back: Sarah B, Cat, Jill, Dawn Marie, Sue; middle: Christine, Lupe, Lisa, Pamela, Sarah J; front: Cindy

Inspiring thoughts, ideas and information provided by women business owners.

The purpose of Keystone Women's Circle is to unite, support and promote women business owners. A keystone is the stone in an arch that binds all others in place. In a circle of stones, every stone is a keystone. We believe that together we can create a foundation, not of brick and mortar, but of relationships and mutual support, enabling all of us to prosper.


Friday, May 28, 2010

Ingredients according to the label

I try to eat healthy food. I was raised on processed, fatty, easy from the package food. So this change has not been easy. The government says its trying to help us determine which foods are worse to eat by requiring labels on packaging, specifically trans fat, but this is not completely true. "Trans fat is usually found in processed foods and fried foods that are made with partially hydrogenated shortening (oil). They are especially bad for your heart since they have been shown to raise LDL and lower HDL." But "federal regulations allow food label to say there's zero grams of trans fat as long as there's less than half a gram per serving. And many packages contain more than what's considered to be one serving. Most people also tend to eat two or three servings." "Since the American Heart Association recommends that people limit trans fats to less than 2 grams per day, those half a gram servings could add up quickly." Most of all, we don't even know we are eating them because the label states there is no trans fats in the product. Midwest Health & Wellness.

Have a fantastic Memorial weekend! Pamela

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Still got a lot to learn...

We usually teach what we need to learn. I'm still trying to learn this one: Life is not a one woman show. Helping Sarah J. (along with lots of other good folks) get her new place ready to move Mystic Journey into, I've had several opportunities to remind the tireless, always cheerful dynamo of this, and at the same time, a little voice in my ear whispers, "Back atcha, DM." I don't think it's Sarah muttering under her breath.

For some of us, accepting help isn't the easiest thing. We've been trained to say "Oh, that's alright, I can manage", when we're running on day number three with almost no sleep, juggling the demands of house, career and family, around trying to do those things that will move us forward in life. We don't want to impose on our friends, ask our family to bear with us, much less actually help, nor accept the kindness of strangers. Here's what I try to remember...

1. Delegating is good for everyone. Expecting your family and coworkers to do their share respects them and you. They are capable, they are responsible, and they will be happier when allowed to show it, even if they are snarling at you at the moment.

2. Being a cheerful receiver is as important as being a cheerful giver. When you say "Yes, thank you", you give someone the opportunity to give, which is our purpose on the planet. Put another way, when you say "Yes" to an offer of help, you are doing that person a favor. Let them feel useful, be part of the flow, or build up karma points to balance the snarling.

3. Finally, there are some people whose "free" help is too costly to accept, so do learn to differentiate between Barn Raising Friends and Blood Sucking Mosquitoes disguised as helpers. For now, I'm gonna go help Sarah put a coat of glorious chocolaty brown on the yoga room walls...Yee haw!

Be well, be happy, and say "Yes, thank you!" more often

Dawn-Marie
Artist in Wonderland at The Art of the Home
check out what's new this week...theartofthehome.blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

I just wrapped up a life insurance proposal and it felt like a good time to remind all of you how important a policy is on you and all of the members of your family. No one likes to discuss life insurance. It is not a fun topic and believe me, it is confusing. But think about how tragic loss is and combine that with these tough economic times and tragedy becomes catastrophe. Protect your self and your family. For the small amount it takes each month, it is worth peace of mind.



On a lighter note, I wanted to share the successes I have experienced learning meditation at Mystic Journey. I am not a huge fan of heights. I will never forget when my body went into panic mode while on the top of a Ferris wheel in Chicago. I was about 26 years old and Heights had never bothered me before. On this wonderful trip with friends I was suddenly overcome with fear and loss of control. Oh well. I guess the fun was over for me. I have avoided heights for years since and when I was in situations like climbing a lighthouse with my kids, I simply headed back down when I felt the panic starting. I took one of Sarah's classes on Beginning Meditation. I did not go with the intent of facing my fears but for the relaxation and health benefits I head read about. The class was so informative and I have since continued to practice and learn more about meditation. I was shocked last summer while on a family trip to find that the tools I learned could help me through situations that previously would have had me "quitting". We were on a hike in the Mountains in beautiful Washington. Unbeknownst to me, we had to cross a high bridge above a creek to reach our destination. I wanted to turn around a run back down the mountain. But I am tried of that. It is my body and I will not let the fears I have developed (for no apparent reason) make my decisions. (for any of you who have experience this you know you get physically sick). So I took a deep breath and started to calm my self and put my mind in a place of peace and comfort. I was amazed when I took the steps high above the running creek and got to the other side. My husband was at the other side with his jaw on the trail and said "whatever you do at Mystic Journey, don't ever stop". Pretty funny coming from the guy who used to tease me when I was off to what he referred to as "voodoo classes". Now, I am not off to take up skydiving and still don't know if I will ever make it to the top of the Space Needle, but I know that what I choose to do can be accomplished when I focus positive energy on my goals and connect my mind, body and spirit. If you have never meditated before, I highly recommend one of Sarah's classes and learn about all of the benefits. I can not thank her enough for helping me!

