Monthly Archives: January 2008

Celebrating Business Success

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It’s month end, the end of a very lovely month – the second in a row,  and something I really feel like celebrating!! Today and tommorrow are stacked and then I am away this weekend.

I feel all over the place, a bit overwhelmed, behind in my paperwork, a newsletter to write, avoiding my taxes paperwork, major errands to run, a sauce to make, a guest speaker today –  it’s this blur of things to do

Anyone can be busy – most of us are

I woke up this morning thinking what do I want to write about and decided celebrating my work over tea was the topic at hand.

Pause and be grateful.

I AM BACK!! I don’t know how else to say it, but the groove is groovin.

When I write it has a zen to it and discovering that zen space through blogging has been a huge blessing for me and my zen-ness. ( hey universe you are so grand and I appreciate you tuning in with me )

My goals for my blog are loosely created and definitely have a way to go -  I am fine with taking all of that for a ride, in stride and see where it takes me

it’s the zen i never expected, not from merely writing  

yet when I am doing my nutritional consulting i also get that zen – that zone, that I can help that person, the “I know” what I am doing, that confident feeling that I feel in every part of me

it’s zen – it’s happy – and it ( my nutritional consulting work ) earns me my living

My business is celebrating 13 yrs now, it’s track record has had yearly incremental growth, I reached career income quickly and designed it to be a part time gig so that I could be the single parent I needed and wanted to be

It’s an understatement to say that my business goals were always with my children in mind. How can I be with them, nurture them, feed them, cook for them and foster their unigue gifts. How can I do all of this by myself?

Along the way lots of life crap has hit my path Bumps in the road as they say

I say more like potholes the size of argentina
 
These bumps definitely taught me perserverance, and they taught me my will and determination too.

Most recently and I’d say this was a pretty darn good bump,  my second divorce and my car accident just sucked the life out of me.
 
Last year was my worst business year ever. (OK I said that outloud)

I am measured monthly by the quota I reach ( ewwwwwwww sales!)

the members who join my family 

and lastly by the leadership I provide 

last year my quota was down, my sponsoring was down, my leadership had noone following – how positively dismal is that?? 

I was operating minimally 

Yet from the perspective of having a business at all and basically disappearing off the planet for awhile my business even at minimum’s fed my family. Residual income rocks!!

My horror at my poor performance, is probably my reason for avoiding my taxes, I sortof just don’t want to actually know the gruesome details

Despite all this gloom and doom – last month, the holidays, winter and all things distracting. I reached my distant past and much higher average quota. 

This month I surpassed that quota, added some impressive numbers to that sponsoring detail and best yet landed an affiliate which is part of what I declared I am up to this year.

I am soooo excited!!!   I feel like me again.

With that said, and the fact that my tea is gone and my so called allotted time for writing is over. I could either get another cup of tea ( giggle )

or close with the title and purpose of this post

Here’s to celebrating business success!! Mine.  If I may.


isn’t this beautiful, earthy and simple? flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs  

Black Bean Soup

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I adore this recipe, it reminds me of a romantic tapas place I use to eat at with my ex. We would share everything, eat a zillion courses and take our sweet time. I love eating that way. It was pricey and always made me feel decadent and really special.
 
This particular recipe alot of soup and is perfect for these insane days when it’s 47 degrees in the morning and subzero and snowing all in the very same day. It’s wicked out!

Soak one pound dried black beans overnight. Drain. (I think i shared this recipe once before)

Saute one large sweet onion, one large red pepper, 3 cloves of garlic, and a large jalapeno pepper – seeds and all ( serrano’s are OK too) in olive oil with a teas each of dried cumin, coriander and oregano. This is so aromatic and intoxicating while it’s simmering. Yum – Add soaked beans, 8 cups of liquid, I typically have leftover stock around and so it’s usually 1/2 stock  and 1/2 water - Add one ham hock. Simmer all for an hour and a half or until beans are tender. Remove hock and blend all in blender. This gives it a nice smooth texture.

Add tiny chopped bits of ham, I found some chorizo in my freezer- I put that in there too plus the squeeze of an entire fresh lime and 2 T of fresh cilantro

Top with salsa cream wich is nothing more than a dollop of sour cream with some salsa on top.

