Sheran Memories

2012-03-07T10:02:00.001-05:00

"Not Acceptable" is a powerful and compelling 30 second public service announcement which gives voice to a variety of diverse minority communities. While racial and anti-gay slurs are no longer accepted in every day conversations, the "R" word is still used both toward people with intellectual disabilities and even jokingly toward oneself or one's friends when they do something silly, unthoughtful or irresponsible. Let's spread the word that using the "R" word is simply not acceptable.

People with intellectual disabilities should be seen as unique individuals and respected for the amazing gifts they possess and share so willingly with others. Each person has a story to tell. They are individuals with the same feelings, desires, hopes and dreams that we all have. For many, the fight to reach those dreams will be fought harder than you or I could ever imagine. Let's celebrate those who are really more a like us than different. Ban the "R" word from your vocabulary today.

Turn Grapefruits into Oranges

2012-02-19T08:26:00.001-05:00

I think this pictures says it all...just sayin.

So, I have been dieting for a few months and lost 25 lbs. I have about 15 lbs to go and it needs to be replaced by muscle. I am starting a combination of Insanity workouts, Zumba dance and then rejoining the club in my office building after I return from a week-long business trip in the beginning of March. How are you going to turn grapefruits into oranges?

Inspired by Pinterest: Cookies

2012-02-16T11:32:00.000-05:00

Okay,so I am totally addicted to Pinterest. I have even made it a goal to try something I see on Pinterest each month. Browsing the boards has awakened a new creativity within me and I look at every day items and opportunities with fresh eyes.

So I thought I'd share a cookie "recipe" inspired by something I saw on Pinterest. My version is pretty much a hack version but very good.

You'll Need:

Cookie Dough
Your favorite Cookie

1. Take a cookie (this is a Tagalong, the one I saw on Pinterest was an Oreo)

2. Make or buy chocolate chip cookie dough (I bought mine, the Pinterest recipe had you make yours from scratch) and form dough into two small balls.

3. Mold cookie dough around the Tagalong pinch edges to seal.
4. Bake according to cookie dough package directions

Enjoy!

2012 Resolution Keeping: Bible Reading Plan for 2012

2012-01-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

On my previous post, I outlined a plan for keeping my resolutions in 2012. This is part two of a series that will track my plans and progress on keeping these goals. I'd love to hear from you on how you keep your resolutions. This week, I am focusing on have a daily devotion time and growing in God's word.

The Challenge: I seem to constantly be on the go, so to have a daily quiet time is often a struggle for me however, it is the most important time I can spend each day. Starting your day with God is so important that my company begins each week in a time of staff devotion. But setting aside this time for myself requires discipline and a plan of action.

Last year, I found a Bible reading plan online which provides a document with four, two-sided bookmark guides for reading through the Old Testament and New Testament in a year. The plan calls for two New Testament and two Old Testament readings each day. Well, last year I intended to laminate these bookmarks and begin, but the worksheet stayed in my daily action folder for weeks before I finally gave up.

The Plan: So this year, my plan was to get up early each morning and use these bookmarks to direct my Bible reading as I drank my morning coffee. I did well the first few days, but I struggled to get all four readings in before I had to turn my attention to getting three kids ready for school, two dogs cared for and myself off to work. If I missed a day, I felt pressured to "catch up" and read the previous day's readings as well as the present day readings the following morning. I realized that I was rushing through the readings instead of meditating on the Word and I might not be able to keep up with this set pace. So, I gave myself some slack.

The Revision: My Realistic Bible Reading Plan for 2012

Moving forward, I am going to focus on the Old Testament readings each day. I chose the Old Testament because I am reading The Story with my daughter, which begins in the OT. The Story is a concise, 31-chapter abridged chronology of the Bible, presented as one continuous story from beginning to end.They have versions for toddlers, young children, youth, teens and adults so it is a great family devotional experience.

By narrowing my focus, I have less a chance of feeling overwhelmed and will more likely stick to my goal.

I have made two copies of my bookmarks so that I can have them in my Bible at home and in my Bible at work. That way, if I miss a morning session, I can read during lunch at the office. In fact, I might just make a PDF of each bookmark to have on my iPhone so I can use my Bible Gateway App to read from my iPhone while on the go.

