The Remarkable Story Of Jessica's Journey

I have been deeply touched by the story of one courageous young woman in Naples, Florida named Jessica Stevens. A young woman like Jessica should be in the prime of her life at 21 years of age. Jessica is on an incredible journey to change her life and the rare illness called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

There are many fundraising efforts underway not only in Southwest Florida but now nationwide as Jessica's story is shared by outreach and the media.

The journey that will take Jessica to Mexico to undergo some radical treatment is a story of bravery, courage and determination. Despite her illness, Jessica is determined and unwavering in her faith in her life path and decisions to pursue treatment.

Being so touched by her story, I would like to share it with all of you on my Blog. Should you be touched by her story as well, please feel free to spread the word. She needs an outpouring of support both in financial help and prayers.

I have setup an Online Candle Fundraiser and will donate my profits to Jessica's Journey. Due to my move and my van being in the shop at the time, I was unable to make the Dinner Fundraiser held in Naples on her behalf on October 3rd but hope to make future events and assist in supporting this very worthwhile cause.

You can read about Jessica's journey here:

Naples Daily News Article

Jessica's Journey Blog

Support Jessica's Journey and the online candle fundraiser here:

Candle Shopping Online

When you check out, please use JESSICAS JOURNEY in the Code Box and your purchases will automatically be credited to her fundraiser.

Nancy Sustersic of Naples is helping head the fundraising effort and she is a networking friend of mine. I will make sure all proceeds are forwarded to Jessica's Journey Savings Account and will keep everyone posted as updates are available.

This story touched me deeply and I hope and pray for the success of Jessica's Journey daily. I hope you will join me in those prayers as well as the fundraising efforts and spreading the word about such an incredibly strong, courageous and remarkable young women.

Thanks to all!

A Great Motivation That Spoke To The Way My Life's Been Lately....

Life is moving at a fast pace here at the Mathisen house and there has been so much going on. It's a hectic pace with a lot of upcoming changes and challenges but I'm looking at all of this as a great opportunity for a lot of new beginnings.

First and foremost, we are planning a move. We are house hunting right now and should have a final contract and make a final decision next week. It's a big one for me. Since my son was born, I have lived in the same home I've been in with my Mother. Since she passed away last year, I've felt the loss even harder in a way because I still feel her all around us in our daily lives. It's going to be hard to lose that connection when we leave this house, but I think she would be proud of my son and I embarking on a new chapter of our lives.

Next, I am returning to school next week. It's ironic in a way because I feel in a sense that my life has come full circle. From the age of 18 where I thought I knew everything and could take on the world to today in my 40's where I find myself going back to my roots and those days on more than one level. Kind of funny in a way I guess.

When I was 18, I was studying for my Real Estate license and was in direct sales with a cosmetics company. Today, I am returning to school to get my real estate license active again and the company I decided to join in 2005 for the candle business took me back to my roots with a great natural mineral makeup line I now represent.

So I feel in a sense like I'm 18 again. The key is not to make the same mistakes I did when I was young. This time the plan is to live up to my full potential and I have a lot of reasons WHY to make that happen.

It's been a year of change for us, not free of difficulty, emotions, challenges and growth. I have been finding myself very busy but yet optimistic about the future and what it holds for us.

As I was pondering this idea, my Daily Motivation email (which I love to receive) popped into my inbox and spoke to me as if it had in a sense been on this journey with me. Thanks Max Steingart...this is a great message but have you been spying on me? This describes my life lately!

In today's fast paced and fast changing world, it describes many of us. With all that is going on, there seem to be more challenges we face...as employees, parents, business owners, spouses, providers for our families. I wanted to pass this along with the hope that it will inspire you too!

I will blog again soon and give everyone an update. In about 2 weeks we'll be on the road to a new house, my new business venture, more time to spend on my existing one and a NEW BEGINNING! I'll keep you posted but for now take this message and see if it helps you as much as it did me!


OPPORTUNITY LIES IN THE MIDST OF DIFFICULTY.

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Every problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem.The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.

You'll find that every situation, properly perceived, offers you an opportunity. As fast as each opportunity presents itself, use it. No matter how tiny an opportunity may be, use it. You'll find new directions when you have an open mind and a willing hand.

Successful people don't achieve their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They developed an opportunity that was at hand. You must make your own opportunities if you want to be successful.

Opportunities are all around you. Find one and take action.

© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.
from http://www.maxsteingart.com http://www.yourdailymotivation.com

Your Daily Motivation - Great Email Series & Example...

I subscribe to an email newsletter type series that I absolutely love! It gives me great "food for thought" through it's Daily Motivations and I would like to share it (and recommend it) to all my WAHM and work at home friends who follow my blog and like that kind of stuff.

You can find out more at http://www.yourdailymotivation.com

Max Steingart shares both written and video Daily Motivations for you to help you put things in perspective, build success in life and business and deal with the normal things that come along for all of us.

