It’s spring and 67 degrees F out. The sun is shining and I can hear the wind in the trees. Oh wait, scratch that. I can’t hear it because I’m inside. And all I hear is the expressway. These are the days when the only time I get out is to check the mail. How ridiculous is that? I’m either working on a project, reading up on a topic that I swear I’ll find my next big a-ha in, or brainstorming and mapping out my next project. I’m like obsessed with personal growth and super curious about all things.

My brain has a hard time shutting down. I have to force myself to get out and leave it alone for a while. It’s true sometimes I get distracted with a new show I start watching… ahem, The Walking Dead. Jesus, I was hooked. And I can tell you I am so ready for a zombie apocalypse! I know exactly where I need to attack and how to strategically venture out and find food. YES, I’m a survivor. I just know it!

Ok, I’m back… So um it’s not all work. Sometimes zombies too.

And still totally true that the life of a Soloprenuer is just that. Solo. which can lead to lomo (aka lonely motherfucker).

What’s important to soloprenuers is GSD (gettinshitdone). That’s obvi. We spend way too much time at home working. Especially if we are part of a virtual team. Because there’s that illusion that uh we are not really alone.

Yes, we are all in this together. Yes, we all desire connection. It’s just that you have to have a little discipline even for the fun stuff. I don’t care who you are, connection fuels our energy. Whether it’s with one person or a group gathering. Here’s the big Q, how can you connect with others when you’d rather be home working, learning, reading (insert your own favorite personal growth activity). You can’t. So here is the jist of something fun that’s going down real soon. I’m starting a local breakfast group for personal growth + development junkies. That way at least we can hang with each other, get in some social time and talk about our latest read.

Let’s Be Disciplined AND Fun.

I mean have you ever heard the word discipline and fun in the same sentence? Usually discipline brings up memories of failed diet attempts or working out at the gym. For purposes of right now, discipline means to just get the fuck out of the house. Okay?

So here’s what to do about that. Block out some time and GET OUT. I know I know meeting up friends in a loud bar is not appealing. Nor is eating a greasy plate of mexican food. (If you don’t know or can’t tell… I’m a Houstonian.) Or maybe the thought of sitting in a movie theater and the torture of the smell of movie popcorn makes you think about those two hours that’ll be spent wasted + craving trans fat when there’s so much to do!

Let’s meet in the middle, alright?

How about you go to an event where you can learn a little something. This way you’re not completely jolted out of your craving for knowledge and progress. Being able to relax and completely mentally check out is super important too but not just yet…baby steps. Take a photography class, go to a toastmasters meet up, or be healthy and social and just invite some friends to a juice bar and catch up. Whatever you do, get some contact with people IRL. You will be inspired, promise. Plus you might meet someone you want to collaborate with in your biz and that’s pretty much the thing to do these days.

If you want to fast track your biz and at the same time have a life, set up a Rebel WITH a Cause Clarity Session. Contact me. It’s a free 1-hour call ($197 value) designed to help you get crystal clear on what you want and what might be holding you back from getting it. You’ll leave with at least one a-ha and a few action steps that you’ll eat right up because you dig that kind of stuff.

la la love you, Marla

I want to help everyone and anyone who is motivated to change for the better. So this quote from the book I’m reading right now really simplified it all. Basically, you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. But this way sounds smarter…

A person will remain weak, dependent and miserable by refusing to raise his or her consciousness. to quote James Allen in As a Man Thinketh,

“A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must be strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition.”

In the book, Prosperity Mind by Randy Gage

I am surprised to find myself as a Nerium Brand Partner, but I just couldn’t resist! I’ve discovered that Relationship Marketing is such a fascinating profession. And it took Nerium to show me that. My grandmother use to sell Avon, and I know people who sell nutrition products, jewelry, and handbags.

But what’s interesting is that there are many new people making a go at it, like me! I never in a million years thought I’d be doing this. But once I realized what the profession and Nerium the company was about, I was sold. This would not have happened with any other product or company. Plus it goes so well with the live better, look better theme.

I would never sell vitamins because I’m so particular about what I take. Jewelry and handbags, no thanks. I don’t want to have to carry around a trunk full of merchandise. Nevermind the fact that I’d have to buy all of my product supply. That cost adds up. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great from some! I’m just saying, for me, it’s not. I like SIMPLE.

