Women’s Independent Press

by Yvonne Phillips

Yvonne Phillips-Feng Shui for Basic Everyday Living!
www.fengshuipublications.com
www.fengshuiabc1.com
www.twitter.com/yvonnejean
www.facebook.com/yvonnephillips
412-215-8247

The year of the Chinese Dragon was an intense year for all of us! It was either intensely good or intensely bad, there was no in between. However, the year of the Water Snake brings good fortune to all of the animal signs. This only happens once in 9 years, so that is an awesome start for all of us. This is the year to make your strategy big for your personal and professional areas of your life.
Lots of good news this year with 2013 having all of the five elements present, water, fire, earth, wood, metal and fire. You have the chance to make things happen quicker and easier. Now is the time to get your thinking cap on and figure out what is most important to you at this date and time.
We are very fortunate this year with the energies bringing forth more a sense of calmness, not like the Dragon energy of 2012. You can now refocus your goals and intentions easier and with more success. The young will be focusing on new ways of achieving their goals and creating a different world in how they work, communicate and interact with each other. The older generation will be looking at how to create and keep their wealth and they also will be more focused on strengthening their previous way of life to fit in successfully with the younger generation.
Feng Shui Grandmaster Lillian Too says, “The year’s outlook will be balanced, bringing harmony and fewer problems and obstacles.” We should all breathe a sigh of relief and create the year that we want by focusing and strategizing our business plans with creativity and harmony.
She also explains the elements and their meaning this year. The Wood element is representative of the Wealth Luck which means for all of us new wealth coming in this year.
Earth is the element that represents Resource Luck which means support for your projects and goals.
The element of Metal indicates good fortune to all of the animal signs and things will be manifested very easily. This is the BEST news for 2013. Add a little extra of this element and it will support your health and vitality for the year. The balancing of elements in your home and office spaces is what attracts good fortune.
Since the “Boomers” are the generation to be reckoned with at this time, the power element of Fire will be very good for them. This is the generation that will benefit the most as they are considered the older, wiser generation. They are the ones that will benefit greatly at the beginning of the year with this great, new, energy.
Now for all of the young people, the element of Water comes with an Intelligence Luck in 2013. The best ideas and creativity will come from this generation, as it should be, to move the generations forward. Their visionary abilities will be the best at the end of 2013.
Yvonne will be studying with Grand Master Lillian Too in January and will be sharing her wisdom on the art of Feng Shui for the Chinese Year of the Water Snake in February. Stay tuned for dates and times of her yearly Chinese Animal updates.

Business Program Calendar

January 2013

Programs are held on Thursdays at 12:15 pm at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield Street, Downtown. All programs are free and open to the public.

January 3 What’s New in Taxes for 2012/3013
Robert J. Henkels, CPA, M.Ed. Senior Manager
R.D. Hoag & Associates, P.C.

Mr. Henkels, adjunct professor at LaRoche College and president of Professional Tax and Accounting Seminars, Inc., has traditionally been the first speaker of the year at our series. He will discuss upcoming changes in personal and business taxation that may help you save money when you file your return.

January 10 How to Make and Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
Dennis Snedden, Time Management Services

If you’ve attended one of Mr. Snedden’s programs here, you know that you’ll leave the session with new and helpful insights that you can put to good use right away. In today’s presentation, he will offer tips and suggestions for keeping on track with all the good intentions you started with.

January 17 How to Get Organized for the Upcoming Tax Season
Diana Smith, Tax Specialist
Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office

If you have any questions about what to keep, how long to keep it, and what to toss, Ms. Smith will be here to provide helpful ideas for organizing your important 2012 tax documents. She’ll also discuss current IRS updates that may save you time and money.

January 24 Discover What Matters: Learn How to Balance Money, Medicine,
and Meaning in Your Life
Bernadette M. Collins, Financial Advisor
Metlife Mature Market Institute

When you have to face the inevitable crossroads that are part of life, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. This session will provide strategies that will help you set new goals for achieving what matters most.

January 31 No program – See you next week!

Class - January 4th class at South Park Library. FREE. 7 - 9 PM… 5
Ways to reduce stress in less than thirty seconds.

Like to sing? Sweet! Women of all ages are invited to sing with Greater Harmony Chorus. GHC will host 3 weeks of free vocal lessons, beginning Tuesday, January 8, at 7 p.m., and continuing for the following Tuesdays, January 15 and January 22. These Open House sessions are part of Sweet Adelines International Campaign of Global Open Houses throughout the world in the month of January. Greater Harmony Chorus rehearses at Winchester Thurston School, 4225 Middle Road, Allison Park, PA 15101.Call us at 412-613-9800 or contact us and our Membership Chair will be happy to discuss this great hobby with you.
Brown Bag Lunch
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
12:00 – 1:00pm
Speaker: Cindy Rack, Social Voice Marketing
Topic: You have a LinkedIn Account. Now what?
Join us to learn fast and easy ways to stay connected to your target audience. Simple steps will improve your profile to look professional, will optimize it be found by search engines. Also learn how to share information so you can to be known as an expert in your niche.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Business Exchange Networking Lunch
* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.

