Gotta Love Children & the things they say!!!

You got to love kids, their comprehension never ceases to amaze me. My four year old often comes to me with interesting questions, I try hard to answer everything he asks and also remain simple yet still cover the facts. I recently went out of town for Memorial Day Weekend, my son had the chance to see his "papa" for the first time in almost a year, he was a little confused with this man I told him was his grandpa, apparently he did not remember him, and would only recognize my dad who raised me as his grandpa, he started with the questions. I explained that the man I was telling him was his "papa" was my dad even though I called him by his first name. I went on to explain in "4 year old language" how when I was a little girl even younger than he is, that one day I came home with my mom and my "dad" was gone. I elaborated to make sure he understood me. I told him that my dad did not take care of me, he didn't go to work and pay bills and buy me stuff. Then I told him my mom met a new guy a, and he took care of me and raised me, and that is why I call him Dad, and that is why he is your Grandpa. I again stressed,
"you see I came home and he was gone!" My son looked at me and asked, "well did he leave a note? You know to say he was gone or something." I laughed and I could only stand amused with the comprehension of a four year old, he seemed confused yet aware of the situation at the same time. It really it funny how kids pick up on what's real and what only appears to be.

I wrote this to "my Dad" in December of 2006:

So I was sitting here feeling a little bit creative, I must say.

Wanted to go to bed, but I will wait to sleep another day.

How are you doing, I called you but you were too tired to talk.

I feel bad when I call you so much because I do not want to stalk.

Still it is weird and I must let this off my chest…

No matter what you have done in my eyes my father is still the best.

I know in my life I have heard many tainted whispers of deceit.

Still getting to know you was my only greatest feat.

I know I will never get to be “Daddy’s Little Girl”

That’s okay though because I still got your curl…

More than that I must admit…

God has blessed me with your gift of wit.

I know I call another Dad…and he was the best I could have ever had.

Still do you want to know what’s really sad?

I still want to get to know you…oh so bad.

Come on Connie grow up…don’t you have your own baby and life to live?

This is true…I know it is…but if you only knew what I would give…

For my son to know his Grandfather, and see the connection

In my eyes that would almost be a life filled with perfection.

I write this not to disturb your fortitude.

I quit that long ago…being rude.

Just wanted to let you know in case you fail to remember.

The emptiness of my life without you is like a fire with no ember.

Connie Sheeley

Today was a very good day!

I’m listening to Falling in Love with Jesus by Jonathan Butler

I attended my first networking event today, and I met some of the most intriguing and incredible women who reside and run their very own companies right her in the metroplex. I am happy to say, I look forward to many more events and functions like this! These women were very warm, welcoming and supportive of each others business. Let me tell you about them…

AnnMarie Smith – She’s an Independent Consultant for this fascinating company called Taste of Home Entertaining. You know us, women love to entertain guest, family, friends and in-laws. And, we surely love to do it in style. When I tell you that tupperware has been reinvented, IT’S BEEN REINVENTED AND PUT TO SHAME!! J Looking through the catalog has been like reading a great chapter from your favorite novel. You never want to put it down, even though you’ve read (in my case, LOOKED) at it a hundred times. You see something you missed, your understanding breaks down the more, which entices you to read more (in my case, create a shopping list of what I want to buy from this catalog). Okay, so you’re probably wondering what the heck is “Taste of Home Entertaining”. Well I’ll tell you a little bit and then you can check out AnnMarie’s website for more information. TOHE offers beautiful and elegant products to embellish your home when entertaining your guest! They offer Hi-end Vases, Casserole Dishes, Exquisite Lanterns, Musical CD’s to embrace the mood, picnic or moonlighting dishware and complete place settings that I’m sure your visitor’s will talk about time and time again. Until you get the hint of course that their waiting you to spill the beans and share where you got it from! That’s another cool perk; you can partner with AnnMarie and start your own Taste of Home Entertaining Business. The summers coming, and quickly thereafter the merry holidays will be looking for you to do something different and interesting. Check out TOHE and turn your home space into a work of art, better yet turn those dull and “hmm.. What’s the word I’m looking for?” “Yes, Predictable!” home entertainments into a lasting impression and opportunity for someone who may be looking to facelift their home environment or embark upon a new career! Visit http://annemariesmith.tohe.com
Oh wait I almost forgot, AnneMarie offers Bridal Registry!!! So, Brides to be, and Wives to come can register for anniversaries, special events and new house warming parties. Check out our events calendar to see when OfficeLatte wil be attending one of her next parties!

