Holiday Cooking - 3

With a month until Thanksgiving, I am still trying to finalize a menu. I'm think it will be a fusion between Caribbean cuisine and American favorites!

I Feel Like Fish!

Have you ever gotten tired of eating the same thing over and over? How about tired of eating chicken? There are probably hundreds of ways to prepare chicken, but it is still chicken! How about fish? Here are some fun ways to have your fish. First dish is a grilled yellow fin tuna over a stir-fry cabbage slaw. Second dish is a tilapia sandwich with a spring mix salad.

Getting in Shape - Tip 21

When you are developing an exercise routine, remember not to over do it. Take your time and gradually increase your fitness level. It takes longer but it reduces the risk of injury. I have worked out for 3 days straight and I’m feeling a little tired. I might just take it easy tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to take breaks!

Starting a Business - 21

The LLC in New York Part III -Taxation
A LLC can elect its classification for federal tax purposes. An LLC with two or more members can elect to be an association (corporation) or a partnership; an LLC with one member can elect to be an association (corporation) or elect to be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner (in effect, to be treated as a sole proprietorship for federal tax purposes). Thus there is pass through taxation i.e. taxed on income.

Quest to become a Certified Personal Trainer - Update2

All the books have finally arrived! I am excited to embark on this new chapter in my life! Wish me luck and God's blessing and hopefully I will be certified by January 2010!

Getting in Shape - Tip 20

It is very hard to maintain a workout routine and it is very easy to get bored doing the same routine over and over again. Thus, you should try to mix it up sometime. This week I will be taking a step class, a weight training class, cycling and I will do my routine in the weight room. I have a packed week. Bring it on!

Starting a Business - 20

The LLC in New York Part II -Liability Issues
Personal liability is generally limited, although the Articles of Organization can specify that member(s) will be liable for company debts, etc.

Want to train like a Pro Triathlete - 19

Whenever you twist your ankle or hurt your knee, you need to remember R.I.C.E – Rest Ice Compress Elevate!

Quick Corn Muffins!

I have been temporarily banned from all food containing wheat or dairy – until further notice from my doctor. I never realized how prevalent wheat and dairy was in food products. After two weeks of eats egg whites for breakfast, I was getting seriously bored. I decided that I would make corn muffins and since I was being lazy decided to buy a pre-packaged mix. To my surprise, it had wheat flour in it! So, I got in my creative mode and came up with a quick corn muffin recipe. Here you go!


Ingredients
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup sugar
2 medium eggs
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp water



Directions

Preheat over to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, combine eggs and water; beat well using a wire whisk.
Add sugar to eggs; beat well.
Add oil; beat well.
Stir in cornmeal, baking powder and baking soda into egg mixture.
Pour into muffin pan.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Yields 6 muffins.

Executive Insights - What does your business card say about you?

Alright, in the past two weeks I attended four networking events and I must say they were successful! I had some great leads and if all goes well and it’s God’s will, I will land a few clients. However, I noticed a couple of things that gave me pause. One, it is always rude to interrupt people when they are talking and wedge yourself in the conversation. Why can’t people get this golden rule? Has society gotten so far removed from good manners that rudeness is common place? Second, the cheap, flimsy looking business cards and yes the scissors cutouts with the handwritten scrawl – will NOT do! Are you kidding me? Remember, your business card is your chance to make an impression about your professionalism and that of your business. What is a person to think if you give them such a card? It is not only a poor reflection on you but it is also a poor reflection on your business and first impressions are ever lasting. Once again I offer you the link to www.vistaprint.com use it!

Networking for Success!

As I have mentioned time and time again, in person networking is the key to growing a successful business. Sure online networking is great to connect with people, but there is something special when you meet someone in person. You can make a lasting impression and that meeting could possible lead to introductions to other people that person knows and thus more potential clients. This is what happened to me last week when I was out networking. I know it takes work and motivation to get off your couch. However, it is well worth it so put on your killer outfit (that goes for the guys too) and hit the pavement! See pic - when I roll, I bring my A-game!

Balanced Breakfast!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It should be balanced and healthy. When I have time, I make scrambled egg whites, harsh brown, portabella mushroom, spinach medley and fruit. Don't forget to get your OJ and tea (British roots!).

Want to train like a Pro Triathlete - 18

As athletes we are not immune to getting the common cold. Whenever you sense the symptoms coming on, it’s best to rest and drinks lots of fluids.

Starting a Business - 19

The LLC in New York Part II - Liability Issues
Personal liability is generally limited, although the Articles of Organization can specify that member(s) will be liable for company debts, etc.

Beating the impending winter cold with soup!

