Small Business Marketing by @MamaPR - Helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into profits.

2011-01-24T10:58:00.001-08:00

Small business marketing help. We succeed where others have failed. http://bit.ly/idBRXB

2011-01-24T10:55:00.001-08:00

::: WEEK SPECIALS ::: http://bit.ly/caEGvt Take charge of your online visibility and start building your brand. We offer introduction packages with PR/SEO benefits.

2011-01-24T10:54:00.003-08:00

“Go farther than you can see, and when you get there, you will see further.” – Anonymous

2011-01-24T10:54:00.001-08:00

RIP Jack LaLanne at 96. He was the original fitness guy and an inspiration to living healthy & fit.

2011-01-24T10:53:00.005-08:00

Global (Online) Press Release Marketing Campaign Only $299 http://bit.ly/idBRXB Start a Global PR Campaign today!

2011-01-24T10:53:00.003-08:00

To build your business online, requires building your online visibility. http://bit.ly/idBRXB Start building your presence today! seo pr

2011-01-24T10:53:00.001-08:00

Need help with your online presence? Just ask! Low-cost Web Marketing, PR, Social Media, Website Design Consulting. http://bit.ly/caEGvt

2011-01-24T10:52:00.001-08:00

When you know what you want,and you want it badly enough,you'll find a way to get it .
Jim Rohn

What does PRDepotChicago.com do?

2010-11-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

Learn about how we help businesses market better online, who we are and what other services we offer @ www.prdepotchicago.com

Contact us about our current promotions! www.prdepotchicago.com

Reduced pricing on marketing service bundle from PRDepotChicago.com

2010-11-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

Our PR and SEO Marketing Package is now just $595!

Our strategies are really about connecting with consumers by marketing to them on a personal level. Don Collins has a sophisticated and unique type of target market, and we want to help you reach more of those buyers on a larger scale.

What Public Relations Depot can offer Don Collins Rum, Coffee and Cigars company:

Our Global PR Marketing Package includes:

(10) Social media profiles created for your Business for higher visibility/Brand recognition
(1) Search Engine Optimized Press Release Creation (3 revisions)
Mass Media Distribution of your Press Release (12 rolling months of PR distribution)
Online and Social Media Submissions of your Press Release
Permanent Listing within our Business Directory/ Logo added to our site's client list
One-Time Free Website Design Report (to pinpoint any design flaws, includes tips/advice from one of our experts)
Slogan/Tagline Creation
SEO Link Building
Branding | Reputation Management | Internet Marketing

Price on combo package above: Only $595 (Reg. $895) which gives you an instant $300 in savings. PROMOTION ENDS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2010.

With so many businesses selling the same type of products you do, how will you stand out from the rest?

2010-11-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

I'm taking over this blog for Nic, our CEO and AWESOME PR SPECIALIST - at least for a few days while she recovers from the flu.

With so many businesses selling the same type of products you do, how will you stand out from the rest?

The consumer buying process has changed dramatically - long gone are the days of flipping through yellow pages to find a business, product or service.

Today. Its about being found, being connected, being talked about and being featured.

To accomplish this you will need a good dose of online Visibility and PR, as well as search engine optimized marketing.

If you don’t mind being just another seller among thousands, just keep on doing the same ol' thing.

But if you want to make a REAL impact with your business and build a BRAND you have to get noticed. You have to increase your brands visibility, and You have to stand out from the crowd.

How do you get your business noticed? You have to use strategies that are designed to PUSH you ahead of your competitors.

There’s simply no other way. Think about it.

Every client I have worked with has struggled to increase their presence online and many felt like they were going in circles. Its not easy, and promoting yourself online can be quite the beast no doubt. There are so many components to creating an effective marketing campaign. It needs to utilize all the key strategies to make a REAL impact.

You need to stand out from the crowd, you need to engage with the buyer so they click on your link or visit your online business and you need to get more people - aside from your immediate circle - to start talking about your products.

Having worked with so many online businesses. I can personally vouch that these methods of being more bold and innovative with your marketing works. PR Marketing, infused with search engine optimization, is a more cost-effective way of reaching the masses of consumers who search for your products every day.

PR Marketing does more for your business that advertising can never do - It adds credibility.

Like they say, you either go BIG or go HOME!

Here's to YOUR success!

Hillary Trump
@homebasedpr
www.prdepotchicago.com
Building Your Visibility. Building Your Brand. Building Your Business.

PR Reel: Chicago Entrepreneur Set's Her Eye on Bigger and More Sustainable Goals

2010-11-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

(PRDepotChicago.com) Chicago, IL, November, 13, 2010 – With emerging standards in mind as well as combining cool styles, and the company's deep concern for the planet , Bangledox Clothing came out into the scene with a clear focus - To help lead the way for organic fashion lines.

Introducing Bangledox [ban'gel-dox] Clothing®, a new Latino owned green clothing company helping set the standard while incorporating environmentally safe materials such as organic cottons and earth friendly inks and dyes in their clothing line.

Organic clothing and green eco friendly fashion have entered mainstream consumer consciousness with a slew of media attention, and for good reason. Its great for the environment and it helps draw attention to a very important topic.

After a humble start at local flea markets the company launched its first online presence at www.bangledox.com over five years ago, and has plans to roll out new designs for a new Summer launch for 2011.

The company was determined to roll out a new t-shirt line that they could be proud of and know that they were not harming the planet, as well as help draw attention to a very important topic.

They feel they are achieving this.

The new site will also have helpful tips on saving energy as well as other useful environmental information that its visitors can use to help do their part for the planet.

"We are very excited and can tell you this will be a combination of innovation and education ... not just a retail store." says Martha, owner of Bangledox Organic Clothing.

Bangledox is grounded in the concept that the clothing industry and environment can co-exist, all of their clothing is sweat-shop free and produced in U.S.

The Bangledox Organic Clothing company is represented by Public Relations Depot (www.prdepotchicago.com) and has been featured in Latina Style Magazine, Keetsa, Enterprise Magazine, Image Magazine as well as other honorable mentions. Bangledox has an upcoming feature in December 2010 on the well respected AARP Espanol website to be focused on green owned businesses.

Bangledox Organic Clothing. We’re more than just a Brand. We’re a movement. ®

Contact: Martha M., CEO, Bangledox | sales@bangledox.com

###

2010-10-31T11:39:00.001-07:00

Need a Memorable Slogan or Tagline created for your business or product? http://bit.ly/9gXT0Q branding marketing

Need a Memorable Slogan or Tagline?

2010-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Public Relations Depot wants to help you stay on the minds of potential buyers and customers by creating a Slogan or Tagline for your business or products.

For just $99 one of our creative writers will develop several options for you to use and include in your marketing materials to help build your Brand. All successful companies have a memorable
slogan or tagline that has helped them be remembered in an instant.

Nike's famous 'Just Do It' has been around for years, and is still successfully used today.

Purchase any package from our site at www.prdepotchicago.com and we'll include the slogan creation services for Free saving you $99.

Limited Time Only!

Please contact us via our website at http://www.prdepotchicago.com

How to Use Public Relations Depot

2010-10-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

Getting the word out about a new product, merge in partnership, special event, upcoming promotion or to attract new customers can be pretty easy if you choose the right marketing strategy. PRDepotChicago.com is an online SEO & PR company that enables their clients press releases to become an integral part of a company's visibility, marketing as well as search engine optimization.

Successful companies and businesses must distribute press releases on a regular and consistent basis. Quarterly and monthly press releases work best. That is why PRDepotChicago.com offers the most cost-effective solutions to reaching more of your target market.

Partial List of PRDepotChicago.com Features:
- Reach Thousands of Journalists and Potential New Customers
- Placement of your Press Release in top Search Engines
- SEO Optimization Included
- Create a Positive Company Image

Click below and Learn More @
http://www.prdepotchicago.com

How to Use Public Relations Depot

Go to www.PRDEPOTCHICAGO.com and review their packages, and information.

If you are new to the world of PR Marketing or SEO, no worries, contact the company prior to purchasing a package and they will be happy to answer any of your questions as well as go over some suitable options that best fit your budget and needs.

If you are familiar with the benfits of SEO and PR Marketing you can click on "Buy a Package" and you will be taken to their purchasing page where you will see several options listed from Press Release Writing service package to Rotating PR Campaign package. Choose the one that best suits your goals and budget.

Determine if you want just a Press Release, Local Distribution, Global Distribution or Rotating PR Campaign. All services are search engine optimized from the Press Release Creation to the media distribution, online posting and social media submissions. Once you have chosen the package, then you can move on and click the "Buy Now" button.

Once you purchase your package of choice you will get an email confirming of the sale transaction. Within 2-24 hours a representative will contact you via email to gather some details about your project as well as inform you of the next steps and completion of your PR Campaign.

You are now taking a giant step ahead of your competion and pulling away from the crowd by using a marketing strategy that helps your business or product stand out.

Learn more at http://www.prdepotchicago.com

2010-10-19T21:07:00.001-07:00

Public Relations Depot Helping Small Business' Save Money, Market and Profit http://bit.ly/9TG7Y2

Public Relations Depot Helping Small Business' Save Money, Market and Profit

2010-10-19T19:52:00.001-07:00

Public Relations Depot, a family owned business in Chicago, has been around for nearly ten years helping small businesses market their products more effectively, and cheaply, online. The company recently announced new services and rates.

Chicago, IL, October, 20, 2010 - Public Relations Depot is a global internet marketing company specializing in Press Release Campaigns, Mass Media Distribution, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Branding and Small Business Marketing.

They are the trusted source for online marketing strategies to the worlds small business owners, individuals, website owners, organizations and institutions.

"The goal here is to increase your visibility and the number of featured stories and interviews that mention you or your business. Our solutions are about connecting with consumers by marketing to them on a more personal level." - Nic Soto, CEO, Public Relations Depot

The company has recently rolled out new services to help businesses regain, or maintain, a positive standing within the consumer community by focusing more on Branding and Reputation Management, while still offering the industries most affordable internet marketing solutions.

Public Relations Depot's marketing solutions are about raising your visibility, building quality links relevant to your website or product to aid the search engines with establishing what your website offers as well as combining Internet marketing, social media as well as public relations campaigns to further reach your target audience and harness free publicity.

Their solutions will bring you quality exposure and brand visibility for your business and website.