Hopefully, by setting realistic expectations, identifying a daily reading time (as well as back ups) and equipping myself with my reading plan in multiple locations, I will meet my goals but more importantly, I will grow in the knowledge of God's plan for us and increase my understanding of God's will and plan for my life.

Three Steps for Keeping Your Reslutions in 2012 - It's Not Too Late

2012-01-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

As the New Year dawned, I made my list of resolutions like many others. I prefer to refer to them as goals. A natural goal setter, I like to know what I am aiming for. Sometimes I hit the mark, sometimes I don't. I like beginnings - the start of a new year or a new season - because they are a good and natural opportunity to take stock in where you are and where you are going and decide if that is really where you want to be. It is a time to reflect back, analyze the success, failures and surprises of the past, and make adjustments to your goals, plans and dreams.

But goals are meaningless without a strategy for achieving them and a structure for accountability. It is great to have a goal to lose weight but I know from years of experience, if you don't have a detailed plan to accomplish that goal the first temptation is going to derail you before you even get started.

So, I'd like to share with you some ways I am being intentional about keeping my resolutions this year. Hopefully, they will help you accomplish your goals.

First, you have to identify your goals (as Yogi Berra says, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up some place else.”)

My goals for 2012

To make home life as organized and peaceful as I can
To better meet the needs of my husband and each of my children
To grow deeper in God's word with a daily devotion time
Of course, to lose 20 pounds (My 20th High School reunion is in November, I have incentive)
To build our emergency savings fund
To have a monthly date night with my husband
To try one new recipe per week
To stay up-to-date with my 2012 Project Life
To learn to sew
To have a weekly devotion time with my kids
To do a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise a day
To improve my photography skills
To keep track of my car keys! (Those who know me well, understand this is a huge area of weakness for me)

Okay, so some might say I am an overachiever.

Next, you need to have a plan in place for each goal.

Then you have to evaluate how you are doing along the way.

My next several posts will break out individual goals above and discuss my plan of attack as well as the accountability system I have set up to make sure I don't lose sight of these goals amidst the craziness of being a full-time working mom in a time intensive career with a long daily commute, taking care of three children (one with special needs) and volunteering as a Girl Scout leader and a member of the board of the Down syndrome Association of Atlanta.

I will not be perfect and may have missteps along the way (like leaving my keys in the car and the car running in the parking deck for an entire day while I worked) and I'll share those with you. Maybe it will bring you a chuckle or you'll be able to apply something to your busy life.

Happy goal setting and Happy New Year!

Project Life

2012-01-05T14:03:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! A few years ago I began an intentional journey to capture the every day moments of life through photography and scrapbooking. Though I have been a scrapbooker and photo taker since I was a kid, most of my albums capture the big events in life. Now I want to also cherish the daily details that make up who we are, how we think - the stuff of life. My first project was A Week in The Life inspired by Ali Edwards in 2006. I am looking forward to doing that album again because our life has changed so dramatically since then including two additional children!

In 2010, I embarked on the Project Life method of capturing life's daily moments created by Becky Higgins. The first year I did a handmade version because her kits sold out. The second year I got a kit and have almost completed 2011 (got behind in journaling on the cards). I am excited to launch 2012 and will use this blog to share my progress.

My goals for Project Life 2012 are to stay up-to-date, to include my family in the picture taking and journaling, to use it as a tool to better my photography skills using the photo-a-day method and to tell the story of our lives one day at a time.

I will still capture the big events through full size pages and each of my child's albums, but I will intentionally focus on creativity every day (or at least every week) with Project Life. In upcoming posts, I will share organization tips, photo inspirations, journal prompts and a peek at my Project Life. Stay-tuned!

Craft Room Envy

2011-12-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

So I must confess Pinterest is my new obsession. I have been on it for two weeks now and have a complete surge of creative energy and a notebook full of projects to try! Just a few more days and I will be glad to be out of the office for a week and in my scrap room!!! Before I let the creativity commence, I plan on doing a little craft room organization.

We moved in our home in August and I am not totally satisfied with my room set up. I also have a whole 1-1/2 shelving units of stamp sets to somehow incorporate in my room. This weekend, I found these cute crates at my local dollar store and scored almost 30 of them for my room. I will likely need more.

I plan to store sets by category in each crate, take a picture of each set and make a label as well as a proof sheet for each crate. Then I will use this catalog system using a paper towel holder and some rings (found on pinterest), so I can easily locate the set I need.

