Since spring is right around the corner, and May and June are the most popular months for weddings, The Party Makers would love to share some information on how to make the most memorable spring-time wedding during the season of love.

The Ceremony:

Most couples exchanging their vows prefer to have their ceremony outside during this time of year. After the rain is more stabilized, and before the unbearable summer heat is at its fullest, there is nothing more magical and romantic than saying those special words emerged in the elements of nature. Many popular venues have a great scenic area on their property that is perfect for an outdoor ceremony with the soothing sound of fountains or waterfalls in the background, and vibrant flowers at their fullest color surrounding the scene, and perhaps the charm of an old-fashioned gazebo, as the alter creates a lovely environment for a wedding of any size. Not only is this tranquilizing, romantic atmosphere pleasing to the guests, but it is also a picturesque scene for the newlyweds and the bridal party to snap beautiful photos afterwards.

String quartets seem to be a preferred musical choice while the bride has her moment in the sun. Either by hiring a professional quartet or getting a few talented friends to volunteer,  entrance music and your favorite wedding classics can be played upon the arrival of guests, and to accompany the ceremony.  If the weather is warmer than desired, paper fans or programs that are shaped like fans are a creative way to ward off unwanted heat, and also a nice souvenir for guests to remember the special occasion.

Short, flouncy cocktail dresses with matching flowers to adorn the hair seem to be the latest trend in bridesmaid attire. It is still elegant, yet not as formal, and perfect for weddings during the warmer months. Not to mention, it is not hot and uncomfortable to wear outside, and usually less expensive. For evening ceremonies, candles may be used in place of flower bouquets when the bridal party processes and recesses down the aisle.

The Cocktail Hour:

Some couples choose to have a cocktail hour outside following the ceremony but preceding the reception. Wines, mixed drinks, and heavy hors d’oeuvres are served to guests. This provides guests a chance to mix and mingle with each other, take pictures, and have a preview of the culinary delights that await them for the buffet hour. This also gives the kitchen staff, entertainment, and everyone else involved, more time inside to prepare for the reception, and more time to ensure that the reception will be unforgettable.

Grand Buffet:

The main course may be served before or after the introductions. Buffets are usually the less expensive option, and most preferred by guests. You can still experience high class, gourmet cuisine, even if the way it is being served is less formal than a full wait-staff. Guests can easily go back for seconds at any time throughout the duration of the reception.

It is good to offer several menu options (no more than three), because it is difficult to satisfy everyone with just one meal. Chicken dishes are highly recommended at banquet receptions because they are inexpensive and there are many creative ways to prepare it. Secondly, it is a main course that most people can agree on eating. A red meat option would be another great choice for guests. Having a carving station of prime rib or filet mignon adds a touch of extra class to the buffet and makes the table more presentable. The third choice is usually a vegetarian dish or some form of fish. Vegetables and side dishes should of course be seasonal, and compliment the main course. Food decisions should always be made based upon the guest profile.

It is common for the bride and groom to have a sweetheart table separate from the guests in a separate room or the bridal suite. In this atmosphere, they can take a break from the hectic day and enjoy their first meal together in a tranquil atmosphere.

Dance Party:

Receptions are the moment that every guest has been waiting for. The highly anticipated “first dance” following introductions marks the beginning of the grand celebration. The couples’ first dance should be a song that is meaningful to them, and that is also descriptive of their unique relationship. Even if the song is unfamiliar, eccentric, or silly to the guests, it is a way of defining what makes that couple special and setting them apart from any other.

One way to make a reception exceptional is to encourage guest participation once the dance floor is open to everybody.  A few weddings that I have worked at have karaoke for the last hour of the reception. Guests can enjoy themselves by singing and reminiscing over their favorite tunes, and feel like a part of the celebration.

Cake and Toast:

Toasts made to the newlyweds usually take place at the same time of the cake cutting. Those giving the toast should keep it short, sweet, and simple (no more than 30-60 seconds per person). The last thing the couple wants is to bore their guests by choosing a poor speaker, or a speaker who says too much. Usually it is the father of the groom, mother of the bride, best man, or maid of honor, an honored guest, or a combination of several of the above that are responsible for preparing the toast and giving the new couple recognition.

The main cake should be displayed in a prominent spot throughout the reception so guests can view it and take pictures.  No guest should have to wait in line for cake, once it is served. The staff should efficiently cut and distribute the cake at table setting in a prompt manner. Not only does waiting in line cause chaos and impatience among guests, but it takes away the attention of the bride and groom cutting the cake, one of the most important photo opportunities at a wedding.

Many couples are fond of the idea of groom’s cakes. Not only does this give the groom recognition, but it offers guests an alternative cake if they do not like the main bridal cake being served.

Favors, Flowers, and Farewell

Many people prefer non-traditional favors to take home after a reception. Mints, candy, matchbooks, and potpourri are always great traditional memoirs. But there is always room for creativity for this part of the wedding. Mesh bags of custom bath-salts that match the theme colors of the wedding are useful and fun to use. Scented votives in holders commemorating the event with festive fabric ribbon tied around it is a perfect decoration to display in any home.

Any flowers used as decoration for the wedding should be given to a responsible party who can bring them to the couple’s new home. It will beautifully suit their new living space and also symbolize a fresh start to a new chapter in their life. To-go boxes of leftover food should be carefully prepared and also brought home, if desired.

Unfortunately, the old-fashioned ways of tossing rice or bird seed at the couple as they make their grand departure is discouraged or illegal at most properties. A few romantic options that give a fairy-tale feeling as the bride and groom leave for their destination include items such as bubbles, sparklers, or rose petals.

If there are a lot of out-of-town guests or guests that want to continue the party, be sure to have a room block at a nearby hotel for their convenience. Reliable transportation such as limos, shuttles, or taxis should be arranged for those who should not drive home — for free, or at a discounted rate.

House Weddings

For those of you who are budget-conscious, hosting a wedding party at someone’s home has become a popular alternative. You, a relative or a friend may have a house with a spacious backyard that has fine-tuned the details of landscaping and possibly other elements such as pools, waterfalls, and patio space that can be utilized during the reception.  Furniture can be moved, rearranged, or stowed away inside to allow room for a dance floor, buffet, DJ booth, or other decorative pieces to create the illusion of a banquet hall or club.

No matter what venue you choose, make sure you make your special day as memorable and stress-free as possible.

- Ingrid Priscilla Wiggberg is a successful Event Planner in metro Atlanta who specializes in dream parties and dream weddings. She can be reached at The Party Makers 770-853-2069.

Have you considered the weight that your non-verbal communication has on the image you project at the office or in business? Your non-verbal messages account for seventy percent of your communication, with your verbal messages coming in a distant second at twenty percent and your message tone accounting for ten percent of the weight of your communication.

The moment you walk into a room, people size you up — from head to toe. When you extend an interviewer or business prospect a limp handshake or can’t look them in the eye, they form an opinion of you. The remainder of the conversation is used to gather information to verify their opinion. You’ve heard the expression, “First impressions are lasting.” This is a fact.

Body language is a powerful expression of passion, attitude and suggestion. Listening to a good speech can be inspiring, but watching the performer deliver the speech is what causes us to take action. We catch their energy, feel their emotions and are captivated by their physical appearance, facial expressions and body language.

That same type of non-verbal communication is applied in the business world. Regardless of how well a performer you might be, performance is only the entrance ticket. It will get you through the gate and onto the playing field, but there are unwritten rules that you must follow if you expect to rise above the competition. You might say that’s unfair. After all, you were taught from an early age that, if you work hard you’ll get ahead. But, not only must you work you hard, you must work smart as well. As essential as hard work is, image is often the tie-breaker when the decision comes down to several good candidates.

You might feel that your experience, intellect and education are your ticket to success. The truth, however, is that you can have more degrees than a thermometer (pun intended!) and not get invited into the “club.” There are other factors that must be considered, including the culture in which you wish to engage. Most people focus more on what they will say in a given situation and place less emphasis on non-verbal communication. By all means, learn the language — for example, you should know when it’s more appropriate to use the term ‘investment’ versus the term ‘price.’ But the greater weight of importance in your communication tilts toward that which is not vocalized-your attire, hair, posture, demeanor, timeliness, poise under pressure, team player, etc.

There is a good reason Image Consultants are in high demand. People are investing their resources in discovering ways to give themselves a competitive advantage — in life and work.

What image do you project at the office or in a business meeting? What messages do you convey as a first impression? My challenge to you is to review the elements of communication and the weight given to each: 70% non-verbal, 20% verbal and 10% tone. Start using them as a measure for empowering yourself to win in the game of life and in business.

__________________

Rebecca McClain is the founder of Life Treasures LLC. As an entrepreneur, author, speaker and coach, she inspires people all across the nation and internationally. In November 2009, she launched the online networking platform, Build A Thriving Business Network, for women and minorities in business. Look for her on the next cover of People You Need to Know. She can be reached at (678) 289-0148.