Public Relations Depot Services:

Online PR campaigns
SEO Writing services
Branding
Reputation Management
Link Building
Social Media Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Targeted Consumer Marketing
Internet Marketing
Rotating PR Campaigns / Distribution

Learn more at www.prdepotchicago.com

About

Public Relations Depot helps businesses create distinctive, lasting, and substantial improvements to their marketing goals. We tackle the most difficult challenges that face small business owners, little to no visibility.

The company has over 20 years of industry expertise, over 70,000 journalist contacts as well as global reach to help your business reach more targeted consumers and harness free publicity.

Their dedication, passion, and knowledge allow them to better serve their clients. A strong network of people who are very passionate about taking on challenges that hold back many entrepreneurs.

Optimizing your website content on your pages is no longer enough to rank highly in search engines such as Google and Yahoo, or getting your business out to the masses. To be more effective with SEO and online marketing you need assistance from several key strategies.

Had a bit of a Website Design Nightmare!

2010-10-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Has this ever happened to you?

You create a website on your own and after months of going live you still no sales or visitors are not spending much time on your website ... OR.. you hire someone who charges you hundreds of dollars if not more and you're still not happy with the results.

What can you do?

Well, you can spend even MORE money rehiring the same person to redo your site, or someone entirely different... or my personal favorite, you spend hours a week (when you could be doing something more productive) trying to fix the darn thing yourself.

Its ok. Take a deep breath... it'll be ok.

You see, aside from our small business marketing services we also do Website Design Consultations for website owners who have hit a brick wall, and running out of funds.

We can help you turn that frown... upside down!

Public Relations Depot will:

Review your entire site from top to bottom, page to page and pinpoint any and all flaws that may be keeping your visitors from staying longer on your site, or even buying.
We will create a custom report for you and send it via email to help you turn your sites performance around
Check all meta tags and spelling errors
Check for broken links
Send you a list of tips, suggestions as well as advice on how to improve the overall look, feel and navigation in easy to understand terms

We've helped dozens of website owners since 2005, and we can help you too!

Here's the best part.

The cost for the Website Design Consultation is just $49!

No need to rehire anyone, or start fresh. We'll help you take your site from where it is today, and turn it into what you envisioned it to be.

To learn more please contact me, Nic (@Mamapr) on Twitter or via our site at www.prdepotchicago.com

It'll be the BEST money you ever spend on your business!

Here's to you success!

Nic Soto / PR Marketing Specialist
@Mamapr
www.prdepotchicago.com

Super Holiday Sales on Our Small Business Services

2010-10-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

Holiday Special!

Get $75 OFF our Rotating PR Package. Your Press Release on rotation for 12 rolling months for just $275 (Reg. $350). Those interested in this package will have the benefits of having our team create (1) SEO Press Release for your business or product, National Media Distribution, Online Posting to Newswires, Social Media Distribution as well as reoccurring distribution for 12 rolling months for one press release.

To get started please send me, Nic Soto, an email via our site at http://www.prdepotchicago.com/ or simply send me a DM on Facebook or on Twitter to @Mamapr. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

We are only taking a limited amount of new business.

All the best,

Nic

Google Instant Search and Your Online Business

2010-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Marketing is ever changing, but what stays the same is ... VISIBILITY. The more visibility your business or product has, the more you will show up on searches. Sounds easy enough, but do not know how to accomplish this the right way. If done incorrectly you could be spinning your head until you crash and burn.

Marketing takes a lot more than just your time, in fact it can take a lot of your time if you're going at it alone, but more importantly you need to know what you're doing.

Our job is to get your message out to the masses.

Public Relations Depot is a global internet marketing company specializing in Press Release Marketing, Mass Media Distribution, Search Engine Optimization, Branding and Small Business Marketing.

We are the trusted source for effective online marketing strategies to the worlds small business owners, individuals, organizations and institutions.

WHAT WE DO
We help businesses create distinctive, lasting, and substantial improvements to their marketing goals. We tackle the most difficult challenges that face small business owners.

We have over 20 years of industry expertise, over 70,000 journalist contacts as well as global reach. Our dedication, passion, and knowledge allow us to better serve our clients. We are a network of people who are very passionate about taking on challenges that hold back many entrepreneurs.

Why should you choose Public Relations Depot?

We offer quality work at prices that are affordable for all budgets

Our team has over 20 years of Marketing, SEO, and PR experience

We get results for our clients

Our press release services are very affordable

We can provide multilevel search engine marketing services and online PR campaigns

You want to raise the profile of your products or services as well as reach more of your target market without the high cost of advertising

What can you do when BAD reviews find their way to your business listings?

2010-08-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Bad reviews are inevitable these days, but what can a business owner do to try and build a GREAT reputation?

It starts with NOT being silent and handling your situation in a well mannered and professional way. If you're like many businesses out there you've had your run with negative reviews, and while your first initial reaction would be to contact the poster and say a few choice words. You're only asking for trouble and quite possibly opening pandora's box.

I have three pieces of advice for those who have received a negative review from a customer or unhappy client.

1. Take a moment to really read what they are saying. If they are "complaining" about delivery that wasn't as fast as they liked - offer a free gift or a credit if their order did not arrive on time. Look at this as an opportunity to review your own operating procedures to look for areas of improvement in the order taking and shipping process where you can improve on.

2. NEVER contact the poster who has left negative feedback about your business or product only to unleash your anger onto them. Its their right to do so, and even though there is a percentage of false negative reviews out there its best to not fall into the trap and contact these individuals personally. Look to correct this if you can.

3. Rather than focus your energy on the Who and Why, direct your energy on improving your overall Reputation by creating a positive PR campaign. It helps to add some good PR in these situations and is more affordable these days.

If you are facing such challenges, or looking to increase your overall visibility as well as generate some positive word of mouth please feel free to contact me personally through my company website. We are, Public Relations Depot, and our job is increasing your visibility and sales, adding credibility and building POSITIVE word of mouth for your business. Visit us today at http://www.prdepotchicago.com and lets start building good buzz about you, your business or products.

All the best,
@Mamapr

Sister Entrepreneurs Creates New Fashion Line With A Musical Influence For MusicaWear Clothing

2010-04-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

While some fashion designers credit their inspiration to a certain culture or art, the truth of the matter is that most of the clothing lines widely popular today are taken straight from the the music scene.

MusicaWear Clothing, a new innovative musically inspired clothing label for women, is launching their new Spring 2010 line as well as a fresh new online store at www.musicawear.com this May, and will enable women to purchase from their unique collection of graphic t-shirts and seasonal dresses. An amazing blend of "rebellion" and "femininity" which is a direct reflection of the true style of MusicaWear Clothing.

The company, and the creative force behind the MusicaWear Clothing brand, are two very talented entrepreneurial sisters and a true inspiration to young women around the world.

"MusicaWear Clothing began from an instant burst of inspiration in the summer of 2008, when I was reading a book on entrepreneurship by Russell Simmons called 'Do You' when my sister, Rhaxel "Roxy" Alfred and business partner, asked me to read the book me the book had inspired her to want to start a clothing line. Being a business major, I thought out loud. Shortly thereafter Roxy shared several sketches of clothing she had just designed and told e idea was a great one simply because it would give me the opportunity to exercise the things I learned in the real world and through my education. So, we talked about some ideas and spent about two weeks creating a business plan for MusicaWear Clothing." says Raquel Alfred, Marketing Director, MusicaWear Clothing.

Raquel and Roxy came up with the idea to have MusicaWear Clothing be a fashion line that fused the 'rockstar style of Avril Lavigne with the pop culture chic style of Paris Hilton' and the idea was to make MusicaWear a clothing line that was rebellious, but feminine. The clothing label also decided to have a unique selling point by incorporating music inspirations into all their designs with styles from classic to contemporary looks.

MusicaWear wanted to make people feel as though they were able to express themselves through fashion, the way they can through listening to music. They accomplish this by blending microphones, musical notes, instruments, and other elements of music visually into their designs.

Learn more about MusicaWear Clothing upcoming 2010 Spring line and more at www.musicawear.com

About:
MusicaWear Clothing started out as a graphic t-shirt business selling at local expos and fashion shows around NYC. The colors, designs and overall aesthetic of their graphic tees were inspired by the femininity of a clothing line headed by another pair of designer sisters.

After a year of receiving really good feedback on the graphic t-shirts MusicaWear Clothing decided to move on to the next step in their business plan and began designing dresses, and since November of 2009 the company has been hard at work creating more designs for their Spring 2010 rollout.

MusicaWear dresses range in price from $25-40 all made with quality fabrics. Their graphic tees sell for $20 for men and women. They will also will be introducing accessories such as tote bags for women at $14 each.

Sizes: S-XXL for men and S-XL for women. Additional sizes can be requested at same cost.

MusicaWear Clothing has been featured in:

Russell Simmons’ Global Grind
A FASHION LINE FOR WOMAN WHO ‘APPRECIATE’ MUSIC.

MusicaWear: Fashion With Passion

How To Launch A New Product The Right Way

2010-03-20T17:56:00.001-07:00

Every year it seems as though thousands of new and improved products are launched across the U.S. The vast majority of those products go virtually unnoticed by the public, which ultimately results in less sales revenue for business and manufactures and usually limited options for consumers. So what can you do to ensure that your new product gets noticed by the right market?

A product launch that is successful typically requires a solid marketing plan that includes various marketing material for retailers, press releases, email marketing, and a strategic trade show marketing. When these key components combined, your product launch can quickly gain attention and generate sales revenue for your company.

Before implementing a marketing strategy to launch your product(s), you will need to make sure that your product is completely finished and ready to be purchased by the general public (please note that “finished” doesn't mean “perfect”, as no product launch will ever be perfect). Your prototype should be completely functional, and the development, and design process, should be completed. Creating a marketing strategy for a completed product is far more easier than creating a marketing strategy for a product that is not yet ready to come out.

The first key step toward launching a new product is to create marketing materials for retailers who will carry it in their establishments or online. Take quality photos of your product from every angle to show off its details. Make sure you have a good number of photos of your product in use, as this will instill confidence in your potential customers. Choose a good name for your product that is unique and memorable, and write a number of short descriptions that could be used in marketing materials such as brochures or fliers. Design a unique packaging, making sure to keep it consistent with the other products your business offers. The more work you put for your retailers, the more likely they'll be to sell your product.

