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Just in time for summer …
Published April 12, 2012 | 
Tired of cracked and dry heels?
… I know of something that works like nothing else I’ve found. Sandal Essence is something I swear by and it’s truly one of my favorite products. My friend Kristen at Dine and Dish is hosting a give-away today for it. I’m shouting it from the roof-tops because I know just how good it is.
Seriously … you NEED to win this product. You will LOVE it as much as me after one week of use.
It’s easy to win too … they are all things you will do in about a min. CHECK IT OUT!
You will thank me later!
You can check out Sandal Essence online here:
Their website: SandalEssence.com
Student Athlete Branding – The Internet … a blessing and a curse
Published November 18, 2011 | 
It’s no secret that Ron and I have a talented student athlete. Our son plays basketball and is driven like nobody I’ve ever known.
Being a student athlete is no joke. When I was a kid, it meant that you were good at sports and that maybe, just maybe, you could play at the next level. Grades were not really that big of a deal if you were a student athlete … and I even met a baseball player one time in college that couldn’t even read.
Those days are LONG gone though.
As early as middle school, these kids are vying for a spot on one team or another, attending camps, clinics, workshops, etc. It is very important to further the growth as an athlete, but today, to truly play at the next level, you must also excel in the classroom. The term, “Student Athlete” has “Student” at the beginning for a reason. If you can’t make it in the classroom, you will not be in serious contention for college scholarships.
A lot of athletes learn that it will take a lot of sweat to get where they want to go. They know that grades have to be a big part of the equation and they hear it from coaches all the time that like it or not, people are always watching … but there is one lesson that I feel they are not getting on the field (or floor) and it’s a very important piece for them to master.
Branding!
Yes … I know you are reading this thinking … branding? That’s what “I” have to worry about with my business … now I have to worry about it with my kid too? You do if your child wants to play competitively in college and sometimes beyond. College and professional sports is a business and therefore, branding of their incoming players is important to them as well.
With things like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace (although that’s less relevant these days), Instagram, Flickrr and other social media sites, it’s harder for these student athletes to “keep their noses clean.”
I have personally seen some kids get into serious trouble with Facebook this year. I’ve seen bullying, I’ve seen kids impersonating others in a hurtful way and I’ve seen photos that make kids “appear” to be doing something that they aren’t with a simple click of a cell phone camera.
I don’t think that kids understand the true ramifications that come with being THAT exposed. Especially when they are student athletes with a bright future ahead of them.
I think that the best way to control the environment for our student athletes is to create one from the ground up. An area where they can interact with friends, share photos, put up schedules, videos, etc. A space that they can call their own, but one where they can control what is shown and shared a little easier.
Having the experiences that we are with Zac made us realize that we could help other student athletes as well. Through RKN Studio we can help them develop a place that they can call home online. A place that will allow them to start managing their own brand – their name! If you want to check out some more info on that, you can GO HERE.
We created a website for Zac that showcases his resume to coaches, sports writers, scouts, etc. If you’d like to check out the finished product of Zac’s site, you can CLICK HERE. Before we truly launched it, we sought out advice from college coaches that we know, AAU coaches, parents and players. It allowed us to get a good combination of athletics and academics. We also had Zac design it so that it has “his” spin on it. In fact .. the student athlete packages that we’re selling are all designs that Zac created with the sole intent of helping other student athletes.
We also got Zac set up on Twitter – which has honestly been a ton of fun for him … and for me. I like seeing him interact with everyone like this. His friends are all asking him how his Mom has so many followers … and then ask how did YOU get 45 followers in 4 days – hahah. Twitter allows him to show a little of his character where photos on a website sometimes can’t truly do justice there.
I guess one confirmation that I’m doing the right thing by working with the kids is that I was asked to speak at a local high school to their football team about the dos and don’ts of social media when it comes to trying to be a college athlete.
… and apparently that was a success because they are now asking if I’ll do the same thing for ALL of their programs 
. That makes me happy. If I can help one kid realize their dreams … why not help more?
BRANDING … IT’S NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS ANYMORE!
Where’s My DAMN Tip? Watch the Documentary – Catfish
Published November 16, 2011 | 
Have you seen this movie yet?
