Three easy ways to get your home ready for the fall!

Shaun Leway, owner of Core Value Property Management, is a contributing author to our blog and newsletter.

As the owner of Core Value Property Management, I get to see a lot of issues with homes.  From clogged drains, to dead trees, to flooded basements, I've seen quite a bit in in the last year.  Maintenance costs money, so here are some things you can do to improve the functionality of your home and help it run smoother for longer.

1-Replace your air filter. This is one of the biggest issues for homes.  Not only is it necessary to change your air filter to help your HVAC work better/last longer, but it's also key to improving the air quality in your home.  You can improve your over all health, as well as the functionality of your home's equipment.  Here's a short Youtube video about chainging your filter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGYrVgFSzV4. If it's been a few year, or if you don't know if it's ever been done, we'd recommend you get your ducts cleaned as well.

2-Clean your gutters.  This is my number one fall home maintenance item.  Clogged gutters can lead to roof issues, siding issues, and even damage to wall and windows of your home, not to mention potential water intrusion cause by pooling water next to your foundation.  I know gutters may not be an easy DIY project for everyone, but it is absolutely one of the essential home maintenance issues, and we should all be thinking about it this fall.

3-Drain hoses, and turn off exterior spigots. This is one of those small items that may not cause you an issues right away, but can really be a big hassle if not appropriately managed.  A burst spigot in the middle of winter is not something anyone wants to deal with. That's why this one makes our list of essential fall home maintenance.

Honorable mention: Clean/inspect your Chimney.  Not every home has a chimney, so it's hard to recommend this to everyone.  But if you're planning on enjoying a nice cozy fire when it starts snowing this winter, you definitely should make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected. According to the latest statistics available, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars in property damage.

Core Value Property Management is a veteran owned & operated company serving customers in Anne Arundel Co, Howard Co, and Prince Georges Co. We love managing property, and we would love to serve you.   Check us out @ www.corevaluepm.com or www.facebook.com/corevaluepm.  

v/r,

--

Shaun Leway

301-857-CVPM (2876)

An Easy Way to Keep Yourself—and Your Kids—Focused and Productive

James Scott is a certified hypnotist who has helped many people over the years to reduce stress, stop smoking, and change many other habits and behaviors.

As school season starts, many parents may find themselves beginning to stress about how they are going to keep their children—and themselves—focused and on task without getting burned out. Have no fear, I’ve got an easy solution for you: The Pomodoro Technique.

I discovered this amazing tool back in 2014 when I was finishing up my undergraduate degree in communications. Previously, I had always been one of those people who would spend hours studying or doing homework without breaks. When I finally closed the books and crawled into bed each night, I found it hard to turn my brain off and go to sleep—even though I was exhausted.

After hearing me complain several times about being so tired after doing schoolwork, a colleague recommended The Pomodoro Technique. I was hesitant at first to change my routine, but I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did! Suddenly, I was able to complete tasks in less time and not feel drained.

So, what is this magical technique and how does it work? The Pomodoro Technique is essentially a time management system created in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, a university student who had been looking for an effective way to focus on his studies.

Cirillo developed a system of working in 25-minute increments, without interruption, with five-minute breaks in between. Using the Italian word for tomato­—a reference to the classic, red, vegetable-shaped kitchen timer—he named his method The Pomodoro Technique.

Essentially, the process consists of 6 steps: choose a task you would like to get done; set a timer for 25 minutes; work on the task until the timer rings (avoiding all distractions); when the timer rings, put a checkmark on a piece of paper; take a short break (5 minutes of activity that is not work-related, such as taking a walk or grabbing a cup of coffee); after 4 cycles, take a longer break (20-30 minutes). It’s just that simple!

The key thing to remember is that during those 25-minute segments you only work on that one task. Don’t answer a call or text (trust me, it can wait), don’t check your email (unless that is the task you are working on), and don’t look for memes on Facebook (you know you waste way too much time doing that). By staying on task for 25 minutes, you avoid distractions and maintain focus.

