The Cure for Cancer

I think I’ve figured out why many adults are addicted to caffeine. Some of you probably don’t want to hear this, but the answer is this: “It’s easier than working out, eating healthy and taking vitamins every day”.

Ouch.

So, how does this happen? Well, in some cases, we start drinking soda pop as kids and just keep drinking it. I started drinking coffee at the age of 5. Sounds strange, but my grandma always fixed me a cup of milk, sugar and a little bit of coffee. As a dancer, the soda machine was right outside the room where I took class. After an hour or more of sweating, a nice cold can of Cactus Cooler sounded, and tasted, pretty good!

As we grew up, caffeine became just a natural part of our daily diet. When we’re feeling tired, we tip back a Red Bull or a slurp up a latte from Starbucks. It’s instant gratification we are looking for. Who has time to take a brisk walk or jog around the block?

Most of the young adults I talk to today don’t take any dietary supplements and they eat fast food nearly every day… and they wonder why they are always so tired and suffering from headaches all the time. I know I don’t consume all of the nutrition that my body needs each day. Do you eat four servings of broccoli every 24 hours? Who does such a thing?

People are dropping like flies in their 40’s and 50’s from heart attacks and cancer. People are developing diabetes earlier in life. Children are fighting obesity like never before. Would you believe me if I told you there was a cure for all this dis-ease? There is a cure. It’s just that no one wants to do anything about it because we’ve become too dependent on fast food and caffeine.

If you find yourself sitting in a drive through at Del Taco, Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, Carl’s Jr., etc. more than once a week, you are contributing to the cause. We’ve done this to ourselves. It’s our desire for convenience that has driven our country to be #1 in critical care. It’s a reaction to the symptom that is caused by malnutrition and lack of physical activity.

In closing, I would just like to say that I have kicked caffeine to the curb and no longer frequent fast food facilities. I also drink water instead of soda and take customized supplements every day. In this way, I am helping to live a longer and healthier life for myself, my best friend and my daughter. Who wants to tell their child that they suddenly lost a parent because they ate one too many combination burritos?

In the "NOW"

I attended a "Healthy Happy Hour" titled "I Am Grateful" last night at Balance In Motion. Sounds... interesting, right? Well, there was a wonderful spread of organic wine, fruit and cheeses and the office lobby was packed with people. Dr. Chrissy Stamm brought in a writer who lead everyone in a wonderful exercise that gave us a wonderful opportunity to stop and really think about what we are grateful for. I thought it was pretty timely considering the holidays are upon us. This was the third annual poetry writing event that Dr. Stamm had hosted.

As we all sat around and wrote down our thoughts on what we were truly thankful for, starting with ourselves and working our way outward, you could sense the creative energy flowing. The instructor asked us to write down our two favorite passages from what we had written and share them with our neighbors. We were then instructed to write a poem using words we had written and had received from our neighbors as well.

When we were finished, all of us had a chance to share what we had written. I must say, it was all very profound. We all learned that everyone is a poet. The key is to write down our thoughts, prayers, wishes and things we are grateful for and then arrange the wording, just so, to make it flow.

We all had such a wonderful time, we urged Dr. Stamm to hold these "I Am Grateful" events once a quarter instead of annually. I am definitely returning for the next one. Let me know if you would like to join me!

Wish I Was 45

I'm not quite there yet, but if I was 45 years old, I would be able to participate in some really great activities with a group of really great women from WomanSage. Councelors at WomanSage are helping Orange County women transcend into the next half of their professional lives. Every year, they have a "Refresh, Renew, Reinvent" Conference in addition to Re-Invent Yourself! Workshops. Members only pay $5 ($25 for non-members) for these workshops and are treated to refreshments and great speakers that provide them with motivation and tools to help these women move forward with their lives.

The annual conference is coming this Saturday, October 24th and will be held in Costa Mesa. The featured keynote speakers are Ken Dychtwald "With Purpose: Redefining Money, Work, Retirement and Success" and Carol Orsborn, Ph.D "Saving Your (downsized) Soul". It promises to be quite an event at a low price of only $49.99 per person! If you're not quite 45 and are interested in attending, they aren't checking ID's at the door. You are still more than welcome to attend!

