Keep Christ in Christmas

What Christmas Is All About

Luke 2:9-11

As told to the shepherds

www.wordsforthesoul.etsy.com

Have a very Merry Christ-mas 2018 

as you contemplate the best gift given to ALL men/women/children

Jesus

https://www.facebook.com/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/

Cyber Monday 11/26/18

Cyber Monday 

debuted the first Monday after Thanksgiving in 2005.

To encourage people to shop online.

     So if you missed Black Friday (or not), shopping from home is becoming more & more convenient. Enjoy your shopping but remember the Reason for the Season is Jesus, show love.

Did you shop on Thanksgiving Eve?

How about Black Friday?

Will you shop online for Cyber Monday, today?

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/services/

Black Friday

Day After Thanksgiving

Black Friday Fun Facts

The unofficial start of the Christmas season

     Fun Facts

     In 1863 President Lincoln made the 4th Thursday in November the official holiday for Thanksgiving.

     In the 1950's people started calling in "sick" the day after Thanksgiving to get a 4 day weekend plus the stores were open. 

It was not until 1966 did Black Friday show up in print by the Philadelphia Police Department using "Black Friday" to describe the traffic jams and crowding in the downtown stores.

     In 1992 the National Retail Federation (NRF) started tracking Black Friday sales. By 2011 many retailers started opening Thanksgiving Eve with sales events to combine with Black Friday. Full story.


Welcome to the official start to the Christmas season. Remember the reason for the season, Jesus.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/services/
https://www.pinterest.com/htastewart/virtual-assistant-hire-me-tami-stewart/

Wednesday Inspiration

Thanksgiving Jokes 

(to share with family & friends)

What did the mama turkey say to the naughty son? 
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy.

Who's not hungry at Thanksgiving?
The turkey, he's already stuffed.

What does Miley Cyrus eat for Thanksgiving?
Twerk-ey!

My family asked me not to tell any more Thanksgiving jokes, but I told them I couldn't stop "cold turkey".

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Thanksgiving Week 2018

Happy Thanksgiving

I Thess. 5:18 (NIV)
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

     When good or evil comes we are to be thankful for God's presence in our lives and for the good that will be accomplished through it.

     Remember God/Jesus and how far He has brought you.

Let's have some FUN by answering the question below

     Our families must-have Thanksgiving side dish is this Artichoke Dip (recipe below) that I made 2 years ago from a Pinterest Pin. We and our guests couldn't get enough of it but then we remember the rest of the Thanksgiving meal.
     We change up the recipe just slightly for our family, we don't put in the hot sauce and I use 1/2 Cup Mozzarella cheese & 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese (1 Cup of cheese total). Serve with corn tortilla chips, toasted bread, French bread or crackers.

Artichoke Dip by Daisy Brand

Enjoy your family and friends this Thanksgiving week and beyond.

Thanksgiving Blessings from our house to yours.

Cannon Bath Towel Company on Fun Fact Friday

CANNON

     Since we have been talking about naps/siestas this week, I thought let's learn some fun facts about the company Cannon. They started with absorbent bath towels. Cannon Home online also sells, bedding (take a nap in your own bed), shower curtains and bath rugs.

Fun Facts

Founded by James William Cannon, a cotton broker

(1852-1921)

1st Manufactured in Kannapolis, NC
The initial brand name was Cannon Towels
1st towel produced in 1890 (?)
Bankrupt in July 2003 purchased by Iconix Brand Group.
Exclusively sold at Sears (under Bankruptcy now, Nov. 2018) & Kmart? I believe they diversified to more companies: Macy's, JC Penneys and more.



What is your favorite brand of bedding?
When you take a nap is it in your bed or elsewhere?

Napping Quotes

Inspirational Wednesday

Napping is a short period of sleep (best 20-30 minutes) usually during the day. To improve short-term alertness and your performance.

A great article

10 Must Know Facts About Napping

Siesta, the Spaniards & Mexicans had/have the right idea. Siesta means nap or sixth hour (traditionally noon). A nap is taken during the hottest hours of the day (especially outdoor/outside workers). 

If you enjoy my blog posts come follow me on Facebook & Pinterest.

