If you are a regular reader, you know that Microsoft Office is definitely one of my favorite things! Perhaps you have been using Microsoft Office like me for many years, or perhaps you’re just getting started. If you have never heard of Office, maybe you’ve heard of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. Yup, as a businesswoman and mom, these are some powerful and useful programs I simply cannot live without. I’m thrilled to be the Spokesperson for Microsoft Office 2010.
It has taken me a few days to get the thoughts out of my head, and onto my blog. I didn’t want to rush the process. I have had a major breakthrough this week, and I am hoping I can sustain it.
I just returned from a 4-day spa retreat in Canyon Ranch, Arizona with Dove. As a Dove Ambassador, this retreat was focused around the central theme of nourishment. The theme of the trip was the connection between Dove® body wash nourishment, and the nourishment of your mind, body and soul. On the retreat was myself, another blogger Tara Robertson, Executive Editor of Chatelaine Magazine Laurie Jennings, 2 Dove employees, and the 4 winners of the trip.
I am still on a high from meeting a true pioneer and leader in her field, Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post. This woman is the real deal. When you talk to her, you can FEEL her energy. She gives you direct eye contact (which I love), a firm handshake, and lets you know she HEARS you. This woman is open, and oozes creativity. It is palpable.
When I got word I was granted an interview with Arianna, I was excited. If you are a regular reader, you know that entrepreneurship is very near and dear to my heart, so to be able to chat about all things life and business, (and to pick her brain), was quite thrilling.
I am sitting at the gate, about to board my flight to Arizona. If you recall earlier this year, I was thrilled to announce my alliance with Dove® as their ambassador for the “Nourish Your Mind, Body and Soul Campaign.” In honor of this campaign, I am now off to Canyon Ranch Resort in Arizona to do just that… Nourish My Soul.
These 4 days will be a mix of yoga, meditation, health and wellness activities, workshops, hikes through the canyon, and spa treatments. I can feel my body already begin to relax as I sit here in my seat. These last few weeks have been honestly, overwhelming. I’m tired. If you’re a working mom, you can attest to the speed in which we move.
Yes, today I got to meet and interview someone on my short list of “People I’d Like To Have Dinner With” Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post (others on my list include… Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Maya Angelou, Phil Knight, Richard Branson, Anthony Robbins, BIll Gates, Steven Spielberg, Madonna). As a Huffington Post contributor and an entrepreneur myself since the age of 24, it never grows tired when I have the opportunity to meet incredible visionaries and pioneers who have mastered their craft. It’s what turns me on. I’m still juiced.
I give you, the brains behind The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, et moi a Montreal. 😉
Has there ever been a more pressure-filled time than now to be a child growing up in North America? I almost think not.
Online shopping has never been more fun, or more affordable at RetailMeNot.com. I encourage you to go daily, and check out their deals and discounts. Need something at Home Depot? There are coupons for that. Wanna buy something on Amazon.com? There’s a deal for that too! There are even coupons to Cirque De Soleil shows in Canada. And the grocery coupons are incredible. It’s truly an unbelievable resource for everyone.
I have just come off of an amazing run of speaking engagements from the past few weeks. Most recently, this past weekend I was the closing Keynote Speaker for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference in Saskatchewan, and just yesterday, I spoke at the famous 140 Conference (Social Media Twitter Conference that travels around the world).
My topic: Why it’s Good To Fail.
I encourage you to watch my talk. It is 10 minutes.
I’ve been with my husband for 18 years and so far neither of us has cheated. We have something really great, but if you read my blog, you’d know it wasn’t always so good. We had our troubles and issues in our marriage, same as all couples. I will tell you that it is what we chose to do about our issues, that has kept our love thriving and our marriage hot. Prepare to change your thinking!
Sunday is the day we honor mothers everywhere. For some, Mother’s Day is a day to rejoice. For others, it’s a sad and difficult day, as many will celebrate this Mother’s Day without a mom. While still for others, it’s a dreaded day filled with tension and perhaps regret of what could have been. I recall two years ago, I was at Walmart buying cards for my mother and mother-in-law, and next to me, there was a beautiful woman in her 30’s also shopping for cards. We looked at each other and said, “Not a great selection, huh?” But then I found something really nice, and I said to her, “Hey, look at this one. It’s a nice one,” to which she replied, “Oh no, I can’t stand my mother.”
Today, I would like to pay tribute to a special woman. My mother. She has devoted herself so loyally and whole heartedly to our family, and demanded very little in return. Today, I honor her.
I help busy women (like you!) prioritize self-care so you can experience less stress, more calm and greater joy every day!
