Workaday Wednesday ::: When the Doldrums Hit

Entrepreneurs understand -- It can be a death-defying stomach drop when you've worked your tukhus off and done all the right things, but the money just isn't rolling in.

I'm sharing this because was my world yesterday.
So, for me, I took a break. I cleaned my much-neglected house. I ate junk food & binge-watched Nurse Jackie.

Mind Goo

Most important, I set a time-limit on my self-pity.

Today I'm up. I've taken my vitamins & had a healthy breakfast. My blog is written; I'm off to face the day.

CURIOUS ::: What do you do when the thought of going back to work for somebody else seems like such a sensible thing to do? How do YOU combat that?

Magical Monday! ::: You Bless My World

I Am Diamond ~ And So Are YOU!

This is really the first blog I've done.

... Yes, there was that other attempt, but there was no consistency, no format or true purpose. So this is a work-in-progress, and your patience is appreciated as the magic unfolds.

When thinking of the 'Why' of my posts ~ and this is a business blog ~ a couple of dreams rose to the surface. First, sharing the healthful, soulful benefits of oils with those who might not have tried them, or don't yet fully understand how to use them. Second, sharing some 'life tips' along the way. And third, helping my team with some down-to-earth advice on how to build & share their own business.

To that end comes Magical Monday! You see, our team name is the MagicMakers. My own Life Proclamation is:
I am a Pure, Powerful, Honorable Woman Creating Magic NOW!
and that came with a deeply contemplative process.

Part of that process was to define who it is I wish to be, and part was what it was I most want to affect in this absolutely gorgeous world.

Magical Monday! is my expression to not only my own team, but to anyone who may be building a business, or beginning a new venture. Meant to inspire & uplift, may it serve you well.

You Bless My World, May I Gift That Back To You.

Sunday Spirit ::: Happy Easter!

May the Blessings of the Creator shine on you all Season long!

Gratitude S'attitude! ::: A Weekly Reminder

Yesterday while driving back from a long trip, my mind was filled with what to write today. I really like quippy little titles for my post days - it lets you know what's coming & it helps me focus on a topic.

It had been a tiring journey. Yet I was filled with Joy.

It was Gratitude that made the difference, that minimized my sore back or the gas spent or the time away from my own family.

Spiritual Flight

It was Grace that made the difference, that helped an adolescent see a new solution, that helped his parents see a new way of addressing problems. I simply got to be in the right place at the right time.
Yes, I was filled with Joy.

The words all jumped together for me, so now my Saturdays are my Gratitude-sharing days! Gratitude S'attitude! 
*smiles*

We are near the Vernal Equinox and the world celebrates ::: Passover, Easter, Nowruz, Higan-e, Songkran, Holi, May Day, Lady Day ... Earth Day. Megolithic buildings memorialize the 'Equal Night' around the globe.

And with all that comes the humble recognition of the Grace bestowed upon us ... by whichever Higher Power you see fit. And with all that comes the astonishment and Gratitude for all the gifts so freely shared with us.

Yes, I am filled with Joy.

Foodie Friday! ::: Blueberry Overnight French Toast

Blueberry Overnight French Toast*
Here's an excellent Just Because treat!
Make it the night before & forget about it ~ Your morning is easy as, well, toast!

Ingredients

What A Way To Start The Day!

12 slices day old French bread (1 inch thick)
5 eggs
2 1/2 c milk
1 c packed brown sugar, (divided into 3/4 c and 1/4 c portions)
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp melted butter
2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
optional:  1 c chopped pecans

Directions
Arrange bread in a greased 13×9 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, 3/4 c brown sugar, vanilla; pour over bread.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Combine butter and remaining 1/4 c sugar; drizzle over the top.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 for 25 minutes.
Sprinkle with blueberries.
Bake 10 minutes longer or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with syrup on the side (optional)
Serves:  6-8

Tip ::: Buy your french bread ahead of time, let it sit out for a day, slice it, and freeze it in a gallon size bag.  Then, it’s ready the day of preparation.

* recipe from Busy Kids, Happy Mom blog

Oil of the Week ::: Lemon

A top-selling essential oil, Lemon has multiple benefits and uses.

Add to water - Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost during your day.

Use Lemon in cooking -  enhance the flavor of entrees, soups, desserts, and drinks.

Taken internally - Lemon provides cleansing and digestive benefits and supports healthy respiratory function.

Diffuse Lemon - uplift and energe, Lemon has been shown to help improve mood.

Lemon is also a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air and surfaces, and can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home. 

I LOVE My Lemon!

USES
* Take internally to assist with allergies.
* Lemon cleanses the blood, removing petrochemicals.

* Diffuse to create an uplifting environment.

As a cleaner :::
* Add Lemon oil to a spray bottle of water to clean tables, countertops, and other surfaces. Lemon oil also makes a great furniture polish; simply add a few drops to olive oil to clean, protect, and shine wood finishes.

* Soak a cloth in Lemon oil to preserve and protect your leather furniture & leather garments.

* Lemon oil is a great remedy for the early stages of tarnish on silver and other metals.

Workaday Wednesday ::: What's in Your Planner?

If you have a business, you probably have a planner. So, how do you use it? Is it there to track your schedule? Keep appointments? Remind you to pick up dog food? Is it a horrifying wedge of blank pages with a few notes jotted on either end?

What if you used your planner as a whiteboard to brainstorm? A personal journal?

Scribble Furiously!

Me, I try to use pencil ... but most often have a pen ...
Want to color inside the lines, but ... that's just not how I roll.

My planner comes with me. Period. I use it for thoughts, ideas,
concepts, contacts, reminders, appointments and advice. It is my daily reminder of what I do and why I love doing it.

What is in Your Planner? Tell us how you use it, and why.