Monday, May 14, 2012

Family Conference for Summer 2012


This is the first summer, in five years, that we will have our entire family under one roof.  Yikes!  My oldest son, Tony (23), did not want to sign another year lease on rental property since he will be graduating from college soon.  Therefore, he made the decision to move back home and save money.  This was not his first choice I'm sure but it was the most practical.  My daughter, Allie (21), is also home from college for the summer.  Lastly, my husband Tony, youngest son, Andrew (18) and myself are thrilled to have everyone together.  And although we look forward to seeing more of each other, it does raise some concerns - so much that I decided it was once again time for a FAMILY CONFERENCE. 


This is our wonderful family!


Actually, I do not expect any problems this summer, however, I want us all to enjoy the summer and the best way for this to happen is to be proactive and discuss everyone's expectations.  


Here is a list of what we discussed - not necessarily in any order of importance.  


PLEASE...


1.   Be considerate and respectful of everyone in the house.


2.   Church - no one has to go to church with mom and dad but find a time that works with your schedule.


3.   Try to make an effort to spend time with the grandparents.


4.   Replace empty toilet paper rolls and Kleenex boxes.


5.   Shoes - put them on shelves or under the bench where we won't trip over them.


6.   If you use or borrow something, put it back where you found it (tools, clothes, computers, etc.).


7.   Don't leave your dishes/glasses around the house - especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.


8.   Put dirty dishes in dishwasher.  If dishes in dishwasher are clean, then empty dishwasher.


9.   Wipe and dry the kitchen counters (please clean up after yourself).


10.  Laundry:  don't start a load of laundry unless you are going to be home to put clothes in dryer and then fold them.


11.  Parking cars:  We will have 5 cars in the driveway.  This could be problematic - a few years ago, I backed up  into my sons car in the driveway.  We decided that Allie would make signs for each car as a reminder to look behind before backing up.  In addition, because we leave the house at different times, each night we would determine the parking according to who would leave the house earliest.   


12.  Car keys:  We should have an extra set of all car keys in the house.  If you leave the house (and don't drive) we need to be able to move the cars.


13.  Let us know if you are not coming home for the night (Tony and Allie).  Do not call to let us know in the wee hours of the night.


14.  Alcohol:  (Tony and Allie) - Do not call Andrew as your designated driver.  We do not want him driving late at night in locations that he is unfamiliar with.  Also, if you are going to drink our liquor, please replace.


15.  If you are going to have friends over, please let us know.


16.  Keep your bedrooms clean.  OK, let's be realistic - at least make some effort.


17.  Open the blinds in your bedroom each morning.


18.  We need to work on a house cleaning schedule.  Everyone should help.  I will not clean the kids bathroom!


19.  Grocery:  When you run out of some food item, write it down on the grocery list.  I do not want to hear any complaints of why we don't have...  Also, it would be nice to have some help when grocery shopping.


20.  Breakfast:  On Your Own - (Protein Shake/vitamins/etc.)
       Lunch:       On Your Own
       Dinner:      Please let us know if you won't be home for dinner.


** It would sure be nice if we could take turns making dinner (just a thought).


21.  Eat the food we have at home, it's so much healthier than "fast food."  Let's make a real effort not to waste food.  


22.  Please help pick up Roscoe's (our dog) poop!


23.  Jobs:  Save $$$ for college and some $ for summer fun!


The reality is that we know we are close to becoming empty nesters, were just not ready yet. Boo-hoo.  


Everyone have a great summer and love the ones your with!








  


    



Thursday, May 10, 2012

Celebrating Women!

Let's Celebrate Women in May!



Last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to participate in the annual "Woman to Woman" Luncheon at the Marriott in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.  This is a Shaklee sponsored event to create an awareness around women's wellness issues and the purchasing power we have as women.  


The keynote speaker was Dr. Jamie McManus, MD
Chairman Medical Affairs, Health Sciences & Education of the Shaklee Corporation

I had to get a quick picture of Dr. Jamie and myself.
This woman is amazing as you can see from her bio below.  The Shaklee Corporation and all of us out in the field are so  fortunate to have her as our spokesperson.  She is a great role model for everyone.

Dr. McManus received a B.S. in Biological Sciences and her M.D. from the University of California at Davis where she graduated with Honors. She was awarded membership in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society upon graduation from medical school. After completing her residency in Family Practice and achieving Fellowship in the American Academy of Family Practice, Dr. McManus practiced family medicine in California and Washington for 15 years with special emphasis in preventive medicine, sports nutrition and women’s health.