Peace to you all,
Lisa Fahey

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

I know it's been a long time since my last post. Like I told the other ladies, I have no excuse. I'll try and pick up where I left off last time. I believe I was talking about beliefs and the power of the mind. The question being, what type of beliefs do you have? There are 2 types: empowering beliefs and limiting beliefs.

Empowering beliefs:
  • Allow us to tap into our full potential
  • Help us ask better questions to access resources that can help us reach our goal
  • Encourage us to look for solutions instead of quitting when we face challenges

Examples of empowering beliefs: If I did it before, I can do it again
I know it's possible
There has to be a way
I have all the tools I need, it will just take time,
perseverance and patience
Exercise is fun


Limiting beliefs:

  • Cause us to ignore opportunities by not focusing our minds on solutions
  • Create a sense of false limits about our abilities, talents and power
  • Limit our potential

Examples of limiting beliefs: I could never do that
I'm not ______enough (smart, pretty, wealthy)
I'll never be able to lose weight and keep it off
I don't have enough time


I there is something you would like to change about your life, what are your beliefs about that issue. Are your beliefs helping you or hurting you?

The good thing is that beliefs can be changed!!!


"When you believe in something, and you carry it in your heart, you accept no excuses, only results." -Ken Blanchard

- Sarah Bran de León C.H

Monday, May 24, 2010

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is hard. Especially if someone hurt you severely. How about your feelings when you hurt someone else? That pit in the bottom of your stomach every time you think of what you did to that person or what that person did to you. It dosen't matter who did the hurting or who recieved the hurt you both will be affected and will carry that pit in your stomach until you choose to forgive and accept the forgiveness.

I came across this Forgiveness Prayer from Nanice Ellis (nanice.com). It is powerful and something to think about especially if you feel stuck and cannot seem to move forward. Let go of the pit in your stomach and set yourself free.

Forgiveness Prayer from Nanice Ellis:
To all those I have ever hurt intentionally or unintentionally, please forgive me be releasing the wound that I inflicted upon you through the sins of my word or deed. My actions and words were mis-givings and I take them back. In forgiving me I ask that you GIVE THEM BACK. Please forgive me by remembering your value and worth and by reclaiming the power of who you really are. Please forgive me by remembering yourself, and so that I can "Re-Member" my own self. Please forgive me by being true to yourself and rejoicing in the beauty of who you really are, as I rejoice with you; seeing you only as glorious and magnificent!

Sarah Jaeger- Mystic Journey

Friday, May 21, 2010

Stay Positive

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade. Sound familiar? This statement is very true. If you look at any situation in a positive way, you learn from it and move forward. If you look at a situation in a negative way, it can consume you, dwelling on it and stopping you in your tracks. Stay positive! Pamela

Thursday, May 20, 2010

My friend Marci Halfmann shared this thought for the day

Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.
Watch your actions, they become your habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your life.

Kinda snowballs, huh? Speaking of snowballing, pop over to my blog and see what happened when I decided to do a little something to spruce up my dated kitchen...not sure if snowball describes it...avalanche?...blizzard? It took on a life of it's own, and took me for one long ride!

Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland at The Art of the Home
theartofthehome.blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Happy Wednesday! What a beauty it is! I hope you all get to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Stop by the Farmers Market and get inspired to start a garden. Even on a small deck, great vegys can be grown. Its not only great for the environment, it is cheap and healthy! A tomato plant costs less then 2 tomatoes in the store and from garden to kitchen means trucks were not used for shipping! Just think what a difference that makes to our earth! No time or desire to garden? Shop at your local farmers market. It supports local growers, keeping the dollars in your community, and again much less of an impact on our environment. Oh! and another bonus! Local nonprofit groups are serving up some delicious meals at the Belle Plaine Market so you are off the hook for cooking tonight!

Have a wonderful sunshiney day!
Lisa Fahey

Friday, May 14, 2010

Celebrating 6 years working with Belle Plaine Chiropractic! Celebrated thursday by massaging everyone seen by Dr. Todd. We had a total of 73 people and the amount charged for services all donated to Dollars for Scholars, a total of $1500! Pamela

Thursday, May 13, 2010

What to do on a rainy day:

Review your insurance policies! I know this is as fun as watching paint dry (no offense Dawn-Marie!!) but you need to make sure you are covered as we head into storm season.

Speaking of storms...... this quote seems so fitting today:



Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass,

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

author unknown



Enjoy the day!