Also, when you take breaks, don’t think about the task. Do something that has nothing to do with work. This will allow your brain to reset, preventing burnout.

For me, that was a major a-ha moment. After using The Pomodoro Technique for only a few days, I found myself being much more productive and having much more energy. It was easy to see why productivity experts all over the world have adopted this system.

Try this technique yourself and teach it to your children. You’ll be amazed at the results!

To learn more about The Pomodoro Technique, visit https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique. Also, you can find a convenient online timer to use with the system at https://tomato-timer.com/.

That’s it for this month. Until next time, keep thinking good thoughts!

By James Scott
Board Certified Hypnotist
Director, Chesapeake Bay Hypnosis

 

James Scott is a world-renowned professional hypnotist, comedy stage hypnotist, mind reader and influence trainer. For more than 25 years, he has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his mesmerizing hypnosis and mind reading shows.
 From corporate boardrooms and hotel ballrooms to private parties and school events, James brings both charm and expertise to bear to captivate, educate and motivate groups all over the world. 
 A 20-year Navy veteran, James began performing in 1993 while stationed in Hawaii. Now retired from military service, he travels the globe demonstrating the awesome power of the human mind -- often with hilarious results!
 Offstage, he has used hypnosis to help countless people overcome fears, bad habits and negative behaviors in order to take back control of their lives. James is a board-certified hypnotist and a certified trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Vision by Cheryl Cage

 

Cheryl Cage of MyCore is a contributor to our newsletter and blog.  She is an expert about the benefits world, an educator, and loves who people are.

In order to have a super successful business, you must first have a clear vision of your business. Know who you are and be clear on your messaging. Marketing to your target audience through your website, marketing, social media, and other sources of advertising is of extreme importance. Incredible pictures of your company, it's vision & mission, are equally important. Megan with Honey Bee Photography can use her expertise in storytelling through pictures which will carry a uniformed message throughout all marketing platforms.

Now, for under the hood. We have to strengthen small businesses before we are living in a cookie cutter world! Big box companies threaten the existence of small business in this country.

There is value in being confident and knowing your numbers to run your business and to focus on the future of your company. Ponder these questions for a moment:

1) Are you the only person in your company who can run your business?

2) At the end of a successful day, what are the three things you have accomplished?

3) Running your business should be able to be done quickly and successfully in cloud-based technology. If you had a team of people helping you vet the best providers,who will keep you running smoothly while staying in compliance, and then manage those relationships, is there value in that for you? Especially, if they weren't on your payroll?

4) If you have an office manager who takes care of running the business for you, would their time be best spent bringing in new clients and making sure their experience is superb?

Having clarity in the vision of your company will give you freedom to grow, duplicate and have the financial and time security you look for as an entrepreneur. 

MyCORE is a company impacting lives, blessing & helping people, and serving the small business community.

We bring an All-In Subscription of Payroll, Benefits, HR, Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Taxes to businesses with 1-100 employees. If growing your company and creating a legacy is the vision of your company, let MyCORE help you stay on top of the changing times; keeping you compliant, taking you to a cloud-based way of running your business, all without the headache of figuring out how by yourself. 

I would love to help you fine-tune your vision. Reach me at cheryl.cage@leadwithmycore.com; or by cell phone: 443-481-8027

Best Regards,

Cheryl

        

CHERYL CAGE

Head of Business Development

443-481-8027

leadwithmycore.com

What's New at Honey Bee Photography!

I have broken toes!

The PA told me that I'm down for at least 4-6 weeks.  That means that I can't do backyard sessions until around September 10.

What kind of gift do you give to a person who has everything?

In the meantime, the holidays are coming very quickly.  What is a great gift for parents and grandparents, ages 50+?

Slides and negatives digitally transferred, and photo restoration.

Yes, I can do those services.  I've been doing it for years, I just didn't say much about it.  Check out some of these before and afters of slides and photo restoration.

