By Milissa Harding

A couple of weeks ago, I attending an amazing three-day conference, and the theme of the conference was transformation. I left the conference really reflecting on what transformation means to me. To me, transformation means having the courage to find out who you really are, then to have a second helping of courage and create a life that reflects who you are on the inside. The more I thought about this, the more I came to realize how this relates to all of us as entrepreneurs. Here’s why:

Your Business is YOU

If your business is truly a vehicle for self-expression (which I believe it should be), then others will see you when they see your business… makes sense? The challenge with this is that many entrepreneurs spend very little time on personal growth and development, even though investing time in this is crucial for building a successful business. There are probably many reasons why this is the case, but I think that one of the main reasons is because we don’t have a clear understanding of the connection between personal development and business growth. Also, it’s not something that is discussed often as we are working to build our businesses.

Committing to Personal Development

Perhaps you are really strong in the marketing aspect of being an entrepreneur, but something doesn’t seem to be adding up when it comes to seeing results.  Maybe you love your business, but you can’t figure out why you’re not attracting the kinds of clients you want. If either of these examples resonate with you, I’m going to suggest that your personal development might be in need of a “tune up”.

I like to think that when you transform your life, you transform your business, because your business is a reflection of YOU. If you are feeling out of alignment on the inside, it’ll show up on the outside. A commitment to life transformation can radically change what you experience in your business.

So, where do you begin? Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get you started:

• How would I like to feel about my life and my business? Am I experiencing this right now?
• Which area(s) of my life are in need of more attention (relationships, spiritual, physical, creativity, etc.). Commit to making simple improvements in this area(s) on a regular basis.
• Is my business a true expression of my (beliefs, values, interests), or do I feel unfulfilled and unhappy in my business?”.

Journaling can be an excellent way to get your thoughts and ideas on paper, as well as to process new information that you’re learning about yourself. As you go through your day, be aware of how you’re feeling (and relating) to your business, and take small steps each day to improve yourself in an area that you feel needs your attention right now. Notice how your commitment to transformation on the inside begins to lead to exciting transformation in your business on the outside!

Milissa Harding is a Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach who shows entrepreneurs how to maintain healthy energy levels so that they can grow their business and create the lives they truly desire from the inside out. Visit http://www.healthystartcoaching.ca/ to receive your free copy of “6 Steps to Become a Healthy and Energized Entrepreneur”.

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Tags: Business, Entrepreneurs, Life, Milissa Harding, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Self Development, The Work at Home Woman, Transformation

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by Laura Seldon

An invitation to a wedding held on a holiday weekend will garner one of two responses: an excited cheer or an irritable complaint. While holiday weddings can be a great way to gather family and friends over a long weekend, it can also mean wedding guests will have to miss out on the road trip or family vacation they were planning. However, that’s not the only downside to a holiday weekend wedding. Tiffany Call, a special events producer who helps couples plan their big day at FantaSeaYachts in Marina del Rey, Calif., has 9 reasons NOT to get married over a holiday weekend.

1. Travel Accommodations

“Trying to travel on a holiday weekend is like going to a theme park on the hottest and busiest day of the year,” says Call. “It’s not always fun and a little stinky!”

Unless you have a year and a half to two years of planning and are able to make all of your travel accommodations in advance, you may be forcing yourself and your guests into the most expensive wedding they have ever been a part of thanks to holiday prices and last-minute fees.

2. Crowds, Crowds, Crowds

No doubt about it, we Americans like to travel on holiday weekends and that can mean things may get a wee bit crowded.

“I am personally not a fan of crowds,” shares Call. “You’ll begin to realize parking will be tough, the wait for rehearsal dinners and brunches will be long – maybe even with reservations – and if you’re planning a summer wedding, you may be doing everything in excessive heat!”

Call adds that brides may want to rethink satin dresses for their bridal party if they’re planning a summer wedding as sweat does show! “That’s where the smell I mentioned earlier comes from!” she says.

RELATED Bridesmaid Dress Trends

3. Regretful RSVPs

Take into account that your guests may have annual holiday plans that they cannot change for you! “If you chose a popular holiday for your wedding, assume at least 15%-20% of your guests will be unable to attend,” explains Call. But if you have a large guest list, maybe that’s not such a bad thing!

4. Bad for the Budget

Many couples think booking a Sunday wedding during a three-day weekend will mean they will save on expenses since venues, DJs and photographers can often be booked at a lower rate on a Sunday. However, that’s necessarily going to be true for every vendor!

“Holiday weekend pricing can sometimes be the most expensive,” warns Call. “If the venue isn’t adding holiday pricing, your vendors may be, which can actually cancel out any savings from your venue.”

5. Limited Availability

Your venue, florist, linen rentals and other vendors may be all booked up or out of availability as holiday weddings are often booked earlier than other dates. “Have two or three backups ready to call just in case!” advises Call.

6. Increased Stress

Wedding planning is stressful enough on its own, but things can get tricky when you are dealing with friends and family who complain about your choice of a wedding date. “Why add unnecessary stress factors to your day?” asks Call.

7. Last-Minute Fees

A holiday weekend wedding could leave you with several last-minute fees if you need something (dress alterations, limo services, or additional flowers) in an emergency and your vendor plans to be closed!

“Plan on coming up with an additional 5%-10% on top of your estimated budget to account for the hidden fees or last minute, unexpected costs,” warns Call.

RELATED Wedding Survival Guide: Are You Prepared For A Disaster?

8. A Scheduling Nightmare

Working out a schedule with your bridal party and family will likely be difficult no matter the date of your wedding, but things can get rough when you add in a holiday weekend.  

“Think about this one for a moment,” says Call. “Take into account the traffic, higher hotel and airline popularity, school schedules and traffic… oh wait, did I already mention that one? Well it definitely deserves to be listed twice as it is twice a pain!”

