What does every Olympian strive for? “The Goal”, of course! What is that elusive goal? Well, to every Olympian, it's something else, but it all requires them to “Do the Work,” with the help of their individual “Greatest Coach Ever.”

                One of the most important aspects of “How to Be a Winner,” is to “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway,” and that means conquering your fears head-on. Some may have a fear of failing. Some may have a fear that they don't truly belong. But with a “Healthy Dose of Motivation” from their coaches, teammates, and families, there's no stopping #TeamUSA now.

                Here are some practical tips from here at 3Leaf Group – because we, obviously, feel qualified enough to give the world's best athletes a bit of advice. Have a fear of talking to the press? “Public Speaking Superstar” is a fantastic listen that will make them confident, no matter how many cameras are shoved in their face. Not enough creativity in your routine? Perhaps “Cirque du Soleil: The Spark” can offer some originality. And if perhaps the pressure of the entire world watching them is possibly starting to get inside their head, might we suggest “The Beginner's Guide to Yoga” to calm their nerves.

Michael Phelps would learn “How to Stop Worrying” about Le Clos and his other competition and focus on his goal. “Gabby” Douglas could use the “Power of Now” to stay present and in the moment on the uneven bars in the All-Around Finals. Kerri Walsh-Jennings could use the “5 Love Languages” to connect with April Ross and pound the competition. We know they have it in them.

                One thing is for sure: with hard work, dedication, and an entire “One Nation” backing them and cheering them on, these Olympians were surely “Born to Win.”

                “Gadzooks!”

3Leaf Group extends its deepest condolences to those personally affected by the murder of so many of our valiant officers. May there be no more bloodshed of its kind on U.S. soil. Let us come together and show that we, the grateful citizens of the United States of America, have nothing but love for this great country.

We never really lose that glitz of imagination as we get older, do we? As adults, we just hide our childish enthusiasm and wrap it up in something called Maturity and Responsibility. Pokemon Go is allowing us to access that childish excitement once again, bringing imagination back into the world - and there's nothing wrong with that.

What's the golden rule for staying fit?  Be consistent.  We all know the real way to keep wait off and maintain a continuous healthy lifestyle is to remain committed and follow a consistent eating and exercise routine.

We also all know – this is easier said than done!  What about those who work full time, have kids, busy schedules, or all of the above?

How can one remain fit – despite a heavy work schedule?

Here are a few pointers according to MindBodyGreen:

1.   Set yourself up for success.  No one knows you better than yourself.  What are your temptations?  Make sure they are nowhere in sight.  Don't wait until you're absolutely famished and raid the pantry like you were a contestant on Survivor for 40 days.  Keep your stash stocked with healthy choices – and get rid of temptation at home.

2.  Even a little exercise helps.  If you don't have time to put in two hours at the gym EVERY day – find 5 minutes here or there to flex your muscles on a “down” day.  This will help maintain your consistency during days you can't make a full commitment at the gym.  A few crunches here and there, a few squats on your coffee break, some leg exercises under your desk.  These will help maintain the hard work you've put in on other “on” days.

3.  Always have food available.  Back to #1, don't set yourself up for failure by binge eating because you're absolutely starving.  If you have long work hours, ensure that you bring healthy snacks to your desk and a full nutritious lunch. 

4.  Try your hardest not to cheat.  Not everyone is perfect, but if you're committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite your busy schedule – keep to your routine!

Yes, it's ideal to spend time in the gym on a consistent basis -- but for those of us who have long work or family responsibilities and are not willing/able to wake up at 4 am – try these helpful tips.  Bottom line:  Anyone can stay in shape if you put your mind to it! 

It's been a long and laborious winter, indeed.  Now that it's finally starting to warm up and spring is actually in sight, you may get that itch for spring cleaning.  Embrace that need for cleanliness and organization while the feeling is strong!  People who are clean and organized in their personal life tend to be clean and organized in their professional life as well…

Where to get started you ask?  It's easy to hear general tips on how to clean for spring – but what about more specific pointers?  Here are a few tips on kicking your spring cleaning into high gear according to the Spring Cleaning Guru herself – Martha Stewart:

1.  Clean windows – use a  polishing your bulbs with a microfiber cloth dampened with water will bright up your room immensely.

