the year, remove the contents from the box and make two piles—business and personal—for your accountant (or for yourself, if you do your own taxes). The box will be the one place you put everything that has anything to do with your taxes. It sure beats searching for the paperwork at the end of the year.

9. Update your rolodex. Clear out all the cards of people you never called last year. I can tell you that if a year goes by and you haven’t contacted them, chances are, you’ll never call them. If you feel you need to keep the information, put all the “maybe I’ll call them one of these days” cards in a file and label it that.

10. Feng Shui your desk and surroundings. If it’s good enough for Donald Trump, it’s good enough for you!

About the author: Leslie Jacobs is the owner of Les Is More, a personal organizing business based in New Britain, Connecticut.

Chicken Milanesa Cemita

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:29:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS:

Salt
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
¾ cup flour
1 tbsp. chile powder
2 eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp. water
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying and brushing
4 cemita rolls* or high-quality sesame seed hamburger rolls
13 cup pureed chipotle in adobo
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
8 leaves Romaine lettuce
1 tomato, thinly sliced
½ cup refried black beans
8 ounces shredded Oaxaca cheese
¼ Spanish onion, very thinly sliced
½ cup papalo leaves** or cilantro sprigs

PREPARATION:

Slice one chicken breast almost in half horizontally and open like book. Pound 1/4-inch thick; cut into two pieces. Repeat with second breast and season all with salt. In shallow bowl, whisk together flour and chile powder. Put egg wash and breadcrumbs in two shallow bowls. Dredge chicken in flour, then dip in egg wash and coat with breadcrumbs. Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pieces chicken and cook until dark golden brown. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate. Repeat with remaining pieces. Heat broiler. Split rolls, brush lightly with oil and broil, cut sides up, until light golden brown. Spread cut sides with chipotle. On top each half, add 1/4 avocado, lettuce and tomato. On each bottom half, spread 2 tbsp. beans, 1/4 cheese, 1 piece chicken, 1/4 onion and 1/4 papalo. Press sides together and cut in half. Makes 4 sandwiches.

~ Courtesy of Latina Magazine

5 Deadly Marketing Mistakes!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:52:00 +0000

In my book, Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps, I teach small and mid-size business owners who can’t afford to hire professional copywriters how to write effective copy that will bring the results from their marketing efforts that they want and need. However, just as there are steps you must take to write great copy, there are also mistakes you can make that can destroy your marketing messages and reduce your ROI to a fraction of what it could have been. Whatever you do, don’t believe the five myths described below.

1. Consumers care about me and my business.

No, they don’t. They care about what’s in it for them if they pull out their wallets and hand over their hard-earned money to buy your product or service. They don’t care that you’ve been a member of the local Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, and they don’t care how cute your kids are (so leave them out of your commercials, please). Consumers care about having their needs and wants fulfilled. The goal of copywriting is to convince consumers that the product or service you’re selling will meet their needs and desires, even if you have to create perceived needs and desires for them. In other words, your copy must focus on the benefits consumers will receive if they buy your product or service. It’s great that your business has operated from the same location for 10 years, but for the most part, consumers only truly care about what your business can do for them and how your business can make their lives easier or better. Those are the messages your copy should focus on in order to drive results.

2. I can use the same copy everywhere.

No, you shouldn’t. Your copy should change depending on the medium where you’re using it. For example, if you’re writing copy for an outdoor billboard that consumers are likely to have only seconds to view while driving 65 miles per hour on a busy highway during rush hour, your message must be short and to the point with no room for confusion. However, if you’re writing copy for a direct-mail piece that will be sent to customers who have requested to receive information about your business, your copy should be far more detailed with messages that explain, answer questions, and create a sense of urgency to boost response rates.

3. I can use the same copy for everyone.

No, that’s not a good idea. Different audiences will respond to different messages depending on their demographics, behaviors, experiences and so on. For example, if you’re writing copy for a direct-mail piece that will be sent to prior customers, your messages should be very different from those that would appear in a mailing to prospects. One audience is already very familiar with your products and services, while the other has no prior experience to draw from. Clearly, the messages to both audiences must be different to achieve the maximum response rates possible.

4. I need to sound smart in my copy.

Not always. The language and tone of your copy should speak directly to the people who are likely to see it. For example, if you’re writing copy for teenagers, your copy should be quite different from copy targeted at senior citizens. Consider McDonald’s, which goes so far as to change references to its brand name depending on the audience. Turn on MTV and you’re sure to see a McDonald’s commercial referencing the fast food chain as “Mickey D’s”. It’s also important to omit jargon unless your copy is intended for an audience that will understand and expect it. For example, a business-to-business ad might be an appropriate place for jargon. Again, it always depends on the target audience that you ultimately want to respond to your marketing message.

5. It’s easy to write copy.

Never. Writing marketing copy is like no other form of writing. It defies many of the rules you may have learned in English class, and it relies more on subtle persuasion, psychology, creativity and an understanding of your specific business and consumers than any other type of writing. Not all writers are good copywriters, and not all copywriters are good writers. If you decide to write your own copy, study the craft prior to putting pen to paper. And if you decide to hire a copywriter to help you, remember that not all copywriters are the same. Only invest in a copywriter who has experience and takes the time to understand your business and your customers.

About the author: Susan Gunelius is president and CEO of KeySplash Creative Inc., a full service marketing communications provider and branding consultancy, and owner of WomenOnBusiness.com, one of the leading blog communities for business women. Susan is a marketing, branding, social media and copywriting expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. Her clients include small and large businesses around the globe. She is the author of several marketing, branding and social media books, including Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps published by Entrepreneur Press.

Keeping Your Online Identity Professional!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:36:00 +0000

This is an interesting article written by Renee Weisman on "Keeping Your Online Identity Professional!"

Facebook recently started a new group called the “six degrees of separation”. An ambitious undertaking, the leader asked each participant to send a group notice to everyone in his or her contact list in order to determine if it was possible to contact every single person on Facebook (over 30 million viewers) with six or fewer connections.

I am not sure whether this undertaking will prove that everyone is connected to everyone else by six degrees of separation, but it certainly got me thinking about the vast reach of the digital network.

Unlike any other networking opportunity, the internet has to potential to connect you to more people with more opportunities than any other medium. That fact makes it critical to have a positive and professional online reputation, especially for women.

(Inherently, women have fewer natural contacts than men, because men often network at sports events, over a round of golf, or by having a few drinks after work. The internet is gender neutral.)