9. Street Closures

While Call has already warned of added traffic, there may also be an unexpected increase in street closures for festivals, parades and holiday celebrations in your area.

“Just imagine your limo trying to pick up and drop off the bridal party and family when they can’t get through the streets because they are full of thousands of people,” says Call. She advises to be prepared and do your research as you’re selecting a wedding date. “Most cities announce when a major festival is happening on their website.”

Still thinking of holding a holiday wedding? Just make sure to send out your save the date cards well in advance… and have a blast no matter what!

More from GalTime.com:

• Favorite Pinterest Pages for Weddings
• More Men Taking their WIVE’S Last Name
• How Not to Get Ripped Off by a Wedding Photographer
• Find a Wedding Dress That Flatters Your Shape

Laura Seldon is a Los Angeles-based writer published by The Huffington Post, Spark Networks, and Rock The Vote. As a happily married newlywed, Seldon can tell you that getting married over a holiday weekend can also be an amazing venture – she herself was married over Labor Day weekend in 2012. Follow her on Twitter and Tweet her your questions about planning a holiday weekend wedding… especially when it comes to picking out the dessert… she LOVES dessert…

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By Andrea Surujnauth for CupidsPulse.com

Celebrities’ love lives are made public for the whole world to see and to judge. But even though some celebrities are all over the place with their love interests, that doesn’t mean that there is no hope for them. A big celebrity that we all had our doubts about was Jennifer Aniston. From a broken engagement with Tate Donovan to a relationship with Paul Rudd to a failed marriage with Brad Pitt to a brief fling with Paul Sculfor to short relationships with both Vince Vaughn and John Mayer, Aniston has a long list of past unions that simply didn’t work out. Now Aniston has finally found her leading man, Justin Theroux. The two started dating in 2011 and got engaged a year later. So although we thought Jennifer Aniston couldn’t find love, after all these years she has finally found “the one.”

The question is, are celebrities really that much different than us? Or do their love lives just look dysfunctional because they are always in the public eye? Let’s take a look at a few more celebrities who have had trouble finding love and you can decide for yourselves:

Britney Spears:

Britney Spears become a pop idol sensation during the early 1990′s. She began a relationship with Reg Jones from 1995 but ended it in 1997. She had a brief fling with Jason Geddart in 1997. By 1998 Spears moved on to begin her infamous relationship with Justin Timberlake. Their relationship lasted four years, and then Spears then moved on to her producer and dance choreographer, Wade Robson. They were together from 2001-2002. By 2003, Spears was rumored to be dating Tom Brady, Fred Durst, Nick Carter, Jared Leto, and Columbus Short. 2004 was Spears’ wildest year yet. She got married…twice! First up at the alter was Jason Alexander, who was Spears’ childhood friend. They were hitched during a drunken night in Vegas and annulled the marriage a few days later. Husband number two was Kevin Federline, one of Spears’ background dancers. The two were together for three years and had two kids together. Spears then dated J.R Rotem, Issac Cohen, Howie Day, Criss Angel, and Adnan Ghalib. Spears then found love with Jason Trawik. The two were engaged for three years, but decided to call the wedding off. Lately, Spears has been seen with a new boyfriend named David Lucado, an employee at a law firm.

Related: Celebrities That Remained Friends After Dating

Taylor Swift:

Taylor Swift may be young, but she already has quite a reputation with the fellas. Swift first began a romantic relationship with Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers in 2008. This relationship didn’t last very long because Swift moved onto her “You Belong With Me” co-star, Lucas Till. By the summer of 2009, Swift switched over to new boy toy, Taylor Lautner. The relationship was over by December of 2009. In 2010, Swift fired up a relationship with John Mayer, which only lasted a few months. Jake Gyllenhaal was Swift’s next victim. They broke up in 2011. Conor Kennedy was the next heartthrob to date Swift. This relationship lasted a few months as well. She went on to One Dirction’s Harry Styles and the two broke up after a while.

John Mayer:

John Mayer has quite a long list of love interests. Here is only a handful of the women on Mayer’s list…just to name a few. In 2002 John Mayer was reportedly dating actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. The relationship was short-lived. He then moved on to dating Jessica Simpson in 2006. However, by the next year, Mayer began dating Minka Kelly. That only lasted a few months as well because by the year after that, 2008, Mayer began an on-again off-again relationship with Jennifer Aniston. He was apparently serious about her since he reportedly told Rolling Stones that the breakup “was one of the worst times of my life.” He bounced back pretty quickly since by a little while after the breakup, he began dating Taylor Swift which lasted from 2009-2010. He then moved on to Katy Perry. The two seem to have an on-again off-again relationship going on. Lets see how long this one lasts!

Related: Single Traits to Lose so You Can Move Forward in a Relationship

Demi Moore:

In 1980, Moore was married to Freddy Moore. Their marriage lasted 5 years. In 1985, she became engaged to Emilio Estevez. The two had plans to wed in 1986 but called it off. By 1987, Moore was married to husband number two, Bruce Willis. The two were married for 13 years and had 3 daughters together. They were divorced in 2000. She then began a relationship with Asthon Kutcher who is 16 years younger than her. After dating for two years, Kutcher and Moore were married in September 2005. The marriage lasted a while but the two announced their divorce in 2011. Infidelity was rumored to be the cause of the divorce.

Who are some other celebrities who have had trouble finding love? Share your thoughts below. 

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It’s easy to fall into a gym rut- treadmill, weights, abs, repeat- but, if your workout routine is starting to sound like the directions on the back of a shampoo bottle, you may want to think about switching it up. 

Simone De La Rue, celebrity trainer who works with stars like Sandra Bullock, Naomi Watts, and Anne Hathaway, changes up her and her client’s routines every day. 

“Your body along with your mind gets used to doing the same exercises and becomes lazy,” De La Rue said. “I try to vary my clients workouts everyday so they feel challenged and inspired.”