Once all the marketing materials have been created, it is now time to announce the arrival of your products. Writing a press release is certainly a great way to get your products or message in front of thousands. Your press release should mot be worded as hard sales-copy. Be sure to mention your product name in the title of your press release, and link your press release to your product or your company website. Make sure it features your product before linking it.

You can also use direct emailing to getting you product in front of your target market. If you already have an email list of your own with important figures in your industry, you have a great advantage. If not, you can usually find contact emails by looking through website's of a current industry trade shows. Your email marketing should quickly and concisely educate your recipients on your new products, specifically focusing on what makes it different, or better, than other products that are on the market.

The final step in launching your product is to show it off at an industry event. Getting your product in front of your target market in person is a marvelous way to convince them that you offer a sound quality product at a fair price. You'll need to reserve a booth at these trade shows and do not forget to fully review the guidelines and cost involved. You may also need accessories at these trade shows, such as lights or flooring for your booth to help highlight your products and set yourself apart from other attendees. Make sure that you are enhancing the product and not overshadowing it with the wrong lighting placement.

Once you have had a successful product launch, your work does not stop there. You'll need to continue to hone and refine your marketing strategies, and you will see you jard work, time and investments paying off.

2010 Holiday Gift Guide Show

2010-02-09T08:24:00.001-08:00

Meet New Product Editors From The Top
Consumer Publications

20% Discount Early Bird Special
Ends February 14th!

The 2010 Holiday Gift Guide Show is a tabletop exhibition that allows you one-on-one time with some of the top media in charge of holiday gift guides. Introduce up to four of your new products for consideration in holiday gift guides across the country.

Publications that attended our last media only event include: Ladies Home Journal, Men's Health, Playboy, Woman's Day, Body + Soul, Good Housekeeping, Everyday with Rachael Ray and many more!

This is a VERY POPULAR event where exhibitors receive EXCLUSIVITY.

Find out if this is right for your products...

Show Facts

WHEN:	May 19th, 2010
WHERE:	Marriott Marquis New York in Times Square
FORMAT:	Tabletop show where the room is open, and the tables are arranged to make it easy for the editors to flow through the room at a comfortable pace. Photos here. We will provide: A large skirted tabletop in open view of the whole room and access to some of the nation's largest magazine editors. We will also provide an online press kit for each exhibitor. The show will be limited to 65 exhibitors.
WHAT TO EXPECT:	The show is designed to help media find some of the best new products for gift guides and other new product editorial. Editors will walk the show area and ask questions, get press kits and may ask for product samples.
WEBSITE:	http://www.giftguideshow.com
CONTACT:	Andrew Stark 803-802-7141 ext. 10 or andrew@propelmediaevents.com Kevin Nichols 803-802-7141 ext. 13 or kevin@propelmediaevents.com

Chicago Auto Show 2010 Schedule

2010-02-08T16:46:00.001-08:00

ABOUT THE SHOW

Background - First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 102nd edition of the Chicago Auto Show.

Producer - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA has produced the show since 1935.

Dates

Day	Date
Public Show	Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 21
First Look for Charity	Thursday, February 11, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Black tie. Tickets $225. The event benefits 18 Chicago-area charities.
Media Preview	Wednesday and Thursday, February 10-11. Accredited media must register ahead of time in the online media center or on-site in the Media Center (room N426).

Location - McCormick Place, 2301 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60616.

The Chicago Auto Show utilizes 1.3 million square feet of the McCormick Place complex. McCormick Place offers a total of 2.7 million square feet of exhibit halls with an additional 700,000 square feet of meeting room availability.

Public Show Hours

February 12-20: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
February 21: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Box office closes one hour prior to the end of the show each day.

Admission

$11 for adults
$7 for seniors aged 62 and older
$7 for children 7-12
Free admission for children 6 and younger are free when they accompany a paying adult.
Weekday discount coupons ($4 off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers and Shell gas stations. Participating banks also mail the discount tickets to their account holders.
School & group discounts available.

Advance ticket purchase will be available at www.DriveChicago.com starting in late November 2009.

Exhibits - The nation's largest auto show, held in the McCormick Place complex. Multiple world and North American introductions. Complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sport utility vehicles, experimental and concept cars. In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles. Numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project, antique and collector cars.

Special Days

Date	Note
Tuesday, February 16	Women's Day. Women are admitted for $7. Manufacturers will present special women-oriented programs on the purchase and lease of cars and maintenance.
Wednesday, February 17 Thursday, February 18 Friday, February 19	Chicago Auto Show Food Drive sponsored by Chrysler. Show patrons who bring three cans of food, donated to the Chicago Christian Industrial League; will receive a coupon for $7 admission.
Friday, February 19	Telemundo Hispanic Day. For more information, visit http://www.telemundochicago.com.

Appearances - Special appearances and Events are take place every day. Please check our Event Schedule for up-to-date listings.

Accessibility - McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation. Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place.Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park and East Monroe underground garages. Shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Upper and Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.

Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround's toll-free hotline at 1-888-441-7575. You can also submit a rental inquiry on the web at http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/c/chicagoautoshow, or by fax at (204) 478-1172. Scooter rentals are $50.00 a day and Wheelchair rentals are $15.00 a day. Scootaround is happy to accept VISA or MasterCard. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of McCormick Place (west end of the Grand Concourse). While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance.

Posted via web from Small Business Marketing by @MamaPR

2010-02-01T19:07:00.001-08:00

Press Release: Foodie publication solves the dinnertime dilemma: http://bit.ly/cGax3w foodies recipe search website pressrelease

2010-01-31T11:16:00.001-08:00

In this hypercompetitive business world, are you doing everything you can to stand out? www.prdepotchicago.com small business marketing

2010-01-31T11:14:00.001-08:00

Internet marketing doesn't have to be complicated: http://bit.ly/9ZTwO8 smallbusiness strategy free consultation @mamapr

Top Ten Strategies for Improving your Online Business for More Sales (Part 1 of 3 )

2010-01-27T18:16:00.001-08:00

How do you profit in the new year when the previous year was such a complete flop in online sales?

When your retail sales have been pretty much non-existent the previous year, and you're trying to do all you can to make a profit in the new year with what you have in funds and time.

You ask yourself. How can I prevent a repeat?

Like most entrepreneurs, many believe all one needs to do is submit their site to Google, MSN and Yahoo, perhaps exchange a few links here and there - and like magic traffic will just start spilling in.

Think that's all you need to do to make your online business profitable?

It doesn't take much time for those very same people to realize it's not that easy. Is it?

So, how do you profit in the new year when the previous year was such a complete flop in online sales? Well, I got good news. What happened in 2009 or the previous year is not an indication of what will happen this year.

This year will be different for your online business. Better, in fact.

True, a website is most effectively positioned when it's connected to a successful brick and mortar business.

However, you can still be a leader in your industry even without prior brick and mortar success. But there are some components you need to have in place to go from slump to success.

I'll share with you my top ten list for the best ways to turning more profits in the new year.

I call this list, 'The Vital Ten'.

By implementing the following tips into your daily business practices you are sure to increase your business revenue.

'The Vital Ten' for Internet Business Owners

1. Payment acceptance options. Hard to believe but there are still thousands of online businesses out there that have only one option, and its usually the longest method. With the many options available to online business owners, try integrating one or more such as a virtual payment method or shopping cart.

2. Keeping it fresh. When was the last time you updated anything on your site? Search engines like newly updated information and will come around more when they have something new to index. I update my site weekly, if not more. Don't get left behind because you didn't put in the time to keep your site up to date.

3. Offer something more. You can establish a presence online and become a valuable go-to site in your industry when you share the wealth and add free helpful content and information to your visitors. I don't know about you, but I am more inclined to buy from a site that offers something a little more than "2 for 1".

4. The Internet has global reach. It is not uncommon for online business to sell in foreign markets. Most of the entrepreneurs I have worked with sell in at least two other countries. While some businesses are completely digital and can sell worldwide, others have physical items that need to follow special overseas shipping guidelines and may cost a little more. However, its worth checking into.

5. What was that catchy slogan again? For your online business to be a success, consumers must be able to remember your brand. A logo and slogan can go a long way. Make sure its present on all pages and in your communication such as through payment transactions, invoices and emails.

6. Learn from your competitors, especially the big corporations. Do this, make a list of all of your competitors, including everything from large corporations to smaller kitchen table entrepreneurs. If they have also have websites, visit each one and gather as much information about their products and services as you can, including rates/prices, customer service policies, delivery methods,warranties as well as their return policies. If some of your competitors do not have an online presence, it is perfectly legitimate to call the company and ask for the information from one of the customer service representatives. You may find that you are missing a lot pieces to the puzzle that may be stalling your visitors from clicking on that buy now button.

7. Are you offering a good selection? Assortment selection can be a turn-on or a turn-off for your potential buyers. If Website #1 has over 100 items to choose from, and Website #2 only has 5 items. Who do you think they'll choose? While some new businesses cannot offer more when they start, its a good idea to maybe partner with another business to cross sell each others merchandise to fill up your site so it doesn't look so empty. I'm not saying place a 1000 items, but it couldn't hurt to add to your selection. You don't want to clutter your site, but you also don't want to have a lot of empty white space.

8. How would you like to have that delivered? Ever go to a site and all they have is regular snail mail as a delivery option. Offering several delivery options could help boost transactions. Still offer the regular postal delivery option, but also the other guys too. Some customers actually prefer the other guys. Get yourself organized by setting up a station at home for instance with a packaging area that will have everything you need to include for each shipment (invoice copies,boxes,tape,scale,etc.) perhaps even adding some extras like a free keychain or pen with your company logo/name/site(these items are great and can be purchased at a bargain in bulk)

9. Trust matters. When you're new in the game of online selling and not very well known, its easy to lose customers to a brand that is. The one thing I see the most with lesser know businesses and brands is the lack of usage of 'trusted digital certificates" and content that shows the buyer that its safe to purchase on your site. Use Paypal? Let them know by visibly adding the 'Paypal verified' logo. The bigger brands have earned the public's trust, so now you must do the same.

10. Do respond to your email inquiries in a timely manner. You may be running your business from home, raising a family or trying to balance your real job until your business takes off. This may very well be the case for you, but if you receive an email from a potential customer and not respond for days, guess what. They've already moved on. I try to respond within 12-24 hours with every email I get. Even if they don't wind up buying from you, they may just recommend you to someone else. It pays to respond quickly, and be very helpful. Set-up a couple of accounts to make sure you are organized, such as Sales@ .... Questions@ and so forth for your business email accounts. Don't forget to add a nifty Contact Form on your site as well.

