Saturday, April 21, 2012

Exercise for the Busy Mom


Exercise, now that one used to always be the hardest one to check off my list! Seriously, who has time to exercise? I barely have enough time use the restroom, I have to exercise too?

My name is Allie. I am a mother of two adorable children.  We all say that right? I definitely won’t get the Mother of the Year Award. Heck, I probably won’t even be a candidate for Mother of the Week. But I am a master of juggling. Ok well, I was able to juggle everything but exercise. With working full time, my kids’ activities, daily errands, daily chores, and homework, exercise was always at the bottom of my list and always left uncrossed.

If you’re like me, you too probably felt that with all that constant movement there’s no need for exercise. But then why am I still gaining weight? Well, hmm, maybe not eating right and not routinely exercising was the cause? Yes… ok it was!

In July of last year, I set out to make a change. I had finally gained a total of (drum roll please) 80 unbelievable pounds. I was so depressed, and just wanted to crawl into a corner. My relationship with my husband was going downhill due to lack of self-esteem, and my attitude problem. My mothering skills were at an all-time low, and I had no social life. My weight had become a recipe for disaster.

Finally, it was time to stop making excuses, and make a new start for myself.  I started dieting, and the weight was melting off. But I still wasn’t exercising. I tried to incorporate it as much as possible. I started out just walking 2-3 times a week, but that still wasn’t enough. Well, then I set out to run! Yes, running was a great stress reliever, but I felt like I had to do an hour 3-4 times a week to see any difference.

That’s when I hit the internet, in search for an exercise that I could do from home. I knew financially I couldn’t afford to pay for a gym membership, and well I have commitment issues. My exercise program had to be easy to do from home, had to keep my interest and most importantly I had to be able to do it in less than 30 minutes.

After searching a while I found a really cool website called Warrior X-Fit. It’s all that and a bag of chips! Ok not the best example, how about a bag of 100 calorie chocolate covered pretzels?  Their workouts consist of 6 different exercises every day. I absolutely love it because I don't get bored and most importantly I am always working the different muscle groups. With Warrior X-Fit, I don’t have to commit to a monthly fee because its 100% free all the time. I don’t need any fancy equipment; all you need is one resistance band. Most importantly, it only takes 20 minutes a day. That was the deal maker for me.  I need an extensive yet easy workout that’s less than 30 minutes a day.  Hey, now I’ve just shaved another 10 minutes off my daily exercise routine. Now I have time for a nice relaxing bubble bath before I retire for bed.

Working out doesn’t have to be a chore. Check out Warrior X-Fit and watch the pounds melt off and your muscles tone!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

New York Office Suites



In New York City, finding an affordable office space can be almost impossible, until now. Office suites are the ultimate flexible option when your business needs a temporary office space. Business owners can set up instant offices, all throughout the New York Area.  Many companies dislike long term leases, and unnecessary expenses associated with owning their own office. That’s why office suites are becoming the smart sense choice, more and more every day.

This is a great solution for small businesses still trying to sink their feet in success. Most small businesses don’t have the money to immediately lease out the first available office space. They are still trying to establish their company and have very few employees, and working from home only works out short term.

Office suites typically have amenities that include lounge areas, desks, chairs, phones systems, and high speed internet access. They also include great features like shared conference rooms.  Many times businesses only use board or conference rooms weekly or monthly. So why pay for extra space when it’s not needed all the time. In addition to all those great amenities, the suites usually include the utilities, cleaning and maintenance, all included in the monthly fee.

Office suites are awesome because there are no long term leases or commitment needed. They are great for a starter business or businesses new to the area as it’s easy to move when your business grows. They offer flexible short and long-term solutions that accommodate the needs of businesses.

Office suites are also great business centers. Not all businesses need office spaces. They just sometimes need a temporary business center for productivity.  Again, this is especially important for small starter businesses. Working from home is not always an option, but leasing a huge office space, could quickly saturate your profit.

Are Office Suites the best financial solution? Does a one legged duck swim in a circle? Of course, it does, but you won’t have to, at officesublets.com we find the best deal for your business by searching all the available office suites available all over New York City. We take care of the entire headache so you can sit back and focus on the growth of your business.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Make your eyes Pop!



