We are growing! In 2017, 100 women attended our events, and this year over 150 women have attended. Of the over 150 women who attended, 102 have signed up for 1 or more of our programs and workshops, and 91 have completed their respective program. This is a huge success for us, but we are aiming higher in 2019. We are looking for 100% programs and workshops completion, and will not be satisfied until that goal is met. We want all our women to succeed, and constantly seek out ways to ensure we make this a reality. Of course, our participants have to do their part, but we must improve their chances by improving our vetting, placement, and follow up.
We also kicked off our Transformational Book Series – Our Picks in January, where we highlighted books that we have read and continue to use in our many programs here at My Blooming Biz, that are geared towards women empowerment. If you’ve participated in any of our programs and workshops, we have already passed their knowledge on to you. If you have not participated in any of our programs, go ahead and get started on purchasing, reading, and implementing those strategies imparted by some of the world’s best minds. Remember, books are collective reservoirs of minds that can edify and help enhance your life, but only if you seek them out, open, and read them – then begin implementing.
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our processes, and one area we can greatly improve is by publishing content that is relevant to what we are about here at My Blooming Biz – women empowerment. If you believe you can contribute to this effort, learn more and submit your piece here.
We look forward to continue having you in our influential Power Circle and being an important part of our community in 2019, and beyond.
Money Maven, Patrice C. Washington continues to show herself worthy of that title by putting forth invaluable money-making, money-maximizing, money-retaining tips and strategies that will ensure you succeed financially well into the future – if you heed them. Like a true money maven, Patrice begin the book by addressing Money Mindset issues because she knows that that is a huge issue with many women, and so many repeat the same behaviors over and over without learning that the root cause of their money problem is in their belief system. Excuses, myths, and attitudes about how to handle money are all addressed and knocked out right away. She touched on various aspects of using your God given gifts and talents to find ways to earn more money. She talked about creating a game plan for organizing and managing your money and some financial tools you can use. She later digs deep into managing money and relationships; and how to make them both work for you. It covers every single topic of money you can think of such as:
How to say no to family members/friends who keep asking you for money
How to end generational negligence on money in your family
How to raise your children to understand money and how it works
How to accumulate and build generational wealth
The book is compartmentalized in 4 sections:
Section 1: Create Wealthy Habits
Section 2: Earn More Money
Section 3: Manage Money Wisely
Section 4: Relationships and Money
Patrice does not believe in “emergency fund” as that instigate expecting things to go wrong, and it makes perfect sense – if you believe in the Law of Attraction as we do here at My Blooming Biz. As she explains, if you handle your money the way you are suppose to, then you will already have more than enough money in your possession to take care of that “emergency” – should it occur. You cannot get any more real about money answers than what Patrice shares in this book. She gives, real, honest and practical tips to winning at the money game.
As we always say, no-one is perfect, and likewise no book is perfect. She over-mentions Steve Harvey (but who wouldn’t with the significant clout he embodies). She recommends not helping your family/friends financially if they need your help and you have the means to (which we disagree with and you can choose to agree or disagree as well). However, do not allow these few items to take away from all the vital gems she shares that can literally change your financial game for the better. Patrice C. Washington is right up there with other finance superstars such as, Suze Orman, Chris Hogan and Dave Ramsey. Get this book, Real Money Answers for Every Woman: How to Win the Money Game With or Without a Man, read it and begin implementing its strategies.
Getting married is a huge step and one that many of us take seriously. And by all means, we should! It’s a contract that can determine how our lives will play out, pending all the intricacies that two people becoming one entails. However, many of us put our all into the process of getting married but often fail at maintaining the small yet important elements that are vital to sustaining a happy and successful marriage. Here are 25 things you can do to ensure a happy and lasting marriage:
25 Things Happily Married Couples Do (and You Should Too)
1. Marry the right person. There is no way to know for sure if you are marrying the right person or if the marriage will succeed without giving it a try, but there are always telltale signs during courtship that can help determine if that person will be the right partner for you. Paying close attention to the words, deeds, and actions of the person you think you are falling in love with is absolutely the ultimate key to securing a happy and successful marriage. The saying, âaction speaks louder than wordsâ holds true to the very end. Their words must be in alignment with their actions! If the person you are getting ready to spend the rest of your life with actions are not in line with his or her words do not overlook them and expect them to be in line when you are married. Not taking note of this and making the wrong decision will put your heart, your health, your happiness, and possibly your life in danger.