My colors will be teal, green and black and I cant wait to get started. In my search for ideas, I came across this amazing room! I am so inspired to use things on-hand in new ways! Sew Many Ways...: Sewing/Craft Room Ideas and Updates...

If you have any craft room organization ideas, please share!

Must-Have Items to Winterize Your Car

2011-12-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

Time to Winterize!

Well, the halls are being decked and the mistletoe hung but don't forget your car!

With the weather getting colder, you'll want to add a few items to your must-have in your car list:

Hats (for each family member)
Gloves (for each family member)
Scarfs (for each family member)
Boots or shoes (for each family member)
Coats or sweaters (for each family member)
Ice Scraper
Ear muffs
Air pressure gauge
Wind Shield Wipers (spare)
Bag of abrasive material such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter, which can provide additional traction if a tire gets stuck in snow
A small shovel
Your favorite holiday music (my favorite album is All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan, by you guessed it - Kenny Chesney)

Top Must-Have Items for Your Car

2011-11-29T09:41:00.001-05:00

Let's face it, as a mom you spend a lot of time in your car. Whether I am commuting or carting around kids, we spend a lot of time in the car. It is a challenge to keep it clean and organized. Over the years though, I have found you can save a lot of time and money by keeping a few key items on-hand in your car (though I wish I had chosen the mini van with the stow and go seats and floor panel storage compartments - sigh).

Top 20 Items To Have In Your Car at All Times:

Ponchos for everyone
Umbrella
First aid kit
Blanket(s)
Notepad & pencil/pen, coloring book and Crayola Twistable crayons
Notecards with envelopes, tape, scissors, tissue, bag (for last minute gift-giving)
Tissues, paper towels and wipes
Gallon size or larger zip lock bags
Sunglasses
Towel(s)
Spark plugs
Hair brush and pony tail holders
Change
Chargers for phones and other electronic devices including a USB adaptor
Cups with lids
Flashlights
Spare clothes for each child (don't forget shoes and socks)
Bottled water
Envelope with restaurant and other entertainment coupons
Bags (reusable grocery bags, plastic grocery bags for trash, one gallon-size bag and a foldable tote)

What are the must-have items that you keep in your vehicle? How do you store them and keep them organized?

A Remedy for A Dirty Task?

2011-11-15T10:27:00.001-05:00

Testing Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner

I was recently selected to test Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner. No one likes to clean dirty toilets. This product allows you to clean every time you use the toilet by just stepping on a pedal and letting those cute scrubbing bubbles do all the dirty work - in theory. My daughter and I put it to the test (see video).

The results? We give one thumb up and one thumb down. It certainly refreshed the toilet after use and was good for quickly cleaning messes. But the hard water line stain came back and could only be cleaned with a good old fashioned scrub brush. I noticed that that water line is a particular problem in this house and was not such a easily recurring issue in my previous house so it must be the water. But the box says this product could take care of those stains and they did not. I would recommend it for daily cleaning and upkeep, but you would still need to do a good cleaning at least once every two weeks. What good cleaning short cuts do you suggest? Please post your comments here.

Siri and Rememberthemilk.com Make Life Easier

2011-10-28T13:25:00.001-04:00

People often ask me how I handle working full-time in a busy agency environment, commuting, actively mothering three kids and serving on a nonprofit board. Well, aside from a lot of prayer (and a little wine), technology plays a big role in keeping me organized and efficient.

The iPhone has been a game changer for me. There truly is an app for everything. My favorite task-oriented app has been Rememberthemilk. Accessible online, and on my iphone, I am able to keep track of my life and my many roles. I have lists for work, for my volunteer organizations, for networking, for scrapbooking goals, photography challenges and even for capturing ideas for a book I'd like to write.

Now my life tracking just got easier thanks to iPhone 4s and Siri. I can now use Siri to add items to Rememberthemilk. I simply speak into Siri and poof, my tasks are magically added! This is especially good because I usually get flooded with ideas or have 'to do' lists running through my head while I am commuting. Now I can safely capture those passing ideas while on-the-go.

Check out how to set it up here.

Ways Working Moms Connect with Kids

2011-10-20T18:27:00.000-04:00

The company I work for represents DaySpring and its new line of recordable storybooks. The account team asked me to take the books home and use them with my kids. I had fun recording a special story for each of them, knowing that when I travel or have to work late, mommy can still read to them before bed. They two little ones really enjoyed hearing mommy's voice from the books. Take a look at this video of the storybooks in action. The last two kids are mine! How cute!

