If Cupcakes are bad why do they make organic cute ones?

Where are my cupcake lova lovas?

I'm writing on today's blog my favorite cupcake spot in our town San Pedro called "With Love Bakery!"  Happen to pay a visit this past week at the farmer's market in our town. There are many things I loved about this really cute place from the decor to the creamy fluffy organic cupcakes but what I loved most was getting to know the owner of the place. 


She is really down to earth, humble and friendly. As I entered her cupcake shop just as any curious person would be I looked around and asked her questions. We had a sweet conversation how her business began and it all started from working at the farmer's market. Now she has her own business and sells cakes, cupcakes and pastries. 

Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcake <3

 I bought this yummy cupcake and in all honesty I'm not really a salty person I'm very into sweet cupcakes but as my mouth devoured into this luscious chocolateeee creamy organic cupcake I was sold! It was fluffy not really too sweet just perfect! The cream gave me a mustache and had fun licking it and laughing! I kept telling Chef Alyssa Van De Vort the owner how amazing these cupcakes were! You just know when it's a great cupcake and when it's not! :)

Cute Pink Decor 

Loved the cute pink decor from chandeliers to LOVE signs everywhere inside the shop. From a branding perspective I would classify her cupcake business a PASSION business. It's warm, friendly, welcoming, smells yummy, fashionable, happy and loving. At a young age Alyssa fell in love with baking and spent lots of quality time with her parents in the kitchen. She experienced the loss of her father and baking became her grieved outlet. She is very open and super friendly. Love that! <3

As we chatted I asked her if it's busy and just as any new business it starts slow and picks up as time goes by. Many people stop by while shopping at the farmer's market and today is 1st Thursday Art Walk in DTSP (Downtown San Pedro) and for those that are curious in tasting yummy cupcakes they are open from 9-8pm! Food trucks arrive at 6pm however her shop is open earlier for business. 

I feel really confident her business will do well. The cakes are soo cute and baked with the finest organic ingredients of highest quality. As I got to know more about her business and clientele she mentioned while hollywood was filming "Live By Night" with Ben Affleck, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and crew they were busy as they were filming across from the bakery shop. One of the crews bought dozens and dozens of cupcakes especially after he found out Alyssa's father worked in the entertainment industry as an employee. 

I thought that was cool! :)  

Last pic of Minnie Mouse Baby Shower Cake... Vanilla Cake, Italian Butter Cream and Fresh Strawberries inside!  Take a Look! :)  Is it cute or what?!

Minnie Mouse Baby Cake 

So, there ya have it! Give some love to her shop if your in the area of San Pedro. To know more about her cupcakes, pastries, breads, cakes....  Click Here For Cupcake Love

XOXO! 

To your sweetness

Laura Ramos <3

What Does God Say You Are & Why It Matters... :)

There is a quote I read in my devotionals today that said...

“Be more concerned with what God thinks about you than what people think about you”

 And when I read it I knew I was going to have one of those days! Your valued to God as a Princess or Prince. Was up early drinking my coffee as usual. Cinnamon dark coffee + cinnamon creamer. (Yummy!)

And as I read about a story of a person mentioning one hour is only 4% of a day I was interested in knowing more about it. It’s a story of a woman putting more effort into prayer time by applying 4% of her time when she heard someone talk about this subject. She was determined to try it! Kinda reminds me of my recent 21 day blog challenge I was so determined to complete! Done! 

Rather than trying to fit prayer into her schedule she decided to “fix” a prayer time, and then “fit” the rest of her day around it. Her kids were old enough to travel to school alone and by 8:30 a.m. each morning her house was quiet as a mouse.  A hush fell over her home. She knew this was her best prayer time. To guard antee she was uninterrupted, she made it knows to the ladies in her group that except emergencies, she would be greatful if people didn’t call her until after 9:00 a.m. in the morning.

To her surprise no one was offended instead they responded very positively. Several other women began to follow her example by setting aside the same hour to pray every day.

When we seek God’s plan first, all our plans with other people will have a way of falling into place. 