Some women want to shorten their toes or have their feet made narrower, while others ask for collagen or silicon injections in the pads of their feet to make it more comfortable to wear high heels. According to WebMD, the majority of foot and ankle surgeons surveyed (82 percent) thought cosmetic foot surgery was inappropriate.

Since the feet are the foundation of the body, they can actually take on more stress and toxins than your face. Some foot problems come with age, but others are actually indicators that potentially more harmful medical conditions may arise. The most common cause of foot pain is shoes that do not fit properly. The best shoe to wear is wide fitting with a low heel so your foot can adjust to swelling throughout the day and you can avoid developing bunions. Diabetics need to pay special attention to their feet. Diabetes causes nerve damage, which ultimately leads to a loss of sensation in the foot. Diabetics also have decreased circulation in the foot which can result in a slower healing process of any sore that has been trying to heal.

Just as we exercise our bodies for optimal health, exercising our feet can have benefits as well. A product called Yoga Toes can improve and prevent foot problems by aligning and stretching the toes. They ease aches and pains due to bad posture and reduce the soreness caused by bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis. Wearing Yoga Sandals is another way to reduce your foot pain while making a fashion statement. These cute flip-flops separate your toes, force you to have better posture and elongate your back, which reduces back pain and even ankle pain. By creating proper foot alignment, the rest of your body, including the ankles, knees and hips are able to come into alignment.

For shaping up calves, thighs, booty and core, Skechers Shape Ups really work! I wore them for two months every day and noticed a huge improvement in my “shape.” For more information on these two products visit www.yogaPro.com, http://www.skechers.com/ or www.yogasandals.com.

Jackie Silver is the founder and president of Aging Backwards, LLC and author of Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young. Follow her on Twitter, @AgingBackwards. Sign up for her free newsletter at: http://agingbackwards.com/.

As a former emergency medicine physician, her expertise and training have created the perfect skill set for a cosmetic surgeon where patient security and satisfaction are paramount. All of the procedures at Opulence are done with local as opposed to general anesthesia, focusing on the specific area to provide a more secure and less complicated way to achieve each client’s beauty needs.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, she later went on to receive her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating with honors. Experienced in both traditional and emergency medicine, she adds to her expertise by keeping abreast of the latest and most effective trends, products and procedures in the aesthetic industry.

Dr. Dodds has also received both national and international training and certifications in various cosmetic procedures and philosophies. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, Diplomate of American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine and the National Medical Association as well as a Fellow of American College of Emergency Physicians.

As a former print, commercial and runway model, Dr. Dodds has a true understanding of putting forth the best image, no matter what your profession. Often called upon for her expertise, she has been featured on CBS Radio, “Atlanta & Company” –WXIA (NBC Affiliate) and has chaired sections of the National Medical Association, and has also lectured internationally.

Dr. Dodds was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was named “Who’s Who in America” while in high school, college and medical school. Like most modern women, she is multi-talented with training in classical ballet and performing arts and counts interior decorating as one of her favorite hobbies.

Dr. Nedra Dodds is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, married and mother of three.

Here, you’ll find an in-depth interview with one of Atlanta’s brightest stars in the world of business, Lisa Nicole Cloud. Lisa was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to grant us this inspirational and memorable interview. It has been edited and abbreviated for the web. The audio version can be found here. Ms. Cloud will be speaking on March 26 in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Women’s Leadership Summit.

Spark Plug Intro: Welcome to People You Need to Know on Spark Plug Radio. I’m your host, Spark Plug, publisher of People You Need To Know, metro Atlanta’s premier business spotlight publication, where we are the best at promoting your business.

For more information, log on to SparkPlugPeople.com and discover more people you need to know. The sponsor of today’s program is Kissable, the new health and taste sensation in toothpaste, developed by Dr. Danielle Greene. We are honored to have as our guest today, Ms. Lisa Nicole Cloud. She is the CEO of Elite Marketing Strategies, a direct marketing company. Ms. Cloud, welcome to the show.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Thank you, Spark Plug. I’m very honored to be your guest today.

Spark Plug: Well, we’re honored to have you. Lisa, you were born in Baltimore, Maryland. You were an only child and you were raised by your mother. Your father was from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Do you have any kind of relationship with him today?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Oh, absolutely. I visit the Virgin Islands at least once a year, sometimes two and three times a year. Over the last couple of months, I’ve been down there a lot because I’ve also been working in that market, so it’s nice when you can bring business and pleasure together. But yeah, my father and I over the years have gotten to be very close. He has a very peaceful, gentle spirit and he’s very laid back. He’s given me balance, so that I’m not just always driving, driving, driving, which I have a tendency to do. He just kind of says sometimes to me, “Lisa, just look around you. Enjoy the sunshine. Smell the flowers. You know, you only live once, so you’ve got to have that balance in your life.”

Spark Plug: Lisa, you’ve said your mission in life is to help people identify their God-given talent, so they can do more, be more, achieve more, and impact the community in a positive way. How long have you been living according to this mission?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Well, a couple of years ago, I attended a workshop called Inward Journey and it really helped you kind of reflect back on some of the voids in your life and it also helped to figure out exactly what your passion and your purpose in life was about. And from that experience, I realized that I had an entrepreneurial spirit and that I needed to get out of corporate America, but once I attained resources, I needed to give back to the community because I really believe to whom much is given, much is required.

Spark Plug: Okay, well, let’s go back to your childhood a little bit. You said at ten, you and your mother relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. What brought you to Atlanta?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Well, at that point, my mother still worked for the government and her job transferred her down to Atlanta. She stayed with the government for a couple more years and then she ventured off and started her own business, so everything is divinely ordered. I really believe that the government got us to Atlanta, but there was a higher calling on her life and she embraced entrepreneurship.

Spark Plug: You’ve said your mother taught you discipline and focus and because she was a single parent, she taught you about the importance of being independent and self-sufficient. How has that helped you in your adult life?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Yes. My mother was a single parent. She was very, very determined. She had me in her early 20’s and she worked also. She not only worked, but she got her college degree while at the same time raising a young child on her own, and so she really taught me that whatever you put your mind to, no matter what obstacles you face, if you really are willing to focus and work hard, you can accomplish whatever goals you set for yourself.

And so, I think there are lessons that are taught and I think there are lessons that are caught. I saw her facing obstacles and overcoming them. That really made a strong impact on my life because I have had obstacles that I’ve had to overcome and because of the discipline and the focus that she had, and that I witnessed while growing up, I was also able to develop those same types of characteristics.

Spark Plug: Your mother has been a good role model for you all of your life. You wrote that she was an entrepreneur and owned several companies in the medical practice acquisition industry. Tell us a little bit about that.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: She got involved in entrepreneurship, I guess, in the early to mid-80’s and at that time, the medical field was thriving. Doctors were making a great living. They were still in private practice and so she was one of the first in the medical field to start selling practices … when doctors were retiring … to new doctors coming in. And at that point, it was a very thriving business. She did extremely well with it. Like most industries, they have different cycles. You know, it’s usually probably a 5- to 10- to 15-year cycle and so as you know, the medical field rapidly changed. Managed care came in and private practice literally became a thing of the past. Most people were moving into group practices and at that point, she got out of that business and moved into something else.

So, no matter what obstacles came her way, she always landed on her feet and found the next business venture to get involved with, and I learned that you can’t just try something once and if it doesn’t work out or something changes about the industry, that you just go back to working a job. She did not want to ever go back to working a regular job and this taught me to persevere.

Spark Plug: Lisa, you went to middle school and high school in Georgia and then you attended college at Emory University where you were a Psychology and Pre-Med major.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Correct.

Spark Plug: Now, how did you become interested in Psychology?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Well, here is what happened, I was at Emory and I was on the Pre-Med curriculum track. I had a major at that time in Chemistry. My second year in college; however, my mother told me that she was not going to pay for the rest of my years of tuition and that if I really, really wanted to graduate from Emory, I would figure out a way to come up with the money to pay for school.

Spark Plug: Now, let me stop you right there.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Yeah.

Spark Plug: That was a great lesson your mother taught you.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Yes, it just taught me that you can overcome whatever obstacles come your way if you just put your mind to it and you work hard. The reason I bring that up is because I had to figure out a way to come up with … at that time, it was $30,000 a year to attend Emory. And so, I took a semester off and I started working for MBNA America Bank and I did really well and I moved into management and one of the benefits that they offered was tuition reimbursement. So that’s how I ended up getting through school. I worked full-time and MBNA paid what didn’t get covered by scholarships and grants.

Spark Plug: You found a way to make your dreams come true.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: I did. I did. I mean, you just cannot let anything discourage you. There are going to be so many obstacles that come your way in life and you just have to persevere and you have to be disciplined and you have to be persistent and consistent in whatever your goals are and work towards them.

You asked me how I was a Psychology major on a Pre-Med track. Well, MBNA would not pay for a Pre-Med degree because they couldn’t relate it back to the business need, so the lesson here is … don’t be discouraged, where there is a will, there is a way. What I ended up doing is making my major Psychology and my minor Chemistry because they could relate adult training to Psychology. So that’s how I ended up getting a Psychology major and Chemistry minor at Emory.

