What's Your Review?

Reviews are something that is so small, but can make a major impact.  Think about it.  Before you go see a movie, visit a city, or eat at a restaurant, you often check out the reviews, and based on the overall consensus, you indulge, or you don't.  Reviews aren't only for places and things; they're also for people.  Every action you take adds to your personal review.  How many stars do you think you have?   

There was someone I used to work with who redefined what an 'awful' co-worker was. This person was one of the rudest people I had ever met---to say the least.  The majority of co-workers didn't get along with this person either.  With little regard to the feelings of others, or dare I say, RESPECTING others, this person meandered around without a care in the world.   A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from a friend of mine.  Coincidentally, the miserable co-worker was applying for a new job and my friend was the one who was interviewing this person.  Small world!  Wanting to ensure that she made the right decision, my friend asked me to chime in on the real deal and let her know if it would be the right choice.  I really wished that I had something positive to say, but unfortunately, the negative came to my mind...and fast.  After, I shared my experience with this former co-worker, my friend politely stated "Okay.  I'll be moving the resume to the top of the trash when I get to the office on Monday morning."  Wow.  A few honest words from me and bam!....missed opportunity.  Little did this person know that I would oneday be the one person to vouch for their reputation and work ethic. 

I took this thought even further.  I have a strong work ethic and in building my personal brand, I understand what it takes to make myself known and reach my desires.  I do a lot.  I am editor for 2 magazines as well as a contributor for several others.  I'm a Certified Life Coach, a motivational speaker, and am currently co-authoring a book.  These are just a few of the things I'm working on.  When you enter a new industry in which you have no experience, you MUST be willing to sacrifice in order to build your resume.  What does that mean?  It means starting from the ground up and possibly taking advantage of opportunities that provide a wealth of experience that will generate income in the future.  In lamens terms, doing it for free now, lol.  I've had many people ask me how I can work so hard for certain things and not get paid for it.  After I explain that there are other ways of being compensated, especially when you have a long term goal, I also explain the importance of this: with every action you take, you are creating your very own review.  My work ethic is naturally who I am, but it is important to make sure that you are giving 100% in everything you do.  You see, my review, won't be "Stephanie is cool, but her work ethic sucks."  I can rest assured that all my hard work, my positive attitude, and my genuine desire to be of service to others, will always provide me with the best review possible from everyone I work with, every life I touch, and every word I write.  I can be confident that no matter who you ask, they'll have something positive to say.  My review will cause you to want to see me, meet me, talk to me, etc. 

I want to close with this: you never know who knows who.  Your big break may lie in the words of someone you didn't even know was connected to your opportunity.  Don't dismiss the things or people that you deem unimportant and uninfluential.  Allow your daily actions to create your best review and watch doors open up in your favor for your future!

Until next time...keep the forward movement....

Sweet Treat Friday!

What's better than a Friday?  A sweet treat to go along with the end of your week!  Some of you may or may not know, but I love to cook and bake.  I grew up watching my mother cook everything under the sun sprinkled with carribean flavor, so it was natural for me to pick up cooking.  I love trying new things and one of my favorite places to search for new recipes is The Food Network. Looking to give in to my sweet tooth, I searched for a good dessert recipe and stumbled on Paula Deen's Peach Cobbler.  I tried this a long time ago, but wanted to do my own thing in terms of the ingredients.  Two words: bad idea!  For those who don't really bake, know that baking is more of an exact science.  When cooking, you have more room to sprinkle a little bit of this and add a little bit of that, but when baking, every measurement needs to be exact.  The smallest change could ruin your recipe. 

This peach cobbler is perfect way to end your week, cozy up on the couch, and rest.  Now that the cold weather is upon us, it's the best time to warm up with this delicious dessert!

Paula Deen's Peach Cobbler

Ingredients

4 cups peeled, sliced peaches

2 cups sugar, divided

1/2 cup water

8 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 1/2 cups milk

Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Until next time...keep the forward movement....