NJ GREATS HONORS RENFREW NEDA WEEK

As we round out Nation Eating Disorders Awareness week, I had to give some press to a truly wonderful place right here in NJ, that has helped thousands of women break free from the demons of not only eating disorders, but many mental health challenges. In 1985, Renfrew opened the nation’s first residential mental health facility for women in Philadelphia. Since then, centers have opened in Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Connecticut, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York and Maryland. They are part of a national network specializing in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders.

Below is a brief overview of their individualized treatment programs. In a future post, we are honored to give an in depth look at this wonderful place and the amazing people who help change lives. There is contact information below, please share this as NEDA is something that touches all of our lives in some way.

The Renfrew Center has a comprehensive approach to mental health issues, and our experienced staff members specialize in the psychology of women. We recognize the many biological, social, and cultural contexts of women's lives and their impact on a woman's well-being. Our treatment programs respect each woman's individuality and encourage women to participate actively in their own growth and recovery. Treatment is designed to be collaborative rather than imposed, interactive rather than passive, and personal rather than distant or neutral. Our innovative programs emphasize the value and healing potential of healthy interpersonal relationships.
The Renfrew Center offers a comprehensive range of services so that treatment can be tailored to meet individual needs. After an assessment, treatment goals and plans are developed in collaboration with the client and her referring therapist if applicable. Our goal is to provide the appropriate level of treatment based on each woman's situation and to facilitate timely transitions to less intensive levels of care. We will be happy to verify your insurance benefits to determine how your coverage applies to Renfrew services.

For more information on The Renfrew Center, please call 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739).                                              

IRON TOUGH SPIRIT ~SATIN SMOOTH SKIN

OUR SECOND "ACROSS THE BORDER GREATS" FEATURE

It’s not everyday, you enter an airplane full of military special forces, and in the midst is a retired Navy spitfire turned soap maker from Maryland making beaded bracelets. It is also not every day you enter your neighbor’s house and the smell of basil fills the entire place, but she’s not cooking. Enter the fabulous Lori Abercrombie, and her amazing company Lather and Lace. Her company motto, Mae West Meets Martha Stewart, implies a bit of saucy meets practicality. I found this little gem, where else, but Twitter, and she is NJGreats second Across The Border feature. She was too good NOT to write about.

Lather and Lace is not the “petal tossing” stuffy upscale spa kind of company. It is about real skin care & relaxation; inspired by the old west and how the natural seasons affect every day life. On top of using the finest ingredients Lori offers many scent choices from  highly aromatic fragrance oils to healing essential oils. One use of Whipped Into A Lather (whipped soap) and your shower, bathroom and surrounding areas smell wonderful for hours. 

These are not just “lookin pretty” products either. Shea’mon Me is hardworking moisture for working skin, delivering super moisture from natural shea butter and wildly scented with too many choices to mention including newly added I Found My Thrill - Blueberry. The list of scents is endless and some of the combinations are irresistible. While my daughters are currently in “Almond Joy” mode, my entire upper floor has boasted the scents of both Fresh & Spirit Horse. One time I left the house just after a shower, and the car smelled great too, not an easy task for a momma taxiing 3 teens, like me.

As if all this wasn’t enough to get you to Lori’s website, she has an amazing heart and loves to give back. She says she does what she loves, after a long military career and spending 16 years selling among the competitive skin care lines. The first time I shopped at her site I was drawn to “Jars for Joy”, a campaign to sell 1000 jars of her product donating proceeds to a wellness farm for horses. I bought a bunch and shared them with the horse lovers in my life.

Birthed in 2009 Lather and Lace is such a unique line, offering wonderful ingredients, amazing scents, and something a little special in Miss Lori. I recommend tweeting with her right away, just tell her I sent you. Stop by her website of the same name (www.latherandlace.com) for some handcrafted soaps, one of kind jewelry and gifts. Her newly launched skin care line is getting rave reviews. This line is years of experience and NO filler. I can't wait to try it, and will write about it all it's own, I have to, Lori double-dog dares anyone who tries and doesn't love!  Oh, the opening line is a true story, our Miss Lori is a Navy hero, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. One flight over, to lighten things up, she sat in the middle of an entire plane of Special Forces flying over Afghanistan and began making pearl bracelets. She had them all talking and leaning over asking questions about what kind of pearls they were and maybe enjoying just a moment of normal life. Now that’s my kind of girl. Please visit Lather and Lace  for a unique experience for the senses and some of the best skin care out there.

GETTING INTO THE ZONE: MASTERING THE MENTAL GAME

What is it that gets your mind focused, that place, referred to as “the zone” where your focus is locked and your performance is optimal? For Elliot Hagburg, it was the lack of excellent mentoring, that led him to find his own way into the Zone. He not only “got it” but created a manual to train young athletes how to get there as well. I was so impressed with GettingIntoThe Zone, I could not wait to interview co-author Kathy Hagburg, and could not wait to share it at NJGreats.