This soup has a kick – I’d say it’s an adult soup unless you know your kids like spicey. It’s a awesome pre-dinner treat to a spanish meal – rich so a bit goes a long way, excellant with spicy shrimp quesidilla’s, sangria or mexican beer

Taken from my williams-sonoma SOUP  book

Freezes well.
 

stunning pepper pick-a-pepper flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs  

Product of the Week: Acidophilus-Bifidus for Detoxification

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Acidophilus-Bifudus is the last highlighted product in our detox program. Friendly bacteria; also known as acidophilus/bifidus is a remarkable health supporting nutrient.

I have enjoyed working with all of you who have chosen to take on a detox program this month.

All health begins in the colon.  You might be born with a vibrant friendly bacteria rich colon, but by the time you are an adult not much of that is left. With digestive disorders raging in this country, candida invasion and other systemic health concerns, getting the colon in strong working order is very important. Nutrients are absorbed into your blood stream through the colon - if your colon is backed up, congested, invaded or toxic, nutrients will not be absorbed. Pretty basic stuff.

I marvel at my companies tenacity to NOT make a product until they could be sure that all the friendly bacteria was guaranteed to get into the colon exactly where it was needed and friendly bacteria rich. This product took 8 yrs to create! What remarkable integrity, and what a true example of the difference we offer as a company. Slews of *other* acidophilus products on the market tout their benefit or nutritional value, yet none – NOT one, could offer what we could past the manufacturing plant. Most products of this kind need refrigeration, ours does not. Many say one thing on the label and what you find inside is not really there. Ours is made with only natural ingredients and what is labelled is delivered The marvel in this particular product is in the technology and the design. 

Our Product is an excellent source of the essential friendly bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines. Virtually the only acidophilus/bifidus product that guarantees delivery of 500,000 live micro-organisms to the intestines, without being destroyed by the highly acidic environment of the stomach, temperature variations or light. Friendly Bacteria restores the natural balance that must exist in the lower intestines to choke out cancer-causing bacteria as well as Candida yeast overgrowths. None of the products available at health food stores guarantee live delivery of microflora to the intestine. NONE. Tests show that many of them do not make it live to your door, much less to your colon. Most of the microflora alive in these products at the time of manufacture are killed off long before they reach the intestine.

You can benefit from friendly bacteria is you have: flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache and digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, colitis, chrohns disease, dysentery, candida, acid reflux, are on antibiotics and or steroids.

Used to promote: colon health, keep undesirable bacteria in check, treatment for intestinal distress, helps urinary track infections, strengthens immune system, counteracts side effects of antibiotics and chemo, protects out of country travelers

Look for a very detailed product brief here

Sourced from materials from nutritionist barb lagoni, nutrition and you, and my personal nutrition website.


the good guys in your colon flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs  

Product of the Week: Alfalfa for Detoxification

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For those of you who rec’d the newest winter sales catalog there are a few specials you might want to take advantage of, to find out more please click here

Keeping in this month’s theme of detoxification, below are details about the herb alfalfa which is one of the recommended medicinal herbs in the program. Thank you to all who have taken on detoxifying and for telling your friends also!!


alfalfa field in the whirl of the wind flickr image credit

Alfalfa is often overlooked. It’s medicinal and nutritional benefits are very impressive.

These are the symptoms which will benefit from Alfalfa:

Swelling, pain or stiff joints, arthritis, ulcers, stomach ailments, colon problems, gas pain, haital hernia, water retention, stimulates appetite, swollen ankles and feet, sinus problems, allergies, hayfever, gout, body odor, smelly feet, bad breath, detoxification.

Alfalfa is a natural, antihistamine, diuretuc, digestive aid, provides fiber and chlorophyll, rich source of trace minerals, aids diabetics, lowers cholesterol, and is anti-tumor and anti-bacterial – is there anything alfalfa can’t do?

VITAMINS found in Alfalfa:

Vitamin A – for night vision. Builds resistance to infections, especially in the respiratory tract; promotes growth ands vitality; promotes healthy skin and is essential in pregnancy.

Vitamin E – protects cells against damage from sun’s radiation and air pollution; promotes heart, cardiovascular and muscle health and improved immune function; promotes muscle tone in the body; helps bring nutrients to cells and helps strengthen blood vessel walls, including capillary walls; helps proper focusing of the eyes.

Vitamin U – promotes health of body to help overcome peptic ulcers.

Vitamin B6 – helps food assimilation and protein and fat metabolism; promotes nerve and skin health; helps battle nausea symptoms.