If you are looking for a new job, you can be sure that the hiring manager will do an internet search on you. If you are in a large firm and are looking to be promoted to a senior position, you can be sure the promotion committee will check your digital profile. If you are looking for consulting or sales opportunities, the internet provides firms with a fast way to check you out. And they will!

Are you digitally distinctive in a positive way? If you are not sure, Google yourself. Do the same on your company’s intranet and other search engines (yahoo, altavista, pch, etc). Are you there? Do you like what you see? If not, it is time to reinvigorate your online image. You may be amazed at what your first search shows.

Start building the right image

How?

• If you are in a field where you regularly publish, establish yourself with a professional society that allows its papers to be searched online. If not, join an online community (like Excelle!) and write book or article reviews.

• Join a reputable blog and write about topics related to your field of expertise.

• Start a blog (There are many sites which provide “free” blogging services but if you take it on, it is a large time commitment to do well).

• Comment on this article or other AdminSecret offerings.

• Check the online websites of professional organizations to which you belong and write an article (or review someone else’s article).

• Join an organization that is active online and get on their board.

• Write a book review for Amazon or other booksellers in your field of expertise.

All of these can provide positive search opportunities.

Get your professional information online

• Join LinkedIn or ZoomInfo or another online business networking group. (Do be sure it is a legitimate site and NEVER give personal information like your birthday or social security number).

• You can also create a Google profile. (And, of course, you should put your profile on AdminSecret) Spend time crafting this profile to make sure it projects you in that positive and professional manner. Remember it is your business bio and should not be full of personal information. Take as much care with the profile as you would if you were sending out a resume to that “ideal” job. Many people will only read the title and summary, so make them dazzle.

• Ask people who respect your work to recommend you. Join some of the groups these networking sites offer that match your field of expertise, and write meaningful comments or articles there.

• You can even post articles you’ve read and think will help others. Keep these professional, business-related, and current.

If you have a common name, an enormous number of entries will appear with any search. You might want to get into the habit of using your middle initial in all your writing and business documentation. Also, if you have your photo on your profiles, it helps searchers know which “John T. Smith” is you.

What about Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other “friend” creating sites?

Here is it still important to remember whatever you post may be read by a potential customer or employer. Always stay professional and limit your comments to appropriate interactions. If you are Twittering too much or writing silly information on Facebook, you will make others wonder if you do any work during the day.

I always ask myself before I post: Would I be upset if this somehow got into my employer’s hands, was printed in the newspaper, or if my Mom read it? If the answer if yes, hit the delete key!

If you own your business or are part of an organization, create a business Facebook or MySpace page or group. You can post events and invite others to attend. People can become fans of your group. I have just started to explore Twitter. It can be a powerful link to people but only if you have a conversation worth following. Choose people who are in your field or have common interests to “follow” and they will likely follow you back.

Create a website just for you

If you have a business, even if it’s part-time, mostly a hobby, or you are the only “employee”, consider getting a website. They can be inexpensive (shop around on the internet), and the fastest way to broadcast to the public everything you want people to know about your firm.

If you are computer literate, there are many free and user friendly web building software packages available. If not, hire a web designer. Remember to make it about what your customers want, not a tribute to you or your personal work chronology.

Update your website frequently so people know what is current and have a reason to revisit it. Ask companies you do business with, industry groups, and trade associations to put your website link on their web pages. Increase the likelihood of being found near the top of a search engine by using keywords and phrases throughout your site.

Make sure to add your website address to your business card and your LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, Goggle, AdminSecret and other online profiles. The more you can link articles and information to your website, the better. Check out Google Ad Words or other search engine optimizers to help people “find” your website. Use these words in the title of any blog posts you make, and link back to your website. Put links to your site in your email address.

The old rule of thumb for networking was that most people knew 250 people who knew 250 more people so that your friends and the friends of your friends enabled over 60,000 contacts. On the internet you can easily grow your contacts to 1000 or more. These contacts and their contacts’ contacts can set off a chain reaction that enables tens of millions of connections! These people may become your future employers, employees, coworkers or customers. Make sure that when they Google you, your internet identity is professional, accurate, distinctive, and easily linked to what you want them to know.

About the author: Renee Weisman, owner of Winning at Work, charted new territory as one of the first woman engineers, managers, executives and working mothers in the male-dominated semiconductor industry.

Dying to Get Ahead? 10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:08:00 +0000

This is interesting guest article written by Carly Chynoweth on "Dying to Get Ahead? 10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself!"

There are all sorts of reasons to change who you are at work. Team players might want to become team leaders. Process-driven rule-followers might decide to reinvent themselves as creative thinkers. Whatever the reason, it is best not to turn up at the office one day in proper shoes only to return to your trainer-wearing slacker ways a week later — not least because people will assume you were simply job-hunting. Take a strategic approach with these tips.

1. Know who you want to be

Know who you want the new you to be. “The first thing is to identify how you want senior management to perceive you,” Gabriella Goddard, an executive coach and author, said. “Look at what you are doing now and think about what you need to change.” According to Diane Bradbury, the managing director of Spring Personnel, you should look at people who are already successful and identify the sorts of behaviours that they demonstrate.

2. Get the look

Freedom of expression is for artists and students. Appearances matter, so if you want to get ahead, dress the part. “If the bosses are suited and booted, you should be, too,” Miss Bradbury said.

3. Get a piece of paper

Reinventions demand confidence; qualifications can help this. Chris Burney, the head of retail sales at Daisy, a telecommunications company, is only 26 but has already reinvented himself twice, most recently when stepping into a senior management role. “I had completed [management] qualifications so I knew I had the knowledge and the grounding to help me do the new job,” he said.

4. Consider your comfort zone

Going from being seen as someone who lives by the book to a creative lateral thinker is easier if you take small steps rather than trying to change everything at once. Ms Goddard helped one such manager to develop a reputation for creativity by asking him to become the person who suggested brainstorming sessions in meetings rather than, as in the past, the person who wanted to make sure that people stuck to the guidelines. “It is about looking for creative ways to improve the process you are already comfortable with,” she said.

5. Get your manager on side

Managers want the best for their people and are open to being pleasantly surprised. Tell them what you are planning and they will probably help, Emilie Duquenne, the learning and development director at L’Oréal, said. “Being proactive is always well-received,” she said. But don’t forget to manage the image you portray with them; if you are constantly asking for help with operational issues, they are unlikely to peg you as a strategic thinker.

6. Think down as well as up

“Bosses are likely to be pleased if you reinvent yourself overnight, but colleagues might find it more difficult,” Miss Bradbury said. Be open and honest about what you are trying to do, but be prepared for some resistance.

