Precious Metals

Digging my (high) heels in

 

Recently, I was fortunate enough to sit down with Gina McNew of The Stiletto Monologues, a great women-focused radio show. Here's a little bit about the Gina and her show:

Almost every woman is familiar with the expression, "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it."  I know the expression was meant to inspire and motivate, but I personally couldn't get past the visualization of large, pink, cotton panties blowing in the breeze on a clothes line.  I had to find another expression to motivate myself to do those things that felt intimidating.  That is when I chose to coin the phrase, "Put on your big girl shoes and HEEL thyself."  For me, the simple act of putting on a pair of heels can and does impact the rest of my day.  A journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step...where do you want to go?  Can we get there together?

I love Gina's sense of humor - and her passion for helping women pick themselves up by the bootstraps and live the lives they want to live! We had great fun talking together. Here's a little bit about me - and an outline of what we discussed:

After being a stay at home mom for several years, Deanna Brown was ready to re-enter the workforce and focus her energy toward new avenues.  She wanted to achieve the personal satisfaction of creating something new and seeing it evolve and grow.  Tapping in to her affinity for watching a plan come together-visualizing the results and then achieving them-Deanna wanted to try "making it" outside the home.

Ultimately, like many women, Deanna was searching for the self-worth and confidence she could achieve outside her role as a stay at home mom-she was ready to move to "phase 2" with the overwhelming support of her family.  For Deanna, that meant joining forces with some great friends to start her own business. 

Though her business is young - she co-founded Golden Girls a little over 2 years ago-Deanna has worked to develop a great sense of business savy, using her adaptability to propel her company toward exponential and sustained growth.  Since 2008, Golden Girls has provided more than 300 women with flexible income, creating jobs across the US and Canada.  The company has also provided over 90,000 guests a safe, trusted solution for selling their gold.  Lastly, the team has donated nearly $600,000 to over 1,300 deserving charities and organizations around the world.

Pull up a comfy chair, kick off your heels and listen in to this very inspiring conversation.   Deanna proves that if you have a dream and a desire YOU can make it happen!

Check out Deanna's company at http://www.GoldDoesGood.com. 

Visit our show page on FB for additional details and a little behind the scenes with Deanna at http://www.facebook.com/TheStilettoMonologues.

To listen to our interview, visit The Stiletto Monologues site and click the "Audio" tab.

Thanks again, Gina, for the opportunity!

Love yourself.

 

February is American Heart Month.  And with the theme of all things love (Valentine’s Day, Cupid and all that wonderfully mushy stuff), what better way to celebrate than to love yourself? 

One of the best ways we can love ourselves is to take care of our bodies – and this month, the focus is on the heart.  The CDC has some interesting facts about heart disease:

Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death

About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.

The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future. For more information on heart disease and stroke, visit CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

Indeed, these are some eye-opening statistics.  We all need to reduce our stress, eat healthier and be more active.  However, as a mom, wife and business owner, I know first-hand how hard it can be for women to put themselves first.  Some interesting info on women and heart disease:

Women and Heart Disease: Quick Facts

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths.

In 2007, heart disease was the cause of death in 306,246 females.

Heart disease is often perceived as an "older woman's disease," and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. However, heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years. Remember that many cases of heart disease can be prevented!

For more information and facts on women and heart disease, see the Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet.

Here are some ways that we, as women and self-care advocates, can help spread the word and raise awareness and funds:

Women and Heart Disease Campaigns

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion, and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

The Hearth Truth Campaign is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease. The campaign created and introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wakeup call to American women. The Red Dress alerts women of The Heart Truth message: "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear; It is the #1 Killer of Women."

For even more information, visit the American Heart Association online.  How will you remember American Heart Month?  And how do you stay healthy?  Share your thoughts here!

