Women With Know How January 2012 Issue

January 2012
Are you committed to your New Years Resolution?
8 Tips to Setting Your Fitness Resolution
Founder and Chief Marketeer SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR, Inc.
Sherre DeMao
Mimi Zelman
PUBLISHER
From the publisher

Dear Readers, Happy New Year!! I know 2012 s going to be a great year! Women With Know How has some exciting things in the works this year. On March 20 our first annual Women With Know How Make A IMpact conference is being held at the historic Duke Mansion. We are lining up three amazing speakers which will definitely have on impact to help you grow professionally and personally. Also, September 15, 2011 we will also launch Fashion 4 A Cause being held at the Charlotte Museum of History. As you begin the New Year let us know what we can do to help you. Mention this letter and you will get a special discount on an advertising program to fit your business needs. Watch for some great Elite programs this year as well and if you are not a member yet, ask join us on our Facebook or Linkedin pages. Heres to an amazing year! Mimi
Contents
Publisher/President
Mimi L. Zelman
mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Vice President Marketing
4 6 10 14 16 18 22 24 26 36
COVER
PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Keisha Alston
Top 7 Ways to Detox Your Life Business and Professional Womens Foundation Scholarships
Wendy Whitehurst
wendy@womenwithknowhow.com Design and Page Production
Dustin Shores Christina de Castro of eSplash Marketing Terri Bennett Sabrina Winters Vickie Bunzey Robyn Crigger April Oliver
Contributing Writers
Are you committed to your New Years Resolution? Top Five Estate Planning Mistakes How to Get your Cash Flow Together In 2012 Charitable Giving Guide for the Holiday Seasons Conflict Resolutions 8 Tips to Setting Your Fitness Resolution Keeping Resolutions While on the Go
Cover Photography by Dustin Shores Photography For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: Copyright 2012
mimi@womenwithknowhow.com
30 Sherre DeMao
www.womenwithknowhow.com JANUARY 2012
PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Keisha Alston
Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
By Mimi Zelman
How did you get started in this business? I had used Mary Kay products for years and loved them. After discussing the business with my Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and learning more about the opportunities Mary Kay offered, I decided to start a Mary Kay business. What is your background-what were you doing before this business? Prior to Mary Kay, I worked in the IT field as a systems analyst for one of the top communications companies in the U.S. After having my children, I wanted to be able to spend time at home with them and continue to make the income I knew I deserved. What is a good early story about your business? I was a very shy person when I started my business. At my first Mary Kay party, I was so afraid of speaking that my voice was cracking and my knees were literally shaking. The party lasted 90 minutes and after it was done I realized I must have done something right because I walked out of there with $487 and met five phenomenal women. And today, they are all still my best customers and closest friends.
What is unusual or unique about your business, in comparison to your competitors or similar businesses? In this business, I pay individual attention to each of my clients needs. I offer them personalized service based on their needs and skin type. Plus, I provide the convenience of pampering my customers in the comfort of their own home if they choose. I pride myself on excellent customer service and making my clients feel special. Is there a customer experience you are most proud of? Yes, I had one customer who had gone though a bitter divorce and was not very self-confident. When I first met her, she was very soft spoken and kept to herself. After asking a couple of questions and finding out what was important to her, I gave her a complimentary makeover. She looked in the mirror and I saw a change in her demeanor. She sat up taller and had the biggest smile on her face. About two months later, I followed up with her and she thanked me for showing her how to take care of her skin and apply her makeup. But the greatest compliment was her telling me thank you for being a friend in a really hard time in her life. It is so true that women
Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community
dont care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Its all about helping other women, thats what I love most about this business. Do you do any charity or non profit work? Yes, we have a wonderful foundation called The Mary Kay Foundation. It provides millions of dollars each year to help with research to find a cure for cancers that affect women. The Foundation was also created to help eradicate domestic violence against women. Who are some of your most notable clients? To me, all my clients are notable. Not only are they my customers, I have also built life-long friendships with women that I may not have known had it not been for Mary Kay. What is an interesting story about a client interaction you had? There have been so many, but one of the most memorable interactions Ive had was the earlier part of this year. I had an older lady who was living in an assisted living facility. I met her at one of the local stores. She contacted me and I went over to pamper her and two of her friends in the assisted living facility. They really enjoyed themselves. Before I left, one of the ladies said, I cant believe that something so wrinkled could feel so soft. We all laughed so hard. To see them having so much fun, that moment was priceless. What are some of your greatest challenges in your business? I dont know that I have a challenge in this business. The company provides you with everything you need to be successful. I have never seen any place like this company, where you have women supporting women. What other business could you be in; where you can pick up the phone and personally call a woman who is so successful that she has earned millions in commissions? I have the privilege of being mentored by top leaders who truly lead by example.
What would you most like the reader to know about your journey in business? I have grown so much throughout these last few years in this business. I am always learning something new and I have found out more about myself the past three years than I have my entire life. Mary Kays philosophy is God first, family second and career third. And when you keep those priorities in order everything falls into place. This has been an amazing journey and I will continue to strive toward my goal and never give up on my dreams. This business is about more than those beautiful PINK cars youve seen on the highway. It truly is about enriching the lives of women and thats the greatest gift of all. W
Keisha Alston Independent Beauty Consultant

336-508-4024 www.marykay.com/kalston4

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GOING GREEN
Top 7 Ways to Detox Your Life

By Terri Bennett
2012 is here and Do Your Part is kicking off a year of green challenges! January is Detox Your Life month. Were focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family. To get you started, here are my Top 7 Ways to Detox Your Life.
wood pieces, flooring adhesives, and paint. Its also emitted from wrinkle-free bedding, dry cleaned clothes, and many nail polishes. Choosing natural fibers that can be laundered and seeking formaldehyde-free home furnishings are a great first step at reducing your exposure.
1) Clean Green
Household cleaners can hide toxic chemicals and a clean house isnt supposed smell like a mountain breeze. All of those synthetic chemicals and fragrances can actually pollute the air inside your home. Find my seven must have ingredients and recipes to clean your entire home at DoYourPart. com/Columns.
3) Ban VOCs From Your Home