Eyes are the most flattering part of a woman’s face, so why not make yours spectacular? But applying your eye shadow incorrectly can make you stand out in all the WRONG ways! Have no fear, I’ll teach you how correctly applying eye shadow will make you absolutely STUNNING!

Step 1 Choose a color that looks best with your eyes. Using the right color and matching your eyes will make those eyes dazzle!

Step 2 Use a primer on your eyelid, along with a shadow base. Priming your eye lid will help    to keep your eye shadow in place for hours. Make a small dot on to your eyelid using and applicator wand and then spread it over entire eyelid.

Step 3 Apply your lightest color across your eyelid entirely in a sweeping motion from brow to lash line; this will be your base color.  

Step 4 Apply a medium color shadow to cover your lower lids.

Step 5 With the darkest eye shadow color, in the corner of your eye above the lash line, create a V-Shape between the creases of your upper lid and follow the crease to the lower lash line. This will make your eyes pop even more by creating a focal point!

Step 6 Apply a shimmery eye shadow directly under your brow bone, to make your eyes appear larger.  To brighten your eyes even more, using the white eye shadow, make a dot on the inside corner of your eye near the tear duct.

Get Conspicuous SMOKEY EYES, in only 10 Minutes!

·         As always, prep your eyelid by using your primer first.

·         Apply black, brown or gray eyeliner, in one of those colors on the upper lash line. Then draw a thicker line in the middle of eye.

·         Once you’ve drawn the line, use your applicator wand to smudge the line in and to blend the colors. To get a full smudge effect, you can also apply a small amount of eye shadow.

·         Apply your lightest color following the directions on Step 2. By using a cream color base you can obtain that perfect Smokey eye look. Then apply your shimmery eye shadow as instructed in Step 6.

·         Now to obtain that Smoking look, use the darkest brown or black eye shadow color. Start blending in the color at the lash line and then gradually blend up the eye lid by using an eye shadow brush applicator. Blend the colors into the lash line to make sure the eyeliner line disappears. Continue blending following the directions in step 5.

"Drink to me only, with thine eyes. And I will pledge with mine". -Ben Johnson
Flash those beautiful eyes and make the Men go Crazy!


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Feng Shui Living


The Chinese practice Feng Shui literally means “Wind-Water”. Feng Shui is believed to help one improve life by receiving positive qi (a positive or negative life force). Dating back over 3,500 years Feng Shui was widely used to familiarize buildings. Most commonly these buildings were spiritually momentous structures such as tombs.

So why is this ancient term so popular today? Since the 1960’s a small amount people from all over the world have started practicing Feng Shui living, but lately it has spread like a wild fire. It is believed to be a clever advent to the way our environment transforms our daily lives.

By learning how to organize our surroundings we can enhance our lives.  Having a Feng Shui home is the first step in reprioritizing your life.

Starting with even one room like you kitchen, can be a perfect start to your new way of Fen Shui living. A Feng Shui kitchen can be inviting for your family to spend time together. They say that the kitchen is the warmest place in the entire house as it delivers heart and soul.

·        Creating your new and inviting Feng Shui kitchen is to clear out any Clutter. Unless it’s absolutely dear to your heart, chunk it. Even though clearing clutter is time and well energy consuming the process is like therapy.



·        Design a functional space atmosphere.  Arrange your table and chairs in a way that allows for an easy flow of movement while working your way around the kitchen.



·        Adding flowers and plants create a warm and fresh feeling. They will not only brighten your day but your kitchen.  Flowers are a perfect choice to help disperse energy throughout t an area.



·        Increase your kitchen’s energy by adding a Feng Shui rock water fountain. It’s not only decorative but it is believed that water features symbolically complete a structure. Water gives life and nourishes all living things.  This fountain doesn’t have to be huge, most fountains are small, portable and are placed on a bar or table.

