$2000 Bonus

I am up for a bonus with Empower Network where I can earn $2000 if I get the most sign ups tonight. So help me out by visiting my Empower Network Site

Thanks in advance!

Over exhausted

Hey guys! Sorry about the blog post today (or lack thereof) I am exhausted and I have only one post in me today. If you feel like hearing about my work rant, enjoy it on my Empower Network Blog. It is quite amusing now that I re-read it =)

Tomorrow I will have time to catch up both blogs.

Tuesday's Thoughts

Holy end of February! I am totally overworked today =). I feel like I have been going all day...and boy have I! I have been doing work for Sunshine Studios as well as River Market today. Starting at 7am and ending at 8pm. What a long day! I am totally vegging out and blogging on both blogs! So easy and I love it!

Be sure to swing by and leave your comments!
http://www.empowernetwork.com/lorettawolff/blog/coaching-day-1-with-empower-network/?id=lorettawolff

Back to Work Monday

Today is the day that I decided that I need to really get rid of the negative stress...it has and always be about money. You can never make enough but the quality of your life changes - or diminishes totally. Fights break out about not having enough money for the necessities. What a stress it is and so many people are living it right now.

I have joined the Empower Network. Why? Because I am blogging already and I totally have decided to get paid to blog everyday. It is so easy and so far, I am excited to get going with this.

Go check out my blog and see if the Empower Network can work for you to make some extra income every month!

Feel Fab Friday: Luscious Lashes

I have received many complements on my new lash look. I previously suffered trichotillomania which is hair loss from repeated urges to pull or twist the hair until it breaks off. My victims were my lashes and eyebrows. For many years, I hid it from people by using makeup to fill in the bald spots. I then began to over pull and I wound up with no eyelashes. After comments of looking like a cancer patient, I looked for help. I did contact Jenny from California Sun (see last week's post) and we worked on some hypno-massage sessions. These sessions helped me to become more aware of my triggers and how to avoid them. 

Why am I sharing such personal information and what does this have to do with my lashes?
There was a time when I wished for lashes. I wanted voluminous lashes and I wanted to stop looking sick. When my lashes first grew back, they were really thin so here are some secrets from pros that I have learned to make my lashes look fuller.

1. Choose your wand wisely - Certain wands are for different looks. It is important to use what you need based on your lash style.

This wand is usually a plastic wand and does allow more of the mascara to be on your lashes because there are no bristles.

The bristle brush is the more common brush we are used to seeing. This allows for more volume and curl.

Feel free to check out some more brushes and their purpose at the Pixiwoo Blog

2. Use different mascaras to enhance - It is ok to use two different mascara products that enhance certain features. For me, I use two different combinations based on what I have on hand. I mostly choose black. My first mascara allows for the separation. I use Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara.

Then on to the volume! I love to pile on Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

...or I love Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

Remember, experiment with new items. Try new things. You can always wash your face and start over! I love using Mary Kay a little more because if I don't use it or don't like it, I can give it back and exchange for something or get my money back. It never hurts to try new things.

Website Review: Care.com

I have been a member on Care.com for what will be a year in April. I came across it from a Google search prior to all of the publicity it has received on TV commercials.

The website is really easy to navigate. From a user standpoint, you can easily search for caregivers by location. You can view their profiles and contact them instantly. You can require them to provide a background check by checking a box.

From the caregiver standpoint, it is still as easy. You can reach out to families and let them know availability  ask them about their requirements and submit your background check easily by clicking a check box prior to submission. You can easily respond to requests via email.

Prior to the commercials, I was receiving responses back and inquiries daily. Since the commercials, I have seen a decline in the amount of correspondences I receive. I did receive a contact but am wondering if people are moving to another form to find help in childcare and housekeeping.

Any ideas?

Restaurant Review: O Sake Asian Fusion

After our wonderful movie, we went out to dinner. We were going to visit one restaurant in Middletown but it was packed solid with no tables and a line out the door. We will have to go there another day. Instead, we went to O Sake Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar.