Just know that everyone's experience selling online is going to be different based on their particular circumstances, customers needs and demands, their budget, products, and sales team. But by staying the course and implementing these vital tips to increasing your online profits you will turn that slump into a success.

Tune in next time for Part 2 of my 'Top Ten Strategies for Improving your Online Business for More Sales'

About:
Nic Soto is the co-founder of Public Relations Depot, a family owned PR marketing company based in Chicago,IL. Affordable Press Release Writing, Mass Media Distribution, Brand Visibility, Link Building and Search Engine Optimization. Helping entrepreneurs reach their business goals since 2001.

Public Relations Depot caters to new and small businesses who are seeking more budget friendly alternatives to increasing their visibility, harnessing free publicity and improving search engine rankings.

Contact Nic today for a free small business marketing consultation.

Follow Me: @MamaPR
My Blog: Social Marketing Mama
My Company: Public Relations Depot
My Favorite Biz: Jeanette's Patisserie

Posted via web from MamaPR's Posterous

200 Tips on How to Teach Kids Entrepreneurship

2010-01-19T07:38:00.001-08:00

I started very young on the road to self-employment and into the world of entrepreneurship with the help of my parents and grandparents who each owned mom and pop shops around Chicago. Aside from learning what earning and saving a dollar really meant. I got an early start in business operations, accounting and management to help better prepare me for what was expected if I wanted to one day be my own boss.

Here is a great list of almost 200 tips (you may recognize my smiling face on there!) on how to teach kids entrepreneurship http://bit.ly/TeachEntrepreneurship !

If you're on Twitter please RT this wonderful list as well as follow me, I'm @MamaPR:

RT @TPEntrepreneur A list of almost 200 tips on how to teach kids entrepreneurship http://bit.ly/TeachEntrepreneurship Please RT!

About me:
Nic Soto is the co-founder of Public Relations Depot, a family owned PR marketing company based in Chicago,IL. Catering to small business owners since 2001. Public Relations Depot offer affordable Internet SEO Marketing and Digital PR services: Press Release Writing, Mass Media Distribution, Brand Visibility, Link Building and Search Engine Optimization.

Contact Nic Soto today!

Follow Me: @MamaPR
My Blog: Social Marketing Mama
My Company: Public Relations Depot
My Favorite Biz: Jeanette's Patisserie

Posted via web from MamaPR's Posterous

Top Ten Retail Website Design Mistakes You Need to Avoid

2010-01-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

How your online store design could determine the number of visitors who ultimately buy from you. Learn the Top 10 website design mistakes you need to know.

You may think that merchandising an online store is pointless right? I mean, its a website, upload some photos and add some description and you're all set. Well, not exactly. How your online store design will determine the number of visitors who ultimately buy from you. Here are some proven steps to help turn more visitors into buyers.

Here are some key steps to cleaning up your retail internet business to help boost revenue and return customers.

1. Remove all the clutter from all web pages that only take away from your own products. This could be from having too many links (and broken links), too many affiliate ads and banners and finally - remove the multitude of photos that have nothing to do with your site.

2.If you are running a business- look like one. Don't use backgrounds that are only really meant for social site profiles. The blinking stars background is not how you want to represent your business. Use a solid color background along with your business logo on top. Of course you'll want to make it look great - but lets keep the social site backgrounds where they belong - on social sites.

3.Make sure your price points are clearly visible and are reflected correctly through-out your entire site.

4.Never use your home page as your entire "About Us" platform if you are a retailer. There should be another page dedicated for this. Simply inserting a paragraph about how you started the business and using the largest font possible on then placing that on your main page will only turn potential buyers away.

5.Use flash effects/animation sparingly - there is no need to use every flash animation you have come across and placing it all over your website. Its distracting - you want your potential customers to focus on your merchandise.

6.Organize your site and make it easy to navigate. Make it easy for visitors to find your contact information, shipping/returns and privacy policies, email newsletter sign-up and so forth.

7. View your store from a customer’s perspective, and step into their shoes and shop your own store.

8. Offer discounts in your virtual store, and make sure they are visible to the shopper.

9. Customers make an additional purchase when they are inspire to buy cross merchandise items.

10. Be seasonal and integrate current holidays such as Valentine graphics to sell merchandise for February 14th, etc.

By following these easy to apply merchandising tips to your virtual retail business, you will start converting more visits into actual sales.

About the author:
Nic Soto is the co-founder of Public Relations Depot, a family owned PR marketing company at http://www.prdepotchicago.com based in Chicago,IL. Affordable Press Release Writing, Mass Media Distribution, Brand Visibility, Link Building and Search Engine Optimization. Helping entrepreneurs reach their business goals since 2001.

Contact Nic Soto today!

Follow Me on Twitter: @MamaPR
My Blog: Social Marketing Mama
My Company: Public Relations Depot
My Favorite Biz: Jeanette's Patisserie

Posted via web from MamaPR's Posterous

Top Three Marketing Strategies and How to Use Them Effectively

2010-01-16T19:25:00.001-08:00

I've been in business for myself for over 20 years now, and along the way I have helped many new comers to the world of small business marketing successfully market their products. While my first venture did not fair so well, I did learn a lot about marketing myself and what would be expected of me and my business if I wanted to succeed as an entrepreneur and successfully generate a salary for myself that could allow me the financial freedom of working for others.

Small business owners are a unique group of individuals, are we not? We spend hours on end searching for ways to acquire new customers and improving our business practices. Small business marketing can be a walk in the park for some entrepreneurs, and be stressful for others. I'll go over the different marketing strategies most used, and what kind of results each can have on your business.

The key of course is to understand what types of marketing for small businesses are out there, and which are right for your business, budget and goals.

It's a new year, and if you have yet to settle down on a marketing strategy or plan, I encourage you to do that now, right away, before you send your marketing budget in so many directions that you lose grip of it.

Choose small business marketing strategies that fit with your overall goals and simply be consistent with it. You'll come find soon enough that your small business marketing budget will be better controlled and produce more results and increase product sales in the long run.

I'll share with you several small business marketing methods I have used that have had different results, a couple you may already know, while the other may seem a little foreign to you. Don't worry, I'll explain each..

I can't stress this enough. It's important to choose the marketing strategies that'll work the best for your small business. By doing so, you'll be in a better position to point your marketing budget in the right direction and hit closer to your target audience.

Let's start with "Blanket Marketing", normally utilized by bigger corporations, basically means spending your marketing funds on advertising to all target markets, no demographics involved or filling a void...just market to any and everyone it can. Companies and businesses choose this method for magazine or newspaper advertising. Unless money is no object to your budget, this method has no control of who your message is reaching, however it does have the result of reaching a larger consumer pool. The cons to this strategy is COST. Using the blanket method will cost you a pretty penny and at the same time you won't be reaching who you really want to. YOUR target market. I mean that's the whole point right? You want to reach those who would be more likely to buy your new clothing line or your new soft drink, or maybe you have an amazing new product altogether that a certain market would be interested in. THOSE are the consumers you want to reach.

Moving on to "Targeted Marketing", I'm sure you've heard of this one before. A method in which you choose a specific target market (or demographic) and only focus your marketing there - not over here. THERE.

The beauty about target marketing is that you are more likely to increase interest and revenue be reaching the right people. Sounds simple enough, but many businesses are missing the mark and prefer going the route of blanket marketing, hence losing a lot of potential profits and wasting valuable energy. I don't know about you, but losing money is not why I got into business for myself.

So it pays to have a market in mind, and work on reaching that audience.

And finally, marketing your business through social networks.

SMM (Social media marketing) is when you promote your brand/business by making your presence known within social media networks (such as Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, Myspace, etc). Building your fan base, getting followers and increasing your friends list.

You have to keep in mind that the key to social media marketing is that it's not really there to provide instant business, but rather increase your business or brand visibility to ultimately convert "friends" into buying customers. You can also blog and post in forums to try and harness some new business. The con side however is that social media marketing can be a lot like blanket marketing. This method, when used properly can also improve your search engine visibility.

So there you go, all you need to do now is figure out which marketing is right for your business and focus your energies there. The payoff will be that much better!

About the author:
Nic Soto is the co-founder of Public Relations Depot, a family owned PR marketing company at http://www.prdepotchicago.com based in Chicago,IL. Affordable Press Release Writing, Mass Media Distribution, Brand Visibility, Link Building and Search Engine Optimization. Helping entrepreneurs reach their business goals since 2001.

Contact Nic Soto today!

Follow Me on Twitter: @MamaPR
My Blog: Social Marketing Mama
My Company: Public Relations Depot
My Favorite Biz: Jeanette's Patisserie

Entrepreneurs turning their soap making hobbies into a lucrative business

2010-01-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

Do you love to make handmade soaps, or have you always wanted to learn? If you do, then chances are you'll love the art of soap making, its widely popular, lucrative and desired by so many. Soap making has created a new generation of artisans and has changed significantly in the last decade. It can be an exciting and enjoyable hobby that can easily turn into a satisfying business, especially if you're interested in creating your own line of unique soaps with added aromatherapy benefits.

Soapies Supplies, a great resource for soap makers, was founded by Bronson Shafer and Kelley Perea-Shafer, a successful husband and wife team. Established nearly nine years ago when Kelley, an avid soaper, was looking for quality products for her own line of toiletries and soaps when she quickly realized this was a niche that needed to be filled and so, Soapies Supplies was born.

From colorful beginnings the day they launched on March 2nd 2001, Soapies-Supplies.com has since expanded their assortment of soap making products offering high quality materials at a value that is ideal to its buyers. Soapies Supplies is quickly becoming one of today's most successful brands in the U.S. inspiring its customers, new and returning, with an array of choices to turn simple ingredients into little pieces of art.

"We want to be your one-stop-shop for all your soap making needs. " says Soapies Supplies co-founder Kelley Perea-Shafer.

Soapies Supplies commitment to stocking quality soap making supplies, and providing an excellent customer experience and guidance, has helped fuel Soapies Supplies growth from its modest beginnings.

Soapies Supplies categories include:

large selection of containers
base and specialty oils
flavored oils and fragrance oils
creamy butters
raw materials such as almond meal
citric acid and sea salts
soap molds
colorful line of jojoba spheres
silicone lined wood soap molds
soap cutter system

New products recently added to their line include: Colorants ~ Princess Line, Labstastik Formulas, and Princess Soap by the Loaf.