Our house has been a sick house over the last week. We have exhausted all movies and such. I had this one from Netflix for WAY TO LONG because each time I tried to get Ron or Zac to watch it with me, they would say it didn’t sound good. So yesterday when Zac and I were trying to find another movie to watch on the couch, I asked him about Catfish again and he said, “Mom it doesn’t sound like something I’d like”. I said, “dude … seriously, we are stuck on a couch sick and we don’t have anything better to do right now.”
So we watched it. About 15 min into this documentary … Zac said he was WRONG.
We both loved this movie. I don’t want to give the story of this movie away. Definitely worth the time. Especially for Zac to see. If someone starts to tell you what the movie is about … stop them and beg them not to. You need to watch it yourself and experience the journey that IS this movie.
You can thank me later … seriously!!
Posted in Check This Out, Where's my DAMN tip? | 
catfish documentary, documentary, films, video rental | 
Leave a commentWines for the Top 10 Tough to buy for peeps!
Published December 3, 2010 | This great list was passed on to me from a great wino and talented writer; Natalie Maclean and well it was just too good not to pass along to everyone!!
New York, November 18, 2010 — “Wine is one of the few presents that makes both the giver and the receiver look good,” says Natalie MacLean, the red-nosed e-sommelier behind www.nataliemaclean.com, one of the largest wine web sites. “You look like you spent a bundle on the gift (even if you didn’t) and the recipients are happy that you think they know something about wine (even if they don’t).”
“When you give wine, doubles are fine, there are no wrong sizes and you can always find something good in stock,” MacLean adds. “Vintage gifts will get anyone into the holiday spirits.”
Natalie’s Top Ten Gift Wines for Your …
1. Hairdresser: For the person who combines humor and optimism every time she styles your mop. Go for a light, gulpable wine like a dry rosé. It’s versatile and fuss-free-a great quaff for your coif.
2. Psychiatrist: Of course, he’ll analyze whatever you give him so choose a wine that’s all about balance. Easy-drinking pinot noir is medium-bodied yet packed with flavor. Surprise him with a large-format bottle, like a magnum. Big thinking means big progress for you. This wine also works for psychologists, marriage counselors and bartenders.
3. The Boss: Pick too pricey a wine and your boss will think your last raise was too much; go cheap, and she’ll think you lack judgement. Focus on a label with a lot of white space since that makes the bottle look more expensive. A castle in the distance also works, but avoid fluffy animals.
4. Personal Trainer: Think a muscular, robust red would work? Hold that position. Instead, try riesling: this light white wine pairs well with a health-nut diet of salad and seafood, plus it’s low in alcohol. You can also give it to Pilates instructors, yoga masters and Tai Chi coaches.
5. Financial Planner: You and he both know it’s going to take decades before your portfolio recovers after the crash of 2008. With that long-term view, vintage port makes the perfect gift. This fortified wine from northern Portugal, with its long aging potential, will be around for both of you into your retirements.
6. Travel Agent: She’s been everywhere and seen everything, so go local with your choice of wine. Even better, if you live close to the winery, get the bottle signed by the winemaker.
7. Teacher: If you can’t find a suitably obscure wine with a Latin name, there’s always cream sherry. It’s the tipple of Oxford dons, not to mention the centerpiece of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Case of the Amontillado.
8. Mail Deliverer: Go for a winery that’s consistent year after year in producing a wine that can be enjoyed in snow, rain, sleet or hail. Try an Australian shiraz or Argentine malbec.
9. Mechanic: Yes, there’s a wine called Red Truck, but try to be more imaginative. Why not give a wine made by Mario Andretti in California or Ferrari in Italy?
10. Online Date: So you’re on your second or third rendezvous with the person you met on eHarmony or Dating.com. If you’re not sure yet whether marriage is a possibility, try something middle-of-the-road, like merlot. Yes, it’s the soft jazz of wine, but until you know, play it safe.
And after all that shopping, don’t forget yourself: even Santa’s little helpers need more than milk and cookies. Try something with high-alcohol like Italian Amarone or Rhone syrah: these big reds easily drown out tone-deaf caroling and pair beautifully with tired feet.
For Natalie’s favorite wineries, tasting notes and recipe matches for all the wine types mentioned above, please visit: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/view/2010/11/18/top-10-wines-for-holiday-gifts/133541
Jodycakes Rocks!