And if you really want to get results, it’s not just about doing something different, it’s about doing something you enjoy.  

RELATED 4 Top Ab Exercises for Women

“Variety is the spice your fitness plan needs in order to be sustainable and palatable,” France Marien, group fitness instructor and owner of Remix Workouts in Seattle, said. “You will keep moving if the activities you choose are enjoyable and bring you a sense of accomplishment.”

Diana Antholis, a healthy lifestyle coach and personal trainer, agreed. “Exercise is supposed to be fun, so if you find that you are dreading doing physical activity, it’s time to try something new,” Antholis said.

So, what should you try? 

De La Rue’s favorite out-of – the – gym workout is dancing. De La Rue says that dance is the best way to get her cardio in and doesn’t even call her 45 minute, non- stop dance classes a workout because “it’s far too much fun!”

If you want to follow in De La Rue’s dancing footsteps, ditch the gym for a day and take a dance class at a local dance studio instead. Don’t know where to start? Try belly dancing!

“Belly dancing is a strong workout for your hips, abs, and arms,” Antholis said. 

And while the physical benefits of belly dancing – exhibit A: Shakira – are enough to sell most women on the workout, belly dancing can have empowering psychological effects as well.

RELATED Hottest Sneakers For Zumba, Running, Yoga & More!

“Belly dancing awakens a women’s sensual side, making her have more confidence and feel sexy,” Antholis said. “The hip movements and gracefulness bring tons of feminine energy.” Who couldn’t use a little confidence boost during their workout? 

When you’re really tired of the gym, or the dance studio, try an activity you can do outdoors, like hiking. 

“Hiking is a perfect way to combine cardio, resistance, and balance; and walking on an uneven surface shapes your legs delightfully,” Syd Hoffman, a health and wellness author and educator, said.

Like belly dancing, hiking can give you the immediate satisfaction and sense of accomplishment when you finally get to the top of the hill or finish the trail. 

But if neither of these activities appeal to you, don’t force it. Experts agree that the important thing is to stay active and to do something you enjoy.

“I always say, it’s not so important what you do, but that you do it…go for a long walk on the beach, a hike in the mountains, or swim in the ocean,” De La Rue said. “Just do something!”

More from GalTime.com:

• 9 Worst Restaurant Appetizers
• Morning, Noon or Night: When is the Best Time to Work Out?
• Get Fit at Your Desk! 10 Simple Moves
• Eat Healthier on a Busy Schedule

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You’ve got the ring. The date is set. The venue is confirmed.

You’re well on the way to the wedding of your dreams, but don’t forget the icing on the three-tiered cake – picture perfect skin!

Renowned dermatologist Dr. Jody Levine fills us in on everything from effective anti-aging to zapping zits. Brides – think of this as your official skincare survival guide!

Start your skincare regimen stat. That means at least six months, if not a year, before you tie the knot. 

“The worst thing you can do is to try a new regimen with unpredictable results or the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Having lots of time will allow your skin to properly adjust and give you enough time to see real results.”

Skincare is all about what works best for you, but there are some treatments that derms frequently recommend.

“A good daily moisturizer, with sunblock in the morning, and great nighttime moisturizer are important to get the skin to look its best. For people needing improvement in skin texture, I like to use glycolic acid pads twice a day, and recommend glycolic peels in the office at least once a month. For people with acne, I integrate monthly facials, as well. For those with sun damage that need improvement in skin tone, I recommend daily lightening pads to help tone the skin and give it a nice glow.  For some, photo-facials are essential to help with red or brown pigment.”

RELATED Sleeping Beauty: Best Bedtime Beauty Products

Think of your dermatologist as your skincare therapist.

“As a dermatologist, I want my patients to feel confident with their skin and being a bride only elevates that need for confidence. You can discuss anything that’s concerning you, or that you think will make a difference, as to how you look and feel on your wedding day. Anything from rosacea to acne to dull skin can be addressed. Hair, skin and nails are all a part of dermatology.”

Botox, lasers, and chemical peels may sound appealing, but make sure you leave plenty of time for a test run.

“If you want to do a cosmetic procedure such as Botox, I prefer to do it once, 4-6 months prior to the wedding, to make sure you like it and then do it again before the wedding day.  Chemical peels and lasers should be started several months before the wedding day. None of these things should be done for the first time the month of the wedding.”

Remain calm if a giant blemish threatens to be your wedding day plus-one.

“A prednisone pill can do wonders for acne right before the wedding. Consult your dermatologist for a prescription.”

Avoid hair removal treatments that are brand new to you. For legs, a traditional razor can easily get the job done. 

“While you may be tempted to splurge for waxing or laser hair removal, all it takes is one treatment gone wrong to damage your skin. A quality razor will gently exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal smooth skin as it removes unwanted hair.”

RELATED 4 Ways to Deal with Wedding Stress

Gillette Venus & Olay Sugarberry Razor, $10.99, is a Dr. Levine (and GalTime) fave!

Remember… you are what you eat AND drink.

“Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep your skin glowing, so in addition to drinking lots of water, look for foods with high water content. That could include leafy greens, melons and tomatoes. Pre-natal vitamins are also really great. They have extra biotin and iron, so I often recommend them for people whose nails are brittle or hair is thinning. Green tea is a great antioxidant and I always recommend adding some green tea to your day, as well.”

GalTime Likes: Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads, $49; Orico London Streetwise Oxygenating Day Cream, $42; Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Spot Treatment, $18; Proactiv+ 3-Step System, $29.95; Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $24.99; Gillette Satin Care Pure and Delicate Shave Gel, $2.04; Yes To Carrots Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes, $5.99; Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash, $8.99

More from GalTime.com:

• Beauty Rules Made to Be Broken 
• Answers to Your Toughest Swimsuit Questions
• 8 Sexy Items Every Woman Should Own
• How to Dress Your Age

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If you like exercise like I do, then you might also like to know how to stay energized before, during, and after your workout. When it comes to eating, the key is quality foods, quality nutrients. I also think it’s important to “train smart,” meaning push yourself when you need to and cut yourself some slack when you need to. I support heart rate training as method for customizing your program to meet your goals and current fitness level.