And so I ask when we have standards and confidence in ourselves by setting priorities as to what we have time for and what we don’t…. people will respect us for it and therefore we will be successful knowing it was a win/win.

This devotional helped me to understand my day even further. I wasn’t expecting to have a breakthrough day but I did! Some reality checks were hard to swallow however it was for the good. It’s difficult  to notice anything bad turning good but you must be able to discern this as that is when you become wise and follow your “gut” and not what others think or believe you should do.

My day started out productive and started by setting priorities. I may not have kids but sometimes it just feels that way. Being the oldest child comes with responsibilities even after your 21 however little by little step by step I’m releasing old responsibilities that I shouldn’t have. Some may think it’s selfish but in reality it’s not. It’s selfish not to self-care yourself.

So I had a family meeting and I’m laying down the cards on the table.  I will do this and that and release this and that. It felt pretty good saying it as it was soo unexpected of others to hear. What made me say this? Well, there comes a time when you have to put yourself first and leave responsibilities to others. I have to remind myself I’m not “Cammy” You know the cartoon character of streetfighter! (video games) Yak!

And so after headed to the ER because I needed to get checked what was up with my Gut! It’s been acting up for the past 3 days and the pain persists and won’t go away. It just totally screwed me up. I was this different person. A person lacking energy, yawning a lot, gaining weight. I looked in the mirror and said “What is going on Laura?” This is not you! See we all have intuition to discern when we are at our best and when we are not and I sure haven’t been feeling great. And so I kick rocks! (literately)

I had several tests run on me such as a pregnancy test (really?)  they insisted and according to the triage nurse. What revealed was the culprit of my laziness, weight gain and pain was found in an ultra sound. It hurted as she rubbed my stomach with gel and a computer handle joystick and said Crap! looking at the computer myself and watch her take notes.

So, I have gallstones! 3 small ones that are still. Not moving anywhere they are just sitting there however they can grow in size and move around if I don’t care for my body and therefore a change of LIFESTYLE is expected of me. The thought of becoming vegan came to mind as that is when I was at my healthiest and my gut was regular, my skin was glowing, hair was shiny and felt energized.

The fact of knowing you have rocks in your tummy is just so wrong in many ways and not healthy. I’ve known lots of people that have had these rocks removed successfully. In and out they are out of the hospital however one sad case I also know of a surgery going totally wrong! My cousin’s wife died and had a painful journey in the hospital due to being botched to remove the rocks. I don’t even want to think of it as thoughts are things and remaining positive about my outcome when I get surgery however need to do my diligence and not go based on their advice. Apparently I should go to a county hospital and get in line to see when surgeon is available. There is a waiting list as they only do surgeries to people with big insurance companies well known that will qualify them to use their hospital.  This is why it's soo important to have really good insurance! 

I've decided not to follow that advice and research a more experienced hospital with non med students performing surgeries even though it's not a big deal of a surgery but anything can go wrong and I'm not putting my body in the hands on non-experienced MD's. 

For some reason though I was not feeling too comfortable after I met several nurses and I wouldn’t want to stay overnight. One had an opinion about my birth date and would I of been born an earlier day in March I probably would have been treated very different and this is a catholic hospital? Should I feel lucky I was a late march baby? The energy that day was soo off... thank God no surgery was performed I probably wouldn't be writing this blog! Whew!! I don’t know but that’s the day I was born the day God breathed in me and blessed me with talents. It was just soo unexpected to hear comments like Whew! Good thing you’re a late one! One thing came to mind…. Weirdoooos! 

And this is why I write this blog because it’s not what people see you as when it comes who you are due to your birth date. I can go more further on this subject as it goes really deep but I won’t. You can’t be opinionated on someone’s birth date just because. Everyone is different and not all the same based on birthdays. 

So, I end this blog with the thought of listening to what God says about YOU not what others say because if you knew what God says you would be smiling like I am :) See, I know I am a child of God and he sees me as his precious princess just as any father would feel for his kid. When kids get hurt, in pain the father rescues the kid well the same goes to our heavenly father. 