6.  Change your batteries – if you're making updates around your house make sure to update important battery operated devices like your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Once you get your spring cleaning kicked into gear – we hope it influences your surroundings at work as well.  Clean your desk, your mind-set, and your attitude!  Let the sunshine be a positive influence on every aspect of your life! 

Wish someone gave you some sound financial advice in your 20's?

Listen up 20 something's.  If you want a cushy lifestyle down the road - try to hit these 5 financial milestones before you hit the big 3-0.

1.  Pay off credit card debt

2.  Start saving for retirement

3.  Establish an emergency fund

4.  Get health insurance

5.  Have a sense of career

Want the details?  Check out the full article and video on Yahoo! Finance.

What are your kids up to this summer?  Day Camp?  Beach trips? Carnivals? Long days at the pool?  For those of us still plugging away at the office while our kids are painting their toenails and sipping lemonade through a florecent twisty-straw, don't get discouraged.  You can still relate to your kids – and even teach them a thing or two this summer.  Ever think about how your experiences at work relate to your kids' summer vacation?    The two aren't as opposite as they seem. 

• Communication:  You're always encouraged to communicate effectively at work, and your kids should do the same this summer.  Have them communicate clearly to you where they will be, which friends they will be spending time with, and have them communicate about how they're going to communicate.  Cell phone?  House phone?  Walking home to check in?  A clear communication plan doesn't just happen at work.  It happens during long summer days when kids are playing and enjoying their free time and independence.  

• Time-Management:  You may feel swamped at the office and find yourself needing to prioritize tasks.  Kids may have this issue with summer plans.  Should I go to the beach with Hannah – or have a relaxing mall day with Zoe?  (if only we had those choices!  Our seem more alongs the lines of should I get this 75 page presentation completed ASAP or grab some lunch before I faint from exhaustion!)  This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children proper time management, choosing scenarios wisely, and prioritizing activities within their schedules.

• Creativity:  It may seem easy for kids to be creative in the summertime – but after a few weeks of little responsibilities and flexible schedules, kids may become bored or glued to the TV screen.  Just as we struggle to find creativity at work – kids may have the same struggles during the summer.  Have your kids create a list of creative games, places, or activities.  See how many fun ideas they can come up with on their own.  Are they facing an all-too-familiar mental block?  Have them get inspiration from others (without being too competitive or jealous), take a break and refresh their thoughts – then come back and ponder some more!

• Teamwork:  A family, just like an office – requires teamwork.  Children may have their own agendas; adults surely have their own as well.   How can a family mesh the two cohesively – especially when the lines of responsibilities and summer-time fun are blurred.  The answer is teamwork.  A family must view themselves a team – each member playing a different role with different expectations and abilities.  In order to gain fun or personal time – a child may need to pitch in with helping younger siblings, house   chores, or completing summer homework.  The same is true for adults.  Although we are busy with work and our pressing schedules – we should still remember to spend time with our kids, not resent their leisure summer schedules, and encourage them to manage their times wisely – and enjoy it too!

Do you consider shopping to be an enjoyable experience or would you liken it to walking the plank at gunpoint?  Whether you are shopping for groceries, clothing, or houseware goods, shopping can be a “rewarding or maddening experience” – as RealSimple.com puts it.  The online magazine known for organizing tips, fresh ideas, and family living shares a few insights on how to become a “smarter” shopper.  These days many people are monitoring their budgets very closely – but it's time to not only look at how we do or don't spend our money – but why we shop in the first place.

Want to become a smarter shopper?  Take note to these interesting and helpful points:

•  Don't be seduced by the store:  Retailers are very wise in their marketing endeavors and tactics into getting you into their stores.  They specifically play into your senses with loud music, fresh aromas, or sparkly glitz.  Stick to the facts and not the glitter – ignore the seduction, focus on the merchandise alone.
• Know what kind of shopper you are:  The experts categorize shoppers into two groups – Low Self-Monitors and High-Self-Monitors.  The low monitors buy for their own desires/purposes and care little about social pressures, whereas the high monitors buy based on social pressures or solely to fit in.
• Be mindful of your shopping partner – choose wisely!  Your peers can greatly influence your shopping decisions.  Your friend may think it is reasonable to pay $300 on a pair of pumps – and suddenly – you may too although you haven't in the past.  Watch out!
• Get to your computer:  Many people still prefer the experience of walking into a physical store, but the truth is the best deals are online.  Shoppers can find exceptional deals at shopping.com, pricegrabber.com, and tripadvisor.com, among others.

