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.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Join me!

Okay, I finally did it.  I have my own blog site.  I was really nervous to take this on, but am very excited to be able to share my thoughts and information with all of you.  Take a look and subscribe to the blog so you're kept up to date.

http://womenlivingloudly.wordpress.com/

Happiness...
Sarah Bran de Leon
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Spring has Sprung

Spring time means many different things for many different people.  Take a look at this youtube video.  I laughed my ass off:-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsElBKmu5UE

Have a great day!

Sarah Bran de Leon
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Quote of the Day

In a fruitful life there is rain
 ...and sunshine.

Wellness...Pamela Healing Essence Massage

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

My Last Few Days.....

Thursday May 12 12:53 AM - a little body is next to my bed " mom, I puked"
In a daze, I told him just to crawl into bed with me. 
1:57 AM "mom - LOOK OUT!!" and with that, Ty was out of bed ready to blow and just about made it to the toilet.
Now into the spare room he goes.  At that point, I decide I better look at his room and see what I will face in the morning.
Not good, lots of red, I better clean it now so the stains are not so bad.
This begins my laundry marathon.
Vomiting goes through the night into the morning. He stays home from School Thursday and Friday.
Saturday - A great Day!  Rained all day but we did some shopping and had a great day!
Kids go to bed, Marty and I have a few beers, relax in the hot tub and go to bed.
1:12 AM Marty flies out of the bed and into the bathroom, as if Haley Berry was just getting out of our shower and needed help drying off.  His LOUD puking and moaning continues all night and into Sunday morning.
Washing towels, sheets and cleaning bathrooms resumes.
Monday May 16 - wonderful day!  Back to work and school for all and WOW is my house clean!!!
Monday 5:46 PM - I was getting ready for YOGA class when I hear the weak voice of an almost 13 year old moan out for his mother which only means one of 2 things : he has just thrown up, or hes playing a joke on me. 
I run down the steps like wonder women, and looking into the bathroom I see what can only be described as a crime scene.
" I am sorry I did not make it to the toilet" he moans, holding his gut like he has just lost a boxing match.
Monday 5:48 PM - door bell rings - I go back upstairs to see who is there to visit, and I tell the 3 cute little kids they can't come in unless they have a bio-hazard suit to put on.  I go back downstairs to begin cleaning yet another bathroom only to find our loving miniature dachshund eating Jed's more-than-chunky-barf like she has not had a good meal her whole life.
Now I am pissed.
Jed continues to be sick all night, so more laundry I do.
Tuesday May 17th - Ty turns 10!!!  Jed stays home and is in bed all day.  Ty is off to school with his RED Licorice in hand, one pack for each class mate. (remember this detail as it is important later)
Jed sleeps all day but it looks like the vomiting is all done at the Fahey home! YEAH!
5:30 Ty reports to baseball - after 3 HOURS - Yep game ended at 8:40 we head home and all go to bed.
Wednesday May 18 7:15am I wake up and as usual, go to wake up kids. I walk into Ty's oh so clean room (I had totally cleaned it for him as a birthday gift!! Yep Mom of the year is lookin' good for me!!!)
Thinking I was sleepwalking during the worst nightmare, I close the door and go get a drink of water.
I return to his room, slowly open the door, and gasp at the sight of yet ANOTHER pile of barf.  Full of red chunks. 
I call the school line, excuse both kids, and you guessed it, started another load of sheets.
12:35 pm - Here I sit with my lunch at work (Marty has they day off and had to deal with the clean up of this one, as I felt like I would end up in St. Peter if I had to do it again) and thought I'd share my last few days with my friends.
Moral of the story?
Not a thing. Just the facts.

Have a happy PUKE free day!!!
Lisa

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Teen Drivers

Think back to when you got your license.  The sense of freedom overwhemled you as you pulled out of your driveway alone for the very first time.  You probably rolled down the window (by hand perhaps) and you may have cranked the radio and sang along.  Now add to that, a cell phone going off, the urge to change the CD or ipod selection, and taking a sip from your 64 ounce big gulp.  It is no wonder that Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.  If you have a teen driver, talk with them about safe, text and distraction  free driving and riding.  My suggestion is to take that a step further and bring them into your Insurance Agent's office.  Spending 15 minutes with someone in the industry just may be a lifesaver.

Safe Travels to All,
Lisa Fahey
www.speikercompany.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Laundry Detergent

I usually have more time than money, and laundry detergent is very expensive, so I make my own.  Earlier this year I didn't have the time to make any, so I bought Tide.  It smells great, it's suppose to be the best, it lived up to my expectations...almost.  After a few washes I noticed my clothes and sheets we starting to fade, quickly. So back to making my own chemical free version. 
Here's the recipe:

Ingredients all can be found in the laundry section of most stores:
1/3 Fels Naptha or 1/2 bar Ivory soap
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1/2 cup Washing Soda (not baking soda-you will not achieve the same results I've tried)
Water
1/2 ounce essential oil (optional, for scent)

You will need an old 6 quart pot, a wooden spoon, cheese grater, a funnel, and three-one gallon containers, such as empty, washed, milk jugs, or a three gallon bucket, etc.