Feature or benefit?

2011-09-16T22:14:00.001-04:00

I bought a new pack of crew socks tonight. When choosing, I considered price, quantity per package, color choices and size. All things you might expect.

Upon trying to open the package, I noticed in white letters: resealable bag. This notification left me pondering, "who finds it a benefit to be able to reseal the bag your socks came in?"

Top 20 Items to Pack For Business Travel

2011-07-25T10:15:00.002-04:00

The following are some things I have found to be handy when traveling for business (or just about any occasion). If your job requires frequent travel, it would be efficient to keep your suitcase packed with many of these essentials so you are always ready to go!

A smart phone with a quick link to Delta for easy on-the-go flight changes (get ahead of those heading to the ticket counter when a flight is canceled)
A really good carry-on that fits under your seat (so you won't need to worry about overhead bin space)
Business cards and a holder to capture cards
Professional and comfortable travel shoes (such as foldable ballet slippers for a quick change of shoes)
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Light sweater or scarf/wrap for cold conference halls
Small purse that fits in your carry on for dinners out
Extra pair of contacts (Just in case)
Tums and Beano (you'll be eating new things)
Ibuprofen
Chargers for all electronic devices
Camera (capture your trip!)
Breath mints
Silk sleeping bag (have you seen those 20/20 hotel cleanliness specials?)
Sewing kit, including safety pins and fusable tape for on-the-go hemming
A lint roller
Extra creamer for morning coffee in your room
Travel pillow
Portable exercise bands (No excuse not to have a quick workout)

Special needs kids don’t need labels | ajc.com

2011-07-21T17:13:00.000-04:00

Over the past twelve months I have undergone a journey shared here in Special needs kids don’t need labels ajc.com.

On July 2, 2010, our beautiful son was born and we found out he came with a little "extra" known as Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome. At the time I did not understand what exactly that means, and I am sure I still don't really know. All I do know is I have an overwhelming love for a darling little boy who is pretty much exactly like my other children.

I delight in him daily and thank God for bringing him, exactly as he is, into our family.

Guilt Free Philosophy for Exercise

2010-09-27T15:59:00.000-04:00

I am a new recruit to a philosophy I call "fit it in" fitness. As a teenager I can recall spending hours devoted to fitness. I chose aerobics as my PE elective. After school I participated in sports year-round and I usually did an hour or two of aerobics at home in the evenings.

As a single, young adult I belonged to a gym, ran in the afternoons and played Ultimate Frisbee on the weekends. But now I am a mother of three (including a newborn and a two year old), a wife, a dog owner, a home COO and a public relations executive. I am too busy for a 45 minute workout let alone several hours of working out a day. However, after having had two children in two years, I really need to get back in shape and lose those prego pounds.

After months now of agonizing how I was going to fit in a fitness regime into my already hectic life, I had an "aha moment" and came to realize that "fitting it in" is really okay. It all adds up. I don't have to (and would be hard pressed to) block off hours of time to exercise. However, much like sneaking in a few BLTs (Bites, Licks, and Tastes) here or there can result in a lot of extra calories and pounds, sneaking in a few lunges here, a ten minute walk there, and 20 feet of bear crawls with my two year old in the den can add up to burned calories and better fitness.

Some of my fit it in activities the past few days include:

500 steps to see how quickly I could do it (after watching Biggest Loser premiere) = 13:22
24 wide squats while drying hands in company bathroom
1 hour Zumba class with a neighbor
15 minutes of morning yoga
A walk through a charming mountain town
15 minutes on a stair stepper in my office
Sit ups and chair dips while watching a TV program

I still have a goal to get at least a good solid 30 minute workout 4-5 days a week, but if life's unexpected detours allow me to only fit it in as I can, I will give myself a break and even a pat on the back for taking a positive action. Now off to do lunges down the hall and refill my water glass!