Believe it or not, financial experts still believe in indulging your needs.  At the end of the day, our basic needs are food, clothing, and shelter – but we obviously stretch our borders far beyond those categories.  There are many other needs that relate to our emotional well-being and not just our physical well-being.  Those indulgences are many times worthwhile – as long as they remain within your budget.

Happy shopping! 

We've seen a drastic evolution toward the use of technology in the corporate world – but have you wondered how it is affecting the educational world – for our children?  The data clearly shows that e-learning, mobile training and the use of social media have positive effects on the business world in areas of real-time collaboration, accessibility, engagement, and communication.  Can these tools be useful for the K-12 audience?  If yes, how so?

According to an Education Study in U.S. News, educators feel positively toward the use of technology in their classrooms.  One major trend is teachers uploading video tutorials onto iTunes, assigning the video lectures as homework – then utilizing class time to review the lecture and solve problems in a collaborative setting.   Another trend is implementing a completely digitized school library.  This way, students can access research materials any time, in any place – as opposed to the traditional method of finding materials ONLY in the physical library.  

Even social media is playing a role inside and outside the classroom.  According to teAchology, an online teacher resource center, “All students these days know how to use a computer and the internet, and most of them are using social media networks to share their thoughts and to support each other. Educators these days know how to harness the power of the internet and social media to get in touch with their students, and hear their thoughts.”

Despite the positive responses to technology in our educational system, there are opinions that oppose this trend.  Kristen House, a former instructor at Belmont University and founder of A Novel Idea, a novel-writing workshop for middle school and high school students, believes that any school with a limited budget should be spending the money on training teachers.  She claims, "A great teacher can do more for a student than any amount of money or technology you can throw at it," she notes. "Gadgets go out of date and humans do not. We only get better with age and with teaching and our gadgets all break down."

What do you think about technology in the classroom?  Does the good outweigh the bad?  Is the transformation inevitable in today's society?

Please share your thoughts!

For all the Apple fans -- are you up to date with Apple's newest offerings for 2013?

According to Fortune magazine, you can expect these 5 new products from Apple this year:

• Apple Radio (March 20313):  Move over Pandora -- Apple will be offering a free streaming radio service (linked to iTunes) - making a profit mostly from ad revenue.  Sadly, Pandora stock fell 12% the day following the announcement of Apple Radio's launch.  Look out!
• iPad Mini with Retina Display (March 2013):  Apple sold more than 3 million iPads with retina display over a single weekend in March, and between 8-10 million iPad mini devices are reported to have shipped by the end of 2012, according to Digitimes.  The retina display offers crystal-clear images.  "font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif">iOS7 (June 2013):  Apple has a bit to prove with this upgrade version.  After giving YouTube and Google Maps apps the boot - it's expected to meet some dissapointed users' expectations with the new apps it will offer.  
• iPhone 5S (June 2013):  The Newer iPhone will be the same size, same width - but with a better camera (of course) and better battery life.  This time around, it's not about the outside, but the inside that counts.
• Apple Television (November 2013):  They're not talking about an Apple digital receiver box (which already exists) - they're talking about an actual Apple television.   

What do you think?  Exciting new advancements - or nothing too special?

A better question would be -- what are we going to do with this evolving technology?  Over here - we're hoping people will take advantage of learning materials that can be accessed on mobile devices.  Apple or no apple - we think the future holds some exciting new turns for training. 

This holiday season, you will no dobut be wrapping a multitude of gifts – for your kids, nieces, nephews, cleaning lady, hair stylist, etc.  The list goes on and on.

While you're investing in scotch tape, wrapping paper, and ribbons – let's remember to invest in something greater than ourselves. 

