I Hugged A Man on the Street...And We Cried.

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I lied to my husband once. It was about money. I told him I didn't have any spending money for our visit to San Francisco in 2009. I was basically telling the truth, as it wasn't really MY money to keep. I just knew I was supposed to give it to people on the street. I hugged a man and we cried.

I still cry when I think about it. As my family and I were leaving our hotel on foot to go and see the sights, I spotted a man sitting in a wheelchair by a tourist shop across the street. When I was close enough for him to hear me, I said, "Good Morning". He started crying. He said, "You're the first person who's said 'Good Morning' to me in a long time." (I started choking on my tears).

That broke my heart! Imagine a world where people are so cold and callous, they won't even say 'Good Morning' to someone - because they might ask for a few bucks? Because someone just might ask for help and they'd have to actually do something for someone other than numero uno?

Well, it ain't hard to imagine because that's the society we live in. Where making sure the color on the bottom of your high-heeled shoe is red and almost everyone is super concerned about having the best, latest and greatest. Who cares about some no-name lowlife on the street? Well, God does and that man on the street IS my neighbor. And yours.

So, I gave him whatever I was supposed to give and hugged him as we both cried (I couldn't hold the tears back even another minute). My family had kept walking and they were looking back at me like I was crazy. If that's what crazy looks like, then I'll ***gladly*** accept that label. Yep.

What people do with the money we give is not our business. Some may say, "Don't throw your money away! They're just gonna buy beer or drugs.". So what? Maybe they won't. Regardless, it's between them and God. None of my beeswax, or yours. The point is, "they" are human beings and we ALL need to know someone cared about us at one time or another. We do what we're supposed to do and God takes care of the rest.

I didn't "preach" at him, either. I prayed silently as we hugged. I had a feeling my buddy in San Francisco already knew where the love was coming from anyway.


*This is the first time I've shared this story. I didn't say anything for over two years. I just didn't want to seem like I was "tooting my own horn" or something. You know, we can't "fix" people or solve every problem, but we can show kindness to one person at a time. To me, that's what humanity is about and we need to preserve it.

Don't Get Scammed! Protect Yourself.

As the weekend draws to an end, many of us begin to prepare for the new week in business - which is what I'm doing right now. However, I wanted to take a few minutes to address some issues I have been experiencing in the wonderful world of finance. If you follow my tweets, you are probably aware of the fact that a few people have been attempting to scam my family.

Without going into a long, angry rant, I'd just like to list a few pointers and thank the good Lord we did our research before giving anyone our personal information! That being said, not everyone is as fortunate. Obviously, or these companies - these shady scammers wouldn't be in business.

I want to help people. I do not have an "agenda" or ulterior motive.
Follow these simple steps to avoid a potentially catastrophic financial problem:

1. Do not give out any information over the phone. Tell the caller you will check with your agent, attorney, etc to verify their information before you give out yours! I would advise you to say this even if you don't have a lawyer or real estate agent!

2. Google them. Type in key words along with the company's name in the Google search box. Use words like "warning (Whatever) Mortgage Company" or "stay away from", "fraud", etc.

3. Check them out on the Better Business Bureau's website.

4. Research the company or even the person's name on US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
. It can be a little tricky to navigate, so here's HUD's site map.

5. Check out your State's Department of Real Estate (DRE). For example, here's California's DRE. Spend a little time navigating around. You can also view current Disciplinary Action Reports involving specific real estate companies, agents and lenders, etc.

6. Last, but not least, ask around! Word of mouth is still of the upmost importance.


Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Your feedback and comments are equally important.

And...even though it's annoying...sorry...I gotta write a disclaimer, here:

I am not a licensed real estate agent, financial advisor or attorney. I don't accept any compensation for my advice, which is only being given in hopes of helping other individuals and families. I am not making any legal claims and if others do take my advice, I am not responsible for whatever the outcome may be. I also propose that this disclaimer be effective for any and all blogs I post.

Okay, got that out of the way. Thanks for reading and if I've helped one person, then "Mission Accomplished". ;)


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The Night Owl

We've all done it. But do we admit it? You know, sitting in the dark, the faint sound of Barney playing on PBS Sprout (even though the kiddos are asleep). The only other audible sound is your fingers tippity-tap-tip-tapping away on the keys of your handy-dandy laptop, which is usually anything but! You tell yourself you need to get to bed -- because there's no such thing as "catching up on sleep". Still, your mind is full of all the to-do lists. Back in the day, people used to keep a little notepad on their nightstand and jot the things down they needed to remember when the new day dawned.

Now, we have everything we need at our fingertips. Netbooks, Desktops, Laptops, Smartphones, Tabs, even Holograms!

But let me just pose this question: Is this a good thing?

I will be the first to say I love Twitter, Facebook and all things Social Media. However, could these tools actually be harmful? I'm sure there's a medical study out there somewhere proving my little musing is sorta-kinda accurate.

This is where we need to tell ourselves to "Step Away From The Smartphone"!

Really.

I didn't make a New Year's Resolution, but maybe it should be to spend a little less time hitting the snooze button --hitting less "buttons" for that matter and actually spend more time snoozing. Shouldn't we all?

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It's Been a Long Time Since I Blogged N' Rolled...

I am seriously going to get better at posting more blogs...or blogging more posts, whichever lol!


It's been so long because I've had a LOT going on. Shortly after my last post, we moved. Not across town, not even across state...


We moved to a magical place called "C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A"!


I love it here! I love living here more than any other place I've ever lived.


I was telling my friend Shannon today, when he said I should probably take a vacay, that I don't want to go anywhere! See, normally I love vacays! Really. But, this is where I would want to go on a retreat...since I already live here...I'm retreating everyday! Kind of.