Published November 22, 2010 | Our very own Jodycakes has been written up over on Culture Map Houston. It’s a GREAT write up with some tips on how to bake Vegan and at the end of the write up, there is even a video. If that’s not enough … she’s even sharing one of her recipes for Pumpkin Spice Vegan Cupcakes with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting.
Such a great article … and video … I miss you Jodycakes!
The Ground keeps shaking: Earthquake Prep tips
Published March 8, 2010 | The ground seems to be shakin all over this world of ours and for a very long time I thought that California was just about the only place that big quakes (or threat of quakes existed) As a kid I was always told that when I grow up I should be land in Nevada so that I could have ocean front property! It seams that in the last few years the ground is really movin all over this world of ours. Based on the scary fact here are some tips on being / getting and staying prepared.
How can I prepare?
- Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
- Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
- Practice drop, cover and hold on in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall
and cover your head and neck with your arms. - Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
- Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
- Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
- Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
- Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets.
- Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
- Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home, and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
- Keep and maintain an emergency supplies kit in an easy-to-access location.
- Make sure in your supply kit that you have food for your 4 legged family members as well.
- If you have the money and the space a generator is a great investment. What should I do during an earthquake?
If you are inside when the shaking starts .
- Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible.
- If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
- Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
- Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.
If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs rather
than an elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other
damage.
- Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.If you are outside when the shaking starts …
- Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).
- If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible.
- Stay inside with your seat-belt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.
- If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
- If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by
earthquakes.
** A personal tip: Make sure that you have a couple bottles of wine and a wine opener carefully and safely secured. Trust me after dealing with the 1994 Northridge quake and losing every stitch of glass and all alcohol in the house this tip will come in handy!!
PLEASE PLEASE SHARE YOUR TIPS!!!!
Where’s my DAMN tip?
Published January 15, 2010 | 
You guessed it .. we have come up with a new feature for Where’s My DAMN Answer?
Where’s my DAMN tip? will be a monthly feature where we get a handful of “tips” from people that “know a thing or two” … or maybe from people who “don’t know a thing or two”. Basically – think of it as that little section in “Real Simple” magazine … but more REAL and more SIMPLE 
Our first handful of tips is of course fitness related because it’s the first of the year and OMG we all need to work off that Christmas dinner. After all … it’s a new year … so why not make it a new YOU too?
It’s a New Year – Time for a New you … again? - by Tami Lindahl (certified personal trainer)
Well, it’s 2010 and a new year, it must be time for a new year’s resolution, right? Time to take that extra weight off….ARRHH… not again…didn’t we do this weight loss thing last year? Why is it that we vow to eat right and exercise in January but by mid February, we are back to out old ways? I would guess that it’s because we don’t really know exactly what we should be doing, or how to change the way we eat in such a way that we are satisfied so that we stick to it. We’ve also been told things through the years about how to lose weight, true or false, we’ve believed them. I thought, in the spirit or new years resolutions, I’d dispel a few myths…
- Eating a low fat diet or omitting fat from your diet will help us lose fat. Bzzzt, (that’s my buzzer sound)… wrong. Eating fat can actually aid you in your weight loss efforts. Yes, I said it …help you in your weight loss efforts. First of all, eating fat helps your absorb nutrients; which is important because if you are lacking nutrients your body thinks you are starving and you crave more food. Second, starting your meals with a little fat helps you feel full sooner. The key here is choosing the right fats. I’m not talking about fried foods or donuts; I’m talking about healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocado.
- Cardio is the best form of exercise for fast weight loss...Bzzzt, wrong again. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely important, but you absolutely need to include resistance or weight bearing exercises. Why? Muscle dictates your metabolism. The more lean muscle you have, the more revved up your calorie burning abilities are. Don’t panic, as a woman, you won’t bulk up (that’s another myth). You should do both, and don’t forget to stretch when your done!
- Eating fewer calories will take the weight off. Bzzzt, not for long… Yes, eating few calories will take weight off initially, but, the minute you begin to eat again the weight comes back, with company. The reason is that when you starve yourself, you lose muscle and not fat. You go into a fat storage mode and you body “eats” the muscle. Losing muscle is the last thing you want to see go because lean muscles are what keep your metabolism working most efficiently. Eat the foods that keep you in a fat burning zone so you never have to starve again.
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