I was on Let’s Talk Live DC this week sharing foods and gear that will help fuel an active lifestyle. Check out my tips on hydration, pre-exercise fuel, recovery nutrition and heart rate training tips.

You can watch the full video here, or check out highlights from my segment below:

Tip #1: Fuel Up Before You Exercise

You need to eat before you workout… the same way you put gas in your car before you drive. You want carbs, which provide “quick energy” to burn during exercise and quality protein for sustained and lasting energy.

I love KIND bars for “on the go” energy, because they have ingredients you can see and pronounce (like real fruit and delicious nuts)  that provide that balance of carbs and protein you are looking for. As pre-exercise fuel “on the go” you can pair a KIND Bar with a piece of fruit, or on their own they’re a great snack too.

KIND Healthy Grain “clusters” provide quality carbohydrates from five whole grains, including ancient grains like amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa. Plus, they’re a good source of fiber to keep you feeling fuller, longer. Perfect for topping yogurt or oatmeal, or even on it’s own with milk.

Another great pre-fuel idea for any time of day is pancakes. The only problem is they tend to be low in protein. I was thrilled to find all natural “Flap Jacked Protein Pancakes” that have the protein already in the packet — a whopping 15-17 grams protein per serving! You’ll get your dose of carbohydrate from the whole grains (like whole oats and quinoa), and the protein and fiber will keep you full for hours.

They’re convenient and easy-to-make (just add water!) Plus they’re non-GMO, have no additives and no preservatives. Not only are they full of good nutrition, but they come in 3 delicious flavors – banana hazelnut, cinnamon apple, and buttermilk. You can find them in 4 ounce and 28 ounce packages on their website at www.flapjacked.com.

Tip #2: Replenish Nutrients and Reduce Inflammation with Recovery Nutrition

Endurance exercise creates inflammation and depletes your body of carbohydrates. Recovery nutrition is important to replenish those lost nutrients and to help reduce inflammation. Tart cherry juice and dried tart cherries are packed antioxidants called anthocyanins that reduce pain and inflammation comparable to some pain medications.

I drank/ate them as part of the Red Recovery Routine when I ran NYC marathon and recovered within 2 days and was back in yoga. The juice is great on its own or in a smoothie, and I love the dried cherries in my oatmeal and in yogurt parfaits. You can get the recipe for their Red Recharger Smoothie and other tasty goodies at www.choosecherries.com.

Tip #3: Train Smart with Heart Rate Training

Whether you want to manage a healthy weight, run faster, or just be more active, using a heart rate monitor is the best, most reliable way to maximize results. Polar is the industry leader in fitness assessment technology and has a number of affordable and simple to use monitors to fit any fitness level. Whether you’re new to heart rate training and are, or are an endurance athlete with thousands of miles under your belt.

As a bonus, every monitor comes with access to their Smart Coaching Program that can help you with tailored training advice. Go online to see all their heart rate monitors, including the FT4 and RCX3 models. You can also join their online community, or visit PolarPersonalTrainer.com to set up your free training plan.

Tip #4: Stay Hydrated with the Right Fitness Beverage

We all need to stay hydrated all day long, but it’s especially important during physical activity. Vita Coco coconut water is a great alternative to many sports drinks, especially if you aren’t out there doing endurance training. You don’t need the calories or sugar from a fitness beverage, but you need to stay hydrated. Coconut water has electrolytes (like calcium, potassium and magnesium) and only 45-60 calories per serving.

A couple of recent studies showed that replacing sports drinks with coconut water helped to decrease sugar intake and increase nutrient intake. Check out the abstracts.

I also love that it is just the water from young coconuts — simple and delicious. It’s particularly delicious in “green smoothies” because it can actually help keep them from turning brown.

Here’s a refreshing “green smoothie” recipe you can try at home:

• 2 c. Vita Coco coconut water
• 1 sliced avocado
• 2 c. lightly packed spinach
• 1 sliced green apple, skin on
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1/2 c. ice

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and whip until smooth. Serve in a cold glass.

To find Vita Coco coconut water in a store near you, visit vitacoco.com.

Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time to do this segment by Kind Snacks, Flap Jacked, Cherry Marketing Institute, Polar and Vita Coco, but was not compensated to write this post.

Filed under: eating healthy, exercise, food, nutrition, recipes Tagged: | cherries, exercise, flapjacked protein pancakes, Kind Bars, lets talk live, polar heart rate monitor, pre-fuel nutrition, recovery nutrition, smoothie recipes, Vita Coco

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Last week I had the pleasure of hosting my second live Pregnancy Magazine Google Hangout about breastfeeding basics that specifically focused on those first few important days after your baby is born. I was joined by fellow experts Corey Colwell-Lipson, LMFT, ATR-BC Margarita Marasigan, RN, CCE and Leslie Schilling, MA, RD, LDN.

We talked about what challenges can come up during those first few days when you’re waiting for you milk to come in, creating a good environment for breastfeeding, and tools to help make latching easier. We also discussed maintaining your milk supply, how to manage demanding feeding schedules and the importance of family support. See below to watch the full video:

The next topic will cover breastfeeding strategies for going back to work, so you won’t want to miss it! It’s LIVE at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday May 22!

Keep Checking Back Weekly for More Episodes

You can catch this weekly show on www.PregnancyMagazine.com, as well on Pregnancy’s Google + page, as well as www.YouTube.com/PregnancyMag , where you’ll also find archives of other hangouts related to your pregnancy.

Join Us Wednesday May 22 for Breastfeeding Hangout

The next topic will cover breastfeeding strategies for going back to work, so you won’t want to miss it! It’s LIVE at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday May 22!