7. Take the bushel off your light

The most convincing evidence that your new approach is serious is good results. “You should be volunteering for some prime projects and volunteering to lead them,” Ms Goddard said. “You may have to start with a smaller project until you get a better reputation, but you have to put yourself forward and you must deliver on what you promise.” And make sure that the right people notice what you’re doing. “Don’t just do it and hope that someone notices.” Becoming a mentor is a good idea, Mrs Duquenne said.

8. Clean slates can help

If you are making a big career change rather than simply refocusing your efforts — swapping from finance to marketing, say — you may be better off at a new company where you can make a fresh start. Yet it is still possible to fall back into old habits if you are not careful.

9. Consistency is key

The change will take three months or so to feel normal, Ms Goddard said; during that time, you will need to make a conscious effort to maintain the new you. Don’t let yourself slip back into old habits when you are stressed or under pressure. Technical experts who move into management are frequently tempted to return to a hands-on approach, particularly if time is tight. Remind yourself what behaviours your new role requires and stick to them no matter what.

10. It might not work

“If senior managers have a very fixed view of you … or someone dislikes or distrusts you, then after three months of trying you will still be back where you started,” Ms Goddard said. If so, it is time to try somewhere new.
How Some Successful People Reinvented Themselves:

The singer Elvis Costello was a computer operator in a cosmetics factory in London.

The actor Danny DeVito worked as a hairdresser in his sister’s salon.

The bestselling novelist John Grisham was a lawyer.

The actress Pamela Stephenson retrained as a clinical psychologist.

The comedian Jo Brand was a mental health nurse.

Martha Stewart, the businesswoman and former prison inmate, started as a stockbroker.

~ Coutersy of Admin Secret!

7 Money Saving Tips For Your Home-Based Business!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Even a home-based business requires some type of spending. Hopefully the following "7 Money Saving Tips for your Home-Based Business" will provide you with ways to improve your bottom line:

1. Email/fax vs. regular mail:
- Use email and fax to get your messages across. You will save the cost of postage, paper, envelopes, mailing time and get instant delivery to your customers.

2. Toll free numbers:
- Utilize the toll free numbers offered by your vendors/suppliers it can add up to major telephone savings. If you want to add a toll-free number for your customers to contact you, there are inexpensive methods such as Skype for instance, it's great for making computer calls and is free to other people plus it's cheap to landlines and cell phones around the world.

3. Energy Consumption:
- When you have a home-based business you will use electricity. Utilize auto-setback thermostats and automatic light switches. You may also want to utilize the natural sunlight from the outdoors to bring in light. These are all great ways to save you money.

4. Comparison shopping:
- Bargains are out there. Do your comparison shopping and see which company offers the better deal. Compare prices and you'll see the difference.

5. Negotiate products:
- Request discounts whenever you purchase with cash or when paying ahead of time. Companies who want your business will negotiate their prices.

6. Mail order:
- It is economical and convenient to shop by mail order whenever possible. Use a credit card for your purchases and if ever a problem, the credit card company will assist you. Again, seek mail order bargains.

7. Take Inventory of your supplies and phone usage:- Supplies and phone usage are often misused. Be diligent and watch your savings add up.

Think of other significant money saving tips for your home-based business and watch your savings grow!

Copyright © 2000-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Sonia Yvette Colon is writer/publisher of My Fashion E-Mall Blog & The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom Blog!
Visit: http://www.myfashionemallblog.net for powerful business articles & successful Internet marketing tips on starting & maintaining a lucrative work-at-home business
Visit: http://thebizbuzzofalatinamom.blogspot.com business news, jobs, entertainment, recipes, shopping & much more with a Latin twist!
Visit http://scolon1142.avonrepresentative.com/ for all your beauty product needs!

Tropical Heat Burgers!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:01:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup red onion, finely minced
2 serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded, and finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed chile de árbol
Barbecue Sauce
4 pineapple rings
4 sourdough bread rolls
1 cup shredded lettuce

PREPARATION

Combine beef, onion, serrano chiles, salt, and chile de árbol in a mixing bowl. With hands, mix and form into four patties. Grill to desired doneness. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush with the barbecue sauce. While burgers are cooking, grill pineapple rings. Wrap bread rolls in foil and warm on the grill. To assemble, place burger over lettuce in a roll, top with extra barbecue sauce and a pineapple ring.

Yummy!

~Courtesy of Latina Magazine!

Should I trim my baby's nails?

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Yes. Your baby's nails may be softer and more pliable than yours, but make no mistake — they're sharp! A newborn has little control over his flailing limbs and can easily end up scratching his own face or yours.

Little fingernails grow so fast you may have to cut them several times a week. Toenails require less frequent trimming.

The best time to do this is while he's sleeping. (You may want to leave nail utensils in the car so you can do the job while your baby's asleep in his car seat.) Another good time is right after a bath, when your baby's nails are at their softest.

Make sure you have enough light to see what you're doing. Use a pair of baby scissors or clippers made especially for the purpose. Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold on your baby's hand as you clip.

Cut fingernails along the curve of the finger. Cut toenails straight across. Then use an emery board to smooth out any rough edges. In fact, if you're patient and your baby's nails aren't too long, you can skip clipping them altogether and simply file them to the right length with an emery board.

If you decide to give your baby a manicure while he's awake, get someone to help you hold him and keep him from wiggling too much while you work. Or have someone distract him so he'll let you hold his hand still for the clipping and filing.

Some parents bite their baby's nails into shape, but if you do, you run the risk of introducing germs from your mouth into any little cut your baby may have on his finger. You also won't be able to see what you're doing, and you'll find that your baby's finger is minute compared to your teeth! Still, some parents rely on this method.

~Courtesy of Babycenter

Does your home-based business idea have market potential?

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Your home based business ideas need a market to cater too. Market research is golden to the success of your business. The key is to identify a niche and a need in the marketplace. Become an expert in your area and discover whether there is a need for your business.

Those who keep up with technology and effective marketing techniques will come out the winners. Many who cater toward the future trends will have an excellent starting point. Many who don’t will drop out quickly. Some great research tips that I believe are viable for any home office business are as follows:

• Research
- The current and future market
- Product knowledge
- The competition

1. The current and future market are factors to consider during your research. Will the product/service be wanted or needed within the next 5 to ten years? What does the business offer that others don’t?

2. Product knowledge by contacting the manufacturers or local distributors is essential. Find out how long have these products been on the market? Are the products competitively priced? What do the manufacturers’ warranties cover?