Dr. McManus truly believes in nutrition as the basis of good health. As a long time vegetarian and runner, she walks the walk as well as talking the talk and has been sharing her knowledge of nutrition, weight management, exercise and healthy lifestyle on stage, radio and television for over 15 years. She has spoken to millions of people in over 45 countries and led seminars for healthcare professionals in many countries as well as publishing articles on health topics in many dozens of magazines and newspapers. Dr. McManus’ first book, Your Personal Guide to Wellness-what your Doctor doesn’t have time to tell you, was published in late 2004. This book provides an overview of information about nutrition, weight control, the use of supplements, how to manage stress as well as priceless information and advice regarding the use of supplements and herbs to assist with the management of many of today’s most challenging chronic health challenges.

In February, 2008, Dr. McManus was awarded “Woman of Distinction” by the East Bay Business Times. Other awards include being named in Best Doctors of America as well as named to America’s Best Family Doctors in 2004 by Consumers Research Council of America. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, California Medical Society and American Medical Women’s Association. She was an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the UC Davis School of Medicine for 8 years and is Vice President of the School of Medicine Alumni Association.

Dr. McManus has 2 grown children, Adam (wife Melanie) and Heather and resides in Pleasanton, California.  She also has one grandchild.



My mom, Vernie, and me.
I too was asked to speak at this event and when I heard that there would be over 300 people attending, I figured that I should practice my talk a little more.  I asked my mother if I could practice giving my talk to her and she cried throughout my talk.  Now if you knew my mother, you would understand because she has worked her Shaklee business for over 36 years and is emotionally attached to this company.  The good news is that audience did not cry at my talk but had a few laughs instead. 




I discussed  "Why Shaklee and the Benefits".
I grew up with Shaklee products and at 18 years of age, received a Shaklee membership from my mother.  I shared the products with friends and signed up a few customers.  (Can you believe that I am still getting bonus checks from people that I signed up over 30 years ago)?  Anyway, life got busy and I put Shaklee aside until about 7 years ago.  I was watching the Oprah Winfrey show and Roger Barnett was talking about how he had just bought the Shaklee Company.  Roger had recreated the business without jeopardizing the core values and integrity of the company.  He modernized Shaklee.  


This is how we used to work the business,
And this is how we do the business today!


I decided it was time to get back into Shaklee for two reasons:  first of all, I could pay for my products at a lower cost and in addition, I had been thinking about what would I do when my children were all on their own.  


But the surprise for me has been that Shaklee has enriched my life in so many other ways.  I have found new friends that I will have for a lifetime; I have been able to spend more time with my mom, sister and family; I have able to travel; I have also become more educated on the topic of nutrition and healthy living and I have experienced personal growth.    


Whatever phase of life you are in, Shaklee can be customized to fit your lifestyle.  Not too many companies are that flexible.

I am so very proud to represent the Shaklee Corporation and I have such respect and admiration for all the business leaders that have paved the way for us newbies.  Many women have played a significant role in the success of this business.  This annual Woman to Woman event is so critical in mentoring women of all ages and I look forward to having my daughter participate some day.

This is a company that is going places! 

Is it time for YOU to recreate yourself and your future?
Let's talk about it:  tpmcdaaa@comcast.net.



Sunday, April 29, 2012

Health Professionals Speak!


HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SPEAK

. . . About "Why Shaklee"

The #1 Natural Nutrition Company in U.S.


You know how passionate I am on the topic of supplementing your diet with Shaklee's food supplements.  I thought it may be helpful to give you some fresh perspectives from objective medical professionals. 
  
Below are some awesome testimonials from reputable health care professionals on the value of Shaklee supplementation.  

**In addition, 


I have included a link from the "Food Matters" blog on the subject of Doctors speaking out on how Vitamins are Safe and Effective!  Check it out at: 
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/doctors-say-vitamins-are-safe-and-effective.




DR. Neil Padgett, M.D.
Internal Medicine
Glen Burnie, Maryland
“The reason that I have recommended only Shaklee to my patients is that I have clinical, peer-reviewed data included in the catalog that I can refer to. You have to have good clinical studies, good double-blind peer-reviewed studies in order to evaluate a product. As a medical professional, that’s the only thing that I’ll listen to. Except for Shaklee, I’m not aware of anyone who’s
done in-depth studi es. It’s the only company I’ve seen do it and that’s why it’s the only company I can professionally recommend.”



DR. Steve Chaney, PH.D.
Professor of Nutrition, Biochemistry & Biophysiology
University of North Carolina Medical School
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is taking inexpensive vitamins. Mail
order vitamins offering fantastic “deals” are worth just about what you pay for
them. NEVER buy these vitamins or supermarket/pharmacy brands without
checking them out first. Cut-rate products often contain additives, food
allergens, sugar, artificial food coloring and flavoring. Many are coated with
shellac or contain potentially hazardous chemicals like chlorine. Shaklee
performs up to 176 separate tests for purity, freshness, potency, and safety on
the raw ingredients for a single product. Products undergo as many as 262
separate quality assurance tests throughout the manufa cturing proc ess as well.
In addition, all product label claims have docum ented substantiation.”