I recently met with Kathy and she shared her and her son  Elliot’s journey to writing Getting Into The Zone. Kathy had a career in both sales and personal training; Elliot, a recruited, catcher and stand out athlete. As a four year starter, Division 1 catcher he, played for three different Head Coaches.  Despite a less than wonderful experience with college athletics, Elliot decided to help arm young athletes with a guide to strengthening the mind to prepare for any situation both on and off the field. Kathy brought both her sales and training expertise to the table to create the ultimate manual for success.

I read the book in less than an hour, it is not just pages of theory, but an interactive manual. After each principle is presented, the reader is then asked to respond, list or create a response that puts that principle to work. My favorite part of the book is a great example of this. The Hagburgs breakdown of the negative self talk that becomes lodged in the subconscious mind; things that have been spoken over us or about us that we now believe about ourselves. Put simply:

      “Our subconscious minds will act out the story/script we unknowingly provide with     

        our thoughts. A person can study 24/7 and not succeed until he extracts “I’m a

        lousy test taker and plants “I am a terrific test taker”.

Through various written exercises, Getting Into The Zone helps the young athlete succeed no matter what script has been written for them, no matter what circumstances exist in his or her life. I applaud Elliot for having the courage to not only over-come his negative experiences, but to see the need to put this book out there and help others as well. Not to mention Kathy’s support and terrific marketing skills. The real bonus of this book, is not  just the lesson learned. Elliot holds live seminars to deliver this message in a dynamic way. On top of that, he offers the seminar and the book as a fundraising opportunity to youth programs all over New Jersey.

Please take the time to read this book, recommend it to every coach and parent you know.

It was a pleasure meeting Kathy and learning about this tremendous resource. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful Dave Hagburg, Kathy’s husband. I have not had

the pleasure of meeting him yet, but he blogs at Man in an Apron and his love for food and local fare knocks me out. We must write about him in the future. The great state of New Jersey, my home, is a better place with the Hagburg family in it.

GettingIntoTheZone.com

Amazon.com

@kathleenhagburg

@ehagburg

@dhagburg.

#GOGIANTS SUPER TWEETS

We asked. You delivered. As the Boys in Blue hit the field this weekend, here’s what

you tweeted about all week. Had a blast chatting with you all and tomorrow night, we

all in for some great football.  Check out all the links and the cool pics! Thanks to all who participated #GOGIANTS

@@Giaskincare  @dhagburghttp://twitpic.com/8dyrun - G is for #Giants !!!

Love the pumps! Popular aviatar all over Facebook and Twitter

Thanks for sharing Gia!

How is everyone today? GO GIANTS!! @NJgreats @kathleenhagburg @dhagburg @Giaskincare

Michelle of Baskets and Beyond rocking the Big Blue Support!

dhagburg Dave Hagburg

@basketcase1993 @NJgreats @KathleenHagburg @Giaskincare Ready 4 the Big Blue Train to roll!

basketcase1993 Baskets-n-Beyond

Only 2 more day until Big Blue destroys NE @NJgreats @dhagburg @KathleenHagburg @Giaskincare

KathleenHagburg Kathleen Hagburg

@basketcase1993 @NJgreats @dhagburg @Giaskincare #shakingpompoms

The entire Hagburg family long time Jersey residents and authors of Getting IntoThe Zone

read all about them here this week! 

@jjauthor Janie Johnson

Thank you! You guys are the best! Go Giants! Make my husband a happy man! Janie @NJgreats @seanhannity

Yep, you read it here author Janie Johnson of  Please Dont take My Lemonade Stand & Obama 2012 Slogans Rewritten, avenger of all things captialism tweeting the awesome Sean Hannity.

ya mean this big hairhttp://yfrog.com/kgji1yj  @chickenfoup @lorisica say what u want about big hair IT made it to 86 GIANTS super celebration

 Gotta love this picture. All I need to say here.

EVERY HALF TIME SHOW EVER! @njdotcom Fans, fill in the blank: The Giants are better than ________________. #nyg #BetterThanPats

TY NJDOTCOM  we are fans!

ChadLombardi chad lombardi

Defense wins championships #GOGIANTS

We couldn't agree more Chad! Thanks 

Life time Giants fan right here.

 neen0512 Jeannine Cavalier

@Giants Let's #GOGIANTS!!!

pic.twitter.com/1y5ffNTO

Neen0512 Jeannine Cavalier

@lorisica @tmztwit @Chickenfoup Rockin the @OPI_PRODUCTS #russian navy in honor of the #GIANTS! #GOGIANTS pic.twitter.com/t9LqG8eV

Janeen YOU my friend are a super fan!

