Maybe you're heard a little something about this thing called Facebook? Or Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+? Social media is everywhere, and you can benefit from it, whether you have a business presence on social media or not. But first you will need a website. There are plenty of free templets out there. Wordpress is probably one of the best. After your site is up and running, then it's time to get people talking about it and driving traffic to it.
Just the Click of a Share Button
Social media "share" buttons provide an easy opportunity for your website visitors to share your site with their contacts. When a visitor selects, for example, the Facebook "Like" button, a link to your website appears on their Facebook page, and most of their  friends will see it. Viewed as an endorsement, this virtual word-of-mouth referral can be a powerful tool for targeted leads.
Even if you are hesitant about setting up a social media business presence because you are not committed to the required maintenance, you can still take advantage of the "virtualness" through share buttons.

Stressed?

Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses.

Stress is a normal part of life. Many events that happen to you and around you -- and many things that you do yourself -- put stress on your body. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

How to Reduce, prevent, and Cope with Stress

It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about your stress level. The bills aren’t going to stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your life is the foundation of stress management.

Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.

What did you do when the lights went out?

Was that a crazy ride or what? No light, which I can deal with, but no heat for 5 days was a true test for many. I can not complain since we packed up and moved out. Most were not as fortunate. How did you keep warm after that freak snow storm of the year?

Build a Strong Immune System - Naturally!

The holiday season is upon us. Time for gathering and merriment. No one wants to be derailed from the festivities with a cold or the flu. Both can strike at any time of year. But its in the winter that we have dry air creating the perfect environment for a winter bug. Airborne germs, close contact ... your health can get thrown off balance.

Here are 10 ways to Build a Strong Immune System, Naturally.

Drink Tea instead of Coffee. Caffeine stresses the adrenals, the glands that sit on top of the kidneys and support the body's immunity and energy.
Cleanse Your Sinuses. Most colds enter the body through the nose's mucous membranes. A 2010 study found that kids with colds and flu who regularly used a nasal wash got well faster, took less medications, and fought off future colds better than those who didn't. 
Meditate. Stress is the immune systems worst enemy. Whether it's the craziness of the season, death, divorce, finances, your bodies ability to fight germs is complicated by physical and mental tension. Research shows that even 10 minutes of daily meditation reduces the physical systems of stress. 
Massage Therapy. Regular therapeutic massage sessions provide significant benefits beyond the immediate relaxation we enjoy. People who experience high levels of stress tend to get sick more than others. Devotees of massage therapy know it's relaxing and feels good. But massage may also be an effective tool for maintaining good health. Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reported that a single massage produced measurable changes in the immune system and endocrine system of healthy adults.
Keep Moving. Just because its cold isn't an excuse to stop exercising. To prime your immune system, get a least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like stretching combined with strength training and moderate cardiovascular exercise, such as walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike. One theory is that increasing your heart rate speeds up the circulation of white blood cells, making it more likely they will seek and destroy germs early on. 
Cinnamon.  Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity, and the oil of cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. As a result, it has been used as an effective home remedy for curing the common cold, boosting memory and cognitive function and curing headaches and migraine pain.
Oil of Oregano. The ancient Greeks were one of the first people to recognize this oil for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. It is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections. Some benefits are strengthening the immune system and improving respiratory health. 
Add Water. Researchers linked the spread of the flu to winter's low humidity, meaning moisture may be a natural weapon against airborne germs. The theory is that germ-infused droplets from sneezes and coughs stay airborne longer in dry air. But moisture in the air (humidity) makes the droplets grow too large to float, and they fall to the ground. Soo, you are less likely to inhale them. A humidifier is the best way to incase your homes humidity level. 
Stay connected. Loneliness can impact your immune system. Laugh, Have Fun. Research shows that looking towards an event boosts immunity.

You tell me... what's your natural remedy?
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Staying Cool in the Dog Days of Summer

The past few days have been extremely uncomfortable for me. I live in an older home with no central air, only window units. Outside the oppressive heat bears down like a brick wall. Even though I grew up in the south, heat has never been my friend. I don't care what anyone says, I'd take snow over heat any day of the week. As I try to stay still here in the coolness of my basement, I thought I’d share some of my tips on beating the heat.

Chill the Pulse Points

Remember when you were a kid and didn't feel well, mom would place a compress on your forehead... well same concept.
Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so each hour. Splashing water on your temples or face can produce a similar effect. And be sure to put some of that tap water into a glass and drink up.

Go Tropical

Take the lead from those who live in tropical climates, wear lightweight cotton and linens. The guayabera, or the Mexican wedding skirt, is constructed to keep you cool naturally. Same with a traditional Filipino barong, these keep moisture from the skin and are worn untucked to promote air circulation. 

Don't eat: Graze

Ever notice how you feel hot after a big meal? It's not just because the food was served warm.

Big, protein-laden meals force your body to stoke its metabolic fires. The solution is to break up your eating into smaller, more frequent meals. You'll feel cooler — and it's better for you, anyway.

Eat to sweat

Latin America, India, Thailand — some of the world's hottest places. And they happen to serve some of the world's hottest foods.

Scientists have argued for years over why this is the case, but the most likely reason is that spicy foods make you sweat without actually raising body temperature. It’s the capsaicin, a chemical found in things like hot peppers. Once your skin is damp, you'll feel cooled by its evaporation.

Stay cool under the covers

A lot of people find it difficult to sleep in hot weather.

Want to cool the bed down? Fill a standard hot water bottle with ice water. Use it to cool your ankles and the back of your knees — it works.

How are you keeping cool today?

   

Feeling Overwhelmed?

I make a weekly list of what needs to get done and chip away at it. Each task that I can draw a black line through, the better I feel. Ever find your self waking up in the middle of the night with the weight of the world on your shoulders? Concentrate on your breathing. Slow, deep breathing is a powerful anti-stress technique. When you bring air down into the lower portion of the lungs, where the oxygen exchange is most efficient, heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases, muscles relax, anxiety eases and the mind calms.
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