In many cases, this is stuff that in a sense we already know. But it's always good to have those triggers and reminders of these things.

I hope that this helps some of my online friends and followers become more successful, focused and motivated in their business.

Here is an example of the Daily Motivation (and this is one I particularly like)


EFFECTIVE TIME USAGES DETERMINES SUCCESS
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Everyday you make an investment of your time in your chosen activities.

You cannot save time for later use. You have to use it as it comes. And you only have 24 hours to each day.

Try to get the most out of the time you have. Focus your efforts on doing those things that will have the mostsignificant impact on your life and your work. Do the important things first and stay focused on them until they are done.

Nothing makes you more effective than your ability to stay focused. Challenge yourself to stay focused. You'll be amazed at how much you'll get done, when you actually work the whole time you're working.

Your time is precious and cannot be replaced. Use it effectively with focus and get things done.

Don't serve time, make time serve you.

© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.

If You Give A Mom A Muffin (A Cute Twist on Laura Joffe Numeroff's Books)

I just love Laura Joffe Numeroff's books! They were mainstays in my home when my son was younger and frequent reads in my Pre-K classroom.

Recently, a friend of mine shared this with me. I must give credit to the author Kathy Fictorie for a great adaptation of the works of Laura Joffe Numeroff. This is fun...it's motherhood at it's best. True and sure to give you a few giggles. Enjoy!


IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MUFFIN

If you give a mom a muffin,
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
So she'll pour herself some.
The coffee will get spilled by her three year old.
She'll wipe it up.

Wiping the floor, she will find some dirty socks.
She'll remember she has to do some laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She'll trip over some snow boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper for tonight.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With a Pound of
Hamburger.)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.
She will look for the checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two year old.
She'll smell something funny.
She'll change the two year old.
While she is changing the two year old the phone will ring. (Of course!)
Her five year old will answer it and hang up.

She remembers that she wants to phone a friend to come over for coffee on
Friday.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
She will pour herself some.
And chances are,
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Written by Kathy Fictorie

Based on If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Saving The Honey Bees

My son and I are back from our vacation at Walt Disney World and what a great time! It was nice to getaway and that was our big Summer fling as we have a lot on the agenda leading back up to school time. It's hard to believe in less than a month the children in our area will be back to school.

Have you heard the BUZZ about the Honey Bee? I have written about it in several places but have yet to post it on my Blog with all our traveling etc.

There is a condition called Colony Collapse Disorder that threatens our Honey Bee populations. It is a much more serious situation than many really realize.

I invite you to come check out my new webpage at my website to learn more at:

http://coolcandlebusiness.com/help_save_the_honeybee.html

Ask yourself "Could Events Like In 'The Bee Movie' Really Happen?". Yes they could and this crisis could affect everything right down to the human food chain.

Like your fruits, veggies and nuts? What would the world be like without them? More information is available for you here at my Squidoo Lens about Save The Honey Bee here:

http://www.squidoo.com/save_the_honeybees

I have always been a super-proud distributor from our Company. I love what they stand for, the quality of the products that I represent and they make. I am even more proud that our Company has become involved in the plight of the Honey Bee with the creation of our Honey Bee Vanilla candle line. Your purchases helps fund research into this crisis and dilemma. I am asking all my friends, associates and customers to spread the word on how people can help!

Now isn't getting a great smelling candle AND helping to save our planet a winner in everyone's book?

Creating The Perfect Face Canvas For Your Mineral Makeup

These have been exciting times with my business! I have been experimenting with our new Mineral Makeup Beauty line and all I can say is WOW! I am looking forward to the many possibilities this additional line will bring.

I have tried several other Mineral Makeup brands and comparatively speaking I think our company's ROCKS! Plus it's kind of cool to buy from my own store instead of online companies or the local mall - you have to admit!

I will be posting a full review with all my feedback, helps and hints soon. I have been happy with all the products and a couple get absolute raves. I am still experimenting and creating my favorite looks.

My #1 favorite product thus far has been the Mascara. It's incredible! Tired of putting several coats of mascara on to lengthen and curl only to get that heavy feel on your lashes? (Which I can't stand by the way) You need to try our's as you will LOVE it!

Today I want to talk about the important considerations for creating the perfect face canvas to apply your Mineral Makeup to.

Mineral Makeup has many benefits and women who rave wildly about it. On the flipside, it has it's critics who say it's drying to the face, looks cakey or leaves creases that actually accentuates wrinkles and fine lines.

It is my opinion that these less-than-perfect successful results come from two areas. First, check your ingredients in your Mineral Makeup because not all of them are created equally. Second, there are some tried and true "musts" when it comes to creating the perfect Mineral Makeup look.

This is my professional opinion from years of experience in the skin care and cosmetics industry prior to my present company. It is also my consumer observation because I have to tell you frankly I have tried some other lines that have not lived up to the reputation of a finer mineral makeup.