It's officially soup making season and to kick off the festivities, I made a green split peas soup. Trust me, it hits the spot and warms you up!

Starting a Business - 18

The LLC in New York Part I - Formation
A Limited Liability Company is a hybrid form that combines corporation-style limited liability with partnership-style flexibility. The owners are called members. It is an unincorporated business organization which is formed when one or more persons or business entity, called organizers, prepare, sign and file the Articles of Organization with the Department of State. The articles of organization must include name of the LLC, the county location, designation of Secretary of State as its agent for service of process and an address to which the Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process received.
After formation of the LLC, you are required to publish a notice in two newspapers which must be designated by the county clerk of the county in which the office of the LLC is to be located over six consecutive weeks. A Certificate of Publication, with an affidavit of publication from each newspaper must be filed with the Department of State.
Furthermore, the operating agreement which is the primary document that establishes the rights, powers, duties, liabilities and obligations of the members between themselves and with respect to the LLC may be entered into before, at the time of, or within 90 days after the filing of the Articles of Organization. It is an internal document of the LLC and is not filed with the Department of State.

Getting in Shape - Tip 19

It’s cold outside and you do not feel like trekking it to the gym. However, you are determined to get your workout on. So, do so at home. There are simple exercises you can do in the comfort of your home such as walking lunges, squats, crunches and sit-ups. You might even want to invest in a pair of dumbbells. Don’t let the weather stop you from getting in shape!

Want to train like a Pro Triathlete - 17

Whenever you have a race coming up, it is advisable that you don’t do any hard workout five days prior to the race.

Quest to become a Certified Personal Trainer - Update

Today I found out that the books will not be shipped until October 19th, bummer. Well, you will just have to keep checking back for updates!

Executive Networking – Networking Etiquette

If you are an entrepreneur, at some point you will attend networking events. Some people find this to be a scary experience and you never knew how shy you could be until you are thrust into a room full of strangers. How do you break the ice? Just work up the nerve, walk up to a person, say “hi” and introduce yourself. But, who do you approach? First, look for someone who is not talking to anyone – that’s a good place to start.

Things to avoid while networking:
1. Never and I repeat NEVER, interject yourself into someone else’s conversation. It’s just plain rude! With that said, that’s exactly what happened to me last night when I was out networking. I was talking to someone and this lady came up in the middle of our conversation, stood between the two of us and started chatting on and on to the person I was speaking to; ignoring the fact that I was standing there. After she was finished, she decided to talk to me. Needless to say, I was not pleased, but I did not even bother to tell her how rude she was being.

2. Don’t over sell. Let me rephrase this, don’t sell at all. It is not a business expo; you are not trying to sell a product. What you’re trying to do is to make a contact – maybe a valuable one that can refer you business in the future. Last night, I was talking to a guy that was convinced that I should join his team and sell some type of energy drink. I told him I was not interested because I had my own business to run and I am generally busy with other things. However, he still insisted that I take his card and check out his website when I get a chance. If you try to sell to a person who is not interested, you will just annoy him or her and you can guarantee that person will never refer anyone to you.

3. Don’t ask a lawyer for free advice! This is the number one sin in my book. The last time I check, I still owe the student loan people for my education; don’t expect me to tell you the answer to your question. Besides, I only practice business formation and transactions, entertainment law and immigration (very specific area). I don't necessarily know other areas of law. However, some people assume that because I’m a lawyer, they can just start telling me their legal issue and I would just answer right there and then. I don’t think the Bar or my malpractice carrier would approve of such behavior. So, if you see me out networking, just know it is neither the time nor the place to seek legal advice. Please make an appointment and I will be happy to tell you what I charge.

Starting a Business - 17

Not-for-Profit Corporation in NY
A Not-for-Profit Corporation is formed when one or more persons, called incorporators, who are 18 or older signs the Certificate of Incorporation. The Certificate of Incorporation must include the name of the corporation, not-for-profit corporation defined, the purpose, type, county location, initial directors, designation of the Secretary of State for service of process and an address within the United States to which the Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process received and tax exempt status.
When the completed Certificate of Incorporation is filed with the Department of State, the corporation existence begins. After the corporation existence begins, the incorporator or incorporators must hold an organization meeting for the purpose of adopting initial by-laws, electing directors, and transacting any other business.

Staying in Touch with Business Contacts

I am sure you have heard the saying: out of sight out of mind. So, how do you stay in touch with the contacts you have made throughout the year without inundating them with a barrage of emails? The key is to keep you and your business fresh in their minds without emailing them all the time. Most people don’t have the time or inclination to read a ton of emails. A good way to stay in touch is to send greetings around the holiday season or send an article or information that you may find to be of interest to that contact. Last year, I started sending out custom made greeting cards to contacts I met during the year along with a refrigerator calendar magnet which lists my practice areas. For postcards and greeting cards ideas, check out www.vistaprint.com

Where have all the food pictures gone?

