It has been a little chillier than we Floridians are used to but it is giving us the time to stay cozy and get those New Year Resolutions accomplished … My primary goal was weight loss and I am pleased to report I am down 11.5 pounds in 5 weeks! I’ll be happy to share my success formulas if you have an interest. Basically, it is about eating healthy and doing exercise … imagine that! The greatest deprivation has been eliminating my favorite adult beverage but the detoxification of all Caffeine, Refined sugar, Additives and Preservatives (CRAP) has been essential. It has been fun to invent new recipes that are creative, quick and easy. How are YOU doing on YOUR primary priority?
With regard to business, I promised to step up my game on writing about the things that will be most helpful to you. Your comments have been so important … there was a time when I thought I was casting thought to the wind! I appreciate the energy that comes back from you as you inspire and ignite more energy. Think of how that makes people respond to your requests when you feed them praise. WOW! It creates a power that can make mere mortals move mountains! We cannot motivate anyone other than ourselves but we can inspire others through affirmations. So go find the stars in your life and let them know how they have impacted you.

 This month I am focused on a fundraising event and awareness for an organization known as Dress For Success. This group restores dignity and hope for professional women in search of a new job. Women are referred to the agency and have a set appointment to meet with a volunteer that will help them select 2 suits, 2 blouses, a pair of shoes and a briefcase from the donations at the boutique. They will also assist with resume writing and have a computer lab to investigate opportunities to go out on interviews and launch their new life. Visit their new location at 1705 North Howard AvenueTampa during their OPEN HOUSE:

Thursday, February18th 11:00am to 2:00pm
Friday, February 19th 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Saturday, February 20th 9:00am to 12:00pm

Please plan to attend the fund raising Fashion event at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE February 25. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Details are found at http://bit.ly/9frpI7 .You will be in good company!

Also in the news … http://bit.ly/dvTzj7 … the latest on the Sustainable Business Conference & Expo. The topics will be announced later this month but mark your calendars!
Finally, the video intro to the website is on line! I am learning ways to improve memory techniques and to get noticed in cyberworld so I will be sharing those items along with ways that work to improve YOUR networking and meeting sizzle. Keep coming back for more!

Dress For Success Fundraiser and Fashion Event at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Please invite every professional woman you know.

It is such a worthy cause and we will have so many fun prizes and treats for everyone.

Make your reservation TODAY as space is limited!

 http://tinyurl.com/yzmmjsr

Saturday, Feb 27 Spa Diva Day

It’s anti-age girly-girl fun with the am A2Zing aesthetician, Marie Rose.

I have one last appointment open at 3:20 PM if YOU want to join in.

 Wednesday, March 3 Wine Diva

Bottling, Tasting & Brewing Event 6 – 8 PM
Winemaking Pantry
10510 Portal Crossing Suite 104
Bradenton, FL 34211
www.winemakingpantry.com

Be sure to reserve your space in advance as all events have limited capacity.

Linda Elland, Your Missing Piece
A2Z Meetings & Events
Phone: 813-990-0950

www.A2ZMeetingsandEvents.com

Planes are still leaving our area every Friday and the greatest current need is for diapers and baby formula. Food is still a top priority. THANK YOU to everyone who donated. Laurie was able to locate an Xray machine and several medical supplies. Simple bandaids and ointments are easy to pack up and will be useful. Rewards greater than riches are yours to enjoy! The contact information listed in the initial blog is still valid so let your heart lead the way.

THANK YOU!!

Hi Everybody,
We all want to help in some small way and now we have a chance! The biggest challenge isn’t getting donated goods, it is getting donated transport to Haiti. A colleague has arranged by partnering with a local charity that is organizing medical flights into Haiti. They are willing to accept cargo on their DC-3s, and the first flight leaves on Thursday. If you want to help, these are items we want to get to Haiti ASAP, in order of priority:
1. Medical supplies/first aid supplies- everything from gloves, masks, gowns, ER drugs to OTC items such as gauze, bandages, band-aids, peroxide, antibiotic ointments, rubbing alcohol, disinfectants and cleaning supplies. Also, there is an URGENT need for X-Ray equipment. Right now broken bones are being set w/o the benefit of x-rays. Casting supplies are also needed.
2. Baby formula, food, bottles and diapers …. Lots of diapers!
3. Survival items (think camping) – sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, tents, cots, etc. Most people are living and sleeping out of doors, under sheets.
4. Toiletries – soap (liquid is preferable to bar soap), toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
5. Nonperishable food and water
6. Just a quick update on my previous list: I need to move food up to a 1 or 2 priority. Think big bags of rice and bags of dry beans! Cheap, easy to store, easy to transport, and relatively nutritious. Cans are heavy and bulky and people may or may not be able to open them.
If anybody would like to donate any of these products, please get them to me by the end of Wednesday. I will be attending the Manatee Chamber business after 5 event this evening and in St. Pete tomorrow attending the Meeting Planner International meeting at Suncoast Hospice if anyone would like to participate or you can drop it off at:

Remmel Wellness Center
6416 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. No.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(t) 727-525-1141
Because of the space constraints and logistics, we have been asked to hold off on donations of clothing and building supplies. Please pass this on to everyone in your contact list. Laurie Puckett of Remmel Wellness Center will collect, sort and box the donations and get them to the planes. The transport that she has arranged will have security and will be bringing our supplies in directly to two missions working in Haiti – MVI and Mission Haiti.
Also, if you know anyone with a medical background (doctor, nurse, surgical tech …) who wants to go to Haiti and volunteer their time, have them contact her and she will get them in touch with the folks organizing the medical side of things.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer and God Bless!