Have you ever read articles about how people like Oprah or Tony Robbins start their day? They claim the practice of gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to change your life, and they are living proof. Keeping a gratitude journal is an excellent way to start noticing and counting your blessings. It’s simple, yet powerful.

But there’s no need to stop there!

There are many ways to add the practice of gratitude into your life so that you stay focused on appreciating all the amazing things you have in your life. Here are a few simple ways to add more feelings of gratitude in your life, starting now.

• ·        Compliment a stranger—how many times have you admired someone’s haircut or blouse, but not complimented them on it? Start today!
• ·        Let someone ahead of you in line—remember how it feels when you have one item, and all the people in front of you have a shopping cart full? Guess what? Everyone feels that way. The next time you get the opportunity, let that person go in front of you.
• ·        Avoid negative media—it’s tough to stay focused on all the goodness around you when you allow all the negative news in the world to play in front of you every day. Find positive TV, movies and other media to watch instead.
• ·        Cherish your friends—when was the last time you told your BFF how much you appreciate them being in your life? Not because of anything they’ve done, but just for loving and supporting you throughout your life’s journey.
• ·        Listen deeply—so often, when we listen to someone talk we are rehearsing what we want to say next. Notice how often you do that and practice listening intently to the person, even if they are telling you about something that doesn’t interest you.
• ·        Go outside and relish—most of us don’t get out into nature as much as we should. And that’s a shame because we miss out on so many wonders! Take time to go outside more. Go to the park and listen to the kids squeal with delight. Watch a hummingbird at your neighbor’s feeder. Enjoy the beauty of the natural world.
• ·        Practice not complaining—when you start to notice how often you complain, you’ll be amazed! One day a week, practice not complaining, but rather reframe everything to put a positive, grateful spin on it. And mean it!

Marilyn Barker is a Business Consultant, REBT Mindset Certified, Business and Motivational Coach.  Check out : www.MariilynBarker.com  and sign up for more free information. 

Everyone who has a cell phone has likely been the recipient of SPAM text messages which have recently become more common. These messages are being added to the already sometimes overwhelming number of SPAM emails and calls people deal with on a daily basis. Like SPAM calls and emails, there are things to look for to help determine when an incoming text message is really SPAM.

This post discusses a few things to help you identify when incoming text messages are actually SPAM that should be deleted.

How to Identify Text Messages that are Really SPAM

There are several different things you can look for when an incoming text message arrives to help determine if the message is likely to be SPAM. If you aren't sure, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and delete the message. At the very least, do not click on any links included in the message.

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Written by Scentsy in Authentic Scentsy, Inspiration, Tips & Tricks

It’s that time of year again, when social media is filled with fanciful fall pictures, boots, scarves, lattes and spooky Halloween snapshots. The right caption helps your posts stand out, and gives your followers a good chuckle. At Scentsy, we pride ourselves on our, ahem, scents of humor, so we took a trip to the “pun-kin” patch to bring you fall-tastic quips for your autumn pics!

Pumpkin-flavored fun

From doorstep displays to our morning coffee, there’s no escaping these glorious orange globes. So next time you snap a pumpkin portrait, try posting it with one of these puns:

• Example: Give ’em pumpkin to talk about this fall season! 
• Gourd-geous
• Life is gourd
• Squash goals
• Pump-king
• Pumpkin spice things up

Halloween tricks and fall treats

When you’re ringing doorbells with trick-or-treaters or cozying up with a hot beverage, fall is filled with sweet moments. These captions pair perfectly with the highlights of the autumnal season:

• Example: I s-pies some amazing fall scents 
• Fa-boo-lous
• Spice-tacular
• Spook-tacular
• I only have pies for you
• We love these scents a latte
• Hay, there!
• A-maize-ing
• Skele-fun
• Ghostess with the mostest
• Grate-fall
• Fall-ing for …
• Have you chai’d this fragrance?
• Boo-tiful
• Eek-tastic
• Appley every after

Naturally autumn

Fall is a grand time to get in-touch with your inner nature photographer. Take some time to get outdoors and capture the natural beauty that is so abundant this time of year — then share that beauty with the world! Here are some fun and inspirational captions to pair with autumn’s majesty:

• Example: You really autumn know we love this time of year! 
• Unbe-leaf-able
• Do you be-leaf in the magic of autumn?
• Don’t leaf this behind
• Autumn leaves joy in your heart
• Be-leaf in yourself

Have fun with it!