Spark Plug: Well, let me ask you a question about that quote you just mentioned, and we’ve been hearing that quote all of our lives, but do you think a lot of people take that quote for granted, “Where there is a will, there is a way?”

Lisa Nicole Cloud: I do. I think sometimes we hear these things and you know, they just kind of roll off our tongue, but we really don’t realize the impact that they can make or that they make. I believe you have the ability to speak your reality into existence and so if you believe what you say, if you believe there is a will and that you can find a way, then you’ll make that happen. But if you take these quotes lightly, then they’ll just be that, words, so you really have to believe what you’re saying.

Spark Plug: And how important is belief … to really believe that your dreams can actually come true?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: You know, I think many people out there have stopped dreaming. I think that’s one of the saddest realities that are out there. People have these lofty goals and dreams and then they end up settling for a job and that job doesn’t really meet the demands of their goals and dreams and so I think people kind of have to reprogram themselves and if the job isn’t getting them where they want to get to, then they have to figure out what else they can do to get to their goals and dreams.

Spark Plug: What would you say to the people out there, you know, our listening audience and on the Internet, people out there listening around the world, who may have stopped dreaming and they think it’s too late for them, what words of encouragement would you share with them today?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: I would say it is never too late. You know, in the business that I’m in, I meet people from all walks of life, all ages, all nationalities, it’s never too late. At my recent convention, a gentleman came up to me. He was 85 years old and he said to me, “I’m going to be the oldest senior vice-president in this company.” And I looked at him and I said, “You know what? You are because you believe you can be that and you will become that.” As I’ve said before, (one of my favorite quotes) what the mind can conceive, it can achieve. Your words are very powerful.

Spark Plug: Lisa, you were on track to become a doctor, but you decided that with your business background … now as a  matter of fact … I need to back up a little bit because your story is so interesting and so intriguing from your time at Emory to when you were 14 years old, when you worked in a professional position, such as a legal clerk in a well-known law firm. You were a service manager at Valley Fitness Center and you were in store operations at Target Stores.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Right.

Spark Plug: Please tell us about that because at 14 or 15, that almost sounds unheard of.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: I was a type of kid who always wanted to play business.  I would be in my room acting like a manager of a corporation at the age of 8 and 9 and 10, and so as soon as I could get a job, I got a job. I got that worker’s permit and I started working. It’s funny, because I’ve always had this passion for business, but a lot of times when you’re young, you want to kind of have your own identity and you want to create your own identity a little differently from what your parents did, and I kind of fell into that and didn’t want to be this business person. So I decided that I was going to go after the medical degree and pursue a medical career.

But what you always realize is that what God gives you, you really need to embrace that and that’s where my strengths were. I had to work hard when I was Pre-Med. I mean, I wasn’t one of those students where science was like second nature to me. I was the one who was in the library studying 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning trying to understand biochemistry, so that was a challenge for me, but I still pursued it.

But then after I graduated, when I had the degree, that business person came out of me again and it was like the second voice saying, “Well, okay, are you going to go and get $150,000 in debt, work as a resident after you go to medical school and maybe work and make $20,000 to $30,000 for a couple of years while you’re doing your residency? Or … are you going to go and start making money now, are you going to start pursuing what comes naturally for you?” Because I moved into management so quickly at MBNA, it ended up happening that I went the route of corporate America and not medicine.

Spark Plug: And how long were you with MBNA? Was it five years?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: I was with MBNA six years.

Spark Plug: Six years.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Six years, and I started off as a telemarketer on the phone in the telemarketing division. I did really well selling over the phone and moved into management in their telemarketing division, and then later went into their customer assistance division. So I always had a high level of business acumen, to do well, to communicate well with people, and to provide excellent service to the customers I was servicing. I learned that well at MBNA because that was one of their philosophies.

Spark Plug: Now, Lisa, tell us about your experience in pharmaceutical sales.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Okay, well, I spent seven years in the pharmaceutical sales industry. Some of the time, I was with SmithKline Beecham and I also spent some time with Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals. That experience taught me how to really leverage relationships, how to provide excellent service to my clients and also to really know how to sell a product that I believed in. So I think that with people that are listening that have an entrepreneurial spirit, just take everything you’re getting at whatever job you’re in and just realize that there is a lot to be learned from a corporate job that you can parlay into your entrepreneurial ventures.

Spark Plug: You had a burning desire to own your own company, so you took your sales/marketing experience and you started your own marketing firm. Tell us a little bit about Elite Marketing Strategies.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Well, Elite Marketing Strategies is a company that I started. I knew that my background and my strengths were in sales and marketing and as we discussed earlier, I believe when people venture into entrepreneurship, they should really embrace their God-given talents and that was what I was strong in. All of my years of working in corporate America had helped me to really develop those skills and so I just started a company of my own.

In this particular company, we focus on technology and telecom marketing. I work with people to help them build telecom and technology businesses. I can help people develop marketing strategies and execute the strategies they’re developing for their businesses. That’s what Elite Marketing Strategies evolved into. Initially, it was a firm that came up with various trainings and training content and also helping to develop and implement marketing strategies. But our strong suit is really in telecom and technology.

Spark Plug: So Lisa, what would you see as the major turning point or points in your life?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: I think the major turning point for me was when I had to overcome obstacles, figuring out how I was going to get through school. In your early 20s, $30,000 a year seems like a million dollars and I had no idea where I was going to get the money to finish Emory. I knew that my goal was to graduate from Emory, but I didn’t know how and so I realized when I successfully got a job, worked through college, maintained the grade GPA and still kept the Pre-Med curriculum … when I was able to do all of that, I realized there was nothing I couldn’t do if I put my mind to it and I wasn’t afraid of failing. I was just going to try. And once I let go of those fears, the sky became the limit. It seemed as if whatever I said I wanted to do, I accomplished it, and I accomplished it well.

Spark Plug: Well, today, Lisa, what drives you? What gets you up in the morning?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: My why is my family, my children, my husband, spending quality time with them. When I was building my business, I had to work a lot. I was making a lot of sacrifices and spending a lot of time away from them to be quite honest, but those short-term sacrifices were for the long-term rewards. Now, I’ve built a very successful business and I can spend my days with my children. My husband and I spend a lot of quality time together. You know, that’s my passion, and then I also wanted to help other people get to that place in life, too, because it’s very rewarding and very fulfilling when you have people come up to you and tell you how much you’ve changed their life and how thankful they are that you shared the opportunity with them. So those are the things that kind of keep me going and keep me motivated.

Spark Plug: Okay, so that’s another question I have for you, how do you stay motivated? What else do you do? Some people out there may be a single mother, she doesn’t have the husband to support her like you do. What would you suggest to her to stay motivated?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Well, the first thing I have to tell people when they ask me what motivates me is, you have to find a very strong why, and your why has to be bigger than you. It  has to be bigger than money or financial gain. My mentor once said to me, “If your why doesn’t make you cry, it’s not big enough.”

Spark Plug: Say that one more time. That’s really powerful, Lisa.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: If your why doesn’t make you cry, it’s not big enough. You have to find something deep within that you can get passionate about that can motivate you to get up and do things that you may not really feel like doing. For me, my why was my son when he was first born. You know, when I was first building my business, it was all about the money and consequently, I was working to get a check and that’s all I was getting, it was a check, and sometimes it was good and sometimes it was bad.

Well, my business didn’t take off until my why became my son because he motivated me to work harder than I had ever worked before. He motivated me to get uncomfortable for us to be in a comfortable place. He inspired me to greatness. I always tell people, “My son inspired me to greatness. I couldn’t do it for me, I did it for him.” When I was pregnant, I delivered him early. He came at 27 weeks, so almost seven months. So I was in that hospital and I was going to that ICU every day to see this little life, just holding on, and I remember praying and I remember talking to him and I just remember saying to him, “You just hold on and you fight. I will never let you down.”

And he made it. At 27 weeks, he made it and if you would see him today, you would never know he came out as a premature baby.  He’s just as healthy as he can be, no complications, but he fought. He had that fighting spirit within him. I guess maybe you pass on to your kids what you are made of, and he made it. And so at that point, I worked harder than I’ve ever worked before, to create something that would be a legacy for him. I mean, if I stopped working today, the beauty of my business is that it will still keep creating an income because people are going to still keep paying their phone bills. They’re going to still keep paying their cell phone bills. They’re going to still keep surfing the Internet and every month when they do it, there is a check coming for my family and that’s powerful.

Spark Plug: Well, Lisa, is there anything that you say to yourself every day that maybe some of the listeners might be able to benefit from?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: To always thank my Father above for the blessings that flow because ultimately He is the one in control of the blessings that flow, but I also try to stay humble. I try to not let success create an ego, be very thankful for the people that are in my life, as well as my business partners that I’m working with. I teach them things. They teach me a lot of things and I always remember to just work hard. Work hard, stay positive and find that passion that’s going to keep you going through the tough times.

Spark Plug: Okay Lisa, before we run out of time, tell us how you can be reached.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: My number is 1-877-299-6665.