Soapies Supplies is simply ideal for anyone who wants to maintain a steady relationship with a soap supplier over the long term.

For more information about Soapies Supplies, please visit www.Soapies-Supplies.com.

Upcoming Events:
Special guest Debbie of Soapylove.com (from San Diego) will be teaching an all-day Melt & Pour Soap Making Boot Camp on Jan. 16th. Plans of introducing a new assortment of classes is in the works from Soapies Supplies over the coming weeks ahead. Learn more at http://www.soapies-supplies.com/shop/classes.

About Soapies Supplies:
A leading provider of base and specialty oils; essential and fragrance oils; creamy butters; raw materials such as almond meal, citric acid and sea salts; soap molds; equipment and tools; (e)books and (e)classes; numerous and varied containers as well as an amazing line of colorful jojoba spheres.

Soapies Supplies was established March 2, 2001.

For more information, or to request an interview please contact:
Kelley Perea-Shafer, Co-founder, Soapies Supplies |
480.443.4011 | Scottsdale, Arizona
www.Soapies-Supplies.com | info@Soapies-Supplies.com

Join their networks!
Blog: www.SoapiesSupplies.blogspot
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SoapiesSupplies
Facebook: www.FaceBook.com/SoapiesSupplies
FanPage: www.FaceBook.com/SoapiesSuppliesFanPage

What Did Big Banks Give to Small Business in 2009?

2009-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Fox Business survey reveals 2009 lending totals to small businesses by big banks.

NEW YORK – Economic experts agree that small-business lending is crucial to the economy’s full economy, and Fox Business News released results of its investigation that asked the nation’s biggest banks how much they loaned to small businesses in 2009.

Among the respondents to Fox’s survey:

* Bank of America: Facilitated $12 billion in credit to small businesses, incurring $2.5 billion in loan losses. Since September the company has modified loans to 49,000 clients.
* JPMorgan Chase: Loaned $6 billion to companies with sales of less than $20 million with plans to increase lending in 2010 by 67 percent.
* PNC Financial Services: Originated nearly $10 billion in loans.
* Wells Fargo: Said it is on track to loan small businesses $13 billion in 2009. The company plans to increase its workforce of bankers on the small-business front by five percent in 2010.

Fox’s investigation came as a Senate committee passed two bills this month — the Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act of 2009 and the Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act — that aim to increase loan limits and foster small businesses to grow exports.

“America ’s 29 million small businesses are really struggling with skyrocketing health insurance premiums and a tight credit market. Now that we have stabilized Wall Street, it is time to jump-start Main Street, and these bills will do just that," said Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chairwoman Mary Landrieu.

These tasty gifts are never returned....

2009-12-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas may be over, but not the holiday season, and if a special someone is celebrating a birthday, annivesary or a great promotion. A gift basket from Jeanettes Patisserie is just the thing. Moist and delicious scones, cookies, muffins and brownies.

100% organic, and 100% scrumptious!

Give the gift of mouth watering flavors that'll satisfy any tummy.

Order one today!

www.jeanettespatisserie.com/Gift_Baskets.html

Businesses want to be a socially responsible member of the community

2009-12-23T16:34:00.001-08:00

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/4uDBv5

Posted via web from MamaPR's Posterous

The Business of Marketing - 2010 Trends to Business Growth and Higher ROI

2009-12-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

I won't get all technical with all of this, but just some things to keep in mind and what can help you grow your business and reach more customers.

As always, if you have any questions that pertain to PR (public relations), SEO or other marketing tools feel free to contact me through my site at www.prdepotchicago.com, or simply send me a DM through one of my profiles such as Twitter ( @mamapr ) and Facebook at www.facebook.com/mamapr and I'd be more than happy to go over some options for you that will not only be within budget but also very effective.

It's been a long week, but I felt like jotting a few things down before Christmas arrives.

With the new year just around the corner, your attention as a business owner should be on marketing strategies in 2010.

The game of online marketing, whether small business marketing, kitchen table entrepreneur or a large corporation, has changed quite a bit and no one method will no longer do the job.

If you're not familiar with SEO (search engine optimization), public relations and social media - You'll need to start educating yourself on each, and learn them well, for each of these marketing methods holds a valuable benefit when utilized properly - and with the right leverage can take your business from making small profits to large profits.

SEO is the art of improving your search engine rankings, and is also applied to your actual website so big search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing can find your site easier and properly index it for future references when your site is optimized.

Optimizing your website with enough keywords and phrases will help improve where you are on search engines, but that's not all.

Links to your site also play an important role when it comes to search engine rankings. The more sites that link up to your website, the better!

With the popularity of Social Media it's no wonder more and more large corporations are using this medium to reach new customers as well as communicate with current ones.

Everything from new products, sales and company info is funneled through social media channels from #Twitter to #Facebook and many others.

The instant contact helps companies to stay in touch with it's communities and allows for a more personal approach to marketing.

The benefits of social media out-weigh traditional advertising, and is virtually free if cost. Something many business owners are just now discovering.

Looking for free publicity to help get your business out there to the masses, be seen as an industry expert and help add some credibility to your business? Start using PR!

PR Campaigns are not only more affordable than advertising, but also more effective in building your brand.

With a press release and some solid media distribution, your business can be introduced to thousands of journalists and used in featured stories without costing you a dime.

While advertising needs constant funding, your PR Campaign continues to give back and circulate through the very channels that cam help you get that wonderful free publicity.

Journalists are always searching for story ideas, and by having your press release on circulation you give yourself, and your business, the opportunity to be featured in a magazine, newspaper, television and radio.

So before you invest in any advertising for 2010, try using these methods to grow your company and start building your business.

By @mamapr

Niccolinas Soto
SEO | Internet Marketing
Press Release Services
Public Relations Depot
The antidote to expensive advertising.

Happy Holidays from Public Relations Depot!

2009-12-04T12:51:00.001-08:00

As the Christmas holiday season fastly approaches, there's always much activity and personal business to attend to that it is easy to forget to thank our valued customers and friends, like you, for their time, referrals and business.

So, before I forget, I would like to extend my gratitude and to thank you personally for your support, it is much appreciated.

May this holiday season bring to you and your family all of the joy and happiness that you deserve.

All the best,

Niccolinas Soto, President
Public Relations Depot
info@prdepotchicago.com
www.prdepotchicago.com
The antidote to expensive advertising.

Posted via web from MamaPR's Posterous

Nic's Christmas Cookies

2009-12-03T15:55:00.001-08:00

Nic's Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Chip, Macadamia Nuts and Cherry Cookies

Ingredients

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons hot water
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
* 3/4 cup dry cherries

Mix all dry ingredients together then work in the butter, eggs and water.

Toss in chips, nuts and cherries. Mix until all is blended but don't over mix.

I usually place in fridge for 15 minutes.

Grab a cookie sheet and lightly spray with butter Pam.

Remove from fridge, then grab a small ice cream scooper
to make even sized cookies.

350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Let cool and serve!

To my precious family and amazing friends.....

2009-11-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving holiday with its blessings so grand
Should serve to remind us of the joys at hand
The friendships we treasure, our families dear
The love we've been given and shared, year to year
The food at our tables, where many have none
The dawn of each morning beneath the bright sun
The dreams that we carry; the warmth in our hearts
That bring us together when we are apart.

The walks by the lakeshore as stars light the sky
The joys in the children who quickly pass by
The stillness of nature, the comforts of home
Each blessing the greatest that could ever be known
The warm, pleasured scents from the kitchen, delight
Arousing the senses near the firelight
The wondrous decor of the season to come
Good tidings, best wishes for everyone.

The freedom we hold, so to live peacefully
The soldiers who serve us, so diligently
The air that we breathe, the flowers we grow
The brightness of spring, the coldness of snow
Our sons and daughters, our husbands and wives
And the furry creatures who capture our lives –
All are blessings we’re given to cherish, always
Yet, especially so on Thanksgiving Day.

Celebrate this time for the beauty abound
Be thankful for all of the blessings you've found
For in the end, blessed you will truly be –
A soul filled with love, peace and harmony
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends; I am blessed, indeed
I am thankful for the love you have shared, selflessly
May each road that you travel be paved with a smile
Have a wonderful holiday....enjoyed in style!

Google To Use Website Page Loading Times For Rankings

2009-11-24T18:20:00.001-08:00

Google is looking to shake things up a bit with their plans of using your sites speed load as a factor of how it will be ranked. Oh Google, whatever will we do with you. The popular search engine currently uses your page load times as part of their AdWords quality score, so this is definitely a logical step for this to be included in the organic listings as well. It was bound to happen.

This certainly raises a lot of questions for those who have built their sites over the years, and are now wondering how this will change the game.

I posed this to my friends on Twitter (feel free to follow me/I follow back @MamaPR ) and they had some interesting responses - in the form of questions of course!

"What's going to happen to sites that are not as quick as others, but contains more information?"

"How will this affect my rankings?"

"My site loads up pretty fast...so does this mean my ranking will be in the top ten of my category?"

All very good questions, and the answer is.... (drum roll please!) - Update and fix your site. Sounds simple enough, but it is now highly recommended and no longer can be left on your "things to do when I get around to it" list. Left undone, and you'll surely fall back behind everyone else.

For those of you have haven't updated your content and scaled down those LARGE photos on your website pages or even put in the effort to make it SEO friendly - Well, you will now have to do a serious overhaul. Think about how many times you lost a potential sale due to your slooooow site load.

I'll bet next weeks paycheck that your competitors are already hiring people to do this for them, or learning everything they can (assuming they have the time as many entrepreneurs tend to juggle several balls in the air already!) to make sure that their website is loading up fast for visitors, potential customers and ready for Googles new indexing.

Now of course there are other factors as to how they rank your site, but this is definitely a good place to start.

Posted via web from MamaPR's Posterous

Internet Marketing Company Catering to Small Online Businesses

2009-11-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

Public Relations Depot (www.PRDEPOTCHICAGO.com), an online Internet Marketing and Press Release Writing company that leverages Digital PR and SEO (search engine optimization) strategies to help their clients gain more visibility, higher internet rankings and conversion rates.

Services include Natural Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Press Release Campaigns, Conversion Enhancement, and link building solutions starting at just $99. The company's goal is focused on helping their clients convert more website visitors to customers.

