I know you’re …

I know you’re reading this on a computer, smartphone or tablet, but ask yourself, how computer literate am I?

Computer literacy is a set of skills that no woman should be without.  Being computer literate can be the gateway to self-sufficiency and career advancement!  When you understand the basics of computers you can:

• Advance your career by taking on new responsibilities or qualifying for a higher-paying job
• Explain what is happening when something goes wrong
• Fix computer issues yourself, saving time and money
• Know what you do and don’t need when buying electronics, and when something is worth your money
• Feeling confident in your abilities when new technology is introduced to you

Knowledge breeds more knowledge!  When you know a little, you know enough to learn more.  If you are not confident with computers yet, you soon can be!

• Seek out local resources: Fresh Start offers computer classes in Computer/Internet Basics, Word, Excel and PowerPoint…with more to come! Many libraries and community colleges do as well.
• Online Tutorials: The internet  is full of free tutorials to teach you anything and everything you want to know.  Many channels on Youtube are devoted to teaching you specific software or guiding you how to fix problems.  Most software companies wll have free tutorials on thier websites.  Office.com has tutorials on all office products.
• Friends and Family: The best resource might be all around you!  Most people have thier go-to “tech person” who sets up thier computer or stays on the phone to guide you through a problem.  Set up some time with them to teach you some basics, you’ll oth be glad they did.

REMEMBER,everything new is confusing the first time we do it, but with practice, will become a useful skill!

Mideival Helpdesk (This silly video illustrates this beautifully)

If you’re looking to improve your skills, please check out our computer class offerings.  If ou can’t make it, we also hve tech coaches in the library who will give you free tutoring.  Call 602-261-7168 for an appointment.

Get in the Glow!

Want glowing luminescent skin? Follow these 5 easy breezy steps to gain a gorgeous faux glow!

 

 

 

 

 

1.)    Get real – always begin with your skin care: I love, love, love Shiseido’s White Lucent’s Brightening skin care products this line softens & lightens dark spots and assists in creating an overall even skin tone. Another favorite skin care line is Philosophy’s Miracle Worker I bought a trial kit and it took my skin to the next level, it is ammmmmmmazing! Before you know it your faux glow will soon be your own!

Note: From someone plagued by hyper-pigmentation I recommend buying trial kit’s as they include all of the lines recommended products. With brightening I find it imperative to use the complete skin care line (cleanser, toner, lightener & moisturizer) all of the given products really do relate & build upon one another.

2.)    It’s a crime not to prime – use a multifaceted makeup primer OVER your skin care products but UNDER your makeup foundation. Why? As the day goes on the primer holds your glow in place. Stilas’ One Step Bronze Skin Tone Illuminating Bronzing Serum packs a lot of punch in one little bottle! Their description of “A serum that instantly bronzes, illuminates primes and nourishes, and gives skin a sun-kissed glow.” is completely accurate!

3.)    Fake it till you make it-layer on the glow! Add cream & /or liquid blush products directly on top of your freshly applied makeup foundation. The key is to mix wet products with other wet products (as in baking). Add cream &/or liquid blush on the highest points of your face (cheek bones, between the lower eye area & cheek and above your eyebrow)…Avoid looking like a grease ball by keeping all products that add glow off of your ‘T Zone’ (forehead, nose & chin).

Use peach & pink cream / liquid blush colors on the apples of your cheeks and gold pearlized colors above & below the eye (creates a soft angelic halo appearance). Don’t be afraid to layer & mix liquid colors. I wear at least 3 liquid / cream blushes every day. Apply power blush just outside of the wet blush so that you don’t diminish your glow. Above are my favorite liquid & cream blushes…Benefit in ‘Posie’ (looks like nail polish), Nar’s ‘The Multiple –Orgasm’ & Shiseido ‘Glistening Flush’.

 

 

 

4.)    Lock it in – Use a setting powder on your ‘T Zone’ to ensure that your natural oils stay at bay the whole day. Should your natural oils come to the surface with the enhanced glow you added your look will certainly default to that of a greaseball. My most recent fabulous makeup find is Laura Mercier’s Invisiable Loose Setting Powder, it has microfine particles that stay out of all fine lines and lock in makeup products like glue. Use a fan brush to apply.

Be Sun Smart in the Valley of the Sun

The weather is warming back up, and it’s the perfect time to be outside. Living in the Valley of the Sun, we are surrounded by sunshine year round and often forget the importance of sun protection.

The Facts:

• Sun gives us vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium.
• The sun gives off ultraviolet rays. These UV rays pass through the air and clouds and penetrate our skin.
• Melanin is a chemical in the skin that protects it from sun damage by reflecting some UV rays and absorbing others. Light colored skin has less melanin than dark colored skin. People with dark colored skin can still get sunburns, it just takes longer than someone that has lighter colored skin with less melanin.

Why You Don’t Want a Sunburn

• Sun burns can cause wrinkles when you are older (who wants that??)
• Sun burns can lead to skin cancer

• Too much sun in your eyes (without proper protection) can lead to cataracts and other forms of eye damage
• Frequent sun burns and exposure to UV rays can weaken your immune system.

Danger Zone

Heat exhaustion most often occurs when people work or play in a hot & humid environment and excessive amounts of body fluids are lost through sweating. This causes dehydration and makes your body overheat. Body temperature will most likely be elevated, but not above 104 F

Heat stroke, much more serious that heat exhaustion, is a life-threatening medical condition. The internal cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, shuts down. This causes the body temperature to rise to a point at which brain damage or other internal organ damage may occur. Body temperature will be elevated and may reach 105 F or higher.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 700 people die each year from heat-related illnesses.

10 Ways to Be Sun Smart

• Always wear sun screen. Many daily moisturizers offer a Sun Protection Factor (better known as SPF) of 15 or more.

• Take frequent breaks from the sun and go indoors or in the shade.

• Avoid prolonged exposure from 10am-4pm. This is when UV rays are the strongest and can do the most damage.

• Apply sun screen 15-20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Reapply at least every 2 hours, more if swimming or sweating a lot.

• Remember that reflection from water (swimming, boating etc.) speeds up the time it takes the sun to damage your skin.

                                                                                               

• If you can see your hand through your clothing, it will not protect you from the sun. UV rays can penetrate sheer fabric.

• Wear a hat. It will protect your entire head.

                                   

• Wear sunglasses. Look for shades that offer UV protection (Might also be labeled “Polarized”).

• Drink lots of water & drink it BEFORE you are thirsty. This will prevent dehydration and replenish the water you lose through sweat.

                              

•  Avoid tanning beds. If you must tan, spray tan is the way to go.

If you think yo…

If you think you can, you can.

And if you think you can’t, you’re right. Mary Kay Ash

Sometimes you build your own obstacles that stand in the way of your goals. If you are mindful of your inner critic you can challenge this voice…

Question the Inner Critic/Develop your Inner Ally

The Inner Critic’s Voice	Your Inner Ally’s Voice
Is unfairly harsh… “People say that they liked my presentation, but it was nowhere near as good as it should have been. I can’t believe no one notices all the places where I messed up.”	Is reassuring… “Wow, they really liked it! Maybe it wasn’t perfect, but I worked hard on that presentation and did a good job. I’m proud of myself, this was a great success.”
Generalizes unrealistically… “I got an F on the test. I don’t understand anything in this class. What an idiot. Who am I fooling? I’m stupid and I don’t belong in school. “	Is specific… “I did poorly on this test, but I’ve done okay on all the homework. There are some things here that I don’t understand as well as I thought I did, but I can do the material – I’ve done fine in other classes that were just as tough.”
Can be illogical… “She is frowning. She didn’t say anything, but I know it means she doesn’t like me.”	Challenges illogic… “Okay, she’s frowning, but I don’t know why. It could have nothing to do with me. Maybe I should ask.”
Catastrophizes… “I didn’t get hired for that job. I’m so humiliated. No one thinks I can get the job. I’ll always work for low wages and never have anything.”	Is objective… “Ouch! That hurt. Well, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t capable, it means that someone else had better skills than I do at this time. At least I was in the running, I got an interview!”