Formaldehyde is one of the most notorious volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but there are many others. They include benzene, toluene, methylene, and chloride. VOCs are found in paint, personal care products, furniture, carpets, and adhesives. You can specifically seek out low VOC paints and youll want to do a little research to see whats really in the products you use at home.
2) Free Yourself of Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is linked to a number of health issues, including asthma and cancer. Its often emitted over many years from certain pressed
4) Choose Better Personal Care Products

This really requires some work on your part but fortunately the Environmental Working Groups Cosmetic Safety Database makes it easy. You
can search thousands of products to find out whats really in them and how they ranked compared to others.
6) Give BPA the Boot

Several studies have linked bisphenol-A or BPA to developmental problems, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. BPA is used in polycarbonate (PC) containers that are often marked #7. Plastics marked #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices.
5) Know What Youre Eating

When possible, opt for organic foods that are grown and processed without using synthetic chemicals or sewage sludge. Familiarize yourself with the so called Dirty Dozen list to find out which produce items contain the highest amount of pesticide residue.
Women With Know- how

Reach over 14000 women in business monthly!!
To request a media kit email: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com
Advertise in
7) Choose Natural Pest Control Products

Chemical pesticides can be bad for you and your pets. Natural alternatives like vinegar, borax, or diatomaceous earth (DE) are effective and much safer. DE is a powder made from microscopic fossilized shells and works on everything from bedbugs to roaches.
Terri Bennett
President Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC ph:704.246.5910 ext. 101 m:704.953.6570 1355 Greenwood Cliff Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28204 DoYourPart.com Facebook.com/DoYourPart Twitter.com/DoYourPart
You will find more information on avoiding all of these unnecessary chemicals at DoYourPart. com/Columns. Next month, take part in our trash challenge. We want you to commit to cutting your trash amount in half! Dont worry, we will help you along the way! Do Your Part in 2012 to reduce, reuse, and recycle your way into a greener, healthier lifestyle thats easier on your wallet. W
An extraordinary evening of fashion, style and cuisine from around the world. Doors open at 7pm - $25 general admission - $30 runway seat Location: Reelworks Movie Studio at NC Music Factory - 817 Hamilton Street Admission includes passport, cuisine, desserts, local artists, nine fashion shows, exclusive designers, giveaways, celebrities, and complimentary admission to after party. For show volunteering, sponsorships, more info, VIP tables and tickets go to
APRIL 21, 2012
www.PassportForFashion.com
Open model calls Saturday, December 10, 2011 10am Saturday, February 4, 2012 10am at Paul Mitchell The School1516 Elizabeth Avenue Charlotte, NC
Designer: Tara Davis Photographer: Dean Walker Model: Anna Wolfe
BUSINESS
Business and Professional Womens Foundation Scholarships

Washington, DC - Ten women are getting early holiday gifts, thanks to Career Advancement Scholarships from the Business and Professional Womens Foundation. This enables them to move closer to fulfilling their dreams of finishing school and advancing their careers. BPW Foundation established the Career Advancement Scholarship Program in 1969 to provide financial assistance to financially disadvantaged women seeking to further their education. Scholarships are provided to women 25 years of age or older, who wish to advance in their careers or are soon to enter or reenter the workforce. This years scholarships focused on recipients pursing bachelors degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or related fields. These fields are careers where women are traditionally under-represented. BPW Foundation scholarships have a profound effect both on the women who receive them and on their communities. Many recipients use the degrees they earn with the help of a BPW scholarship to work in careers that directly impact the quality of life in their communities, explained Dr. Sheila Barry-Oliver, Chair of the BPW Foundation Financial Aid Committee. That is why BPW Foundation has the application and screening process done through BPW Foundation state and local Legacy Partners. They know the women in their communities. Scholarship recipients must have been accepted at an accredited educational institution and be within two years of completing their degree. Over the years, de-
Help Women Advance Their Careers through Education

mographics have shown that the average recipient is a 37 year-old single mother of two children. Twenty-five percent of the recipients have received public assistance at one time or another and 40 percent of the recipients are the first in their immediate family to earn a college degree. Once again I am so impressed by the quality of the applicants and heartened by their stories and drive, BPW Foundation CEO Deborah L. Frett said. I am so pleased to be part of an organization with a program that has such a profound impact on women, with limited opportunities but unlimited potential. Career Advancement Scholarships are made possible through the long time generosity and commitment of BPW Foundation donors. For every gift given, 97% directly funds our programs supporting working women, their families and successful workplaces. Each woman is receiving a $2000 grant. Following is the list of scholarship recipients, their home states, and degree aspirations:
Career Advancement Scholarships

Laura Schumacher, Grass Valley, CA95949, BSN Layne Jackson Hubbard, Denver, CO, BS, Neuroscience Leslie Venable Adams, Denham Springs, A, BSN Erin R. Dunphy, Beverly, MA, BSN
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Jeannine Padilla, Ronan, MT, BS, Computer Science Christina Palmer, Weddington, NC, BSCE (Civil Engineering) Anastasia Mercier, Franklin, NH, BS, Psychology/ Health Science Kristin E. Leonard, Jersey Shore, A, MS, Forensic Anthropology Susan R. Ledford, Spartanburg, SC, BS, Accounting/ BA Psychology Michelle Lopez Michaelson, Little Elm, TX, BSN
BPW Foundation supports workforce development programs and workplace policies that recognize the diverse needs of working women, communities and businesses. BPW Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) research and education organization. To learn more, visit http:// www.bpwfoundation.org/ To contact any of the recipients please call or e-mail Sherry Saunders. See her contact information at the top of this release
To learn more, visit www.bpwfoundation.org/
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WELLNESS
By Vickie Bunzey
Are you committed to your New Years Resolution?