In addition to putting on these extraordinary and valuable events, they also offer transition makeovers for women wanting to get back into the workforce. They are also helping women who are semi-retired find part-time and short-term employment within the community. This is great for those companies who need someone with experience and needs very little training for a project or on a part-time basis.

WomanSage is a non-profit organization and is always looking for sponsors. If you or your company would like more information on how to become involved, Click Here for more information.

Did You Hear About Ear Coning?

If you haven't heard, maybe it's because you need to have your ears coned. Also known as "ear candling", this particular procedure has been performed through the centuries by many cultures. However, this was my first experience with ear coning.

It's easy to be skeptical with a practice that claims it can keep you from being sick and rids your body of toxins and bacteria as well as ear wax. I was unsure myself, but was willing to try it just to have an educated opinion about it.

I went to Exquisite Hair Designs and Bodywerks where Sharon happily invited me into her treatment room. This is where she does facials and massages. It's a very calming room and the restful music definitely added to the atmosphere. Sharon insists on using two cones per ear to ensure the best service. She draped me with a blanket as if I was going to take a nap. Then she put a sheer cloth over my head and shoulders so I wouldn't be distracted by the instruments.



The cone was inserted into my ear and was lit at the other end. I could hear a crackling sound, but my ear canal did not experience any discomfort or other feeling. Once the right ear was done, I turned over and Sharon proceeded with the left ear. I couldn't wait to see what the inside of the cones looked like. It had been a busy day and what should have been an exercise in relaxation was instead filled with anticipation.

After an hour and fifteen minutes, I was done. Looking back, it didn't seem like it took that long because Sharon read me an article about ear coning and my daughter was taking pictures. Both were keeping me entertained. It was finally time to see what supposedly came out of my ear canals. What I saw made me a believer. Here is my thought process: If the cones didn't extract anything from the ear canals, then they would all look relatively similar inside. However, the cones from my right ear were different than the ones from my left ear indicating that one ear was cleaner than the other. In addition, the first cones had more debris than the second cones, indicating that the first cone removed the majority and the second cone removed the remainder.



Yep. Gross, right? Well, let me tell you that although I didn't feel light-headed or "stoned" as some people have experienced, my ears did feel that they had opened up and I could hear better. There you have it, my ear coning testimonial. I would recommend trying it for yourself and making your own judgment. Sharon offers this service for $40 for a limited time. Make an appointment and find out for yourself what people throughout history have sworn by.

Sharon Antonucci
Exquisite Hair Designs and Bodywerks
(949) 631-3183

Faking the Happy

There are times in one’s life when happiness seems like a dream you once had – never to repeat and difficult to remember what it felt like. Life throws out challenges and sometimes they cause you to doubt your ability to persist and endure. It’s times like these that you find yourself asking all the wrong questions. “Why did this happen to me?” or “What did I do to deserve this?” In asking this line of questioning, what kind of answer do you think you will receive?
Internal dialog is more powerful than you think. Going down the road of self-doubt and destructive questioning will only deliver you more unhappiness and discontent. You’ve probably heard the saying “Thoughts Become Things” and dismissed it as ridiculous. How can a thought produce a thing? Let’s analyze the process.

Thought > Action > Result > Thing

On a level of energy, thoughts can also produce results without action. Have you ever had a thought pop into your mind about someone you haven’t talked to in a while? Then, shortly thereafter, the phone rings and it’s the person you were just thinking of? It happens all the time, right? So, why couldn’t it happen with other types of thoughts? If you are thinking today is going to be a bad day, then it probably will. You will be unconsciously looking for all the negative things in your path and will be incapable of dealing with them rationally. On the flip side, if you think the day is going to be productive, you will automatically search out those things that will make it a productive day.