Lisa Fahey

Monday, May 10, 2010

Challenge our convictions


It is funny how this universe works to provide you with what you seek out.
Many of you know that Mystic Journey is adding Yoga to it's line-up of services. I have to be honest with you, I have never gone to a yoga class but I do have a basic understanding of the benefits that yoga can provide. I do believe this practice has helped many physically, mentally and spiritually. So as I am trying to design this yoga studio keeping in mind that it is an eastern practice taking over a western society I felt that I should do a little more research on eastern culture.
I sat in front of my computer and asked the universe to provide me with the tools to create a yoga studio that honors the eastern culture yet also takes into consideration the western culture. I came across this beautiful picture of Kuan Yin. I knew a little about Kuan Yin. I know that she is compared to by some as the Mother Mary of the Buddhist culture and that she is the giver of compassion and mercy to those that suffer.
There was just something about her that really struck a cord with me. I noticed that she had a willow leaf in her right hand and a vase in her left. What does that mean? More research told me that the willow branch is a symbol of healing people's illnesses or bringing fulfillment to their requests. I thought what a great representation of what yoga can do for people physically.
I went on to read about the vase with water. This is a symbol of removing/washing away suffering, purifying the defilement's of our body, speech and mind, and lengthening of life. Again another representation of the benefits of yoga.
I read further, the article then stated; Anyone can be Kuan Yin- it is your compassion that can transform you into Kuan Yin. With your eyes and hands, you can help others, with your compassion, you can bring peace and tranquility to this world. This is what Mystic Journey is all about!
Ask and the universe will provide. Be open to traveling out side of your box. There is so much more help and support out there if you just reach out. Something interests you, look into it. If it is a different belief system, look into it. It just may challenge your convictions and you may acquire insight as to what you already believe in. Have I turned into a Buddhist? No, but I do have an appreciation towards this belief system and I now know how close many belief systems are to each other.
If you resist reading what you disagree with,
how will you ever acquire deeper insight into
what you believe?
The things most worth reading are precisely those
that challenge our convictions.
unknown
Sarah Jaeger- Mystic Journey *portions taken from a Buddhist deity article from Buddhist studies. http://www.buddhanet.net/

Friday, May 7, 2010

Wishing all the mothers a very Happy Mothers Day! Without moms the world would not go around.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

betcha didn't know this one

I may not know a single answer in Trivial Pursuit, but I do know some useful tidbits, like put on your rubber dish washing gloves to unscrew a stubborn jar lid, and once a year, actually wash the lint filter in your dryer, as the soap residue builds up and clogs the screen, lowering airflow, and using more energy and time to dry your clothes (thanks Mom, I'm saving about ten minutes a load!) Here's my favorite one, which no one else ever seems to have heard of, but I guarantee it works: You can temporarily plug a leaky radiator with a can of black pepper. Really. Dump in the whole little can, top the tank, and let it run a minute. Pepper flakes actually have little burrs that will catch together and clot, effectively plugging the crack or small hole, as the water runs out. Not a permanent fix, but cheaper than a tow truck half way to Duluth!...AAA isn't such a bad idea either.

I hope you are gearing up for a summer of fun, but don't forget it's actually a great time to have your decorating done. There is a trend toward waiting for fall, but why not do it now, while the family is content to be outside most of the day, and less likely to be inconvenienced by a couple of days of ladders and drop cloths? If you book during the month of May, I will donate 20% of the labor cost to Dollars for Scholars if the work is scheduled for May, and 10% if it's scheduled for June through Thanksgiving. Check out theartofthehome.blogspot.com for some examples of what I do, and keep in mind I do a lot of simple faux and decorative paint finishes that aren't shown there. Consultations are free, so give me a call! (952)873-4493.

Dawn-Marie, "Artist in Wonderland" at The Art of the Home

The Farmers Market started yesterday! I was so happy to see all of the vendors and eager shoppers despite the high winds. I am looking forward to garden season as the rewards for growing/buying locally grown foods is priceless. This is the perfect time to buy Minnesota grown asparagus. Luckily, our neighbor has a patch and has been sharing with us.

Facts about asparagus I bet you did not know:


Helps prevent birth defects if you eat it while you are expecting.

Helps to relieve menstrual cramps (who can't use a little help in that department!?)

Increases the recovery rate and success of chemo-therapy.

Helps rid off warts when you eat it! (wow nature is amazing!)

Naturally detoxifies the body!

Helps in production of milk for lactating mothers (why didn't I have this info 9 years ago!!??)

Has anti-oxidants in it slows down the aging process (Natures Botox!)

and.....

Asparagus can be used as an aphrodisiac to enhance sexual activity!!!!


What do you think Ladies, asparagus for supper tonight?


Lisa Fahey

(I just listed a few - Google asparagus for the list of all of the other benefits.)