Spent a fabulous weekend with old girldfirends (and when I say old – I mean OLD…we are all celebrating our 50th this year!) at Stinson beach….One long walk on the beach and BAM – I get reflective…

This time I was reflecting on services, companies, non profits, etc.. that have made a difference in my life and community. I want to pass on some recommendations….

Lane Apex – Local, cheaper and they pick up recycling every week!

NextStep Recycling – An amazing group of green, community minded, generous, smart people who are saving our environment, educating kids, providing job skill training among other things…

Yumm Sauce – what can I say? Yumm!

Modern Family – LMAO (OK, it might not actually make your life better but you WILL laugh!)

Search Engine Friendly Web Design – Sammy rocks and is the King of WordPress Sites (if you like mine, call him!)

South Willamette Wineries Association – OK, they’re a client. Shameless plug…but honestly we have such fabulous wineries with such amazing owners and winemakers in our beautiful valley! (And yes, Sammy built the site)

Dr. Natura Colonix & Toxinout Program – Been on it for a month and plan to run the three month program. Feel better! (NOT a client- not paid to endorse)

Yurt Camping – I’m addicted (in the winter). Camp every month if I can…Love it! Heading to Silver Falls first weekend in Feb.

Facebook – seriously. I love Facebook. I love it for business and I love it because it made planning my 30th High School Reunion a breeze (and enabled me to stay in touch with lots and lots of people!).

Become a Homestay Family! We love our Chinese “son” – a U of O student who lives with us. For more information about becoming a Homestay Family shoot me an email!

That’s it for now….Hoping your new year has started out peacefully and prosperously!

Denise

If you are an owner of a small business, you may be interested in knowing that you can make your small business green easier than you think. Using the following tips will not only save you energy costs, but will help the environment. Go Green!

by Steve StraussSteve Strauss, MrAllBiz, author of The Small Business Bible, also writes for USATODAY.com

Around the office: Yes, those funny squiggly bulbs (called CF bulbs) really do make a difference. Sure they cost a bit more, but they are supposed to last up to 15 times longer. Other simple steps include reusing packaging, packing peanuts, and turning old file folders inside out. Even better: Each of these green steps save money.
Reduce paper use: Consider getting a printer that offers two-sided printing (called duplex printing). By doing so, you cut your paper costs, and paper consumption, in half.
For instance, I recently did some work with Brother and was impressed with a printer that automatically prints on both sides of the paper (the MFC-9840.). It was also Energy Star certified, and fast. How easy, and green, is that?
Also, of course, buy some recycling bins, mark them, and use them.
Install timers and motion sensors: By automatically having lights and computers go off when not in use, you can save lots on energy costs.
Buy green: No, green products are not cheaper, but by the same token, these days, they also should not be more expensive since demand for them has reduced prices. You might also want to check into purchasing green power from your local utility.
Buy Energy Star products: The Department of Energy Energy Star certification means that you know the product you are buying is highly energy efficient, and again, it shouldn’t cost any more.
Bottom line: Going green has never been simpler, or more affordable.
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Here in our own community (Eugene, Or) we are fortunate to have organizations like NextStep Recycling championing the green campaign! Please check out their website www.nextsteprecycling.com

Also, have you heard about one our most informative and fun networking groups, GreenLane?
Check them out:

I am on a roll…and it feels good! This whole appreciation thing is working for me! I have always considered myself a happy and positive person but I am realizing that that was more of a persona than the person. I am done lamenting about what I don’t have and have really started to focus on what I DO have. It is such a happier place…

One of the things I am truly grateful for are the supportive and brilliant clients who allow me to contribute to their ongoing business development. I appreciate that a person’s business is near and dear to their heart. It’s not just a service or a product but a dream for their family, a journey they have committed to. My clients are small business owners who truly inspire me.
This week the Client of the week is Brooks Brush Clearing. I cannot say enough about the integrity and commitment that Mark and Julie Brooks bring to every job. They love their work and they love their customers. Julie is one of those people that you instantly want to be friends with and Mark is so committed to doing the right thing no matter what. They have a lovely family and I am honored to work for them. For more information about Brooks Brush Clearing go to www.brooksbrushclearing.com.
Look for more appreciation and gratitude (is that redundant?) right here!

There are so many times where I am moved to tears….sometimes it’s a bit embarrassing – for instance, I have been known to cry at Safeway openings (new jobs and fresh produce has that affect). The truth is, I’m an emotionally connected woman – emotionally connected to my work, my love, my family, my clients, my friends and occasionally a reality show or two. I can’t help it…It’s just who I am. However there are also truly fabulous moments that not only move me to tears but stick with me forever. I believe I experienced one of those today when Lorraine Kerwood was awarded the Woman Business Leader of the Year Award. The nominees and finalists were amazing – truly women I look up to. But Lorraine is one of those individuals who is so focused on others and on her mission that during her acceptance speech she actually used that platform to recruit from a room of 158 business owners – She asked us to create a mentoring program. You had to be there. Fabulous.
Congratulations, Lorraine. Well deserved. Well done.

Lorraine Kerwood Volvo Hero Award