Marcus' Blog

Budget savvy dads love kids eat free

2009-10-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Family dinners are always a good opportunity to communicate with your children. But in this troubled economy, everyone looking for ways to stretch each dollar a little further.
For dads and moms looking for a night away from the kitchen and the kid-typical peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, without having to take a second mortgage out on your home there are some solutions.
Restaurants are also feeling the recession sting, so to help build awareness and a loyal customer base, many restaurants in the Tampa bay area are offering "kids eat free" specials to draw in the family crowds. This is a very smart strategy that more restaurants should adopt as it is a win-win for everyone.
First, the customer can literally see a savings from "kids eat free" depending on how many kids in the family. Customers might see a 10%-30% savings in just one family meal. Second, it builds loyalty with the customers especially when the kids are happy with the restaurant choice. Third, as a result the restaurant will make more money because of return family visits, higher levels of a loyal customer base, and higher scores on surveys if they keep track of customer satisfaction.
So here are some tips to find the right restaurant deal for you and your family. In the Tampa Bay area there a two franchises that almost always offer "kids eat free" at least one night a week: Chick-Fil-A and Beef O'Brady's. These are very family-friendly, and in the case of Beef O'Brady's, dad-friendly too with more than 10-12 TV's in the house broadcasting sports and news. Another great resource is restaurant.com, where you can find hundreds of restaurant coupons and specials, including "kids eat free." Also here is a link that includes many restaurants in the Tampa Bay area that have "kids eat free" deals. Thanks to Tampa Bay Parent for providing this valuable tool.
Dinners out are also a great way get out of the routine and communicate with our kids. Talk to them about their dreams, their favorite colors, their choice in clothing, but take the time to really listen too. This has a great effect on your time and your relationship. You can also use the savings you found as a math lesson; like "How much money did we save by coming here?" and "What's that percentage?" Any way you slice it, "kids eat free" deals and other saving ideas can save you lots of money and aggravation. It gives you more time out of your normal routine and you and your kids can have a little fun too. Bon Appetit!

Word of Prophesy

2009-08-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night we had a great Leadership meeting at CFC. During a sweet prayer time near the end, Pastor Rob asked for anyone with a word to speak out, to step out in faith.
Now I've always been a little reserved and not really a "speaker" but God chooses to speak to people in different ways. The way he speaks to me is through writing. We can be at a prayer meeting, and if I get the prompting of the Holy Spirit I will go wild writing in my journal, notebook or my Bible, wherever I can write - it's really a unique and special experience.

Well on Wednesday God spoke a word to me and I grabbed my Bible and started writing in the notes section what he was speaking to me. I decided to post this because I felt that it could speak to someone and help you. I would encourage anyone that feels like they don't have spiritual gifts or hear prophesy from God, that God chooses many different ways to speak to people. Go on and find YOUR way!

This is what the Lord spoke Wednesday:
"Take Heart! because I have given you the positions I have prepared you for. Do not be weary for your strength comes from me. Do not doubt when prompted and do not let fear speak lies to you. Jump in with both feet and use your position to care for my sheep. I love you and have given my Son for you. Go forth and do not stop when you hit resistance for it is only a blindfold of darkness stealing your light and my Glory."

Amen!

Sample Business Writing

2009-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Customer Loyalty

Mission: Smith Family Homes wants to create a culture far beyond “Customer Service” or even Customer Satisfaction. We want to create a culture of Customer Loyalty.

Unfortunately, the phrase Customer Service in today’s world has fallen far short of what it was intended to mean. Moreover, the words Customer Satisfaction could mean something to one, and something different to another.

By creating a culture of Customer Loyalty, we ensure that buyers will do two very important things. First, they will show their loyalty by referring others. Second, they will show their loyalty by purchasing again and again.

So how do we create this culture, ending in the result that we want?
Use good judgment in all situations
Think like the customer
Listen to the customer, find ways to say yes, solve problems, provide alternatives
Communicate effectively with the customer, never assuming they know our policies, practices, procedures, or business.
Always bring a positive attitude to the office; behave as if every day is Grand Opening Day.
Review your overall processes and procedures and determine how to make them easy for the customer, while providing them with a unique experience.
Stop selling and start coaching the customer. – By doing so, we develop higher conversion ratios; have more satisfied customers, and happier sales people.
First impressions are lasting and can make you or break you.
Service the customer, answer their questions and understand their concerns.
Be real, tell the truth, be your best, be compelling.
Take ownership of your buyer’s problems and get them resolved.
Create an atmosphere of helpfulness and professionalism
Always differentiate yourself from the competition. Make the customer feel special.
Remember that Customers are not limited to just homebuyers – Customers are also Developers, Realtors, Bankers, Friends, Family, Trade Partners, other businessmen and women.
Develop Customer focus groups
Use the Customers personal name as much as possible
Must have a unified front – Be on the same page as everyone in SFH