that you are going to make it happen for you. I recently read a statement from Joshua Wayne, Personal Development Coach, which applies to all the goals we set for ourselves and why we struggle with making the changes. In regards to weight loss Joshua says, You havent fully DECIDED to lose the weight. He continues by saying This may sound like a strange thing to say, particularly considering you may have been focused (or even obsessed!) With weight loss for a long time by now. Joshua points out that being focused on your desire to change something, and truly deciding it will happen (in your core) are two different things. The greatest form of commitment is making a DECISION that IT IS DEFINITELY GOING TO HAPPEN in your life. Its helpful to understand that the suffix of DECIDE is C-I-D-E...same as homicide, suicide, genocide. Cide means to kill off. So when you DECIDE, you are killing off other options.
No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. -Yoda

Have you made your New Years resolution yet? Motivated by a colleague, I am recommitting to a year of being fit and healthy. My intention this year is to surpass my current state and achieve a higher level of fitness. Setting a new goal always inspires me. It makes me think about how every year we all set a New Years Resolution and within a couple of weeks or months the intent has vanished. Why? Because they are just plain hard to keep and not always specific. So maybe we should approach the New Years Resolution a little differently than having a glass of champagne and making a toast to what we think we should do in the upcoming year. What if we approached our resolution with commitment and an action plan? If you are going to make a resolution, it is important to be disciplined in your approach to make the change happen. According to Time magazine the top three New Year Resolutions are 1. Lose Weight and Get Fit 2. Stop Smoking 3. Learn Something New. According to Squidoo the top three are 1. Quit Smoking 2. Get into the habit of being fit and 3. Lose Weight Beat the battle of the bulge. These same three resolutions are on the list year after year after year. And year after year people do not succeed at meeting their goals. Success does not just happen. It begins with a wellthought out plan. It begins with a decision.
Decide
You are killing off:

The possibility of remaining overweight or any other resolution you are making. the old notions of who you were before accomplishing your goals old habits that held you back from living the way you want (without the weight, being fit, being healthy.you fill in what you desire to be). self-sabotage and belief that you dont deserve it or cant have it.
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So when you DECIDE that you are going to make it happen, then you are ready to do whatever it takes. And that means that you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal and not let anything stand in your way. You will make a decision with determination. Write it down. Post it where you will see it. Put a plan in place. Work with a coach to keep you on track. Make it happen. This is a commitment to becoming stronger in you and changing your habits for a more positive and healthy lifestyle. If you are like many others and have put weight loss, getting fit and being healthier at the top of your list, are you ready to really decide and commit to your goal? Part of the process of making lifestyle changes is identifying what is your motivation. Its easy to say I need to lose 10 lbs. But, as we all know, its not easy and takes work to really lose it. So what is behind your saying I need to lose 10 lbs.? Step number 1 is to set your goal, not just say it. Why are you setting a goal of 10 lbs.? In order to make it happen, you need to be very clear with yourself as to why you have that goal. Why do you want to lose weight? It might be to feel more confident in yourself, to get into your favorite jeans or a swimsuit, to be more attractive to your husband. You may have a special event like a wedding or reunion coming up. Or, you may have a deeper reason such as your last visit to the doctor where you were told that you needed to lose weight to lower your blood pressure, change your cholesterol readings, and that you were pre-diabetic. You may just be tired of feeling run-down, foggy brained, low energy, hormonal. Also you could feel like youre aging too quickly. Establishing why you want to lose weight, get fit and be healthier with no questions about it is the first step to setting a goal with determination. You need to own this because this is what will keep you motivated each day. As you write down your reason, also write
down all the feelings that come with meeting that goal. For example, if its because you want to get into your old skinny jeans how will you feel when you pull those jeans up over your hips? Happy, sexy, confident, powerful. Paint the picture in your mind of what you will look like in those jeans and how you will be feeling. Establishing your why and being very clear in your motivation is a very important first step. The next step is to become focused in whatever way works for you. Studies show that those individuals that write down their goals and commit to paper are 90% more successful. That is a good place to start. Write down goals and motivations on index cards or post its. Put them where you will see them daily to help you keep focused each day. Its very easy to get stressed and lose sight of your goals unless you have a system in place. Recording in a daily journal is an excellent tool. Working with a coach that can help you stay focused and energized is very successful. (Athletes and successful business people work with coaches every day.) Join a group and gain support with peers. Just remember that success is not owned, its rented. The rent is due every day. Make 2012 your year!!. W For more nutritional and weight loss information, Vickie may be contacted through at 704-995-1951. www.YourBalancedHealthstyle; www.RenewWeightLoss.com
Vickie Bunzey
Certified Holistic Health Coach Director, Renew Weight Loss www.RenewWeightLoss.com www.YourBalancedHealthstyle.com www.SimpleWholeFoodNutrition.com 704-708-4437 704-995-1951 Cell
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LEGAL
By Sabrina Winters
Attorney at Law, PLLC
Top Five Estate Planning Mistakes

dents assets have been left to the spouse. On paper, it might seem to be a caring, thoughtful gesture, but the reality is quite different, because such a Will simply passes the complex issues and problems associated with transferring and protecting wealth onto the surviving spouse or other loved ones. It creates more problems than it solves, particularly for future generations.
Only about 20 percent of the population has a formal estate plan. After reviewing the points below, please take a minute to consider whether its time for you to create or update your estate plan.
1. Dying without a Will or Living Trust
If you die without a Will or Trust, the state in which you reside in and the IRS will simply make one for you. Of course, they have no interest in avoiding or reducing estate taxes, minimizing estate administration costs or protecting your family and legacy. The manner of distribution of your assets will be dictated by the State Statutes and the Probate Court. The probate process tends to be time consuming and at times frustrating and includes Court fees and potentially legal fees and expenses. It is also open to the public, meaning creditors, predators or anyone else will have complete access to all information about your estate. For the vast majority of people, the benefits far outweigh any initial costs.
3. Giving property outright to your children
2. Having an I love you Will