Share Your Story

Leave a comment below and share an experience you had during those early days. What made it easier for you? What did you learn from it?

Filed under: children, life, nutrition, pregnancy Tagged: | babies, breastfeeding, breastmilk, children, pregnancy, pregnancy magazine

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By Casandra Ramey

Taking out a small business loan is not to be taken lightly. It’s a major undertaking that is going to have serious implications on the borrower’s future.

Above all, a person should really only considering taking out a business loan if doing so is going to have a profoundly positive effect on their life. Interest rates on loans, even the lowest ones – are still relatively high by financial standards. And this means that anything you can definitely afford should be purchased in cash.

However, there are a variety of situations, such as buying a franchise or covering manufacturing costs in which borrowing money makes real sense. Just make sure that you fully think through the transaction before you commit. With that in mind, take a moment to review these important considerations when taking a business loan:

Bargaining May Be a Possibility
:

Over the interest rate, that is. Most potential borrowers are wise to the importance of shopping around, but fewer realize that the interest rates quoted by the bank may be negotiable. In some cases, a lender may open with their standard industry rate, knowing full well that they can come down to a few decimal places. If you want to cut to the chase, you can ask to see the bank’s daily rate card, which should list the lowest rates available for any of their products.

Know What the Loan is Going to Cost You
:

This is extremely important, if only for the fact that so few people actually go the extra mile in this department. Everyone knows that loans cost more than their face value – at least in terms of fees and interest. But in order to do any long-term financial planning, you need to know the real cost of this loan. Just multiply the monthly payment by the number of months over the life of the loan. Loans over long periods, with higher interest rates or with smaller down payments are going to cost exponentially more before it’s all said and done.

Affordability Must Always Trump Dreams and Aspirations
:

A big purchase (and particularly starting a new business) can be an exciting – some might even say ‘emotional’ – experience. And why shouldn’t it be? This is, after all, one of the most monumental purchases that you are going to make in your lifetime. That being said, don’t let your dreams and desires cloud your objectivity. Bottom line: this needs to be a business that’s been well researched and that has a clear plan.

Shop Around for Your Lender
:

These days, the number of lending institutions out there cutting loans is leading to some cut-throat competition. That’s great news for would-be borrowers. With that in mind, spend plenty of time shopping around for the right business loan (and one from the right lender) for your situation. You’ll probably find relatively little variance between interest rates, though banking facilities, customer service, etc. can vary considerably. Just remember, if all goes as planned, you’ll be working with this institution for years to come.

Casandra Ramey writes for Money Vista, a financial planning website that helps families and individuals on the road of financial stability and freedom.

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Tags: Business, Business Loan, Casandra Ramey, Entrepreneur, Financial Funding, Interest Rate, Loan, Money, Small Business Loan, The Work at Home Woman

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by Laura Seldon

Great dates don’t have to come in the form of a helicopter ride at sunset or a weekend spa getaway (although a massage does sound nice right about now…) No, contrary to what The Bachelor would have you believe, romance doesn’t depend on spending money in big flashy ways. To prove it, here are 10 fun and unique date ideas that will cost you less than $50!

1. Hit Up a Video Arcade

Tired of playing games in relationships? You won’t feel that way when the games are part of a video console! “This kind of date makes you feel like a kid again,” says Tripp, a dating coach in Los Angeles and the founder of TrippAdvice.com. “Playing games and building up the tension of competition can make for a steamy date!”

2. Plan a Picnic

Seems a bit cheesy for a date, right? Well, think again! Planning a picnic is a great way to get to know someone new beyond the walls of a coffee shop. “Go to the grocery store with your date and pick out the food together,” suggests Tripp. “Make sure you have a blanket in your car and pick a scenic spot.”

RELATED 5 Things You Should Not Reject a Guy Over

3. Visit the Farmer’s Market

Like planning a picnic, heading to the farmer’s market allows you to spend some quality time with your date in a relaxing outdoor space. “Check out your local farmer’s market and make a nice afternoon of it,” says Tripp. “Pick out some fresh food and eat while you enjoy the day together.”

4. Compete in a Game Night

Nothing stokes the romance flames like a little competition! “Invite your date over to play an array of games together while you eat some snacks or have a few drinks,” says Tripp. However, Tripp also suggests you go beyond playing innocent board games. “There’s nothing like a risqué game of strip poker when the mood is right!”

5. Make it a Group Date

“Get a bunch of other couples to screen a movie on the side of someone’s garage,” suggests Dr. Nancy Irwin, a therapist and life coach in Los Angeles. No place to screen a movie? Throw a potluck picnic in your backyard. “This is really fun because it is a party with as many other people as you like.”

Not only will you reduce your costs if you get a few other couples in on the fun, but you’ll also be bonding with your friends and your date all at once.

6. Visit a Museum

Museum tickets don’t necessarily have to add up to a pricey date. “In many cities, there are usually free museum days,” says Larry Moore, a relationship expert and blogger in Houston, Texas. “Museums are great for dates because there’s always something in the museum that sparks conversation or serves as an ice breaker, giving each person a chance to get to know more about the other person.”

RELATED A Guy’s Rules About Dating Rules

7. Show ‘Em Your Hood

Consider spending a romantic evening touring your neighborhood with the object of your affection. “What better way is there to show a date who you really are than to show that person where you are from?” asks Sujeiry Gonzalez, a relationship expert and author in Los Angeles. “Besides, you have home advantage. You know the little shops and restaurants that won’t bleed out your wallet!”

8. Explore Your Hobbies

Always wanted to learn a few skills in the kitchen? Longing to try out rock climbing? Ready to take your love for dance to the next level? Then do it… but with a date! “Not only will you build your relationship, but you may also end up realizing you both have another shared interest,” says Marni Kinrys, founder of MarniWingGirl.com. “It’s also great for conversation starters!”