Sample Marketing Statement

2009-08-17T18:38:00.001-07:00

Marketing Statement

Smith Family Homes builds single-family attached and detached homes across the Tampa Bay area emphasizing an innovative culture based on customer satisfaction achieved by high levels of quality construction and customer attention.

Project: Smith Family Homes Corporate Sales Brochure

This brochure, designed with the best in photography to communicate a sense of value, excellence, and quality. We printed 10,000 in 2005 with a price of $2.50 per piece.

Target Market

Smith Family Homes’ portfolio contains a full spectrum of homes for just about any lifestyle or budget. Homes range from affordable and stylish town homes, maintenance-free villas and large estate homes. We pride ourselves on home designs that exude comfort, safety, and technically innovative features that make life a little easier at home.

Smith Family Homes caters to working professionals and their families in starter-home, move-up or luxury market, “empty-nesters” looking for luxury, or maintenance-free lifestyles. Smith Family Homes typically builds homes ranging from $200,000 to over $800,000.

Sample business writing

2009-08-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Customer Service

Smith Family Homes strives to accomplish very high customer satisfaction. To ensure this is accomplished, we focus on several aspects of the building process: Expectations, Communication, and Quality Assurance. These are critical and sometimes the most difficult areas to perfect.

Expectations
We have always communicated a very strong position with our potential homebuyers, dealing in honesty and integrity in a “This is the way we are” approach. By setting better expectations with the buyer, they have a more enjoyable experience. There is nothing worse than thinking one thing, and before you know it the home of your dreams is not what you imagined. As a result, our sales team is trained to set very accurate expectations and not to promise or paint pictures of things that will not happen.

Communication
Due to the nature of the homebuilding industry, proactive communication during the building process is imperative. Smith Family Homes specifically targets certain events during the building process to contact homebuyers. Between the Construction Supervisor and the Sales Consultant, a minimum of one-dozen contacts are made just to update the homebuyer on the progress on the home. Regular phone calls, emails, and personal meetings ensure that the homebuyer is completely satisfied.

Quality Assurance; zero-defect policy
Since our inception, Smith Family Homes has adopted a zero-defect policy. Any home that closes must be 100% without defect before the homebuyer closes. We take several steps to ensure this level of quality and completeness. First, the Construction Supervisor inspects the home and completes any items still remaining. Second, the Project Manager for that region inspects the home and certifies that it is zero-defect. Finally, a member of the Executive Committee performs an Executive Inspection to certify that the home has met 100% zero-defect, and is ready for closing. ONLY after all three of these inspections have been completed and the home is certified 100% Zero-Defect, do we conduct the Homebuyer’s New Home Orientation. This way, the New Home Orientation, rather than a typical “walk-through” becomes a wonderful experience for the Homebuyer, getting to know the home inside and out. The backbone of this program is the Executive Inspection. Each home must be inspected by Ron Smith, Scott Smith or Marcus Smith and any items corrected before presented to the Homebuyer. This process ensures we deliver a home that meets our quality standards and we are happy to put the SMITH FAMILY name on it!

Sample Press Release

2009-08-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Movie To Go! joins Facebook

February 5, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Movie To Go! has entered the social networking age by joining Facebook. Facebook members can join Movie To Go! to receive up to date news on DVD new releases and valuable coupon codes for rentals. It’s a great way to meet and network with other movie lovers.” says Marcus Smith, President of Millstone Media, Inc. the parent company of Movie To Go! You can visit the Movie To Go! Facebook group by logging into Facebook and go to groups and search “Movie To Go.”

About Millstone Media
Millstone Media, Inc. specializes in placing fully automated DVD rental kiosks in locations like Supreme Smoothie that will be convenient to customers of the Tampa Bay area. The kiosk, called Movie to Go! offers more than one hundred movies for people to rent for $1.99 per night. Consumers can also purchase movies from the kiosk, and it is all completed in a paperless, credit card transaction that takes less than 60 seconds. Consumers can also go to the company’s website, www.MovieToGo.net and browse current titles before they rent, and soon they will be able to reserve that title online before they go to the kiosk. At the website, customers can also register for the Movie To Go! newsletter, that sends out valuable coupons such as $1.00 OFF and First Night Free.