My advice: Fake the Happy. When you are not feeling well or your attitude has taken a turn for the worse, fake it. The more you fake it, the more you start to believe it. Go back to your childhood when you used to pretend. It’s the same thing. If you start make-believing your life is perfect, your actions will follow suit. As a result, you’ll eventually have that perfect life! Let your creative mind surprise you!

Marketing Your Story

I should probably start off by answering the question, "Who Are Marketers?" Marketers are story tellers. A powerful brand is built, not on product, but on a personal message. Therefore, it is crucial that you develop your story. It is your competitive advantage.

Example: Sheldon's Story

Sheldon was born into a poor family and grew up fighting in the streets of Ghettotown, USA. When his brother was shot by a rival gang member, he decided he did no longer wanted to be involved in gang activity. The very next day, he went to the recruiting office and joined the Army. He served several tours during the Gulf war fighting for his country. He thought seriously about re-enlisting, but thought of another way to protect his fellow citizens and also be close to his family. Today, he fights for your financial freedom as an Independent Financial Services Professional.

Would you come to Sheldon’s fund-raiser for a program to get inter-city kids off the streets, off drugs and out of gang activity knowing that he himself grew up in Ghettotown, U.S.A.? That his family was affected by gang activity? You would come to support him because of his own personal story - because it touched you emotionally. This is the element that encourages people to take action.

Recommended Reading:
All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories - Seth Godin

For more recommended reading, visit my LinkedIn profile.


"With focus, consistent effort and a positive attitude, anything is possible."
- Patty "River of Money" Rivadeneyra

My Exquisite Hair Experience

Within an average-looking building in Newport Beach, a gem of a salon can be found called Exquisite Hair Designs & Bodywerks Spa. It's quaint, clean, comfortable and cozy all due to the tireless efforts of it's owner, Sharon Antonucci, who also doubles as somewhat of an interior decorator - and a very good one at that! Sharon graduated high school with her certificate in hair styling and hasn't put down the shears since.

The one thing that struck me about her salon is that it is set up in a compartmentalized way versus having a wide open space with everyone tripping over each other. There is a seperate room for massage and facials and another separate, well-equipped hair styling station apart from where she performs her styling magic.

In a small space where most people wouldn't dare to erect walls, Sharon has managed to include four rooms, each with a purpose. The reception area may be tiny, but she has managed to arrange it effectively to include a reception desk, product displays and four comfortable chairs. I was personally impressed when I saw the Michael Parks print displayed over the coffee station.

I was able to witness Sharon's talents first-hand last week. She listened as I explained that I wanted to grow out my hair and what the style was that I was going for. Sharon instantly went to work describing her process and methodology as she shaped my hair and told me about the long-term plan for getting me where I wanted to be style-wise. When Sharon was done, I had been transformed and understood that this was the first step to creating the ultimate hair style. I took in her suggestions and made mental notes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as do her other regulars who faithfully return each time they need her services. I had the pleasure of talking with a few of her other clients and they would follow her to the ends of the earth. Who doesn't need a hair stylist that they would sing their praises from the roof tops if they could? These stylists are hard to find, but I managed to find Sharon Antonucci of (aptly named) Exquisite Hair Designs.

Sharon specializes in Hair Extentions, Color and Weaving at prices you won't find anywhere else. FREE consultations! Ask about her monthly Spa events!

Visit Sharon's web site at www.exquisitehairdesigns.com

An Evening with Ivana

Last night, I attended my first spa party. Ivana was the host and owner of Forbidden Spa in Costa Mesa. Being the organized person that I am, I was the first to arrive - I dislike being late. As I opened the door, I startled Ivana who was gazing out the window of her 2nd story facility and blasting Italian opera.

Ivana was a tall vision in a long black and white dress and long flowing hair. She's exotic, to say the least - and that was before I heard her accent! She glided over to meet me and began the tour of her spa. She started with the piece d'resistance: The Body Detox Capsule.