This was a walk by decision as Adam and I have never been. While walking along W Main, it looked like the best choice with just a couple spaces left inside. We walked in and waited to be seated. I would say the wait time was 5 minutes which wasn't really bad considering it was Valentine's Day.

They had an awesome special where you get an Appetizer, Sushi Roll, Soup or Salad for both, Dinner for both, and dessert for only $65. Our dinner drinks were discounted because of the holiday as well. We started with hot and sour soup for Adam. That was the first to come out, even before his beer. I have never had hot and sour soup, so I don't know if it was supposed to be this way, but it was cold.

Next we got the Appetizer. We had dumplings. They were so spicy but oh so good. The flavor with the pineapple went very well together. Then we had a sweetheart roll or should I say that I had it because Adam doesn't eat sushi.

We then waited for probably a half hour for my seaweed salad to come out. The place was packed so I understood that things were going to be delayed but it seemed like our server was the only one there. We were never asked if we wanted another drink or some water or anything. Dinner finally came out and we enjoyed a little of it - not because it was slow coming out but because it had gotten to be late.

We had a little of the dessert that came out on an artist palette plate. The cookies and strawberries were good. Not something I expected from Asian Fusion but they did come from a local bakery so it works.  Other than the lack of service we received, the food was very good, but that didn't end our night...

We were fortunate enough to receive a show while waiting for our food. There was a table of 16 or so people. It just so happened that they had been drinking too much and the brothers started to fight, not only in the restaurant, but outside. The Middletown Police did make an appearance into our day all because of some drunk loser that couldn't keep his mouth shut long enough for every other table of couples and families to enjoy their evening. The show was free!

Movie Review: A Good Day To Die Hard

I am not much of a movie go-er but I am lucky to have a wonderful movie buff named Adam. He was very excited when I said that Die Hard was the movie of choice for Valentine's Day instead of the love story of the week.You can view the trailer to the movie here.

We hit the 5:50pm showing of it at the AMC Loew's Galleria Metroplex 16. As expected, the movie was nothing but action from the beginning of the show! Typical Die Hard with awesome explosions and a lot of free falling scenes. Two hours later we were subjected to yet another Die Hard movie full of excitement.

According to the ticket sales lady, we made the right choice because the popular Safe Haven movie was sold out and was a hit for the day as to which was expected for Valentine's Day. I would say definitely go check it out!

Mitzvah Monday: Heart-A-Thon

Each year, WSUL and WVOS, two radio stations in Sullivan County, NY host the Annual Heart-A-Thon at the Catskilll Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY. It will take place on Saturday, February 23rd from 8am to 5pm at the Garden Level Food Court.

Be sure to make a donation by visiting the SCVA website!

Will keep you posted on the success of the event. Last year, the event raised over $65,000 at the fundraiser. Hope to see you there!

Sunday Rant

So here it is - the last day of the weekend. Why does it seem like there is never enough time for breaking and recouping from the week's activities. I guess being a work-a-holic doesn't help. If I am not working, or babysitting, or cleaning houses, or doing laundry, or cleaning my house or doing my laundry or being a part-time mom.

I want to propose a new law that we adopt the same living habits of those that celebrate Siesta. I feel as though people would be more productive during the day with a couple of hours off in the middle of the day. This idea is genius!

I would take that time to catch up on sleep or on something that would benefit me and my well being. I don't take time for myself and I don't have any downtime until the end of the night where in try to turn in and then I am up late trying to get my mind to settle down and rest and I wind up cleaning or something that equals less sleep. Wine isn't working because I cut down so the only answer is a Siesta in the middle of the day.

What do you think? Are you on board? Would you be more or less productive?

Vendor Review: DJ Danielle

Wedding season is slowly approaching and many of you may have been proposed to on Valentines's Day. While getting ready for your special day, remember that 81% of people who attend your special day remember how much fun they had and how awesome the DJ was! The answer for you is DJ Danielle.