With slide and negative digital transfer, I crop, color correct, and sharpen your photographs.  

Here's a recent photo restoration project that I completed.

My client was very, very happy with the work that I did with this.  I'm able to work on all kinds of damage, whether faded, torn, water damaged, cracked, etc. I offer hand-tinting, too.  Prices vary according to damage, size of photograph, etc.  I also subcontract super-8 and video transfer to digital.

 Backyard portrait parties

I expect to be able to do these again after Sept 10, 2020.  Many families have turned their backyards into oasises ( oases? oasi?) because they are now spending time at home.  With COVID-19, families have been spending more time together, and according to those of you that I've spoken with,this have been a huge gift.

Celebrating this kind of love is really important.  The closeness you're feeling now may dissipate in time, and trying to remember what it really felt like will get harder as the years go by.  

I'm looking for 5 families who have the following criteria:  1.  A beautiful backyard.  2. The willingness to let me use said backyard for their friends and families who would love the opportunity to do a limited edition session. 3.  Credit towards artwork based on the sales of your friends and family.

Our beautiful, luxury products are available with special savings ONLY for these events.  The only theme is that it's fall, so these would be done on these specific dates:  October 24th and 25th; November 1; November 7th and 8th.  Of course, if you wanted a week day, like a Monday or a Friday, we can certainly accommodate.  

Disclaimer:

There is a requirement of 5 additional families.  I will help you with asking around as I have a one-sheet for you to share with everyone, so that you will have 5 families.  These five additional families cannot be part of your immediate family.  All 6 families will have a full experience, and will get to see their photographs the same day and make their order.  

All safety precautions will be followed, including masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer.  We will not be providing any refreshments, that is up to you to bring those.  Remember, it may be warm on those days, so having water and other refreshments is imperative on those days.  I will be waiving the session fee, but there will be a non-refundable $100 retainer to be spent towards your purchase.

Pets with Santa sponsored by BowieCLAW and Calvert Brewing Company

Here at Honey Bee Photography, we've been working with BowieCLAW for years now, and we want to keep the tradition of Pets with Santa, as well as a special themed In the Leaves Day in early October.  We're manifesting that we'll be able to do the photographs outside, and orders inside in a room that is easily accessible.  We're in the middle of negotiations now. I may put up a survey of some sort on my Facebook Page to get some excitement going.

Motorcycle fall sessions

Who do you who loves the open road in the fall?  I am reaching out to bikers who take advantage of spring, summer, and fall with their Harleys, and in the winter, ride on those days that are 50° plus.  

I have the perfect solution for you!  I photograph my clients authentically, according to their lifestyle, not who I think they should be.  So if you love the freedom that your motorcycle gives you, let's talk.

I do have a project coming up with a local dealer, so watch out!

Costume sessions

With Halloween being an uncertainty this year, I know that you want to try to give your kids some kind of happiness and fun with their costumes.  This year, I'm doing a food drive on Saturday, October 3 from 10-2 in my studio home.  My home will be sanitized for safety, and all safety measures will be followed.  The session fee is 10 pieces of non-perishable food items, cans, or boxes.  You'll receive a 10 minute session and a digital photograph of your choice, which you'll be able to see with my assistant on my front porch.  Volume priced packages will be available, including trading cards, greeting cards, and other fun pieces.  You'll have beautiful photographs of your child's fresh costume to enjoy for years to come.

A Simple Technique to Help You Toss Away Stress

As of this writing, we are still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. While things seemed to have cooled down somewhat and safety protocols have been put into place in hopes of mitigating the spread of the virus, there are still many factors that are causing us to experience anxiety.

As a hypnotist, I receive several calls every day from people who are simply feeling overwhelmed. From parents worried about their children going back to school, to the furloughed employee going back to work after packing on a few extra pounds, to the casual drinker who realizes they are now drinking two bottles of wine a night, there’s certainly no shortage of stressed-out folks right now.