Marcus Smith, the company’s president says, “In spite of the economic downturn, Land O’ Lakes continues to be a growing area. Movie To Go! gives area residents a convenient way to rent DVD’s without waiting or hassle of driving too far. It’s the best way to make every night a movie night.”
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Media contact:
Marcus Smith
movietogo@gmail.com
813.299.2051
www.MovieToGo.Net

Sample Press Release

2009-08-17T18:35:00.002-07:00

Wilderness Lake Realty - “The New Kid on the Block”

July 8, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The team of professionals at the Welcome Center of Wilderness Lake Preserve will be joined beginning July 15th by associates of a new real estate company, Wilderness Lake Realty, Inc., under the ownership of Marni Smith, a Realtor in the Tampa Bay area for over twelve years. (www.wildernesslakerealty.com)

About Wilderness Lake Realty
Wilderness Lake Realty will provide exceptional service to residents of Wilderness Lake Preserve and the surrounding area in the Welcome Center tradition. As before, Welcome Center community tours and information will continue to be available to visitors and residents. In addition, Wilderness Lake Realty will provide expert advice and information on all aspects of real estate, including new and resale homes, mortgage, title, appraisal and insurance assistance, plus rental and property management. There will also be a notary public for the convenience of the area residents.

Marni Smith, a Realtor for more than 12 years finds the value in providing homeowners and homebuyers with service founded on excellence and integrity, and this plan has paid off. She now does most of her work on referrals, one happy client to another.

Homeowners and homebuyers interested in Wilderness Lake Realty and its services can call (813) 995-2485 or visit the corporate website, where they can browse homes for sale, view services, and even request a free analysis of their current home.

Mark your calendars as Wilderness Lake Realty will participate in Wilderness Lake Preserve’s Fifth Birthday Bash on July 19, 2008 as the sponsor for the Water Slide Activity. Then the following Saturday, July 26th they will have their own Grand Opening at The Welcome Center. They will offer free food, beverages and activities for the whole family between 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend, meet the Wilderness Lake Realty team members and learn more about your new area real estate center
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Media Contact: Marcus Smith
Marcus@wildernesslakerealty.com
(813) 995-2485
www.wildernesslakerealty.com

Sample Press Release

2009-08-17T18:35:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marcus Smith
Smith Family Homes
5110 Eisenhower Blvd.
Suite 160
Tampa, Florida 33634
msmith@smithfamilyhomes.com

Smith Family Homes invited to build in Connerton

Tampa, Florida – May 30, 2006 – Smith Family Homes recently purchased home sites in the Terrabrook Master-Planned Community, Connerton in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.

In Connerton’s second phase, Smith Family Homes will build in The Gardens, on 65’ home sites. Smith Family Homes will be building their brand-new Classic Collection ranging from 2,300 to 3,190 square feet. The Classic Collection will offer many desirable features including Corian© kitchen countertops, 42” upper kitchen cabinets, tiled floors and a full appliance package including refrigerator.

From the 70 home sites Smith will build on, many offer conservation views, pond views, and easy access to the Gardens Village Center, which will offer homeowners an Aquatic Playground, Fitness and Activity Center, Tennis Courts, Outdoor Amphitheatre, library, retail shopping, and a professional center.

Smith Family Homes will begin construction on their Connerton New Home Center this summer. This Model, The Hudson, is a 3,100 square-foot home that features 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms, and a tandem 3 car garage. The Hudson will have soaring open spaces, with 12-foot ceilings, a large open island kitchen adjacent to a huge great room area looking out to the outdoor living area though a 16-foot panel of pocketing sliding glass doors. This home will also be built with an optional 2nd floor, which will encompass the 4th bedroom, 4th bathroom, and bonus room.
Smith Family Homes will begin pre-sales into Connerton later this year. If you would like to be included on our email list for future sales information, please email Smith Family Homes at tdeas@smithfamilyhomes.com

Sample Press Release

2009-08-17T18:34:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marcus Smith
Smith Family Homes
5110 Eisenhower Blvd.
Suite 160
Tampa, Florida 33634
msmith@smithfamilyhomes.com