9. Peruse a Thrift Store

Take a date shopping at a thrift store and compete to see who can find the silliest outfit. You can even take pictures and have a few mementos from your date. “Showing your fun side while trying on silly hats and taking pictures will create a lasting memory for both of you,” says Jeff Callahan, a dating coach in Little Rock, Arkansas. “I believe that having a fantastic date shouldn’t crush your wallet.”

10. Browse Your Local Bookstore

Judge a few books by their covers while perusing the romance novel section of your local bookstore. Not only is it free, but it’s also utterly entertaining. “Reading trashy romance novels aloud to each other will make you both laugh,” says Callahan. “And possibly set the mood for romance.” So, head to a local book shop and tell your date to read between the lines!

More from GalTime.com:

• Make the Walk of Shame Less Shameful
• The Key to a Lasting Relationship
• How to Travel with Your New Man
• Four Biggest Mistakes MEN Make in Bed

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Laura Seldon is a writer and journalist living in Los Angeles who has been published by The Huffington Post, Spark Networks, and Rock The Vote. Her suggestion for an inexpensive date is to follow her on Twitter and use her Tweets as icebreakers. Hey, at least it’s free!

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by Maureen Connolly, Executive Editor of KnowMore.tv 

Monday’s New York Times op-ed piece from Angelina Jolie announcing her decision to have both of her breasts surgically removed in order to drastically reduce her chances of developing a genetic form of breast cancer was met with praise and support around the globe. Readers applauded her bravery, as well as her choice to publicly share this very personal ordeal. Jolie inherited a mutated form of a gene known as BRCA1 that, in her case, results in a lifetime chance of breast cancer of up to 87 percent and lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of 40 percent or more. Jolie’s mother died at age 56 after a 10-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Jolie’s motivation for being so pro-active is quite simple: her children. “I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can,” wrote Jolie.

Her revelation, however, raises many questions for women including, how do you inherit a defective BRCA gene, how do you know if you have one, and is a double mastectomy your only option if you discover you carry a defective gene.

Defective BRCA1 and BRCA2  genes can be passed down from your mother or father. These gene defects are considered rare, estimated to occur in less than a half percent of the general population without breast or ovarian cancer, and in five to 10 percent of women with breast or ovarian cancer.  BRCA1 and 2 mutations are also rare in women who first develop breast cancer over 50, but more common in women who first develop breast cancer in their 30’s and 40s. (More facts about BRCA genes.)

If you have a family member affected with breast or ovarian cancer, but their BRCA1 or 2 status is unknown, then this family member should be tested first.  If they are negative for a mutation, then you should not be tested.

Is Double Mastectomy the Treatment of Choice?

For women carrying the defective gene who want the greatest reduction of risk for developing breast cancer, a double mastectomy is the most viable option at this point. (Yet even after removing both breasts, a woman with BRCA1 mutation will still have a cancer risk of 5 to 10 percent since there is no way to completely remove all breast tissue with surgery.)

Carol Fabian, MD, a breast medical oncologist and director of the Breast Cancer Prevention at the University of Kansas, says it’s important to note that for women between 35 and 40 facing the same situation as Jolie, there are viable alternatives to removing their breasts. “Another option for Jolie would have been to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes, but keep her breasts and have twice yearly breast imaging, alternating with breast MRI and mammography, and twice yearly exams.” By taking this route, Dr. Fabian says a BRCA- positive woman could reduce her chances of developing breast cancer by 50 to 70 percent and reduce the ovarian cancer risk by 80 to 95 percent.

But when facing cancer, every reduction in risk matters, and so do statistics about mortality. The type of breast cancer that occurs in 50 percent of BRCA 1 mutation carriers like Jolie—triple negative breast cancer, or TNBC—is three times more fatal than all other breast cancers (even accounting for chemotherapy and radiation therapies). You begin to understand why a woman would choose to pre-emptively remove her breasts and ovaries.

But given the reality these women face —cutting off and out body parts with major surgeries that carry their own risk of serious complications, including breast reconstruction surgery, instant menopause from ovary removal, and permanent loss of sensation to the breasts— and the advances in other areas of medicine, the question that needs to be addressed is why are these drastic measures our only options?

“There’s a certain tragic component to all of this,” says Vincent Tuohy, Ph.D, an immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, referring to the surgery Ms. Jolie and thousands of other women in the U.S. have each year; he estimates the Cleveland Clinic alone does around forty prophylactic mastectomies per year. “Angelina did something defensively because she is in a situation where her only option is surgery—so she dealt with it now by removing her breasts, says Dr. Tuohy. “In other cases, we wait until the breast cancer is discovered, and then we proactively attack the tumor with all sorts of offense, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.”

A Breast Cancer Vaccine: We Might Be Closer Than We Think

Dr. Tuohy believes we can do better by women, and he’s spent the last eleven years working with a team of researchers in the hopes of finding a better way to control breast cancer: a simple preventive vaccine.

To date, his research has involved mice and experiments with human breast tumors, and specifically TNBC. Dr. Tuohy’s vaccine targets proteins that are overexpressed in TNBC, but not expressed in any other normal human tissues except lactating breasts. “The vaccine has the potential both to treat and prevent TNBC and would likely be particularly useful for women who have finished breastfeeding and are at high risk for developing breast cancer”, says Dr. Tuohy, “It would provide pre-emptive immunity against emerging triple negative tumors.”

If the initial research looks so promising, why aren’t researchers rushing to get the human trials underway? Lack of funding, says Dr. Tuohy, who has applied for more than a dozen grants and been turned down for all of them. Some of the reasons given included concerns that the vaccine would cause autoimmune complications and that the proteins that need to be targeted are not expressed in human breast tumors.

