Who planned this drive? We are on our way to Carelton Place - aunt, uncle, gram, and cousin. It’s 5:00pm and we are bumper to bumper and arguing who decided to stop at St Alberta for curds??? We would have beat the rush hour had we not stopped!!!

The air conditioner broke and its raining out. You know the type of weather, where it’s so muggy but you can’t roll down the window otherwise the rain will come in!

My parents are in the car in front of us! Mom just called on the cell - and asked Are we there yet? Nope!

Well, I hope we get there soon! We have to get ready for my uncle Al’s 50th birthday!

This is the first time I’ve posted using my blackberry! Pretty interesting!

I wonder what it will look like on my PC?!!?

I’m off to the waterpark tomorrow with the family - very exciting! 23 members of the Jacques family enjoying water, sun and fun!

I will take some photos and post them soon!

Nic:)

As most of you know, I really enjoy seeing people make the jump from being an employee to being an entrepreneur.

At a seminar recently, I reacquainted with a young woman named Jana Miller - from Long Sault. She recently started her own business called FRESH LUNCH IDEAS.

Basically, if you give her 12 hours notice, she will make your lunch and deliver it to your place of work! It’s healthy , fresh and all products are good for the environment. You can order online or call her at 613-360-3663.  Check out the menu online at www.freshlunchideas.ca because it changes weekly.

 I have also added her website on my blogroll because I believe it’s important now more than ever to consume healthy foods!

Nic

Wow, it has been a while since my last post! 

My ACER laptop (which is 5 years old)  crashed twice in the last 6 months, and Thursday evening was the last straw! Over the weekend I purchased a new laptop - a Sony Vaio VGN-NR4980 and I LOVE it. Furthermore, I’m actually enjoying Windows Vista, which seems to surprise lots of IT employees ;).  For the computer people out there - it has 3GB (ability to add another GB) , 250MB ram and 2.00 GHz.  It has wireless network card a/g/n …. which I’ve learned enables me to connect to more wireless connections.  The sound is AMAZING for a laptop — but it could be because it’s made by SONY!

Nic

Every year, my brother-in-law Josh Fraser,  participates in the Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon.

What is THAT you ask?

Well, Josh would be able to explain it better, but after my own research this is what I found:

The Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon is an energetic fundraising event for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.  You can choose to rollerblade, bike, or walk and you can join the thousands of Canadians in over 80 communities across the country who will be using their “heels” or “wheels” to raise money to find a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The Crohns and Colitis Foundation means a lot to Josh. Take a few moments to read Josh’s Personal Story .

This year, Josh’s personal goal is $125.00 - If you would like to donate to support him, and everyone else who experiences the effects of Crohns, click here to help him reach his goal! Every penny counts!

Here is a photo of Josh with his wife Stacey.

Thank you!

My grandfather sent me a link to a movie about the Story of Stuff.

This movie is about 20 minutes but is very fast-paced and is very interactive. The narrator goes through basically ‘the story of stuff’ by explaining its extraction through sale, use and disposal, and how all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. 

This short video exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever!!

This video is also great for kids/students!

To watch this video click here or go to www.storyofstuff.com !

 Let me know what you think!

On a personal note: Since January I have been focusing more on my health. Needless to say this is extremely important - what is the point of life if you are not healthy?!

I decided to commit to my goal of fitting in a nutritional cleansing program and a workout program tailored to my needs. I started cleansing with a company called Isagenix and it has been amazing. It has really helped me with my cravings (salty and especially chocolate) and has helped me with more energy.  Even my sleep time has improved :). So far I have released 20lbs and many inches (I don’t know exaclty how many, but my clothes are SO MUCH looser). It’s unbelievable! If anyone would like more information on these products feel free to email me and I can connect you with someone who can help you.

I have also seeked help from my personal trainer - Tom Irvine. I asked him to create a program where I don’t have to go to the gym because sometimes I don’t have time. He created a workout program where I can workout at home or even at the office! In such a short time I already see results! I have added his link “Quest Personal Training Studio” to the right as I feel his contribution to my health plan was very helpful.

I want to spread health and wellness to everyone

It’s been a while since my last post!

I thought I’d post my new business card. Dundee Wealth Managment has come out with a new design and advertising strategy.  The new logo has grown on me.

HEALTH AND DENTAL COVERAGE 

Do you and your family need Health and Dental Coverage?

-Do you avoid going to the dentist because of the unexpected charges?

-Are you unsatisfied with your current work coverage?

-Do you worry about your kids not having the proper health/dental care coverage?

We have several companies who offer affordable packages that would help alleviate the above concerns you may have.

Coverage Options Available:

• vision care
• coverage for medication
• variety of dental coverage options
• chiropractor, osteopath, naturopath, registered massage therapist,
• psychologist
• physiotherapist
• homecare nursing, prosthetic appliances
• speech pathologist
• lifeline personal response service
• accidental dental
• ambulance
• travel insurance
• semi-private/private hospital room
• hospital cash
• catastrophic coverage -  ( unlimited 100% coverage for  prescription drugs over $4500.00 per year should you get into an unforseen serious accident/medical emergency )
• BEST DOCTORS

What is BEST DOCTORS?

• BEST DOCTORS allows you to get access to the TOP 3 Doctors in the WORLD to look at your medical needs.
• http://www.bestdoctors.com/canada/howWeDoIt.php

*** REMEMBER  if you are self employed or a small business owner you can deduct the premiums as a business expense (and the plan could possibly end up free for you)

If you want more information feel free to call or email. I will gladly answer your questions!

Canadian Business provided a sector report - determining what the ‘next big things’ will be. In otherwords - what is the next big thing that we the consumers will start demanding.

For the full sector report Click HERE or read the summary below.

Retail Industry:

• Any products that are tailored to Baby Boomers - making technologies easier to use for older people: cellphones with larger buttons, lighter gym equipment etc.

Health Care Industry:

• Personal Health Coach or Health Care Providers - if you had to have surgery, health care providers would do the research for you and provide you options.

Construction Industry:

• Anything to do with Green Building and Sustainable Building that will offer more environmental-friendly for people and leave less of a an environmental footprint.

Manufacturing Industry:

• Manufacturers will need to be more specialized and customized in their product lines in a cost-competitive way. 

Business Services:

• Outsourcing - from IT departments, Finance and Accounting, and Third Party Logistic Providers

Technology:

• Applications that can help reduce medical costs. As the population ages there will be increasing pressure to do more with the same amount of money. The need for tracking records better, therapies for patients etc will become prevalent.

There is no denying that any product/service that is tailored to

a) BabyBoomers  OR  b) improving the environment

is going to continue to grow.  I wonder if Guidance Councellors suggest the above when helping high school students determine what they want to do in post secondary school. 

There is a lot of potential to become an entrepreneur and focus on any one of the above sectors and would most likely be successful - of course with hard work and determination!

There is one worry  - if everyone focuses on Baby Boomers - what happens to everyone else?