3. The competition is a fact of life. If your business can’t compete then don’t start this business. Locate those you consider the largest threat to your business and research how they acquire their customers? What attracted the customers to their products? What could you offer that they could not? Were they willing to reduce an advertised price?

Knowing your market potential is valuable to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your business. There are many information services and resource tools available to aid you in your research both online and off line. The chamber of commerce, yellow pages, trade shows, seminars and of course the Internet are great starting points. The benefits of using the Internet are endless. Nothing beats sitting in the comfort of your own home as you travel the globe collecting valuable information.
Information from all government agencies is available, as well as from competitors, libraries, businesses etc. You can download and print out information without moving from your chair. Also, make it a point to subscribe to newspapers, forum groups, and journals aimed at your area of interest.

Does your home-based business idea have market potential?

Copyright © 2000-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Creative Commons License. This is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
* Articles may be used with permission from Sonia Colon of http://www.myfashionemallblog.net, http://thebizbuzzofalatinamom.blogspot.com & http://scolon1142.avonrepresentative.com/

Mexican Lasagna!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:05:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS

6 eggs
2 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. butter 5 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
1 can (15 oz.) refried beans with green chiles, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cup salsa, divided
1 cup shredded zucchini
Cilantro sprigs

PREPARATION

In medium bowl, beat together eggs, water, chili powder, and cumin until well blended. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Pour in egg mixture. Cover and cook over low heat until eggs are almost set, almost 7 to 9 minutes. Set aside.

Place 1 tortilla in bottom of lightly greased 9- or 10-inch springform pan. Spread with half of the beans and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Top with another tortilla, ricotta cheese, and 1/2 cup of the salsa. Top with another tortilla, reserved cooked egg mixture, and another 1/2 cup of the salsa. Top with another tortilla, remaining beans, zucchini, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Top with remaining tortilla.

Bake in preheated 350°F oven 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with the remaining salsa and cheddar cheese. Bake 10 minutes more. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Remove rim of pan and cut into wedges to serve. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Delicioso!

~Courtesy of Latina Magazine

How to start breastfeeding!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:07:00 +0000

The first time you hold your newborn in the delivery room, put his lips to your breast. Your mature milk hasn't come in yet, but your breasts are producing a substance called colostrum that will help protect your baby from infection.

Try not to panic if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple. Breastfeeding is an art that requires patience and lots of practice. No one will expect you to be an expert in the beginning, so don't hesitate to ask a nurse to show you what to do while you're in the hospital. (If you have a premature baby, you may not be able to nurse right away, but you should start pumping your milk. Your baby will receive this milk through a tube or a bottle until he's strong enough to nurse.)

Once you get started, remember that nursing shouldn't be painful. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. His mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth. If latch-on hurts, break the suction — by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple — and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, he'll do the rest.

How often you should nurse

Frequently. The more you nurse, the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you'll produce. Nursing for ten to 15 minutes per breast eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target. According to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should nurse your newborn whenever he shows signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting around for your nipple. Crying is a late sign of hunger — in other words, ideally you should start feeding your baby before he starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to gently wake your baby to begin nursing, and he may fall asleep again in mid-feeding. To make sure your baby's eating often enough, wake him up if it's been four hours since the last time he nursed. Once your baby becomes alert for longer periods, you can settle into a routine of feeding every one to three hours (less at night as he starts to sleep through).

How to get comfortable

Since feedings can take up to 40 minutes, pick a cozy spot for nursing. Hold your baby in a position that won't leave your arms and back sore. It works well to support the back of your baby's head with your hand, but the position you choose really depends on what's comfortable for you. If you're sitting, a nursing pillow can be a big help in supporting your baby. Don't feed until you and your baby are comfortable because you'll be sitting (or lying) in that position for a while.

What you should eat

A normal healthy diet is all you need while you're nursing. Experts used to recommend that nursing moms get an extra 400 to 500 calories a day, but new research shows that you don't need that calorie boost, says breastfeeding expert Kathleen Huggins, author of The Nursing Mother's Companion. You'll want to maintain a well-balanced diet for your own health, but you don't need to follow complicated dietary rules to successfully nurse your baby.

You may want to limit caffeine, and avoid chocolate, spicy foods, and other irritants that get into breast milk and can bother your baby. Be sure to drink lots of fluids — the oxytocin released by your body while you breastfeed will make you thirsty and help remind you to drink.

Remember that although breastfeeding is natural, it can be difficult in the first days of your baby's life. Take the time to get encouragement and advice from a lactation consultant or friends who have nursed — their support and tips will be invaluable.

Problems you may encounter

Although women have nursed their babies for centuries, breastfeeding doesn't always come easily. Many women face difficulties early on. Some of the most common problems you may encounter in the first six weeks include:

* Engorgement: an overfull breast
* Sore nipples
* Mastitis: a breast infection

Don't suffer in silence. Call a lactation consultant or your doctor (especially if you think you may have a breast infection) if your physical discomfort is getting in the way of nursing properly.

What you may be feeling

Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major physical or emotional hurdles. But many new moms find it hard to learn — so if you're feeling discouraged, you're not the only one.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by your baby's constant demands in the beginning. If you feel like giving up (or just want professional advice), consider calling an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). These experts in the art of breastfeeding will watch you nurse your baby and make recommendations. You can also talk to your doctor or midwife about any health concerns that may be getting in the way of successful breastfeeding.

Where to get help

Breastfeeding help and support is just a phone call away. La Leche League International, an organization that offers encouragement and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies, can send you information or put you in touch with a La Leche League chapter near you. You can reach LLL headquarters or get advice from LLL's breastfeeding hotline by calling (800) 525-3243. If you attend local meetings, you can meet other new moms and get breastfeeding assistance.

A board-certified lactation consultant can also offer advice on how to breastfeed properly and give you hands-on help. To find one near you, call the International Lactation Consultant Association at (919) 861-5577 or use that association's online lactation consultant finder. You can also call the hospital where you delivered your baby, your doctor or midwife, or your child's pediatrician for a referral.

~Courtesy of Baby Center

I did it! I joined the most prestigious business ever AVON!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:12:00 +0000

Good morning all!

I did it. I joined AVON with the help of one of my good friends. I am so excited to be part of this amazing company that has been in business for 123 years. How amazing is that?!? That certainly says a lot about the company.