Despite this, he’s not discouraged. He senses a shift in how the medical community is viewing the research and he believes that this changing perspective may soon make it possible to prove the effectiveness and safety of this breast cancer vaccine

Related Link: 3 Food Combos That Can Improve Your Health

“We need to promote more of the innovative research such as the type Dr. Tuohy is doing,” says Dr. Fabian. “I think part of the resistance may be because he’s an immunologist rather than someone with a track record in cancer research. But really, we need to be looking at other alternatives and I think he’s on to something.”

If the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute is able to raise six million dollars they could begin the clinical trial process to determine the dose and safety profile of the vaccine for use in women. Advanced clinical trials to test efficacy of the vaccine would require another round of funding, and the whole testing process would take about ten years from start to finish. Assuming each phase of the testing is successful, and the vaccine wins FDA approval, the vaccine could be available in 10 years.

Being open to the idea of a vaccine for breast cancer is one thing, shifting the current paradigm of how we fund breast cancer is quite another, says Breast Cancer Surgeon Kathleen Ruddy, MD, a founder, president, and executive director of the Breast Health & Healing Foundation, and author of the forthcoming book on a breast cancer virus.

“Breast cancer is a huge and varied industry and one that is highly profitable and may not necessarily be inclined to sacrifice itself on the altar of prevention,” says Dr. Ruddy. “Of the estimated $50 billion devoted to breast cancer (diagnosis, treatment, support, philanthropy, and research) less than two percent is spent either on understanding the causes of the disease or working toward primary prevention of the disease.”

The idea that we could vaccinate against cancers is a relatively new idea, but now we have proof of concept with the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil.  The possibility of other effective and protective cancer vaccines is now within reach.

“We believe that this vaccine may someday be used to prevent breast cancer in adult women in the same way that vaccines prevent polio and measles in children,” says Dr. Tuohy.

“Someday” may have been too far off for Jolie. But should one or both of Jolie’s two biological daughters inherit the defective BRCA1 gene, surely their mom and dad would be thrilled knowing a single vaccine could be given to help prevent and/or treat this insidious disease.

Related Link: Angelina Jolie Will Have Ovaries Removed

Maureen Connolly is Executive Editor of KnowMore.tv and the author of Ready, Set, Baby! The Watch and Learn Guide to Your Baby’s First Year.  

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Like it wasn’t bad enough when it happened to you as a kid: On the playground, in the school hallways and lunchroom, but now bullying in the workplace? Weren’t the bullies supposed to “find themselves” and fix their evil ways by the time they reached adulthood? Unfortunately, some did not and now they just lurk in your office disguised as your “co-worker” or even worse, “boss”!

How do you deal with a bully when you’re all grown up?  Lorna Blumen wrote the book on that one. She’s the author of  Bullying Epidemic: Not Just Child’s Play and says there’s standard tips to remember, like: Keep track of every incident and get help from HR, but if that doesn’t help… you’re going to have to battle the bully yourself. “The reality is, if the problem does not improve almost immediately after you set your boundaries a few times and stand up, the take-away message is that you’re working in an environment that supports bullying and it’s unlikely to change soon. Don’t waste your energy. Bottom line: Get out as fast as possible.”

RELATED 5 Subtle Signs of Gender Discrimination at Work

How do you battle an office bully? Blumen shared 5 tips on how to fight back:

Stop It Early: This is THE crucial point, simple as it seems. It’s much easier to stop bullying early, before it becomes the new normal. Doing nothing is the same as saying “yes”, allowing bullying fertile ground to grow. You may not notice the creep until it’s too late. Then it’s very hard to pull everyone back to a kinder, gentler time. Just don’t go there!

Set Your Boundaries: For example, when someone starts speaking rudely or emotionally unloading on you (raised voice, tirade, swearing, etc), stand up, interrupt and say, “I want to hear what you have to say, but I’m not going to listen to you yell at me.” Walk away. Find another desk to work at until the bully leaves. If it happens often, keep a bag or briefcase with some work in it under your desk or within easy reach to grab and go quickly.

Stand Up For One Another: If you see or hear one of your colleagues being bullied, 2 or 3 colleagues must walk right over and rescue the target (and rescue the bully from him or herself). “Hey guys, time to cool off”. Then to the target, “You come with us” (physically walk the target out of the bully’s range), and to the bully, “Need a breather? Want to go for a quick walk/glass of water/cup of coffee?” Help the bully recover, too. Use your judgment about what to offer. Don’t offer to go for a walk around the block if the bully’s going to unload on you!

RELATED Stop Sabotaging Your Own Career Success

Limit The Damage: Even though one part of your life isn’t working well, do your best to keep the bad feelings from “bleeding over” into other relationships and poisoning your whole life. Don’t make your partner, kids, and friends suffer too. These people are your lifeline during tough times – let them prop up your sense of humor and resilience, instead of you dragging them down. Promise yourself that outside of work, you won’t complain about work and you will bring a smile and a positive attitude into these relationships and this time. Laughter produces serotonin and endorphins, happy brain chemicals that will help you survive the parts of life that aren’t so funny. Speaking of collateral damage, prolonged workplace bullying is a terrible example for kids, teaching them to accept bullying as normal in the adult workplace. Solve the problem quickly.

Prepare To Leave: This is not the right answer, but it is the expedient, self‐protective, damage‐limiting answer in today’s reality. If you’ve not been able to solve the problem yourself, or with the help of colleagues or HR, you’re really out of options. Plan your exit. Protect yourself. Consult a lawyer. Cut way back on spending and start saving in preparation for a few months (or more) of downtime. Start looking for or creating your next job. It’d be great to have your new job lined up before you leave, but saving your physical and emotional health is top priority.