 Cheers to MILES stones! :)

What Do Stars Do To Be Happy... :)

Wikipedia defines "Celebrities"  as fame and public attention in the media, usually applied to a person, group of people (celebrity couple, family, etc.), or, occasionally, to animals. 

Celebrity status is often associated with wealth (commonly referred to as fame and fortune) and fame can often provide opportunities to make money.

Successful careers in sports and entertainment are commonly associated with celebrity status; political leaders often become celebrities. People may also become celebrities due to media attention for their lifestyle, wealth, or controversial actions, or for their connection to a famous person.

I began to research what celebrities do to stay happy as they are like all of us only difference is they have more chi-ching! And this is what I found and you will see your not any different. We are all people and next time you see one... don't be star-struck (note to self) ha! 

• 1) THEY FOLLOW THEIR PASSION - it takes nerve to do what you love! They’ve done just that and show what can happen when you commit to a dream the rest of the world thinks your crazy. They don't quit or let others get in the way of their goals
• 2) THEY DEFINE THEIR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE - forget the trend du jouivez. Enduring icons develop their own unique style and identity. Think of your all time idol. Chances are she can claim a signature look or defining fashion statement.
• 3) THEY TAKE RISKS- Whatever its playing an unexpected role, experimenting with a new hairstyle or speaking up about controversial issues, trendsetters have the courage to put themselves out there
• 4) THEY ARE GREATFUL - The benefits of cultivating gratitude are endless.  Being thankful opens doors, enhances self-esteem and improves emotional mental and physical states.
• 5) THEY FIND INSPIRATION IN OTHERS-Why go it alone? Mentors offer guidance and support professionally and personally. Models are admired because they recognize the importance of asking for help.
• 6) THEY KEEP IT POSITIVE - They are optomistic, root for themselves, live in the present and understand the importance of self-care, our most admired stars approach their goals holistically from all angles and find balance in work, family and play (One star comes to mind: Gwyneth Paltrow)

These are pretty good traits we can also follow as our self-care matters and should be a priority in our lives. When we inspire others, take risks, define our own style, keep it positive and most importantly follow our passions we can be unstoppable! 

Have a great one! 

XO

Don't Be Fooled By Horses, They Lack Confidence Too... Read How...

Many times we don’t always have Confidence in our abilities to our work, project, assignment, mission etc…. and so I think what separate confidence v’s insecurities? I’ve been on both sides and I can attest that as we speak I am in confident mode. When you are passionate about what your doing you are confident. When you have a purpose you are confident. You know where you are moving towards... Just like horses...

Horses are very similar like humans. They pout and smile just like us. They also need to be trained and coached to built up their confidence. They were not born with it it's trained. They have a social life and have a rich communication with their eyes, their movement, their mouth and so on... And so I wondered how do they appear with great stamina and energy to do their work which is run races...

Well... 

It brings me to the analogy of the"GPS" If you are driving without a GPS trying to find an address what happens?  Imagine yourself being in a different city and not able to find your way. You will feel lost, insecured, nervous… Geez! I speak for myself as I had recently was on a mini vacay in the woods of Big Bear County. I was pet sitting for “honey” my sister and brother in law’s kitty (meow meow) and completely got lost trying to find my way back home.

Even if I had GPS I would not be able to find it. The streets were very dark and with lots of swirls and wide turns. But prayer worked and lots of affirmations telling myself “You got this!” Had to train my brain to and keep repeating myself Your there, your there your there and then lower the music in the car ha! Why do we do that? Why do we lower the music when we are lost or trying to find an address? (Million Dollar Question?)

As soon as I reached the cabin I knew I found the place and was able to breathe and thank God for guiding me into safety. I even had to call my sister but somehow knew she was not able to help me and I was right, she couldn’t help me so it was just me, God and dark roads to nowhere!

