Well, we can say, it's starting to look a lot like Christmas now!  We have about six inches of snow on the ground just within a 24 hour period. A lot of places were closing down, games canceled, events canceled. We had a Movie Day with Grand babies and you know I wasn't about to let six inches of snow stop me from taking my grand babies to the movies.   It's amazing to me how when you're out there driving in the slushy and heavy snow, some people just don't know to be cautious or mindful of the other drivers.  They were acting like it was only 2 inches of snow instead of 6.  Then you can just see them gliding and sliding right off the road. I know that all Michiganders are very experienced Winter Drivers, but you don't have to show off. Well, the grand babies got to see our Christmas t... 12/15/2013

The City of Wayne, Michigan - Our history of Wayne, dates back to the 1820's, when the city was first founded.  It was a small village called Derby's Corners.  In 1836 the name of the village was changed to Wayne after the general Anthony Wayne.  Wayne, Michigan grew in size and population after the end of the World War II. Today, the City is a home to around 17,000 and around 11,000 more flow in each day for work around the town.  Wayne prides itself on having a grand sense of community involvement.  Friendships are made and business are run by great and wonderful people of Wayne, Michigan. You can learn more about the City of Wayne at our Historical Museum. The museum is a two story building with over 100 exhibits for you to experience. For those who want to be active or just have a g... 12/12/2013

My church, every year has a phenomenal leadership course that we take.  It's amazing to me that every year, I can learn something new, something different that can improve my life and those I surround myself with.  We all are in need of someone to help or have someone to help us.   Here are the ten steps you can take to invest in your team. 1) Decide to build a team. 2) Gather the best team possible. 3) Pay the price to develop the team. 4) Do things together as a team. 5) Empower team member with responsibility and authority. 6) Give credit for success to the team. 7) Watch to see that the investment in the team is paying off. 8) Stop your investment in players who do not grow. 9) Create new opportunities for the team. 10) Give the team the best possible chance to succeed. One of the ... 12/11/2013

Before you know it, we will be making our Resolutions and a Fresh Start. Today the average family is carrying more than $9,000 in credit card debt and an economy still making adjustments, for many.  It makes good sense to put debt resolution a little higher on the "To Do" list. Here are Six tips for getting out of debt. 1) Make a list and check it twice:  List every credit card that you have, the balance owed and the interest rate you're paying.  That will give you a snapshot of where you are and allow you to create a plan for where you want to be in the time frame that makes the most sense for your family and based on your budget. 2) Pick a Card - Not just any card - choose the card with the highest interest rate, and adjust your monthly payment, pay weekly installments on that card u... 12/10/2013

We all know that this is the season of giving and everyone wants to give something or another to someone else.  We also like to be on the other end of giving and that is receiving, so imagine how you felt when someone bless you either in a time of need or just because, take that feeling and try to be a blessing to someone else. So How can you help?  There are so many ways you really can help. Find out about the different shelters in your area, find the need and just fill it. Remember, there's always someone somewhere in a worse position than you are, so why not help those that have needs in this time of season? Have you thought about sowing a monetary seed (benevolence offering) to your local church?  Many churches already have the connections to bless those that are in need. What about... 12/09/2013

The key to getting customers to refer others and return to do business with you is to make sure that you exceed their expectations and that they are "completely satisfied" with all facets of the business encounter. Here are the Four Myths about Customer Service: Myth One - Only perfection yields the level of excellent customer service that exceeds the customer's expectation.  Although doing things right the first time is the objective, great customer service is demonstrated when things go wrong and the staff or your team is sensitive, alert, and eager to resolve the problem expeditiously. Myth Two - Customer Satisfaction is difficult to judge and always a matter of perception.  This myth is normally used to abdicate responsibility for a planned strategy to demonstrate next-level custome... 12/08/2013

Here are a few household hints that can help you save money!  We're always looking for ways to keep money your pockets and save for a fun day or even something special that you may have on your want or desire list. Did you know that you can save big money using everyday, commonly found "natural" cleaning products versus expensive commercial products?  Here are just a few ideas of how to use inexpensive solutions to clean big for less!   Baking Soda (I'm sure every household has a box) - Use this terrific all purpose, non-toxic cleaner to scour, deodorize, polish and remove stains.  Borax - This timeless laundry soap booster has many great applications including a non-toxic pest control, preventative for mold and odors and a brighter, whiter laundry. Cornstarch - Cleans and deodorizes ca... 12/06/2013