Looking to organize an office event OTHER than a holiday party?  Think about charitable projects that can be organized in the walls of your own office.  CBS News came out with a few bright ideas for office-charity projects this holiday season:

• Auction Off a Day Off – Divide your office into teams and have each team fundraise for a specific cause using a trusted online fundraising tool like GoFundMe.  The team with the highest number of proceeds will win – you guessed it – a day off!
• Sell Admission to Casual Friday – Have everyone in the office vote for a charitable cause – then have employees donate to that specific cause.  The employee who donates the most money gets to wear jeans to work for one day… or maybe more...
• Hold a Food Drive – Offer a Superb Prize – Think of something enticing and worth competing for – perhaps the top parking space for one year?  Click Here for some food drive ideas and inspiration. 
• Incorporate a “CEO – Serving the Staff” Day – Have an executive serve lunch to her employees in exchange for a donation.  If you work in a very small company, have the boss host a lunch or dinner at her home - for a donation, of course. 
• Help Clothe Other Workers – Have a friend or relative struggling to dress properly for work or an interview?  Dress for Success and Career Gear are both excellent organizations that provide work-appropriate clothing for those in need.

Who knew – the holidays at the office could mean more than just pot-luck and gift wrapping.  Put your creativity to work and scheme up some exciting charitable projects! Good Luck!  

When you're working out – you can be one of two people:

That person so focused on their workout they don't need any pleasurable distractions like a rockin' music playlist, or a downloaded series of Dancing with the Stars or Downtown Abbey.  These people just enjoy listening to their own huffing and puffing and feeling every intricate sweat drop fall down their face.  They like the sound of their feet tapping along the pavement – or slamming onto the treadmill.

Weird... I know.  I personally can't relate.

Then there's the other population of exercisers who enjoy a good ole distraction – music, the news, a TV show, etc.

Let's talk about music.

Listening to music while you're exercising can extend your work-out, build motivation, add enjoyment, and make you feel good. According to David-Lee Priest, PhD, a health psychologist and researcher at London's Brunel University, "fast music especially, provides us more information to process, which may distract someone from the physical sensations of fatigue and block signals to stop exercising."

One interesting idea is to begin your workout with a slower pace tempo and build up to a faster song as you intensify your workout and begin to move faster. 

Also, remember not to pump up the volume too loud.  Experts warn that high-intensity music coupled with high-intensity exercise can cause temporary hearing loss.  During exercise, blood from the inner ear rushes toward the working muscles, making you more susceptible to hearing damage.

I guess that means don't sacrifice your ears for getting other parts of your body toned.  If you can't hear others compliment on how good you look – what's the point in exercising, right? (Kidding!)

Bottom Line:  Do what's best for yourself when it comes to working out.  Enjoy your music – or that TV series you can't live without.  Whatever makes you happy, more efficient, and more willing to exercise and maintain your health.

Click Here to check out 3LG's titles on Fitness/Health.  (We don't recommend listening to music/watching TV while you're viewing a fitness DVD.  We're all for multitasking... but that's a bit too much).

Oh – and recommendations for great songs are welcome!

It's that time of year.  Holiday music is everywhere we turn, malls and grocery stores are adorned and glowing, and you've already tweaked your gift giving list twenty seven times.  Let's take time to remember that the holidays are a special time to spend with family and reflect on your own personal heritage.  It's fun (and easy) to get caught up in the materialism-side of the holidays, but it's especially important to instill in our children the true purpose of our traditions and the passing down of generations.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for shopping, gift wrapping, and baking – but my husband and I had a personal awakening two years ago when we celebrated the first night of Hannukah.  As we light the first candle on our Menorah, sang our ceremonial songs, and gladly distributed gifts to our three children, my husband received a phone call that interrupted our joyous mood.  His paternal grandfather whom he had a close relationship with – died right then, on the first night of Hannukah.  We continued allowing our young children to bask in the delight of their gifts, but the true message of the holidays rang true in our hearts.  We lost a link in our chain – a connection to our previous generation and heritage – and a dear family member.