Four Dates and Locations:
Jan. 2 - Wexford, Atria’s, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com
Jan. 9- Mount Lebanon, Atria’s, 110 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon
RSVP: email Tina Noblers at
TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup
Jan. 16- Murrysville, Bella Luna Trattoria, 5060 William Penn
Hwy, Monroeville, Pa 15146
RSVP Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com
Jan. 23- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC
Park, Ohara Twp
RSVP: 412-781-8773 or PlanBConsultant@comcast.net
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event

For more info, go to: www.blxnetworking.com

Friday, January 11, 2013 (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM )
Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series

Speaker: Kim Schwabenbauer, RD, LDN, Founder of Fuel Your Passion LLC
Topic: “Let Your Passion Be Your Guide: How a Healthy Hobby Became a Healthy Business”

BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON
January 11, 2013
Noon
Salvatore’s
5001 Curry Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236

The monthly luncheon meeting* of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on Friday, January 11 noon, at Salvatore’s, due to renovations at South Hills Country Club . Please plan on attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members. Tables are available for ladies who would like to display products or merchandise. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”

Guest Speaker
Teena Masters
Hands of Life Massage Therapy

Lunch for Chamber Members - $15 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $18
Display Table $10

Please make a reservation by contacting
Mary Dilla at: 412-884-1233
secretary@bbwchamber.com

Ready to Run
Campaign Training for Women coming up on Saturday, January 12th: http://www.chatham.edu/pcwp/education/readytorun/pittsburgh.cfm

January NAWBO Mixer!
Learn about the benefits of NAWBO

Date: Tuesday January 15, 2013
Time: 4:30-6:30pm

Cost: $20.00
Location: Martys Market
2301 Small Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Bring a friend.(or 2 or 3)
Prizes for the women who brings the most friends. Food Taste testing & Networking

Learn the benefits of NAWBO including the various member only programs.Martys Market is a women owned business. Marty’s Market is the place for Pittsburghers who demand fresh, full flavor, high quality food as well as the retailer of choice for regional farmers who are committed to growing it. By building strong partnerships with producers down the street as well as across the country, Marty’s Market is a unique connecting piece in our inter-regional food system.
For further information contact Mary Pam Kilgore at 412-854-4827 or email nawbopittsburgh@gmail.com

GrowBiz Media and SmallBizDaily.com CEO Rieva Lesonsky to Engage Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs in January 2013 #SmallBizPgh TweetChat
PITTSBURGH – Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, speaker and small business expert, Rieva Lesonsky (@Rieva) will provide insights and answers to questions from Pittsburgh-area small business owners via Twitter in Building Bridges for Business’ (@bridges4biz) monthly TweetChat on January 15, 2013 at 7 PM EDT. The Tweetchat is sponsored by True Fit.

Mingle at the Mansions on Fifth When 16 Jan 2013 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Location 5105 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15232For more information or to register Click Here www.PittsburghSocialExchange.com
Join us for an upscale evening of networking in this historic location - the last among the grand mansions of Pittsburgh’s storied “Millionaires Row,” that was home to many great turn-of-the-century industrialists and financiers. Enjoy an elegant evening of refreshments and networking. Register Early to take advantage of the early bird rate! See below:

Fully catered with delicious hors d’oeuvres
Mix and mingle with hundreds of the Greater Pittsburgh Area’s business owners, corporate level executives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals
Chinese auction, Door prizes, and Drawing
Special guests and local/regional celebs TBA
Business Professional please, and Cash bar

Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, January 17, 2013
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Speaker:Representative from The Pennsylvania Training Partnership with ACHIEVA.
Topic: How working affects disability benefits.
Know the facts about returning to or maintaining employment with a disability.
Understand the cash and healthcare benefits, the basics about Work Incentives and Ticket to Work and what resources are available to keep you working.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Saturday, January 19, 2013 (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Small Business Basics Workshop

Industry experts will discuss business planning, financing, bookkeeping, marketing, and legal issues pertaining to small business. The workshop is informal, and questions from the participants are solicited and encouraged throughout to help each participant receive the knowledge they need.
click here for more information and to register for this event.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast
Monday, January 21
“Honor Diversity in Our Community” at the 13th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 21, at La Roche College, Zappala Student Center.
www.ywcapgh.org

January 22, 2013, 12 p.m. EST
WIN-Pittsburgh Member Webinar
Meeting Topic: How to Become a Better Communicator
Brief Description:
This seminar will teach you the most valuable skill of all – how to communicate effectively with people.

- You will gain powerful communication skills like these…
- How you can increase the levels of collaboration and mutual support among team members, co-workers and managers
- How to express your ideas in ways that gain the attention, support and respect of others
- How to quickly “fit in” with any group of people
- How to make an unforgettable, positive first impression on anyone
- How to minimize conflict and reduce friction on the job and in personal life
Registration Form URL: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E951D887824739

Cost: Non WIN - Pittsburgh Members $49.00, Members - Complimentary (must use discount code for registration) To receive the discount code, please contact info@winpitt.org

Heat Up the Cold Calls
(A Business for Breakfast Networking Event)
Featuring: Jim Gaffney, Peak Performance Management
Discover how to improve your sales effort in the new year by
improving your prospecting efforts. This interactive presentation
will include strategies to help you:
• Learn how to increase your opportunities over the phone
• Understand the process that gets results
• Discover how to overcome call reluctance
• Learn voicemail messages that get call backs
Date: January 23, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 90:30 a.m.
Place: Sigmas Conference and Event Center, 1717 Babcock
Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Hosts: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: $22.50 Subscribers; $25- Others
RSVP: Suggested by January 18
Register online at:
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event
For more info, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or
komondor@bizjournals.com.