We're always trying to find ways to save money, especially after the holidays have come and gone.  Well, here are a few household tips to help you save money.   1) Clean Up - Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they're full!  You'll save on both electricity and water, not to mention that oh-so-fun chore of putting everything away less often. 2) Put a Damper on It! - You would be surprised at how many homeowners leave their damper open all year around!  This lets the draft in and the heat and air conditioning out!  Close the damper when your fireplace is not in use. 3) Rolling Right - Be sure to have your tires rotated, balanced and checked for proper air pressure ever six to eight months.  This will increase the life of your tires and give you early warning on problem trea... 12/05/2013

               These were the last two live trees we had up and the kids did all the decorating. When our children were at home, we would go out and let them pick the the tree they wanted and they got to decorate them. Well, now that they're grown and living on their own, they pick their own trees for their homes.  Now that it's just me and hubby, and of course, you know who gets to decorate, so I've decided to get an artifical tree a few years back, one with the lights already made on to it. Real easy for me!! So this is my artifical Christmas Tree   So, Here are just a few little tricks for keeping your Christmas Tree Fresh for those who buy the Real Pine Trees. 1) Make a Fresh Cut - so when you get your tree home, still make another fresh cut at least 1/2" from the bottom of the trun... 12/04/2013

The care and keeping of our Holiday Favorite - Poinsettias. Did you know that poinsettias come in more than 100 varieties, including pink, white, variegated adn salmon.  Native to Mexico and Central America, they were first introduced to the United States in the 1800's by Joel Poinsett, a U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.  The holiday beauty quickly caught on and is now the best-selling potted plant in the United States.   Tips for a having a healthy Poinsettia: Poinsettias like their space!  When purchasing, look for plants that are not crowded or packed together, which can cause leaf drop, and transport them in a large, roomy bag. Poinsettias need at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day and prefer moderate temperatures around 70 degrees.  Excess heat or drafty cold below 50 degrees w... 12/03/2013

Tis the season for Winter is already upon us!  Some areas towards the East already have snow, so if you're thinking about taking a Winter Travel, Just remember to be safe on the road this holiday winter by winterizing your vehicle before you hit the road!  Here are a few tips to remember: 1) Check your tires (including the spare) and your belts for wear and tear. 2) Get an oil change.  A thinner grade of engine oil provides better performance in colder temperatures.  This may be a good time to get a tune up for the Winter. 3) Inspect wipers and wiper fluid level to ensure optimum visibility. 4) Pack an emergency kit with flares, antifreeze, bottled water, flashlights, blankets, jumper cables, energy or snack bars, tire iron and jack, tire sealant, tire chains, and also a small first aid... 12/02/2013

  Thanksgiving is over and now we're switching our gears toward the Christmas Holiday, going over our list and checking it twice.  Just because Thanksgiving is over, doesn't mean we have to stop being Thankful and showing our gratitude towards others.  Don't get caught up in the rush of the season or the hurried mash dash to the store to get that item on sale.  Take a deep breath and think about why we're really celebrating this time of year.  What's the real purpose of this season?  We show and share our Thanks on Thanksgiving but we seem to forget the reason for the season.  Show some gratitude and really think about the wonderful things and people that are in your life.  The more you show gratitude, the more happier you will be and you'll see life in a whole new way. Here are Five T... 12/01/2013

Did you know that Hair Spray is not only for Hair? Here are a few household tips for the use Hair Spray!   Exterminate Houseflies - An annoying buzzing housefly has been weaving and bobbing around your house for the last two days.  Make it bite the dust with a squirt of hair spray.  Watch the fly drop.  But make sure the hair spray is water-soluable so that, if any spray hits the walls, you'll be able to wipe it clean.  Works great on wasps and bees too.  So, the next time you can't find the bug spray, just reach over for the Hair Spray.   Removes lipstick from fabric - I'm sure most of us have done this, we wait until we get into the car and apply our lipstick, we drop it on our suit pants or skirt and now we have a stain, or for the men, had a lady kiss you near the neck and she got l... 11/29/2013