DR. Linda Rodriguez, M.D.
Pediatrics
Virginia Beach, VA
“As a physician and pediatrician, I dema nd scientific validation of the products
I use in my practice. Smart supplementation today means taking the right
amounts with the right formulation, and Shaklee has made it so easy for us to
do that now. For over 25 years, Shaklee has been a blessing for me, my family,
and my patients who have all benefitted from scientifically proven products for
quality health and healthy living. Our food today is so deficient in nutrients
because of what we have done to it. It is no longer the same food that nature
offered to us. For my fellow physicians who are looking into incorporating
nutrition in their practice, I encourage you to consider using Shaklee's quality
health products that you can trust and recom mend with full confidence."


DR. Myron Winick, M.D.

Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons

“Shaklee Products are very well tested both from a standpoint of efficacy and
safety. I consider Shaklee’s study of bone loss and their [Vita-L ea] product’s
relationship to bone loss not only important from a standpoint o f their product,
but important from a standpoint o f the scientific community’s understanding
of bone loss. . . . I think it’s very impressive that the Shaklee scientists are
willing not necessarily to go with the flow, but rather to go with the science.”


DR. R. Annette Dickinson, Ph.D.
Council for Responsible Nutrition
“You need to select a manufacturer that you can trust. Unfortunately, there
are some unscrupulous entrepreneurs out there who will try anything and who
are marketing street drug knock-offs or recreational drugs under the name of
dietary supplements. One of our biggest problems today is that there are some
small manufacturers on the fringes of the industry who make products that
don’t meet necessary standards and gives a black eye to the whole industry.
Quality companies, companies like Shaklee Corporation, are making a stand
for quality produc ts and for truthf ul informatio n and we believe that is very
important.”


DR. R. William Soller, Ph.D.
Consumer Health Care Products Association
“Shaklee is a very important force at the forefront in terms of helping to
cultivate the field of self-care."


Forouz Ertl
Botanicals International [one of the world’s leading suppliers of raw materials to major manufacturers world-wide]
“Shaklee has some rigorous standards that they actually initiated in the
industry. . . . Shaklee is definitely our pickiest and most strict customer. They
are very demanding, and they have specifications beyond and above the
specifications set by our other customers. I think for a lot of customers, price
is an issue when they are choosing bota nicals, but I wish they had the awareness
about the quality of the botanicals and the quality of the brand before they
make their decisions. I tell my friends, that if they want to buy quality, they
have to buy Shaklee.”


DR. Christopher Scott, M.D.
Saskatoon, Canada
"Supplements are absolutely crucial due to the quality of our soil and food
today. There are a lo t of different supplements available on the market, but
labels do not ac curately reflect contents. Over the past ten years, I have been
using Shaklee supplements for personal use, as well as confidently
recommending the m to my patients."


DR. Kathy Wickens, D.C.
Chiropractor
Perth, Ontario
"Patients get results with Shaklee! There is a definite difference in the holding
patterns for chiropractic adjustments for patients taking Shaklee supplements."


Tak-Sing Tang
Registered Pharmacist
Athens, Georgia
" In my 30 years practice of pharmacy, I have not found any other company that
can even come close to the standard of excellence as that of Shaklee. I have
learned through the years that proper nutrition is the key to getting well and
staying healthy, and that medication is not the answer to the increasing health
disasters that we are facing. Over the past few decades more and more drugs
have been recalled and or withdraw from the market due to damaging side
effects, including death. I have watched patients start out taking 1 or 2
medications, then years later taking 10 to 20 or more beca use drugs ma inly
treat the symptoms while harming/destroying other vital organs. I could only
recommend medication for short term usage, and that any chronic issues be
addressed through proper nutrition and supplementation. After learning the
superior quality of Shaklee and their vigorous testing process, as well as seeing
how effectively these vitamins and supplements have benefited our family and
friends, I eagerly recommend Sha klee products for everyone."


Charlene Day
Registered Nutritional Consultant
Toronto, Ontario
"I have been in practice for over 26 years and have used many brands of
supplements, including professional brands. About 7 years ago, I was given
information about the Shaklee Corporation. I was impressed when I read that
over 100 research studies and articles about Shaklee products were published
in prestigious nutritional and medical journals. Wanting the best for my clients,
I started recommending Shaklee supplements. I was amazed at the results. My
clients experienced a level of wellness far exceeding anything I had experienced
in the previous 19 years."


DR. Frank Painter, D.C.
Chiropractor
La Grange, Illinois
"I was first introduced to Shaklee in March of 1997. Previously, I had been
taking supplements and felt ‘reassured’ that I was doing the right thing for my
health. I was challenged to try the Shaklee wellness program, and within a
month I noticed significant improvements in my energy , endurance, a nd overall
health. Since that time I have whole-heartedly recommended Shaklee products
to my patients."