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An I love you Will is one in which all the dece-
Here is another solution that might sound good at first, but ignores several important realities. For instance, what if the child in question is too immature to handle the responsibility of a large sum of money on his or her own? What if the child suffers a severe financial setback that puts the inheritance at risk to creditors? What if the childmarries a gold-digger, is addicted to drugs or alcohol, and gets divorced or remarried? Youmay need to protect your children and heirs from their own poor decisions. These assets are also gifted assets that may carry potentially have tax penalties if not handled properly. Remember, that once you put a childs name (or any other person for that matter) onto an asset as a joint owner, you will now need their approval to remove them! This applies to real estate as well.
4. Owning property jointly
There are two types of joint ownership, Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS) and Tenants in Common (TIC). Problems with JTWROS include postponement of probate only until last tenancy, the loss of the double step-up in tax basis creating more to pay in capital gains taxes, and outright distribution. With TIC, you also lose the double step-up in tax basis where its available, and your property is subject to the estate plan of each tenant as well as probate for each tenant.
Sabrina Winters, Attorney at Law, PLLC

15720 John J. Delany Dr. Suite 300 Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 704-843-1446 swinters@sabrinawinterslaw.com www.ncestateplanninginfo.com
5. Not having a Revocable Living Trust
Find us on:
North Carolina Estate Planning
A Revocable Living Trust may be the most effective estate planning tool available if it is created, funded and used properly. A Living Trust protects your privacy, and will help you leave what you want, to whom you want, in the way you want at the lowest possible cost overall. Now that you understand the dangers of not having anything in writing, over the next few months, I will be discussing the types of documents which should be considered when putting together an estate plan and getting into more detail about each document. No matter what stage in life you are in, there are issues specific to you that a properly drafted thought-out estate plan should address. W Rated on Avvo.com http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/ 28277-nc-sabrina-winters-3563733. html?ref=header
Momattorney
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BUSINESS
How to Get your Cash Flow Together in 2012

Shay Prosser and Hallie Hawkins Cash Flow what is it and why does it matter? Cash flow is the inflow and outflow of Here are some basic tips to starting to manage your cash flow: Add up what is coming in
That is right. You have to know where you receive your money. Get a handle on what is coming in and from where, to know how much can go out. You also need to know whether the income you have is guaranteed or subject to change.
money from your life. It can be positive. It can be negative. It can be even. No matter how your cash is flowing, you should know what it is doing and why. Gone are the days of If I dont look at it, everything will be fine. It is time to turn over a new leaf and know what you are doing with your money. Even if your cash flow is more in than out, you should still know what is going out and why.
Quick Quiz:
How much money do you need to live each month? How much money do you need just to pay the bills each month? What would happen to your finances if something in your life changed? If you hesitated in answering any of those questions then you need a Cash Flow Breakthrough! The tasks are simple. They must be done to have an effective cash flow breakthrough. If you are part of a couple that shares responsibility in the finances then go through this list and do the tasks with your partner/spouse.
Know what you pay in taxes
And we dont just mean on April 15th. Look at your paystubs, your social security statements, and anything that documents money you have coming in or out. If you get a large tax return, you may be having too much withheld. If that is the case, you should talk to your accountant. There are also online calculators that might shed some light how much you should really withhold. Similarly, if you have to pay a lot every year you may want to withhold more.
Know where your money is going. Separate your needs and your wants. Use our Cash Flow Work-
Add up and categorize what is going out
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sheet to help determine what categories are right for you. Take your last three months of bank and credit card statements. Add up how much you have spent each month in each category.
amount of money and involve them in the choice of how to use it.
Follow the 80/20 rule
Review your spending
Look at the areas you are spending and think about whether or not those things enhance your life. With your discretionary money make sure it is going toward things that make your life better, and stop spending in areas that do not.
Be realistic about needs and wants
A need is something that is necessary for survival food, shelter, water. They are essentials of life. The needs category is very limited. Wants are the things and the activities that enhance your life. These are the things that you enjoy. Look at the list and make sure you are enjoying them!
The 80/20 rule is a way to gauge how much you are saving compared to how much you are bringing in. Since almost every family brings in a different amount of money, this is the best way to see how you are doing. For every dollar brought in by regular income, 20% should go to savings and 80% can go to day to day living expenses. For every dollar brought in by windfalls, like bonuses, gifts, etc., 80% should go to saving and 20% to spend on whatever you would like. If you are in any level of debt, 100% of all windfall money should go directly to having 6-12 months of living expenses. Next, the windfall money should be spent to pay off or reduce credit card debt.
Make special plans for special times of year or event
Understand compound interest and how it can work for you
There are certain events or times of year that your spending may be different than the normal pattern. Plan for these times. Save for them and make sure that they extra expenditures do not throw your cash flow plan completely off. Prepare for these times in the months preceding them. If you are going to take a vacation, then start saving months before and pay for the vacation in cash. Dont use the credit cards.
Compound interest is when the money you save (the principal) earns interest and then that interest becomes principal and also earns interest. Understand compound interest and use it to make money. The concept is simple. Save money, invest that money so that it earns money, then the original money plus the money that earned then earns more money.
Do periodic check ups
Get household members involved
The numbers dont lie. You now know where you are spending your money. Now enlist the members of your household to determine if the areas you are spending are where the family wants to spend. The resources are limited, so make sure you are using them wisely. There are certain needs that cannot be reduced, but a lot of needs and wants can be worked with. For example, are you using the cable TV channels that you are paying for? Would you rather spend the money on a night at the movies? Even young children can help teach them the value of money and choices early. Let them know that there is a finite
While you are trying to change your spending, we suggest that you review your cash flow monthly. When you have developed a pattern that works for you and have been able to successfully save for a few months, then a three month check up will do. W
www.get-it-together-today.com info@get-it-together-today.com 704-516-4806 Copyright Get It Together Workshops, LLC
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FINANCE
Charitable Giving Guide for the Holiday Seasons