Hilary Johnson – Owner of 57 Design Studio. This lady has a lot of patience and creative talents when it comes to designing the perfect pieces of jewelry. Some are one of kind pieces, while others can compliment women of a bridal party or mother and daughter looking to have a twin night! Anywho, Hilary was able to showcase some of her pieces for us today. They were incredible and beautiful! The prices were just right and the quality spoke very loud and clear! If I were passing your way I’m sure the first thing you’d noticed, besides my billion dollar smile, is the custom blingage draping my neck, wrist and earlobes! For real! J One of the cools things I learned about Hilary is that she’s passionate about every piece she creates, some have taken as long as 4 hours to complete. When I saw it, believe me the woman who adopts it will truly be in for treat. I tried on a lovely necklace, and oh it was to die for! It actually complimented my outfit I eas was wearing; it had matching earrings and a bracelet! It was trademarked with circle shapes, just like OfficeLatte and shared the same similar color pallettes as OfficeLatte! I could see all different types of personalities rocking Artisan Jewelry Handcrafted by Hilary Johnson! Now you’re probably wondering, now what piece is Taylor talking about, I’ve got to see this! Well visit http://www.57designstudio.com or check our events calendar to see when we’ll be attending one of her next exhibits!

Jennifer Luney – Owner of Young Chefs Academy in Carrollton. What she does is very neat! Jennifer combines education and eating into one big happy moment. She runs a cooking school for Kids, having recently just added an Adult Class. I believe the Adult Classes would be a great gift to Newlyweds or Seasoned Couples looking to do something interesting! I know because, I was a hamburger helper pusher. I couldn’t tell you anything about frying chicken or steak some 16 years ago!! YCA offers cooking classes, birthday parties, field trips, summer camps and workshops for children of all ages starting at like 3 years old. I believe it’s so important to keep our children’s mind developing properly and broadening their horizons through positive cultural amusement! It’s also a great “personal to-do thing” with your son or daughter. Your child could use some great formal cooking instructions, as they head off to college or want to be more involved at home. I would absolutely love for my children to have dinner waiting once a week, when coming home from a long day of work! Because Ramen Noodles are starting to, uhh.. Drive me on a hunger strike!! Just kidding, you gotta love those noodles! Hmm.. Maybe Jennifer can teach us how to transform those noodles into a gourmet dish! I know on of her first Adult Classes will be cooking Steak!! Check out http://www.youngchefacademy.com/carrollton to learn more about scheduling a cooking class for the kids or yourself!!

Cindy McMillon – Business Developer for American Receivable. She really broke it down for us, business owners, when it comes to financing business transactions. When I first met her, she stated she was involved with Factoring. I was like oh my, I have no idea, what this is and how could our conversation further if I’m unable to communicate and understand the terminology! But, wait a minute there’s more… I went back to communication 101 – ASK QUESTIONS?! “So Cindy, what is Factoring?” I asked. What a relief, she briefly explained it to me, and later in our networking I was able to listen to her and Jennifer elaborate on Factoring a little more. Here’s what her company had to say about it: “Simply put, factoring is a low-cost form of financing where a company turns its Accounts Receivable over to another company and receives payment early.” I enjoy learning new things; it’s one of the top methods I use to become a successful entreprenuer.