My Sister’s Keeper

Fresh Start recently started a women’s book discussion group.

Why a book group?

What else can provide:

• Meeting new people
• Guaranteed interesting conversation
• Entertainment
• Sense of community

FOR FREE?

Did we pique your interest?

This month, we are reading “My Sister’s Keeper” By Jodi Picult.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a heart-wrenching story of two sisters.  Kate is 16 years old,and has been battling leukemia scince the age of two.  Anna is her 13 year old sister, and was concieved by her parents to be a genetic match to Kate so that they could use stem cells from her cord blood.  But it isn’t enough.  Througout Anna’s young life, her cells, blood, bone marrow are constantly harvested to keep Kate alive.  When they want a kidney, Anna decides to take a stand and sue for the rights to her own body.

It’s a compelling read.  The book follows every member of the family and thier own point of view as the story unfolds.  The charactes are real; flawed, selfish, selfless, and as tired and hurting as anyone might be under this kind of stress.  It’s a story of kinship, friendship, and what it means to be a caretaker-but not in the way you would think….

I won’t tell you anymore, because this one’s a page-turner that will keep you up past bedtime as you turn the isses over in your head.

We will be meeting Saturday, February 25th, from 12pm-2pm.  It’s going to be a great chance to discuss this book and connect with other women in stimulating conversation.  Come join us!

If you would like to join our book group, please contact us at 60-261-7168.  The first five people to sign up recieve a free copy to keep!

Finding Passion & Purpose Through Volunteerism!

When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of one day becoming a professional dancer.  Throughout school, I took dance classes and joined the dance team in high-school.  I even choreographed my own dances for our performances and I just knew that the way I felt on that floor meant something.  Yet, I was never able to follow that dream.  Instead, my parents pushed for me to become an accountant and I took a position within a financial institution instead of following my passion.

Many of us have had a dream at one point and time and maybe you were able to follow it through to fulfill your passion. But, many of us never had the opportunity to work in the environment that truly made us thrive. And now, as adults, we might look back and wonder or watch in awe at those who have the positions we always desired to have.  I say, let’s change that! Instead of watching on the sidelines, let’s take an alternate opportunity that is open to us every day! VOLUNTEERING.

If you search on the internet for a volunteer match site, you will find several that will allow you to plug in the area of interest so that you can find an organization or agency that you may apply as a volunteer and still be a part of that dream.  Maybe even ensure that others’ dreams don’t get lost in the shuffle of life. 

Have you always dreamed of becoming a firefighter or policeman/woman? There are volunteer positions within the fire and police department that are always in need to be filled. Maybe you’ve always felt that you could have been that star soccer player, how about volunteering as a coach for youth that would not otherwise be able to play the sport?  Or maybe, you loved to play the clarinet in school and dreamed of being a part of the symphony one day….volunteer at your local symphony hall. There are plenty of opportunities to be a part of the action and still give back fulfilling a much needed purpose to the community.

Try searching VolunteerMatch.org to find your area of interest and find a way to fulfill that passion!

If you are interested in volunteering for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, please visit our website at http://phoenix.wehelpwomen.com to download a volunteer application or contact Volunteer Services at 602.261.7166 for more information.

FRESH & FRUGAL (Cliffs Notes on how to be “fashionably Fresh and Financially Fabulous”)

 The Fresh List:

Items worthy of spending full price for (investment items)

A great haircut

Good or bad a great haircut will be worn by you every single day so you might as well be wearing the best haircut that you can reasonably afford. There are few other beauty elements that aid you in putting your best face forward.

Eye cream

We only have one face and it has to last a lifetime what better investment is there than the face we put forward every day?

Running Shoes

The design and science behind a good running shoe is more important to ones well being than any savings can amount to.

Swim Suit

Contrary to what one might think spending money on what can be a tiny piece of spandex can make a world of difference. The engineering within a very good swimsuit can smooth and lift you in all of the right places.