CFP CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
By April M. Oliver
The holidays ignite the philanthropic spirit in many of us, and even with the uncertain economy, Americans continue to give. In fact, according to Charity Navigator, total giving to charitable organizations was up 3.8 percent from 2009 to 2010. As in previous years, the majority of giving came from individuals more than $211 billion of the nearly $291 billion in total giving.
Americans have raised the bar for charitable giving, recognizing that the need may be greater than ever before. Whether you are donating money, items or time, take these steps to help make sure your contributions have the most benefit for the causes you support and yourself.
If you are contacted by an unfamiliar charity, get the details about the organization, the nature of its programs and its use of funds before you write a check. If you have any doubts, contact the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance or go to www.bbb.org/charity for a BBB Wise Giving ReportTM on the charity. Also make sure that the majority of what you give is actually supporting the programs and services of the organization. Of the 5,500 charities evaluated by Charity Navigator, the vast majority spend at least 75 percent of their budgets on programs and services. Typically ten percent or less goes to fundraising and 15 percent or less is spent on administration.
Give beyond your checkbook.
Consider your options carefully.
Chances are youll see more promotion for charities during this season than you have throughout the year, and many may align with your interests and passions. The challenging part is weighing your options and making decisions to find the ones that best match your giving goals.
If you are passionate about a particular charity, consider giving more than money. Encourage friends, family and co-workers to join you in volunteering for an event to benefit a local charity. Perhaps you can choreograph a volunteer outing in place of a holiday office party, or gather your family for a community service project. It can be a great way to build relationships with those you already know and care about, and will also give you the opportunity to meet new people who share your passions during the holidays.
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Give a two-for-one.
With many people on tight budgets this holiday season, it may be difficult to afford gifts for everyone on your list in addition to a donation. Why not combine the best of both by purchasing certain gift cards that give a percentage to charity? Some allow you to dictate the charity of your choice, while others are redeemable by recipients at the charities of their choice. Online networks like www.justgive.org allow you to review and choose from a diverse list of local, national and international charities.
that fall into these categories, be sure to consult with your tax advisor to see if your deductions will be limited. Finally, dont forget to keep a paperwork trail of your contributions for tax purposes. Having them on hand will save you a lot of headache when tax time arrives.
Make giving a year-around priority.
Make your contribution count.
Your donations to charity will not only make you feel good, they may also help when tax season comes around. If you itemize deductions, you may be able to take a federal income tax deduction for a donation to a qualified charity. You can search for the charity at the IRS website to make sure it meets the requirements for tax deductibility. Keep in mind that there is no limit on charitable contributions for most taxpayers. There are, however, other limitations that come into play if you make significant contributions of property or stock with appreciable capital gains. If you make contributions
While it feels especially good to give during the holidays, it might make sense to build charitable giving into your monthly budget so you do it in a planful way. Talk to your financial advisor about how your giving goals fit into your overall financial plan.. W
April Oliver, CFP CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of CA, CO, FL, IA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA.
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BUSINESS
Conflict Resolutions
By Robyn Crigger, CEO
Compass Career Management Solutions OI Partners Inc.
Conflicts have always existed among human beings, as we are all different with our own opinions and personalities. Todays workforce is more diverse than ever with a variety of ages, cultures, religions, philosophies, political perspectives, races, as well as different sexes. Added to this are other factors in the workplace, like employment positions, promotions, and salaries, etc.
Since conflicts can be quite common, what would one say is the definition of a conflict? Obviously, it is when two or more people have a disagreement. Repercussions of conflicts can include negative emotions, anger, and even violence. Or when people are upset, they might even run away from an argument, not allowing a chance to resolve the differences. Such hurt feelings can then fester and escalate. Have you experienced such conflicts within your workplace? Or have you seen this happen to other co-workers? What has your employer done
The core of CONFLICT RESOLUTION is good communication skills.

to manage this emotional situation? Or does your employer get involved? Unfortunately, today such irritated or upset feelings can grow to become an even bigger problem if measures arent taken to seek the root of the problem and resolve it. With so many people under tremendous stress (job losses, frozen salaries, reduced interest rates, etc.), emotions can run high quickly. Even small problems can escalate rapidly. In case you havent noticed, there has been an
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increase in violence and violent crimes. Even burglary has grown as people experience tight funds. Employees find themselves short on patience and overly sensitive to criticism. If an employee is dealing with a demanding customer, tempers can flare out of control. Do employees know what to do when dealing with a difficult customer? Do employees understand their boundaries of how to resolve the differences with this irritating customer? If the employee has options to offer to the customer, this can ease the tension and enable the employee to be sensitive to the customer, while keeping the customers business. The core of CONFLICT RESOLUTION is good communication skills. This begins with being a good listener. So many people just want to be heard and be understood. Though the irritated person (customer or employee) may appear to be totally unreasonable, there could be a logical explanation. Unfortunately, you may not be aware of pre-occurring circumstances leading up to this emotional flare up. Listening closely to the upset person can begin to set the stage for a good communication exchange that can lead to understanding and resolution. Before accusing the upset person for poor behavior, perhaps you can show some compassion and try to find out what has lead to this problem.
Effective Communication Skills can be taught. Other factors that are part of good communication skills include mutual respect and honesty. There is more to Conflict Resolution, and if your organization finds this to be a challenge, your employer should consider selecting human resource professionals, like Compass Career Management, to provide such training. This type of training should be included in the Talent Management process. Avoid or reduce conflicts in your business, and you will find that this improves your productivity, as well as increases your bottom line. This is a valuable investment in your workforce. W
Robyn A. Crigger, CEO/Owner
OI Partners Inc.-Compass Career Management Solutions www.compasscareer.com VISIT ROBYNS BLOG -http://transitionalbusinessconcerns.blogspot.com 704) 849-2500; FAX (704) 845-2420
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WELLNESS
By Sunny Ayala
8 Tips to Setting Your Fitness Resolution