Small people doing big things

With all the bad news that seems to be plaguing our world, I wanted to share some inspiration – some good news.  Even in the midst of a national tragedy, some people (more specifically, small people) are striving to do good.  I love this recent story of a big-hearted boy who did what he could to make a difference:

Boy, 9, Sells Toys To Raise $2.85 For Giffords

Nine-year-old Isaac Saldana of Tucson, Ariz., was so upset when he heard about the shootings in his hometown that he felt compelled to do something in response.

"Me and my brother were about to go walk the dog when we saw them saying on TV that a little girl and Gabrielle Giffords got shot," he told HuffPost. "I just thought, whoa! I didn't know that people carry around guns here in Tucson. It scared me a little."

Saldana said he decided the best way to help would be to gather some of his toys from home, as well as a bracelet his father had brought him after one his deployments as a U.S. Marine, and sell them at school to raise money for Giffords.

"I felt really bad about Gabrielle being in the hospital and getting shot, so I just wanted to help her," he said.

After raising a total of $2.85, Saldana put the money into an envelope with a get-well card and mailed it to Giffords' hospital room. His mother, Aracely Saldana, said she had no idea what he was up to.

"I didn't even know what was going on," she told HuffPost. "I received an email from his teacher saying she just wanted to give me a heads-up that she caught him in class selling toys, so she took his backpack away later that day. I asked him what was going on and he told me the reason he was doing it was that he was trying to raise money to send to Gabrielle."

Aracely Saldana, 30, said that when she learned her son had raised the money and mailed it to Giffords without her knowing, she was so touched that she teared up.

Across the country, another nine-year-old offers inspiration:

Girl Gives Up Birthday Presents for Abused Animals

Every child looks forward to their birthday, and this year, Karlie Smick has a lot to celebrate.

"I am 8, but I'm turning 9 this week," Karlie said.

This year, Karlie is passing up the cake and ice cream. Instead, she's collecting donations for her charity: Karlie's Cause.

"She came to me when she was 6 years old, going on 7," said Karlie's mom, Kelly-Jean Smick. "She told me that, 'you know mom, Santa brings me enough presents. I don't need any more toys. How about we do something for the animals'?"

On her seventh and eighth birthdays alone, Karlie collected more than 500 pounds of pet food and hundreds of dollars.

But an 8-year-old passing up a party and presents? It is almost hard to believe.

"I have more of a heart of animals than any of that," Karlie said. "I wouldn't want a party or gifts. Well, the gifts I get enough for Christmas. But the party, I'm just not a partier."

The donations from Karlie's Cause help abused animals. This year, she's giving to Ziggy's Friends Rescue in Grafton.

"Unbelievable! Karlie gave up her birthday presents, but she gave us a present," said June Arnesen, owner of Ziggy's Friends Rescue, a rescue effort with Paws in the Woods. "A little kitty, they thought had a broken leg, a hurt leg. Turned out, she needed hip surgery. That's $350 just for that, and I also was going to spade her. You're talking $600."

The money Karlie raised this year will help Scooter, an abused cat that needed surgery. Karlie gets donors as far as California and New York.

"Makes you want to cry cause you're just so proud of her," her mom said. "I mean, like you said, how many kids do you know at 6 years old have the empathy and love for the animals and know that there are animals out there in need of homes and food?"

Karlie said she wants others to help those less fortunate, especially, furry friends.

"The animals here, if they don't have food and they don't have the water, they're probably going to die," Karlie said. "Pets are not our whole life, but they make our life whole."

These are just a few examples that show us how important it is for us to teach our children about giving back and making a difference.  And about forgoing our own luxuries in efforts to help others. 

But it is also stories like these that remind me how much we can, in turn, learn from our children.  The earnestness and eagerness of these children is indeed inspiring.  I am humbly reminded how easy it is to give back.  And how easy it can be.

So if nine-year-olds have got it down, then what’s our excuse?

I cleaned out my house. Now what?