Fortunately, I understand how stress works; after all, that’s my job! Without getting all bogged down in technical jargon, I’ll just say it’s basic neuroscience. You have a stressful thought and it goes down a neural pathway in your brain, causing a physical-emotional response. Have the same thought again, the neural pathway gets a little more defined. It’s like taking a shortcut through the woods behind your house as a kid; what starts as a simple path becomes a clearly defined trail in no time.

The same thing happens each time you have a different stressful thought. In addition, thanks to something known as Hebb’s Law, the neural pathways of similar stressful thoughts begin to light up at the same time. As the saying goes, “neurons that fire together, wire together.” Ultimately, this means the one tiny chain of neurons created by that one stressful thought can very quickly become a hyper-connected stress superhighway in your brain. Ugh! 

Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to easily stop those stressful thoughts dead in their tracks. One way is to use a simple technique called “Bi-Lateral Stimulation.” I first heard about it in the amazing book The Anti-Anxiety Toolkit by Melissa Tiers (https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Anxiety-Toolkit-Rapid-techniques-rewire/dp/1466451726/).

Just grab any small object you can comfortably hold and toss from one hand to the other (such as a bottle of water, an apple, or your keys). Now think of something that is causing you stress. Notice where you can feel it in your body, and rate that level of stress on a scale of one to ten.

Begin tossing the object back and forth, side to side, from one hand to the other. Make sure you cross the mid-line of your body with each toss, as this will stimulate both hemispheres of your brain. Keeping one hand in front of you while swinging the other hand to the side with each toss will help increase the speed of the effect.

Do this for one minute, then stop and take a deep breath. Scan your body; you may find that the stress has disappeared.  What? How? Simply put, by activating both sides of your brain, you are flooding it with electrical impulses and blood. This causes the stress cluster to dissolve.

Now, think of the same situation again and see if you can bring up any stress. If so, rate it on the same scale. Toss the object from hand to hand for another minute, then scan your body. Repeat until the stress is completely gone.

The great thing about this technique is that you can do it anywhere, anytime – and no one knows you’re doing it! Just remember to move both of your arms and cross your mid-line with each toss.

That’s it for this month. Until next time, keep thinking good thoughts!

By James Scott
Board Certified Hypnotist
Director, Chesapeake Bay Hypnosis

 

James Scott is a world-renowned professional hypnotist, comedy stage hypnotist, mind reader and influence trainer. For more than 25 years, he has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his mesmerizing hypnosis and mind reading shows.

 From corporate boardrooms and hotel ballrooms to private parties and school events, James brings both charm and expertise to bear to captivate, educate and motivate groups all over the world. 

 A 20-year Navy veteran, James began performing in 1993 while stationed in Hawaii. Now retired from military service, he travels the globe demonstrating the awesome power of the human mind -- often with hilarious results!

 Offstage, he has used hypnosis to help countless people overcome fears, bad habits and negative behaviors in order to take back control of their lives. James is a board-certified hypnotist and a certified trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

August 2020 Newsletter

2020

It certainly is turning out to be a "year", isn't it?  Between COVID-19, murder hornets, masks becoming a new fashion icon, and now "online school at home", everyone's styles are cramping. 

 

Being together at home a lot can be stressful.
Trying to balance working from home, keeping the kids going with schoolwork, and being the best parent you can be, can be super stressful.

Here at Honey Bee Photography, we are striving to bring you the very best value, whether it's in prepping for your photography experience, content on our blog and newsletters, or creating your artwork for you.  That's why I've partnered up with local experts whom I trust to share how to make things easier for you as a family, a business owner, or just for yourself.

That whole "yourself" thing.  It's easy to forget about yourself, when you are in the midst of figuring out what's awesome for everyone else in your family and business.  Staying focused, happy, and productive often take a back seat when you're concentrating on worrisome ideas.

This month, I'm introducing Brandie Bates with Mary Kay, Cheryl Cage with MyCore, and James Scott, director at Chesapeake Bay Hypnosis.  They have products, knowledge, and solutions to help with your everyday "new normal".  Please check out their articles by clicking on their names.