Feng Shui living is a very comfortable way of life. Decluttering and reorganizing make it easy to start your Feng Shui atmosphere.  You’ll be feeling prioritized in no time!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

What if…




How will you live your life after being made redundant? It may not be a question that applies to you at this point of your life, but it certainly can happen.  Sometimes we have to stop and say what if?  Well what if…?
Hi, my name Allie and I’m a prime example of the type of woman, who thought it would never happen, so why even stop to think about it. Like most women I did dream of being an entrepreneur one day, maybe after I struck it rich from being the winner on the Apprentice. Donald Trump could take me under his wing and teach me all the tricks. Hello… wake up, that was definitely a dream.

I am a mother of two adorable children, we all say that right? I am truly blessed! Before they were born I was a full time nurse. I went on maternity leave with my first child only to find when I returned they no longer needed me. I know what you’re thinking they can’t do that. But ah yes they can, and they did. They had to make financial cut backs and I was one of them.

I have to say at first it wasn’t that bad, I got paid to stay at home and enjoyed learning how to be a mother.  But then, what in the heck was I going to do with my life after that? Would I just find another job, taking care of patients? I was pretty good at it, and I loved doing it, or would I test the waters and find something new to do?  Or maybe it was finally time to contact Donald.  Well, when I couldn’t get a hold of him, I instead thought long and hard, about what I could do with my new start!

So first I made a list of interest. I had to go back to a time in my life where I thought of dream careers. When I grow up I want to be… a teacher, singer, movie star, or maybe a waitress. Well, I loved to play restaurant.  But that’s what we as women have to do. We need to go back to that period in our life as a child to see if those interests still make us smile. I have to say the teacher thing was out. I could barely teach my son to walk let alone talk. How was I going to teach other kids? Sing?  Ha, I am no Diana Ross!  I definitely didn’t want to be a waitress, taking orders from demanding people.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I do not deal well with people barking orders. Even though none of those childhood dreams are what I wanted to do now, it was still a useful way to help think of what could empower me.

You need to think what about your last job did you like? Did you like it? And if you did like it was it the original career choice you had in mind? If so, is what it was about that job that you didn’t like? That is truly a key question when deciding your niche.  Often more time than none, it’s not the actual job we don’t like but our co-workers, boss or clientele. When you have your own business YOU are in control and decide who you work with, you’re the boss and choose the employees. You can even choose the type of clientele.

You also need to establish how much it will cost to start this dream business. Everyone has to start off somewhere.  Do you have severance pay from your last job that can that be used to start up a new one? Starting up a new business can be tricky and very costly.   Sometimes you just have to start out little, like doing side jobs for other companies or individuals instead of rushing out and leasing the first space in a strip mall. With that said though the saying is true, you have to spend money to make money. But that doesn’t mean you have to invest your life savings or your children’s college fund.

As women we are at an advantage, we are compassionate, intuitive, and creative. Those are key elements of an entrepreneur. You have the biggest tools that you need to succeed. Success does not define who you are as a person. In fact success is a great feeling but often hard to find. But you can do it, and if at first you don’t succeed (oh come on you can say it) try, try again.  That doesn’t always mean keep trying the same business mistakes. Take a new stab at success. You may even have to be start all over again with a new idea. Do you think all fortune 500’s became successful off of their first idea? No, half of them didn’t. They started out with one idea, didn’t succeed, but they didn’t give up, instead they kept brain storming.  They learned from their mistakes and made bigger and better business decisions. 

So what if?  Well now’s your chance to make that “what if” a reality.   When redundancy strikes, be ready and leave with a BIG, Huge Smile on your face!










Monday, April 2, 2012

The Best Medical Android App



The best things about Android phones today are all the apps that are offered. But what’s specifically the best thing in my opinion are the medical apps. Medical apps have cornered the Android Market.  Recently they were mainly only offered on the iPhone market, until now. These apps are now offered on Androids.  There are so many, so which one is the best Android medical app?

The Best Medical App

The number one downloaded medical app for Android Platform is Medscape by WebMD. With over 1 million healthcare professional downloads, it’s the best one yet.  Medscape offers a crazy amount of free content and they continuously grow with each update.  

 It has more than 7,000 drug references alone.  In addition they have over 3,500 disease clinical references, 2,500+ clinical images and procedure videos, robust drug interaction tool checker, CME activities, and more.