Spark Plug: And your website?

Lisa Nicole Cloud: My website is LisaNicoleCloud.com.

Spark Plug: And finally, Lisa, where do you go to relax and unwind? As busy as you are, I’m sure you have a favorite place that you like to get away to.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Well, I love escaping to the Caribbean, you know, watching the sun set. I love spending time with my husband and with my children. When I travel, we always try to make it like a family outing, a family vacation, so it’s just nice being able to do business and pleasure at the same time.

Spark Plug: Well Lisa, I would definitely like to say thank you for being with us today and sharing your inspirational story.

Lisa Nicole Cloud: Thank you so much, Spark Plug, and I appreciate you for your magazine. It’s so needed and I hope that we continue to network together.

With clients ranging from the Jaguar Luxury Brand, New Era Cap, Ciara, Estelle, Amar’e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns), Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Porsche, Adidas, Xbox and more, also with efforts appearing on MTV, BET, E!, VH1, NBA TV as well as  on the glossy pages of many of today’s most well-noted magazines and blogs, this author, instructor and practitioner has asserted herself as an authority in this mysterious field of publicity.

Opening The Garner Circle PR at the turn of the millennium, her PR firm represents clients in raw, rich, and unconventional territories.

1. FINE ATTENTION TO DETAIL:

An event planner that I once worked with who served as a great teacher and mentor told me, “Plan every event as if you’re putting on the event for the president.” The goal is for guests to leave not simply satisfied, but overjoyed. It is imperative to exceed their expectations and create an experience that cannot be found elsewhere. Glassware must be spotless and free of fingerprints and dust. Props and decorations must be secure and never fall out of place. Smart space planning of furniture must be well thought-out, for the purposes of aesthetic value, convenience, and safety. The party area must be clean, free of trash and organized at all times.

2. ENGAGING ACTIVITIES:

It’s been said many times, it doesn’t matter where the party is, as long as you have the right people. This can be true in many situations, but is not always the case. Many parties have taken place where guests do not know one another. In a situation like this, people tend to stay segregated in their cliques and make no attempt to talk or interact with new people. This is why additional activities should be planned into the schedule. Games and contests can be great fun for both kids and adult parties. Certain amenities such as a pool, game room, or a dance floor are great central meeting spots that encourage guest interaction. The buffet and the bar should also be strategically placed because most conversations take place around food or drink.

3. SETTING THE MOOD:

Creating the perfect ambiance for the perfect party makes all the difference. This includes all forms of lighting, music, accessories, and the attire worn by guests. It is important to remember that each event is unique and the setting and style must be tailored to each particular event. For instance, at certain events it would be more appropriate to have a candlelit environment to convey a romantic tone, as opposed to artificial colored lighting to encourage dancing at a high-energy celebration.

4. FOOD AND BEVERAGE:

In the catering world, presentation is everything. All food must look appealing and taste even better. Something may taste delicious, but no one would try it if it looks like a messy concoction of ingredients thrown together.

Not only should it look tempting to guests, but small finishing touches can give dishes artistic flair and personalize the cuisine. Also, keep in mind that the beverages served should always compliment what is on the menu to create a robust and perfect combination of flavors for your palette.

5. PERSONALIZE EACH PARTY, ACCORDINGLY:

What truly makes an event magical to guests is their sense of feeling welcomed as if their arrival was highly anticipated by many. For all crowds, large and small, it helps to envision each event as targeting a certain “market.” Each group has individual needs or preferences when it comes to food, music, and activities. It helps to know the audience and what they expect to get out of attending a party.

One’s job as a host is to be delightful, warm, and welcoming to every single guest who attends an event. Just by sending a warm greeting or periodically making small conversation with guests touches people and makes them feel like an important part of any occasion.

- Ingrid Priscilla Wiggberg is a successful Event Planner in metro Atlanta who specializes in dream parties and dream weddings. She can be reached at The Party Makers 770-853-2069.

No one ever saw it coming.

Skid-e-Kids Network launched the site in December of 2009, just three months after the initial conception of the idea. “We want to take over the world,” says Brandon Mychals, the company’s Account Executive and Chief of Operations.

Godwin and Mychals were both winding down careers in the entertainment industry when they recognized the potential wealth an internet company could gain. Using industry connections, the two men took their ideas and made them a reality. “When it comes to kids, we think this is something that’s long overdue,” Mychals says.

The overall goal of the company is to “improve the quality of life between the parent and the child,” says Mychals. He explains that through the website, children can make friends, play games, write blogs, and join groups while their parents are doing the same things with other parents. Mychals says that the site was designed with the child in mind. While the website is still very young, it is not at all underdeveloped. It was initially created for kids between four and eleven years old, but that has changed. Mychals says, “We’re going to let the people on the site tell us the way they want it to go.”

“Skid-e-Kids” is an acronym for Super Kids In Development Enjoying Kindled Interest Driving Success. Although it is a website for kids, it has something for everyone. Parents might find the site useful for making extra cash, networking, chatting, or blogging about parenthood. For teachers, the site has activity sheets, game ideas, homework tools, and a pen pal function.

In early March, the website will be launching their newest function, Toys and Games Swap. Brandon Mychals says, “It is basically an eBay for toys.” Members of the site can gather gently used toys and games and sell them to other members with no upfront costs.

Mychals mentions another way to use the site to raise funds is to advertise your fundraising cause on the website. It is a sure way to gain exposure. Already, the website has had over one million visitors worldwide.

The website also features a number of colorful characters who are citizens of “Skid-e-Ville”. In the beginning, the characters were marketing tools created to be role models for kids and a means of moderating the site. Since then, the cartoons have taken a life of their own. “They have a say-so in the direction they go,” says Mychals.

Each cartoon character, he explains, represents a different type of personality. One character, Hang Time the friendly ghost, is an athlete. He is not the best at playing sports and he has never won any awards, but he never gives up.

Something Mychals hasn’t told anyone is that Skid-e-Kids.com will soon be releasing a quiz that allows members of the website to see which character they are most like because he says, “There is a character to [reflect] every type of child.”

The founders of Skid-e-Kids Network agree that their journey has not been easy. There have been lifestyle adjustments and sacrifices along the way. Mychals says, “For me, it’s a lot of work. Each day we want to make progress.” He says that the sacrifices he has made for the company don’t feel like sacrifices in retrospect “because results outweigh everything else.”

Mychals says he hopes the work he has put in will be a blueprint for a very successful legacy. To other rising entrepreneurs, Mychals says, “My advice is to make sure you donate time to your dream. If you don’t, it will burn off.”

The website is currently endorsed by the Department of Education in Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They are also in partnership with Communities In Schools, an organization dedicated to connect community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life.

Projected to be “the next Google” in terms of its fast growing success, Skid-e-Kids.com and the Skid-e-Kids Network represent the future of social networking. Their key to success, Mychals says, is to “force what’s in the outer world to match what’s in your head.”

-Alesha Johnson

Luisa Margarita Ayes is a native of Puerto Rico. She completed major studies in marketing at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Highly motivated, energetic, enthusiastic, creative and social are some of the qualities that best describe this successful businesswoman.

Ms. Ayes is a co-founder of Hispanic Marketing Group, Inc., which is dedicated to linking corporate America and the Hispanic Community. She is also a co-founder of the popular and well-attended Festival Peachtree Latino.

Press Release from http://pitchengine.com

SIX ATLANTA WOMEN TO BE RECOGNIZED AT 2ND
ANNUAL CHOZEN AWARDS IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Cocktail Reception on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Artist Trifecta Gallery

03.05.2010 – Atlanta, GA (March 1, 2010) — The CHOZEN AWARDS pulls out all the stops in time for the 2nd annual awards and cocktail reception. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Artist Trifecta Gallery (161 Mangum Street) in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hills district.

The highly anticipated community-based awards recognize the unwavering efforts of individuals and businesses that go above and beyond the call of duty. This year in honor of Women’s History Month, in addition to acknowledging the accomplishments of the nominees chosen by the people in the areas of business, health, music and entertainment, the CHOZEN AWARDS will also honor six dynamic women across Atlanta.

The group of honorees includes: WNBA Atlanta Dream General Manager and Head Coach Marynell Meadors; Georgia Institute of Technology Professor Dr. Catherine L. Ross; Recording Artist Monica; Entrepreneurs Luisa Margarita Ayes (Festival Peachtree Latino) and Dee Dee Cocheta-Williams (A.B.C. Publicity) and Radio and Television Producer Nina Brown (Frank & Wanda Morning Show).

A special presentation will be made to this multicultural group of professionals on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Artist Trifecta Gallery, located at 161 Mangum Street #102, Atlanta, GA 30313, in addition to the winners of the online voting taking place now until March 17 at www.chozenawards.com.

This year’s sponsors include Artist Trifecta Gallery, Real Atlanta Magazine, The Style Suite, Deep Standard, Just BE, SIR Magazine, Only In the A and CHOZEN MEDIA.