Harry Shurley

Registered Pharmacist

Augusta, Georgia
“Why do I take Shaklee vitamins when I can get others as samples for free?
From a pharmacist's view, you have to look at the clinical research that is done
by Shaklee. While writing a book on prenatal nutrition, [my collaborator and
I] requested clinical studies from the makers of prenatal vitamins and no major
company, except Shaklee, could provide us with any studies! Also, the Shaklee
vitamins are natural as opposed to the synthetic prenatal vitam ins available in
drug stores. There are so many reasons why I take Shaklee over the vitamins
I could get from pharmace utical companies. But the ma in reason is because
the Shaklee vitamins produce results!”


DR. Christiane Northrup, M.D.
Obstetrician/Gynocologist
author of Health Wisdom for Women
. . . states that Shaklee's Vita-Lea is the best pre-natal vitamin she has found.
She never has problems with her patients becoming anemic like many of her
colleagues do. The cost of Vita-Lea is. . . a small price to pay for so much
nutritional insurance. “It is so important for adults and children to take a
Vita-Lea (multi) tablet twice a day in order to fill in the gaps in the diet and to
give your body everything it needs for healing and repair (which takes place
while you sleep). People who think they eat ‘very well’ are surprised to find out
that minerals and trace minerals are very low in supermarket fo ods, due to early
harvesting, transporting , and storage. Of all the vitamins on the market,
Shaklee supplements are different. Vita-Lea is made primarily from
organically-grown vegetable sources, cold-processed to preserve enzymes, and
contains exactly what the label states. Not only that, all Shaklee supplements
are clinically tested to make sure that what is on the label is actually absorbed.”


Rusty & June Ost
Registered Pharmacists
Cape Coral, Florida
"Twenty-five years ago, Shaklee was the only company that responded to our
request for clinical studies that back up their specific products. Now 25 years
later, Shaklee is still the industry leader in scientifically-based double-blind
clinical studies, and they publish those studies in peer-reviewed journals.
Because we are scientists and healthcare professionals, this is what we expect.
Why should anyone else expect less?"



Thursday, April 19, 2012

"Court Whist" Card Party!

There is nothing like gathering a group of friends together to play cards.  It is good for the soul and at the same time it sharpens the mind.
  



Last November, my husband and I attended the largest fundraiser at our kid's school - the Totino Grace High School Winter Place Auction.  We bid on the "Court Whist" Card Party, along with 24 other people, in the silent auction.  

What is "Court Whist" you ask?  

Originally, this game was played by royalty in the 18th and 19th century.  It might sound boring but it certainly is not, especially when you have so many interesting friends.  It is similar to bridge because it involves four players broken into teams of two, however, it is MUCH EASIER to play.  


The hosts of this card party served food and beverages as well as snacks on the tables - Yum, Yum.  Six tables of four were set up because we had 24 people playing that night.  You can have more or less people playing just so there are multiples of four.  Each table was assigned a number. To begin the game, every player randomly picked a number and that was the table where they would start the game with a partner.  

This is a FUN and EASY game because you keep rotating tables and partners.  It is a great mixer.  If you keep losing, you could end up sitting at the same table all night but at least you change your partners.  Because this game allows for lots of conversation, it is important to keep things moving or you could be playing all night.  



There are two games being played at this large table - Looks like a lot of conversation as well.  

They look a little too serious, don't you think?

The last three rounds (12 hands)  I ended up at the same table.  Still had fun though.


If you are looking to host your own "Court Whist" Card party, below are the rules of the game and the tally sheet.  Grab a drink and enjoy the night!




Click here to get a copy of this tally sheet.





  1. The Deal

    • The dealer deals in a clockwise fashion, and the player to the dealer's left leads the first round, or "trick." Any card may be led (following the theme of the round) and the other players must, working clockwise around the playing table, play a card according to the lead card. If the player has a card of the same suit (spade to spade, hearts to hearts etc.) he must play that card, if he does not, he can play any card.

    The Win

    • A player wins a trick by placing the highest trump (face card) in it. If there is no clear trump, the winner is determined by the highest card of the suit originally led. Aces are high.  Once determined, the winner will lead the next round of play.

    The Score

    • Scoring court whist is determined after all 13 tricks have been played.   Don't forget to mark your score on the section that was just played.   When four games have been played the scores are added for that first round. 

      "Winners Walk - Losers Stay"

      The winners of the game "WALK" to the next table and then play the losers of that table.  You cannot have the same partner in the next round (next four games).  The "LOSERS" always stay at the same table and then play the next round (four games) with a new partner.  

      The game continues until all six rounds (four games in each round) are played - See the Tally sheet for details.