The Frugal List:

Item to be frugal with

Costume Jewelry

Don’t bother buying ‘better’ costume jewelry, even Coco Chanel costume pieces are the same plastic that can be found at Forever 21. If you are seeking a cute ‘semi’ statement piece that’s one thing so long as you know the elements that you are buying are far from the price it costs to produce.

Manicures

Our hands take such a beating day in and day out that when it comes to basic manicures (non gel or shellac) it is far better to opt for more frequent manicures than to invest in an expensive basic manicure. With that, Gel or shellac manicures are a very different story as they last much longer than a basic manicure.

Home Décor

Absolute steals can be found both in terms of price, uniqueness and quality when shopping for home décor items in thrift stores and resale shops. The hunt also makes these items more sentimental than say the item one picks up at Target.

Networking

What is networking you might ask?

Networking is developing contacts or exchanging of information with others in an informal network, as to further your career.

There are many different avenues you can utilize when networking. For instance:

• Volunteering
• Library
• Coffee Shop
• School
• Networking Groups such as: Career Connectors (www.careerconnectors.org)
• Church
• Networking sites such as: LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com)

It is important to never under estimate the power of volunteering! Volunteering shows employers you are responsible not only while at work but also in your free time. Employers want to see your committment to the community. Volunteering can be an addition to your resume as well as an opportunity to use the organization as a reference. You never know what doors may open when volunteering and who you might meet. A small committment can not only give back to our community and change lives, but allow you the oppportunity to NETWORK!

www.volunteermatch.org

www.idealist.org

www.serve.gov

www.handsonphoenix.gov

A great website for networking is LinkedIn. In order to set up an account for LinkedIn, follow these basic steps:

The purpose of the LinkedIn account is to network professionally

1. Open the internet on your computer
2. Type in the browser window http://www.linkedin.com,  select “Enter”
3. On the right side of the website page, select “Join LinkedIn today”
4. Enter your name, email address and a (+6 digit password) and select “Join Now”
5. Start your Professional Profile

• Select from the drop down box (Employed, Business Owner, Looking for Work, Work Independently or Student)
• Complete country, zip code, company (if applicable) and industry (drop down box and select)

*Optional- See who you already know on LinkedIn

• If you choose to continue, your next screen sends an email to your contacts in your email account
• If you decide to skip you will have this option in the future, it will be sending you a confirmation email to your own personal email

6. Log into your email account and select the email from LinkedIn by selecting “click here” it opens a new screen and asks you to confirm your email address. You will be prompted with the next screen and asked to “Sign in to LinkedIn” enter your password at this time

7. The next screen displays numerous people you may know and you can select on the appropriate boxes to invite those people to your network or click “Skip this Step”

8. Would you like to share your new profile on FaceBook or Twitter or select “Skip this Step”

9.  “Your Account is Set-up” Select your plan “Basicà FREE” or “Premium”

10. The “Basic” plan is perfect for networking,  you will need to input your information

In order to learn how to better utilize LinkedIn, register for Fresh Start’s workshop.

• “How to Use LinkedIn to find a Job” which is being offered the 2nd Monday of the month, from 5:45-7:45pm.

To Learn more about the importance and power of networking consider attendning our networking workshop.

• “The Art of Networking” January 14th, 9:30-11:30am; March 24, 9:30-11:30am; April 21, 9:30-11:30am.

Please see the following supporting articles!

http://phoenix.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=28728

http://phoenix.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=28716

Make the “I want, I want, I want” Go Away

“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”

                                                                        –Winston Churchill

I am nearly 100% certain that there is not a parent alive that wants to hear the words “me, me, me” or “I want, I want, I want” 24/7 for the next 18 years. Children are taught at a young age to share with others. In most cases, sharing is temporary, and children quickly learn this. Parents reach a point at which they want to teach their children to appreciate the power of giving, and not necessarily receiving in return. Volunteering is a great way for parents to teach appreciation and gratitude.

