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THREE CONTRACTORS
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In light of this recent article in the Washington Post, Growing wealth widens distance between lawmakers and constituents, I don't doubt this is a joke on us....
Happy New Year everybody. Vote wisely in 2012!
You may, or may not be aware of this book entitled The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Author, Gary Chapman, but I recently read it and it made all the sense in the world to me after taking his 5 Love Languages test.
I learned my top love language is receiving gifts. Now lest you think I'm materialistic, here's the description of this love language and I quote:
"Receiving Gifts
Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures."
My second highest love language is Quality Time:
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, 'I love you,' like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful."
This explained everything to me about some personal dynamics currently going on with people who shall remain nameless to protect the clueless. I know one reads my blog so perhaps this will be shared with the less informed. One can hope, eh?
Moving right along...
So, when I was invited to spend "quality time" with a renowned Plastic Surgeon and a pioneer in plastic surgery and skincare named Dr. Des Fernandez who was visiting Atlanta, GA from South Africa, I gladly agreed.
It was an invitation to learn more about Environ, "his breakthrough anti-aging skincare collection which is available in the Atlanta area as well as nationwide in spas and medical centers"
at one of the hottest new organic restaurants in town, Miller Union.
Photo credits for first images by David Naugle. The following are mine.:)
Despite torrential rain, I arrived at Miller Union on time and enjoyed meeting Dr. Des and his skincare colleagues which included the owner's of the distribution company, his sales rep and publicist. Here's a few of his team below. He is the tall gentleman on the far left and his delightful team is next to him. What was special for me was Dr. Des took the time to review a small skin cancer lesion I've had on my shoulder for a little bit now and was able to alieve my concerns about it's growth. What I wasn't aware of, but happy to learn, Environ skincare products contain Vitamin A and he said in his practice when people started applying it to issues like mine it healed them.
He said this happened so frequently it took him awhile to realize he wasn't doing as many surgeries as before, but mainly check-ups due to the success of patient's using his products which I found fascinating. I'm willing to try anything to avoid having my shoulder incapicated for a month and have been using Environ products ever since receiving them. I will have a doctor check it of course, but in the meantime, I'm excited to experience positive results.
From the official press release, "Dr. Fernandes’ concern for skin cancer in the early 1980s was the reason why he started the research that eventually led to the conception of the Environ Original range of skin care products. He knew from his medical experience and from statistics, that skin cancer was on the increase.
In 1991, a vitamin A retinoid reaction, experienced by a consumer, led to the development of two milder creams, and the step-up system of gradually increased doses of active ingredients was born. The step-up system of increasing strengths provide a range of light, non-greasy moisturizers containing vitamin A and a sophisticated free-radical scavenging system of powerful antioxidants to assist in normalizing and protecting skin from the ever-increasing incidence of sun damage."
Since I grew up in CA where you're constantly in the sun (unlike Atlanta which seems to be constantly raining lately! LOL) and can suffer skin cancer so much more frequently, I was especially interested in learning more about Environ. Dr. Des showed so many wonderful before and after images during his skincare presentation over lunch I believe his miracles!:)
Here's a link to results you can view for yourself: http://environ.co.za/results
He had the funniest tools he uses (one is called Cosmetic Body Roll-CIT ) which almost looks like a torture device to help all the nutrients of his skincare products fully penetrate. It does prick the skin, but people swear by it. Here's a closer look:
You can't really see it in this pic, but there are numerous tiny needles all over the barrel. Now imagine rolling these type tools over your body and face. Here's the official description: "It was a world first and helps to increase the effectiveness of skin care products. The instrument is made up of a convenient handle, smooth-action roller heads and durable stainless steel micro needles."
The bigger version will help you get rid of cellulite and the smaller ones help your face wrinkles. I'm sure there's a nicer way to say this, but I'm not doing it very well...:) Now I'm not one who is a slave to products and if you know me personally you'll know I'm telling you the truth, but I will say, I'm applying this product regularly and will keep you posted on how my skin improves.
I was very impressed with the entire team of experts and they have continued to make sure I'm doing ok with everything which is also impressive. No wonder celebrities, athletes and more swear by Dr. Des Fernandez's products! I think I'll soon be joining them.:)
From the official press release: "Over the years Environ has received numerous accolades for the achievements of the Company itself, showing that it is conscious of maintaining the highest standards in every aspect. Environ is one of the few Companies in the world where research and development, manufacture, distribution and marketing are all done in house."
Now skincare isn't the only gift I"ve received which has definitely made going to the Post Office more fun lately. Ironically enough, I received an email from a PR firm in Santa Monica I had actually interviewed with years back asking if I would like to write a story about . Now since this is my Dad's absolute favorite candy and it holds a special place in my heart having grown up eating it in CA, I said sure!
Because we all know, life is like a box of chocolates right?:) Doesn't this look wonderful? Here's another good present for the chocolate lover in your life....