After having been blessed with my second child and the ability to work from home, I decided to not only blog but to add to my already busy schedule, great products that my visitors will enjoy for years to come. I am so happy to be able to share my AVON business with you all :-)

There is so much to learn and cover. Currently, I am in training with this fantastic company and hope to bring you the best that I can offer. So, without further a due, if you or someone you know enjoy amazing products from a trusted company at affordable prices, please visit http://scolon1142.avonrepresentative.com/ and spread the word.

Thank you so much for being loyal blog readers at "The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom Blog" and for joining me in my journey of entrepreneurship with this wonderful company we all know and love, AVON!

All the best,

Vanilla Flan!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:41:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 cinnamon stick
2 large pieces lemon zest
1 cup sugar, divided
3 large eggs
4 large egg yolks
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Fresh whipped cream

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 325°F. On large baking dish, place six individual 6-oz. molds. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together milks and half-and-half; add cinnamon stick and lemon zest. Bring just to boil, then remove from heat. Cover and let stand 15 minutes, then discard cinnamon stick and zest. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over medium-high heat, boil 3/4 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water about 10 minutes, until mixture turns deep amber color, swirling pan off burner as color deepens to prevent burning. Quickly pour caramel into molds. Heat kettle of water to simmer. In large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk eggs, yolks, vanilla and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Slowly whisk in milk mixture. Strain liquid through fine-mesh strainer into pitcher, then pour into molds. Place baking dish on middle oven rack; fill with simmering water so it reaches halfway up sides of molds. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until custards are just set in middle. Let cool to room temperature in water bath, then transfer to refrigerator to chill at least 4 hours. To serve, run knife around edges and invert onto plate; top with whipped cream.

Yummy!

~ Courtesy of Latina Magazine!

Top 10 Don'ts for SEO Copywriting!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:50:00 +0000

This is an interesting guest post written by Karon Thackston on the "Top 10 Don'ts for SEO Copywriting!"

Following in the footsteps of Rand Fishkin and Guy Kawasaki, I decided to come up with my own list of don'ts.

There is no shortage of don'ts when it comes to SEO copywriting. It seems this niche got off to a rough start many years ago when early comers somehow misconstrued the core principles of the trade. Allow me to elaborate on how not to write SEO copy.

1. Don't shove as many keyphrases into the copy as humanly possible.

It's not about the sheer volume of search terms you include. Yes, Google and other engines should be able to follow what the page is about. Yes, engines are looking to match a searcher's query with search engine optimized content on your web pages, but which pages land at the top is decided through a series of calculations far more complex than any simple ratio. When you overload copy with keyphrases you sacrifice quality and user experience.

2. Don't lose site of balance.

If SEO copywriting isn't about the percentage of keywords within the copy, then what is it about? Balance. You have two audiences with SEO copywriting: the search engines and your site visitors. But surprisingly, the balance doesn't come with serving both masters well. The balance comes in how much you cater to the engines. You see, your site visitors always come first.

However, if you write with too little focus on the engines, you won't see good rankings. If you put too much focus on the engines, you'll start to lose your target audience. Balance... always balance.

3. Don't let someone else choose the keywords.

If keyword research isn't a service you offer, an SEO firm, keyword specialist or some other professional that your client hires will have to conduct the research. Don't just accept keyphrases these folks toss your way. Ask to see the entire list with recommendations as to which terms would be best strategically. Then you, as the professional writer, can decide which will also work best within the copy.

4. Don't sacrifice flow for numbers.

This is a follow-up to number three and is a major issue with bad SEO copywriting. SEOs or clients sometimes insist on using hacked-up search phrases that simply don't work in a normal sentence. An example? "Candies samples free." Many copywriters will just grin and bear it, sacrificing quality and flow for the sake of competitive values or other numbers. The result is often some obnoxious sentence like, "If you're looking for candies samples free, you've come to the right place!" Forcing a phrase into the copy at all costs never turns out well.

5. Don't use keyphrases that don't apply to the page.

If you operate a site about wedding receptions, don't try to force a search term about wedding dresses into the copy just because it pulls a lot of traffic. (A) Unless you sell, alter or design wedding dresses, it won't be applicable. (B) Even if you manage to get the page ranked well for the phrase [wedding dresses], once the visitor clicks to your site and realizes you have nothing to do with wedding dresses, they will leave. It's a waste of time and effort and it creates a poor user experience.

6. Don't use misspellings and correct spellings on the same page.

I fully understand that the misspellings of keyphrases can be valuable search terms. However, to mix correct spellings and misspellings within the same page of copy looks like you've got a bunch of typos in the content. It's just not professional. Some writers will go for the old, "We rent limousines (sometimes spelled limosenes) for the most affordable prices in town." I don't care for that approach. It's just not natural. Would you ever see brochure or newspaper copy that reads that way? I think not.

7. Don't use keyphrases the exact same way every time.

This is how we end up with horrible SEO copy that sounds like a 4th grader wrote it. (See #4.) There are lots of ways to use keywords in copy, not just one. In order to sound natural, you have to get creative with your keyphrase use. One way is to break up phrases using punctuation. Since search engines don't pay attention to basic punctuation marks, you can easily write something using the search term [real estate Hawaii] that reads like this: "Currently there is an impressive selection of available real estate. Hawaii listings can be..." See? "Real estate" is at the end of the first sentence and "Hawaii" is at the beginning of the second sentence. The engines ignore the period so there's no problem.

8. Don't use all types of search phrases for every situation.

There are many ways in which this "don't" applies. One quick example is that of an ecommerce site. It wouldn't be advisable to use specific, long-tail keyphrases on the home page of your site. They are much too specific in most cases and are better suited for individual product pages. Broader terms are typically best for an ecommerce home page. If you don't understand the best applications for the various types of keywords, you're likely to have lackluster results.

9. Don't neglect ALT tags/image attributes.

These tags are the ones associated with images on your pages and they carry a good deal of weight especially if the image is used as a link. The ALT text counts the same as anchor text in a text-based link. Depending on a few different factors, ALT text may be a good place for those misspellings mentioned in #6.

10. Don't forget the chain of protocol.

There's a method to the SEO copywriting madness. The idea is not to get as many different keyphrases onto a page as possible. Just the opposite, in fact. Rather than having 12 different search terms used only one time each, you need to use two to four keyphrases (depending on the length of your copy) per page. The title, META tags, ALT tags, other coding elements and on-page copy need to support each other as far as keyphrase use goes. Your goal is to let the engines know that you have original, relevant content about a narrow topic.

Unless you have an exceptional number of back links built up, just mentioning [dark chocolate], [chocolate strawberries], [chocolate chip cookies], [chocolate cake], [chocolate desserts], [organic chocolate] and [chocolate cheesecake] once each on a web page isn't likely to do a lot of good. Instead, pick two or three terms which are closely related and use them several times each along with mentioning them in your tags.