Vitamin K – essential for blood clotting; important in liver functions; may possibly contribute to vitality and longevity.

Vitamin D – regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body and is therefore necessary for the proper formation of strong and healthy teeth and bones.

MINERALS found in Alfalfa:

 

Calcium – builds and maintains bones and teeth; helps clot blood, aids in vitality and endurance; regulates heart rhythm, soothes nerves.

Iron – required in manufacturing hemoglobin; helps carry oxygen in the blood.

Potassium – necessary for normal muscle tone, nerves, heart action and enzyme reactions; digests fats.

Phosphorus – needed for normal bone and tooth structure. Interrelated with action of calcium and Vitamin D. Improves nourishment of nerve tissue.

Chlorine (chloride) – an essential electrolyte which cleans and purifies the body; regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism.

Sodium – regulates fluid balance throughout body; neutralizes acids, prevents clotting of blood; activates spleen, bowels and stomach functions.

Silicon Magnesium helps body to deal with constipation; steadies the nerves; has protective effect on skin and body; stimulates brain function.

Other properties of Alfalfa:

High in protein – alfalfa has 18.9% as compared to beef at 16.5%, milk at 3.3% and eggs at 13.1%. (Muscles are composed of protein and the lack of it results in fatigue and weakness.)

Alfalfa’s deep roots seek out minerals in the subsoil, which are inaccessible to other plants. The average alfalfa plant has roots 10 to 20 feet long or more.

Resource materials:

Nature’s Medicines, by Richard Lucas

Nature’s Healing Grasses by H.E. Kirschner, M.D.

Vitamin/Mineral Chart by the Redwood City Health Food Center
Diet and Health, by Dr. B.L. Corley

Thank you Robert Andolina for this very informative email. 

Not all alfalfa is created equal , as a matter of fact noone takes better care in manufacturing Alfalfa than we do:  We use premium quality alfalfa, grown in California with no fungicides, bacteriosides, synthetic hormones, growth regulators, or chemicals. ( makes you wonder what the other folks have inside their bottles eh? )


stunning alfalfa flower flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs  

Tea Cup Oil Painting by Thea Burger

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In my first marriage there was a lot of “that’s not allowed”. I had ideas, hopes and dreams squished in that not allowed-ness those eighteen years. One of those ideas was to own a dog. Nope – not allowed.  I finally brought that dream to reality last year! Second husband didn’t want a dog either, his reasons were even wierder than the first guy. Don’t get me started.

Another dream was to collect original art. Part of why I wanted to do that was the artist in me. I am in awe of other’s work. I wanted to someday be surrounded by the art of others. The other reason is to support those who have a body of work for sale. It’s important to me. If I was an actual artist I’d want my pieces sold to those who care about them. I don’t have a huge collection,  but I do have quite a few pieces that speak to me in a very special way and enough to have it be part of the decor of my home.

I have always wanted to document the collection.

This is one of my newest additions. It’s voice is all about the cup and the color – it’s green – ness is just awesome! It’s an oil painting by South African Artist Thea Burger. I am embarrassed to say that I know I met Thea through blogging, and yet I can’t exactly remember how now. Silly me.  Blogging takes you in these odd directions sometimes and I remember stumbling upon Thea’s work, letting her know how I appreciated it and then visiting her work from time to time.  This post tells a little bit about her, and I truly love the clock on her blog that lets us know what time it is in South Africa.

Hi Thea! Thank you so much for my beautiful painting.

I find her paintings wonderfully bold, richly colored and I adore how she zero’s in on the subject. She paints portraits, fruit, flowers and objects, I was especially drawn to her whimsical and signature tea cups.  I really wanted the 3 cups nestled but it wasn’t in my price range at the time. She also frames her pieces in vintage frames or worn frames that I think looks really cool. Adds additional distinction to her work.

Why tea cups? My first mother in law has a pretty amazing tea cup collection. Two curio cabinets full amazing. I visited those tea cups for many, many years and changed my mind a zillion times about which was my favorite! She gave me 2 of my own over the years, and while my collection isn’t nearly as impressive as hers, it’s also something that makes me rather happy.

This cup below I bought when I moved to the home I live in now as a new home gift.  I have moved alot and each time I do, a small decor gift is purchased.  All of my tea cups sit on one shelf and Thea’s painting hangs to the side of it. It’s an arty addendum to the collection.

Lefton China. A collectable, although not something of great value, hand painted and detailed in gold.

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs