Is It a Good Time to Sell Your Antiques and Heirlooms? By Julie Hall, the Estate Lady Special to the NABBW It is no secret that the economy stinks. You don\’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that people\’s wallets are well-guarded these days. However, it always surprises me when people call my office wanting to sell estate items, heirlooms, etc… and expect top dollar in the middle of a recession. Top dollar only takes place when you have top quality to offer. When these top-tier items do surface, serious collectors will dig deeper into their pockets to afford the “creme... Read More

Going On Vacation and Want Stylish Comfort? By Sherrie Mathieson NABBW’s Fashion and Style Expert ….I\’m beginning to think about my own plans that may include warm temperatures and tons of walking. I, and my clients still wear short sleeves at times, but it\’s nice to find lightweight items that mix easily and give coverage. It\’s all about comfort, ease and I still want a very stylish appearance. The trick is finding the right items, and then packing a few lightweight bags, and great accessories (including sunglasses) that will give these key pieces diversity. Sherrie... Read More

First Quarter\’s Over: 10 Simple Steps You Can Still Take to Make This Your Best Year Yet! By Sheri McConnell NABBW’s Entrepreneurial Publishing Expert One – Organize and Purge Remove clutter for clarity. If you start here first and organize parts of your life, you will be far more productive. Bring in a 3rd party if needed and clear away the old life to make room for the new. Two – Buy Simple Planning Tools My favorite CEO planning tools are a giant Write On Wipe Off Board (my idea of being in Nerd heaven) and large Post-it Notes. Both are for planning new ways to work... Read More

The Value of Mistakes and Imperfections By Janice Taylor NABBW’s Expert on Weight Loss and Hypnotism In emails from Tushkateers (members of the Kick in the Tush Club) and various coaching conversations that I\’ve had with a number of my one-on-one coaching clients, the concepts of “normal” and “perfect” have repeatedly surfaced. True enough, many have wished that they were “normal” and are down, down, down on themselves for not being perfect. I\’m curious to know what you think being “normal” (whatever that is) and “perfect”... Read More

Key Journal Writing Prompts: Your Life Transformation Makeover (Step One) By Ronda Del Boccio NABBW’s Entrepreneurial Authoring Expert Chances are excellent that there is at least one character trait, habit or push-button response that you would love to change, if only you had an easy way to do it. Maybe one person knows exactly how to push your buttons (and does it often!), and you would like to stop responding the way you always do. Maybe you notice a bad habit you would like to break Maybe you want to try on a new role or behavior in your life to change the results you get. If only... Read More

A Simple Prayer By Judith Sherven, Ph.D. NABBW’s Healthy Relationships Expert I’ve been reading a remarkable and lovely book Love Thyself: The Message From Water III written by doctor of alternative medicine and international authority on micro-cluster water Masaru Emoto. You may have followed Emoto’s exploration and photographic documentation of how emotions effect frozen water crystals, as he has written several well-received books on the topic. If not, it’s important that you understand that his work is a vivid reflection of the power of your words and emotions to effect... Read More

Dancing With the Stars By Donna Shepherd NABBW’s Inspiration Expert There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4 (New Life Version) We seem to have a lot of television shows dedicated to the ‘stars.’ Gossip and entertainment shows abound. Everyday people vie for the opportunity to interview, dance with, or touch a famous person. Magazines employ large teams of writers to report on the latest makeup tips, clothing styles, and private lives of the celebrities. Even in Christian circles, we have a few people who might be considered... Read More

Is Your Environmental “Glass” Half Empty, or Half Full? By Diane MacEachern NABBW’s Going Green Expert Are you hopeful about the state of the world, or filled with despair? Japan\’s nuclear disaster is only the latest in a string of environmental catastrophes that might make anyone question whether we\’re doomed. I\’m normally a “glass half full” kind of person. But after almost four decades of working as an environmental activist, I can\’t help but wonder: “Are we making a difference?”  After all these years of public... Read More

Building Your Communication Toolbox By Dr. Dorree Lynn, Ph.D. NABBW’s Boomer Women\’s Sexuality Expert Honest and effective communication takes tools, skills, and practice. Here are some ways to let the things you say nurture and grow your relationship. Use  “I”  statements.  Take ownership of your feelings and thoughts.  State your personal beliefs and feelings clearly and plainly. For example, instead of “You are so loud and annoying. Why do you keep bothering me?” you can say “I felt scared when you slammed the door. I would really like it if you could please be gentler... Read More

The Gender Gap in Employment:  A New Twist? By Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D. NABBW’s Women & Work Expert The recession has had a devastating effect on salaries and hiring rates for both men and women.  Evidence, however, indicates that the gender gap has extended from a disparity of salaries and advancement to the job search. According Tony Pugh of McClatchy Newspapers, for every twenty jobs that are filled, only one was by a woman.  This is particularly disturbing as in recent years women have risen to 52% of the job force.  According to Pugh this is not necessarily due only to systemic... Read More