the next three months or I will include at least one vegetable in every lunch and dinner 5 days a week or I will go to the gym 3 times each week for the next six months. These goals are measurable. You know when youve done it and you know when you havent.
We all do it. Even those of us who say were not going to do the whole New Years Resolution thing. We do it. We cant help ourselves. There is something so compelling about starting out a fresh, New Year with goals. There are always things wed like to accomplish, improve and begin. And getting in better shape inevitably makes the cut. So, a few helpful tips from someone whos seen those fitness goals come in like fire and go out like an ATT phone call.
2. Make your goal realistic.
1. Make your goal measurable.
If you havent worked out since Jane Fonda, youre not going to become the gym princess now. Dont try to set a goal that is too far from where you are. If its going to be reached, it must be realistic. Losing 30 pounds in three months might sound exciting, but it may not be reality. Think about where you are, your habits, your schedule, your bad tendencies, and factor those in to your goals. Dont let the negatives stop you from setting and reaching your goals, but dont let unrealistic hopes cheat you out of your success.
Its hard to reach a goal that doesnt have a target. I want to lose weight, Im going to start eating better, and Im going to exercise more. Those are some of the things we catch ourselves saying, and somehow convince ourselves that weve set a goal. This year, be specific: I will lose 3 pounds each month for
3. Make your goal attainable. Some people recommend setting
extremely high goals so that if you dont make it, at least youve accomplished more than you thought. I disagree with this theory. Goals are made to be reached. Setting and attaining
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goals breeds confidence, pride and encouragement. Falling short of goals can lead to discouragement, feelings of failure, and quitting. There is nothing wrong with exceeding a goal. So set a goal that you know you can attain. Then surprise yourself if you surpass it.
what you really do want, and go for that. Start the pattern of achieving your goals and eventually the ones you need to set will become the ones you want to set. not do certain things is very, very difficult. I will not eat sweets or I will not drink a bottle of wine every night might seem like good goals to set. But a goal is something your reach for, not away from. Our brains are wired to gravitate towards what we think about. When you think about not doing something, your brain is registering the something. The more you focus on not eating sweets, the more your brain is recording sweets, and the more you will gravitate towards them. Try setting positive goals to trick the brain. I will eat fruit each time I want something sweet or I will drink a bottle of water after each glass of wine are some ways to achieve the same goals with a much greater chance of success.
6. Dont deprive! Making a goal to
be the one with whom you do everything, but if that everything includes eating cookies while watching The Biggest Loser, then she might not be the one you want to link arms with in your fitness journey. Find someone who will give you positive encouragement, not someone who will tempt you into slacking or help justify your excuses. These friends are good to celebrate with, but on the way there, grab the one who holds you accountable.
4. Enlist help. Your best friend may
5. Decide what you really want. If you dont want to lose weight or
start working out, then why set it as a goal? Because you should? Because everyone else does? Because you need to? As surprising as it sounds to come from a trainer, you should not set a goal if its not something you really want. The body does what the soul desires. Dont set yourself up for failure. If its not in you to want it, dont set out to achieve it. Instead, ask yourself
7. Break them into bitesize pieces.
The goals, that is, not the chocolate. A year is quite a long time to maintain one goal. Try breaking your goals into quarters. Three month chunks are a great amount of time to focus, accomplish and not get burned out. Once you reach that short term goal, set the next one. Before you know it, 12 months have passed and youre still on fire.
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8. Make the time. If the goal is
worth setting, its worth carving out the time. If everything else, including cleaning the house for the in-laws, is more important than your making time to reach your goals, then maybe you didnt really want it. Remember tip number 5. If its something you truly desire, then respect yourself enough to allow other things to wait, or even get ignored. This is the number one reason I see that people lose sight of their goals before success. Before you set your goal, ask yourself if you are willing to let other things take a back seat. When push comes to shove, the area you place the importance will win. As always, if I can help you reach or set your health and wellness goals, let me know. I am your biggest fan, and would love to cheer you on as you meet each one of your new years goals. Heres to a great year packed with prosperity and abounding in love and light. W
Sunny Ayala
Owner of Fitness Instruction Today 8041 Corporate Center Drive Suite 100 Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 www.fitnessinstuctiontoday.com ayalasigns@aol.com Phone: (704) 763-5662
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Making an IMpact Conference

At the Historic DUKE Mansion
Myers Park, Charlotte, NC MARCH 20, 2012 9:30 am until 3:30 pm
IMpact Your Life, Money, Well-being and World By Attending!!!