* press release writing and mass media distribution
* SEO optimization
* link building
* online newswire submissions
* reputation management
* targeted consumer marketing

Receive a free consultation by contacting Public Relations Depot at http://www.prdepotchicago.com

How to Merchandise Your Online Store For More Sales

2009-11-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

Merchandising a brick and mortar retail store is key to pulling in passerby' s as well as getting them to buy. But how do you "merchandise" an online store? The answer is simple. The same way you would set up your physical store. When an online visitor reaches your website the first thing they'll notice is your home page (think of this as a front door of a brick and mortar). First impressions mean everything. We've all been taken back by a store (online or off) that is poorly merchandised and cluttered from one end to the other. Too many racks, merchandise on the floor and the whole place looking like it was hit by a tornado. Your online store could also be poorly merchandised and turning away potential sales.

Here are some key steps to cleaning up your retail internet business to help boost revenue and return customers.

1. Remove all the clutter from all web pages that only take away from your own products. This could be from having too many links (and broken links), too many affiliate ads and banners and finally - remove the multitude of photos that have nothing to do with your site.

2.If you are running a business- look like one. Don't use backgrounds that are only really meant for social site profiles. The blinking stars background is not how you want to represent your business. Use a solid color background along with your business logo on top. Of course you'll want to make it look great - but lets keep the social site backgrounds where they belong - on social sites.

3.Make sure your price points are clearly visible and are reflected correctly through-out your entire site.

4.Never use your home page as your entire "About Us" platform if you are a retailer. There should be another page dedicated for this. Simply inserting a paragraph about how you started the business and using the largest font possible on then placing that on your main page will only turn potential buyers away.

5.Use flash effects/animation sparingly - there is no need to use every flash animation you have come across and placing it all over your website. Its distracting - you want your potential customers to focus on your merchandise.

6.Organize your site and make it easy to navigate. Make it easy for visitors to find your contact information, shipping/returns and privacy policies, email newsletter sign-up and so forth.

Top 30 Perfect Places for Your URL

2009-11-16T09:27:00.001-08:00

1. Business Card
2. Merchandise Bags
3. Brochures
4. Postcards/Envelopes
5. Voice Mail Greeting
6. Purchase Receipts
7. Your Business Window
8. Print/Newspaper Ads
9. Product displays, for retail or trade
10. Trade show brochures
11. Company Or Personal Car
12. Pens/Pencils
13. Stationery
14. Local Business Websites and directories (If they are free willing to barter)
15. Local Community Portals
16. T-Shirts
17. Press Release campaign
18. Yellow Page Listing (while it has lost some steam its still good to get on)
19. Entry forms, for contests or sweepstakes
20. Packaging inventory lists for mailing
21. Order confirmations
22. Thank-you cards
23. Boxes or other packaging
24. Employees Uniforms ( If they are representing the company they should be wearing the company logo)
25. Company Checks
26. Fax Cover Sheet
27. Flyers and Leaflets
28. Print or Email Newsletters
29. Free Booklets and Handouts
30. Voicemail Message

Posted via web from mamapr's posterous

Join Twitter and Start Tweeting!

2009-11-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone... hope you're enjoying your weekend!

As many of you know I'm on Twitter.com - but realized many of my friends have yet to join?

Don't know what Twitter is? Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service that allows you answer the question, "What are you doing?" by sending short text messages 140 characters in length, called "tweets", to your friends, or "followers."

It's FREE just like Myspace and Facebook, and within seconds you've added yourself with your own Twitter profile to communicate with family, friends and yes.. tell everyone on Twitter about your business or site!

Why Twitter.com is Useful?

Twitter has many uses: both for personal and business use. It's a great way to keep in touch with your friends and quickly broadcast information about where you are and what you're up to.

For business, Twitter can be used to broadcast your company's latest news, promotions, new products and blog posts or interact with your customers.

So come on what are you waiting for!

JOIN TWITTER TODAY!

If you are already on Twitter let me know!

Nic

Ps. when you do you can find/follow me (I'll return the favor!) at http://www.twitter.com/mamapr !

Nicci's Healthy Holiday Dinner

2009-10-31T09:49:00.001-07:00

Me and my family wanted to put together a healthier Thanksgiving dinner with less fat, salt and calories...and it had to be flavorful. Below is our holiday dinner menu we'll be making and serving in the coming weeks.

If you're going meatless... you may still like some of recipes.

The meal is a combination of recipes we found and just tweaked a bit to our tasting.

Lets make some turkey shall we!

If you're having turkey you can make it lower in fat by seasoning the bird with your favorite fresh herbs and spices ( I love thyme and rosemary...just don't over do it!) and skipping the butter and unhealthy oils on top. I will be using olive oil...again don't over do it. I will be preparing my turkey in a brine prior to the spicing stage.

So, before tossing any spices on your turkey it should be fully thawed (about 24 hours for an average size.. if you are buying a large turkey it may take a tad longer...read instructions!) - after thawing I'll be making Sunny Andersons (from the Foodnetwork!) brine to make sure its moist and tender.

Brine the thawed out turkey prior to cooking: This is for a 10 pound turkey (more or less)

In a large enough bowl or bag, whisk together 3-4 cups apple cider, salt, 5-6 sprigs of thyme and 4 sprigs of rosemary. Add turkey and enough water to cover the bird. Cover and let brine in the refrigerator 2-4 hours. I'll be pre-measuring my oil as to not use too much, I figure 1/2 - 1 cup of olive oil...remember, the brine will help keep it moist and the oil will give it a nice browning.

Work out the timing so the oven is preheated nicely at 325 degrees. Each turkey should come with cooking directions and times. If yours does not contain them, use this site HERE.

Remove turkey from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil and season. Place turkey in a roasting pan. Cook required time until done and skin begins to turn golden. After cooked, let the turkey rest at least 10 minutes. Eating the skin isn't exactly healthy, so take the skin off of the turkey after you roast it and stick to eating the lower fat white meat if you the will. Also, don't cover your turkey in high-fat gravy--you can make lower fat gravy with a small amount of turkey drippings, fat fee chicken broth and sautéed veggies.

Here's a good recipe I found for a lighter turkey gravy with all the flavor:

Once you've take out your turkey try to scoop out the juices that are not fatty and put them into a small sauce pan. Once the less fatty juices have been collected and placed into a sauce pan you can put the sauce pan on the stove and put the burner on high heat. For every cup of less fat turkey juice that you have been able to scoop up you need to mix up a cup of water with three tablespoons of corn starch.

Once the low fat turkey juice is boiling quickly pour in the mixture of corn starch and water. As you pour in the corn starch and water mixture make sure you mix the pan of turkey juice. Keep stirring until the mixture is the consistency of gravy and then take the mixture off the burner and turn the burner off. Once the mixture is cooked you can add spices like salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper or garlic powder. The choice of spices depends on what you like your gravy to taste like.

Pour the low fat gravy into a serving bowl and serve.

Stuffing. Stuffing does not have to be all about butter or sausage. Instead, use whole grain bread cubes and sautéed onions, celery and apples. To give it some extra flavor, add some fat free chicken broth instead of using water. Cut the butter in your stuffing recipe in half--you won't miss that extra butter at all!

More of a Cornbread Stuffing kinda lover?

Healthier Cornbread Stuffing

Make the cornbread first. Use a corn meal mix and follow the instructions for cooking the cornbread and substitute a few ingredients it calls for to make it heart healthy. Use egg whites instead of the whole egg. Use skim milk or 1% milk. Instead of using shortening or other oils, use canola or olive oil. Add a 1/4 cup of plain yogurt.

While the cornbread is cooking, dice half of a medium onion and 4 celery stalks and put them in a small sauce pan and heat on low heat with just enough water to cover them. Cook just until they begin to be soft. Set aside.

Toast 4 pieces of whole wheat bread. Once the toast and the cornbread have cooled to room temperature, start crumbling the breads into a large mixing bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of sage and mix into bread well. Next, add the onions and celery. Add a 1/2 tsp of salt and a pinch of pepper for flavoring and mix well. Add the chicken broth and mix well. The dressing will hold together and you spread it into a large casserole dish. You can either cover it to cook later or cook it immediately. Cook on 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Instead of using gravy with your turkey and dressing, substitute Lipton's cream of chicken "cup of soup".

Everyone loves mashed potatoes at the dinner table, but if you're not careful it can be heavy on the fat and calories.

Try this cauliflower and mashed "potato" recipe on your guest...they'll never know the difference!

Ingredients (serves about 4)

1 head cauliflower
1 clove garlic
1 leek, white only, split in 4 pieces
1 tablespoon soft-tub margarine, non-hydrogenated (or another healthy choice!)
Pepper to taste

Directions

Break cauliflower into small pieces. In a good-sized saucepan, steam cauliflower, garlic and leeks in water until completely tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. While cauliflower is hot, puree until the vegetables resemble mashed potatoes. (Use a food processor, of if you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender. Process only a small portion at a time, holding the blender lid on firmly with a tea towel.) Add a little hot water if vegetables seem dry. Stir in margarine and pepper to taste.

Make the vegetables the focus of your meal by grilling them and adding seasonings. Skip the fattening green bean casserole and instead make green beans with sautéed mushrooms and garlic.

Low-fat desserts. Instead of making a fattening pie crust for your apple pie, make an oatmeal crumble topping for apples. Spray a casserole dish with fat free cooking spray. Pour one can of apple pie filling into the dish. Mix 2 tablespoons butter, ½ cup quick cooking oatmeal, ¼ cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over apple pie filling. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes....a healthy apple cobbler!

Not digging the cobbler?

How's a healthier version of good ol' pumpkin pie with a twist. Whole wheat crust!

For the full recipe with step by step instructions...and pictures. Click HERE!

Nicci's holiday tips: Don't just sit around filling up on heavy appetizers and fattening drinks before dinner is even served. Instead try serving up some wine spritzers and a vegetable platter with low-fat onion or spinach dip.

To make the onion dip, mix one 16-ounce container of fat free sour cream with a packet of onion soup mix (you can use ranch dressing mix if you prefer). I'd have a little bowl out of individually wrapped mints for this...lol. Serve with a spread of broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks and sliced cucumbers.