More from GalTime.com:

• What Women Earn Compared to Men
• 5 Ways to Ask for a Raise
• 4 Tips for Starting a New Business While Working Full-Time
• Are You Treating Your Kids Like Your Career? 5 Ways to Tell

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Lorna Blumen is an educational consultant and bullying prevention specialist in Toronto, Canada. Lorna is a co‐ developer of the Girls’ Respect Groups High School Leadership Training Program and the GRG Middle School Program, an after‐school program for middle‐school girls, led by high school girls. Lorna also runs workshops on Bullying Prevention for elementary and middle school kids. She works with adults who work with children – teachers, parents, school councils, mental health professionals, coaches, and camp counsellors.

She was also the lead author of Girls’ Respect Groups: An Innovative Program To Empower Young Women & Build Self-Esteem! Both books are available at major booksellers. Connect with Lorna on her blogs: www.BullyingEpidemic.com or www.GirlsRespectGroups.com.

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By Danielle Buffardi

Every business, be it virtual or not, needs new and existing customers in order to not only advance their bottom line, but also to keep growing and getting better. It can be intimidating for some to find new and innovative ways of bringing in new clients.

Don’t fear – I’ve compiled five easy ways to grab the attention of new customers and help make them repeat ones.

1. Referrals:

New clientele are virtually right in your own backyard. Examine the clients that you presently have and seek out whom they think would be in need of the services or products that you offer. Your current customers are your most loyal and, chances are, their friends and colleagues will be just as steadfast to see how you and your business can help them reach farther towards their goals.

2. Networking:

If going to trade shows and events isn’t presently on your agenda, it needs to be. These types of gatherings are crucial to rubbing elbows with like-minded people in your business’s genre and introducing yourself to potential clientele. Networking affords you and your empire the chance to hand out business cards, put a face to names, and generate new leads and ideas for your business to continually grow.

3. Website Visitors:

Every visitor to your company’s website should be looked at as a new potential customer and lead. If your website is dull, boring, and lacks easy navigation then you run the risk of those everyday lookers to go elsewhere to meet their needs. Contrive a site that on-lookers want to stay and explore, have a clearly defined contact form so that when it comes time to turn those visitors into customers, they’ll know right where to go to get more information on what you and your business can offer them.

4. Cold Calling:

This area isn’t dead by any means. Cold calling is still alive and a fantastic way for you to bring in new clients. The trick with cold calling new leads is to devise an enticing script so to hold the caller’s attention and get them to ask questions and participate in the conversation about what it is you’re offering and how it can help advance their business’s needs. You can compile your cold calling lists by simply browsing websites, scanning the phone book, using your social media resources, and calling those you met at networking events.

5. Scope Out Your Competitors:

Track their whereabouts and pay close attention to where they’re advertising, what events they’re attending or speaking at, and in what areas they are pulling in the most clients. Don’t copy them, per se, but instead learn from them. Figure out how they’re gaining their clientele and utilize similar strategies for your business.

Your main focus when it comes to generating leads of new clients is to remain positive and confident in your business and its product. New customers are everywhere and its part of your repertoire as a business owner to seek those like-minded people out and get them turned on to how you and your business can help them.

Danielle Buffardi is an award-winning freelance blogger, freelance writer, virtual assistant, and social media manager specializing in the areas of small business, virtual companies, family, pregnancy, and entrepreneurship. To learn more about Danielle and the services she offers, please visit her on the web at www.PenPointEditorial.com.

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Tags: Business, Cold Calling, Danielle Buffardi, Entrepreneur, Find More Customers, Marketing, Networking, New Customers, Referrals, The Work at Home Woman, Website

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.

My journey is a bit complicated to say the least. After many years in the graphic arts and advertising I decided I needed a major career shift so I went back to school and got a Masters in Montessori Education. After receiving my credential from Loyola and the Montessori Association International (AMI) I worked with children between the ages of 2.5 and 6 in a Montessori school.

A dream come true, I had always dreamed of one day having my own school, yet as I worked with the children I realized parents often had many questions and always wondered why their children were so different at home then in their Montessori classroom.

I offered home visits through the school and helped parents understand how their home environments could be altered to help their child be more at peace, independent and self-disciplined at home. I realized the impact I was having and was encouraged by some parents to pursue this as a business model.

The rest is history; I am truly passionate about the information I share with parents as I do workshops, talks and private home consultations as well as Skype consultations, for expectant parents and parents with children from newborn through six years of age.

I do my private home consultations in the San Diego area as well as in Paris, France. 

What did you do before launching your own business?

As stated above I worked many years in the advertising field in Paris, France and then in San Diego as a graphic designer for different large corporations.

Then as a Montessori guide in a small school.

How did you fund your business?

I was very lucky to have some personal money that was given to me by my family. I was able to start my business without borrowing anything.

How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent is your home office?

I work on an average of 30 to 50 hours a week, depending on the weeks I can spend a lot of time at the computer, but I much prefer being out and about meeting new parents or being in their homes to help design their children’s home.

How would you rate your success?

So far so good. It is a bit slower then I had anticipated, but I know I am charting out on unknown territory and it takes time and patience.

What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?

Networking and getting the word out about my business, following-up with people I meet. I feel I am constantly re-evaluating what my message should be, what I have set out to do does not yet exist so it is sometimes frustrating having to explain it so many times. As I started out on this adventure I never imagined all that needed to be done behind the scene before getting interested clients. All this said, I love what I do and love the fact that I am my own boss and able to be available for my family when needed.

What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?

Invest in a business coach and personal branding before you set out on your path and surround yourself with supportive like-minded people.

How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?

I try to do most of my work and schedule my appointments during the week when my husband is working and my children are in school. Yet with the work I do I have had to work evenings and weekends. I have been fortunate to have a very supportive and understanding family so far.

Connect with Jeanne-Marie Paynel and Voila Montessori…

• Website: Voila Montessori
• Blog: Voila Montessori Blog
• Twitter: @voilamontessori
• Facebook Fan Page: Voila Montessori

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Tags: Business, Children, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Jeanne-Marie Paynel, Mompreneur, School, The Work at Home Woman, Voila Montessori, WAHM, Work at Home

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