It's called the Winter Wonderland Box and is filled with such chocolates as Scotchmallows, Butterscotch Squares, Milk Chocolate Foil Balls and Molasses Chips. (Can you believe the price too? $6.80 for 4.8 oz) I hope there's some left because I'm sure you can order some deliciousness online to be delivered wherever here: http://www.sees.com/
I'm so bummed I was sick because I missed visiting their recent Atlanta pop-up stores in Town Center and Cobb and Mall of Georgia. Did you know..."Since 1921, See's Candies has been one of America's favorite candy makers. A tradition in the West, See's has consistently maintained its old-fashioned virtues of quality, caring and friendly service. With every delicious piece of See's candy, customers are assured of 'Quality Without Compromise®.'"
I know they're one of my favorites! I received a box from the family I visited over Christmas too. Needless to say, I've been nurturing my chocoholic this season. Wouldn't it be cool if there was such a thing as a chocolate diet? I do feel happier after having a piece I must say. Ok, truth be told, it's more than one piece a day, but who's counting?:)
And for those of you not into chocolate, how about a toffee? "Toffee-ettes Are a bite-sized version of See’s famous Victoria Toffee, ideal to enjoy anywhere. Everyone loves this rich, crunchy butter toffee and California-grown almonds, covered in creamy milk chocolate then rolled in toasted almonds." (I think it's the almonds that make this a little more pricey maybe? $17.70 for 1 lb.)
Here's how fanatical my Dad is about his Sees. Whenever anyone gives him a box as a present he will offer us all one piece and then he hides it in his room where he will nurse a box for weeks! LOL If you dared ask him for a piece later, he would never give one and despite numerous efforts to find his hiding place (because yes, he did hide it to prevent us eating it), we never did.
I personally always enjoyed popping into the Sees store back home because they always give you another piece to taste in addition to whatever you buy. Now? I'll just have to rely on the kindness of strangers I guess.:) Needless to say, the folks who gave me Environ and Sees to try spoke my love language and I'm very happy now.
Happy New Year everyone! Eat more chocolate!:) But take care of your skin too, ok?
Recently I had the privilege of attending Inc's informational event with my client, Managing Director of School of Humans, Marc Savoie, at the infamous Turner Field 755 Club in Atlanta, GA.
What a great panel discussion and venue!
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I did tweet out some key thoughts and if you're curious, just go to my Twitter feed here: www.twitter.com/thejoywriter I believe Lisa might have a presentation she will share later too.
Marc and I enjoyed attending and meeting key executives from all the above listed companies. Everyone is always so accessible all the INC events are very enjoyable to attend.
Marc even ran into a former colleague, Fred Huff (right), whom he had worked on the Georgia Dream Pass promotion together a few years back.
We also enjoyed the view of Turner Field and the 755 Club, me especially since this was my first time here since arriving in Atlanta this summer.
A gentleman from UPS opened the evening and then we were on to the panel with Lisa Calhoun moderating this eclectic collection of CEO's and thought leaders from their respective companies.
I always find it fascinating how cool Atlanta is with all their tech events and how a major magazine like INC comes down here regularly to host similar events quite regularly.
Before I moved out here I never saw anything tech-oriented which was one of the reasons I hesitated when my friend invited me to join her since Texas is much more visible in tech. However, as I live here longer, I realize the tech community is actually quite vibrant, although still underground and only available among those who know.
Fortunately, I met someone through a referral who has been very gracious to connect me to such events as Digital Atlanta and other avenues I wouldn't have been aware of otherwise. You may know her? Emma Loggins of Fanbolt? Definitely one plugged in, accomplished girl. I can say that because I am older.:) She, and so many others I'm meeting, have been very gracious to connect me, and subsequently, my clients, into their circles for which I am very grateful.
Forbes and MSNBC named Atlanta one of America's most wired cities if you can believe it too. Twitter and Facebook are both opening headquarters here also. Atlanta just needs some publicity among techies.:) I have been very impressed with Atlanta's tech community personally and am very happy to be here.
I can see why my client, School of Humans, chose to establish their branded entertainment studio here as well now too. Atlanta is the perfect blend of east coast and the South to develop, create and produce unique story telling in a digital manner across many platforms like they are doing for Discovery Networks on their Stuff You Should Know series.
Here's an example of the 26 episode micro-series which launched the upcoming half-hour show: http://videos.howstuffworks.com/howstuffworks/41538-stuff-you-should-know-body-farms-video.htm#mkcpgn=tw1
More to come! I've gotta run now, but will write more later...
I thought you might like to hear a quick update on the two recent events I was showcasing here in my blog. I will give you an update on Likeminds, School of Humans and the INC/UPS events next, but for now, here's the charity and speaking update.
Real quick on David Kim's talk because my Dad didn't have too many details, over 100 men attended the Gathering of Men breakfast featuring Baja Fresh CEO David Kim this past week. My Dad said his talk was very inspirational and focused a lot on the greatness of America which allowed David and his family to become the success he is today through God's grace.