This holiday season – enjoy the materialism, but remember the meaning behind it.  Take that extra moment to explain the meaning of your holiday to your children.  Tell your spouse, sibling, or loved one how much they mean to you and how important it is to spend time with them. 

Let's allow the music, decorations, and baked goods help to lift our bodies and spirits – but let's also remember that the holidays are a time for family, love, and peace for all.

As Meg Ryan stated in “You've Got Mail” – “Don't you just love a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils?!” 

It's back to school week for most parents.   Are you ready?  Are your kids ready?

Here are 5 helpful back-to-school hints for parents with returning students: 

• Ease into Bedtime:  Sure, those 9:00 pm bike rides are fun in the summertime – but you should start buckling down on bedtime one week before school starts.   This way, the kids will be acclimated and well rested when school begins
• Discuss the Homework Routine:  If your children had homework last year – encourage them by reminding them of a great job they had done the previous year.  If homework is new to your kids, explain the homework schedule by outlining the time and place homework will be done.  Some good rules of thumb are trying to finish homework before dinner – and not allowing TV until all homework is complete.
• Visit your New School:  If your child is entering a new school or new building, be sure to swing her by for a visit before school starts.  If this isn't possible, try to schedule a playdate with another child who will be entering the same school as your child.  Beginning the year with some familiarity with the building or with fellow classmates can be very helpful.
• Get those School Supplies:  Hey, school supply shopping could actually be enjoyable!  Make a special date with each child individually.  Perhaps you could even schedule a special lunch date with that child after buying all of their school necessities.   This makes kids feel special – and completely obliterates sibling rivalry.
• Talk About It:  While you're out school supply shopping, discuss with your kids some of their expectations or fears about starting the new year.  Share some personal memories of your own!  Remember to be honest, but positive.

As for those without kids – or those with grown kids, don't fret we have some pointers for you as well.

As everyone shuffles into the “back to school mode” try to maintain a fresh perspective on your job functions as well.  Be a better communicator, stay positive, and try to give a helping hand to your colleagues.  Whether or not you have fond memories of going back to school yourself – it's always encouraging to have a fresh start and a positive outlook in whatever you are doing. 

Are you watching the Olympics this summer?  I know I am.  Gymnastics, swimming, diving, track, volleyball – summer Olympics are not only enjoyable to watch, but pretty inspiring as well.  The training and dedication required to become a world-class Olympian is mind blowing.  Did you know that Gabrielle Douglas, 16 year old American Gymnast left her home in Virginia Beach, VA for West Des Moines at the age of 14 in order to train at the same gym that produced gold-medalist Shawn Johnson?  Years of sacrifice, early morning practices, physical conditioning, and mental determination all amount to the extreme measures Olympians take to compete for honoring their countries.   

So what does it take to be a successful Olympian?   Today Health points out the ideal “ingredients” for a successful ultimate athlete:

• Skewed Muscles:  “Non-skill” sports solely based on strength, speed, or endurance such as running, swimming, or weightlifting, truly depend on body conditioning rather than training.  According to Bob Girandola, a kinesiologist at the University of Southern California, these forms of athleticism "ultimately are determined by genetics. You don't increase the number or type of muscle fibers by training."  In other words - it's what mommy and daddy gave you that count for something...
  
• Ship-Shape:  No matter how you slice it, certain sports come down to body size.  Gymnasts are usually short, basketball players tall, and weightlifters stocky.  Understand your body type – and find the sport that best suits your size.
  
• More pain, More Gain:  Yes, body type and muscle tone are important – but of course, practice makes perfect.  Why are Brazilians superb at soccer?  Because the kids are playing the sport morning, noon, and night.  John Williamson, a professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center who studies the brain's role in exercise and physical activity, noted that elite athletes' brains may simply ignore pain signals from their muscles, allowing them to push through injuries and tolerate a greater buildup of lactic acid in their working muscles.  The more an athlete practices - despite fatigue or pain -- she will eventually perfect her game.

There you have it.  A little bit of genetics and a lot of effort are what truly contribute to the make of a successful Olympian.  If you think you have what it takes – we'll see you in Rio in 2016!

They call me...the plant killer. 