DJ Danielle can be that entertainment your party needs. She always keep the party going and people keep talking about the entertainment afterwards. I have attended weddings where Danielle was the entertainment and many of her clients ask her to stay for the after party.

Danielle is located in Wappingers Falls, NY and is ready to book your event today.

Feel Fabulous Friday: Love Your Body

With V-Day here and gone, it is never too late to love your body. It is always important to care for your body inside and out. While a balanced diet with a lot of water is ideal, my idea of caring for my body includes a deep tissue massage by Jenny at California Sun in Milford, PA.

Massage offers

Healthy, relaxing, revitalizing, and rejuvenating ... massage has been shown to provide physical, mental and emotional benefits. Massage can enhance overall health by improving mood, self-esteem and reducing stress. Pamper yourself with one of our several massage services. Our therapists use various types of massage to meet the individual needs of our clients.

Jenny is absolutely wonderful. She helps with all types of issues including working out any kinks you may have or sports injuries. Instantly makes you feel better! I love seeing her! Be sure to call and set up an appointment. She also offers tanning and other skin care services.

Valentine's Day - For or Against?

And it's Valentine's Day! An over-commercialized holiday that starts on December 27th in all stores. Where it is ok to over-indulge in delicious confections and buy flowers and stuffed animals. It's normal to go out to dinner and wait for over an hour to get a chance to get bad service in most restaurants. I'm guessing that you're guessing that I don't really like Valentine's Day.

I think my hatred started when I was in college. It may have been sooner but I believe that is the first I remember the anti-love holiday. I was always alone and my roommate, Leila and I decided to have our anti-V day every year (with or without boyfriends).

We watched sappy love movies, ate pizza and indulged in lots of beer. It was an enjoyable girls night that we could count on happening every year. After college, I was in one bad relationship after another where the guys treated me the absolute worst and hardly remembered the holiday. I never received flowers and I can remember one year getting a piece of jewelry that I had to go and pick out myself. From that point, I decided that it isn't about going out or indulging. (There are plenty of holidays that just passed where we over indulge in everything and blame it on the holidays)

What would be my ideal Valentine's Day? After much thought and writing other posts, I have decided that I just need to be appreciated that day. I don't need to do anything fancy. I don't need all the crap that is going to fizzle out after a while. I wouldn't mind just spending the day with my other (got that Adam?) It is hard to get a day off of work for many, including myself, but putting some time aside to share time, quiet time with the one you love is the best way to do it.

Try to think of one thing you could do to show your other how much you appreciate them. Do something other than eating...take a class together, go for a walk, sit and talk without the distraction of electronic devices and just appreciate the company. That is what makes the day magical.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Restaurant Review: Brother Bruno's, Port Jervis, NY

Brother Bruno's has recently changed locations due to unsafe conditions in the previous location.

The food was very plentiful. We ordered Spaghetti and Marinara, Penne a la Vodka, Manicotti and Wings. The pastas were absolutely delicious and I would have enough for Adam, myself and at least one more meal.  My grandmother did say that the marinara sauce was a little spicy but she said it was absolutely delicious

As for the wings, sauce was good but spicy for a mild sauce. The wings were well done, which normally wouldn't be an issue, but they were slightly burned which didn't add to the flavor.

The location is ideal for walking traffic and the inside is cute and quaint. Great for families to have a delicious meal.

New Location
Front St
Port Jervis, NY
845-391-3141

Ideas?

I am really enjoying this blogging I've got going on. It is fun. There are times that I fight with myself to try to find something to write about. Is there a place you want to visit but would rather someone else do it for you? Is there an event that you want to attend but you don't want to waste the money if it is not something you want to do? Let me know. I would love some ideas.

Restaurant Review: Village Pizza, Montague, NJ

As always, Pizza is one of my go to favs where I just sometimes need to indulge. One common place I frequent is Village Pizza in Montague, NJ.