Why Nerium International?

• Nerium AD works. It’s proven. The only question is, how good is this natural-based night treatment going to work for you? It tested to be up to 65% effective in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and clearing skin problems of all types in a 90 day period.
• They give back 30% of the Nerium AD proceeds to do further research for cancer treatment, HIV/aids treatments and other medical research using the nerium oleander molecule.
• NeriumAD eliminates the need for toxic injectables and fillers, facelifts, eyelids and other invasive surgeries. YAY for eliminating toxins.
• They are into helping teens. The book Success for Teens has a 10 million distribution. Free books for schools and organizations!
• They are officially partnered with Boys and Girls Club.
• Nerium ripple. They know it’s important to individually take responsibility to changing the world. Real people, positively influencing those around them.
• Nerium Gives Back. The cost to continue this business is null. With the Nerium Gives Back program, I don’t pay for my own personal bottle, or additional product. As I organically grow so does my supply at no cost to me.
• It was discovered in my own backyard. Texas y’all!

Now, about the product and my results!

Before Nerium AD
I tried the product before I signed on as Brand Partner. Before NeriumAD, my skin was not smooth, and super dry. Flaking. Itchy. There was uneven skin texture and I was definitely showing signs of aging. My neck felt real dry and rough too. This kinda freaked me out. WTH. I was trippin. I’m too young for this!

When I put on makeup it felt dry and gross. There were a couple of deep lines around my mouth. And my pores, let’s just say, could be smaller. I was breaking out and that was leaving marks on my face. I was getting facials 2x a month because I was desperate to fix what was wrong. That adds up real quick.

In the last six months I spent about $1800+ on facial services and products. That’s just crazy! In the next 6 months I’ll spend $60.00. That’s for $9.95 a month for shipping my bottle of NeriumAD. Well, plus I’m sure I’ll get a facial every now and then. It’s so relaxing. But it’ll be for fun not necessity.

After NeriumAD
I definitely don’t feel any signs of aging. This feeling was within the first week. My skin, neck, and chest are as soft as a baby’s ass. For real y’all. The deep lines around my mouth have diminished about 60%. And this is in about 5 weeks. I don’t think I knew how good my skin could feel and look until this.

All I can say is give it a chance. A full 30-day chance and see for yourself. There’s a 30-day money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose. Go here if you’re curious. You won’t be sorry.

“How do you work from home?”

People ask me that a lot. And I’ve never been able to answer that question. Now it’s very clear. I decided a long time ago, working in an office is NOT for me. Once I was committed to that, I just kept moving forward. I also read A LOT of personal development books, I make goals and take action, I surround myself with quality people and jam on my dreams.

Am I where I want to be right now? No. Will I ever be? Probably not. It’s too much fun to keep growing.

I’ve been in the startup world for a while, and now that I’ve added a health coach certification to my life and have jumped in the relationship marketing profession I’m HAVING A BLAST! I’ve discovered that this profession is exactly what I’ve been asking for. It helps people LIVE BETTER. It’s based in personal development. I’m surrounded by quality people. I DREAM consistently. I’m being proactive and doing things every day to make things happen.

As Art Jonak simply says about relationship marketing, “It’s a profession that is built upon believing in someone’s potential.” It pushes people up as opposed to some other professions.

I’ve recently listened to an interview with Art Jonak and found it super INSPIRING! He’s got a great story. It’s a truly refreshing interview by Lisa Asbell. Below is just one of my favorite parts.

From comfort to success, the effort is the same as from crisis to comfort. You already have what it takes (to be successful) you just need to fine tune it and point it in the right direction.

The difference is:

From crisis to comfort, there are OUTSIDE forces forcing you to do what you need to do. It’s the teacher and parents telling you to get a good grade, a flat tire you have to get fixed, your boss telling you to finish that report, etc. So why not have your own dreams and desires force you?

From comfort to success, your INSIDE forces motivate THAT. It’s your desires, your dreams, where you want to go, and that’s why for some people it’s not as effective. And that’s why we have to feed that with associations like belief, books, webinars.

The effort is the same.

NICE.

You only have so many hours in the day. If you’re working most of them on an hourly wage and if you’re still not able to make it, you have to ask yourself what else can I do?! Ask yourself why you are willing to be uncomfortable in your current situation, but not willing to be uncomfortable to try something new and change your life.