The CHOZEN AWARDS
Established in 2008, CHOZEN MEDIA, a trend-setting, Atlanta-based, multimedia company, created the CHOZEN AWARDS to inspire, impact and empower the Greater Atlanta community in honor of the unsung heroes who are the lifelines of this city. Nominees are selected in the areas of business, entertainment, health, hospitality and the arts and are voted on by the public.

For more information about the CHOZEN AWARDS please visit www.chozenawards.com or contact Lenora Bowler, lb@justwant2be.com, 404-840-0516.

Save the date  – April 25th – Stone Mountain Park Memorial Lawn.

Feria Latina is a celebration of the diversity of Latin American culture that takes place in a historic venue.

Thousands of people from all over the state of Georgia attend the event to enjoy a day of performances by some of the best Latin artists, contests, giveaways, company exhibitions, arts and crafts, international food and Stone Mountain’s famous “Laser Show Spectacular.”

Last year, there were over 35,000 people in attendance and over one hundred companies participated in the event. Feria Latina at Stone Mountain Park is undoubtedly, one of the most enjoyable multicultural family events in the Southeast.

For vendor information, call the Hispanic Marketing Group at  404-321-0663.
AtlantaCreatives.org Human Edited SEO friendly Link Directory Project!

Attorney Rooks was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November 2000. She is a member of the Georgia Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, and the Eleventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia. She is the owner and principal of Shana M. Rooks & Associates, LLC.

Professional affiliations and memberships include, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Gate City Bar Association, Clayton County Bar and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Attorney Rooks was awarded the National Order of Barristers in 2000. She was a member of the National Moot Court and ATLA Moot Court Teams, and the Executive Editor of the Sports Lawyers Journal while at Tulane.

Attorney Rooks values her call to service and believes to whom much is given, much is required. She graciously serves as the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, President of the Board of Directors for Shoot the Hoop, Inc., and President of the Board of Directors for the Southern Crescent Pearls Foundation Inc, an affiliation of Psi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Shana is also the Corresponding Secretary for Psi Alpha Omega Chapter and the Chair of Savor The Taste, the chapter’s premiere male cook-off and signature fund-raising event.

Attorney Rooks is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Clayton and also serves the citizens of Clayton County as a Clayton County Juvenile Court, Judge Pro Tempore and a Former Magistrate Court Judge. She is also a member of St. Philip AME Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Regardless of what you may have heard,

Here are some basic steps you should take to help ensure the survival of your business.

Determine who will succeed you. Will it be family members, your business partners, your employees, or an outside buyer? Each choice requires a different plan.

Prepare a time line. Barring death or disability, when and how do you plan to exit the business? Well in advance of your planned departure, equip your successors with the skills and experience necessary to take over.

Maintain complete and accurate financial records. Your company’s financial history is essential to preparing a fair business valuation. An accurate valuation is important for several reasons. First, you deserve a fair price for your business. Second, a buyer and his creditors will want evidence that the purchase price is fair. Finally, your company’s
valuation may have to withstand IRS scrutiny.

Create a financing plan. Your plan might include life and disability insurance, an employee stock ownership plan, or a stock redemption plan. Whatever your plan, it should take your future financial needs into account and provide a method for your successors to meet those needs.

Surround yourself with a team of advisors. Your accountant, your attorney, your banker, and your insurance agent can each have an important role to play in completing your plan. Failure to plan for an orderly transition can result in financial losses or even the loss of your business. A well-designed plan, on the other hand, can protect your family, your employees, your co-owners, and your customers.

Call By The Book Accounting for assistance in setting up a succession plan for your business at 678-608-2775.

Lately, for me, the community and world news both seem to be more overwhelming than usual. There seems to be more despair in the air due to the recent earthquake in Haiti, violent storms, floods, and now, the earthquake in Chile. All of this sad news, in addition to the current economic situation that many people are facing, is leading to feelings of emptiness and despair.

Every once in a while, I believe we need a new hope. We need a hope that can keep us motivated even when the dust gets in our eyes and our vision seems to get cloudy. We need a new hope that will keep us going in the midst of life’s setbacks and challenges. We need a hope that will remind us that if we keep putting one foot in front of the other, not only will we move forward, but we will also prevail.

Where can we find this new hope?

The only place I can find it is . . . inside. I believe if we keep looking within, we can find our way. Every day must be symbolic of a new beginning. This is a journey for us all. We may not be in full control of where it leads us, but we can grab hold of a belief that we WILL make it through.

- Jacqueline

Lisa Ford refers to her consultation as a “Fashion Feng Shui Journey” in which you will learn about yourself in ways you never imagined and find out which clothes harmonize with your body and flatter your figure. “Clothing is your body’s most intimate environment and, therefore, energetically influences your life in the same way that your home and business decors do,” says Ford. In my Fashion Feng Shui consultation, Ford described me as an “Earth energy” type – a peacemaker who prefers textured fabrics and traditional styling in versatile and basic clothes. I found that explanation to accurately describe my personal style.

Another color expert, Lauren Battistini, founder of Color My Closet in Houston, Texas, maintains that color accounts for up to 90% of the first impression we make and she teaches women how to use it to their advantage. “The right colors visually shave 10 pounds and 10 years in an instant! Women can wear virtually any color in the right hue, and their personalized palettes contain their 64 best colors,” says Battistini. “Up to two-thirds of women are neutral–not cool or warm–and Color My Closet’s system more fully represents the skin tones found in all ethnicities.”

Lisa Ford may be reached at www.inventyourimage.com. Find Lauren Battistini at www.colormycloset.com.

Jackie Silver is the founder and president of Aging Backwards, LLC and author of Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young (http://budurl.com/kdzv). Follow her on Twitter, @AgingBackwards. Sign up for her free newsletter at: http://agingbackwards.com/.

Born in Staten Island, New York, Ingrid Priscilla moved to Georgia in 1991. The combination of the witty and wise New Yorker teachings of her parents and the sweet, Southern hospitality of her childhood gave her the best of both worlds, and shaped her into who she is today.

Ingrid Priscilla has been involved in planning parties and various events for as long as she can remember. Her mother, known for her art of entertaining and hosting, is the main inspiration for her desire to pursue event planning as a career. After her mother’s passing, she felt the need to take this inherited gift to the next level by starting a professional event planning business.

Because of this passionate spark that ignited the launching of The Party Makers, it is her main goal to transform one’s dream party into a reality. With Ingrid Priscilla’s fine-tuned attention to detail, sharp creativity, and strong understanding of how to create the perfect event, every client is treated as one of a kind.

The Party Makers’ mission is to give its clients an experience that is unique, magical, and unforgettable. 770-853-2069

The health fair is for anyone interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through weight loss and health education. Lighten Up Expo will educate you, your family and friends on setting goals, getting back on track, nutrition, fitness, body image and more. You can also find out how losing weight affects your relationships and learn how to make the journey as a couple in a Love Sex & Weight Loss seminar.

If you are the parents of a child with weight issues, this is the place for you to get educated about the dangers of being overweight and discover solutions. We will help provide the right tools you need to maintain a healthier life. Don’t miss this awesome event!

______________

Charlie Brown, MBA, CAT, CSP, is a successful weight-loss surgery patient who has lost 137 pounds since January 2007. She is the Executive Director of Bariatric Care Network. She has an extensive fourteen (14) year background in relationship seminar facilitating and leadership communication, six (6) years as the Editor for a local parent magazine and five (5) years as a modeling agent.

She is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great relationship experts. Charlie is a highly sought after Bariatric Relationship Speaker. As a lecturer, educator, author, and relationship activist, she continues to travel the world, spreading her relationship wisdom.

Within the rhythm of her Love Sex and Weight Loss (LSW) seminars and the elegance of her style, Charlie’s unique Q & A portion of her LSW gives power to attendees to capture the intimacy in their relationship. Charlie motivates attendees through the vigor and grace of her approach. The LSW interactive workshop is for couples interested in building or maintaining a quality relationship.

Charlie has been married to her husband, Charles, for 19 years.  They have six daughters, and she understands what it takes to create longevity in a relationship. As an activist for strong relationships, she devotes much of her time to many small support groups to help couples achieve the quality relationships they so richly deserve.

As soon as you meet Lisa Nicole Cloud

Lisa’s in-depth experience in Sales & Marketing, Strategy Development & Implementation, and Training for several Fortune 100 companies has enabled her to revolutionize and build a large Direct Sales business in the Telecommunications and Technology industry. As a result of her groundbreaking achievements, she began and launched a successful direct marketing company, Elite Marketing Strategies. Her focus and success has been in the areas of Personal Development, Executive Coaching and Network Distribution Building Strategies and Training. To complement her training and coaching techniques, she has produced several audio training series on Personal Development and Direct Sales Building Strategies.

Over the last several years, Lisa has conducted several hundred high-energy leadership trainings and sales seminars throughout the US and abroad in which she impacted and trained thousands of representatives in areas of Direct Sales, Personal Development and Professional Networking. She has provided consulting services in the areas of Marketing Strategy Development & Implementation and Organizational Development for companies in various business sectors such as Healthcare, Sports Entertainment, Information Systems, Pharmaceuticals, and Telecommunications, just to name a few.