I started to feel confident as soon as I was reaching  home. Just got in time to feed the kitty and rest assured that even if you feel lost you will find your way around as long as you don’t give up. You have to keep going and don’t stop! It's usually towards the end that people give up when it comes to their aspirations, goals, ideas.... 

My question to you is “What Do You Have Total Confidence In? Everyone has talents some might be creative, artistic, some may sing, act, some may do missions, charity work, philanthropy work… You don’t have to be born with that talent you can discover it while doing something else. Some are born to speak, influence, lead while others are comfortable following, getting taught and growing

To find something your confident in you have to believe in it first! What are you passionate about? Find that! The skills will come after because you will be so in love with it by achieving results that you will completely forget about the skills or money. It will come believe me! It always does when you love what you do! What fires you up? Find that!

And so I end this blog with one of my all time favorite quotes:

Have A Great One! 

How To Make Leadership The Ferrari Of The Film Industry

If you can make a controversial film yet bring change you have succeeded.

There are  many great films that have sparked change in people's lives and have provided a different  type of perspective. One example was the film "Precious" based on the movie "Push" by Sapphire. This film ignited a controversy a year after the release. At that time New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a strong reaction watching "Precious" as it centered in the fizzy soft drinks we all have grown to love!

The Mayor wanted to push a limit size of soft drink in NYC due to seeing the film. The plan was to stop selling the sugar rush drinks no more than half a liter in cinemas, restaurants, sports stadiums. In 2012 The NYC Health board accepted the limit yet due to objections and appeals and not acting quick it was dismissed before it could pass law.  This is just a prime example of what can happen when great films are made and it inspires authorities, people in Leadership to step up and take action! 

This blog is not about Hollywood or film it's just an example as to what can happen when great Leadership is in place. The changes one can make around the world, the influence, the transformations... When I think of great Leadership I see people in power taking action for the greater good. It's not stepping on others to achieve what you desire but in being a servant to others, it's knowing the great need and inspiring others to be at their best. One of my favorite quotes:

"If you can inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are a Leader"

 We don't need more leaders. But Great Leaders not only in Government (Politics) but in Business. Reputation is everything. How are you perceived. This is why when political figures are candidates for presidency the first thing that is revealed is their dirty laundry, it gets exposed from what they've done, where they've been and what impact have they've done in society. But, then again you had Bill Clinton and although he had an affair with Monica Lewinsky and declared he never had an affair with that woman people didn't care they just wanted him to make things happen in the white house and I'm not talking about secret affairs :) 

So what defines Great Leadership? It's simply inspiring others to become better but you must Lead first. See when I worked at the west coast ports and we were assigned jobs to lead it didn't mean waiting on others. We had to take action or else someone would get hurt or die. It was that serious. Most of these jobs were called ,"signaling" Lots of people hated these type of jobs because you were always on alert and your eyes were not only a crane operator but all others working with you in the team. I already knew when taking those type of jobs I needed a redbull, strong coffee or sweets. Why? I needed to be on alert. 

Those were the days that stay with me and humble me because I don't have it like that anymore however doesn't mean my Leadership skills are void. Running a business takes Leadership Action! We impact people's lives. We can lead them astray or lead them in the right path. So which path are you leading? What changes can you make just as the film industry that makes a person in power change as well or get inspired? 

Just some questions to think about as I end this blog because it really does matter how you lead today. 

To Leadership! 

Make Your Opportunities A Reality

Merriam-Webster defines the word: "OPPORTUNITY" as a good chance for advancement or progress. 

When  I hear of opportunities to me it just means an opportune time to make something a reality however it doesn't always pan out that way. Truth is you need to align yourself with people who want to see you succeed!  We often hear lots of opportunities... yet you need to do your diligence and research or you can be a risk-taker and not be afraid of the circumstance but make that leap!