Place 6 cups hot water in pot.  Grate bar soap into water and heat on medium, stirring until dissolved.  Add borax and washing soda.  Remove from heat.  Add 3 cups cool water, stirring mixture until it has started to thicken.  Add water filling the pot to the top.  Continue stirring.  Add 1/2 ounce essential oils.  Once mixture has cooled pour even amounts into your gallon jugs using the funnel.  Fill the jugs almost to the top with warm water.  Shake regularly as it tends to separate.  Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per laundry load.  This homemade laundry soap is low sudsing, and works well in cold water.

Costs not including tax:
3 1/2 pounds Arm & Hammer Washing Soda       $2.77
5 pounds 20 Mule Team Borax                            $2.98
3 pack Ivory Soap                                               $1.49

Total:                                                                   $7.24

You use a fraction of how much is bought.  These products will go a long way!

Take Care! Pamela Healing Essence Massage

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Happy Spring!!??

I know, I know, all of us Minnesotans are in need of a nice day!  Waking up to snow AGAIN was not the most pleasent way to start an April day but keep smiling and know that Mother Nature is planning to pay us back with the BEST SUMMER EVER!!!  ( Yes, I know this to be true as I had a long talk with her about it!) 
The nice weather is just around the corner and the Farmers Market opens for the season in just 2 weeks!  Our little plants are growing fast and will be ready soon to be put in the garden!  My flowers are popping out of the ground proudly showing off the healthy green leaves and I have already enjoyed some fresh chives that came in like clockwork!  So hears to the the Sun and the days ahead! 

Enjoy the day!!  Even if the rain continues, go out and enjoy it!  (Or stay warm and dry inside and watch your kids out the window ;0)

Lisa Fahey
www.speikercompany.com


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Amazing




No wise words to share, just a photo to remind you that our Earth is amazing!

Have a most wonderful day!
Lisa Fahey
www.speikercompany.com

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Real weight loss journey

I read a beautiful article that I wanted to share with you all.  A story of a woman and her struggles to loss weight and a really good example of how emotions play a part in weight loss and weight gain.  A reminder that it's never to late to make a change in your life and that anyone can do it.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/apr/06/061001/largo-womans-240-pound-weight-loss-highlights-ment/

Happiness,
Sarah Bran de Leon
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

Sunday, April 3, 2011

FACES Who Are We?

"Faces Who Are We?" is an interactive children's book that celebrates individuality of children, yet reminds us that we are all human beings. It is available from Bridging the Universe.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Heat vs. Ice

How do you know when to use ice or heat?  No matter who you ask, everyone has their own take on this subject.  Here are a few suggestions.

If you experience general aches and pains, heat is a great choice.  It helps the blood vessels and veins to dilate or open up.  Speeding up healing through increased circulation, and faster delivery of nutrients and removal of toxins.

On the other hand, if you have a sudden onset of pain... you wake up one morning and cannot turn your head, you over used your low back by gardening to much for to long, you painted a room and your forearms and hands are sore, or you sprained a joint such as you ankle or knee...you should apply ice(and if this pain is severe, always consult your physician).  Ice will help constrict or reduce blood flow and reduce swelling and inflammation.  Apply ice for 24-48 hours until the pain subsides dramatically.

When applying heat and ice always use the 15 on 15 off rule: apply heat/ice for 15 minutes, then remove heat/ice and allow to rest for 15 minutes.  Repeat as needed.

Have a wonderful weekend! Pamela Healing Essence Massage

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sleep, stress and depression affect weight loss

One study publish in the international journal of obesity studied the affects of sleep, stress and depression on weight loss.  It found that those who had between 6-8 hours of sleep a night, managed their stress levels and depression, lost more weight than their counterparts.  Stress and depression contributes to emotional eating and sleep affects many things including hormon levels.  So if your having a hard time losing weight; take a closer look at how much sleep your getting and your stress levels or the possibility of depression.  To read the full article go to:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Obesity/25614


Happiness,
Sarah Bran de León
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Note Project

We aim to inspire 1 million people to write a note to someone special in their lives. Become part of the biggest movement of 2011. Please join me by participating in this wonderful positive energy project!

Cat Isles

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Low carbohydrate diets

There are many different diets out there.  Some are better than others.  It's always best to be educated about the good and the bad of any diet than you may be on.  Here is an article about the Atkins diet and the science behind the low carbohydrate diets out there.  The benefits and some down side.

http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2011/03/atkins-new-diet-revolution-under-investigation-2.php

Have a great day and stay warm!

Sarah Bran de Leon
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

Friday, March 18, 2011