Top 10 Road Trip Songs

2010-08-30T14:39:00.002-04:00

Recently my family went on a marathon road trip from Atlanta to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. This was 16+ hour trip, driving through the night on both legs of the trip with an 8 year old, two year old and six week old in tow. When not engaged in hours of Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street and various Disney films (thank God for TVs in cars), we did manage to listen to a little music along the way. Over the years I have developed an extensive play list of travel related tunes to help keep me awake and energized on road trips. Here are some of my all time favorites:

Life is a Highway, Rascal Flats
Road & the Radio, Kenny Chesney
Who Says You Can't Go Home, Bon Jovi
Leavin on a Jett Plane, John Denver
Take Me Home Country Road, John Denver
Drive, Alan Jackson
One Way Ticket, LeAnn Rhimes
Sweet Home Alabama, Lynrd Synrd
On the Road Again, Willie Nelson
West Bound and Down, Jerry Reed

Top 5 Reasons to Send an eNewsletter

2010-04-08T10:59:00.000-04:00

In my early days in public relations, I'd spend hours writing, designing and overseeing the printing of corporate newsletters that were distributed by snail mail to the company’s staff and to our customers. As I picked up the crisp, colorful stack of freshly printed newsletters and stuffed them into envelopes for shipping, I often wondered if they were actually being read. Today, with eNewsletters, we don't have to wonder. We know.

Here are the Top Five Reasons to send an eNewsletter to your clients or employees next month:

1. Feedback. We can track how many readers open the email, which stories they read, if they watch a video, click through to your website or forward to an associate. With a traditional newsletter, this type of feedback is not available. With feedback we can gain insight into what messages resonate with your audience and if our strategy is effective.

2. Cost-effective marketing. With no printing and low delivery costs, eNewsletters are a cost–effective way to stay in touch with your customers. For a penny or two per reader, you can deliver the same message to one or a million customers, host the graphics and videos online and provide tracking reports.

3. Visibility. In a tough economy, those companies that make efforts to remain visible to clients and customers that come out on top when the market turns back around. eNewsletters are a convenient way to remain “top of mind.”

4. Accessibility. The format of an eNewsletter fits into today’s busy lifestyle. Executives can take the newsletter "on the go" to read later on smart phones, PDAs or laptops.

5. Connection. eNewsletters offer a regular connection that helps to strengthen the relationship between a company and its clients or staff.

Don't get me wrong, beautifully printed magazines, brochures and annual reports still have a significant place in the marketing mix. So when clients ask if it is better to go digital, in most cases the answer is yes.

What Not to Drink

2010-03-06T07:09:00.002-05:00

In health and nutrition circles, people who drink a lot of sodas are in need of a beverage intervention. While Clinton and Stacy did not show up at my door (and I wish they would), during this Lenten season I chose to abstain from soft drinks. I am also pregnant and I know there are better options for me to be drinking. We are a couple weeks in and I do say I miss my daily diet coke, but I have been trying other beverage options and have been pleasantly surprised.

I drink water all day from a large water bottle I keep at my desk. So, when I go out to a restaurant I like to have something with a a little taste and sometimes, I need a little kick too. So, I have been ordering sweet tea. Basically, having grown up in the South, you would think sweet tea would be no new thing. But I just never had a taste for it. Maybe being pregnant has changed that or my taste buds have grown up. But it really is pretty good. However, from a calorie-saving perpective, I still needed a better option.

For a refreshing, yet low cal, beverage option I have been trying Propel Powder Packets in citrus organge. These small, portable packets are perfect to add to my water bottle while in the car or at work. The taste is refreshing and the drink comes with added calcium and vitamins. I will definitely keep this on hand and am looking forward to trying other flavors. If you would like to try Propel Powder Packets - here is a link for a coupon http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=Y5OTUPOYFBVRW

So, what are your favorite beverage options? Have you given up sodas? Maybe it is time to trade in your current beverage wardrobe for some more stylish and healthy alternatives. Clinton and Stacy would approve.

CHASE Doesn't get it

2009-12-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed the CHASE commercial where the wife walks in looking terrific and the husband says, "Hey, let's use our rewards to take a trip."

She replies, "we can't."

Not getting it, the husband says, "Sure we can, the points don't expire and you can use them on whatever you want."

She then preens like a proud cat and with a sly smile says, "I know."

The lights finally go on when the husband realizes she used the points on a designer dress. He gives her an admiring smile.

Okay, so in what world would a husband give a dumb smile when he realized his wife just spent all their reward dollars on a dress? Certainly not mine. I would NEVER hear the end of that one.