I've ventured in several opportunities and from my previous blog posts I'm here to say I have not been a millionaire just yet. It does take determination, perseverance and integrity. Don’t be a one hit-wonder otherwise other will want to be one as well. We are here to set examples of who we are. It's our responsibility to let others know truth is this is what is required:

1. Investment needed
2. Social Media tools / guidance / branding 
3. Hours applied
4. Skills set
5. Mentorship needed

Upon taking a leadership/coaching class I was clueless as to what I just signed up for!  I am a life- long learner (student for life) and a risk-taker and have leaped into several businesses and don't regret not one of them. They've all taught me something it's called Growth. When I encountered the opportunity that would change my life it didn't come in a gift with a big giant red bow. It came disguised as an obstacle.

And so I think are we able to discern an opportunity when it's concealed as an obstacle?

Many times we go for the easy route and decline opportunities that seem hard. The way I see opportunities is that no matter where you go, what you do there will be challenges you will need to encounter. What's easy is sleazy. (As I've heard Leaders quote this awesome quote!)

I had just left my 1st networking marketing company as many changes were happening with the company and felt it was in my best interest to do something else. I also was not passionate about the service and had to be real. Being that I am a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro and was volunteering at the local mental health center a couple of hours was recommended to work for the city.

Upon recommendation from Doctors at the clinic was asked If I'd be interested in taking credits for a course in which I can use the education to apply for the city job. I needed a job and therefore it wouldn't hurt to get some education.  I received lots of breakthroughs not only was I learning about myself but also learning about the brain, depression, anxiety and mindsets. The class was taught by Harvard PHD's and was fascinated in learning more. To say the least I learned what I needed to learn and mastered the logic that I once heard a Successful Leader say "When a woman has mastered logic, men and done".

See in order to influence women, it's not through logic, it's through the heart. In order to influence men it's through logic. And when women have mastered the logic, more women can take over leaderboard room meetings, speaking venues and make hard choices. Our emotions can lead us astray and can be very deceiving. You decide! 

Everytime we use see a male receiving lots of attention  from the opposite sex it's because they use their heart. And males who are philosophical, who teach, who are worldly-known (think attorneys, engineers, professors,  architects) use their brain. I'd like to think of myself as both but can be a little more logical as I question everything. My curiosity get me everytime! 

In order to find a solution... Key is asking a question. Your brain will answer.

I didn't plan to become a Life Coach. It was not in my radar. As a matter of fact upon graduation I couldn't even get in the door to get hired at the clinic. I can still volunteer but not have a city job as additional education was required. Another year of clinical school besides a college degree. I was not too excited of having a job as I had just left a business working from home in which I had control of. I was making the decisions not a boss.

So, because I didn't get the job a light bulb appeared and decided to take it online because that is where all the eyeballs are at and to be an Enterpreneur you must find the need and fill it. Many people suffer from depression and often take medicine and although I am not a PHD I do believe it's all about mindset. Mindset is just a "SET-MIND" 

This is how I birth my career as a Life Coach unexpectedly. Through a connection that lead to nowhere after I graduated however it was a blessing in disguise. See we don't know where God will lead us. We may see it as an obstacle however what it has taught me was the necessary skills needed to dive in the infested water of sharks. Forewarn is forearmed. Am I able to use it for business? Definitely.  Do I need to use it? No. My services are not for intimidation purposes. It's simply to help people overcome their addictions, problems, mindsets ect….

As I end this blog think of opportunities as blessings in disguise.  Are some risky? Yes. Are you guarantee to succeed? Of course not. Can you succeed? Of course. Life is a risk itself but will it matter 10 years from now? No unless you become a wealthy person then it will be inspiring however if you didn't succeed your still a bad-ass as you don't think like everyone else. Your different.

To know more about my coaching services go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LZJXXB and fill out questionnaire. Will contact you and we will go from there. 

Have a great day! :)

The Science Behind The Past And Why It Matters Today

I once heard Steve Jobs quote about connecting the dots in his commencement speech to Stanford University students and never heard this concept. He mentioned only by looking at your past you can connect the dots forward. I so agree with this because until you clear up the past, review it, ponder, meditate or pray is when you understand it was all meant for your good. 