When you avoid making common mistakes, you'll find your SEO copywriting flows much better, is more natural-sounding and ranks higher, too.

About the Author: Karon Thackston - Need help with SEO copywriting? Karon has written 3 excellent books to help you learn keyword optimization techniques. Visit http://www.CopywritingCourse.com and click to the Order page for details.

Keep It Simple: Take Care Of Baby With Less Stress!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Taking care of a baby can be less stressful than you fear. Here are the 10 most important things you need to know (including what you don't need to do).

The prospect of caring for a newborn 24/7 can be daunting, what with the floppy head, shrill cries and sheer mystery of it all. But with time, practice and a common-sense approach, you'll quickly be a diapering, bathing, burping pro. Our wisdom gleaned over the past 15 years will help you get there—and give you some much-needed perspective and peace of mind.

1. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. But it's not necessarily easy. Lactation has come out of the shadows, and it's no longer taboo to admit that nursing is difficult for many women. If you find you're having any problems whatsoever, call a lactation consultant—pronto.

And if you still can't breastfeed, or if you can't breastfeed exclusively, know that you're not raising the next Hannibal Lecter by giving your little one formula. "Still, any bit helps, so if you are able to nurse your baby once or twice a day, do," says Atlanta pediatrician Jennifer Shu, M.D., co-author of Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality (American Academy of Pediatrics).

2. You don't need to bathe your baby every day. In fact, you shouldn't, as too much water and soap can irritate a newborn's delicate skin. "Babies are not yet rolling in the mud, so bathing twice a week is usually what I recommend," Shu says. In the meantime, a sponge bath should do the job if your baby has a particularly messy blowout, or if milk or other crud builds up in the folds of his neck or elsewhere.

3. It's really important to put your baby to sleep on his back. Since the federal Back to Sleep campaign began 14 years ago, studies have confirmed that back sleeping reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by 50 percent. Place your baby on his back to sleep. Every time. No excuses. And make sure any caregivers do, too, including grandma.

4. Infants are more mobile than you think. Although the average age at which babies roll over is 4 months, it could happen as early as 2 weeks. "The first time your baby rolls over could be off the bed, changing table or couch," Shu says, "so get in the habit from day one of never leaving him unattended on a raised surface." Also never put him in a bouncy seat on, say, the kitchen counter—even newborns can jiggle enough to send the seat crashing to the floor.

5. Three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. You need to become an expert at this, so read your car seat and vehicle manuals thoroughly, take a class if possible, and have your installation inspected by a professional. (For a list of car-seat safety checks nationwide, visit usa.safekids.org and click on "find car seat >> check-up events near you.") "Knowing how to install your baby's car seat is of paramount importance," Shu says.

6. You don't need to change a wet diaper immediately. "Today's disposables wick away moisture, so your baby will stay dry until the diaper is close to overflowing," Shu says. (Not that you should let it get this full; this can set the stage for a nasty rash, especially if you're using cloth diapers.) Use discretion with wet diapers at night, too: Changing your baby can be stimulating and make it difficult for him to get back to sleep. A poopy diaper is another matter, though: Change promptly.

7. Your job is to go with the flow. Most newborns have absolutely no eating or sleeping schedules, and trying to impose them will only frustrate you both. But with time, your baby will naturally fall into a routine. "Babies typically establish a sleep routine between the age of 1 and 4 months," Shu says. "Eating is more predictable: Newborns fall into an eating pattern pretty soon after birth."

8. Crying is normal. It's your baby's only way of expressing himself. This is small comfort at 3 a.m., of course. To soothe your baby, try pediatrician Harvey Karp's "5 S's":

• Swaddle your baby tightly.
• Hold him on his side or stomach.
• Make shushing noises in his ear.
• Make them as loud as the crying.
• Swing him, either in your arms or a swing.
• Let your baby suck. A pacifier, bottle or breast will do.

If this doesn't work and you become concerned, don't be shy about calling your pediatrician. "It's typical for infants to cry for a total of two to three hours over the course of a day," Shu explains. (To make matters even worse, it often peaks around your dinnertime.) "But if there's a change in your baby's crying pattern and you're worried, err on the side of caution and seek help. Parents' hunches are often correct."

Also keep in mind that babies do outgrow their fussiness. "It usually begins about two weeks after birth and peaks by the age of 6 weeks," Shu explains. "And it's usually gone by 3 to 4 months."

9. It's OK to walk away. If your baby is screaming inconsolably and you need a break, take 10 seconds or 10 minutes—whatever is required—to compose yourself. Just be sure your baby is safe before doing so. "Babies don't die from being in a crib or bassinet when you have to walk away," Shu says. "They die when parents get so overworked that they shake them."

10. You don't need to entertain your baby every minute. Whether they're looking out the window or staring at a light, infants are continually learning. Give your baby the space to discover his world—and don't feel that you need to bombard him with stimulation; this may only make him fussy. "Any time you spend engaged with your baby is quality time," Shu explains. "Even if you're doing something as mundane as going to the grocery store, talk to him and make eye contact as you shop."

~ Courtesy of Carole Anderson Lucia/Fit Pregnancy

Camarones al Ajillo con Guacamole (Garlic Shrimp with Guacamole)

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:07:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup olive oil
6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced, divided
2 lb. large shrimp with tails, peeled and deveined
1/2 tsp. finely chopped mild chile or 1/8 tsp. chili powder (optional)
1/2 cup fresh lime or lemon juice
1 3/4 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
4 to 5 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped, divided
1/4 cup dry sherry or table wine
1 1/2 to 2 lb. ripe avocado, peeled
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp. finely chopped jalapeño, fresh or canned
3 tbsp. lime juice
1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped
2 to 3 sprigs fresh cilantro, finely chopped

PREPARATION

Pour olive oil into large skillet and set over medium-high heat. Add 4 to 5 of the minced garlic cloves; sauté 1 to 2 minutes. Next, add shrimp, chopped chile or chili powder, lime or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, paprika and half of the chopped parsley. Sauté 1 minute, then stir in wine. Sauté another minute, then remove from heat. Place on a platter and sprinkle with remaining parsley. Skewer with individual toothpicks for easy dipping.

To make the guacamole, in a large bowl mash avocado. Next add 2 to 3 of the minced garlic cloves, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, the onion, jalapeño, lime juice, tomato and cilantro and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from refrigerator just before serving.

