Entries from January 2008 ↓

This is the third year that I will be going to the exciting event here in my local town called the “Las Vegas Women’s fair. It is hosted by a local radio station 100.5 JackFM and it is fabulous. It is going to take place February 2nd at the South Point Hotel and Casino. There are all kinds of booths and freebies to get. Another thing that makes it up my alley is that it is FREE TO THE PUBLIC! What a wonderful time. The best thing about it (I am such an early bird) is that the first 500 women get to receive a treat from a local organization worth over $30.00! They had all kinds of treats in the past. I got a couple of bottles of free lotion to a $25.00 gift certificate from Albertsons.

They have all kinds of booths selling jewelry, clothes, classes, fitness, travel, and other products. Another favorite is that they will have a couple of soap opera stars and also a local group that is popular with the ladies call the Australia’s Thunder Down Under. Doesn’t float my boat but they are exciting to watch.

If you are local in Las Vegas or will be taking a trip there during on that weekend, take a chance leave the kids and to go to this exciting event. It takes place from 10 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Once a month I receive a local magazine publication that features local advertisements and other articles about Las Vegas. I usually put these publications in the trash but for some reason yesterday, I decided to take a break and breeze through the magazine. While passing time, there was an article that caught my eye and I wanted to share it because I made me realize that there are somethings that go unnoticed everyday.

I know of an old wives tale that putting your purse on the floor was a sign of bad luck and now I know that it is not just a saying, but is pretty much a true fact. As all caring mothers, we make it a priority to keep my home and my work area clean since there are so many people that are sick during this time of year. But I never thought in a million years that the one thing that I take with me everyday can be the very thing that could be carrying germs everywhere and could make me  and others sick where ever I go.

Did you know that your hand bag can be a carrier of all kinds of germs? It is not the contents that are in your bag that is a concern (depending on what you are carrying) but what is growing on the outside. This is also for any type of hand bag that you carry, whether it be a backpack, brief case or even a lunch box. The outside of the “bag” can be a place for germ growth and germ transfer. These germs can come from anywhere you place your bag; from pacing it on the floor of your favorite restaurant to the public bathroom counter while washing your hands.

There was a microbiologist on Good Morning America by the name of Chuck Gurba from the University of Arizona a couple of years ago that did a study and tested women’s purses and had this to say about them; “We found fecal bacteria you normally find on the floor of restroom,” he said. “We found bacteria that can cause skin infections on the bottom of purses….” . He found that the bottom of women’s purses had tens of thousands of all kinds of bacteria and and viruses. Some examples he found in his experiment showed that e.coli, staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, and even hepatitis were just a few forms of germs that purses can carry. Now that is just disgusting. This caused me to think of all the places that I place my purse. It makes me a bit sick to my stomach just thinking about it. What you don’t know can make you sick or even kill you. I know that I am guilty of putting my purse down at my feet at a restaurant and at the same time will go home and place it on my kitchen counter.

Now the question:What is the way protect yourself? You want to make sure that if you have a leather or vinyl purse is to disinfect it regularly with wipes or even spray. If you have a cloth purse, have it dry cleaned or even if you got a cheap one purchase a new one. (Hey, that is a wonderful excuse to go shop for another purse But seriously, when you go to a restaurant, place it in your lap or on the chair that you are sitting on. Make sure at home to place it in a high place for example like at the top of  your closet.

Go to this site below and if you want to get to know a little more about “purse germs” and how to protect yourself and others from sickness and disease. http://www.sixwise.com/.

I had a crazy week last week with things  that where going on in my life.  Again, trying to maintain balance at home and at work can be a task that is hard to do.  I believe that in the world that we live in, there may be times when you are around negative people, no matter how you slice it, you will be effected in some way. It feels like they take your energy and use it for destruction. I believe that negativity is like a harmful virus of the soul that when it is not guarded can be infected and infect others.  I leaves a bad taste and odor in a place to the point where is seeps out havoc and confusion. It can make you literally physically ill and unable to function.  It drains the body of its life and can close out the light you once had. This happened to me to the point where I couldn’t even write last week on my blog. When situations take you away from something you love to do it is not worth doing it or being around that negative person. Negative situations and people are very dangerous and harmful for your health.  We all need to realize when this happens to us where to go and what to do in a situation so it won’t take you under.  That is why I have made a plan and am taking action.  Here are the three things that can stop the the infection of negativity and help you to the direction of recovery.