Although my relationship with plants can be likened to a killer shark preying on its helpless victim, I find gardening to be an intriguing, beautiful, and rewarding experience (when done correctly, which I have yet to accomplish). 

Any green thumbs out there?  Here are some front yard landscaping ideas from Better Homes & Gardens that are sure to give your yard a makeover and your gardening confidence a boost. 

• Try Pebbles & Plantings:  Lay dark gray pebbles surrounded by paving stones for a no-mow, easy-care landscape accent.  Placing a series of irregularly placed, large-scale pavers offers a minimalist, artistic path
• Design a Bountiful Bed:  Wondering how to deal with a narrow flowerbed?  Try a grouping of perennials and annuals, which provide pops of color and easy maintenance
• Create a Zen Oasis:  Build an Asian-inspired garden with design ornaments, mulch, and evergreens
• Paint a Brilliant Canvas:  Mix ornamental grasses with beautiful maple trees.  These choices offer beautiful foliage, little care, and can withstand harsh weather
• Go Beyond the Garden Gate:  A simple, elegant fence not only contains a beautiful garden, but it separates single rows of daylilies and more diverse plantings closer to the house
• Fuse Elements for a Low-Key Setup:  Try mixing a solid surface with loose gravel.  If plants and trees provide overwhelming bolts of color -   let sleekly styled lawn chairs serve as a focal point
• Reach for Grand and Graceful:  A combination of shrubs and trees, specifically willows, help create a striking and vibrant color pallet.  Shrubs can be formally shaped or left to grow in its own form
• Make a Little Nook in the Woods:  Transition between tall plants and groundcovers for diversity and beauty -  add solar-powered landscape lighting for a peaceful, warm feel

While I'll personally stick to the pre-grown planters from Home Depot and cross my fingers to keep even those alive – I hope you true gardeners will take these tips to heart and create the beautiful yards and spaces I enjoy seeing – and in truth, wish I could create myself :)

While we're on the subject of greenery, check out the 3Leaf Group titles on healthy eating, green living, and environmental concerns.  Don't forget, an audiobook makes a great gardening companion…

June is a month marking beginnings and ends – weddings, graduations, anniversaries.  It's not really about the occasion – it's what we do with it.  Although graduation refers to the end of one's scholastic journey, we use the term “commencement” which refers to beginning and starting – not ending.  When one's formal education ends – one's professional life beings. 

If only we had this attitude for all aspects of life.  Remember Closing Time by Semisonic? “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end”.  Let's think of some “beginnings” and “endings” in life – and how they relate to one another.

• Career change (voluntarily or involuntarily) --> opportunity to meet new people, learn new concepts, face new challenges
• Moving to a new location (city, state, even country) --> new perspective, test your resilience, appreciate your adaptability
• Marriage/Anniversary (being something greater than just yourself) learn to share your life, bask in the joy of another, reflect on accomplishments
  
• Birth of a child (end of personal freedom!) --> sacrifice for another, pass on traditions and heritage, feel proud to be a role model, experience unconditional love

Am I forgetting something? What endings have you found led to a new beginning?  Success in life is not based upon experiences, but how we handle those experiences.  Don't let your experiences lead to an end – have them create a new beginning.  The same holds true in the professional world.  When one door closes – another one always opens somewhere.

I'll leave you with Closing Time – and a link to our fabulous audiobook catalog filled with inspirational titles on living life to its fullest, maintaining the proper perspective, and learning from life's experiences. 

Semisonic - Closing Time

3Leaf Group Audiobook Library

Looking for inspiration?  Look no further.

Mother's day is fast approaching.  

Since I am a mom myself, I have a newfound appreciation of the amazing, awesome, incredible ways of a mother.  If G-d gave a workshop on multi-tasking – guess who'd be the VIP guest speaker? 

That's right.  Mom. 

Ever tried applying mascara (without a mirror) while holding a baby over your shoulder while stirring a pot of spaghetti while helping your daughter spell her name in two different languages?  I have.  And believe me, it's loads of fun.  Now you can imagine why I have no patience when my husband is composing a business email and can't even change the channel for the kids on the TV.  Seriously?  Maybe add 6 more tasks at once and then you'll see life through my eyes. 