 

 

If you’re like me, you’re on an all-out, no-holds-barred redecorating and organizational kick.  Maybe it’s because I get bored easily, but I love to change things up.  And what better excuse to inspire some change than a freshly cleaned out home?  Last week, Lisa blogged about cleaning out our clutter and donating clothes, books and more to charity.  And now that the old is gone, I am on a mission to revamp for the new year!

One of my favorite ways to add some pizzazz includes introducing small elements in my home (here and there) that really punch things up.  Who has the money for a complete overhaul, anyway?  And even if we think we can afford it, there are many ways we can ramp up our style without ramping up our credit card bills.  (Save some money and pay off some bills or start that college fund.  The kids aren’t getting any younger, after all.)

I love these tips and tricks from the Smart Cookies.  They focus on easy ways to cut costs when adding style to your home.

5 Sweet Tips for Saving Money at Home

With the new year comes a fresh financial start.  But if you think gaining ground on your finances means making a major sacrifice in style, fear not!  With a little spending savvy, you can save money for those big-ticket purchases you pine for – after all, you have to save in order to splurge!

1.      Fashion a Vision Board. 

Annual Savings = Infinite

2.     Brighten Up with Sweet Deals on Paint. 

Annual Savings = $40 (based on painting one room with two gallons)

3.     Make Clever Cabinetry and Countertop Choices. 

Annual Savings = 80% off retail

4.     Pick a Programmable Thermostat. 

Annual Savings = $248

5.     Consider Repro vs. Real. 

Annual Savings = 20% (or more! off the original)

Check out the full article – and details on how to implement these tips – on the Smart Cookies page here.

So how do you save money at home?  Share your tips here!

What to do with your old stuff in the New Year

Now that 2011 is in full swing, we’re cleaning things out and looking toward a new year.  And what better way to de-clutter than to donate?  Here are some great ways to give your stuff to charity from Daily Candy.  (Note: though some of these charities are exclusive to the Los Angeles-area, they provide good ideas and inspiration to donate locally.  And some even may have chapters in your area.)

Sweet Charity: Where to Donate Your Stuff

You can’t wait 363 days to regift that Snuggie. Donate it — and anything else that’s cluttering your crib — to end 2010 with a clean closet and start 2011 with a good conscience.

Operation School Bell
What: Give your gently worn casual clothes, bags, shoes, and never-been-used toiletries.
Why: The organization accepts items of many kinds in order to provide school attire and more for disadvantaged kids and teens.
When: Reopens Jan. 3. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appt.
Where: 1370 N. Saint Andrews Pl., at De Longpre Ave., Hollywood (323-469-6017).

Dress for Success
What: Drop off new or nearly new professional clothing to the nonprofit, which offers work attire, career development, and confidence boosts to low-income women in more than 75 cities worldwide.
Why: Those Ann Taylor suits in the back of your closet aren’t doing anyone any good.
When: Second Sat. of every month, 9:30 a.m.-noon.
Where: 1680 N. Vine St., at Hollywood Blvd., ste. 900, Hollywood (323-461-1021).

The Colleagues
What: Donate designer clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and upscale home furnishings to the 60-year-old foundation to resell at its vintage store.
Why: Proceeds benefit the Children’s Institute, which helps children who have been exposed to abuse, violence, and other trauma.
When: Reopens Jan. 3. Mon., Thurs. & Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 3312 Pico Blvd., b/t 33rd & 34th Sts., Santa Monica (310-396-7349).

KCRW
What: Get rid of that old clunker in your garage. While you’re at it, ditch your boat, motorcycle, motor home, and airplane. Yes, your airplane.
Why: Tax write-off and KCRW Fringe Benefits card for you, plus the funds support the public radio station’s independent music, culture, and public affairs programming and NPR news.
When: At your convenience.
Where: Call 877-527-9227 to schedule a pickup.

If you can't get to any of these sites above, you can mail your items or drop them off at a pick-up site for several national charities.  Here are a few more ways I love doing good with my old things:

Nike Reuse-a-Shoe

Clean out your closet, take a peek under the bed and ask your friends and family – chances are, you'll find a few pairs of kicks lying around that have seen better days.