2. Revere their marriage union and vows. This is the foundation on which all successful marriages are based. Everything else usually falls in place when the marriage is respected by both parties.
3. Treat each other with utmost respect at all times, extending common courtesy â please, thank you, excuse me, youâre welcome. Being married does not give anyone the right to disregard common courtesy when dealing with the other party, and if you are going to be late for heavenâs sake – call!
4. Put each other first. Best friends and families are of course important; however, when two people are married the order of importance changes, as far as relationship goes. Let your partner know and see that in your actions.
5. Respect each otherâs space. Even though you two are married, you are still individuals first. It is essential for every human to spend time with him or herself and find time to maintain the connection with him or herself. When you take time out to breathe and connect with yourself, you become more balanced and better able to give of yourself.
6. Remain open, honest, and faithful to each other.
7. Always willing to share with each other. Happily married couples do not deprive each other of intimacy. They are submissive and understanding.
8. Spend some âjust the two of usâ time – everyday; not necessarily making love, but just holding hands and staring into each otherâs eyes or sometimes sharing laughs and reminiscing about private moments they shared. Share a good bottle of wine while watching the sun set, or take long walks together.
9. Show appreciation. She may not know how to cook like Rachel Ray or Paula Deen, but whenever she makes the effort to prepare your favorite recipe, the least you can do is let her know you appreciate it. Likewise, he may not be the best masseur you have ever encountered, but when he offers to massage your feet or wherever you like to be massaged just let him know how you feel and that you appreciate his effort.
10. Keep the romance alive. Fix your lover breakfast in bed for no special reason. Buy her flowers because well, she deserves it. Take each other on spontaneous dates; do not wait for holidays or special occasions to do so. Surprise each other at regular intervals. Romance fuels relationships; when the romance dies, so does the relationship and eventually, the marriage.
11. Keep the lines of communication open and communicate often. The more you talk to each other, the more you will get to know about each other. The more enlightened you will be to the personâs likes and dislikes which can help you avoid displeasing each other, thus lessening the arguments you two will have.
12. Speak with partner about any grouse they have. Never assume that your partner knows what you are having issues with. And do not hold a grudge thinking that the other party should know what is bothering you. They are not psychic and neither are you!
13. Argue fairly. Yes, even happily married couples argue at times. They stay on topic and listen to what the other party is saying before replying. They do not involve past issues in their present dispute, and most importantly, they do not hit or call each other offensive names. Scars â both physical and mental, are permanent and hard to overlook. Words are powerful! Once they are out they cannot be returned.
14. Embrace each other with a proper goodbye whenever they are departing and a proper hello when they reunite. This simple gesture is very powerful! It is often overlooked by many couples who often times have shouted to the other party from the front door âSee you tonight!â and headed out the door, and upon returning âHi honey, Iâm homeâ and reaching for a beer or the TV remote. Happily married couples take the last few minutes before departing to embrace, make eye contact, and say their goodbyes. This sets the tone for the entire day. Upon returning home, they spend the first few minutes again embracing and saying a proper hello or glad to have you home.
15. Extend loyalty to each other when dealing with family and friends. Happily married couples hold their spouse in high esteem, and lets their family and friends know how much they love and value each other. Their remarks about a spouse when they are not around, is always positive.
16. Always remember and acknowledge each otherâs birthdays, anniversaries, and any other dates that are special to either party.
17. Recognize that their partner is an imperfect being and is ready to forgive them should the need arise, and is quick to apologize when they are wrong. Happily married couples never try to change each other; instead, they compromise and look within.
18. Take time to share in each otherâs successes, and is there to encourage and support each other through failures. Like a crisis, failure will occur at times, but to get through that period you will need to combine forces. Enduring the down times will bring you both out shining with a stronger bond and marriage.
19. Laugh together. Making fun of the silly stuff that happens everyday, will enrich the bond shared and keep the stress quotient very low in the relationship.