My past has been like a rollercoaster. I've had my share of ups and downs and I don't regret those times as it's made me who I am now. I am a strong sexy female. Sometimes we have to experience it so we appreciate the present and I'm very greatful believe me! Because I'm a risk-taker I've taken many risks in life and all I can do is look back and say had I not took a risk I'd probably be living a boring life and not experience it! 

Ever since I can remember I've always tried something new to learn in choosing my ultimate career. While attending school I've always worked it was just something that I needed to do to make extra money. My most memorable experience was working as a telemarketer for "ERA" Real Estate in which my boss was the CEO. He was looking for someone without experience to sell homes. When I heard real estate it was like Oh, wow how prestigious! When I got hired on the spot I thought I was going to an office and it was the total opposite. I was going to his home. He was a christian family man very nice to me and so I worked out of his garage that was built into a cute office. 

He gave me MLS listings and a fat book like a bible. I said What in the world?! My job was to call every number and cold call to get leads. I had no idea what I was doing but I had a script and then tweeked it to my liking. I needed to be myself and sound like myself even back then. I needed to understand what I was doing and why. I always prepared myself for everything. So I learned by experience. Lo and behold I sold 2 homes. My job entailed of getting the leads and giving the information to my boss, then would set up appointment to meet up at his office. He did the rest which was showing the house and if it sold, it sold and I got paid! Chi-Ching! $$$ 

This is how I learned cold calling. Tele-marketing is not such a prestigious job but what kept me going was the money. When I would see the money coming in I was getting addicted however knew I couldn't do this forever. I needed to get back to school and was only doing it part-time. My boss said I would be a good real estate agent and mentioned if I was interested I could let him know and he'd help me get the license. Because back then others opinions mattered and was told real estate salespeople lie and trick people and they didn't see me in that business I didn't pursue it. 

I then held other corporate jobs in logistics and transportation and had some great times and other times they were not so great. I was not fullfilled. The last company I was in merged with another company when I lived in Arizona and although through a connection I was offered a new position in Scottsdale, AZ in same industry I declined. Decided to return to Cali and the beaches. Was missing my family and friends and that is when I heard of hiring of Longshoremen's at the port of Los Angeles/Long beach through a lottery pool.

I applied because my father said I should do it. I was not too excited about it but said heck I need to get back to work. 10 years of hard work! Hustle! One thing I realized was money can be addicting and I was in bondage. I worked weekends, holidays, rain or shine and whenever there was work. Missed birthday parties, weddings, celebrations all to make money. It was crazy now that I think about it. What is the point of making money if your not enjoying it as you are working 24/7 around the clock?

Best experienced I received was here at the ports. Learned how to lead, be a leader, work safe and be alert. The responsibility was huge and if someone died at work it would be due to unsafe practices or because someone didn't watch their back. It was very united just as are all unions. My strength was challenged at this job and will power sometimes I'd surprise myself but lots of prayer worked. I was very close to God as without him working out there would be foolish.

Decided to end working there after giving it lots of thought I didn't want to be a slave to the money and needed to work at a safer environment where it's fun. Where I'm learning, traveling and that is when I returned back to Network Marketing. It was hard to leave the job as a longshoreman very hard! I was addicted to making that money even at the expense of my freedom! I know sounds ridiculous..! So what happened next changed my life for the better.... Got into a car accident!

After my car accident I couldn't go back to work and said well, I guess God decided for me then.... I continued my network marketing business at home since I had no car and it didn't pan out as I thought as the the business was centered in having home parties and without a vehicle there is not much you can do! Did my best what I can however the rest left it to God. I've learned many valuable experiences in Network Marketing with personal development even though money not soo much. 

Since I'm a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro a door opened to learn how to have leadership skills in order to work for  a city job within the area of mental and health. Studied for 6 months and got certified by teachers from Harvard. It was an incredible experience and learned soo much. That is when I found out I needed additional education besides my college and credits from this school. Lots of requirements and that is when I said well, at least I learned how to coach and took it online. Lightbulb turned on and said eyeballs are on social media and many need help in how to overcome obstables, mindsets, etc.... 