I have been caring for my grandparents from Florida and they were dying for some New York pizza so I picked up some pizza from Village Pizza for dinner. The order was half pepperoni and sausage and half plain. The ordering process online was easy and the lady was very polite on the other end, providing me with the amount prior to hang up.

I did have to wait when I arrived but it was literally 5 minutes as it took a couple minutes to pay. My order was so hot and it was very tasty. The pizza was a little greasy but that was from the meat choices as they are always more greasy than plain cheese.

Grandparents approved!

Snowy Saturday

Snow is inevitable this time of year. We all expect it but yet we all hem and haw and then talk stories of when we were younger and we didn't go anywhere when it snowed and we spent all day sleighriding or ice skating.

Many states are still getting snow but we are lucky enough to be enjoying some sun. What are you doing on this Snowy Saturday?

Feel Fabulous Friday - Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Welcome to the first edition of Feel Fabulous Friday! Every Friday, I will post something that can help make you feel totally Fab. It can be a cosmetic product, an outfit, a pair of shoes or just something you can do to help yourself feel totally awesome.

Today, I am inclined to tell you about Mary Kay's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. I have used this product for some time now and I believe it does wonders for your eyes. Leaving your makeup on clogs your pores and removes the natural oils you have in your skin. This, in turn, will age your skin quicker.You should never go to sleep with your makeup on from the day. So take it off with this remover.

Here is some information about the product from the website.

Gently removes eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, without tugging or pulling the delicate skin in the eye area. Formula does not leave skin feeling greasy.

• Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy.
• Suitable for contact lens wearers.
• Suitable for sensitive skin and sensitive eyes.
• Hypoallergenic, oil-free and ophthalmologist-tested. 

I totally love this product and it does everything it says. It literally melts away the makeup leaving your eyes feeling soft and smooth. To purchase, visit this website. It makes me love wearing makeup and makes it even easier to take off!

The Universe Speaks

About a year ago, I signed up to receive daily inspiration from the Universe. No, I'm not going crazy! I receive emails daily with some sort of inspiration and I look forward to it. It starts my day hearing what the Universe has for me. Here's a little insight on my day today, according to the Universe:

 A rather sneaky way to understand where you are in your spiritual evolution, Loretta, is to look at those folks in the world, near and far, who champion the same ideas and opinions as you, and then all importantly, look further at their associations, choice, behaviors and priorities, while understanding that like attracts like. Fast tracking your "ah-ha"s, The Universe

Today is a day, just like any other. One where I ask for a miracle and got many. I came to a road block and consulted with those to help me through. Sometimes, we just need a little pick me up or that slap in the face to wake up! I love my TUT - Notes from the Universe every morning. It goes well with my coffee.

Couponing - Is there a secret?

I have been couponing for months now and I find it to be rewarding when you find the right deals. In our area, I know that ShopRite doubles coupons so anything less than $1.00 will be $1.00 off the product. When stores run specific coupons for their specific store, a manufacturer's coupon can make the product go down to almost nothing or less.

Is it worth the time?
Yes and no. I spend a couple hours to save a couple hundred. While that doesn't seem like a lot to many people, it could be something as simple as an insurance payment. It can be exhausting to remember which store has which items, but if planned correctly, can be beneficial. ShopRite offers home delivery to me so if I need to, I can cut out a couple hours at that store finding the good deals.

What is the plan of action?
I make a list and pull out the coupons that are expiring soon from my coupon box. Most of the times, I use the deals that are in the paper that week and I only have a few left over. Perfect example, I have a coupon for $1.00 off Barilla pasta from two weeks ago. Barilla pasta is on sale for $.88 this week at ShopRite. But planning your shop is the most important thing when it comes to being successful and not being a waste of time.