Don’t let her small stature fool you, Lisa is a Little Dynamo! Dynamic, Captivating, Charismatic, Passionate, and Genuine, are often terms used to describe her. Lisa’s mission in life is to help people identify their God-given talents so they can do more, be more, achieve more and impact our community in a positive way.

Lisa will motivate and inspire any audience as she consistently applies Management, Psychology, Personal Development and Leadership principles, bringing real-life experiences to her presentations and trainings. She captures and holds her audiences with high-energy, passion, captivating stories, real-life examples, and humor. Her messages motivate, inspire and produce quantum leaps in productivity and performance for any company.

Lisa shows audiences the power of dreams and shares the keys to turning them into realities through her simple message, “Your Attitude in Life determines your Altitude in Life.” Stay Focused and Live Your Dreams!

Lisa has helped develop and train thousands of entrepreneurs around the world and is a renown and well-respected trainer in the Direct Sales Industry. Lisa has been featured in “International Power Magazine”, “Your Business At Home”, “Success From Home”, “The Woman’s Journal”, “People You Need to Know”, and most recently “Atlanta Business Journal”. Lisa’s new book “Live Your Dreams…It’s Possible”- 8 Success Principles for the Christian Entrepreneur was released in December 2009.

For more information about Lisa Nicole Cloud please contact her office at 1-877-486-4774 or visit www.lisanicolecloud.com.

Contact: GiGi Benjamin
770-460-5995

People You Need to Know Proudly

Announces Staples Sponsorship

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, 18 February 2010 – People You Need to Know (PYNTK), Metro Atlanta’s premier business spotlight publication, is proud to announce Staples, Inc. as its official corporate sponsor.

Staples, Inc. is the world’s largest office products company, serving businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It has more than 2,000 stores worldwide.

PYNTK’s relationship with Staples is a perfect match because they are both committed to helping businesses grow. Staples is dedicated to contributing to each and every community it serves.  Since 1986, Staples has been making the lives of business people easier when shopping for office supplies.  People You Need to Know has been making it easier for metro Atlantans to find first-class business professionals such as doctors, attorneys, dentists, real estate agents, and more since 1993.

To promote the partnership, PYNTK will banner the official Staples logo on its website, SparkPlugPeople.com.  The front cover of upcoming issues of People You Need to Know will also bear the Staples logo.  Furthermore, expect the Staples logo to be featured prominently at the People You Need to Know tent at business Expos, trade shows, and festivals.  These events are expected to attract more than one million people.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Anthony “Spark Plug” Thomas, publisher of People You Need to Know says, “I appreciate this agreement with Staples. I’m sure it will be a win-win situation for both of our organizations because Staples is about supporting businesses and PYNTK is about promoting businesses.”

People You Need to Know publications are available at Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods, and many other retailers throughout metro Atlanta, as well as an online digital version.

###

• January 30, 2010 – Get Body Beautiful Expo: Cobb Galleria
• February 27, 2010 – Lighten Up Expo – Georgia International Convention Center
• _____________________________
• March 07, 2009 – College Expo: Cobb Galleria
• March 14, 2009 – Women of Strength: Sheraton Gateway Hotel
• March 27, 2009 – American Association of Blacks in Higher Education: Sheraton Downtown
• March 28, 2009 – Women in the Media Conference: Spelman College – Sisters Chapel
• ____________________________
• April 04, 2009 – Health Expo: 8900 Tara Blvd. – Jonesboro
• April 10, 2009 – 100 Black Women’s Day at the Capitol
• April 23, 2009 – Synergy Business Expo – Georgia International Convention Center
• ____________________________
• May 02, 2009 – Mother/Daughter Breakfast – DeShawn Snow Keynote Speaker, Dekalb Tech Conf. Center
• May 04, 2009 – Sweet Auburn Heroes & Heroines Awards Luncheon
• May 06, 2009 – VIP Media Reception for Sweet Auburn Springfest – Atlanta
• May 08, 2009 – Sweet Auburn Springfest
• May 09, 2009 – Sweet Auburn Springfest
• May 10, 2009 – Sweet Auburn Springfest
• ____________________________
• June 04, 2009 – New America Media Conference (Atlanta Hyatt)
• June 20, 2009 – Cobb County NAACP Juneteenth Festival (Marietta Square)
• June 21, 2009 – Real Men Cook – Railroad Depot (Atlanta)
• June 22, 2009 – Pure Hearts Girls’ Conference (Decatur)
• ____________________________
• July 04, 2009 – New Birth Family & Friends Day Celebration – Lithonia
• July 11, 2009 – Pleasant Hill Community Impact Expo – Roswell
• July 25, 2009 – Vendor Day Celebration – Lithonia (Main Street)
• ____________________________
• August 8, 2009 – Wellness Fair (St. Phillip AME – Decatur)
• August 14, 2009 – National Action Network Summer Conf. (Atlanta)
• August 23, 2009 – Festival Peachtree Latino – Underground Atlanta
• August 27, 2009 – Women’s Wealth Conference – Doubletree Hotel Atlanta
• ____________________________
• September 5, 2009 – Business Expo – Little Five Points – Atlanta
• September 6, 2009 – House In The Park – Music Fest – Atlanta
• September 11, 2009 – Marietta Movie Night – Laurel Park
• _____________________________
• October 6, 2009 – Motivation for the Single Moms – Morrow
• October 10, 2009 – The Pink Party – Georgia World Congress Center
• October 16, 2009 – Rainbow Push Conference – Hyatt
• October 24, 2009 – Smart Women Business Expo – Decatur
• _____________________________
• November 4, 2009 – Marietta Business Association Expo – Cobb Civic Center

———————————————-

2008 People You Need to Know Grass-Roots Publicity Tour!

• Sponsored by: Dr. Danielle Wilson & Dr. Sharon Harley

• April 07, 2008 – Bally’s – Cobb Parkway (Cobb)
• April 10, 2008 – Bally’s – Pleasant Hill (Gwinnett)
• April 17, 2008 – Bally’s – Stone Mountain (DeKalb)
• April 18, 2008 – Business to Business Mixer (Downtown)
• April 30, 2008 – LA Fitness – Morrow (Clayton)
• __________
• May 02, 2008 – Urban Network Fridays (Downtown)
• May 03, 2008 – 2009 Front Cover Photo Shoot
• May 10, 2008 – Financial Literacy, Real Estate & Wellness Expo (Atlanta Voice)
• May 12, 2008 – Holistic Health & Fitness Fair – Sam Nunn Federal Center (Downtown)
• May 13, 2008 – Peachtree City Kiwanis Club (Tyrone)
• May 19, 2008 – Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia)
• May 29, 2008 – Women Make Things Happen Seminar (Atlanta – Cascade Library)
• ___________
• June 12, 2008 – Presentation @ Be Someone Summer Camp – Redan, Georgia (10:00 am)
• June 12, 2008 – Taking Control Of Our Image – Atlanta Metro Black Chamber – Paschal’s (6:30 – 9:00pm)
• June 15, 2008 – Real Men Cook (Georgia Railroad Depot)
• June 17, 2008 – Presentation (Branding) Michon’s Loft
• June 20, 2008 – Apex Museum (Juneteenth Celebration – Downtown)
• June 21, 2008 – Cobb County NAACP (Juneteenth Celebration – Marietta Square)
• June 25, 2008 – Public Speaking 101: What They Don’t Teach You In Toastmasters (Sandy Springs)
• June 26, 2008 – Women Make Things Happen Seminar (DeKalb – W.C. Brown Library)
• ____________
• July 23, 2008 – Life Lessons I Learned From A 110 Year Old Georgia Doctor (Buckhead)
• July 28, 2008 – Life Lessons I Learned From A 110 Year Old Georgia Doctor (Hampton)
• July 29, 2008 – Life Lessons I Learned From A 110 Year Old Georgia Doctor (Fairburn)
• ____________
• August 12, 2008 – Life Lessons – Dr. Denmark (Riverdale)
• August 14, 2008 – Life Lessons – Dr. Denmark (Clayton)
• August 19, 2008 – Life Lessons – Dr. Denmark (Morrow)
• August 26, 2008 – Public Speaking 101 – What They Don’t Teach You In Toastmasters (Tyrone)
• August 28, 2008 – Life Lessons – Dr. Denmark (Downtown Atlanta)
• _____________
• September 02, 2008 – Life Lessons – Dr. Denmark (Lovejoy)
• September 13, 2008 – For Sisters Only (World Congress Center)
• September 14, 2008 – For Sisters Only (World Congress Center)
• September 20, 2008 – Public Speaking 101 (Peachtree City)
• September 30, 2008 – Public Speaking 101 (Morrow)
• _____________
• October 3, 2008 – Sweet Auburn Heritage Festival (Downtown)
• October 4, 2008 – Sweet Auburn Heritage Festival (Downtown)
• October 5, 2008 – Sweet Auburn Heritage Festival (Downtown)
• October 11, 2008 – Business Expo (DeKalb)
• ______________
• November 16, 2008 – Gwinnett Place Mall

Nevertheless, during the passage of time, as things grew, began to change, and demands became greater, I also needed a change.The WordPress bug bit me and I decided to give in and give it a whirl.

