Friday, November 30, 2012

One more endorsement before the big surprise!!!!

"Who do you know that's looking to buy or sell?"  I cannot tell you how many times I said that myself when I had my real estate license.  Now I hear My Love say that same thing over and over.  

Earlier this year he passed the exam, and now he is a licensed realtor. Chris has worked in sales most of his adult life, setting new sales records in every position he has held.  It was his sales ability that put him on track to become the youngest department manager at the grocery store he worked at out of high school.  He was a young 18 years old.  Chris is a fierce negotiator, always putting his clients best interest at heart.  I have watched him talk himself out of sales because he knew his clients stood to lose a lot of money.  He makes me so proud because his integrity is more important than a commission check.

So if you are looking to buy or sell a house, or know some who is, find him at www.sibcycline.com/cblair.  Even if you live out of state, he can connect you with a realtor in the area you are interested in.  The advantage to you?  Chris will stay in contact with that realtor to ensure they are taking care of you just as he would.  (Don't you love this picture?  I think he's pretty danged hot, but I'm biased!!!)

Check back in later tomorrow.  I will have one more endorsement for a small business, and you don't want to miss this one!

Make it an awesome day!
Lori
      

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Small business owner Number 2!

I have a dear friend that I have known for years.  Three years ago she gave birth to twins (YIKES!).  She went back to work, but decided her heart was at home with her babies.  She left her paying job to become a stay-at-home-mom, and I know it was the best decision she and her husband ever made.  She decided she wanted to earn a little extra cash, so created her small business called "2B Photography by Elizabeth Mullins."  I am sooo glad she did!

See, my daughter graduated from high school 6 years ago.  At the time Elizabeth was the photographer at our local Moto Photo.  Of course, she took Aubrey's senior photos, and did a beautiful job.   Fast forward 6 years, and Jordan is graduating from high school. Who was going to take his senior photos?  Luckily, Liz had started her business.  She has taken senior photos of both of my children, and I cherish them. 

Liz will meet you at your choice of location, take a gazillion photos, and will provide a CD with the photos.  Her prices are sooo reasonable.  All you have to do is print the photos yourself, or take the cd to any photo lab to have them printed.  You have the control of what you want printed, what size, and how many. I know this is another business owner that is local to the Dayton area.  But again, come visit me, and we'll hook you up!

Oh, something else I know she has done....on Thanksgiving Day she had a client request she come take their family photos because that is the only time they can get everyone together.  Elizabeth did it!  That is some awesome customer service!

Think you have to be local to utilize her talents?  Well, she has another aspect to her business.  She crochets beautiful hats, blankets, and other items.  I think it started as props for her photography, but grew into much more.

Check her out on facebook.  2B Photograph by Elizabeth Mullins.  You'll be glad you did.

One more endorsement for Liz.  This photo was taken at my son's high school graduation.  It was held at The Nutter Center at Wright State.  Elizabeth was right at the top of the seating.  I am truly amazed she was able to zoom in, and capture the smile on his face as he received his diploma.  One of my favorites.


One last time, 2B Photography by Elizabeth Mullins.  Find her on facebook.  Just do it!

Make it an awesome day!
Lori

Monday, November 26, 2012

New do!!!!!

I have a surprise at the end of the week!!!!  While gearing up for that surprise, I thought I'd post about a few people I know who are in business for themselves.  I truly appreciate a person who takes the plunge.  Someone who believes they have the talent and ability to make a living oing something they love!

After work, I had an appointment to get my hair colored.  (This is a very regular occasion.  You can set your calender by my hair appointments!)  Anyway,since I am in the hair-do mode, I thought I'd start with the awesome Terri Mabry, of  TLM4 Designs.  You can find her on facebook at TLM4 Designs @ Salons at The Greene.  Terri has been taking care of my locks for longer than I can remember.  Color is her specialty!  (It must be.  I am completely white!  Thanks to Terri, nobody can tell unless I go an extra week before I get my roots done.  Trust me, this does not happen often!!!)  I think there is a lot to be said when other designers compliment my hair color.  This has happened to me many times.

Now if you live in the Dayton area, you must see her.  Call now, as I booked my pre-Christmas appointment a month ago.  Look your best for the holidays, or treat yourself to a makeover for the new year!  For those of you who don't live in the Dayton area, come visit me.  While you're here,  you can make appointment to see her!  See, 2 birds, one stone.  Multi-tasking!  I am the master!!!!

(This is not the best picture of me.  It was taken on vacation, and I cropped out My Love.  My other option was to take a picture of me right now, but I'm in my jamms.  Didn't think you'd appreciate that!)

Seriously, Terri is the best at what she does.  I have told her if she ever moves out of state, it had better be someplace warm.  I will follow her wherever she goes!!  Not only is she an awesome designer, but a good friend, too.  I am thankful for her talents, but I am especially thankful for her friendship.

So, book your hair appointment!  Treat yourself!  You will be soooo glad you did!  And check back in this week.  Lots of good stuff!!


Make it an awesome day!
Lori

Sunday, November 25, 2012

I am not lost.....

Yes, I am still here!  We are closing in on the end of the year, and I realized many things have gone undone.  For instance, my linen closet door needs re-hung.  My sister's room needs painting.  My carpets need shampooed.  And most important, my poor little blog has gone untouched for 2 months.  No worries.  Sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions.

The love of my life injured his back 2 months ago, and has been off work.  Fortunately, he returned to work last night.  That injury cost him a lot, not only financially, but emotionally.  He does not have to have surgery, at this time.  He returned to the job that caused the injury, and I pray he does not re-injure himself.  We are looking at other options for him.  Hopefully, we will figure this out before something else happens.

During his 2 months off work, we were able to take a much needed vacation.  Nothing like a week away from the stresses of everyday life.  I'm so thankful we were able to get away.  I believe the respite was healing for him.  I know it was for me.

During all of this craziness, my son moved into an apartment with 3 friends.  So, for the first time in 25 years, neither of my kids are living in my house.  I won't lie....I am struggling with finding my purpose.  It's a very strange feeling.  I'm proud of both of my children, and I can appreciate their need for independence.  However, their independence has left a gap in my heart.  I know they will always need their mom.  And, more honesty, I enjoy having a hot shower.  Less laundry to do.  No dirty dishes left in the living room.  When I want to eat a banana, there are plenty.  I think what I feel is a lack of focus.  I had to get up every morning, and make sure they got off to school.  I came home after work to make sure they ate dinner. I had laundry to do, schedules to keep, and all that goes with being a busy mom of young children.  So...now what?  I am struggling to find out.  And figure it out, I will.  My love is very supportive, and patient!  My circle of friends are the best!  Most important, no matter how they get, or how far away they go, they will always be my babies.

Make it an awesome day!
Lori