There's No Place Like Home

Hello my friends!

How are you?  I've been reaching out to so many of you over these past few months, to see how you and your family are doing.  

The number one thing that I've heard during these phone calls, besides hating wearing masks, is that families have been spending more time together, doing things... together.

Some of you have baked bread.  Some of you have done virtual 10ks.  Some of you had babies.  Some of you got pregnant.  Some of you entered a new chapter of your life.

But across the board... I heard that time was spent... together. In love. In reconnecting.  In creating together.  In thriving.  In everything.

Many discovered that all they really need, is in the place they live and love.

Isn't it interesting that when hard times hit, that's when we really figure things out? 

\

Dorothy understood that after all of her whirlwind adventures in Oz, that really, the best place was home.

It is my wish that as we enter the new school year, and you are trying to figure out your "new normal",  that you'll discover, after all is said and done and dusted, "there's no place like home".

As you get ready for the new school year, may you have good days where learning together is a joy.  May the rough days bring you even closer together.

With love,

Megan

It's Still Summer, and Your Skin Still Needs Protection by Brandie Bates

Brandie Bates is a local Mary Kay consultant and contributing guest blogger, and strives to help her clients have the most beautiful skin.  Skin care is her specialty, and because she understands the science behind the incredible formulas that are specific to Mary Kay, she's able to help you as time marches on, but keeping your skin looking youthful.

As summer is coming to an end, and this new school-at-home time commences, we still need to get outside and have family recess!  The sun doesn't stop just because school starts.  With homeschooling, you might find yourself working in the backyard in the cool of your patio, while your kids are doing homework in the yard.

Whatever you may be doing, you need protection from the sun.  You need Mary Kay’s line of  sun care products.

When you’re outside, you need all-over body protection, and Mary Kay Suncare SPF 50 Sunscreen is everything you need.  This amazing sunscreen absorbs so quickly, leaving your skin soft and moisturized.  If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can blend this with your regular moisturizer to add extra protection and moisture. 

With up to eighty minutes of wear that is water- and sweat-resistant, you’ll be able to get things done and not have to reapply it so often.  It’s a great time saver, and your kids won’t complain when they have to stop running through the sprinkler every half hour, which, when home-schooling, means that recess in September is just as much fun as being home on a Tuesday afternoon during summer vacation.

Another fabulous product for those who love the sun is Mary Kay’s Sun Care Lip Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 15.  Perfect for every season, it provides moisture for your lips and great protection from the sun.  Best yet, it’s fragrance free, so those with even the most sensitive lips can wear it with no problems.  Applying it to your kids' lips will be so much easier, and bonus, no chapped lips.

For the crazy days when you do forget to grab the sunscreen on those day trips for education, there’s cooling, refreshing relief in the form of Mary Kay’s Sun Replenishing Gel.  Non-sticky, it goes on like a lotion and moisturizes and heals your sunburnt skin.  Its light scent is perfect for anyone to use.  Best of all, it just feels so good on your hot skin.

Finally, for the moms who want the sun-kissed look without being in the sun, or going to a tanning bed, there is a perfect product from Mary Kay, called Subtle Tanning Lotion.  It gives skin the moisture it craves while subtly enhancing its natural tone for a healthy glow, and no dreaded streaks and blotches.  When used daily, you can build the perfect color in about a week.  The divine scent is a luscious coconut/honeysuckle fragrance.  It's perfect to use all year long, especially when you are looking to have a momentary escape to your favorite beaches when meditating.  Let's face it, with kids homeschooling, and you working from home, you'll be able to enjoy a few moments at your own private beach and come back with a tan!

As you can see, Mary Kay's line of sun care products are perfect for any time of year.

                    Time Marches On, But Your Skin Doesn't Have To.

With warmth, 
Brandie Bates
808-383-1338
Call me for your consultation today.