When it's time to say goodbye, bring your athletic shoes to any Nike Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off location – there are more than 200 locations in eight countries around the world, including all U.S. Nike stores.

The shoes are then recycled and used for wheelchair-accessible synthetic sports courts, indoor running tracks, playground and safety surfaces and more.

Vietnam Veteran's Association

They have both pick up service and drop off service.  There is a limit on the number of books you can donate at one time (2 bags or 2 boxes in my area).  Not all areas have pick up service. They will also allow you to set up a monthly pick up   This is a great way to keep the volume of stuff in your home under control.  Simply set up a donation area in your home and fill up the yellow bag they give you every month.

If you're looking for more, check out JustGive.org.  This site provides a great list of places to donate just about anything!  Whether you want to donate books, furniture, household goods or clothing, computers, cars, cell phones, pet supplies, eyeglasses - or even your hair - you can find a resource here.  

So how are you getting this organized in 2011?  And how do you find ways to donate your things?  Share your thoughts here!

 

Party for a purpose!

I am so very thrilled to announce that our company, Golden Girls, has been named a finalist in the Vivanista Parties for a Purpose Contest!  Here's a bit about the contest:

Our goal is to incite volunteers, those who contribute their time and effort to charitable fundraising, to share ideas and tips with others doing the same around the country. We believe the benefit is that if best practices are shared, fundraisers will become more effective thereby increasing funds and, ultimately, greater good is contributed to society.

Vivanista’s 2010 Parties For A Purpose Video Contest seeks the most innovative fundraising party ideas. Regardless of the size or theme, participants are encouraged to share altruistic and creative parties they have attended, planned, or would like to create.

And here is our video submission:

 

To vote for our video, just click the "thumbs up" underneath our video on the Vivanista Parties with a Pupose Voting Page.

Thanks for your continued support!

 

What was I thinking?!

 

So this was my library just a few days ago.  For some reason, we made the not-so-wise decision to remodel our laundry room the week before Christmas - with guests on the way.  Yikes!  And yes, that is a pile of dirty laundry on the floor (hey, we were without a washing machine for a week!).

Luckily, everything got finished up before the holiday - but with the tornado of presents, kids and one mischevious puppy, I think our mess may be worse now!  But that's what it's all about, right?

So, how did you spend the holidays?  Share your experiences here!

Five fantastic financial Christmas gifts ideas for children

As the holidays approach, I (like many moms) am struggling with what to get my kids for Christmas.  As a parent, I want to do what’s best for them – encouraging their innocence and belief in all things magical, without allowing them to get carried away or greedy.

And in my travels around the Internet, I came across a great article:

5 Fantastic Financial Christmas Gifts Ideas for Children

by Miranda Marquit

Let’s be honest. Your child doesn’t need yet another toy. Sure, they’re fun, but after a couple of weeks, toys are forgotten or broken (or both). Plus, what long-term benefit does a toy offer? None. In these economic times, you might try something a little bit different. If there are kids in your life, you might consider providing them with a financial gift. There are any number of useful financial gifts that can keep on giving — while providing children with a solid financial foundation for the future.

Piggy Bank

Young children get a thrill out of opening presents, and you can provide this thrill while giving something practical. There are any number of piggy banks out there designed to help children begin learning money management. These banks often have divisions so that children can see that some money is for saving, some is for spending, and some is for other purposes. Include a roll of coins with the gift, and the child can immediately begin learning valuable financial planning lessons.

College Savings Accounts

Consider opening a 529 plan for a child on your list. In many cases, you can do this with as little as $25. Then, for every gift-giving occasion, you can add a little more money to the 529 plan. It will encourage the child to make his or her own contributions — and maybe even spur the child’s parents into action. This is a gift that offers tax advantages to the recipient, teaches the power of compound interest, and encourages sound financial habits. Plus, in some states, you can receive a state tax advantage for your contribution. Make sure that you check the restrictions of the plan before you invest. CollegeAdvantage.com is offering a $25 bonus to get started with a 529 College Savings for your child.