For the low fat spinach dip (which I found on about.com) makes a terrific appetizer. Serve with a platter of fresh vegetables or with some baked chips or breadsticks. Use frozen chopped spinach if you prefer. You can spice it up a little by adding a dash of hot sauce.
Ingredients:

* 10 ounces fresh baby spinach, steamed until wilted
* 1 cup plain fat-free yogurt, drained of excess water
* 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

I also like Silk soy nog (with a little cinnamon stick)as opposed to the fattening version...tastes amazing and a lot healthier!

Hope you enjoyed this post...and if you like my writings and helpful information subscribe to my blog and never be left out of the loop!

Grants for Minority Business Women - Tips

2009-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

If you are a minority woman looking to open your own business, you’re in luck. There are many organizations including government out there that are ready to help you out. As everyone knows, getting the capital needed to start a business is the first and foremost. Without capital, there is no business. Most women get start up capital by getting a loan from banks or borrowing money from friends and family. While this is not a bad idea, the problem is you still have to repay the loans eventually. So you’d have to be certain your business is profitable if you plan on repaying loans.

One way to get your business or even fund your established business is to get business grants for minority women. These grants are specifically for businesswomen usually given by the government and other organizations. Minority women may include Asian, African American, and Hispanic women. The business grants for minority women are great because there is no expectation for it to be repaid and plus there is no credit check like loans.

Before you apply for business grants for minority women, you might want to work out a business plan. A detailed business plan not only gets you off on the right foot in your business, but you also need to show this to your grantors who have the final decision as to whether or not you get a grant. If you can’t provide a good reason for them to give you money, then they most likely won’t be giving any money. You can find sample business plans online to get you started. You can also hire a business consultant to help you plan.

Start off your search for small business grants for women by going to the government grants database. This is a government website which has list of hundreds of small business grants for minority women. Search for the grants that suit you. In this case it would be grants for minority women business owners.

Next stop contact non-profit and other charitable organizations and find out if they give minority business grants for women. You can also contact businesses that may also give grants. Find out this information from your chamber of commerce.

Your state or county government may also have separate small business grants for minority women from that of the federal government. Give them a call and see what they have to offer.

When you are applying for grants for minority women starting a business, you’ll face a lot of rejections since there are many other women applying as well. Just keep on applying and write convincing business plans so that you get a higher chance of getting the money.

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Are you a small business seeking marketing and SEO help with low investment?

What is the 'HAPPY Act' ?

2009-10-15T17:50:00.001-07:00

Will pet owners get a tax break?

I hope so, and its about time.

I myself am a huge dog lover, have 3 of my own. Read on to learn more about the 'HAPPT Act'.

A bill making the rounds on Capitol Hill marries two feel-good propositions -- tax cuts and pet ownership -- to generate a novel idea: A tax break of up to $3,500 per person for pet care expenses. How's that for a nice break.

The bill is cleverly called the 'HAPPY Act', for Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years.

Representative Thaddeus McCotter, a fourth-term Republican from Livonia MI, has introduced the HAPPY Act; HR 3501, and it was originally introduced on July 31.

The HAPPY Act would allow taxpayers to deduct up to $3,500-a-year in pet care expenses, including vet care.

"We think this is as much a health care bill as any," said Nancy Perry, vice president of government affairs at the Humane Society of the United States. "It's a human health issue to ensure that pets are provided with better care because of the role they play in our families."

Read the bill here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501

Intuit’s small Business software QuickBooks 2010 gets an application store

2009-10-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Financial software maker Intuit released the latest version of QuickBooks, its bookkeeping tool for small businesses. The company showed me a bunch of new features, but the most interesting from a technology perspective is an App Center where customers can buy applications that make QuickBooks more powerful.

I have used Intuit for years, and have recommended their products to friends and family.

Intuit actually launched the Intuit Partner Platform, its platform for applications built by outside developers, last year, and it says it has already signed up 90,000 developers. But this is the first version of QuickBooks to include the App Center — users can click on a button in QuickBooks and are taken to a website where they can purchase apps that plug into the software and use the financial data entered there. The apps are broken up into four categories — running your business (employee management and expense tracking), managing your productivity, managing your customers, and reducing costs. The last category even includes apps that make your business more environmentally friendly.

Even though QuickBooks 2010 is desktop software (Intuit offers a separate online version), the company has added some other web-enabled features. Users can scan and upload all of their documents, and they’re stored online as a backup. Users can also scan their checks and send the image to the bank, where the money is deposited. QuickBooks 2010 also includes a Marketing Center, where business owners can launch email marketing campaigns — it’s a bit of a stretch from QuickBooks bookkeeping purpose, but the connection has its advantages, since businesses can use the customer and sales data in QuickBooks to plan their campaign, and later to judge its success.

Other new features include:

* Faster installation, with the number of set-up screens cut from 15 to 6
* The ability to enter multiple lists of data at once, and to copy that data directly from Microsoft Excel
* An easier interface for customizing forms
* An improved dashboard providing a summary of the company’s finances

QuickBooks Pro and Premier are available at Intuit’s website today,

Saving time and cost on postage!

2009-10-13T12:22:00.001-07:00

Has this happened to you? ... you're gathering all your mailings for send out and you open the drawer and there's no stamps! You could have sworn there were at least enough for this mailing.

Getting postage is just a click away at Stamps.com!

I mail several items a week, and a few letters a month. To help me save I use Stamps.com, where you can buy and print USPS-approved postage online that works like regular postage stamps for letters, packages & Priority Mail. It just doesn't get any easier than that!

Now that the Holiday season is among us... you can rest assure that all your postage needs will be taken care of at Stamps.com - fast, easy and for less!

Save even more with their instant coupon!

... now if I can only find my box with all my holiday cards!

Words to live by....

2009-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Words are powerful.

Often the difference between a successful (wo)man and a failure is not one's better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on his ideas, to take a calculated risk-and to act.
- Maxwell Maltz

To succeed in life you need to be three main things - original, innovative and creative.
- John Mamo

My days of whining and complaining about others have come to an end. Nothing is easier than fault finding. All it will do is discolor my personality so that none will want to associate with me. That was my old life. No more.
- Og Mandino

Listening is a form of accepting.
- Stella Terill Mann

Women are repeatedly accused of taking things personally. I cannot see any other honest way of taking things.- Marya Mannes

Trust that still, small voice that says, "This might work and I'll try it."
- Diane Mariechild

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Joshua J. Marine

Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.- Peter Marshall

One can go back toward safety or forward toward growth.- Abraham Maslow

Few are they who have never had the chance to achieve happiness - and fewer those who have never taken that chance. - André Maurois

One of the finest virtues is generosity - a quality characteristic of the person who thinks more highly of others than he does of himself.- D. Malcolm Maxwell

The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.- Benjamin Mays

You wouldn't worry so much about what someone else is thinking about you if you knew how seldom they do.- Dr. Phil McGraw's Father

Yes, risk-taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise it would be called sure-thing-taking.- Tim McMahon

One common mistake is to think that one reality is THE reality. You must always be prepared to leave one reality for a greater one.- Mother Meera

You must govern the clock, not be governed by it.- Golda Meir

If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secrete of getting along -- whether it be business, family relations, or life itself.- Bernard Meltzer

We cannot be happy if we expect to live all the time at the highest peak of intensity. Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.- Thomas Merton

Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I accomplish.- Michelangelo

God always provides what we need, but we must be ready to open our eyes and see it.
- The Midrash

It is not what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.
- Molière

Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.- Alfred A. Montapert

Suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2009-10-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

For many it can put the brakes on your life. While I am not a doctor, I chose to seek out natural remedies to the symptoms that I experienced. But I do recommend that you see a doctor if you feel that you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or starting a new exercise program.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is different for everyone, but I'll share what worked for me. I was also diagnosed with ADHD... lucky me!

I had it all, from pain in my legs and joints to sleepless nights. Headaches that made me want to cry..and sometimes I did. To depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks and that's just the half of it. While I'm not 100% free of all symptoms I have been able to alleviate most of them, and rid myself of the others.

My journey started several years ago, overweight and highly depressed. I wanted a change, and it had to begin with a commitment to myself.

Losing weight was my first priority (some of you may not be overweight...but keep reading as I discuss the other challenges I faced), and boy did I have a lot of pounds to lose. Over 145 pounds, which took 2 years to lose.

My obesity kicked my hormones out of whack, and everything from my mood to how I felt physically was affected by it.

I began with books. Seems simple enough, but the best avenue to seeking out solutions to your problems is your nearest bookstore, library and yes. The web.

Losing weight was only one part of the problem, but as the pounds came off it was like a light bulb had went off in me. I began to see me for the first time. While my weight contributed to a lot, I had other symptoms that I needed to fix.

Below is what I changed/added in my life to help deal with CFS. I hope you can take away from this, and benefit as well.

Everything from my obesity, mood swings and headaches:

Foods - Removed unhealthy junk foods that made my hormones go nuts. I started eating whole grains, soy, wheat germ (this really helped with my energy), fruits and nuts. Including foods rich in calcium, fiber and Omega 3 oils. I did start taking vitamins such as B Complex which has several benefits including helping with energy. I knew that if my body was healthy and given the right nutrients that I would start to feel better.

Watch out for food products with high fructose syrup, corn syrup and so forth. Processed foods, foods high in fat and sodium. I know, you're probably shaking your head thinking .."then what can I eat?". Believe me, once you get the knowledge picking the right foods will become second nature. I happen to eat organic foods, and despite what people think about Wholefoods, its not impossible to shop there and find deals. Wholefoods sells its own store brand organic foods called 365, and are quite affordable.

My typical day of meals/snacks: Use Sparkpeople.com for weight loss/meal ideas.

Breakfast - 1 cup Irish steel cut oatmeal with 2-4 tbs wheat germ, 1 tbs natural honey, 1 cup soy or almond milk. Topped with 1/2 cup blueberries and/or 1tbs chopped nuts.

Snack - low carb yogurt, 4 oz of a homemade fruit/vegetable smoothie, low fat string cheese, or 1/4 cup nuts.

Lunch - Fish/Chicken (size of your palm, cup of green beans, 1/4 cup wild rice. Or Boca burgers with a whole wheat bun and baked sweet potato fries.

Snack - low carb yogurt, 4 oz of a homemade fruit/vegetable smoothie, low fat string cheese, or 1/4 cup nuts.

Dinner - Salad with grilled chicken, hearty low sodium/fat soup, or hummus and pita chips

Again, you can see more ideas at sparkpeople.com

I started learning yoga to help with the aches and pains. This also helped with my focus.