This large white egg of technology will give you a sauna treatment and massage all while you lie gently and listen to music. Ivana says this will help to detox and promote weight loss in addition to a balanced diet and exercise. She also has workout equipment in her Costa Mesa facility and offers healthy chocolate to her spa members.

One thing I spotted as I was touring was the NuSkin Galvanic Spa set which has been clinically proven to remove wrinkles and stretch marks in addition to repairing skin disorders such as rosatia. A 20 minute session will run you $30 and can be applied just about anywhere. It's the new trend in Hollywood: www.nsevideos.com.

Aside from the spa treatments, she also indulges her members in offering Yurman style design jewelry, custom design clothing, evening outfits and burlesque dance lessons. You could become the next Bette Page!

Feel free to check out Ivana's web site at www.forbiddenspa.com. Open Wed-Sat: 5-9pm

A Story of a Journey

This is what I call my "coming out" party as a Health & Wellness advocate. It took me a few years to get here, but this is where The Universe directed me. I am stubborn by nature, so I'm sure this journey took longer than it should have.

In January 2006, my mother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer. However, that's not where the story begins. It was how she developed this condition that helped me make the decision to look for a way to be proactive in a reactive health care system.

My mother had surgery for a clogged carotid artery the year before she died. The surgery was successful, so we thought. Soon afterward, she developed an abscess on the side of her neck where the surgery was performed. The emergency room was puzzled over the large lump on her neck and sent her home not knowing what it was. Eventually, the abscess burst prompting a return to ER for immediate treatment. After the wound was cared for and the infection was cleared up, more issues developed prompting another examination of her neck. This is when she was diagnosed with this rare form of thyroid cancer - on the carotid artery where the previous surgery had taken place and had become infected.

My mother was dead 6 months after diagnosis.

Did doctors kill my mother? Could she have been saved had ER technicians taken the time to realize what the lump on her neck was? The fact is, doctors kill over 500,000 people each year. Instead of fighting against the beast we know to be our "symptom band-aid" health care system, I've chosen to be proactive in the Health & Wellness community to help prevent health issues altogether.

I have recently partnered with a company that is on the forefront of DNA research and natural, customized dietary supplements. GeneWize is a wholly owned direct-selling subsidiary of the publicly traded genetic biosciences company (GeneLink, Inc. OTCBB: GNLK) that provides DNA-based genetic tests as the foundation for personalizing health, beauty and wellness products.

Wouldn't you like to know what your DNA can tell you about the predispositions or "risk factors" your parents and grandparents gave you? Wouldn't it be great to receive natural supplements with the exact amount of the vitamins and minerals you need to help avoid those factors? No more guessing or paying too much for supplements you don't need! Well, they had me at the DNA test. But the rest of it got me hooked.

For more information, visit my web site at: www.lifemapnutrition.com/wickedmktg. If you think this is something you'd like to know more about, just let me know! I'm all about helping people and making America healthy one person at a time.

Excerpt from 7/4/06 Blog

As we begin to recover from our 3-day weekend, I begin to wonder how many people out there really know what they just celebrated. Below is an excerpt from a blog I posted back in 2006. My feelings remain the same, especially now.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Independence Day
Current mood: pessimistic

Today is a day to celebrate America's freedom from the laws and politics of Britain, thanks to the support of France due to Benjamin Franklin's tireless efforts. To most, however, it represents a day off from work, hot dogs, parades and cool fireworks.

This brings me deep dismay. Most people have lost the understanding of what is important and why. When 9/11 happened, a young local teen being interviewed by a news station said, "A couple of buildings fell down in New York. It has nothing to do with me." Granted, age brings wisdom, but is the youth of this country really this naive?

I'm sitting here on a day of celebration weeping. Why? Because I fear for the future of this country and what the future will hold for my daughter. This is the first time in a long time that I haven't been on Main Street in Huntington Beach to watch the parade and cheer on the veterans who continued to fight for our freedom.

I want so much for this to be a day of fun and happiness. I wish, One Nation, Under God, it was.