Motherhood involves both sacrifice and satisfaction (I have 3 kids 5 and under – so I'm still searching for the satisfaction part – I think I lost it somewhere between mayhem and chaos.)

But in my experience – I've learned two important rules: 

1 – Stop worrying about what others think.  Sure, it would be great to look like Tori Spelling with you and your kids dressed in designer clothes, playing in the park for endless hours, eating only organic, locally grown foods.  But in reality, you're lucky if your kids' faces are clean when you drop them off at school and the only association your kid has with fruits and vegetables is a strawberry-flavored yogurt.  As long as you and the children are happy and you're living a relatively healthy lifestyle – you're doing fine.

2 – Slow Down. Slow Down. Slow Down.  In today's technology-driven world everything must be accessible 24-7 with the touch of a finger.  Many of us are busy browsing the internet, updating your Facebook status, remembering to DVR your favorite show, shuttling your kids around town to their various after-school activities.  Guess what?  Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years.  Before you know it – time goes by – and you're not going to care how many people followed your Twitter post. You're going to care about the dinner you served that night and the discussion your kids generated at the table. 

This is even hard for me to internalize because I love being on the go.  But I've realized that kids these days are less appreciative and more overwhelmed when they're overly scheduled, surrounded by endless forms of technology, and bombarded by activity and traffic from all ends. 

Sometimes, you need to tune out in order to tune in.

So this Mother's Day – let's take a moment to thank our own moms who have gone through the sacrifice – and hopefully the satisfaction of raising wonderful, beautiful, you. 

I'll leave you on a funny note with Michelle's Top 5 Confessions as a Mom – maybe you can add to list as well!

Confessions:

1. Yes, I drink my kids' juice boxes when they are not looking
2. Yes, I throw out old projects and toys and blame the cleaning lady when the kids can't find them
3. I've poured coffee in the baby's bottle and milk in my travel mug
4. I've washed my kids hair with body soap and shampooed they're bottoms
5. I've slithered across the floor like a snake in the dark to retrieve a fallen pacifier, blanket, or other lovey without the baby noticing me

 Been there?  Done that?  Share your experiences!  Happy Mother's Day to all the great Moms out there!!

It's April. 

Some of you may have enjoyed a recent get-away over spring break – others may be planning a big family summer vacation.  There may be a sad few that fall under neither category, but we're not going down that road....

Whether or not you are planning a vacation this year – travelling is something you should pencil into your schedule sometime in the near future.  Traveling, especially traveling abroad offers unlimited benefits physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Traveling gives us the opportunity to disconnect from regular life, while increasing our knowledge and widening our perspectives.  Traveling exposes us to new experiences and helps us build lasting memories with loved ones.

Adventurous, imagination caps – ON!  Worrisome, money-concerned caps— OFF! 

Let's take a look at the New York Times top 15 Places to Visit in 2012.  (The Article lists the Top 45 – so if you have your SUPER-DUPER adventurous cap on, Click Here to read the rest of the list)

1. Panama – Go for the canal, stay for everything else
2. Helsinki, Finland – Design. Design. Design. Aesthetics fuel a new cool
3. Myanmar - Back on the tourist map after being off-limits for years
4. London - The Olympics! The Queen! Charles Dickens turns 200!
5. Oakland, California - New restaurants and bars beckon amid the grit
6. Tokyo - With some tourists slow to return, greater opportunities for those who do
7. Tanzania - Coming into its own as an upscale safari destination
8. Chilean Patagonia - Proof that adventure doesn't have to mean roughing it
9. Lhasa, Tibet - New luxury hotels bring respite — and controversy
10. Havana, Cuba - The Cuban capital is once again within Americans' reach
11. Moscow - New cultural venues add a dash of the sacred and profane
12. Glasgow - Zaha Hadid takes on a Scottish waterfront
13. Puebla, Mexico - International mole festival. Need we say more?
14. San Diego - With breweries and brewpubs, a sunny heaven for suds lovers
15. Halong Bay, Vietnam - New ways to visit a natural wonder in Southeast Asia

All of these locations would most certainly expand your mind and body let alone, offer an incredible time! 