Simply Delicious!

~ Courtesy of Latina Magazine

What’s Stopping You From Making Money On The Internet?

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Is it lack of time? Lack of money to invest? No product to sell?

In MANY conversations with my subscribers over the years, these have turned out to be the “big three” deal breakers– so you’re definitely not alone there.

Which is why I wanted to bring this to your attention:

The experts over at the Internet Marketing Center have recently developed a simple five-step system you can use to eliminate ANY of the challenges you’ve been facing…

… so you can start earning the money you deserve.

When you follow these five simple steps, you’ll finally be able to start making profits online, even if you have:

>> NO products (The IMC experts show you what to sell, then help you source it)

>> NO upfront investment (don’t pay a cent until you’re earning money)

>> NO time (start today, and be earning you first profits in 24 hours)

And here’s the real kicker: You won’t even need a website!

Sounds like something that would come in handy right about now, right?

You can learn the 5-steps by visiting:

http://www.marketingtips.com/5-step-profits/t/771270

To your success,

--------------------
Copyright © 2000-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Creative Commons License. This is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
* Articles may be used with permission from Sonia Colon of My Fashion E-Mall Blog
To re-publish content from this article written by Sonia Colon, please include the following paragraph byline…
START BYLINE
Sonia Colon is writer/publisher of My Fashion E-Mall Blog & The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom Blog! Writing & sharing powerful business articles & successful Internet marketing tips on starting & maintaining a lucrative work-at-home business is a passion.
END BYLINE

How to spend your time with baby!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:41:00 +0000

You've got a glorious 12 weeks off – probably the biggest chunk of time you've had since summer vacation back in school. How to make the most of your maternity leave? Here's what the new mommies had to say:

Find a mom’s group or baby and me yoga class -- even if you arrive late and a mess, you’ll appreciate the change of scenery and the time spent with other new moms. Celebrate the most basic accomplishments: Just sneaking in a shower is something to be happy about!

• Go out to dinner a lot! That new baby will be portable – and will sleep tons in the first couple of months. Take advantage!

• Take lots of naps.Go off work email and voice mail completely – focus on the baby.

• Use nursing time to read – this is a brilliant way to do something for yourself while you’re doing something for baby.

• Get out and about w/ the baby – don’t stay cooped up

• Pump – (right after you first feed baby in the am, when you have the most milk) so you have a freezer full of milk when you go back to work.

• After a few weeks make sure you and dad go on a date. A real one – where you wear a dress.

• Celebrate the most basic accomplishments: Just sneaking in a shower is something to be happy about!

• Schedule some “me” time – hand the baby off to a sitter or your partner occasionally and get a haircut, go to a movie, whatever. Consider keeping a journal

– It’ll be hard to look back and remember what you were feeling at the time.

• Forget housework, laundry, cooking -- just cuddle!

• Limit visitors -- this is your one-on-one time, so cherish it and be selfish.

Oooooh, hanging out with baby is the best!

~ Courtesy of Parents!

Rum-Glazed Shrimp with Charred Sweet Corn & Coconut Relish!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 02:31:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS

1 pound 16/20 count shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 fresh ears of corn
1 can of coconut milk
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 ounces cilantro (chopped)
1 english cucumber (diced)
1 ounces green onions (sliced)
1/2 ounce fresh grated ginger
2 ounces dark rum
1 cup baby spinach
salt and pepper to taste
2 ounces olive oil

PREPARATION

Roast corn cobs on grill until charred but not burnt. Remove corn kernels from ears of corn with a sharp knife and place in a large mixing bowl. Add pepper, cilantro, green onions, cucumber and baby spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 ounces of the coconut milk and toss.

Season shrimp with salt and pepper and in a medium saute pan cook over high heat for approximately 2 minutes. De glaze the pan with rum and let reduce.

Place shrimp in center of plate and spoon pan sauce around. Place a good amount of corn relish on top of the shrimp and enjoy!

~ Courtesy of Latina Magazine!

Your FREE e-Bay Video Course!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:39:00 +0000

You could be making literally thousands of dollars a year online WITHOUT even getting your own website… and you can learn how to do it for FREE!

Let me explain…

The IMC’s team of experts have been spending the past few MONTHS analyzing all of the latest developments and changes at eBay, the world’s biggest online marketplace…

… and they’ve applied what they’ve learned to create a simple, three-step system you can follow to rake in a healthy chunk of the $60 BILLION that exchanges hands on eBay every YEAR!

And the best part?

IMC’s laid out the entire profitable system in a set of training videos that you can watch RIGHT NOW for FREE!

First, he’s going to reveal the number one mistake that nearly EVERY new “eBayer” makes when they’re getting started (it’s a BIGGIE, and it can stop you COLD from ever making a PENNY)!

After that, he’ll explain his secret three-step formula for evaluating ANY item to determine if it’ll be a HOT seller… teach you how to find hungry markets that are BEGGING to buy what you’re selling…

… and wrap up this three-video series by looking at what’s new and different at eBay, and explaining EXACTLY how to take advantage of the recent changes to start profiting RIGHT AWAY (while everyone else is scrambling to get up-to-speed)!

This system is FULL of secret strategies that virtually NOBODY else knows about!

It’s also been tested and proven by his own elite group of eBay mentors, so you KNOW it’s gonna work for you, too.

So if you want to learn how to start making SERIOUS money online in the fastest time possible, without having to create your own website (or if you’d like to add an additional stream of income to an existing website), I highly recommend Derek’s three FREE eBay training videos!

Start watching them RIGHT AWAY by following this link: http://www.auctiontips.com/ebay_videos/free-system/t/771270

P.S. The sooner you watch these FREE eBay videos, the sooner you’ll be able to swoop in and start making HUGE profits while your competitors are still struggling to learn about all the changes!

http://www.auctiontips.com/ebay_videos/free-system/t/771270
——————-
Copyright © 2000-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Creative Commons License. This is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
* Articles may be used with permission from Sonia Colon of My Fashion E-Mall Blog
To re-publish content from this article written by Sonia Colon, please include the following paragraph byline…
START BYLINE
Sonia Colon is writer/publisher of My Fashion E-Mall Blog & The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom Blog! Writing & sharing powerful business articles & successful Internet marketing tips on starting & maintaining a lucrative work-at-home business is a passion.
END BYLINE

How to find your market niche!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:49:00 +0000

An important part of planning your business is to know who will use your products/services. Finding your market niche is key to your business success!

The vast majority of small businesses will rely on their communities for sales. However, it is in your best interest to get to know everything you can about your community, and the type of consumers who will use your products/services.