Putting that fantasy aside, I have to ask if CHASE is aware of the state of our economy and of the average consumer? Do the marketing executives at CHASE have any clue that the unemployment rate was at 10.2% across the U.S. in October, according to the U.S. Department of Labor? They certainly must be aware of the flood of foreclosures and bankruptcies sweeping across the nation.

It seems fairly obvious that if you want to encourage consumers to start spending again, telling them to indulge on luxury items is not the place to start.

A recent study by Kelton Market Research shows that 114 million consumers are more cautious about their spending and are cutting back. They are sacrificing on a smaller budget and trying out new brands they might not have considered before. To attract this majority of today's consumers, marketers need to communicate about the value of and necessity for the products they are selling. They need to create a need for their product in the prospect's mind and eliminate the potential guilt of unnecessary spending.

It may be that CHASE wants to reach a more affluent audience who is not phased by the recession. Nevertheless, this campaign is most likely alienating a large number of account holders in the process. Marketers and advertisers should review their current campaigns and consider if the message is still relevant in today's climate and economy. Marketers must consider the implications the chosen message or campaign may have on all audiences who are exposed to it.

Considering how American's attitudes towards credit has soured in the past few years, CHASE is not doing itself any favors with this current campaign.

No more nap?

2009-11-05T15:16:00.002-05:00

I think my 15 month old is weaning herself of her afternoon nap. Say it isn't so! I have gotten a half hour most days this week when it used to be 2 hours. Today it lasted a whole 15 minutes. Arghhh!

2009-10-26T11:22:00.001-04:00

Outside my window… the leaves are changing color and a cool fall wind blows.
I am thinking…of the wonderful weekend I had and of all the things I need to accomplish today!
I am thankful for…my loving husband, my adorable babies who bring me joy every day, my supportive family, good friends, and a job that lets me work at home... all God’s blessings.
From the kitchen…homemade chicken soup cooking.
I am wearing…jeans and a long sleeve shirt.
I am creating…marketing collateral for a client and a task master for an event we are doing.
I am going…to take my oldest to ballet and go to the grocery store this evening.
I am reading…USA Today every day and several blogs
I am hoping…we will make it through this recession with all jobs intact.
I am hearing…sweet peace and quiet.
Around the house…I am busy at my computer, laundry is piled in the laundry room ready to be cleaned and the baby is resting in her crib.
One of my favorite things…kisses from my 15 months old.
A few plans for the rest of the week…Ballet, religious ed class, Brownie meeting, getting ready for Halloween - pumpkin carving and costume prep, Halloween dance and trick or treating.

Thanks to my friend Lois for the inspiration. http://loishouston.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/today/

A timesaver for a classic lunch

2009-10-19T15:14:00.001-04:00

Every mom has encountered this favorite kid special request, "Can I have PB&J with the crusts cut off, please?" I don't know what it is about crusts but children seem to be naturally adverse to them. So I have joined the legions of moms who patiently cuts off the four crusts, giving the scraps to the dogs. Alright, I admit. I sneak in a nibble or two myself too.

In my quest for efficiency, I have sought ways to make this task easier. First, I tried Smuckers Uncrustables sandwiches, which are tasty and really come through in a pinch. However, they are also expensive when compared to making your own. Next, I tried a circle shaped cookie cutter and even explored into other shapes. The problem with the cookie cutters is too much waste. The dogs and I were getting too many scraps for our own good!

Well, last week I came across the perfect product. And it was designed by a mom. The Good Bites Sandwich Slicer and Decruster is shaped perfectly to decrust a sandwhich and slice it into four triangles all at one time!

It also comes in red which slices in half and yellow which slices a circle (but then you still have the scraps). These would also be handy devices for a caterer.

I got mine at Kroger and it was on sale for $2.99. It is listed at $5.99 online. In any case, it is well worth the time and whine savings.

PB&J with the crusts cut off anyone?

The Challenge of Virtual Communication

2009-09-25T14:25:00.001-04:00

With a recent report showing that time spent on social networks and blogs has tripled in the past year http://bit.ly/4rZB4n, and my own personal engagement increasing, I thought it time review the challenges I have faced with virtual communications.

While convenient, and perhaps less invasive than a phone call, relying on instant messaging, texting and emails to communicate views, discuss processes, or have a sensitive discussion can backfire on both parties.