Ready for change?

1. Read. Start with The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olsen
2. Dream. Ask yourself where you want to be in 5 years?
3. Are you hanging with friends who dream and celebrate your dreams? If not, you need to move along.

Some books mentioned in the interview:

• The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olsen
• Linchpin, by Seth Godin
• The Go Giver, Bob Burg and John David Mann

Do yourself a favor, and listen to this interview below. It’s about an hour long, you’ll be glad you did.

What do I love more than 30 day challenges? Detoxing. I like the idea of removing toxins from my body. I know that there are some things I need to get better at about detoxes. Like coming off of them. I figure it’s Spring and the time is perfect to kick one off.

The Fast Track Detox is by Ann Louise Gittleman, PH.D. I have been a fan of hers for quite some time. I’ve used some of her essentials, like the water/cranberry cocktails for years. Even implementing only some of her tips will help to stay healthy and feel better. Friends I tell about it absolutely love it.

So I’m on day two of the detox. The first 7 days is considered The Prequel. The eighth day is The Fast. And the last three days is The Sequel.

Why detox? Because it helps my body to function better, higher energy levels, and makes me even more aware of the pollution in my food and environment. I never thought I’d sound like a hippie. Anyways, I’ll post a follow up on results.

Peace, love, and organic.

Winding down from the first annual Dad 2.0 Summit at the Hyatt Lost Pines. It was amazing. Everything from the programming right down to the Dads and their private Facebook group. Hilarious. You should go just to get in on that. They are a very lively bunch and passionate about fatherhood.

I enjoyed meeting everyone I ran across. I’m Dad 2.0′s Media and Technology Director. So basically everything digital, audio, visual, and marketing related. These events are a blast but impossible to completely take in since my feet are just now getting back to normal. There was a lot of walking and a lot of laughing. The founders of Dad 2.0, John and Doug, make a great team.

The sponsor love that was happening this past weekend was awesome. The crossover between LG and Xbox couldn’t have been more perfect. Johnson & Johnson, Honda, and Zatarain’s rocked it out too. Chef John Besh is super cool and I’ll be posting my photo with him as soon as our photographer, Michael, gets them in my hands. The brand panel forum which was an open conversation about brands and dad bloggers working together was in my top three. But probably because the other top two were the keynotes, Guy Kawasaki and Jonathan Fields. I dig Guy’s practical approach to business and life. And Jonathan’s approach to living life and working business mindfully.

Even though a monsoon blew threw that weekend, this event was easily a success.

I love 30 day challenges and trying new things so when my friend Jared mentioned doing the Paleo 30 day challenge I was game. I’ve been avoiding meats for quite some time. This was a flip I had to switch in my head. But I’m willing to experiment with foods so I went with it. I saw this as a great opportunity to see what the difference was between eating raw vegan to eating the Paleo way. There are all kinds of really good websites out there that focus on this lifestyle very well. Some of my faves are robbwolf.com and marksdailyapple.com.

What’s Paleo? Basically eating Paleo involves eating grass fed meat, fish, vegetables, a little fruit, and a touch of nuts and seeds. Whole foods that are organic, local, and seasonal. No dairy. No grains. No legumes. It’s popular in the CrossFit community.

Ok so what really made me want to try this? I figured since I was starting Camp Gladiator, trimming my menu would probably give me some great results.

Week One
The first week of the challenge I had a headache that lasted about 3 days. This usually happens when I stop eating sugar so I’m use to this and got through week 1 with no problem. I have been taking it easy on the fruit because I usually eat a ton of it.

Week Two
Week two was good, but I started getting a little sick of eating meat. Going from eating meat every now and then to daily 3x a day was a bit much. I probably should have eased into it. 20/20. But I committed myself to this so I followed through. I figured if I stick to grass fed beef 1x a week, chicken and fish for the most part I’ll make it.

Week Three
I officially had no cravings for junk food. This made me super happy. While I was doing a raw vegan challenge I didn’t have any cravings either. So this got me to thinking about cravings and why they exist. It obviously is not because of animal protein.