20. Have at least one meal together â everyday. Mealtime can be one of the best bonding time. You get to look at each other while satisfying one of the most intimate need of any human being.
21. Make every effort to stay in shape mentally, physically, and emotionally. You want to be able to enjoy your relationship with each other for many years.
22. Make decisions concerning the family â together. The family unit can get very fragile when decisions are made without consulting each other. The other party feels slighted, overlooked, and unimportant especially when it comes to the handling of finances, and dealing with the children.
23. Resolve issues before going to bed or at least amicably agree to disagree. This is one step that can catch a relationship when it is about to fall.
24. Know when to be consistent and when to change course. Happy and successful couples have learned that they have to approach problems differently to get different results. If something is not working in the relationship, it is okay to change or adjust it accordingly. Minor changes in approach, attitude and actions can make the biggest difference in a marriage.
25. Keep abreast of what is going on around them. Happily married couples are aware that the things that are happening in the world around them, affects them either directly or indirectly. They read books, journals, attend seminars, browse web articles and observe other successful couples. They participate and keep a keen eye on the stock market, and constantly look for ways to improve their lives and marriage.
Marriages are failing – left, right, center – everyday but yours don’t have to meet that fate. You don’t have to look back after the fact and regret not giving your marriage your all. Take these 25 tips and implement them to improve your marriage, and take your relationship to the next level up. You’ll be glad you did!
This is one of those books that we revel in here at MBB! And there’s a reason for that. It was borne out of Paulo Coelho asking himself the BIG question, âWhy did it take me so long to fulfill my dream?â. He had just completed something he had wanted to do, and was compelled to put pen to paper and share his experiences with us – in the hope that we will not wait another second to begin following our hearts and realizing our dreams. You have a dream that’s close to your heart or one that has been deferred, or buried, and now is the time to exhume that dream, dust it off, remove it from the shelf and begin the process of bringing it to fruition. You will inevitably face obstacles and obstructions on your journey, but you will develop the requisite stamina and qualities you need to face and pursue your dreams as long as you submit to the authority of your will, that you will see your dreams through to the very end. Make that commitment to yourself and honor it!
The Alchemist is a New York Times bestseller, international bestseller and it is choc full of spiritual and practical gems that can be applied to our everyday life. The journey in the book is much like an initiation, where one is constantly subjected to tests of patience and courage. It will remind you that in pursuing your “Personal Legend” (what you’ve always wanted to accomplish), it is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Coelho constantly reminds us that we don’t have yesterday or tomorrow; we only have today. It is written in original word version and also an illustrated edition which is excellent for readers who prefer story-telling through images and graphics.
Travel your journey with joy, hope, and challenges in your heart. – Paulo Coelho
The most important thing this book commands is that you strive to accomplish your dreams and allow nothing and no-one to stop you! You must decide whether you’re going to continue with what you’ve been accustomed to – remaining in your comfort zone, or pursuing what you really want and expanding your territory. It is beautifully written with gorgeous illustrations which makes the story shine through in a pellucid way. It is evocative and allusive – working on you without seeming to, and at the end you’re left both satisfied as the adventure concludes and also wanting more, and more importantly – wanting to do more.
In order to live the life you truly desire, you have to let go of inhibiting thoughts and beliefs, be free with your expressions and actions, and follow your heart. You have to do those things you crave so you can have a fulfilling life and one day look back and declare – “I’ve lived”. Your quest to explore and enjoy life may not only bring you tangible wealth, but may also be far different and far more satisfying than you could ever imagine – bringing you abundance of intangible wealth. Life is truly a blessing! Embrace it to its fullest. As Coelho exclaimed in his book interview, “A blessing has no explanation, but needs to be treasured and honored”. Live your life completely, being unapologetically you – in mind, body, and spirit.
Every medium has something else to offer! We go to live plays and shows for that in-person experience. We watch movies for that visual-effect experience. We read books for that in-depth pull-me-in experience that only a book can beget. Movies and plays can only show so much, but a book can encompass substantial amounts of detail and context that surpass all other media. Books help us understand life!
They provoke reactions. They have the ability to change us for better, or change us for worse. We say use them as catalyst for your advancement.