Nap-pu-cino?

When, Where & How is the Best Time to Nap?

A Nap is a Great Idea 

(scientifically speaking, studies have shown)

When I heard Daniel Pink's interview on the Rachel Ray Show here is what I gained from his talk:

1. Best nap time usually 2-3pm (6-7 hrs after you wake-up)

2. Find a comfortable spot- chair, lounger, bed

3. Set your alarm for 25 min.

4. Use earplugs, music or white noise to drown out sounds

5. Wear an eye mask to block out light

6. Drink coffee? What? 

(He puts ice cubes in his in-order to gulp it down)

7. Within 10 minutes he is asleep

8. 15 minutes of a good nap

9. The coffee he drank starts kicking in after 25 min. 

(Right, when he wakes up from his nap.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone was given a 25 min. nap break if improve their productivity?



If you need virtual assistance for your business give me a holler:

https://www.facebook.com/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/
tamirstewartvirtualassistant@gmail.com
https://plus.google.com/+TamiStewartVirtualAssistant 

https://clffg.blogspot.com/

Which do you prefer?

Coffee, Tea, Smoothie or Soda in the Morning?

A fun fact about each:

Coffee: After coffee beans are decaffeinated, several coffee manufacturers sell the caffeine to soda and pharmaceutical companies.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/69146/16-quick-coffee-facts-national-coffee-day

Tea: You are less likely to get a “caffeine crash” when you drink tea (as opposed to soda or coffee)

https://www.romantichomes.com/entertain/hosting-hints/10-fun-facts-about-tea/

Smoothie: Builds muscle and improves athletic performance. 

https://www.healthysmoothiehq.com/21-reasons-consume-healthy-smoothies

Soda: It may dehydrate you.

https://www.eatthis.com/facts-about-soda/

Which is your preference first thing in the morning? 

Let us know in the comments below.

Like and follow me on Facebook 

Can Marketing Research Help Your Business?

How's Your Market Research?

4 Ways to Get Your Research Ball Going

1. Identify Your Business's Weaknesses- make a list of your business problems.

2. What is Your Ultimate Goal for Your Business?

3. Action Plan 
- Who should be your target audience/niche? 
- Size of that population
- Who is your audience? Needs, Pains, Goals, Dreams, preferences, lifestyle, etc.
- How to reach your target audience? Trends, Quotes, offers, inspiration, surveys, etc.

4. Collect Data
- Utilize Analytics on Pinterest, FB, Instagram, Google+, Snapchat,  your website. Which blog posts got the most interest? What FB posts had the most comments? Are your hashtags working?
- Send out a survey to your e-mail list.
-create a poll on your website to find out your customers needs, wants, etc.
- Ask someone/ peer already in business what their struggles were, what helped, etc.


Did you get some benefit from this blog post? Let me know in the comment section.

https://www.facebook.com/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/
tamirstewartvirtualassistant@gmail.com

Fun Fact Friday Dave Thomas

Founder of 

Wendy's

 Old Logo (1969)

The new logo (2013), do you see the hidden word?

I did not. They initially showed the logo in red on their cups. See photo below.

I like it.

Some facts about Mr. Thomas:

1. Born in Tennesse.
2. Started working in restaurants at the age of 12.
3. High school dropout.
4. Served in the Korean War as a cook.
5. Was mentored by Colonel Sanders.
6. Franchised 4 failing KFC's which he turned around with a simpler menu.
7. Wendy's was the 1st restaurant to go all fresh, not pre-cooked.
8. The 1st successful drive-thru window.
9. Mr. Thomas died in 2002 after a long bout with liver cancer.

Wednesday Inspiration: How Do You Jump Start Your Day?

Here is one way: 

COFFEE

Another way is to start with prayer and Bible study. This is even better than coffee if you are a believer in Jesus Christ.

A third jump start might be a good healthy breakfast.

Fourth jump start could be exercising.

5th jump start could be singing.

What is/are your ways to jump-start your day at work or at home? Leave your comment or suggestion.

Broccoli Cheese Soup RECIPE

Copy Cat Panera Bread Soup

     Shout out to Alyssa @ The Recipe Critic for this awesome soup recipe our family can not get enough of. 