Linda Velasquez – A true Texan and Owner of Howdy Y’all Greeters! She’s the perfect personality that greets new home owners with a pink goodie bag. She made me smile and feel welcomed and I wasn’t even getting a bag! LOLs! Some people were just designed to make others smile and I have to say she is definitely one of them. You know it can be overwhelming when moving into a new home, and what better way to feel a sense of comfort than having a complete stranger come from miles away to say, “Howdy Y’all, Welcome to the Neighborhood!” She sort of reminded me of Paula Dean, the grandmother or mother we all either wish we had, or reminds us of!! So, don’t be shocked when Linda and her team greet you with a heartwarming gift! Now that’s being socially-responsible – even if its just for a moment people are able to smile and forget about their worries, so they can be honored and congratulated for taking a major step to live their american dream of home ownership! You may want to help out, check out her website at http://www.howdyallgreeters.com

And then of course, there’s our Event Moderator…

Ann Wald – Ann is a Financial Services Officer for First Bank. Now, although there are only about 100 FB locations in the DFW Metroplex, I like the fact that the services they can offer are more personal and not overshadowed by poor customer service from MAJOR Banks servicing the locals. Ann’s drive to bring together a group of women from all walks of life - and who all have multiple agendas to reach for success – has built a strong platform for all of us to come together and share our entrepreneurial passions. Today, she graced us with a speaker by the name of Ken Sutter with Ken Sutter Car Care. It was great! We were able to learn valuable information when it comes to caring for our vehicles. Especially during this time of $100 gas fill-ups! He even provided us with a list of “Do It Yourselfers to Manage Your Day to Day Automobile Performance”. Ann is ready to consult you on any of your financial management, portfolio or transactions – personally, professionally and socially! You can find Ann at First Bank, 2012 Midway Road, Plano, TX 75093 972-473-9000

Be Well.. Love much,

Taylor!

Why does rejection sting so bad, and linger like a bad sore?!

I was rejected today from a meeting group I signed up for online! I stated who I was, along with my pic and voiced my interest to be a part of this group – it was a coffee group full of women! Wow! I thought to myself (OFFICE = WOMEN, LATTE = COFFEE)!! Instead of forming my own flock, I thought it would be nice to rally together and join this coffee group! As I patiently waited, I was alerted by my email system, “You’ve got Mail” Yippee! I thought to myself… “Your request to be apart of ___X___meeting group has been declined”. I felt rejected, my first for today! I don’t know why my feelings were hurt for the moment! Like when I was a little girl, new to the school, just trying to fit in where I can slip in… But, the “plastics” didn’t want to be my friend, and they haven’t even met me yet! Wow, that’s not nice! I thought to myself. Well being the brave soilder I am to take a challenge and run with it!! I’m going to go ahead and start my own meet up, maybe it’ll be just for the “Meetup Rejects”! Hmmmm…

Oh by the way, did I tell you I was APPROVED by 10 other groups!! What a way to tell Karma, “I’m in control of my life, my happiness and my rejections” Ha, kick rocks!!

Lord, Can You PLEASE Increase My Day Time Minutes!

I'm listening to Almost Doesn't Count by Brandi...
What do you do with the time you have? I’ve learned the hard way… I’ve learned that God is not going to give me any more day time minutes (or hours), and he’s definitley not going to ROLLOVER Minutes, to do all the things that I need to do TODAY!! He’s taught me and told me to work with what I have and he’ll take care of the rest! Seriously!

Do what you can do today. Work with what you have. As time is precious, so are the actions we take during that time. When I find myself against a deadline I ask myself, “Is what you’re doing right now making a difference or getting you to the next level to complete a project I’m working on?” Sometimes you have to catch yourself, and ask those types questions because reality shows that we waste a lot of time doing nothing at all. And yet, we beg for more time to make certain things happen.

Some months back I realized that I should be just as disciplined when running my own company vs working for someone else. When I was an employee, I tracked every move I made: breaks, errands for the boss, personal errands, delays, calls, arrivalS, leaves, potty breaks, meetings, chats, everything – sorry didn’t add smoke breaks, as I don’t indulge!! J I really wanted to account for my time, when faced with performance reviews and such. And truly to be accountable to myself, reward myself when the time was appropriate as I’d tally up all those tasks at hand, and the time managed to reach my goals and the company’s goals.

I learned to work with the time I had for a company and now as an entrepreneur I wine about not having enough time to do this or that, when really I have all the time in the world, if I’d just manage my time better, do whats important versus what’s urgent, account for wasted time and make something out it (or make it count for something, even if you chose to rest for 15 minutes).