NJGREATS FIRST EVER ACROSS THE BORDER GREATS

THE “A-HA” MOMENT THAT TURNED INTO FASHIONABLE BUSINESS

The first time I saw “Ficklets” on twitter, I had to find out what they were. I found out, they are not only fun to say, but fun to wear.Ficklets are charms for eyeglasses, invented by Ros Guerrero.  Inspired by her daughter Gem, one morning Ros looked across the breakfast bar counter at her, and the only part of her face she could see were her eyeglasses. She thought, those frames need some jazzing up. The idea for Ficklets was born.

Ros describes herself as a “serial entrenpreneur”. After spending 10 years in both retail and wholesale in the European luxury business, she and husband Roy became parents to Gem. They learned early on that she was born with a disability and starting their own business would be the best option for the family. For almost 7 years, Ros experienced commercial and residential investing, window treatment design and even was partners in a nail salon. Ficklets was the “a-ha” moment she was searching for.  After extensive market research, and a final prototype, they concluded that there was no concept like Ficklets in the market place. Her confirmation came when Gem wore them to school and came home with a note from the teacher saying her eyeglass charms got tons of attention from students and staff. 

Now almost 5 years later, some creative brand building and social media networking, Ficklets has been featured in several top publications and have two major distributors in the optical industry. Ros is gifted in her social media talents and connects regularly with like minded entrepreneurs who like her, are passionate about what they do. She knows the value of social media to growing her business faster, easier and much more affordable. I am moved by her passion for her family. She and Roy have watched Gem grow to be a thriving teen, balance precious family time along with the demands of the business and still find time to engage and encourage many in the twitter stream.

 Ficklets is NJGreats first ever “Across the Border” greats post, I was honored that Ros would take some time to share her story with me. Please visit Ficklets.com and like her facebook page. My favorite are the flip flops. And look for more Across the Border Greats in the future. I always say, Twitter brings the world closer. This is a great example as I don’t look at Ros as just a fellow entrepreneur, she is a friend.

Ficklets.com
"A fun, fashionable, fresh twist to eyeglasses"

Connect with Us:
twitter
facebook 
480.245.4299

This is the first installment of our Across The Border Greats series. Ros is so special and Ficklets caught my eye immediately. We here at NJGreats recognize the importance of reaching across the borders to entrepreneurs everywhere and always share greatness where it blooms. Not to mention, Arizona is a pretty cool place to be.

NJGREATS & ECO CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES AROUND THE GLOBE

Small Business Networking

I have been a life long resident of the great state of New Jersey. Just enough metropolitan to border the fast paced Manhattan work force, with a little farm land and beach front. I was raised by a small business man and I married one, watched many folks dig roots here, raise their families and instill an amazing work ethic and a pride for what this country is founded on.  New Jersey small business folks are tough, loyal and as one of the original melting pots of this country have a rich cultural lineage, and if you search deep enough, you find some how we all are connected. Located in the hub of the Tri State area, New Jersey has great international potential as well. Entrepreneur excellence is available in this, “small in size, but giant in potential” state.

 NJGreats

The mission of NJGreats is to profile some great small businesses and start ups and use the power of social media to network and grow business. Many start-ups here are new to social media. NJGreats is a platform to grow your business’ social media presence, linking not only blog posts, tweets and facebook activity, but the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs across the state, through out the country and internationally as well. The spirit of capitalism is alive and well in New Jersey and NJGreats highlights all that put their hands to the plow, have a story to tell and a legacy to leave.

ECO

Entrepreneur Community Online fuels the passion behind NJgreats and what makes me tick. I love the professional learning atmosphere. The information is readily available as well as the access to some of the greatest entrepreneur minds of our time. The webinars are interactive and jammed with great, practical tools and priceless information. ECO is a place for Entrepreneurs to connect, conceive and create their passions.

Business Name

NJ greats

Website Address

www.njgreats.blogspot.com

Email Address

Lgsica99@verizon.net

Twitter

www.twitter.com/lorisica

www.twitter.com/njgreats

LinkedIn Profile

www.linkedin.com/in/LoriSica

ECO

www.entrepreneurcommunityonline

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

While I’m a little to old to make a list for Santa, I am not too old to share some of the things I find, that brighten the day. During this shopping crazed holiday season, be sure to check out some of these great things, because the people behind them are extraordinary.