The lack of body language and tone can completely change the direction of a conversation causing a lot of miscommunication, misunderstanding and oftentimes hurt feelings. I have been on both the giving and receiving end of a virtual communication blunder.

Virtual communication is something I face every day. I would estimate that 90 percent of my work communication is virtual. This presents a daily challenge to be sure I am coming across professional and clear.

I find myself re-reading and editing communications several times to be sure enough sugar comes across so as not to ruffle any feathers. Even then, I am not always successful.

What is even more challenging is to be sure my instructions and requests on project assignments are very clear and make no assumptions so that my team completely understands what is being asked of them. Sometimes, I will find that I think I have communicated very clearly when in fact, I left confusion in my wake.

So how can I improve at this? Well, keep pouring on the sugar, have an email buddy who reviews the extensive emails to be sure I did not leave anything out or that my tone is as intended, and follow these tips for professional virtual communications http://thewriteessentials.com/2009/09/tips-for-good-netiquette/

Do you have any tips? If so, I would love to hear from you.

Must-Have Pictures

2009-09-23T16:52:00.002-04:00

This weekend, as I retreated from the rain in a beautiful cabin and enjoyed time with my friends scrapbooking, we discussed what we would take with us if we had to flee our homes for a natural disaster. Ironically, this was before the waters flooded over metro-Atlanta this week.

Overwhelmingly our group gravitated to the pictures, the many albums we have spent countless hours creating, the thousands of memories they represent.

My husband lived in Tampa during the flood of '93. As the waters topped over the canal and into his parent's home, so went all the baby photos that exist of him. They did not have digital backup when we were younger so there is no living evidence of what my husband looked like as a child. We can't compare what he looked like against our girl's features (which helps me make a case for how much they favor me). I find this sad.

While certainly, people and pets are first priority in a quick escape, given a few extra moments I would quickly gather as many albums as I could. I would then grab my hard drive and laptop, purse and iphone and head to safety.

Realistically, I know that in a disaster people only have minutes to get out. So I am determined to make sure at the very least my pictures are backed up online at a safe place - just in case. At the retreat the suggestion came up to store these items in a fireproof, waterproof box. This is certainly an option, however one that spoils the intent for which they were created. The albums and memories are meant to be displayed and shared. So we take our chances. But I'd still make an attempt to take my wedding album and the girl's baby albums!

What is so dear to you that you would try to take it with you in the event of a natural disaster?

To The Mountaintop

2009-09-18T09:10:00.001-04:00

When Jesus was in the height of his ministry and thousands of people were clamoring to get a glimpse of him and listen to his wisdom, he retreated. He went away to the mountains to rest, reflect, pray and renew.

This week my favorite artist Kenny Chesney announced he would be taking a break from his usual whirlwind summer tour schedule in 2010. Overwhelmingly, most of his fans support this decision even though his concert experience is one we look forward to all year. For my husband and I, the concert is our one splurge together each year (as we are living on cash and pounding away our debt). It is our break to refresh, cut loose and have fun together. So we will greatly miss seeing Kenny in Atlanta next summer.

While I am not comparing Kenny Chesney to Jesus in any way, if any artist deserves a break it is Kenny. He has been touring hard for nine years, earning entertainer of the year for the past several years. Well-deserved, I might add. He gives his fans all he has - like playing in a torrential downpour in Dallas earlier this year and then giving a free make-up concert to all those who had tickets to the rained-out show, and playing in Columbia, S.C. in 2008 after getting his foot caught in the hydraulic lift that gets him onstage in the opening song. He was in tremendous pain, but sucked it up and put on a fabulous show.

While, I don't have thousands of followers and fans desiring to get a glimpse of me, like most moms, I too need some time, however brief, to go to the mountaintop and rest, revive and relax. So this weekend, that is what I am doing. Taking time to explore my creativity, contemplate life and enjoy the stories of other women. I will return renewed and energized so that I can serve my family and my clients with new fervor and clarity.

Everyone deserves and needs some time to break away, get away to fill their tanks and renew. So this fall, I hope you find some time to retreat to your mountaintop.

Giving it Away For Free

2009-09-13T10:19:00.001-04:00

Marketers have long known the strategy of giving something away for free to entice consumers to buy the product. Free trials are a great way to introduce a new product and gain exposure. But this strategy can backfire when you attach "strings." If your product is something consumers will find of value, giving it away for free will only entice people to come back for more while building positive brand awareness.