Why is Journaling So Popular?

Journaling is one of the oldest self-help practices in the world. It dates to the 10^th century and has only grown in popularity over time. Today, millions of people use the practice to help improve their lives.

So, why is journaling so popular? Here, you’ll discover what is driving the journaling craze and the reasons you should consider taking it up yourself.

Journaling relieves stress.

Did you know that journaling is a great tool for relieving stress? Getting your thoughts and emotions down onto paper can help to clear them from the mind. This automatically leaves you feeling calmer and more relaxed.

Journaling can also be used to analyze your problems. When you can clearly work out solutions to the issues you are facing, it can help you to feel more in control. This in turn will help to reduce stress, helping you to feel happier and more relaxed.

It boosts mental health.

Journaling is scientifically proven to benefit mental health. It can be used to relieve the symptoms of depression, reduce anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing.

It’s easy to get lost inside your own head. We all have an inner critic, but for some it can prove to be overpowering. If you have trouble switching off your inner critic, journaling can help. You’ll be able to address negative thinking, helping to switch to a more positive mindset.

The longer you journal for, the more mental health benefits you’ll experience. After just a month of journaling, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your mood.

Journaling provides surprising health benefits.

As well as helping to boost mental health, journaling can also be great for physical health too. There have been a lot of studies which have shown that journaling on a regular basis can:

• ·         Boost your immune system.
• ·         Improve your memory.
• ·         Help you recover from trauma.
• ·         Improve cardiovascular health.

The health benefits are largely down to an increase in stress and negativity. You might just be surprised how much a positive outlook can improve your physical health.

So, if you are looking to become healthier both mentally and physically, keeping a daily journal can help.

Helping to improve every aspect of your life.

With journaling, it can help to improve every aspect of your life. You can use it to better yourself in every possible way. Want to lose weight? A journal can help you to set goals and track your progress. It will also help you to identify what it is that is making you keep the weight on (such as poor eating habits or emotional eating).

You can use daily journaling to improve your relationships, get better sleep, become healthier and reduce stress. There really is no limit to what journaling can help you to achieve.

These are some of the main reasons why journaling is so popular. While it used to only consist of writing down your thoughts, these days there are lots of different types you can practice. Research the different types before choosing which one is right for you.

Marilyn Barker
Barker Business Services
Empowerment and Goal Coach

Take Control of Your Immune System

Your immune system is a miraculous gift. It began working before you were born, and if it is properly cared for, it will continue to work throughout a long, fulfilling life.

With education and the right decisions, there is a lot you can do to support and safeguard this essential system. The Wellness Company can  help you better understand your immune system and offer some simple steps and advice to help protect it and keep it functioning at peak efficiency.

Your Defense Systems: Thymus gland, Adenoids, Tonsils, Lymphatic System, Spleen and Bone Marrow.

Care and maintenance of your immune system is vast but simple.  Consider daily pre- and pro-biotics, soluble and insoluble fiber,  a boost of vitamins C and E plus Zinc,  daily multivitamins, eat healthy options, boost antioxidant consumption, no smoking or vaping, maintain a healthy weight, reduce inflammation, maintain lower stress levels, sleep well, exercise, consume minimal sugar/ carbs/alcohol, brush, floss and stay safe this winter.  Wash your hands frequently.  

If you’d like to learn more, I'm happy to provide information and resources.   15 minutes can make a difference. 

Most of the time the advice coming from those who work in technology or security will tell you not to ever share passwords, user accounts, or devices, as well as not to reuse credentials or use easy passwords. These are some of the basics of protecting your personal identity and data. However, there are a couple of situations where duplication of accounts can be extremely helpful while introducing very little risk.

These situations occur when having multiple accounts can be critical to accessibility if anything happens to the original account. This post discusses two accounts and one type of software where multiple versions are completely necessary for recovery if something happens to the original.