Make it a habit to secure and read books of all genre, background, and intent! You can begin by reading this book – The Alchemist, and continue reading from the books we have curated in our series Transformational Books – Our Picks.
Remember: You too can live “the empowered woman lifestyle”. And you don’t need permission!
One of the most difficult things to cope with, is failure at anything we deem important. It can bring on a deep sense of loss, of self-worth, and many times have us question ourselves – whether or not we are even capable of accomplishing anything worth accomplishing. We cannot immediately see through the hurt and the pain to uncover the reasons why it happened. However, failure is evolutionary â it helps us to grow, mature, and reach deeper understandings about life, what we want, and why we want it. It helps us to become better persons, expanding our minds while deepening our hearts. So as much as failure can hurt very deeply at times, without failure, we couldnât appreciate our successes. It is nature’s way of rebooting our lives while keeping us grounded.
If youâve recently failed at something that you believed in wholeheartedly, all hope isnât lost. Failure is not the end of the road! Whether it was failure in relationships, love, business, finances, career, or anything else, failure isnât the end. In fact, failure is just the beginning. If you can get pass that initial shock, hurt, pain and analyze the entire process, then you will be able to revamp and use the results of your analysis to position you more favorably to succeed.
Yes, sometimes the failure is so huge, you would rather not try anything remotely close again, but the decision you make here to either try again or give up entirely, will be a game-changer for your life. Almost all of us have given up entirely on something after failure, no matter how big or small that failure was – from marriages to careers, and everything in between, something that once meant something to us – after failure, didnât really seem to mean that much at all anymore. But does that mean that if we fail at something we didnât really want it in the first place? Or, is it that the pain of failure forces us to create some dissonance between the old goal and the new post-failure self?
When you have a strong enough deep-rooted reason why you need to succeed, success is not optional – it’s a must! And whenever something is a must the only thing that separates you from that goal is time. So if you have a “must” you need to accomplish, and you have failed at it before, reassess your process leading up to your failure and redesign a new approach to ensure your future success.
One very powerful thing to do in addition to reassessing and redesigning a new process, is to create or recreate an inspirational vision board in your home and pin photos that youâve found depicting your life goal. Place it conspicuously so you can stare at success in front of you as you go throughout your day. See it, feel it, breathe it, and mentally live it until it’s physically real! Reorganize, setup new strategies, and take consistent action towards your goal – everyday. Do what you say you are going to do and eventually you will succeed.
Money Maven, Patrice C. Washington continues to show herself worthy of that title by putting forth invaluable money-making, money-maximizing, money-retaining tips and strategies that will ensure you succeed financially well into the future – if you heed them. Like a true money maven, Patrice begin the book by addressing Money Mindset issues because she knows that that is a huge issue with many women, and so many repeat the same behaviors over and over without learning that the root cause of their money problem is in their belief system. Excuses, myths, and attitudes about how to handle money are all addressed and knocked out right away. She touched on various aspects of 
It was borne out of Paulo Coelho asking himself the BIG question, âWhy did it take me so long to fulfill my dream?â. He had just completed something he had wanted to do, and was compelled to put pen to paper and share his experiences with us – in the hope that we will not wait another second to begin following our hearts and realizing our dreams. You have a dream that’s close to your heart or one that has been deferred, or buried, and now is the time to exhume that dream, dust it off, remove it from the shelf and begin the process of bringing it to fruition. You will inevitably face obstacles and obstructions on your journey, but you will develop the requisite stamina and qualities you need to face and pursue your dreams as long as you submit to the authority of your will, that you will see your dreams through to the very end. Make that commitment to yourself and honor it!
The Alchemist is a New York Times bestseller, international bestseller and it is choc full of spiritual and practical gems that can be applied to our everyday life. The journey in the book is much like an initiation, where one is constantly subjected to tests of patience and courage. It will remind you that in pursuing your “Personal Legend” (what you’ve always wanted to accomplish), it is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Coelho constantly reminds us that we don’t have yesterday or tomorrow; we only have today. It is written in original word version and also an illustrated edition which is excellent for readers who prefer story-telling through images and graphics.