     My daughter loves this soup from Panera, now I can make it at home.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon melted butter

½ medium chopped onion

¼ cup melted butter

¼ cup flour

2 cups half-and-half cream

2 cups chicken stock

½ lb fresh broccoli (about 1 cup)

1 cup carrot, julienned

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Go here for the instructions

My Hint:

Use your food processor for the broccoli and carrots, we love this texture of the soup in our mouths.

Like & Follow me on Facebook for virtual information, Inspirational Wednesday's, Fun Fact Friday's and more.

Fun Fact Friday, Do You Know Mr. Clean?

This week I have been talking about organizing, cleaning & decluttering your business so what better company to highlight on Fun Fact Friday this week than a successful cleaning product company.

A fictitious character Mr. Clean, their logo. Go here for their story. Owned by Butler Cleaning Products.

Their Business Motto Is:

"If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right".

Their Motto for their New Magic Eraser is:

"Get more muscle for more mess".

Their article for business & home offices "Keep Calm, Clean Desk On"

Here is a summary of their desk organization ideas & cleaning tips
1. Clean as you go.
2. Tackle Tough Messes like coffee rings to dirty fingerprints using Magic Eraser Extra Durable 
3. Color Coordinate
4. Digitize Notes
5. Find Everything a Home


Find Mr. Clean on Facebook with over a million followers.

Find Mr. Clean  coupons

Find Mr. Clean product I didn't know about.

I do not get any compensation for recommending these products, just FYI.

If you like my blog come like and follow me on Facebook.

Wednesday Inspiration Decluttering

Shift your mindset to keeping only what you truly love and use on a weekly basis.

     There is more on decluttering on an earlier post I titled 

"5 Ways to Start Decluttering your Business" 

found here. 

Stock Photo List

  For Using With Your Business Brand

Many FREE Sites

Unsplash- https://unsplash.com/  (My favorite)

Beautiful FREE photos. I am on their e-mail list and get an update of new photos each week. For my own business, I utilize computer and office background pictures than add my business name, website, etc. using Canva.

Canva- https://www.canva.com/ 

I discussed Canva more thoroughly in a past post on my blog

Utilizing text, colors, fonts and other features that match my/your brand with your chosen Free photo.

Great list below for stock photo websites, plus a few more that I have added.

https://www.pinterest.com/htastewart/

21. https://stocksnap.io/

22. https://picjumbo.com/

23. https://burst.shopify.com/

24. http://makerbook.net/stock-photos/

25. https://shotstash.com/

Most free stock photos don't require you to credit the photographer but it's always appreciated.

Like & Follow me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/
Free Quote available

Fun Fact Friday About an Accountant

Walter Diemer in 1928 

accidentally stumbled across the recipe for

Bubblegum

Did You Know?

     As Walter was working at the Fleer Chewing Gum Company as an accountant he accidentally discovered a recipe for a more flexible gum which allowed him to blow bubbles with it. 

     Find a more in-depth article on bubblegum here.

Wednesday Inspiration The Best View

Be Inspired This Week

No matter what you're going through.

Free Accounting & Invoice Software

Accounting & Invoice Services

Wave

https://www.waveapps.com/

     I have not used this app yet nor do I get any compensation, but I am very interested in it due to my virtual assistance business. The Free version lets you manage income and expenses, invoices, balance sheets, and gives you business trends. For payment & payroll services there is a fee. With Wave+ they offer accounting coaching & bookkeeping also for a fee.

     I have been using a Free Invoice Generator service that is good but lacks features.

     Quickbooks is another option but it cost money and especially if you're just starting out your money is limited.

     As a small business owner remember to still hire someone at Tax Time even when you use any of these services, apps.

     Great review of this product with screenshots on Careful Cents

Fun Fact Friday Mobile Phone Users

Did You Know?

     In 2015 there was a statistic that the average mobile user checked his/her phone 150 times per day. Do you think that average has increased? I did. 

     But a 2017 study found that it was 80 times per day (every 12 min.). Is it due to the novelty of the device decreasing? Perhaps we use other devices as well like the computer, laptops, etc. more often or in combination with our mobile?