3 Tech Situations Where it is Dangerous Not to Have Multiple Accounts/Versions

Devices - multiple accounts

Anyone using a local user account on a Windows device who has forgotten their credentials knows it can be impossible to log back into that device without using forcible means.

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Many professionals seek to become more efficient decision-makers. Being a good decision-maker is a sought after skill. It can often be the difference between a promotion or a pink slip. In today ’s uncertain times this skill lets you stand out on the team with quicker and better decisions. How do you become more accurate and effective at making decisions when it counts?

What is the objective of the mission? 

Know the objective of the decision and know your mission on the team.Ask yourself: “What are we really trying to do here?”

Write it out, brainstorm, and discuss. Is it your role to solve this problem? Do you have the tools needed?

Seek Out Wisdom And Knowledge

Seek out, wise counsel. Really. If you are surrounded by more experienced professionals who have done what you are about to do, ask questions, and inform yourself. Do needed research. Don ’t let pride or proving that you have it “all under control” blind you to great resources all around you.

It Does Not Have To Be Perfect

Don ’t overthink - just start. Make a plan. An imperfect, real plan. Start doing the work that is deciding and solving. Take note of the effects and response to your action. This way you can adjust if needed.

Adjust Early

Be humble - make the adjustment early if needed. Don ’t run the train off the track because you are unwilling to admit that you made a mistake. If your choice was wrong, own up to it in a professional way and make things right to the best of your ability. It ’s better to win the fight after a change of tactics than to get knocked out by your own ego and pride.

Control What You Can Control

It is important when making decisions to know what you truly have power over. If it ’s not your decision to make, stay out of the control room. Also - use this adage to relieve stress. Only focus on what you have the ability to decide on. This means staying focused and being able to take action without becoming overwhelmed by the details.

Decision making does not have to be a tedious and stressful process. With the right attitude, planning, and strategy you can become a faster, more efficient, and competent decision-maker. This is a great tool for the business world and for everyday life

Brought to you by Marilyn Barker- Barker Business Services- Business Consultant and Motivational Goal Setting Coach.  Learn more at : www.MarilynBarkerSpeaks.com

How to Start Programs When They Fail to Launch

Sometimes when trying to start a program or application on a Windows device it takes longer than normal to launch and eventually you realize it is not going to open. This is at best a nuisance, but it could be halting a presentation to a board or conference, preventing a payroll run, or preventing some other important task from being completed. Regardless of what is being held up, it is a waste of time!

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get the program to launch successfully that do not require a full reboot of the device.

Read more at https://eyonic.com/1/?PZ or watch the video at https://eyonic.com/1/?PY.

A few years ago, you did the responsible and proactive thing by buying a life insurance policy. You should feel great about that accomplishment.  Buying life insurance is meant to reassure you that expenses will be covered for your family and give you peace of mind. And like most people, you put your policy in a safe place and haven't thought about it in years. But ask yourself: has any part of your life changed since you bought your policy? I'm talking about life changes such as getting married, buying a new home, having a new baby, empty nest, and divorce. If so, then your policy might not reflect your current situation. You could be underinsured or giving your benefits to a person you no longer speak to today!

Here are FIVE reasons to review your life insurance coverage:

1. Do you have enough coverage for your current needs?

If you have a life change since the time you bought your policy, chances are,you could be underinsured. A new home, getting married, a new baby are exciting life events that affect your insurance needs. For example, if you have a 500,000 home, a new wife, and a new baby on the way, and your old policy was only 100,000, this will not be enough to support your new family should something happen to you.

2. How long is the length of coverage?
Some clients start with a term policy due to their limited budget. Because of this, two things need to be considered, when is the term going to end? And what options are available for you? If your term is coming to an end, you will be able to prepare a plan to continue coverage by either converting it to a permanent plan or looking at a new plan altogether. The best option will depend on many factors, and a good agent should be able to guide you.