I am proud to be associated with my company and again I must say they've outdone themselves with this great product line. But before you even get started let's talk about.....

CREATING THE PERFECT CANVAS FOR YOUR MINERAL MAKEUP

Just as an artist paints or creates on a clean canvas, so too is it true that your face becomes your canvas when it comes to applying a great Mineral Makeup look.

The overall condition of your skin is a factor in your success with application.

So back to basics:

What is your current skin care regimen?

A good skin care regimen consists of cleansing before the application of any products to your facial skin. Skin care products are a personal preference and I have mine but I am of the theory that less is more.

Personally, I use the cleaning bars our company makes and don't do a lot besides that (other than moisturize or use SPF in Florida if I am going to be outdoors).

Before even getting started with our Mineral Makeup, you will want to have your face cleansed from impurities of the skin, any oil build-up etc. That's the beginning of a great canvas.

If you are prone to acne or roascea, you will want to consider a toner to neutralize and have the cleanest start possible.

Once your facial skin is properly cleansed, the next key factor to success with your Mineral Makeup application is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize....

Now I know some will say "But Mineral Makeup is supposed to moisturize". While that is very true and it's one of the many attributes of mineral makeup, again you want to create the best facial canvas. Applying your moisturizer a few minutes before your mineral makeup, giving it time to dry in, insures that any fine lines and wrinkles you are concerned about have the additional moisture before makeup application.

If you are in a more tropical climate or are going to be outdoors, you may want to apply a moisturizer with SPF protection. Even though the natural minerals in mineral makeup to a degree act as a sunscreen you will want to be sure to use the SPF as a protection.

So you've cleansed and moisturized and you are ready to go....

Well....almost. Depending on your skin, you may find that you have what I call "trouble areas" on your face. For me, it's a scar on my cheek that I got as a child from scratching chicken pox. And a blemish on the side of my face that is the result of some adult acne that never cleared up 100%. We all have those little trouble spots but I am going to share a great pointer with you on how you can further diminish them.

Light application of a yellow base has a tendency to cover imperfections and create more even tones. Once the foundation is applied, you will not even know that the yellow undertone is there unless you over-apply it.

Use care not to use a heavy hand and by applying a yellow toned base before foundation application, you can cover up those trouble areas. By the time you layer your Mineral Makeup on you will hardly know they are there!

One of the nice things about Mineral Makeup are their versatility and in my case with our product line I have actually been using an Eye Shadow that has a yellowish base and it's been doing "double duty" as my concealer. The shade is Water Lily and it has the right yellowish tone without looking too gold or metallic. It's working like a charm!

Do an assessment of your skin care regimen and take the extra few minutes to create the perfect face canvas for your Mineral Makeup application. The results are well worth it.

It's OFFICIAL - My Company Is Now In The Mineral Makeup Business!

It's official that we are now in the Mineral Makeup business with our new Beauty Line and all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW!

First because the opportunity to become a "product of my own product" and buy my mineral makeup from "my store" (myself) at wholesale prices versus going to the mall or online makes great sense to me! I am impressed with the line and it's rather extensive including foundation, loose powder and finishing bronzer, pressed powder, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, lip gloss and quality brush sets including a large Kabuki brush for application. Great color selections too!

Second because this is the kind of product our company is famous for. Great ingredients with superb benefits to your skin and face and even gluten free! This product just adds quality and credibility to our already excellent line of candles and home fragrance items.

Third because this opens doors to many new retail and customer opportunities! It is going to be great to be a one-stop-shop for my ladies to buy not only their cleaner burning gourmet candles but now their mineral makeup too. This is going to be great...for them as well as for my business. When you combine quality products with personal service it sure beats ordering online and not knowing what you are getting.

Fourth because I see opportunities in this Beauty Line for many out there looking for a business with true potential. I mean, how would you have liked to be in at the beginning of say Mary Kay or AVON? I mean truthfully think about it! This fabulous line just rolled out today, June 1, 2009 so those who jump on board with this company for the mineral makeup are truly in NOW at the beginning! How incredible is that?

Mineral Makeup is all the buzz. It's a hot commodity and I'm excited to announce it's debut to everyone who follows my blog.

Please visit my website and you can see the line by going to My Company Website and then the Products tab. It shows everything including the color selection. The products should be available in the shopping cart area - under the Shop Online tab - for purchase soon so stay tuned.

Come check out our new line and all we offer at:
http://www.coolcandlebusiness.com

If you are one of those people who would love to be in on the beginning of something BIG take time to read over my site and consider joining our team today! Not only are you joining a great company but a great team! I make my living not just retailing products but in coaching and mentoring my team to success. In your success is where I realize my own. I am sincerely interested in hearing what you are looking for from your life and let's see if this great business will fill some of those needs.

BUSINESS IS GOOD today!