Physicians and other healthcare professionals love this app because you can check for the latest news, look up drug interactions, confer with references and even scroll through the directory.  Basically there just isn’t much that the developers of Medscape haven’t thought of.

What makes them the best Medical App? 

Well, Medscape is a great drug reference app, but it’s also a mini-textbook with protocols for disease pathologies.  It’s great for a quick reference.  Although, it’s not as detailed as the Pocket Medicine Red Book; but it does prove to better because it also includes instructional medical procedure videos and pictures.

As already mentioned, Medscape provides over 3500 disease clinical references. But were not just talking about a mediocre quick reference, were talking organized categories.  Other program references tend to just show the whole report. Medscape is different, instead of having to read the whole report to find out what a medication is used for a particular disease, they break down into categories. So let’s say a doctor wants to looks up information about Hepatitis, the app has it under tabs such as overview, clinical, differential diagnosing, workup, treatment, medication, and follow-up.

What else can the Best Medical App do?

 In addition, to all of those features, it also includes a special features section. The special features section is similar to a search engine.  It has instant search results, published articles, and free membership support.  With options like that, why wouldn’t they be best medical app in the android market?

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Mobile FINE Dining


Have you ever eaten at a mobile food truck?  If you have, you probably agree with me that they can be very much a hit and miss on the taste scale. But since 2008, this business has begun to shift more towards an upscale dining emporium.

Mobile kitchens, mobile canteens, chuck wagons or catering trucks are all common names for food trucks, which basically are portable or mobile restaurants that sell food.  Some food trucks even include ice cream trucks that sell mostly frozen or prepackaged food. But more so than ever now they are being referred to restaurants-on-wheels, because of their ability cater to specific meals, such as the breakfast truck, lunch truck or lunch wagon, and snack truck, break truck or taco truck.

Now since 2010, the Las Vegas culinary scene has had the increasingly honor of experiencing this fine dining on wheels.  Las Vegas now has several trucks roaming the Valley, providing our pallets with a variety of delicious foods.  It has become a social media craze. Tweeters will drive across town waiting in long lines just to experience the quality of their highly prized gourmet food.

I am sure like most of the population you are still skeptical.  In the past mobile food trucks served mainly construction and blue collar professions.  Initially, these mobile food preparation units got a bad rap, because many wondered how sanitation could be maintained with their limited space and resources.  Their bad reputation wasn’t just a myth.  The health department has had had to shut down many food trucks operations because of infestation problems. Without a continuous supply of running water, and proper cleaning, these trucks can be subjected to unwanted pests and make for a very unsanitary zone.

But since 2008, food truck owners have worked very hard to improve and change the mind of their hungry customers. And with the help of social media, like Twitter and Facebook, these companies are finally back on the road for financial success.

 Their menus display a whole new meaning to the word gourmet, and appeal to all ethnicities. They offer reasonable prices and superior cuisine.  Their array of inspired dishes offers a chance for customers to try foods that they normally would not otherwise experience.

Even though these food truck owners have had so much recent success, they constantly have to put up a fight to keep their businesses open.   There is a huge war currently with the “Brick and Mortar Restaurants” (a physical structured restaurant).  Restaurant owners contend the trucks pose unfair competition if unregulated, and trucks argue that they deserve a spot at the curbside table. City officials feel that the brick and mortar restaurants have,  a good argument, that it is an unfair playing field, that they... are paying perhaps 30, 40, 50 thousand dollars a year in taxes, where these (trucks) are spending maybe $500 a year. However the food truck owners would argue that their mode of business makes it possible for them to do what they enjoy without making the substantial financial investment a traditional restaurant requires.  A comment was made by one food truck owner that “ mobile food operations allow “the starving artist to paint or, in this situation, cook, “I bet some of the best chefs/home cooks would never be able to start a restaurant, but they could get a food truck or cart.”  

Both parties have debatable arguments, but for now the truck food industry continues to grow. For the time being they still get to enjoy the success of their mobile company and we as the customers get to continue eating such wonderful delicacies.