And now I'm here as a certified life coach, blogger and getting eyeballs to my work by hollywood by simply putting myself out there and learning from  famous Sally Hogshead CEO of How To Fascinate she teaches how to brand and market online and offline. Copywriter for Mini Cooper, Godiva Chocolates, Coca-Cola, Harry Winston Jagermeister ect.... and speaker for many other companies. Just purchased her book "Fascinate" new edition 2016 coming out mid April. 

Truly obsessed with marketing and branding.  As a catalyst this is what gives me passion. And so I ask myself must I of went through all of this to get here? Yes. See in life we have many choices and must do our diligence however if we are blind and not sure where we are heading this can happen but I had no regrets. I do what I want and can take my business anywhere in the world. I blog as I travel and that is pretty sweet! :) 

I don't know what the future holds and the more I think of it the more anxious I can get so I'm not even going to think about it. I'm just moving forward by connecting the dots and greatful I am in this position to call the shots. I decide whether it's good or not. Whether I need more education or skills. Life is interesting i tell ya! :) 

So appreciate the detours because you are where you are suppose to be! :)

XO! 

Have You Heard? Taking Action Is Your Best Bet To Succeed?

April 1st! April Fools! :) There is something about spring that brings joy, happiness, sunshine yet it can also bring in showers but now that spring is upon us we can look forward to brighter and warmer days. Often a change of season can be a time to reflect the year is moving ahead and time to think about problems or situations remained unsolved. 

Yes I know...to some this bites! 

Great time to think about holiday plans for summer or what changes you would like to make for the middle of 2016! Is it to publish written work? Get additional education? Learn something new? Look your best? Start a new workout routine? Attend festivals (Coachella)?  A new makeover? Eat healthier? A new career? New love interest?

These are times when the unknown can be pretty scary for some and for others they take it with a grain a salt. Whatever comes is their motto. You can't control everything and therefore you must let go and release for what may come. We could only control what we can and what we can't just let go. 

When I think of April I think Spring! Flowers, sunshine, hiking, photography, sight-seeing, people watching, traveling, sport games, networking, making friends. It's the 1st month of the 2nd quarter of 2016. The first 3 months equals one quarter and as march ended (last month of 1st quarter) it was a time of planting seeds. Now we are in 2nd quarter of the season and we need to water it and nurture it. 

Think about what plans you made and took action on in the first 3 months (Jan-March) Now we can water the seed for growth. It's in it's baby stages maybe one leaf trying to bloom out of the ground and as you water it and talk to it sweet things (nurturing) it will grow in love. Treat your business idea, project, love relationship as if it were your baby. As time goes by you will see it expand and grow.....

So, now as we enter the 2nd quarter (April-June) it's your chance to make things happen! Don't wait till it's November and then try to hurry and make things happen before the year ends to accomplish your goals or what your working on.... Life doesn't work that way. It's best to start early and watch (what your working on) grow just as a baby grows. 

It's time to get serious about your life and empower others with your gifts and talents.  It's selfish to have these abilities and not do anything with them. It's your responsibility to use your God-given talents. Focus on your work and just look ahead. Don't look back, right or left just as a marathon runner... He/She moves forward till they reach the finish line.  

Friends we are in our 4th mile of the marathon of life. We have just passed 3 miles and got 9 more miles to go! GO GO GO!!! (Especially right now) it's crunch time! 

Cheers to Action! 
Laura :)

Will This Be Your Best Leap Year In Business?

               Two Words: Leap Year

Today February 29, 2016 is considered "Leap Year".   Read last time we had a leap year was back in 2008! As I think back and try to remember what was going in that year I can tell you the world was upside down! We don't live in a perfect world however nothing good was happening in 2008.

First of all President Barack Obama was elected as President Of The United States. Bush had left office and Obama had to do lots of cleaning up in the White House. We were going through a major recession in the U.S. The biggest ever single-day crash on Sept 29, 2008. 