ROCKnJOE POINT PLEASANT BEACH

It is no secret that coffee is on the top of my list. In a non-caffeine addicted way, I just love it, the taste the smell, the process from bean to cup, even the thought of making it or going out for it. And there is no better place than RocknJoe's. One of the first ever NJgreats blogs detailed just how great this place is, from the rock and roll memorabilia to the excellent coffee offerings. But what makes the place, besides the fact that it is yards from the ocean is Dave Terra Nova. He is a native of the Jersey Shore and knows just about everybody and everything about it. He is constantly supporting charities and local businesses and all around is a great guy.

GIA SKIN CARE STRAWBERRY SKIN POLISH

While there are endless choices for skin care on the market today, Gia stands out as one of the most natural and effective lines I have come across in years. Gia brings 25 years of experience together with only the best ingredients to this line, and is beautiful both inside and out. Strawberry skin polish goes on very smooth and creamy, not gritty. The smell of fresh strawberries is invigorating and after you rinse, you are left with a soft lasting beautiful glow. A definite stocking stuffer, and my latest “can’t live with out” product. Be sure to look for an “Across the Border Greats” post coming soon.

BASKETS AND BEYOND

Michelle is a gem of a woman, making the trip to Dumont worth it!  Her baskets are always full of wondrous treats  made to order and aim to please. Her site is shop and ship friendly and your gift giving is made easy. I highly recommend following her on Twitter. She is always doing something charitable and tweetin’ about it. She supports a local scholarship fund and puts her hand to the plow in so many selfless ways. I am such a fan, she is truly an “NJGreat” and I can’t wait to write about her.

LULU BELLE’S LITTLE TREASURES

Lauren and her amazing collection of vintage accessories was just featured on NJGreats.

Her pieces are so unique and her personal story will move you. Find her on Etsy and at the Health Shoppe in Morristown a few days a week. Her treasure trove includes such lines as Joolz Hayworth and Jillery. We LOVE her newest collaborative effort with Noel Grabow; vintage leather watchbands worn alone or adorned with a fabulous jewel. Hoping my stocking is stuffed with those!

LATHER AND LACE

The tag line says it all “Mae West meets Martha Stewart” This amazing collection of soaps, skin care, jewelry and accessories is one of a kind. Each product from the bath and body line moisturizes you clean and blended with essential oils, which keep you scented beautifully all day, and in most cases, you and the room you dress in. You must check the website for her amazing list of scents. The current favorite product from this great line is “whipped into a lather”. It’s a creamy whipped soap,that lathers up fast and leaves your skin feeling clean and super soft. There is nothing like it and life is not the same with out it. Coming soon, my interview with the AwesomeLori Abercrombie and her story of beading on a military plane!!!

FICKLETS

This is one of the most innovative ideas I have come across on the web. Ficklets are accessories for your eyeglasses.  They make wearing glasses fun and fashionable, and most importantly, they take the stigma away from looking and feeling “different” because of wearing glasses. Wish these were around when my twin girls were younger. The Guerrero’s came up with the idea for their amazing daughter Gem. They are a hit with young folks adorning eye wear. Follow NJGreats to read more about Ros and her super invention…and her beautiful heart.

JERSEY SHORE BRACELET

Another early post on NJGreats featured this beautiful piece of Jewelry inspired by the  hashmarks made by the wind on the sand of the great New Jersey coast. The vision of Anthony andKatie Marsala is beautifully created in gold, silver or a combination of both.

And, after meeting them, loving their creation and sharing a great cup of coffee at ….YOU KNOW WHERE…I saw how big their hearts were. That month a percentage of sales went to support Covenant House New Jersey. A few months later they donated to victims of the notorious hurricane Irene, that ripped through the Garden State. This a great gift to give any time of year, and most likely, it will keep on giving.

EYEDEWS

I am totally hooked on this product. It is literally is a spa for your eyes. There is no product on the market quite like it. In a sealed tray are two crescent shaped gel forms, drenched in moisture to be applied just below the eye. In 15 minutes the skin around the eye is hydrated fresh all day. For a cool shot, store them in the fridge, or for a double shot, put them on before entering the shower. Check out my write up on them in In With Skin magazine.

TWITTER

By far, one of my most favorite things has to be Twitter. With out it, this blog would not exist,I wouldn’t know most of these amazing folks. I would not have developed social media skills as Twitter has given me the opportunity to learn from the best from around the world. I am truly grateful for the following folks and chats that made NJGreats what it is today, and what it has the potential to be tomorrow….Amy Howell @HowellMarketing@DabneyPorte  I could write forever about her and her communities of fabulousness  #smmanners #smgirlfriends #slumberparty, @Adamsconsulting, the awesome Diana Adams, Bitrebels.com, @BrunoLoGreco #askthecoach  @iempoweru Linda Hughes #ECOEntrepreneurcommunityonline.com @modlandUSA Gerry Wendel  @Lipingfeng #cmchat @melissaonline and many many more.