Not that I shouldn't go anywhere. It gets awful busy. Sometimes downright crazy. Kids, schools, doctors, phone calls, emails, Mary Kay....


Can someone tell me why, on top of everything, I decided to go back to college...again?!?


I guess I was thinking, "Hmmm...okay, yeah you are busy, but you're still able to breathe...let's *FIX* that!".


Hahaha. Yeah, so anyway, I'm not doing anything lately besides what I absolutely have to do, which is EVERYTHING...LOL!


I *deww* need to get out...thank goodness my friend Sharon is hosting a jewelry party this Saturday night. I cannot WAIT to go! I think I have a stash of cash for a taxi...j/k...not!


I need to get someone to host a Spa Party for my Mary Kay business. Okay, ya - I get it. Yes, I will want to sell someone something. Sure! But, I'm not going to pressure them...nooo waaay!

Can anyone think of a better excuse than earning potential Mary Kay sales to go and hang out with a bunch of super neat-o chicas who will DEF appreciate free spa treatments? Seriously, NO.


Do I need an excuse to do that anyway? Naw, but it sure does help with the "Mom Guilt". ALL Moms know what I'm talking about. You do, admit it! We all have it - or have had it before ... at least one little-teeny-tiny time!


Chocolate, Wine, MicrodermAbrasion Treatments and Mint Bliss Pedicures sort of help put that "Mom Guilt" in its place a little. Just a little. Dontcha think?


Ahh well, anyway, I think I need to call my Mom ;)

January Only! Customized Discounts and Customize your FREE GIFTS!

Let's Start The New Year Off Right! Get Refreshed, Get GLAM!

When you spend $40 or more within the month of January 2009, you can customize your FREE Gifts!

(while supplies last)

Introducing the New Skin Refreshing Set! Treat your skin right! Feel Hydrated, soothed and clean. It's all yours with the take-along Skin Refreshing Set. It includes mini-sized Mary Kay® Indulge® Soothing Eye Gel, Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, Intense Moisturizing Cream and Oil-Free Hydrating Gel all in a mesh zippered pouch!





For those of you who want to GLAM it up, choose The mirrored Mary Kay® Mini Mineral Eye Color Quad - which includes .02 oz. fill weights of four GLAMOROUS shades: Silky Caramel, Lemongrass, Amber Blaze and Denim Frost, plus a dual-end sponge applicator.;




Has your skin been left feeling dry and flaky due to Winter Weather? You may need more than a refreshing treatment! You need a VIP! Not just a VIP, MK's MicroDerm Abrasion set is THE VIP! Here is your chance to get this wonderful travel-sized limited edition for FREE! Reap the benefits of this Spa product.

You can get instant results at home with the TimeWise® Mini Microdermabrasion Set. It’s the perfect product because of its great value and benefits – like the fact it contains the same aluminum oxide crystals that dermatologists use, but at a much more attractive price. But best of all, the TimeWise® Microdermabrasion Set fights fine lines, refines pores and helps women achieve smooth skin – immediately. And the benefits just get better with regular use.



(This particular product as a Gift with purchase is extremely limited)



Not Only will you receive your FREE Gift With Purchase of Your Choice (when you spend $40 or more - before tax), Those who spend $100 or more (before tax) will be eligible to receive the BEAUTIFUL Holiday Wishes Necklace!



(while supplies last)

Add GLAMOUR to any outfit with the elegant Holiday Wishes necklace! Lucite gold-foil beads and multifaceted crystals in fabulous champagne tones make this versatile 41-inch necklace the must-have accessory for ANY Season!

This MUST-HAVE item was being offered exclusively as a Hostess Gift. The company suggested it should be earned by hosting a party with $200 in total sales and one booking.

I will make it a lot easier for you to get this because With each necklace, you help the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation with its two causes: finding cures for cancers affecting women and ending the epidemic of domestic violence against women. That’s because Mary Kay Inc. will donate 100 percent of the proceeds of the Holiday Wishes necklace to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.

These causes hit very close to home and I want to help! My Mother has had Thyroid Cancer, My sister and I are sick with Thyroid Diseases, and two women very close to me suffered from Domestic Violence. HELP ME FIGHT THESE EPIDEMICS!



WAIT - IT GETS BETTER! I DID mention CUSTOMIZED DISCOUNTS! Choose from FOUR great offers, some of which can be COMBINED!


1. New Year's Discountt - 20%off everything!
CAN BE COMBINED WITH GLAM DISCOUNT! (cannot be combined with Ultimate)


2. Military Discount - an extra 10% off! CAN ALSO BE COMBINED WITH GLAM DISCOUNT! (cannot be combined with Ultimate)



3. GLAM Discount - take 30% off these GLAMOUR products when you purchase TWO or more of the following:

Mineral Highlighting Powder;
Mineral Bronzing powder
Mary Kay® Subtle Tanning Lotion
Mary Kay® Eyesicles® Eye Colors


4. Ultimate Discount! - 40% off orders $200 or more (before tax)! Can be combined with GLAM Discount (only)!


This is a GREAT way to start the NEW YEAR! WE NEED TO CELEBRATE! During the Month of January 2009, you can earn $30.00 in FREE products for HOSTING a party if:

1. There are 3 or more purchasing guests who do NOT have a Mary Kay consultant (this is extremely important!);

2. The original party date and time is kept;

3. The party results in at least one booking from anyone in attendance;

4. Total party sales are at least $100.

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! <3




Remember - catalog/website orders count, too!







CONTACT ME to submit your order or book a PARTY online, by phone, via email, or text message!