Three Dynamic Speakers Three Dynamic Topics Limited Seating $75 per person Sponsorships Available If you have questions about WWKH or would like to be a sponsor of the event, please contact: Wendy@WomenWithKnowHow.com 704-898-5585
COVER
Sherre DeMao
By Mimi Zelman
Shere DeMao is truly a women with know how!! Sherr is founder and Chief Marketeer of SLD Unlimited Marketing /PR, Inc., an awardwinning marketing consulting, branding and strategy firm. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs prosper in life and in business, and has dedicated her 26-year career to this purpose. Her firm has won numerous awards including the Telly, ProAd, PICA, Addy and IABC Crown. In 2004, Sherre was honored with a National Leadership Award for her small business advocacy. These efforts were among the reasons she was recognized in 2006 as a Small Business Woman Champion by the Small Business Administration. In 2007, Sherr was named among North Americas 50 Most Enterprising Women. Sherr inspires millions through her weekly Monday Motivation & Insight, monthly Savvy Business Owner column in Business Today, and through her contributing articles to Enterprising Women, Women Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Entrepreneur.com, Yahoo Small Business and FoxBusiness.com. Her book entitled, Me, Myself & Inc. A Synergized World, An Energized Business, Living Your Ultimate Life, released in January, 2010, is available nationally and internationally at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and other outlets. She has recently completed her next book, 50 Marketing$ecrets of Growth Companies in Down Economic Times, for national release in Fall 2010.
How did you get started in this business?
Straight out of college, in 1984, I began freelancing as a graphic designer, which quickly evolved into a graphics company serving small businesses due to limited competition at the time and in the area I was serving.
What is a good early story about your business?
I started working as a self-employed graphic artist who was also blessed with the ability to write. My main clientele were small business owners, who automatically assumed that since I could write brochures and marketing materials as well as design them, that I also knew the ins and outs of marketing a business. The reality was, however, is that the art institute did not train me in marketing or business. So I went back to school to learn business, marketing, and public relations. Interestingly, as I was working on college assignments, my small business clients wanted me to continue to share what I was learning with them. They were hungry for marketing knowhow. That is when I realized what my mission for my business would be: to help business owners become more savvy marketers. This was around 1986 and has served me well ever since. My
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mission has since evolved to help business owners become more savvy marketers, managers and strategists in their business.
What are some interesting statistics about your business?
Celebrating 28 years in business in 2012 .Has earned more than 50 awards locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Among the first firms to recommend and produce a two-side business card with promotional and branding emphasis. Among first graphics and marketing firms to be PC and Mac based in the late 80s, early 90s when desktop publishing craze too hold. Established a marketing training and development division in 2004 to help business owners
and employees better market from the insideout with The PR Factor: Putting Muscle in Your Marketing to help business owners use PR more effectively in their business Named among North Americas Most Entreprising Women by Enterprising Women Magazine Achieved goal of expertise and guidance serving more than 100,000 entrepreneurs in 2008 Established publishing division, Greencastle Publishing, in 2009 First two books, Me, Myself & Inc, and 50 Marketing Secrets receives national acclaim. 50 Marketing Secrets receives three national rave reviews including the coveted five stars from Foreward Reviews which specifically recognizes independent publishers and their books.
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What is unusual or unique about your business, in comparison to your competitors or similar businesses?
willing to shift, and yet, they have been the best source of solutions and opportunities for service and product innovations and agility.
The most unique aspect is that we look at the operations and marketing aspects of a company and focus on making them work effectively and strategically together for a business. We build strategies that leverage operations to systemize marketing as well as assure that capacity is there to deliver what is being marketed. We look at four resources, versus just the only one most marketing firms consider, which is money. By knowing the other three resources (time, people and technology) and helping businesses better leverage all, they spend money more wisely and effectively and typically save money in the longrun to build in more profits. We also take a very strategic approach to the creative side of marketing driving a companys unique branding and message by looking at all aspects of operations to truly define its position and power to compete and excel in its market space.
Do you do any charity or non profit work?
We have made it a practice to make charitable involvements and outreach a part of our way of doing business and encourage this in our client strategies as well. Some of my current involvements are listed on my one pager.
What is an interesting story about a client interaction you had?
Is there a customer experience you are most proud of?

I am proud of so many clients because of my philosophy of teach a man to fish and helping equip businesses to be marketing-driven from the inside out. Seeing those we have guided and taught embrace this knowledge, prosper and continue to grow is rewarding. Right now in this economy, confidence for many businesses is waning. By giving business owners a more strategic mindset, they are able to make shifts and have the confidence to compete and grow in spite of it all. For instance, a manufacturer of paper rolls was being beaten down by a price competitive marketplace including price wars among top competitors. 30-year veteran sales people were frustrated and this was eating away at their commissions as well. After doing a strategic analysis, the company was repositioned as a total solutions, best service alternative. We shifted to focus on those requiring service over price and this company is in a growth mode and realizing profits again. Management did not believe its sales people of 20+ years would be
What I find the most interesting and exciting currently is helping business owners build businesses and lives that they love. This began to crystallize for me in the mid 1990s when I began to have my entrepreneur clients share their personal goals alongside their business goals. I think it is even more exciting now because the economy has caused many business owners to take a step back and are ready to make changes and shifts to bring not just their businesses back, but their lives back too. Many times, personal and business goals are in direct conflict, causing angst or frustration either on the home front or the business front, sometimes with nothing really moving forward as desired. I think clients are always amazed at the processes I have in place to help them analyze and assess, considering how much we have been recognized for our creativity and graphics branding. By taking business owners through my goal and values mind mapping process, I have been able to help them uncover why goals are stalemated or identify options for making goals happen that they simply could not see themselves. It is exciting for me and empowering for them.
What are some of your greatest challenges in your business?
What is of greatest challenge to my business and most other businesses, I also see as huge opportunity. The level of service-mindedness of businesses continues to fail on so many fronts. This past year specifically, I have witnessed the
33
economy take its toll on companies in being so focused on making money, they have digressed to a transaction basis of doing business versus appreciating, valuing and serving the relationship. We have had long-time suppliers and partners simply lose sight of customer service requiring us to shift because serving our clients is important to us. Fortunately, there are companies out there being started that have also seen this happening and are stepping forward, run by veterans who are taking things to another level. It is exciting to see. Part of what I love about working with entrepreneurs as either clients or as partners serving clients is that challenges are never insurmountable, they are simply a matter of considering what needs to happen to shift and turn the problem into a huge opportunity.
nesses are not expanding. However, small businesses and mid-market businesses are expanding and are not getting any help whatsoever. We keep hearing in election banter that small business is the backbone of this country, and it is nothing but lip service because nothing is truly being done to invest in small business. It is all talk and no action. I have several ideas including banks creating private growth investment funds and economic development groups partnering with city and county government for incentives to small and mid-market companies. True job creation is going to happen a handful of job at a time. But if you multiply those handful jobs by hundreds of companies, it will equal thousands of jobs, if not tens of thousands of jobs. It is time for that kind of shift in thinking and in where government monies are being distributed. I encourage all our readers to read Sherres books! I have learned a lot from them and as a business owner find her words of wisdom inspiring! You can go to our website: www.womenwithknowhow.com Click on the Authors Corner Tab and the links are there to take you to purchase her books!! W
What would you most like the reader to know about your journey in business?
I am inspired each and every day by entrepreneurs. One of my favorite quotations by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi is Discovery is seeing what everyone else has seen, but thinking what nobody else has thought. This is what drives an entrepreneur thinking what no-one else has thought. This continually inspires me to new heights as I strive to help entrepreneurs continue to think differently, as well as individuals think differently. I believe I have been put on this earth to inspire new thinking and empower positive change on an individual level, business level and economic level.
Sherre DeMao
Founder and Chief Marketeer SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR, Inc. sldunlimited.com
If you could stand up and defend anything, what would it be?
Entrepreneurship is the backbone of what makes this country great, and yet banks, the government and economic development interests lie in providing incentives, tax credits, and grants to big business instead of investing in small business. If a big business relocates to an area, it is not creating jobs; it is displacing jobs in one place to create them in another place. Big busi-
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Family Features
Keeping Resolution
While on the Go
Inspiring Recipes by Chef Candice Kumai
Year after year, saving money and eating healthier rank high on the list of New Years resolutions, but as many know all too well, busy schedules can make it hard to keep these resolutions up.
Pretty Delicious author and Top Chef alum Candice Kumai has partnered with The Glad Products Company to create delicious recipes that help bring healthy food out of the kitchen, and in turn, help to save you both the cost and calories associated with eating lunch out. Chef Kumais recipes are inspired by Glad To Go reusable lunch and snack containers, which feature a detachable 1.5-ounce To Go cup that snaps into the lid allowing you to confidently transport foods that you havent been able to before. Just imagine no more dressing leak disasters when bringing a salad to work. Now theres no excuse for us to break our New Years resolutions, says Kumai. My recipes are not only healthy, delicious, convenient meal time options, but they fit into our everyday lives while helping to save money, time and calories and reduce waste.
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ns
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Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4
For the dressing

