Dilemma: Taking Urilife on the Road

I am about to embark on a milestone with my Urilife home based business. On Saturday, June 14, 2008 Urilife and I are taking the kids and hitting the road for a month long vacation back home. Yup you heard me right! A month, can you believe it? It still hasn’t set in that we will be gone that long…I’m sure it will once we are there!

Where is home you ask? Colorado! We plan on staying with family and friends, all of which are pretty spread out within the state. So there will be lots of people to see and places to visit. We are quite excited, it’s been almost two years since we sold our house and moved to Rhode Island. Two years of missing family, friends and mountains!

On to the dilemma, well I think I have it under control (KEYWORD: think). The summer months are hands down the best time for building a strong business. Why? Because most people don’t realize this. They get that summer bug up their butt, forget about their contacts, and all their hard work is lost.

No competition=The perfect opportunity for you!

I am not about to lose this perfect opportunity to grow, and I hope you don’t either. Since I am going to be gone an entire month, it’s not totally a vacation but I definitely don’t want to make it a business trip either. One again, I enter the “balancing act”. Luckily as a WAHM of a six year old and a two year old, this isn’t at all new to me.

In fact, it seems to be the story of my life:~) Here are some solutions I came up with to make my trip a bit easier as well as business friendly:

1. Pack Light. Where ever ya go you’re bound to find a washer and dryer, no need to have a suitcase packed with 30 days worth of clothes. Besides you always manage to go home with more than you left with, at least I do anyway.
2. Pack Wise. When traveling with kids always make sure you have your carry on packed to the max. Bring snacks, drinks, toys (preferably quiet toys) and anything else you can think of to occupy their little minds.
3. Call ahead. Make sure your flight hasn’t been canceled for one, but they may also have a few tricks up their sleeves to making your flight enjoyable. I actually called to make sure someone from the airport can assist the kids and I on the plane. I’m as strong as any man, but carrying my 25lb boy, 30lb car seat, 20lb backpack all while holding my daughters hand without breaking a sweat is a bit much, don’t you think?
4. Locate Your WIFI. If taking a laptop, make sure you identify all of your hot spots either before or after you arrive to your destination. Most phone companies now offer a wireless plan for about $50 a month, which of course is a tax write off.
5. Locate A Computer. If you’re like me and have a hubby that won’t let you take the laptop, make sure you have a computer with Internet access where you will be staying. Isn’t it nice knowing you can build a business from any where in the world as long as you have a phone, computer and internet access?
6. Set Alarms. If the only time you have to work is before the kids get up or after the kids go to bed, do it! At home I am up before the rest of the family so I can catch up on my emails, get my schedule ready for the day or just have some me time. Why not do the same while I’m away? I will be using my cell as my alarm clock as well as a reminder for any appointments I have.
7. Eat Right. There’s nothing worse than going on vacation and gaining 10lbs. Make sure you don’t use your vacation as an excuse to eat lowzy. Yes the first meal I get will be a huge heaping green chili burrito but after that I will stick to my fruits, veggies, nuts and sprouts. Luckily The Feast comes in little packets so the kids and I can easily get our 5-9 fruits and veggies while running wild!
8. Have FUN!!! Remember to respect your family time as much as your business time and they too will respect you and your business. Don’t get upset if you have to reschedule an appointment, no one is perfect. As much as I try, I rarely have it all together! That’s the best part about working from home, you don’t have to be perfect. Aren’t you relieved?

How do you handle keeping up with work deadlines and communications while you’re on the road? I’m all ears when it comes to suggestions or even better, solutions

Always and Forever,

Brandi

Office: 401-714-2462

http://anewfeast.com

Food of the Week: Mangoes

Did you know that more Mangoes are eaten fresh all over the world than any other fruit? I sure didn’t, as I recently discovered the this fine fruit just two short months ago! June is actually prime Mango season due to the wide variety of growth during this summer month.

An average sized Mango can contain up to 40% of your daily fiber requirement. Which studies show dietary fiber has a protective effect against degenerative disease, may help prevent certain types of cancer as well as lower blood cholesterol levels.

This mouth watering fruit is rich in antioxidants, potassium and fiber plus they are low in calories, fat and sodium. I can’t believe it took me 25 years to try this delectable passion fruit!

For more information I recommend visiting http://mango.org where you can find tips on How to Select and Store Mangoes.

I am still fairly new to mixing fruits with my veggies, especially sweet and spicy, but OMG you’ve got to try this recipe!!!

Mango Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mango, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, and garlic.
   
2. Stir in the salt, lime juice, red onion, and olive oil.
   
3. To blend the flavors, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.

This recipe will have you eating your Mangoes by the spoonful!  Got a Raw Mango Recipe, tell me about it…

Enjoy!

Brandi

What’s Worse than going to the Grocery Store Hungry?

…Going to the Red Sox game hungry! Why the heck didn’t I eat before the game???? Oh yeah, because I forgot to take care of myself again, Oops! So besides filling up on junk last night the Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays was a real knock out!

No seriously, the game was fueling with brawls after Boston’s Coco Crisp was hit on the right hip by a second-inning pitch from James Shields. Crisp ended up dropping his bat, charging the mound and ducking a wild right by Shields before throwing a few punches of his own.