Unfortunately, the reality bug is biting harder these days and we are forced to consider budgetary restrictions. Just remember, when planning the ultimate vacation the four primary areas of expenses are airfare, accommodations, food, and site seeing.  There are many strategies to lowering the cost in all of these categories.  Book tickets at less popular times of the year or pack your own food instead of constantly eating out.  Even site seeing isn't as expensive as people assume it to be.  According to GoBudgetTravel, if you were to visit 6 out of 7 “New Wonders of the World” such as the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China – it would cost less than admission for one adult at Disney World.

Bottom line:  Stop whining and start living!  Travel is more affordable than you think.  The memories and experiences you gain from traveling are priceless.  Just keep that adventurous cap on – and you'll be going places – no pun intended :)

**If the concept of "Stop Whining and Start Living" inspires you – it just so happens to be a title in our audiobook library!  It doesn't directly refer to traveling - but in her book, Dr. Laura Schlessinger helps folks conquer the temptation to retreat from living life to the fullest.  Check it out!

To all you GQ wannabes (or the men who are simply forced to wear formalwear to work) – loosen up. 

Literally. 

A recent study from Cornell University stated that men who wear tight collared shirts and neckties experienced blurred vision, headaches and increased muscle tension in the back and shoulders.  

Yikes. 

Another not so appealing factor of your neck accessory is – neckties don't get cleaned as often as other articles of your clothing, thereby posing greater risk for gathering bacteria and other transmitted infections. 

So who's in favor of “loosening up”? 

Many believe that today's “dot-com” industry has evoked a more laid-back style and has taken business casual to a new level.  The standard suit and tie has been replaced with crew-neck sweaters, tailored slacks, and loafers.  Those in favor of the more casual look believe traditional business attire is stuffy, stressful, and unapproachable.  They believe that informal dress fosters creativity, originality, and moreover – a more enjoyable work environment.

However, Loyd Boston, New York-based author of Men of Color:  Fashion, History, Fundamentals and a fashion analyst for the NBC Today Show reminds us:  "Dress depends on the line of work you're in and the image you want to project. It's something that men have to be mindful of. Regardless of how casual we become, clothing marks a certain station you're in.” 

Furthermore, we do find that individuals in higher ranking positions tend to dress with more authority i.e. conservative business wear in the majority of today's corporations.   According to Hosea Belcher, senior vice president of marketing for Artisan Home Entertainment in Los Angeles states, “those who want to follow in the footsteps of their bosses and supervisors up the corporate ladder should first follow with the neckties.” 

Point taken.

So the question remains:  To tie or not to tie? The necktie that is…

Whichever you choose, just don't tie it too tight. 

Are you a Demanding Parent?  You Should Be.

As parents, we strive to cultivate our children's self-esteem so that they grow into healthy, independent children and eventually, adults.    One component of fostering a child's self-esteem is recognizing your child's needs – his personal strengths and weaknesses -- and offering patience and guidance geared toward those specifications. 

These points are valuable, yet hardly innovative. 

Here's a new parenting tip according to 1-2-3 Magic Parent Magazine: 

Be Demanding.

Being demanding in an effective manner means setting high attainable goals and providing firm, encouraging feedback to ensure those goals are met.  Generally, children thrive when they understand boundaries and are well-structured.  Furthermore, children feel better about themselves when they stretch their creativity, accomplish new feats, and gain self-confidence in their daily activities.  These positive strides can be best accomplished with a firm guiding hand that drives for excellence, but offers support and guidance when needed. 

Wait a minute.  These tips sound pretty useful – not just for children, but for employees.  Ever likened your boss to your parent?  Scary thought – but if you think about it, it makes sense.

An effective boss will balance the kind with the firm.   The most effective way to cultivate growth in the workplace is to challenge employees, even demand excellence.  However, these demands can only be made when backed with support and encouragement.  Just as children gain confidence when they accomplish new feats, employees feel fulfilled when they challenge their creativity and produce measurable results.

Bottom line:  As a parent -- rule with a firm, yet guiding hand.  Demand excellence, praise the effort, reward the outcome. 

… and don't be too surprised when your boss uses the same philosophy on YOU. ;)