     With all this rise in technology, don't be left behind especially if you are a business owner. A virtual assistant can pick up the slack for you in this area. Keeping up with Facebook and other social media areas can take up to an hour per day or week depending on if you need products posted, comments made on your page/pages or on guest pages, posts from your blog, update old posts and revive them, etc. As a Virtual Assistant, I can help. Get your free quote today.

Inspiration Wednesday

Ship at Airport?

Don't just wait for something to happen, go after it (effort).

     If you're needing some assistance with your online (Social Media) business I can help at Tami's Virtual Assistance, find me on Facebook for your free quote.

A New Family Favorite Recipe

Cola Ribs in an Instant Pot

(can be baked or slow-cooked, but takes much longer)

https://cincyshopper.com/instant-pot-ribs/

Thank you, Jen, from Cincy Shopper

     If you're a busy person who owns your own business, an Instant Pot (that is just the brand I have, I receive no commission for this plug) is a quicker way to make items more tender and delicious.

Didn't my cola ribs turn out great?

     This recipe for Cola Ribs is delicious, tender and will take approx. 1 hour from start to finish in the Instant Pot (baking 3.5 hrs and slow-cooking 8+ hours). The ribs are dry rubbed and placed above the cola in the Instant Pot. Pressure cooked: 10 min. until pressure is up, 30 min. , quick release. Once out of the cooker place on baking sheet, put on your favorite BBQ sauce front and back, broil back of ribs first and then the meaty portion (3-5 min. don't take your eyes off of them). Enjoy with baked beans, Cole Slaw, and potato salad.

Follow my Pinterest Instant Pot recipes that I collect. If I make them, I rate them and place in my Tried & Tested Board. You can also follow my Virtual Assistant Board

https://www.facebook.com/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/

Fun Fact Friday Owning a Business

Did you know?

Running a business is 3 times as stressful as raising children

A group/swarm of flies (fly) is called a business. 

Group of ferrets is called a business (or busyness)

There soooooo cute!

But stinky

Follow Tami on Facebook 

Did you laugh?

Wednesday Inspiration Proverbs 15:23

Controlling thoughts before you speak is very wise.

Web Tool Canva

Create Graphics with Canva

Business Logo

Memes

Blogging & eBook Photo's

Graphics for Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Tumblr (tailored to the correct size).

Photo Collages

Business Cards

Postcards

Marketing Materials: flyers, brochures, gift certificates, labels and more. 

One I created on Canva for my business

I use the free version (many photos and graphics are free or you can choose to pay per piece) or you can upgrade to $12.95 per month or $119.40 annually for unlimited excess. 

You can even make a FREE team to easily share designs and folders, yet upgrading to a for work account unlocks all team functions and benefits.

I use to use PicMonkey as a guest until I felt it got too complicated.

Another Graphic I made on Canva

Included my blog & Facebook addresses

I would love to be a part of your team and start creating items for your business.

Mason Jars Fun Fact Friday 11

Give a Business Christmas Gift to your Clients

Last Wednesday I gave you ideas from an article I read

This week we talk about the history of the Mason Jar

In 1858 John Landis Mason a tinsmith at the age of 26 invented and patented a lid that screwed onto his screw on glass jar. Since then the Mason Jar has had hundreds of shapes and lid/cap designs (one of the gifts mentioned in the past article was for a sprout gift that has a sprout lid you can purchase). John did not make any money on his invention due to the patent ending in 1879.

The lid was invented first with a tin jar (not glass) not until 1873 with a glass jar. 

1884 after the patent ran out Jarden Home Brands BALL Canning jars were sold. They now make 17 jars per second.

Some OLD Mason Ball Jars are worth some GOOD money. In 2016 on eBay an Antique Rare 3-L BALL Quart Jar in Amber Honey Swirl Circa 1896-1910 sold for $2,499.99.

The above Vintage Blue Pint Ball Perfect Mason #5 Circa 1910-1923 can be purchased for $600 on eBay.

The Universal Mason Jar from 1937, less than 50 ever made. Even rarer are 4 Buffalo Mason Jars in the color amber. You can date a Ball jar by its logo. 

Sunday (9/23/18) is the 1st Day of Fall/Autumn. Happy Canning!