I really wish I had been there because I would have been able to give you a more informative update, but you can always buy his book, IGNITE! The 12 Values That Fuel Billionaire Success [Kindle Edition]
Here's the video to re-introduce you to him too:
My Dad was pleased with the turn-out and talk, so I'm pleased. Just thought you'd like to know.:)
Moving right along....
For those of you who aren't familiar with the Be Rich Campaign Pastor Andy Stanley has exhorted all five of his satellite churches to do, here's a link to my prior blog which goes into greater detail (with videos for those not into reading): http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2011/11/berich11-campaign-raises-17-million-for-atlanta-based-charities-in-7-days-13000-hours-of-service-and.html
Here's also the quick blurb from the main website: "As we have connected our attendees with opportunities "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18), we have formed ongoing relationships with nonprofits. We believe that these organizations are exceptional and we want to leverage our resources to help them go further, faster. It's through these nonprofits that we'll work to build a clinic, serve the poor, feed the hungry, and help children-at-risk."
CBS Atlanta picked up this story and here's their news coverage on our latest challenge to collect 25 tons of food... Great story!
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6518708
Not only did we achieve our goal to collect 25 tons of food, we exceeded it by so much (41 tons total) the food bank we collected it for didn't have space to hold it all! We have storage at our church facility and are keeping some of it for them until they're ready. Isn't that amazing?
One thing that the food bank woman mentioned in the interview is that just a few months before they were begging for help and now they're overflowing! She thought it was because in this economy people have a little more empathy for those less fortunate having experienced a tightening of the belt themselves. I would tend to agree.
So! The final numbers for our Be Rich Campaign to date according to Andy this past Sunday were, drum roll please:
Commissioned to raise $500,000 - total brought in? TWO MILLION!
Commissioned to serve 8,000 hours - total committed to? FIFTEEN THOUSAND!
Commissioned to bring in 25 tons of food - total collected? FORTY ONE TONS!
I am blown away by the generosity of the South and this church community. Andy spoke about his new goal for next year and even as he admitted it wasn't much of a sermon, I felt moved and inspired to live a bigger life next year and commit to tithing 10% of my income for the entire 2012 as he asked us to do.
He said the reason we were able to be so generous during our Be Rich Campaign was because of the faithful giving people have done over the years (2.0 giving vs. 1.0 giving.) Now asking for money is always sticky and uncomfortable to do, but I believe by presenting all the wonderful ways in which our church can support so many and provide "intervention" assistance vs. "preventative" assistance, it totally makes sense.
So, Andy's challenge for 2012, should you choose to accept it wherever you are and wherever you live, is to tithe 10% of your income: Give. Save. Live.
I'll keep you posted.:) And if you're curious about Northpoint Community Church, visit us at any of the five campuses spread out all over Atlanta which you can discover here: http://www.northpoint.org/.
Here's a schedule of the upcoming messages too:
December 11 - Uncomplicating Christmas
December 18 - Random Christmas
December 24 - Christmas Eve services 9am 11am and 6pm for Buckhead (Check the site for the rest.)
December 25 - No service. Enjoy this time with your family.
And that's all she wrote! (For now. More later. Been busy writing other work-related materials, but soon.)
Have a wonderful day! I know I am!:) And for those of you who don't like exclamation points? Oh well....:)
Atlanta, GA Normally held the third Friday of every month, Likemind Atlanta’s informal gathering of creatives in all industries will be held December 2 from 8am - 9:15am at Octane Coffee + Little Tart Bakeshop. Likemind Atlanta is sponsored by School of Humans, a multi-platform entertainment studio, located in Decatur, GA.
The gathering is co-hosted by School of Humans' Head of Branded Content and Digital Media, Brandon Barr, a digital storyteller with a wealth of experience in the digital media, advertising and network broadcast worlds, and Chris Wojda, director of brand planning at Definition 6.
Likemind is a casual, once-a-month coffee gathering of creative professionals in all industries which currently meets in over 50 cities worldwide. Likemind caters to young professionals in advertising, media and design who are products of the age of personal blogs, warts-and-all YouTube videos and viral marketing. Likemind Atlanta meetings are held the third Friday of every month through May at Octane Coffee + Little Tart Bakeshop, move to Steady Hand Pour House near Emory during the summer, and then over to Octane Coffee Westside in the Fall.
School of Humans create, write and produce awesome shows, narratives, and films, sometimes with an equally-awesome brand partner baked right into the heart of the story; this entertainment is then spread across multiple channels: broadcast, online video, the social web, mobile — anywhere audiences gather. They call it the human channel.
School of Humans' award-winning production and development team has worked with Discovery, Science, ESPN, CBS, Food Network, and Turner as well as many of the world’s largest brands including Coca-Cola, GE, Toyota, American Airlines, Kodak, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Barclays and AT&T.
For more information, please contact School of Humans Publicist, Joy Kennelly, via email: jkennelly (at) schoolofhumans (dot) com or phone: 310 714-2077.