Lesson Learned: Time is non-transferrable, it cannot be rolled over, traded, sold or borrowed! You only get to use it that one time!! J I’m using my time effortlessly to reach my dream lifestyle! You should do the same.

It Pays to be Consistent!

I’m listening to Daughters by John Mayer

OMG, This is my third attempt to get this message to you. After I would write in my journal for today, I would copy it just in case there were any glitches when trying to post! Well I guess the (glitch or) jokes on me this morning because I keep deleting my journal entry, which has become a bit frustrating, but hey can’t get mad… it’s funny how it ties into my journal entry for today: Learning to be Consistent!

I want to scream right now, really I do! But, I won’t instead I am going to smile, laugh and flip a skinny bird to the part of my brain that wants me to give up!

I’ve started this journal to inspire you to live for the moment and continue to press forward NO MATTER WHAT! Seriously!
This morning I woke up, freshened up, did my 10 minutes of meditation, walked about five feet to my office, logged on to my laptop, opened my calendar and there it was…. MY TO DO LIST! Newsletters, Editorial Management, July Issue Deadline, Household Management, Hubby Time, Kids Time, Prospecting, Subcriber Development, Follow-up Calls, Ad Designs, Summer Plans, Check on Mother, oh my and so much more! It’s amazing how we have so much to do, but time is so limiting. When you think about it… you have to do certain things at a certain time or in a selected time frame. What are the chances of that happening?!

Today I’m focusing on CONSISTENCY! Mental self-talk is SO SURREAL! I look in the mirror and remind myself that I can do anything I put my mind to, visualize and believe! I train my brain to believe that I am already that very thing or in that evironment I long to encounter. You can’t throw in the towel when you’ve only reached out to a handful of people, businesses or networks and doesn’t work out the way you planned. When I find myself not being consistent with the tasks and steps I must take to reach my ideal lifestyle, I ask myself “How Bad Do You Want It?” And then I reply to myself and say I want it pretty bad, so I better get with the program or fall stray to a lifestyle that’s neither benefiting or uplifting to my family and I. Sometimes you’ve got to mentor yourself. The same advice you may be giving someone else, you’ll find that you may have to often give it to yourself when your personal board of advisory (Your Girlfriends) schedules are booked or currently unavailable to take your call at this time.

It’s simple! Be diligent, consistent, persistent and when I say, “Don’t take No for a Final Answer”, I’m saying “When a hundred people say NO, keep going until you get your 200 YES’s” It’s all about being consistent and sticking to the plan. Whether you work for yourself or work for a company, write down your plan to achieve whatever it is you’ve chosen to run after. Is it a new business you want to start? Is it a Promotion you desire? Or have you changed careers and looking to step into a completely different arena? Whatever it is, if you don’t have a plan, you won’t understand the value of being CONSISTENT! You’ll want to map out the plan to get to where you’re trying to go. What are the key elements to offset this goal of yours? For instance, when you start a new business and your product is ready to be put on display, you know that one of the next steps is to network with PEOPLE, who will patron what you have to offer. That means, getting on the phone, visiting them in person, and sometimes just being creative with your approach. There are no options, when it comes to being CONSISTENT in reaching out to people EVERY DAY to show off your product! Now if you’re going after a promotion, you should already know that it’s vital to keep your allies in perspective. Keep key players in your side view mirrors, perform 110 percent every time. DO the work, when others Won’t! I promise you’ll be seen every time! Then when it comes time to put in for that executive position, you’ll have a list of Company Projects and Success to add to your Internal (and External) Resume.

It’s so important to maintain visual or mental picture of your primary goal. For me I have a goal poster, I actually have two – one for my personal goals and one for my professional goals (I’ll share that with you on a another day). But, I keep those visual affects in front of me when I’m working, because it reminds me what I’m working so hard (but smart) for! I want to be able to pay for my children to go off to college, if they choose to! I look forward to having a chef help me to cook dinner, when I’m running late from a business trip! Yes, I want to learn how to swim, run a marathon, build a castle and live in it, build a transitional home for teen moms, young couples and children! What would be on your goal poster? What would cause you to be consistent with your daily tasks to be a sucessful entrepreneur, business owner, manager or corporate executive?