But if you have to hook people in with a free giveaway facade and then turn a bait-and-switch tactic on them asking them to pay for their "free" product you are not building an affinity for your brand, just putting a bad taste in your consumers' mouths.

I am still trying to get rid of that bad taste from encounters with two brands this month. First, in a HARO post from Peter Shankman he announced that fitness "expert" Dustin Maher was giving away a free fitness CD to HARO subscribers. Trying to get rid of my pregnancy pounds and find a program that works, I clicked the link only to find that my "free" CD would cost me nearly $10 in shipping and handling fees and I would be automatically joined in a monthly DVD club that costs $39.95 per month. Gimme a Break! First of all in this digital age all he needed to do was offer a video download and incur no shipping and handling costs. Secondly, the USPS has a media mailer option that only costs $2.38 to ship a CD. Secondly, I have never heard of this guy so before I sign up for some monthly club I'd want some proof that he knows what he is talking about. So he had wasted my time with his false offer of a free CD and left a bad taste in my mouth about his business practices.

Next, I heard a radio ad for a free two week sample of some diet shakes from Right Size Smoothies. Again, when I called to see about the "free" offer I was told I needed to pay $18.95 in shipping and handling fees and if after the first week I decided I wanted to keep the cans, I would pay $100! If not, I simply ship the rest back at my expense. These shakes are supposed to curb hunger, but doesn't SlimFast make the same claim at about $5/week? When I told the sales person I was unsure, his response was even more offensive and brand damaging. He actually said "So I see you are not prepared to really make a change in your life and lose your unwanted weight. When you think you are able to commit to getting healthy, give us a call." You condescending little snit! I am not going to pay you $100 every two weeks for some worthless shakes, but that has nothing to do with how dedicated I am to being healthy.

Obviously, these snake oil salesmen know they need a gimmick. So if you use the free sample strategy in your marketing plans make sure what you are selling has value and then really give it away free. Seth Godin, author of Ideavirus distributed the first part of his manifesto as a free eBook with the permission to post, e-mail, print and pass it along at will. The book's success can confirm if you give it away and it is something people want, they will come back for more.

Life Lesson #1

2009-09-08T16:42:00.002-04:00

Today's life lesson: always confirm appointments

Thankful

2009-09-03T16:09:00.001-04:00

In June, my company decided to go virtual and thus a whole new world was opened up to me. Having been a commuter making a 2.5 hour voyage round trip each day, I now have a chunk of precious time back at my disposal. And I am thankful for every minute.

I am thankful I don't have to battle traffic every day and for the savings in gas. I am thankful for more time to concentrate on my work, instead of attending meeting after meeting and going down rabbit trail after rabbit trail (not that I don't create of few of those on my own). I am thankful I can work in my leggings and slippers if I so choose. I am thankful that as soon as my work day is done, my family time begins. I am thankful I can send my oldest off to school and be there to greet her when her bus returns. I am thankful that I can choose to bring my baby to daycare later if she seems extra tired and I want to ensure a good nap. I am especially thankful for the days when my baby is home with me and for the special moments we share as I feed her or play with her or rock her off to sleep.

Sure there are things I miss such as the alone time on the commute that enables me to transition between work and home and the social aspects of working in an office environment. But what I have gained is worth infinitely more! I have gained a chunk of time, a chunk of life and for that I will be eternally grateful.

What would you do if you were suddenly given a couple more hours of time?

Welcome to Sheran Memories

2009-09-02T09:27:00.000-04:00

Well, as an avid scrapbooker and lover of journaling it is about time I began my own Blog. Let's face it, I am behind the times! I am on FaceBook and Twitter and LinkedIn. I write daily for a living as a public relations and marketing professional. My passion is capturing memories through photography, video and scrapbooking. So with all of this you'd think I'd have a blog. Maybe it is because I work full-time and have two young children that I haven't taken the dive just yet. But for some reason, I have decided now is the time - even if it is just to help me in my efforts to include meaningful journaling in my many albums.

So, what is the purpose of this Blog? The core purpose is to Share (Sheran) – memories, tips, musings, advise and struggles. It is about my passions - family, scrapbooking, photography, communication, organization and of course a little Kenny Chesney thrown in from time to time.

So if any of these topics interest you, I welcome you to join me on this blogging journey.