Ingredients of a Perfect Relationship - TRC

For many years, I have been telling people what I believe to be the three things you MUST have in any relationship - professional or personal. This wisdom comes from too many years of experience. I realized that all the relationships that have failed or disintegrated have been because one or all of these ingredients were compromised. When I am obligated to attend a bridal shower and asked to write down the recipe for a perfect marriage, this is what I offer to the bride-to-be:

• Trust - Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence

• Respect - Esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability

• Communication - the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs
  

Notice I didn't say anything about "love"? I firmly believe that if you have all three of the main ingredients, "love" happens. Love is a symptom of the core elements. That's what dating is about - establishing trust, respect and communication.

It's the same with business. It is virtually impossible to have a sustaining, successful relationship with a partner you can't trust, nor respect and are unable to communicate with. I challenge all of you to go out and find those people in your network/life who you maintain all three core ingredients with. Those are the people who will help you when you need it most.

Social Media

Yes, it is said that social media is the future of marketing. I bit the bullet and opened my Twitter account today.

For those of you who are new to Twitter or would like more information, my friend Jonathan Landeros will be presenting a quick demonstration at Casa Rivadeneyra on Friday, July 24th. I'll be sending out an Evite to those in my network I think might be interested. However, please ping me so I can get an idea of who and how many might be attending. Thanks!

May Wine Trip

My husband, his uncle and I left early Saturday morning. We were meeting some friends up in Cambria later that day with plans for a nice dinner at the Pine Lodge. Getting there was supposed to be a straight shot with a quick stop for breakfast. Of course, my husband decided to take a detour through Oxnard, of all places, which took an extra 30 minutes before getting back on the freeway and finding a breakfast spot.

The rest of the ride was pleasant as my uncle-in-law, designated DJ, played all the 80's music he could find on his iPOD. From "I'm your priiiiiivate dancer" to "You dropped the bomb on me", it was like a trip down memory lane. Since there were a trillion popular songs pumped out in the 80's, we didn't hear the same song twice going to or from Cambria. We hit two wineries before even checking into the hotel.

Pine Lodge is a rustic restaurant with the most beautiful gardens. The food is great, as is the wine. A table full of friends made it that much better. Someone tipped off the waiter that it was uncle's birthday and he scowled for the rest of the evening. After dinner, we adjouned to the bar where we proceeded to watch old people hook up and drunk-dance to a not-so-great, middle-aged local band. It could have been the wine, but I thought they were pretty good. I was told later that they sucked. Maybe some people are too critical!

The next day was wine tour day! We hit a total of 7 wineries - the last two were difficult to recall later on. I was focused on the dessert wines this trip. Eagle Castle knows their desert wines. We actually found a new winery (to us) that we fell in love with - Rotta. Every pour was outstanding and it was fun hanging around with the three-legged cat, Boris, after the tasting was over. The van's front passenger seat was completely filled as well as all the nooks and cranies. Many cases were purchased that day.

Many great places were discovered on this trip. Friends of mine scoped out this great restaurant in downtown Cambria and we had dinner there after our wine tour recovery period. It was an Asian restaurant, and by that I mean the owner/chef/server cooked just about anything Asian. The place was small and packed. The food was really great and we got to chat with the owner for a bit. If you like your food spicy, ask for "Kill Me Spicy". There's a great story that the owner will tell you about that. If you ever find yourself in Cambria, check out the Wild Ginger.

The next day, we had to hit Wild Horse and Peachy Canyon after a morning tour of the Hearst Castle garden and wine cellar. We were starving after our Wild Horse visit, so we asked where there was a good place to eat in town (Templeton). We were told of a deli next to a liquor store on Main Street. After checking several places which were closed, we found Griff's Pizzeria. This was the best pizza anyone has ever had! Amazing how we found this place in the middle of nowhere and the owner was from Orange County! We chatted him up for a while as well and he told us about some local places in OC to check out.

All in all, we had a great time and bought *a lot* of wine. We plan on going again in July, which is when we all determined our stash would be depleated. Anyone interested in joining us? Let me know!