Wishing everyone a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving! Nothing like being with those you love.  Family & Friends stopping by to have lots of food, fun, and fellowship. Enjoy the moment and most of all the memories! Take lots of pictures, so next year you can share them. Great way to see how fast the children and grandchildren are growing.             These are my three at the age of 6, 3 and almost 1 and the second picture of them, my son Ricky is 8, Rickeshia is 5, and Rickelle is 2 Where now all three of them, have their own children and even in this picture, my grandchildren from left to right are Shayla, age 5, Kelia, age 3, and Jamal Jr age 6 months old.  Today, Shayla is 9, Kelia is 6 and Jamal Jr. is 3 years old.  Time does fly by and we must cherish and be grateful for each and ... 11/29/2013

Are you still renting? You know there are a lot of great advantages of Owning Your Own Home.  Security - Financially and emotionally, owning your own home provides a safe way to provide shelter for yourself, your family, and your money.   Tax Deductions - In most cases, the mortgage interest and property taxes you pay are fully deductible.  Is there a better way to save money for your use and enjoyment?   Freedom - Home ownership gives you the opportunity to decorate, landscape, change colors, add on and to have pets, etc.   Community - Owning a home helps you become involved with your community. Not only do you care about what happens in your neighborhoond, but you also have the power to have an impact.  Get involved in the neighborhood and school activities.   Equity Build Up - Owning... 11/26/2013

We all make mistakes every now and then And we should learn from those mistakes. For the First Time Buyer, here are a few mistakes to avoid When buying your First Home. You're tired of renting or it's now time to move out from your parents home, whatever the case may be, here are just a few mistakes to avoid: Not Budgeting for your first home - A house is more than a home, It's a long term financial investment.  Know and understand what is your budget and how much home can I really afford. What's on my credit report?  Do I even know what my credit score is? to find out it's best you get with your mortgage professional or go to your hometown bank or credit union.  They will go over your credit and help you get pre-qualified for your loan before you start house hunting.   This is another ... 11/26/2013

Procrastination isn't the only way to spend your time in less-than-productive ways.  Keep a look out for these types of situations:       Saying "YES" when you really don't have the time.  Many of us, in our efforts to please others, we agree to help with a task that we know we shouldn't have taken on.  Being reliable is great, but not when it is at your own expense.  Learn to say, "NO" when you really need to. First, resist the desire to respond right away, or just let them know you will have to think about it.  Be honest with yourself about whether you have the time to make a new commitment.  If it will cause you more trouble than it seems to be worth, say "NO" graciously.   Not thinking ahead. Forgetting the important things is a big time drain.  One forgotten phone call can cause y... 11/25/2013

You must first understand what is Procrastination and why it can really hurt you. Here are a few strategies to help you fight procrastination: Weigh the benefits (to you and others) of completing the task vs the effects of procrastinating. What rewards lie ahead if you get it done? Will this be a burden off your shoulders? Will this allow you some free time? What will be the effects if you continue to put it off?  Chances are you will benefit more in the long term from facing the task head on, get in there and get it done!  (I can hear my parents telling me this when it came time to clean my room as a teen-ager).   Set Reasonable Goals.  Plan your goals carefully, allowing enough time to complete them.  It's the unreasonable goals that we put on ourselves or our teams that can be so int... 11/24/2013

  Can you define what a real leader is and do you know if you're a good leader or not?   Every leader must have a combination of the following listed items: We must value Excellence. We must make excellence a lifestyle. We must go the extra mile. We must pay attention to detail. We must never settle for average. We must display integrity and sound ethics. We must show genuine respect. We must remain committed to what really matters. We must demonstrate consistency. We must never stop improving. We must always give our 100%. This must all come from our inward integrity and our outward skill.   The very first person we lead is ourselves, and you lead effectively without self-discipline. As a leader you must also develop and always follow your priorities. You will have to challenge your e... 11/24/2013

In our business we must be a good listener, whether you're dealing with a seller or buyer, be a good listener and also a good note taker. You must develop your listening skill.  Listening can be a challenge: What am I hearing?  How does it fit the facts?  What is his or her body language saying?  What is my body language saying? Remember to keep your feelings about the person separate from the facts. Feelings are just that, feelings, they're neither right or wrong, they're just feelings! Always be aware of your listening style.  Do you interrupt?  Jump to conclusions? Tend to dominate the discussions?  Discover alternate styles. We live in a world today where most people want to explore outerspace. We must take time to explore our inner space - the distance from ear to ear.  It's imposs... 11/19/2013