Sunday, March 6, 2011

How Can You Avoid the Fat, When Proven Studies "Say" Obesity is on the Rise? Part 2

So now that we know there are studies out there in the universe saying, “We are obese and it’s going to get worse.” How do we stop the madness?

First we have to identify why we have the problem of obesity. Then we can start to create a game plan to overcome it once and for all. A significant issue many of us have today is the problem of not burning off more calories than we take in. And if you are not interested in going to a gym regularly, you have to eat foods that will help you burn calories. That’s right, I said it – there are foods that will help you lose the fat without you stepping a foot or toe in a gym.

We are living in a time when more than 50% of the nation’s adults are overweight or obese. As a result, weight-related diseases are on the rise, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. While you may not get the maximum results of weight loss, you can lose weight with fat burning foods that are probably in your kitchen already. Here are a few.

Cinnamon will keep your metabolism working to help in weight loss. It will also aid in metabolizing the sugars which help maintain insulin and glucose levels. It will also add flavor without adding sugar to your breakfast like oatmeal or a breakfast protein shake.

Broccoli is a great source of calcium. Studies have found that it contains calcium which aids in weight loss. It is also high in vitamin C which assists the body's ability to absorb calcium. Broccoli is also considered a Super food as it also helps to boost the immune system.

Garlic is also a fat burning vegetable and considered a Super food. Although it is known to be helpful in lowering high blood pressure, garlic is a natural appetite suppressant. It also raises the metabolic rate which aids in burning fat.

Right now, I am drinking a protein shake twice a day, as a meal replacement. So farI love the results, especially since it satisfies my hunger. Another benefit is that it tastes great!



I am a product of the fast food era (Baby Boomer) and my habits over the years have finally caught up with me. As a result of not being as active as I was years ago, (Arthur has got me…arthritis in the knees) and I have been guilty of preparing quick meals to get to some down time after a long day.

My Mom had warned me. She has been eating healthy since I can remember. But who listens to Mom, right? Well I have to say, Mom does know best and we better be prepared for our kids to look at us like we have horns growing from our heads as well. But, if you get to them while they are very young, you can break the cycle of the fast food generation.

As my friend Constance said in the last post “…… our children are bombarded with so much of these unhealthy foods that it seems like we are trying to swim up stream. I have never seen so many $1.00 menus in my life! So I'm trying to make the change of providing quality healthy meals daily for my children”.

The best way to change our inevitable path of obesity is to go to war with what we have been doing and re-educate ourselves with the knowledge of good nutrition and healthy eating. We have to get out of our-own way and conquer this beast. As you do your research, you will find that fighting the battle of the bulge is not only beneficial in helping us learn valuable ways to keep the weight off, but will also provide more guidance in living a healthy life-style.

Wishing You Much Success!

Karen McPherson

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

How Can You Avoid the Fat, When Proven Studies "Say" Obesity is on the Rise?

There was a time when the excuse for me was, "Oh, I'm still trying to lose this baby fat." Never mind I had my child years ago, I was in serious denial.

I have also heard other women refer to their "extra" love handles in the same way. And some can be quite creative on how and why they haven't lost the weight. Let's face it, as we age and gain, the "extra pounds" we will be fighting the battle forever, if we are not constantly aware of it. Oh, and doing something about it.

Now mind you, not all women have that extra "baby" fat problem. Some women actually do go back to their pre-pregnency weight and into their clothes. And let's not forget the husbands that have gained also from the sympathy cravings while their lady is having her taste for a pint of ice cream. As they go out to buy her one, they are buying a pint for themselves as well. We don't say much about it, cause misery loves company. Hey, if I gotta gain weight, I don't mind if he gains weight too!

Whatever the reasons and causes are we are gaining too much weight at alarming rates. Our BMI's (Body Mass Index's) which measures our height and weight are too high. If your BMI is 30 or higher, you are considered to be obese.

According a quote in NaturalNews from Dr. Lawrence J. Cheskin, director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center,"Let's work on changing our food supply and environment, reducing poverty, enhancing education about health promotion, and keep moving."

Look the bottom line is this, We can make all the excuses in the world for why we are not taking care of ourselves as we should, or we can do something about it now. We have a generation of obese children needing our guidance and direction. We have to create a mindset in them that being aware of what you eat can literally be a matter of life and death. As the saying goes, "When you know better, you do better." Let's help ourselves and our kids do better and "Eat to Live!" rather than "Live to Eat."

Wishing You Much Success!

Karen McPherson

Thursday, August 19, 2010

How 5Linx is Changing the Future of Telecommunications


In 2001, 5LINX launched its operations. The core principles for the company are Freedom, Integrity, Vision, Opportunity and Success. Their philosophy is "Representatives come first!"

In the fall of 2007, 5LINX opened its state-of-the-art 50,000 square-foot world headquarters based in Rochester, NY. Although 5LINX has been around for a few years, it is apparent they are perfectly positioned to grow into a billion dollar company. As the company grows, so does its accolades. 5LINX has been named in Inc. Magazine's list of 500 fastest growing private companies in North America for four straight years. The company went from a ranking of #481 in 2006 to #274 in 2009. This ranking is all credited to the 800% growth in revenue. 5LINX was also featured on the cover of Success From Home magazine. 5LINX has also been featured in the direct sales industry's premier publication, Direct Selling News and many more.