I hope you enjoyed these fun facts, come join me on Facebook

Christmas Gift Ideas, You say" too Early"?

Plan for Business Gifts to give to your Loyal Client's

Christmas is only 3 months away.

Wednesday Inspiration

These 30 Mason Jar Gifts are too good to pass up or to not pass onto you. The ones I have listed I would give to business clients. Many of the other ideas to family or friends.

If you are a business owner, here are some of my favorites that several different bloggers suggest:

Makeup filled Mason Jar

Sugar Cookie Mix (or your favorite) with ornaments attached to the jar that is filled with sprinkles (mini chocolate chips or colors sugars).

Movie Lovers with free printable.

Healthy Sprout Gift 

- sprout lid for wide mouth mason jars 

- sprout seed salad mix

Also Mani-Pedi, Coffee Lover, Tea lover and more.

For Virtual Assistance with your small business, get your free quote here.

Calling all Real Estate Agents

35 Top Ways to Generate Real Estate Leads

Great article by Cornelius Camp 

Cornelius who wrote this article is a Real Estate Agent in Chicago with a great blog, FB, LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter Accounts.  

Some of the unusual lead generators listed in the article were:

#3 Door Hangers- in your real estate area/neighborhoods.

#5 Moving Companies

#13 Pizza Box Advertisement

#14 Termite & Pest Control Companies

#17 Bumper Stickers

#18 Logo on pens, shirts, hats, etc...

#21 Local area stores that have bulletin boards

#22 Garage Sales- Make small talk and find out if they are moving. 

There are 35 suggestions.

Thank you, Mr. Camp, for this informative article. 

Free Virtual Assistance Quote for your business.

Fun Fact Friday 10 Coleman

Camping Equipment

https://www.coleman.com/coleman-history-us.html

     With autumn fast approaching the thoughts of bonfires, cooler weather, hiking, and camping came to my mind. 

     Coleman camping and outdoor recreation equipment is the company that came to mind with the thoughts of autumn for this Fridays Fun Facts. 

     Did you know that the Coleman Company is an American company founded by William Coffin Coleman (1870 - 1957). Now owned by Newell Brands. After Mr. Coleman moved to Witchita Kansas in 1902 he started this company with the new light he found using gasoline instead of kerosene in 1909 due to the brighter white light that it gave off. Then in 1914 the Coleman lantern. 1950's their insulated cooler. 1960's tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and heaters.

     My small business CLFFG (Creating Leverage For Focused Growth) for your virtual assistance has brought you these interesting facts. Get your free quote today on my facebook page.

Wednesday Inspiration 8

Bonfire Picture

Stare at this picture for a minute or two. What did you think of first?

Inspiration Wednesday

With fall/Autumn approaching this bonfire picture evoked memories of my childhood. I am a mid-westerner (Illinois) originally and I belonged to Campfire Girls (like Girl Scouts). 

For many summers I would go to their camp in Wisconson (Camp Tiliaka) where we would sing, fellowship, learn and eat smores around the campfire.

What memory did you think of first when you saw this bonfire picture?

Come, join me on facebook and tell us what your memory was when you stared at this bonfire picture.

Have You Heard of Skillshare?

Would you like to learn a new skill?

Skillshare is a hub for online learning.
They are NOT accredited

https://www.skillshare.com/

They have classes on design, business, technology, photography, entrepreneurship, film, writing and more. Their classes are taught by experts (?) in each field. After watching a class you can complete a

project to increase/improve your learning on that topic. You may also ask questions about the class and get feedback. 

Because it is online and has an app, you can learn from anywhere.

They offer 23,000+ classes.

Special right now (Sept. 2018) of 1 month FREE. They usually have a trial for 2 months, which is .99 cents. No commitments and you can cancel anytime (If you don't cancel within the 2-month trial they will charge you $15 mo. or $99 annually.) vs my daughter watched a youtube video on it and they gave a free link for the 2 months (you still have to use Paypal or something to register).

If you are a teacher in a specific field (expert) you can sign up to teach. You would create your first class, engage with students and then earn revenue.

They are also on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Tamirstewartvirtualassistant/