Is there a secret?
I am sure many people will tell you their different ways to save money. Doubling is always best. If you can use a store coupon and a MFG coupon, that rocks. And sometimes, it is worth standing in line for a rain check on certain items because you may get a better deal the following week and they will adhere to the lowest price.

So get to clipping those coupons! I have some on my Coupons! Page so be sure to check them out and print what you need. Happy Clipping!

SendOut Cards - Attitude of Gratitude

I have been a distributor for SendOut Cards for a year now and I have to say that I absolutely love it! I love being reminded of birthdays and anniversaries that I would otherwise forget. I love being able to send cards in my bathrobe and not have to worry about going to the store and then stamping and remembering to mail it on time. I love that I can send delicious brownies and cookies and other gift items to people and know they are getting a great quality product.

There is so much I love about SendOut Cards but the best part is the support I get to build a business as well as how I make people feel by remembering an important day or just to say "I am thinking of you." This business is a great opportunity and people seem to be really inclined to make their lives easier and change people's lives.

I took the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge and sent a card a day to a different person. I had such a great response from the individuals I sent cards to that I have continued to send a card a day to people I know. It is so easy and very inexpensive to do!

On of my customer's +Laurel Haswell , loves how easy it is that she wrote about it in her blog Laurel Likes It...Or Doesn't. See how easy it is by sending your very own card! I am offering the opportunity to send a free card on me to whomever you would like to brighten their day a little. See what a difference a card can make. Send your card today!

Star Struck: Jason Segel and Michelle Williams

It was a normal day at the River Market in Barryville, NY yesterday afternoon. Sam, Matt and I were all there just doing normal work stuff... When all of the sudden, Jason Segel walked in. Now, for those of you who don't know who he is, shame on you! He is in How I Met Your Mother and funny movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I Love You, Man.

Meeting Jason was the highlight of our mundane day. He was so nice! We do have many celebrities that frequent the Sullivan County area but they don't really want to be bothered or they get annoyed with us "country folk" because we ask for photos and autographs. But not Jason! It seemed like he was upset that we waited so long to ask him if it was him or ask for a photograph. Sam asked if she could have a photo with him and he seemed excited.

I have to say that Jason seems as though he would be fun to have a beer with! Next time you are in town, look us up!

The best thing since sliced bread?

Talking MOO Mixer http://wanelo.com/p/3890575/talking-moo-mixer

I feel like this is every chocolate milk lover's dream. I think I am going to have to get this for Adam and let you know how it works! Stay posted for an update.

Wanelo...more dangerous than Pinterest

The other day I was shown the Wanelo.com website. I promise you that we have a love-hate relationship now..

Wanelo.com is more dangerous than Pinterest in that the site shows you where you can purchase the items and takes you there to complete the purchase. Now, I have spend my fair share of time on Pinterest pinning away but Wanelo allows me to create wishlists and send them to people for them to purchase! I am also able to share things I like on Facebook as well.

Thank you Wanelo for making my shopping experience a little easier (my bank account does not approve) but darn you for having an app on my phone and making it much much easier to browse while I am waiting in line at the grocery store!

Wish Jar

What is this exciting Wish Jar you speak of?? Well it is an idea that is adopted from a wise associate of mine.

Things were getting very tough for us at the end of the year and we were so overwhelmed with bills and the lack of money coming in. We had our bills paid but that was about it. Adam and I were not able to go out or even stay home and enjoy each other's company. We were stressed and overstretched. We started selling items we knew had value to make sure we could get to work and have a place to live.

Knowing how stressed I was, my friend suggested creating a Wish Jar. This jar would collect money (bills only) on bad days or when there was extra in our pockets and it would allow us the opportunity to treat ourselves once in a while when we know we cannot take anymore of what life is throwing at us.

We have created a wish list for us if we don't have any ideas of what we can do. So far, the jar has accumulated a bunch of money and we are working towards our first wish. The wishes are stuff for Adam and I to do together. I think it also ensures we do something with each other every now and again.