A few of the many products that the 5LINX telecommunications company GLOBALINX has been providing in droves are using the VoIP technology. By now we have all heard of VoIP, but if you haven’t, it’s Voice over Internet Protocol. It's the way many are using the internet today to communicate. VoIP sends an analog voice signal through the internet by converting the signal into digital data. This process has become so popular, that there are several well know products today using the same technology. A well known example of VoIP technology would be Skype and Vonage. Another product using VoIP is the 5LINX Digital Telephone Adapter.

In many ways, 5LINX is changing the way we communicate, not only nationwide, but globally with unlimited access. And they're doing it with VoIP as a low cost alternative through GLOBALINX. Yes that’s right, you can make unlimited local and long distance calls using your broadband internet connection to anywhere in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and unlimited landline calls to 75 calling areas around the world. However, GLOBALINX to GLOBALINX customer calls are unlimited any and everywhere around the world!

5LINX Cellular is an incredible one-stop-shop for cellular service from the top providers in the country. 5LINX Cellular is partnered with multiple carriers to ensure the customer’s needs are best served. They offer more than any local cellular store. There are many packages that offer free phones and better prices on the most popular phones on the market, including smartphones, PDA’s, air cards, flip phones, and much more. The rates and plans are created and managed by the carrier directly and there are no additional charges or fees from 5LINX Cellular.



The newest and most promising products 5LINX has to offer currently is the CU-3000 wireless Video Phone and the 8831b video phone. Just imagine making a call on your home phone and you can see the person on the other end. How about never having to miss a family event or some special occasion because you couldn’t physically be there? Would that change the way you view the power of telecommunication technology today? Well you can have access to it for literally pennies on the dollar compared to the price of most cell phones. The CU-3000 has a 7” LCD touch screen, WiFi capabilities and three way conferencing. It has a built-in photo frame; it’s lightweight and completely portable. Both the CU-3000 and the 8831b are only $29.95 per month plus taxes and surcharges.

5LINX along with VoIP technology has started to change the way we view our phone service forever. Not only does the residential customers get to experience the unbelievable products and services that 5LINX has to offer, but their business customers get tremendous cost savings as well, as much as 50%. There are a wide variety of business solutions available to customers who need a robust phone system or just want to start saving money.

There are many more products and services 5LINX provides that are just as compelling as the ones mentioned with the same cost savings to you the consumer. To view all that 5LINX has to offer click on the link provided and please feel free to comment on this post as well, if you have any questions.

5LINX VoIP PRODUCTS

Wishing You Much Success!

Karen McPherson

Monday, March 22, 2010

Could You Use A Good Night Sleep

I had the best sleep last night than I had in years. I was so excited, that I had to share it with you just in case someone else is experiencing the same thing.

For far too many years than I can remember, I have had a problem with post nasal drip at night and consequently wake up totally congested in the morning. I know, I know TMI, right? Well, there are so many people who suffer with allergies and have the same issue.

I have been avoiding going to one of those sleep clinics, because quite frankly the thought of someone watching me sleep freaks me out. So while shopping last night for some last minute groceries before the store closed, my husband handed me this package of Breathe Right. He said he was concerned and said I seemed to be struggling to breathe comfortably when I would fall into a deep sleep. I know I am always tired when I wake up and congested.

So I tried Breathe Right and I woke up singing. I could not believe how good I felt. No sinus pressure and headache, no congestion, and I was able to sleep until the sun was out (I never sleep pass 5 am, ever). I mean I go to bed when it’s dark and I wake up when it’s dark all the time, regardless of whether I have to get up or not.

To some of you this may not seem like a big deal and I am truly happy you have no idea what I’m talking about. But I am speaking to those of you who could use a little help in the breathing and sleeping department. By all means, I am no doctor and I suggest you please see your physician if you have a serious problem.

However, if allergies are keeping you from having a great sleep every night, check out Breathe Right. Yeah, I know it looks like you've got a Band-Aid on your face, but you forget it's there. It works! That's the important thing. I wish I could buy stock in it. It’s a gold mine. Happy breathing!

Wishing You Much Success!
Karen McPherson

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

How to Sell Your Timeshare




One of the best ways a family can vacation comfortably is by having a timeshare. Gone is the one room hotel suite with a pull out bed in the couch for the kids, because the kids grow up and need their space as well.

It is a good investment for most families if they vacation every year. Except the kids are now really growing independent and don’t want to vacation with you since they have their own lives now. Your idea of vacation and theirs are miles apart.

So you find yourself with a timeshare that you are still paying some fees for annually and not using as much for various reasons. It sounds like it is time to sell it and you need to know where to begin.

There are several things to consider before you put it on the market. You need to know the fair market price of your timeshare and how much it’s worth. You also need to consider what people will pay for it in order to sell it.