3. Have you updated your beneficiary(s)?
Reviewing your beneficiary now, allows you to add adult children as a beneficiary to your policy if they were still a minor when you originally bought your policy. Although every so often, I do run into those with minors listed as beneficiaries, which I do not recommend. Unfortunately, their agent failed to advise them wisely on better alternatives. Most children are not fit to handle money, let alone a large sum. Then state probate will have to decide who gets to manage the funds for the minor, and there could be disputes among family members. Potentially, this takes the control away from the person you would want to handle the funds and is totally avoidable. You can also remove those who no longer need to be your beneficiary, such as your deceased or ex-spouse. You can change or update your beneficiary at any time. Doing a review gives you a chance to get it done.A contingent beneficiary is also something you may want to add or change. A contingent beneficiary will receive the benefits in case the primary beneficiary is no longer around at the passing of the insured person.

4. Is the cash value of your policy growing?
If you have a cash value or permanent policy, reviewing the growth of the cash value is another smart thing to do. It gives you a chance to ask questions to your agent, plan for any significant future expenses, or to change interest crediting allocations on an IUL based on current market conditions. (An IUL is an index universal life plan which uses different indexes as basis for interest credited to your cash value.)

5. Is your policy in danger of lapsing?
Regularly reviewing your policy can keep you on track and also prevent the policy from lapsing, which is insurance lingo for terminating due to exhaustion of cash values. I recently reviewed a client's policy only to find out that the policy will lapse in a few years. By reviewing her policy and identifying the situation, I was able to help her find a solution. If we had not reviewed her policy, my client would have been surprised not to have insurance in a few years.
If you haven't considered your current life insurance lately, or know someone who may have put it off, I am offering complimentary policy reviews. Make an appointment now, and have peace of mind for many years to come. Click here to schedule it today.

A meal centered around ribs always feels just a little bit special.  Throw together these easy Root Beer Ribs, some corn on the cob, and a quick coleslaw and you're all set!  Here's a couple ways to make it possible - even on busy weekdays. 

A Ribs Recipe That Works in a Slow Cooker or a Pressure Cooker!

Sometimes it’s easier to plan ahead and have the right ingredients on hand than it is to plan ahead and have the right amount of time available! Here's a quick and easy ribs recipe that solves that problem for you.  If your mornings usually stay on track, use your slow cooker to make delicious Root Beer Ribs.  If prepping for dinner in the morning just isn’t an option for you, you can still make Quick Cooker Barbecue Root Beer Ribs in your electric pressure cooker in under an hour!  The ingredients are the same for both recipes so you can make a last-minute decision about which cooking method will work best for you.

Slow Cooker Recipe for Ribs:

Root Beer Ribs only takes about ten minutes to prep.  This recipe calls for root beer for a couple reasons:  The root beer flavor complements the barbecue sauce and meat and the carbonation has a slight tenderizing effect.  When this recipe is done, the meat will be tender and starting to fall off the bone.  Start cooking about 6–8 hours before you want to eat if you set your slow cooker on low.  Cut that time down to four hours if you set your slow cooker to high.  The ribs are going to be delicious no matter which setting you choose, so pick whichever method works best with your schedule. 

Root Beer Ribs made in a Rockcrok 4-Qt Slow Cooker Set   

Best Way to Cook Ribs in Under an Hour:

Electric pressure cookers are kitchen game changers!  If you have an hour to make dinner, like when you're running into the house after a long day -  use a pressure cooker to make Quick Cooker Barbeque Root Beer Ribs. You’ll enjoy the same ten-minute prep and ability to leave the kitchen as you would making ribs in a slow cooker.  You can spend that out-of-the-kitchen time outside soaking up some summer sunshine!

Root Beer Ribs made in a Quick Cooker!

Looking for the recipes?

Click here for Root Beer Ribs in the Slow Cooker: https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/lisarosted/recipe/Main+Dishes/Rockcrok/Root+Beer+Ribs/1237791 

Click here for Root Beer Ribs in the electric pressure cooker: https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/lisarosted/recipe/Main+Dishes/Quick+Cooker/Quick+Cooker+Barbecue+Root+Beer+Ribs/1443171

Happy cooking!

~Lisa

"Enriching Lives, One Meal & One Memory at a Time"

Lisa Rosted

The Pampered Chef

Independent Director, #837945

cell/text:  (707) 704-6248

email:  cheflisa2018@yahoo.com

Check out my website!!   https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/lisarosted