Coins

My grandmother gave me a silver dollar as a gift once. That silver dollar, minted in the 1800s, is worth about $22 today if melted down, according to coinflation.com. Coins can be fun gifts for children to receive. Consider giving gold coins or silver coins. These are small, shiny gifts that light up the eyes, and are likely to appreciate in value over time. At the very least, they are unlikely to decline in value. Make sure you get these coins from a reputable source.

Editor’s Note: Find several coin options at the U.S. Mint. I really like these Chinese Silver Panda coins from APMEX. I have no idea if they are priced correctly at $35, but I would have treasured one of these as a kid.

Roth IRA

This one is a little trickier. The child in question will need to have earned income. If you are thinking of a gift for a teenager with an after school job, a Roth IRA might be the way to go. You can contribute the amount of the child’s earned income — up to Roth IRA limits — to a retirement account that can benefit the child for years. Plus, withdrawals are tax-free for the recipient once he or she reaches a certain age. On top of that, there are certain conditions (such as education) that allow for penalty-free withdrawals for the recipient. This is another gift that teaches the value of compound interest while it keeps on giving.

Savings Bonds

My husband’s grandmother gave him a savings bond one year for Christmas when he was younger. It actually came in quite handy just after we were married, both in school, out of work, and in need of groceries. Savings bonds may not offer huge returns, but they do provide a gift that appreciates over time, and it provides a powerful example. You can even print out a gift certificate from the Treasury’s web site so that the recipient can have something tangible. Bonus: In most cases, the earnings from savings bonds are exempt from federal taxes if the child uses the money to pay for college.

There is no reason to give children useless toys for Christmas. You can offer something much more valuable: A good financial start and solid financial advice. What are some of the best money-related gifts you have given or received over the years?

So what do you think?  Is giving your kids financial-focused gifts something you would do?  Or do you prefer to keep the holidays more light-hearted?  Do you encourage your kids to learn responsibility early?  Or is getting them to hold on to the innocence of childhood the way to go? 

Share your thoughts here!

Giving back for all ages

Last week, I introduced you all to my new favorite parenting site, What's Up Sippy Cup.  Well Jessie, one of the blog owners, was kind enough to allow me to write a post for this week's Weekly Dish! 

I decided to write about something that is dear to me: giving back.  It's something I've helped weave into the fabric of my business - and it's also something encourage my family to do together...

Weekly Dish on Giving Back - by Deanna Brown
Like all moms, finding that perfect life balance is a constant struggle (and I often write about it on my blog). But let’s get real. At times, we do a better job of balancing than others, but is the balance every really “perfect?” I think not. But I also think there are things we can do to help keep our sanity. And make the most of the time we have.

As a working mom, one of the ways I try to balance my life is to purposefully segment time for work and time for family. And boy, is it hard – especially since I run my business out of my home. So many times, I feel tempted to take that 7:00 p.m. call or answer that late-night email. But those times are for my family. With a husband and three daughters, it is important for me to dedicate time to them. My kids deserve my undivided attention, and I want them to have great childhood experiences and enjoy making memories as a family.

As I said, it’s a constant struggle. Some days I succeed. Some days I do not. And it gets even more difficult as the holidays approach and schedules become busier. As a little something extra each year, I try and get all our kids’ Christmas-themed storybooks unboxed early (I’d bet we have at least 50!), and in November, we’ll get them out and incorporate them into our nightly ritual.

We have the kids get ready for bed by 8:00 p.m., and they can select a story from the ever-growing stack of Clifford, Angelina Ballerina, around-the-world-themed and other holiday-centric books. We spend about 30 minutes together as a family – all crammed into my bed – reading, laughing and making memories. And this is a special time we set aside. No matter what. After all, the small moments like these are the ones that really count.