Research shows that adults are more likely to volunteer if they were expected to volunteer as children, especially if they are accompanied by their family. Teaching your children the power of giving to others is literally a lesson that will stay with them the rest of their lives.

Reasons to volunteer:

•         It feels good when you know you have helped others
•         It strengthens your community
•         It can strengthen your family
•         It gives you the opportunity to explore and learn new things
•         You can meet new people and make friends
•         It will boost your self confidence
•         It will teach you to feel less helpless and more in control of your world.

A group of 10, 11 and 12 years olds were asked, “Why is it important for young people to volunteer?” These were their responses:

“It teaches humbleness, something I could use. Also, it teaches you how many people need help around the world. You want to help more and more. It gets kind of addicting.”

“If people didn’t get involved, when they grew up, they would not be good at working with people.”

“It helps you get moving instead of sitting around the house all day.”

“It’s important for young people to help out because it shows they care for their community.”

Ways to give back:

•         Volunteer at an animal shelter
•         Foster animals until they have a new home
•         Help collect new toys for Toys for Tots during the holidays or have your child forgo 1 of their gifts and donate it
•         Volunteer in a soup kitchen
•         Adopt a family through Salvation Army during the holidays
•         Make cards (for holidays or otherwise) and take them to a senior center or nursing home and pass them out
•         Help elderly neighbors with chores
•         Collect change throughout the year and choose a charity to donate it to during the holidays
•         Donate last year’s clothes and toys before the holidays and birthdays (make it a tradition!)
•         Visit a local mall during the holidays and adopt an Angel from a Salvation Army tree.

For more ideas and for more volunteer opportunities, go to: www.dosomething.org

Leave the kids out of it!

It never ceases to amaze me that when a man and a woman find themselves attracted to each other, their world is beautiful and full of love.  Eventually the two get married and have children and responsibilities grow.  Sometimes the responsibilities can become overwhelming and communication between these two people who once upon a time were in love “stopped”.

The distance between these two people grow so far apart that eventually they use their own kids to help them communicate between each other.  Does this sound familiar? “Tell your mother that she needs to come and talk to me,” or “Tell your father to come and talk to me”.  If so, you could be placing your children in a dangerous situation.

Your children are not adults and do not understand your world as a parent or your responsibilities as a parent.  When a child is placed in the middle, this may affect the child emotionally, physically, and may affect your relationship with your child.

When a child is placed in the middle of their parents, this could lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, isolation from their peers, and even thoughts of hurting themselves.  The child does not understand the problems of two adults and has no business being in the middle of their parents problems.

This may also cause physical problems such as ulcers, headaches, feeling tired due to lack of sleep, not being able to eat or maybe eating too much, which could lead to an eating disorder. The children may feel sick and their immune system may not be able to fight off infections or illnesses, which could lead to more serious health problems.   This may also affect the child’s self esteem and self confidence because the child may feel helpless because he/she cannot help the parent.

Putting your child in the middle also affects your relationship with your child because when you invite your child into your problems the child automatically becomes an adult.  The child may feel that he/she has the same rights as the parents and may become a parental figure among his/her siblings.  The child will also become aware of the problems that you and your partner are having and may promote anger and lack of respect towards the other parent who he/she feels is causing the problem.   The child may also lose respect for both of the parents and feel entitled not to respect any rules in the house or other adults.

Parents protect their children when they keep them out of the middle of the parental difficulties.

The following classes are available to help a parent stay focus on her parental role.

PARENTING SERIES:  Positive Discipline Wednesday January 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

PARENTING SERIES:  Healthy Family Communication Wednesday February 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

PARENTING SERIES:  Ages and Stages Wednesday April 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Building Healthy Self-Esteem in Your Child:  Part 1 Wednesday March 28, 1 – 3 p.m.

Building Healthy Self- Esteem in Your Child:   Part II Wednesday April 4, 1 – 3 p.m.

Mothers Matter Most:  Wednesday April 25, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Please see our catalog for more additional workshops on self care, self –esteem, and stress reduction