Do not expect to make a profit from when you purchased it, because the market is down right now. To avoid any surprises, it is better know in advance what you may be facing. So how do you do that?

Well you can call the timeshare customer service where it was purchased and find out how the reselling market is going. You can also ask them how much units that compare to yours is selling for and the price they are actually getting for them. You can also go online and do a search with the resort name and resell. Keep in mind that there will be fees for them to resell it for you. Once you have an idea of the resale price, you can also get the help of a Realtor that has experience in selling timeshares. The Realtor can also prepare a free market appraisal; however do your own research to have a better understanding of what options are in making your final decision.

Although selling your timeshare may seem challenging, you do have several options to work with. Doing the work for yourself can give you an advantage to know what to expect, but you can also elicit the help of a professional to get it done the right way. I hope these tips were helpful. Good luck!

Wishing You Much Success!

Karen McPherson

Need Cash? Sell or Rent Your Timeshare!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Affiliate Marketing Can Be Profitable

Have you wondered how can you advertise more effectively? Do it online with Affiliate Marketing. If you have a website, it is by far the simplest way to make a profit online. So, what is Affiliate Marketing? It is an agreement made between a website owner (Affiliate) and a merchant. The merchant allows the affiliate to use their marketing tools to sell their products on the affiliate’s website. The merchant will than pay a commission to the affiliate for generating sales of these products. The commissions can be a percentage of the total sale or a flat dollar amount. Commissions are also paid for leads in some cases.

There are many benefits to affiliate marketing programs. First, it can be an extremely positive business arrangement for both parties involved, since the merchant has the ability to expand their market share. They get more traffic and capture more market share as a result of the affiliates marketing efforts. This exposure will be far less expensive than what the merchant has already put in place because the cost of advertising is zero. There is no cost of overhead like hiring a team of sales and marketing people to promote and sell the products or services. The affiliate only gets paid when a sale has been generated from their website and the affiliate does all the marketing to get the sale.

Secondly, it also gives the affiliate marketer the ability to make money. These earnings can be quite lucrative when the affiliate’s website has ads and links that go directly to the merchant’s website. When the buyer clicks on the link and is directed to the merchant’s site, they can make their purchase. Once the purchase is made the affiliate will be paid a commission.

Thirdly, as an affiliate you can earn an income from home. For the affiliate, this low cost way of doing business has many perks. There is little to no overhead. The affiliate doesn’t have to worry about storing products or distribution cost. Also it is not a requirement to have sales experience. To be successful, the affiliate needs to find the prospects through their aggressive advertising efforts and earn a commission. You can test your products and marketing strategies to see if they are working for you. If not, change the product, the strategy or both. It is up to the affiliate to make it work for the potential earnings to be realized.

There are many choices when it comes to what products or services to market. You can market as many as you like, and make a profitable income in doing so. However, know your market. The affiliate forum sites are a good source to find information about your target market and their needs. As you are doing your research, keep in mind that most affiliate programs are free to join. Affiliate marketing may not be the fastest way to earn extra money, but it can be the easiest and with effort you can be a successful and profitable affiliate marketer.

Wishing You Much Success!

Karen McPherson

Become An Affiliate!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Art of Using Open Ended Questions

Have you ever found yourself in the right place at the right time with a prospect or potential business partner and you draw a blank? It seems as though things are going in a positive direction and you don’t quite know what to do next. Well before you can get a Yes from all those No’s, you still have to do a bit of discovery to gain trust and credibility.

And in any selling opportunity, we all know there is a certain amount of knowledge that you must have to successfully close the transaction. Now I’m not just speaking about closing a sale for a product or service, I’m also speaking about closing the sale for a new business partner. I like to refer to those folks that you introduce to your MLM opportunity as your “Business Partner,” it has a more professional sound, don’t you think.

So one of the most important tools you’ll need to have is knowledge of how to use Open Ended Questions during the discovery process. When you are actively pursuing any type of sale, you have to find out what the needs are of the prospect or potential business partner. Our main purpose is to gather information. You can do this be asking open ended questions that begin with What, When, How, Who and Why. Focus the question on the prospect not the product or service.

For example, here are a few open ended questions you might ask after presenting the product, service or business opportunity:

What did you like about what you have heard so far?
What is your current job situation?
What do you like about what you are doing right now?
If you could change anything about your current situation, what would it be?
Share with me what your overall expectations are about (company)?
How would you benefit from (company)?
What price range would you be comfortable with?
Who would you have to consult with to make a decision to go forward with (company)?
When would you like to get started with (company)?

These are a few examples of open ended questions you can use to put the prospect at ease and get them to talk about themselves. When you gain their trust, it allows them to share their real needs, wants and desires, which in turn will provide you with a wealth of information helping you get to know them better. Prove to them that you really care and raise their comfort level where they will want to purchase from you or partner with you.

Having vast knowledge about your service or product is great. However, mastering the art of using open ended questions can pull you out of the stumped…I don’t know what to do next phase once the presentation is over. It can be a useful tool in moving you forward toward a successful sale or new business partner.

Wishing You Much Success!

Karen McPherson