And so today 8 years after we experience the next "Leap Year". Should we be afraid? Of course not. What happened in the past is not what is now. Many transitions have happened since then and we continue to grow as we move forward... I do believe we are more innovative now with technology, scarcity of jobs are of the past, more people are educated, more are becoming ImCEOOfMyLife.com (Enterpreneurs) and more registered voters will be at your nearest poll. 

Last time we experienced the recession I had a job thank God. Many were losing their jobs and yet even though I worked as non-union I had a job to rely on that I didn't have to worry if I was going to get fired or laid off unless some drastic union movement or technology would wipe us out of a job! Worked for one of the strongest unions up to date. (even though I was not part of it but was classified as a longshore casual worker)

I was not an Enterpreneur. I never heard of Network Marketing although I was always around it. My aunt market "Shaklee" nutritional products from home, my cousins & friends sold Avon and Jafra. Friends market crystal glassware and home decor furnishings.. Little did I know it was a business to make a living off of. I thought it was a hobby or they just loved selling the products very much that they would get free products and they did. 

So back then I was a hustler. What I call a "diva". It urks me to hear the word hustler for a female perhaps because that is what I was labeled as when I worked with men. Diva sound more feminine and it's a word I heard Beyonce once say :) 

Worked in a very male dominant type of environment that wouldn't wish upon any female to work in unless you love the grind and love to be in power and get dirty. 

Like greasy dirty, torn jeans and out in the cold. rain or shine you were out there working for the bucks and yes we did do bucks for many not having a high school education and getting paid as much as a police officer, attorney, engineer, teacher, fireman. I often had to ask myself all my hours put in school, college to work here? But the money was good and so I stayed doing something I disliked for many years.

What is different now besides the name "Leap Year?"  Well, first and foremost I no longer work at the largest west coast port by choice. Many thought I was crazy for leaving and resigning however I didn't. Felt it was time to do something I love and I am passionate about without having to pray if I would get hurt or die. Life was risky and I have major respect for everyone still working out there. Lots of females out there working to put food in the table and take care of their families. 

Since it's a leap year today glad I was able to get my eyes checked for my annual checkup, clean my office at home, donate things no longer necessary, buy fresh flowers, write what I am greatful for drop it in my gratitude jar and prepare for birthday month March which will be super productive! I believe one of the most important months to date. 

As I end this blog here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself when making a leap! Note you get answers by questions. When you ask yourself questions write down your answers and that is how decisions arise.

What do you consider a leap year? Some questions to think about are:

What Does The World Need Now?

What Type Of People Does The World Need Now?

What Would You Immediately Do If You Knew The World Would Not Judge You?

What Impact Do You Want To Leave On The People You Love?

Have a heck of a leap year! :)XO!

You Are Your Brand, How Are You Seen?

How To Fascinate By Being More... :)

Do you run a business from home? from the beach? wherever? whenever? 

Then you know it's all about marketing and getting your products in the hands of your right audience. Many times we market to everyone without knowing what their needs are and we are seen as salespeople and that is not what we need to be seen as.

Times have definitely changed in this new era in technology. From magazine writers v's bloggers, from reading the newspaper to getting your news online, from blockbusters videos to netflix. 

As the growth in millennials rapidly advance it's all about trust what your selling and can you be trusted. Millennials do more research, are into technology & want to be part of something bigger then themselves. 

It's safe to say if your not branding yourself, not your company nobody will know about you or your services. People do business with people that is why we are in the relationship business. If you brand only your company there is not a mutual trust as they don't know much about you!  

How are you being perceived? Do you feel the way to sell is by changing how you are to please your audience? Must you sacrifice yourself to sell? Must you be looked upon as desperate?

Prior to branding myself had no clue as to how others perceive me and I've tried to be everything to everyone. I call it the people's pleasing syndrome! It was draining and tiring and felt as I was chasing down my customers like a dangling carrot haha :)

Here are examples of 7 advantages of fascination...






Have a great day! :)

Laura Ramos
@TheBuzzingCatalyst