Now … here I am, trying to figure things out, seemingly making two steps forward, one step back, but taking it all in stride. This is not what I expected, but I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge.

Looking back, podbean.com was definitely a honeymoon period of blogging compared to my current situation.

Since January 2010, I’ve been doing the tango with WordPress and to my dismay, it’s been requiring much of my time, mostly babysitting. Because of the complexities I’ve been experiencing with this blog publishing application, or should I say, my theme, I’m not in love yet, but the possibility of it winning my heart is still open. In spite of my “not ready to jump up and down” emotions toward WordPress, it is the most popular blog software in use today.

So, I’ll continue to warm up to it and see what I can learn, continue to grow, change and evolve and maybe even fall in love. But until then, I’ll keep tweaking the design of this site until I can say, “Estoy acabado!”

By the way, I’m sticking with podbean.com and will still post there from time to time for sentimental reasons … my first love, of course. Not only that, we’re still listed as number one (myideas1.podbean.com) in their network of bloggers.

Are you a WordPress fan?

- Jacqueline

Relaxation Therapy is a group of simple, natural techniques that relax the body while teaching it to deal more effectively with stress. These include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, guided imagery and music therapy, to name a few.  To be most effective, Relaxation Therapy should be practiced on a regular basis.  With practice, the body learns to relax faster and easier and the benefits to your health and morale become evident and long-lasting.

Relaxation Therapy has these significant health benefits:

• Relieves muscle tension & anxiety
• Decreases blood pressure
• Slows & regulates heart rate
• Reduces insomnia & fatigue by producing deeper, sounder sleep
• Reduces stomach problems by aiding in proper digestion
• Increases focus, memory, concentration, self-confidence & self-esteem
• Promotes more energy & productivity
• Helps keep the immune system healthy
• Improves overall feelings of happiness & well being

Relaxation Therapy promotes wellness and healing, it is a great complimentary therapy for those recovering from injury or illness. In fact, for this purpose, guided imagery is now being practiced in hospitals throughout the United States.

For more information about Relaxation Therapy, call 410-544-9127 or visit the Tranquility Bay Wellness website.

Managing Stress Naturally with Relaxation Therapy
Guest Contributor: Terri R. Marshall, CHSMS, CWC

Here are some quick tips for aging backwards when, like me, you can’t make it your “full-time job.”

Instantly younger perception. Studies show that the scent of pink grapefruit makes a man perceive a woman as six years younger than her age. The world’s first anti-aging perfume, Ageless, incorporates the essence of pink grapefruit and other scents proven to make men see women who wear it as eight years younger.

One minute relaxer. Try this several times a day for a quick and simple way to calm and relax yourself. Take a deep breath. Hold it for a count of five, release it for a count of seven. Repeat three to five times.

Five-minute makeup. A shocking comment I heard from an acquaintance one day was, “You probably take two hours to get ready to go out so you should start now.” Excuse me? I can do my makeup in roughly five minutes. As we get older, less is more when it comes to makeup. I interviewed Bruce Grayson, head of the Emmy’s makeup department, for my book Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young, and confirmed that we need less makeup as we age, not more. So, a five-minute makeup routine is just right for me.

Six minute cat nap. Six minutes – that’s all the time you need for a “power nap” that will not only make you feel better, but will also improve your ability to learn and remember, according to German researchers at the University of Duesseldorf. The researchers performed experiments in which they asked students to review and memorize a list of 30 words. Afterward, the participants were allowed to play a video game or take a nap in a quiet room. The nappers remembered more words than the video gamers. The results suggest that most of the memory improvement is linked to changes that take place in the brain just as you start to fall asleep. “These processes remain active for a certain time period even if sleep is terminated shortly thereafter,” said Olaf Lahl, the study’s lead author.

Eight-minute JumpSnap workout. Skipping rope is an awesome way to keep aging backwards, especially when there’s no rope to trip you up. Of course, check with your doctor before doing it, especially if you have health issues. The JumpSnap beginner workout is a fast-paced eight-minute routine that’s fun and effective.

Doing all of these tips back-to-back would take less than half an hour. So you can see that staying young is definitely not a full-time job when you know the shortcuts.

Mr. Johnson has a passion for Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue that began when he moved to the city in 1984 from Philadelphia. He didn’t know anything about Auburn Avenue or its “great history” at the time, he says, and walking the street was his introduction to the community.

“It’s been a love affair ever since,” says the founder of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn (formerly the Friends of Sweet Auburn). In the late 1980s, Johnson participated in the Sweet Auburn Festival as a vendor and in later years became involved in Sweet Auburn’s business association. In 1993, he spearheaded the production of the festival, he says, and has done it ever since.

Today his voice is vibrant while detailing Auburn’s expansions, developments and happenings on what he calls “the greatest street on the planet.” “We want to promote the spirit that makes Auburn Avenue great. It’s a universal spirit,” says the Stone Mountain resident. “The same spirit that the people of South Africa had to fight apartheid. . .that’s the spirit of Sweet Auburn. That’s what makes the spirit great. That’s why 350,000 to 500,000 people come to the Sweet Auburn Festival.”

“When I originally took over the festival, to some extent, it was a big flea market, says Johnson. What we’ve done over the years, we’ve developed various venues of the festival that include arts and literature, business and technology, a Dream Home Showcase, International Film Festival, Just For Women Expo, Car and Bike Show, the Fantastic Family Fun Zone, and last but not least, the Health and Fitness Fair. We want people to come to the festival to discover new stuff. We want them to see what folks are achieving. Those who come to the festival also have an opportunity to rediscover Auburn Avenue.”

“When I speak of Sweet Auburn, I’m not just speaking of Auburn Avenue, I’m speaking of Edgewood, JW Dobbs, Jesse Hill Jr., the community, Johnson says. And if you look on Edgewood, you’ll see there are a lot of new exciting businesses opening: young Black visionaries, entrepreneurs are opening businesses. And that is what we celebrate.”

“What’s great about the district is all of the major institutions have remained here, and they’re the ones who are supporting the resurgence of Sweet Auburn. Developments include the SCLC new National Headquarters; First Choice Credit Union Building; the restored Odd Fellows Buildings; Big Bethel AME: Wheat Street Baptist Church is planning major development; Butler CME; developing the Edge Lofts on Edgewood Avenue; First Congregational; the Historic District Development Corporation; Ebenezer Baptist Church; Butler Street Y; Prince Hall Masons also have projects in the works. These institutions are the ones that have maintained the street and are leading the redevelopment of the district. There is also great anticipation of the APEX Museum’s Phase 2, a $65 million plus Epcot type exhibit of the African American Panoramic Experience.”

“It’s wonderful when you can do something that you love to do and it’s successful. It’s a great satisfaction. It’s not a job,” he explains. “When you see people are pleased and people come out to the festival and the businesses on the street prosper, the vendors make money and the artists who entertain are discovered, that’s fantastic.”

“More important is that people rediscover Auburn Avenue and see it as a destination, a place to live, shop, dine, work, play and worship.” Johnson’s vision is to expand the festival to include Lucky Street (NW Auburn Avenue) and extend activities to Centennial Olympic Park, encompassing all of downtown, making the Sweet Auburn Springfest one of the largest street festivals in the world.

Complete information about the Sweet Auburn District may be found at www.sweetauburn.com.

Written by: Petula Wright – originally posted on myideas1.podbean.com.

David Jernigan is the Executive Director for KIPP Metro Atlanta, overseeing the network of KIPP schools in Metro Atlanta. Prior to assuming the role of Executive Director, he was the Founding Principal of KIPP WAYS (West Atlanta Young Scholars) Academy from 2003 to 2008. Under his leadership, KIPP WAYS Academy was consistently one of Atlanta’s highest performing middle schools, and in 2008 it was named the #1 “No Excuses School” in Georgia by the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. David came to Atlanta through the Teach For America program, where he taught at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School in the West End of Atlanta.

Mr. Jernigan is a Morehead Scholar and graduate of the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and is the recipient of the 2003 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. He received his teaching certification through Georgia State University’s Urban Alternative Teacher Certification Program and his Masters in Educational Administration from National Louis University in Chicago.

In 2006, Mr. Jernigan was nominated and selected for LEAD Atlanta, a program for emerging young leaders in the Metro Atlanta area. In 2007, he was honored with one of ten Outstanding Atlanta awards. He is passionate about improving the educational opportunities for students in Atlanta and looks forward to broadening the scope of KIPP’s impact in Atlanta by helping to open additional KIPP schools in the near future.

Note: KIPP is currently looking for phenomenal teachers for their outstanding program. Contact them today to help lead kids to college.

We cannot live our lives based solely on facts because facts are changing almost daily. Furthermore, the facts don’t motivate us anyway — the possibilities do! William Faulkner exclaimed, “Facts and truth really don’t have much to do with each other.”