1/2 3 1 1 2
cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt tablespoons high-quality tequila tablespoon grated lime zest teaspoon hot sauce tablespoons fresh lime juice Pinch of sea salt to taste
For the shrimp

2 1 1/2 1 3 1 2
For the salad

4 1/2 1/2 1
tablespoons extra virgin olive oil garlic clove, minced teaspoon ground cumin Pinch red pepper flakes pound medium shrimp, deveined tablespoons high-quality tequila Salt, to taste teaspoon dried chipotle powder to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped cups dark, leafy mixed greens cup roasted red peppers, sliced thin cup black beans, drained and rinsed avocado, sliced thin
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add cumin and red pepper flakes, and let flavors blend together. Add shrimp and toss. Carefully add tequila and cook until alcohol burns off. Season with salt, and add dried chipotle powder. Once shrimp are cooked, add chopped cilantro, toss and put aside on a plate. Toss mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add in roasted red peppers and black beans. In medium bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and alter to desired taste by adding additional hot sauce and salt. Top with avocado slices and sauted shrimp.
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Roasted Fig and Blue Cheese Salad

For the figs
2 2 2 1 1/4 1/2 6 1/2 cups fresh black mission figs, sliced in half tablespoons balsamic vinegar tablespoons extra virgin olive oil teaspoon honey teaspoon sea salt cup blue cheese, cut into elegant wedges or thin slices cups mixed salad greens with arugula cup candied walnuts Sea salt to taste
For the dressing

3 2 1/4 1/4
tablespoons honey tablespoons Dijon mustard cup balsamic vinegar teaspoon sea salt
To roast figs, preheat the oven to 350F. Remove stems off end of each fig, then slice fig in half. Roast for approximately 30 minutes or until a bit golden brown. Remove and cool slightly. In small mixing bowl, mix 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey. Add figs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk honey, mustard, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and sea salt together to create dressing. Place greens in large salad bowl; toss in candied walnuts. Serve with two fig halves on top of each salad with a blue cheese wedge.
For the salad
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Spinach Salad with Walnuts, Strawberries and Goat Cheese

For the dressing

3 2 1/4 1/4
tablespoons honey tablespoons Dijon mustard cup balsamic vinegar teaspoon sea salt
Heat the oven to 375F. Place walnuts on rimmed baking sheet and bake until fragrant and toasted, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Toss spinach with strawberries in a large bowl. In small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar and salt. Sprinkle walnuts on top of spinach and strawberries mix. Serve sprinkled with goat cheese, with remaining dressing on the side.
For the salad

1/2 4 8 1/4
cup walnuts cups fresh spinach, stems trimmed large strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced cup crumbled goat cheese
For additional recipes, lunchtime tips, coupon offerings and more, visit Facebook.com/Glad
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Women With Know How January 2012 Issue

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Women With Know How January 2012 Issue

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January 2012

Are you committed to your New Years Resolution?

8 Tips to Setting Your Fitness Resolution

Founder and Chief Marketeer SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR, Inc.

From the publisher

mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Vice President Marketing

wendy@womenwithknowhow.com Design and Page Production

Founder and Chief Marketeer SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR, Inc.

www.womenwithknowhow.com JANUARY 2012

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

Keisha Alston Independent Beauty Consultant

www.womenwithknowhow.com JANUARY 2012

Top 7 Ways to Detox Your Life

3) Ban VOCs From Your Home

2) Free Yourself of Formaldehyde

4) Choose Better Personal Care Products

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

6) Give BPA the Boot

5) Know What Youre Eating