Listening to relaxing instrumental music like the sounds of waves, rain, etc. Meditating daily. Putting myself in a relaxed state so my mind and body was given a chance to relax helped with anxiety and depression. Depression was further helped with regular exercise, or walks outdoors. Keeping a journal helped track when the depression would come on, and what I was doing at the time.

When feeling a panic or anxiety attack is about to come on I would sit down in a quiet place (if no place to go I'd listen to my nature tapes in my desk) and concentrate on my breathing. I would place my hands down by my side and simply focus on my breathing. Sometimes counting to 100.

For headaches I started doing this: Take Clove Oil - I use Now Foods CLOVE OIL (make sure you are not allergic!). I take a medium bowl of very warm water, not scolding hot, and add 3-4 drops of the clove oil. I take a clean bathroom towel rag and submerge in the bowl for 1 minute. I ring it out and place on the back of my neck for a few minutes, then repeat the bowl process..ring and place on my temples.

Sleep was a huge challenge, but preparing for a good nights sleep really helps. I also made sure that I didn't eat right before I went to bed. I went out and purchased a new pillow, eye-mask and even one of those machines that play soft music or sounds. It's important to be as relaxed as you can to help with the process, so having these things helped. Meditating, doing 15 minutes of yoga or simply laying in bed with your eyes closed and visualizing yourself sleeping and focus in your breathing becoming more and more relaxed. Sounds crazy but it helps.

It took a little time, but it helped a great deal.

Today I am virtually pain free, the headaches rarely come around, I no longer crash from fatigue, I have less bouts with my depression, and those pesky anxiety attacks are more controlled.

Have a question, feel free to ask!

May peace and harmony find you.

Nothing better than warm and delicious pumpkin and apple soup

2009-10-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

1 red onion, chopped
2 apples, peeled and chopped
1/2 pumpkin, peeled and chopped
1 cup of stock + hot water
1/2 tsp of nutmeg

1. Brown the red onion in some oil in a pot.
2. Boil the kettle for your stock. Make up stock and add to the pot.
3. Add the pumpkin, apples and nutmeg. Add more hot water to cover all the ingredients.
4. Gently simmer until the pumpkin and apples are soft, about 30 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and blitz well with a hand blender or food processor. Add more stock until you have the consistency you want.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4.

Do you want fries with that?

2009-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you want to sell more of your products every year, you need to get better at selling every year. Business owners who think they're done learning how to sell are usually just DONE. And that's OK if you have no problem closing down your dreams and having to say "Do you want fries with that?"

Carrots, Eggs & Coffee - May We All be Coffee

2009-09-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.... It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans... She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.... Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way...

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

May we all be COFFEE.

Making it a Pot Roast night!

2009-09-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Its a crock pot dinner night, all I have to do is toss in all ingredients for a delish pot roast!

CROCKPOT POT ROAST

1 sm. roast
2 potatoes, pared and quartered
3 carrots, pared and cut in thirds
1 onion, peeled and quartered
1/2 c. water
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil

Put vegetables in the bottom of crockpot. Salt and pepper meat, put in crockpot. Add water and tomato sauce. Sprinkle oregano and basil over meat. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours.

There's always time to stop and smell the roses...

2009-09-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

...or in my case. Time to smell the tasty cookies, scones and muffins!

This weekend at a local Chicago farmer's market at the
very popular Jeanettes Patisserie organic bakery booth....can we say YUMMO!

Not in my neck of the woods, try their online store at http://www.jeanettespatisserie.com !

Losing those pounds for good...

2009-09-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Some of you know me personally, and have seen my many battles with the scale. My highest was 285 pounds, and all due to over eating and not being active. We have ALL been there, and for many, trying to lose the weight can sometimes be an uphill battle.

I'll share with you my little weight loss journey which took over a year to accomplish, and how I went from 285 to 135 pounds. I know what you're thinking...over a year? Yes. This journey took that long because in the past when I lost weight too fast it all came back, and then some. I wanted to make sure that my new ways of eating and exercising routines stuck with me for the rest of my life, and to do so meant taking my time to get use to the new way of life.

I don't have a PHD, not a trained dietitian and I'm in no ways a personal trainer. So please see a doctor before starting any new changes in your activity (exercise) and eating. Especially if you are on medications.

I have been there...been called the "fat girl" in junior high to being the topic of conversation at work. The last girl to be asked out to the dance, to even having relatives make rude comments.

But even with all of that, I still over ate. It wasn't until I was in my late twenties that I took hold of myself and starting caring about me, and not what others thought of me.

I GOT BUSY!

I'll cut to how I lost the weight now that you know the whys. The first step was to weigh myself, just to get that logged in and see how many pounds I had lost to reach my goal weight which was ideally anywhere from 135-150 pounds.

Its best to weigh yourself 1-2 hours upon rising for the day, do not eat or drink anything. Then simply take a weekly reading of your weight (I usually weigh every Sunday morning). DO NOT get obsessed with checking your weight, some days you won't show a decrease in numbers but may have build muscle from your exercising and strength training. Believe me, following a healthy diet and working out will get you there.

I would start out every day with this: (I did get some help from sites like ediets.com...its worth it if you are serious about losing weight!)

"I will only eat healthy foods to fuel my body. I will do some form of exercise today. I deserve to look and feel great. I will reach my weight loss goals."

Feel free to create your own, this was my way of starting off the days.

Follow portion sizes on packages and meal plans given.

Typical week for me -

Breakfast: 1 cup Oatmeal with blueberries...even frozen fruit is fine, I simply use those mini snack bags to break up portions of the frozen fruit into separate bags roughly 1/2 a cup and when I want to use one I take it out before I start cooking my oatmeal. They thaw out pretty quickly, then when tossing onto oatmeal its pretty much ready to eat. 1/2 a small grapefruit or orange, 1/2 slice whole grain toast, 1 cup low-sugar OJ and water. I use wheat germ just about every day, its packed with nutrients including fiber, omega oils and protein.

Lunch: Low fat turkey and swiss cheese, one medium whole wheat or spinach tortilla. Simply roll the ingredients up for a healthy wrap. Small salad on the side: 1 cup arugula or spinach whatever you like - 1/2 cup red cabbage, 1 small beet sliced thinly, and cherry tomatoes. I use a homemade dressing like olive oil, lemon juice a little Mrs. Dash herb seasoning for flavor. A chilled glass of soy milk, and water of course.

Dinner: Grilled fish or whichever protein you like just make sure its low in fat. A side salad, small whole grain dinner roll, green tea (hot or cold) and water.

Snacks: Nuts, plain popcorn, pretzels, low fat string cheese, and lowfat yogurt.

Working out was simply walking 30 minutes a day on the treadmill, jumping rope or bike riding when possible. Stretch bands for strength training and an easy yoga tape. That's it.

I did something every day, and did not push myself into thinking I had to work out 3 hours a day 6 days a week. Your body will respond to the new healthier eating and the exercise, trust me!

With every pound lost I just got more excited to keep at it. Sure you'll have moments where not even a pound will go away, but don't ever let that discourage you. Its just your body re-adjusting. This happened to me several times, and usually lasts a week or so. Don't get frustrated and start eating and slacking off, this will surely hinder your goals. Just keep at it and in no time the pounds will start to go away again. Its like our bodies lose and lose the weight and at some point our bodies freak out and put everything on hold, so no matter how well you did for the week you didn't lose a pound. Don't worry, its only temporary. I usually use this as a sign to switch up my exercise routine.

On days that I did not have time to make or run out to grab a healthy meal I went for snacks in my drawer to tie me over. Never go without putting something in your belly, even if you think that you can hold off for another hour or two. If your body is hungry, feed it. If its lunch time and you have not eaten since breakfast, grab a 1/2 cup of nuts....yogurt and fruit, or even a Kashi cereal bar to keep those hunger pangs away. Water, don't forget the water. If you wait you'll only be setting yourself for an afternoon of over eating.

After 2 weeks I was seeing a difference and was surprised that my eating habits were easier to change than I thought. I looked forward to making those healthy meals and after a month or so my natural instinct was to grab the healthy products that would help me lose the weight and nourish my body. The sugar cravings I use to have were suddenly not there anymore. I felt lighter and just all around better.

After a couple of months I noticed that I walked with more confidence. Others started noticing my weight loss too.

Having that piece of cake is ok....
Of course we need to get in our favorites too, so having a small slice of homemade chocolate cake is just fine. Most times a piece of fruit like strawberries will curb that want. Remember, you will be faced with offerings such as your mothers apple pie, or grandmas pasta (and you know she likes to pile it on your plate). Go ahead, eat a portion you'd normally eat to stay on track and pack the rest to go. Refusing to eat only makes it worse! LOL..

You'll hit those walls, I certainly did. So mentally prepare yourself for them and what you will do to overcome them. To help with those times I turned to my video journal, which I started at the beginning of this journey...to remind myself as to why I'm doing this. Writing a journal is certainly fine too!

You can take a walk if you're feeling a craving coming on, or call a friend if you feel like you're about to raid the fridge. But what worked best for me was my personal video journal telling me all the reasons as to why I started this, need to finish it and why its important to my health and happiness.

I also use photos all around my office at home...such as photos of people biking on a mountain trail, a swimmer diving into the ocean, or someone running. I would visualize myself doing those things at my goal weight.

I'd also visualize myself in a size I wanted to wear such as a dress or top, and I'd close my eyes to draw in the feelings that I would feel being at that weight and shape. How happy I would be, the smile on my face and kick in my step. Whether its money you want, weight loss or having that loving relationship...it all starts with YOU truly believing that you can have those things.

Every month that passed that I stayed on track with my weight loss, I would do something special for myself.

Keeping things around me that reminded me of my goals is what kept me going, and every time I was faced with a vending machine dilemma or office gathering filled with sugary items I stopped myself. Went for my bottle of water that I kept with me and simply had a drink. AAAHHHH REFRESHING!

Then, I would go to my office or purse to grab my bag of healthy snacks and before I knew it that craving or dilemma no longer posed a threat.

You can control what you're eating, and it only takes a minute or two to switch your thinking around from wanting that candy bar to eating that satisfying cup of strawberries.

Preparation is key!!!

Get those snacks and meals made ahead of time so whatever crazy schedule you have, you'll always have those healthy choices to choose from.

I continue to eat healthy today and whenever I feel like jumping head first into the abyss of junk food I think about how I felt being over weight, and how I feel now. No contest!

Good luck on your journey!