To our loyal readers, I’ve been admonished because I have failed to add more food pictures as of late. Back by popular demand and for your salivation purposes, feast on these pics! Yor entree is Zesty Lime Grilled Chicken Breast with Stuffed Baked Potato and a vegetable medley. Your dessert is a Blackberry Crisp with a Honey, Vanilla Yogurt topping. Enjoy!

Holiday Cooking - 2

Alright, I have caved; I’m fully in the holiday spirit. Not Halloween, Thanksgiving! This year I will be entertaining and it will be a food fest at my place! I’m putting together the guest list as we speak and I’m soliciting ideas for a menu. Give me some feed back, I would love to hear from you!

Getting in Shape - Tip 18

Winter is slowly but surely approaching. It is a time when a lot of people just let themselves go and don’t have the motivation to stay in shape. However, being healthy and staying fit is a life long commitment. Although you can wear bulky clothes to cover up any weight gain, you are going to resist the temptation to fall into a rut. Just think that you are living in the Caribbean where it is summer all year round and you have to look hot all time! Let’s make a pact that this winter will be different and there will be no need for a New Year’s resolution to loose weight!

Quest to become a Certified Personal Trainer!

I have always been into fitness and nutrition. When Elliott got into running, I tried to go along with him. However, I soon realized that I was not cut out for competition but to be on the sidelines cheering him on. Although I like to work out to stay fit and healthy, lately, I have noticed that I have been getting a lot of attention at the gym. Even the trainers are impressed by my workout routine. This got me to thinking. Since I love to work out and I’m all about food and nutrition, the next natural step should be to become a Certified Personal Trainer. With that, I’m launching a new segment on my quest to become a certified personal trainer. The books have already been ordered and I’m waiting on the delivery. So, join me on my quest as I embark on this exciting journey!

Staying in Business, even when you feel like giving up...

Attention all Entrepreneurs, I’m sure that you have been seeing all the reports about the economy. Your business might be suffering and you may feel like throwing in the towel and shuttering your business. But, I’m here to tell you that you must hang in there. This is America, the economy always rebound! Furthermore, you want to be there for the upswing and take your business to the next level!

Starting a Business - 16

Professional Service Corporation in NY
A Professional Service Corporation is formed when one or more professionals, authorized to practice, file a Certificate of Incorporation with the Department of State. The Certificate of Incorporation must include the name of the corporation, the profession the PC shall practice, county location, stock structure, designation of the Secretary of State for service of process and an address within the United States to which the Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process received, and must attach certificates from the appropriate licensing authority and names and residence addresses of all original shareholders, directors and officers.

Want to train like a Pro Triathlete - 16

Training should be fun not work, so it is always good to mix it up! Cross training is one of the ways to this. Some good cross training includes hiking, rock climbing, rowing, roller balding, skiing, etc. - think of it as active recovery!

Getting in Shape - Tip 17

The hardest thing about getting in shape is to stay committed. You need to have will power to fight temptation and stay on track to meet your fitness goals. It is easy to continue to eat junk food. It's hard to say no! But, you have to. I had the most interesting conversation where someone told me that even though she wanted to loose weight she just can't help herself and continued to make bad eating choices. I will be 30 this month and people often tell me I don't have to watch what I eat because I’m in such great shape. My answer is: how did you think I got in shape in the first place? It's hard but you must persevere with all your might because the reward is well worth it!

Executive Networking - Events!!

Even though I would like to attend events every month, sometimes it is not possible to do so. But this month I am stepping it up a notch and will be attending a few events. If you live in the NYC Metro area, these events may interest you. For the entrepreneur or business person check out the NY Entrepreneurs Business Network event on October 13 at 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden, 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001 starting at 6:00 p.m. http://www.ny-entrepreneur-network.com/calendar/11338302/
and the NYC Business Networking Group event on October 22 at New York Life Offices, Graybar Building, 420 Lexington Ave, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001 starting at 6:30 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/The-NYC-Business-Networking-Group/calendar/11158121/
If you attend, be sure to find me and say hi!

Holiday Cooking!

Is it too early to be thinking about what I want to cook for thanksgiving? I was doing some shopping this past weekend and realized that the thanksgiving fare is in full bloom - decorations and the like. I even succumbed and bought pumpkin shaped cake pans and fall icing leaves! I couldn’t help it! When it comes to cooking, I'm weak and I love to create. With that, I launch this new segment holiday cooking. Keep checking back to see what my final thanksgiving menu is going to be!