Being a Mom really consumes Me...

Being a mom consumes me I understand what my grandmother meant when she said, “A women’s work is never done.” I can’t complain though it just tickles the ways I am reminded of being a mom. Honestly I cannot describe the feeling I had when I seen my son for the first time, it was like I was born again when he was born, the world I knew was now viewed through different eyes. Still it never ceases to amaze me the new experiences children bring us. I recall going to the bathroom at work one day and noticing a dry stuck fruit loop on the ankle of my pants, I couldn’t do anything but shake my head and make a mental note to check for these things in the future. I walked outside a few days ago and my son and niece had painted the side of my house with mud, I couldn’t get too mad seeing as I had, provided the bucket, shovel, and water, what a pair those two she is eight and he is four. I once handed her the phone while I went outside to meet some gentlemen to show them a drum set that was for sale.

Now perhaps I watch too many murder mysteries, but I gave specific instructions to them and told them if I yelled HELP to call 911…you can’t be too safe these days right? I was showing the drums and my son walked outside shouting “Mom you haven’t yelled HELP…MOM when are you going to yell HELP!” Needless to say to guys left pretty quickly and I could only laugh at the comprehension of a four year old. Just the other day we had a discussion on lawn mowers, he wanted me to know the name of them was “the machine to cut yards” not lawn mower… I was enlightened nonetheless.

I can’t forget to mention when he was 2 years old he used to get a hold of my cell phone and send text messages to the first name in my phonebook it got to be funny when I would wake up or hours later see a text saying “hi Isaiah.” I knew he had been at it again. I can only wonder what the future will bring, I can only imagine because the joys of motherhood are immeasurable.

Till Next Time Connie!!

Looking Great in Plus Size Women's Dresses

Stanley Tucci may not have been far from the truth in his brutally honest portrayal of the fashion industry when he played seasoned New York designer Nigel in the acclaimed film, "The Devil Wears Prada." At one point in the movie he chastises a naive young journalist, Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) for refusing to starve herself. Size two, he explains, is now the new size four, and size zero the new size two.

This seemingly realistic depiction of the fashion industry as a whole does not hold true in a country where the average size of an American women is 14. Healthy and size 0 rarely go hand in hand. You don't need to deprive yourself of life to be beautiful. Dressing for your figure is the key to looking great and feeling confidant all in one amazing package.With some easy to follow tips you can feel like you're walking down the runway everyday. Avoid heavy, clingy fabrics that hug your hips. Fashion should flow gracefully, not cling. A great option is the adjustable, comfortable and stunningly figure-friendly wrap dress.

I just can't get enough of the magnificent fashion creation.If you feel that your arms are a problem area, you should avoid clothes with bubble sleeves. The combination of puffy excessive fabric and cinching elastic will only draw additional attention to that area where many women already feel tremendously self-conscious.You need to be judicious in wearing belts. Belts can be an inexpensive and simple way to give life to old pieces of clothing. Very audacious or ostentatious belts should be avoided, and special attention should be paid to placement o the belt. A belt around the ribcage is very flattering for someone who is heavy in the midsection and thighs. Make sure to choose just the right belt loop, because a too-tight belt is unflattering and uncomfortable.Be careful to select the right high boots for you. While high boots look excellent with dresses, if you are short or have a pear-shaped figure, make sure your boots have a heel: the increased height lengthens the legs, allowing you to stand tall with style and elegance.

Pair your high boots with an empire waist dress and you're set for a night on the town; the empire waist falls just above the natural waist, allowing bottom-heavy women to look fabulous.Ignore the old wives tale that says black is the only slimming color, and be sure to choose a subtle fabric. Forget the old news, and remember that the main focus is to be understated. Choose warm inviting colors like greens, browns, and rusts. Steer clear of the unflattering horizontal stripe, and those obnoxious print materials.A key piece of advice is to own your style. When wearing dresses you should look as amazing as you feel inside. Choose versatile items that will allow you to go out to dinner or even to a cocktail party straight from work.

Resources: http://plus-size.discountsonline.com/ and CATO's in Fort Worth, Texas