Week Four and beyond
I breezed through week four and now that the 30 day Paleo challenge is officially over, I’m still keeping to my no grains, no legumes, and no dairy protocol. It was easy sticking to the Paleo way of eating even while I was out of town. I did drink alcohol after the 30 days, but I’m back to eating clean again and am diggin it. I took my measurements before and after. I find this better to track than weight, especially since I’ve been working out, muscles have been gained. Turns out I lost 5.5 inches in 30 days. Not bad for never feeling miserable or deprived ever.

Results
Here are some results from a couple of blood tests. For the most part the numbers went down. But my ratios went up slightly. This has me researching if this makes a difference either way.

Jan 2012
Cholesterol , total 198
Triglycerides, 105
HDL Cholesterol (“good” cholesterol), 79
LDL 98
LDL/HDL ratio, 1.24
Cholesterol/HDL ratio, 2.5
Glucose, 90
Alkaline Phosphatase (liver), 81

March 2012
Cholesterol, total 155
Triglycerides, 35
HDL Cholesterol, 54
LDL, 94
LDL/HDL ratio, 1.74
Cholesterol/HDL ratio, 2.9
Glucose, 80
Alkaline Phosphatase (liver), 60

I wake up to the sound of a foursquare check-in. @Imelda’s foursquare check-in. And it says she is at Great Oaks Manor Bed & Breakfast. Holy Shit I totally forgot about the Art of Mindfulness Workshop that Erica has been working on for quite some time. The first workshop in the series. So yea, was not very mindful of me but hey what’s important is that I got dressed and showed up. I wanted to show my support and I also love the topic. Mindfulness.

I got there at around lunch time. Totally not planned that way. But it was super delicious. Pretty little sandwiches and salads. Anyways, a day with Zen Buddhist Priest Karen Maezen Miller sounds pretty cool to me. I’m pretty much at a time in my life where I am looking for real connections with people. I find that when I get mindful about who I’m conversing with and my intentions then the quality of people around me intensifies. I dig that. Working from home gets lonely, so I have to find people I enjoy being around and ask them out. Imagine that. It use to be soo easy with a job I had to drive to. Automatic friends. Automatic drinking buddies. Automatic gossip mills. Life seems fuller at a job. Fuller turned out to just be just a big distraction. For me anyways, your job can totally rock.

Now I have time to live a more holistic approach to life. I love to be around people who are living a healthy and active lifestyle, are supportive of those around them, can connect on a deeper level, and are on their own path of self-growth.

So I’d like to thank Erica for having this event and bringing people together. The best moment was our conversation at the end after everyone had left for the day. Friends having a conversation about feeding our curiosities and living mindfully.

It’s that time again. The official start date is Tuesday, August 16. End date October 14. I usually do eat pretty healthy, unless I’m on vacation or it’s restaurant week/month in Houston. So for me I like the concept of challenges, it helps me to stay on track. Doing them in a challenge format has really worked to create some healthy habits. Even though I indulge at times, I always go back to eating clean. The difference between the two ways of eating (raw vegan vs. anything goes) is drastic.

I’ve done a 30 day challenge, but this time around I’m going for 60. I’ll also be incorporating juicing. Super excited about that. Thanks Jack LaLanne. So far the juicer is working out great.

I wrote an article on Sexy Food Therapy. I talk about the shift I made in living a healthier lifestyle.

I write about some of the basics over on The Tasteful Life:

Going Raw: The Basics of Adding Whole Foods to Your Lifestyle

Simple Green Smoothie

What does March, Nutrition, and Coconut Oil Have in Common?

3 Fast and Easy Cinco de Mayo Inspired Vegan Recipes

Perfecting Your Smoothie 101

Holy mother of all beach resorts. We spent 4 days at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne planning for the 2012 Mom 2.0 Summit. It was amazing, productive, and relaxing all at the same time.

They have a huge flower arrangement in the lobby. One rose for every room in the hotel.

Ocean view.

Fancy tray of chocolate in room. The cute lighthouse is ALL chocolate too.

Refreshing Ice Imperial champagne drink at Dune. I wrote about the resort restaurants here.

A sample plate of Mochi all to myself. Crazy good.

At the Versace mansion for a meeting.

Very ornate everything. Read and see more of the Versace Mansion here.

Lemonade Vodka drink at Cantina Beach restaurant.

Thanks to the Ritz for being awesome.