It wasn’t until we got home that we realized their was another brawl between Boston’s Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis. I guess they exchanged a few choice words in the dugout. Can’t get any more eventful than that!

With the exception of my upset stomach from the hot dog and fries, it was a pretty good night with a Final score of 7-1, Red Sox!

Have a great weekend!

Brandi

Ps. Here’s some pics of Da Brawl, Sam and I entertaining ourselves while waiting to see who will be thrown out of the game and two drunk guys entertaining Sam and I:~)

Don’t be a Fish out of Water…Stay Hydrated!

For some reason I keep coming in contact with people whom dislike water. What??? How can someone not like water; it has no taste, odor and it makes up more than 66% of our anatomy. Unless you want to start looking like a fish out of water, it is now more important than ever to stay hydrated.

Instead of masking the taste of water with sugary synthetic vitamins, try consuming some water-rich foods. The best part is we can satisfy our H2O needs while also gaining the other nutritional benefits from the foods as well.

Here are 3 of my favorite water-rich foods:

1. Watermelon- In my opinion the melon makes the summer! It also reduces the risk of heart disease, helps elevate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and did you now it is also about 92% water? Watermelon is a highly concentrated source of the carotenoid antioxidant lycopene. And lycopene has been extensively researched and studied in humans for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. Mmmm….makes me hungry just thinking about it.
2. Cucumbers-Not only does it soothe skin irritations, reduce skin swelling and help lower blood pressure, it is also approximately 95% water. Cucumbers are an excellent source of magnisium, potassium, dietary fiber and their juice is recommended for its silica content to improve the skins complexion and health. Plus when cucumbers are sliced, with peels they contain only 13 calories, making them a perfect naturally hydrating food!
3. Tomatoes- Are you a man looking to prevent prostate cancer? Well, grab yourself some tomatoes and get hydrated too because they are also approximately 93% water! These gems are great for promoting bone health and studies published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention show that tomatoes can also help prevent prostate cancer.

Now there’s no excuse, go refresh yourself! Brandi

Recipe of the Week: Avocado and Tomato Salad

My favorite kind of raw recipes consist of simplicity. Because I am the only one in my house living a raw lifestyle, I am not about to spend a day in the kitchen cooking or should I say uncooking two meals! As a work at home mom I just don’t have a lot of time to mess with fancy lunches or dinners for myself so raw recipes like these are right up my alley!

Avocado and Tomato Salad

2Tbsp Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Organic Avocado sliced

1 pack Organic Cherry Tomatoes sliced in half

1 handful of Organic Baby Spinach

1 handful of Raw Organic Walnuts

Salt and Pepper to taste

Throw it all in a bowl and enjoy!

To find more healthy salads like the one mentioned above visit: http://goneraw.com

Do you have any avocado recipes you’d like to share?

Until next time,

Brandi

Quote of the Day: Two Life Paths

“Two roads diverged in a wood

And I took the one less traveled by

And that has make all the difference.”

~Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

Have you ever reached a crossroad in your life? If so, which path did you chose to walk?

Always,

Brandi

Sorry Dell, I’m a Mac Girl Now!

Sorry for the delay in writing guys, my computer has been acting up this month and to my dismay I have had to put it rest after 6 inspiring years of partnership. I am sad to see it gone in the sense that my Dell spells comfort in my eyes. Oh well, I like to think of this experience as a new start!

On my search for a new laptop we decided to go for the Mac. Let me tell you it is phenomenal thus far and I am positive I haven’t even grasped 90% of it’s potential! What is even more cool the fact that our fancy computer is now a tax write off at the end of the year because I work from home.

Sorry Dell, I’m a Mac Girl Now!

Brandi

Recipe of the Week: Bliss-full Blueberry Cheesecake

Courtesy of The Sunny Raw Kitchen, I found this rawesome Blueberry Cheesecake recipe. Elegant, Delicious, Healthy and best of all Simple. Who could ask for more?

No one said eating healthy has to be boring, so be sure to check out The Sunny Raw Kitchen for this tasty way to get your antioxidant punch for the day! In a rush, no worries there is another way of getting those powerful fruits in your diet!

Uri Life’s Beyond Berries is the perfect way to get those same wholesome Blueberries in less than 30 seconds. Just mix the nutrient dense powder in with some water, juice or yogurt and Voila! PLUS you will be getting an extra 15 Antioxidant Rich Fruits and Berries, 83+ Active Enzymes and Fulvic Minerals, and 22 Resilient Living Probiotics!

Click here to try some samples of Uri Life’s Beyond Berries.

Hope you have an antioxidant-filled holiday weekend!

Brandi

Super Green in 30 Seconds?

Yup, you heard me right!  I love my super green smoothies, but I don’t always have the time or the ingredients to make them. 

My secret….I use 2 packets of Uri Life’s The Feast, 1 packet of Uri Life’s Beyond Berries and 12 oz of H2O.  Shake it up in my Uri Shaker cup and voila!  A super green drink in less than 30 seconds!

Do you know of a better way to get 70+ live, whole foods in your diet without having to deal with the mess and lets be honest, sometimes the taste?

If you’d like to know how you too can easily get your greens today I encourage you to grab your samples here!

Cheers to True Optimal Health!

Brandi