Entrepreneurial Thursday Networking Event
Featured Theme:
Branding Your Venture
A casual weekly networking event for those interested in what’s
innovative and positive in Pittsburgh. A jazz, soul & blues happy
hour show plus open-mike interviews with local executives.

Date: January 24, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Place: Little E’s, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
Host: Jessica Lee
Cost: $5 (hors d’ouevres included)

For further info, email smarshall@pghgateways.org.
The Entrepreneurial Thursday networking event is held each Thursday evening. For information on upcoming events and featured themes, visit http://www.entrepreneurialthursdays.com

January Luncheon
Pittsburgh Women’s Network
Added by Sarann Fisher
Thursday, January 24, 2013
12:00 PM
The Devonshire of Mt. Lebanon
1050 McNeilly Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Price: $10.00 per person
Please join us for our first event of the New Year! Meet & Network with local business women and have a bite for lunch.
Our own Marlene Will Knapp of Reddinger,Will Gallagher & Dickert will speak on Tax changes and how they’ll affect y…
http://www.meetup.com/DWC-Pittsburgh-Womens-Network/events/93188472

Moonstruck: Full Moon Hike - Wolf Moon
Saturday, January 26
6:00 - 7:00 PM
$4 per person over age two.

Why is it a wolf moon? Are there wolves in the park? Of course not! But the Native Americans named each full moon based on nature lore or their legendary tales. We won’t have wolves but we may hear an owl or two calling through the frosty woods. Put on your snow gear and
enjoy a safe family adventure suitable for all ages. Online registration www.theoutdoorclassroompa.org

Laughter Club. Each session is unique!
January 28 at 7pm Unitarian Universalist Church at 1240 Washington Road 15228(Mt. Lebanon )
Cost: Non perishable item for the food bank

Get Heard! Get Noticed! Get Leads! (TM).
Please join us this month. This is an informal networking event, open to any business woman who would like to increase her business contacts or clients in the Pittsburgh area. Please bring 10-20 of your business cards, cash for your lunch check plus your $5 non-member meeting fee and be prepared to do a 60 second commercial about your business. We look forward to seeing you there!

WSBA Network Lunch - Allegheny Valley, Thursday, January 3, 2013, 11:30 AM
Evolution Grille, 123 Mulone Drive, Sarver, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - Shaler/Gibsonia, Wednesday, January 9,2013, 11:30
Spadafora’s, 3932 Route 8, Allison Park, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - Robinson/Airport, Friday, January 11, 2013, 1:00 PM
Bronze Hood Lounge, 5994 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - Beaver County, Monday, January 14, 2013, 1:00 PM
Café Kolache, 402 Third Street, Beaver, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - South Hills, Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 1:00 PM
Mitchell’s Fish Market, 1500 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - East End, Thursday, January 17, 2013, 1:00 PM
Smiling Banana Leaf, 5901 Bryant Street, Pittsburgh, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - Monroeville Friday, January 18, 2013, 1:00 PM
Tolerico’s Restaurant, 2525 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - North Hills, Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 1:00 PM
Walnut Grove Restaurant, 12599 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA
WSBA After Work Network, Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 5:15 PM
Allegheny Wine Mixer, 5326 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA
WSBA Network Lunch - Westmoreland, Friday, January 25, 2013, 12:00
Ground Round Grill & Bar, 960 E Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601
WSBA After Work Network-Washington, Monday, January 28, 2013, 6:30 PM
Angelos, 2109 North Franklin Drive, Washington, PA

By Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.singlestepsstrategies.com
www.MFGplanners.com

Two women, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One woman was allowed to sit up in her bed for an hour each afternoon. Her bed was next to the room’s only window. The other woman had to spend all her time flat on her back.

The women talked for hours on end. They spoke of their husbands and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in community service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the woman in the bed by the window could sit up, shoe would pass the time by describing to her roommate all the things she could see outside the window.

The woman in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where her world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

She talked about how the window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of ever color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the woman by the window described all this in exquisite details, the woman on the other side of the room would close her eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the woman by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other woman could not hear the band – she could see it in her mind’s eye as the woman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed by.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the woman by the window, who had died peacefully in her sleep. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other woman asked if she could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure she was comfortable, the nurse left the woman alone.

Slowly, painfully, she propped herself up on one elbow to take her first look at the real world outside. She strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

The window faced a blank wall.

The woman asked the nurse what could have compelled her deceased roommate ho had described such wonderful things outside. The nurse responded that the woman was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, “Perhaps she just wanted to encourage you.”

Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Happy New Year!

Mary Grace Musuneggi
Founder and Executive Director
November-December, 2012