Please don't spend advertising dollars on consumers who don't want or need your products/services. First, find out who are your potential consumers. This is where your marketing research will provide you with answers to the following questions:

•Are most of your consumers female?
•Are most of your consumers male?
•Are they an even mix of male & female?
•What is their average income bracket?
•Where would these consumers generally congregate?
•What are their interests?
•What is the average size?
•What is their average age?
•What type of work do they do?
•Do they live in apartments, houses or rural areas?
•What is the average family size?
•Which radio stations would they most likely listen to?

Researching the answers will enable you to define the physical limitations of your business and build a profile of your average consumer. Some of the most successful businesses know exactly who they are catering to. With the answers to the above questions, you can formulate marketing strategies aimed specifically at those consumers that need/want your products/services.

Break it down into demographics and the types of people who live there. Then you will be able to make informed marketing decisions. Finding out the income levels of your average consumer is vital. Don't waste your time trying to sell expensive items to low-income consumers. Study your consumers purchasing habits. Once you have a better idea of who you are targeting, you can then research the best way to advertise and promote your business in the right market niche!

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How to bath your newborn!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Sponge baths

For the first week or so, until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals, it's best to stick to sponge baths with a lukewarm, moistened washcloth. Wash his/her face and hands frequently, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.

Tub baths

After the umbilical cord stump dries up, falls off, and the area heals, you can start giving your newborn tub baths. While a baby is tiny, it makes the most sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub instead of a standard tub.

Although some parents bathe their babies every day for the sheer pleasure of it, until a baby is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than once or twice a week. When you do bathe your newborn, you may find it a little scary at first. Handling a wiggling, wet, and soapy little creature takes practice and confidence, so stay calm and maintain a good grip on him/her.

Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your baby, let him linger. Others cry through the whole bath — that's when you'll want to get him in and out. Keeping the bathing room warm can help.

Bath safety

• Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a minute. If the doorbell or phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop him up in a towel and take him with you.

• Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running (the water temperature could change or the depth could become too high).

• Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A child can get third-degree burns in less than a minute at 140 degrees.

• Never leave your child unattended. (Yes, it's so important we listed it twice). A child can drown in less than an inch of water — and in less than 60 seconds.

How to give your baby a bath

1. Gather all necessary bath supplies, and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes.

2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water that feels warm but not hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely. (TIP: If your baby cries through every bath, leave the diaper on at first. It can give him an increased sense of security in the water.)

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold.

5. Use mild soap and use it sparingly (too much dries out your baby's skin), as you wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Use moistened cotton balls (no soap) to clean his eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corners of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that's needed.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of water and wipe him down with a clean washcloth. Then lift him out of the tub with one hand supporting his neck and head and the other hand supporting his bottom, with your fingers around one thigh (babies are slippery when wet).

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry. If his skin is still peeling from birth, you can apply a mild baby lotion after his bath, but this is generally dead skin that needs to come off anyway, not dry skin. Then diaper him, dress him, and give him a kiss on his sweet-smelling head.

~ Courtesy of Baby Center

10 steps to avoid wasting time!

noreply@blogger.com (The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:37:00 +0000

The following are a few time wasters you can avoid when working from your home office:

1. Procrastination & Excuses
- If you don’t start then you can’t finish. By continuing to reach your goals & objectives it will allow you to work toward them. If you put things off, then you’ll never accomplish what it is you set out too gain. Never make things more than they are. Don’t wait for the last minute… ACT now!

2. Rushing
- Try not to do everything at once or wait until the last minute. Create a list of what must be done and the time it takes to do it. Always schedule and plan ahead but allow for the unexpected. Avoid the costly mistakes and oversights of rushing. Do it right the first time. Slow down and take your time. Most of all relax!

3. Running Errands & Traveling
- Again, plan ahead. Arrange your tasks in order of importance and needs. Combine your tasks and trips. Don’t waste time making duplicate or unnecessary trips. Know what you need and who has it and find a good time to get it. Make sure to notify them, so they can be prepared and you don’t have to wait. Time is of the essence.

4 Paperwork, Reports & Memos
- Have a purpose for writing. Keep it short and sweet. Get to the point immediately with clear words. Keep everything where it can be easily located and used. Spell check your work before sending it out. Continually purge that which is of no use to you.

5. Meetings
- Schedule meetings carefully. Ask yourself what’s covered, the purpose, subject and scope. Find out the date, location, length, type, attendees. Prepare everyone ahead of time.

6. Telephone, Mail & E-mail
- Define your purpose and what you want to accomplish, why are you calling/writing? Who are you addressing? Prepare a brief marketing script, practice before calling or writing. Take and return calls/mail when it’s convenient for you. Give out your phone number and business address only to those you want contacting you. Don’t waste time. When you accomplish your objectives, hang up and move on to the next call, mail or e-mail.

7. Computer
- Back it up. Prepare yourself for crashes. Plan ahead the purpose for using a computer. Know what you need and where to get it. Limit your time online, get what you need and log off. The computer is a productive tool, but only when used wisely.

8. Planning & Decision Making
- Gather the facts. Weigh both sides. Plan it out in detail ahead of time. Combine tasks. Delegate. Prioritize. Decide and get the job done!

9. Television
- Are you an informed viewer or couch potato? Determine what’s really important to you. Videotape or watch it in rerun. Do other things, be a self-starter, find a hobby, start a business, exercise, read a book. The important thing is to be productive.

10. Know when to say NO & YES
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Be honest with people and yourself. Use time wisely. If you can’t fit something into your schedule, don’t accept it. Say yes only when you truly know it can be done and say no when you know you cannot.

- Avoid wasting time by giving yourself plenty of time. Relax when you need to. Understand what must be done. Build the right habits. Always schedule your day. Prioritize on importance and need. Use technology but don’t get bogged down with it. Gather all facts before starting your tasks. Make informed decisions. Tie up loose ends. Continue to implement your action plan. Know what your own “time wasters” are and avoid them. Most of all don’t procrastinate.

Copyright © 2000-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Creative Commons License. This is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
* Articles may be used with permission from Sonia Colon of My Fashion E-Mall Blog
To re-publish content from this article written by Sonia Colon, please include the following paragraph byline…

START BYLINE
Sonia Colon is writer/publisher of My Fashion E-Mall Blog & The Biz Buzz of a Latina Mom Blog! Writing & sharing powerful business articles & successful Internet marketing tips on starting & maintaining a lucrative work-at-home business is a passion.
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