Now, as we enter the holidays, I am thinking of ways we can really dig deeper during our “family time.” My girls are getting old enough to understand what giving back is all about, but it can be challenging to find something a four-year-old, an eight-year-old and a 10-year-old all enjoy doing. At the same time. But I’ve been looking. Oh boy, have I been looking. Here are a few of my finds:

For the hands-on family
One of the best ways we can give back is to serve. And what better way than to get your hands dirty? I enjoyed volunteering at soup kitchens (often in partnership with local churches) as a college student, and I look forward to getting my girls involved. During the holiday season, these kitchens will be fuller than ever, and I’ll encourage my family not only to serve, but to enjoy a meal with those less fortunate, as well.

If you want to shield your young ones from too much interaction (and trust me, I’m on the fence when it comes to my four-year-old), there are great organizations that let you work with your hands, but keep the interaction to a minimum.

In my hometown, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hosts Family Volunteer Days:
Family Volunteer Day provides families in the community with the opportunity to learn about the patients and families we serve at Children's while working on service projects that benefit them. It is held in our hospital conference center and does not involve patient interaction. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you here!

I think this is a great option for introducing volunteering to little ones.

For the li’l shopanista
Operation Christmas Child is something my family and I have enjoyed doing for years. Each year, my girls choose a child to buy for (often they choose girls close to their own ages), and we set out to fill a shoebox with toys. The older they get, the more they understand. And they always have fun with the challenge of stuffing as much as possible into the boxes! This is another great, real-world way to introduce your young children to the concept of philanthropy.

For the techie ‘tween
A friend recently told me about a great initiative that JC Penney is doing. When you visit the retailer’s website, you can participate in The Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree Online. We have adopted families in the past, but our local church has since discontinued the program – so I was thrilled to find out about this!

And it’s perfect for ‘tweens! They can (with your permission, of course) browse the latest looks and place gifts in their virtual shopping carts. And then check out with a credit card. They’ll love it!

For the do-good donor
Toy drives (like Toys for Tots) and food banks are also great ways to give back. Shopping as a family for favorite foods and toys is always fun. And the more personal you can make it, the more your kids will respond. We love letting out girls pick out five of their favorite foods – and one favorite toy – each. Then, we’ll deliver the items as a family.

For the giving grown-up
In addition to giving back as families, we can, as adults, lead the way. With our different friend groups, we can take initiative. For example, just this Halloween, my neighbors and I were planning a costume party and chili cook-off. We got together and decided to turn it into a canned food drive, as well. So easy!

In fact, the giving continues through my company, Golden Girls. We host in-home gold-buying parties, and each party hostess chooses a charity beneficiary for each party. It’s another great (and easy!) way to get together with friends to give back.

And this season, Golden Girls invites its guests to Share the Shine. Check it out for a great way to have fun with your girlfriends, make some extra holiday cash – and most importantly – give back!

So, how do you find time to give back? Do you volunteer serving food? Donate items to a drive? And if you’re still looking for more family-friendly ideas, check out these great project suggestions from Family Cares.

Happy holidays – and happy giving back! 



What's Up Sippy Cup

 

A friend recently turned me on to this super-cute blog: What's Up Sippy Cup.  Wish you'd thought of the name?  Me too!

Anyway, Christmas over at the What's Up Sippy Cup blog is in full swing - and I love it!  Right on the homepage, there are several great ideas and opportunities.  Between letters to Santa, a bad photo contest and a jam-packed gift guide, this blog has got it all! 

I particularly love the gift guide.  It goes beyond the typical "gifts for mothers" and "gifts for fathers" suggestions to include unique ideas for foodies (and winos, ha!), entertainment junkies, people with a slew of different hobbies and more.  Needless to say, I have spent quite some time this afternoon perusing all the great options - and I think I have some fun ideas to finish up my holiday shopping!

All in all, What's Up Sippy Cup is a terrific site - for moms, dads and anyone who wants to stay in the know about family fun.  So be sure to check it out - the content changes often, so there's always something new to read and discover.

Happy browsing!