I would like to tell you three things that can keep you on the right track when any type of situation like this happens.  Now these are not in order mind you.  There are just things that you can do ( doesn’t matter the order) that can stop the negative elements that may seep in your life to cause you to get unbalanced. The first thing I would say to do is pray.  Prayer changes things. I know that some people don’t believe in it but I am a firm believer in prayer.  I have seen things that have happened to me and other people to know that there is a God. As a devout Christian I try to pray ( without ceasing). This can gives you a chance to say what is bothering you. I know in my own experiences it has showed me who is really in charge of my life.  I am not.  It gives you a foundation on what is major and minor. Keeps you looking up instead of down.  God is then the answer and you are to look for him for comfort and listen for his calling. God wants to know what is bothering us and whether we are to stay in that situation or will leave, it teaches us patience and shows us that we are to count on Him for comfort.  Whether you write a prayer or say it, letting go helps ease anxiety and lifts ones spirits.

The second thing I recommend is make get moving.  There  is an old African proverb that says “Pray and move your feet”. That is so true.  When you pray there is a time for action and a plan.  Ask yourself, what is it that you can do in this certain situation or find yourself doing that you need to stop (this is if you are the one being negative).  Know how to tackle the situation or person.  What to do and to say.  There is a reason for action.  It gives direction.  It shows that there needs to be a change (whether mentally or physically) to shape your mind to deal with the situation.  Everyone always things that change is a physical act. It usually starts with a change of mindset.

Third is change your attitude. This is very important.  This what happens on the inside.  In times of our lives we will have things that happens to us whether it is good or bad.  You attitude is what happens on the inside to help you how to deal with them. During the day we have all kinds of thoughts and feelings. An attitude is a choice.  I try to tell my children this all the time.  I would rather be around someone who didn’t know what they where doing and had a good attitude than someone who had a bad attitude and acted like a know it all. It does make a difference.  And what is so wonderful about it that you have the power to change it in that very instant.  Think happy or pleasing thoughts.  This is one form of action that you can take to either shun a way negativity or change yours.

I believe this is in overall daily life. Whether at home or the work place: prayer, a plan and attitude and make all the difference on how you deal with your life and other people.  Make it help to change your life and the life of others.

…add fruits to your bowl and place it on your desk to stop unhealthy cravings…

Since the holidays have passed, I have been trying to stay away from the “munchies”. You know, the kind that are creamy, crunchy, made of sugar and salt. The things we definitely didn’t need during the holidays and certainly don’t need now. Everywhere I turn there are bowls of cookies and candies at every corner. It seems like the walk to the fax machine is a trip down candy cane lane. The temptation to whisk by and take a sample seems too hard to resist. So now I have another alternative. Take a nice miniature bowl and place it on your desk. Add all the fruits that you enjoy. I would recommend that you add fruit that won’t spoil quickly. Then once you have a craving, then eat what is in your bowl. Now, This can be something you do for yourself or recommend at your work place. I would also, if you don’t want anyone to get to your fruit, to add a ‘do not touch’ sign if this is something you want only for yourself, but what is wrong with spreading a healthy habit?

Here is a wonderful book that I recommend to buy. It is a guide to doing exercise anywhere. Everyone knows that they should exercise but don’t believe they have the time or place to do it. This book will show you ways that you can exercise anywhere and any place. The place that I have chosen for example is at work. There are stretches, lunges and other ways to keep your self flexible and limber. I personally have an office job where I spend a lot of time at my desk. I have found out that even at your desk job, there are practical things that you can do to get your limbs limber and your heart pumping. Again, look into this book to get your out there and thinking about burning a few calories out side the gym!