In 1949, when the Federation for the Blind was founded, 99 percent of the blind people in America were unemployed. So, the founders of this organization decided to encourage their members to view blindness as a personality trait rather than a disability.

In other words, the leaders of this organization encouraged their people to rethink what was possible for them. They literally changed the facts! Because of this paradigm shift, blind people today are succeeding in areas once believed impossible. They now work in almost every field imaginable … teachers, attorneys, mayors, artists, Olympic athletes, professors, entertainers, TV talk show hosts, professional speakers, etc., and the list goes on and on of professions which the blind now occupy.

Are you old enough to remember Allen Funt from Candid Camera? Well, he used to always say that most people don’t question things. They just accept things as they are and invariably go with the flow.

On one of their many outings, the Candid Camera crew was in Delaware filming a few segments for their television show. They put up a giant sign that read, “Delaware Closed Today.” Mr. Funt commented that what was so amazing about the entire episode was the fact that most of the motorists didn’t even question this outrageous stunt. Some of them just asked, “Well, uh…is Jersey open?”

The past few years have taught us to really question everything. What we believed a year ago doesn’t hold true today.  Housing, employment opportunities, solid financial institutions and much more have crumbled into dust before our very eyes within the past few years. Not only that, civility seems to be evaporating by the minute.

Nevertheless, this is not a time to feel defeated, but a time to tap into the gigantic ocean of possibilities that still lie within your reach. The beautiful thing about the world of possibilities is . . . there is never a shortage of ideas that can become an inspirational springboard . . .  so keep moving forward. Gather up the courage to get up, go forth and conquer.

You can do it! Believe it.

I posted this when Dr. Leila Denmark turned 110. I was excited when I spoke to her daughter on yesterday because Dr. Denmark turned 112. They celebrated the historical event at Red Lobster.  She is now the 24th oldest person in the world and the 10th oldest American. The following is a re-post.

Dr. Leila Denmark was born on February 1, 1898 in Bulloch County, Georgia. The year she was born, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 49 years. Currently, she is the 67th oldest person in the world, according to the short list of super-centenarians (people at least 110 years old or older.)

Dr. Denmark was the 3rd female graduate of the Medical College of Georgia in 1928. She was one of the first female pediatricians in Atlanta and practiced medicine for more than 70 years. It has been estimated that Dr. Denmark treated more than 250,000 patients during her distinguished career. She is credited with being the co-developer of the Whooping Cough vaccine, which saved countless lives of children in the early part of the 20th Century.

When I first met Dr. Denmark in 2002, she was 104 years old, and had just closed her medical practice the previous year, at 103. At that time, she was the oldest practicing physician in America.

Over the years, I’ve learned many valuable life lessons by staying in contact with this legendary Atlanta doctor. Some of the lessons prompted me to do further investigation, and I have incorporated many of them into my daily life. Coming from Dr. Denmark, they were even more powerful because she has seen many years come and go. Here are a few tips she shared with me…

• Don’t abuse your body with junk food
• Love what you do
• Drinking cow’s milk is dangerous
• Do your best to help others
• Too much sugar is not a good thing
• A sense of humor is very important for longevity
• As a doctor, it’s important to find the root cause of a problem
• Never bring a child into the world unless you’re willing to take care of them
• Children are not getting parental guidance and it’s wrecking this nation
• Kids in daycare are deprived of attention and catch too many illnesses
• We need to think about everything we eat and drink
• “Let’s do” is easier than do
• Anything you have to do is work and anything you love to do is play
• During the Great Depression, 11,000 of America’s 25,000 banks closed (Save what you can, appreciate what you have.)
• Never raise your hand or your voice to a child
• Parenting has gone out of style
• Children and adults should eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juices
• Drink only water
• The greatest change she’s seen in her lifetime has been the neglect of little children

This is what works for me: My wife and I no longer buy milk. She makes it from scratch using dates and almonds. I don’t buy fruit juices because once the juice has been pasteurized, the vitamin and mineral content have both been greatly reduced. I’ve cut back on my junk food consumption tremendously, and I no longer look at day care facilities the same. – Spark Plug

Though the weather was cold and rainy, it could not

I arrived early and the pink colorful venue was already buzzing with anticipation of what was to come. We were all there to feel the energy and be inspired by Andrea Riggs, aka “Ms. Body Beautiful,” one of the nation’s top fitness and nutrition coaches.

In case you’re thinking this was an event where the attendees just walked around to find out what the many vendors had to offer, or listen to one lecture after another, think again. Ms. Riggs planned this event to specifically help those in attendance to jump-start their hearts, and begin to move toward a goal of consistently exercising, as well as living and eating healthier.

Before long, she was on stage and we were on our feet, doing stretches and exercising, moving and grooving to the upbeat music. And just to spice things up a bit, one of her associates came onto the stage and led us into a session of “Sexy Salsa Dancing.”

Another treat for us was the famous chef, author, and TV personality, Marvin Woods. He was there to ‘drop some knowledge’ regarding healthy eating. Right away, I started putting into practice some of the valuable information he shared.

From skin care tips, massages, nutritional information, or getting measured for jeans that hug our curves just right, the benefits of this wonderful experience were too numerous to mention. And if you were there, you’d agree that Ms. Riggs definitely believes in what she does and cares about getting women fit and strong so they can live healthier lives.

If you missed this life-changing event, I would advise you to visit Andrea’s website, GetBodyBeautiful.com to find out when she’ll be having her next pep rally for good health. You will not leave without having a desire to change your life for the good.

For the past fifteen years, Andrea has immersed herself in the world of health and fitness, and is ready to help you manage your lifestyle, nutrition and fitness for better weight management. If done consistently, it will definitely lead to improvements in your cholesterol, blood pressure, and the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Tune in to hear her passion…

Lewis’ high adoration for children drives her to dedicate much of her time to designing youth programs and writing children’s books. Her latest book, Let’s Potty, was released at the NAEYC Annual Conference in Atlanta in November 2006. She has published a number of articles, chapters in college-level textbooks, newsletters and more.

Lewis earned the Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Degrees in Early Childhood Education at Albany State University and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Education Degree in Adult Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. She serves on numerous state and local early learning boards, leadership councils, and committees.

Prior to becoming a full-time business owner, Lewis was the Director of Instruction at Albany Technical College where she supervised the Early Childhood Care and Education Division and Academic Programs. In addition to serving as an instructional dean, Bisa directed the child development demonstration centers leading the main campus program to Georgia Standards of Care Center of Distinction and national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Lewis’ classroom experience ranges from paraprofessional to university Instructor. In the Department of Teacher Education at Albany State University, she supervised student teachers and served as Project Director for its four professional development schools and two child development centers.

As a Get Ready to Read Training Manager for Smart Start Georgia and Ready to Learn Consultant for Georgia Public Broadcasting/PBS Kids, Lewis partners with community organizations in Southwest Georgia to offer complimentary workshops to parents, teachers and childcare providers on how to help children and their families get the most from appropriate use of educational tools and programming, while maximizing literacy-learning opportunities in preparation for school-readiness.

Lewis dedicates much of her time to presenting child development workshops to enlighten the minds of parents and educators in hopes that all children will have sufficient opportunities to learn.

Listen as she shares how you can help your child become a successful learner.

Jacqueline Benjamin-Thomas

Though it seems to make sense

Way back in 1927, the Harvard Business Review published a report tracking 200 companies from the beginning of the 1923 recession. The results were clear. The companies that didn’t cut back on marketing – those that advertised the most during that period – enjoyed the biggest sales increases.

Another later study measuring the effects of business-to-business advertising looked closely at the recessions of 1949, 1954, 1958 and 1961. In these tough times, sales and profits dropped for companies that reduced their advertising. In addition, when the recovery came about (as it always will) those same companies lagged behind those that did NOT cut back.

That was proven again by McGraw-Hill Research when examining the financial performance of 600 companies in 16 industries during the recession of 1981-1982. The report, published in Laboratory of Advertising Report 5262, showed that sales for companies which aggressively marketed during the recession rose 256% over those that cut back – and stayed growing for up to three years AFTER the economic downturn.

A Cahners Publishing Company study in 1980 and a Center for Research and Development study in 1990 both concluded that those companies which maintain or increase their advertising during recessionary times stand to gain the most market share during that period (an average of 1.5 points.)

Coopers & Lybrand and Business Science International put it this way in their joint report published by Penton Media in 1993: “Businesses that maintain aggressive marketing programs during a recession, outperform companies that rely more on cost cutting measures. A strong marketing program enables a firm to solidify its customer base, take business away from less aggressive competitors, and position itself for future growth during the recovery.”

There is a book of such research findings entitled Advertising in a Recession by Bernard Ryan, Jr., published in 1999. But these examples will probably suffice to tell the story.

The word “recession” has its origins in the Latin for “move backward.” In an economic recession, when those around them “move backward,” smart marketers do just the opposite. They STEP FORWARD.

By BBlackwood - Longtime creative director and marketer.