Smith Family Homes wins honors in Sales & Marketing Award categories

At the 2005 Tampa Bay Builders Association’s Awards of Excellence which included installation of the SMC’s Board of Directors, Smith Family Homes won honors in both Sales & Marketing Award categories.
Several of Smith Family Homes’ Sales Consultants, including Michelle Acevedo, Mary Todd-Brown, Don Cassilly, Tabi Deas, Lilian Dutler, and Emma Fulco were awarded in the Million Dollar Circle, for highest levels of Sales Volume in their category.
For the second consecutive year, Smith Family Homes won BEST BUILDER WEBSITE, smithfamilyhomes.com. Unveiled in June 2004 the Smith Family Homes website offers homebuyers information on current inventory, printable floor plans and photos, mortgage information and homeowner testimonials. Soon, homebuyers will also be able to receive regular updates in the construction of their new home, and also shop for options from carpet to countertops.

Smith Family Homes builds Single-Family and Multi-Family homes from 1,500 square feet to over 4,000 square feet. Product lines focus particularly on quality and value, offering homebuyers added value in features not normally included by other builders.

For Sales information, please visit www.smithfamilyhomes.com.

Sample Press Release

2009-08-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Millstone Media launches Movie to Go!

July 7, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former home building executive Marcus Smith, has formed Millstone Media, Inc. and launched its first Movie to Go! DVD rental kiosk at Tuscano at Suncoast Crossings in Odessa, Florida. (www.MovieToGo.net) Plans are in the works for several other kiosks to be placed in strategic locations by the end of the year.

About Millstone Media
Millstone Media, Inc. specializes in placing fully automated DVD rental kiosks in locations like Tuscano that will be convenient to residents of the Tampa Bay area. The kiosk, called Movie to Go! offers more than one hundred movies for people to rent for as low as $1.99 per night. Consumers can also purchase movies from the kiosk, and it is all completed in a paperless, credit card transaction that takes less than 60 seconds. Consumers can also go to the company’s website, www.MovieToGo.net and browse current titles before they rent, and soon they will be able to reserve that title online before they go to the kiosk.

“With higher gas prices and economy induced budget restraints, this is an added convenience for consumers that will save them time and money” Smith says. “The kiosk is located right on the property so they can literally walk to the kiosk to rent or purchase a movie. It’s the best way to make every night a movie night.”

Movie to Go! also offers businesses the opportunity to advertise to DVD consumers, offering print ads and multimedia ads through the Movie to Go! 7” movie trailer screen. All this equates to an added value to the location, where it can create more traffic in a needed area, or just add value to an exclusive location like Tuscano at Suncoast Crossings.
###

Media contact: Marcus Smith
movietogo@gmail.com
(813) 299-2051
www.MovieToGo.net

sample press release

2009-08-17T18:30:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marcus Smith
Smith Family Homes
5110 Eisenhower Blvd.
Suite 160
Tampa, Florida 33634
msmith@smithfamilyhomes.com

Smith Family Homes named 12th Fastest Growing Builder

Tampa, Florida, December 18, 2005 – Smith Family Homes, a Tampa-based homebuilder has been recognized as the nation’s 12th fastest growing homebuilder by BUILDER Magazine’s 2005 Fast Track. BUILDER Magazine annually compiles a list of the 100 fastest growing homebuilding companies in the U.S. This is Smith Family Homes’ 2nd consecutive year to be on the list of the nation’s fastest growing builders, up from 29th in 2004.“We are very proud of this recognition, and feel it is a testament to all our hard work. It truly shows the direction we are headed.” says Marcus Smith, Smith Family Homes Vice President of Sales and Marketing.Smith Family Homes has sold more than 325 homes in 2005, and will close more than 250 homes at year-end. Smith Family Homes builds Single-Family and Multi-Family homes from 1,500 square feet to over 4,000 square feet. Product lines focus particularly on quality and value, offering homebuyers added value in features not normally included by other builders.

For Sales information, please visit www.smithfamilyhomes.com.

Sample press release

2009-08-17T18:28:00.002-07:00

Project: Smith Family Homes/Premier Homes
Villas at Edenfield Sales Event – February 15th, 2004

Smith Family Homes, formerly Premier Homes of Southwest Florida, Inc. developed a one-day sales event for the Passport Collection of attached luxury Villas. The sales campaign, which consisted mostly of word-of-mouth advertising and direct mail, ran through December of 2003 to February 14th, 2004. Customers were invited to a one-day sales event, held at the Club at Seven Oaks where they participated in a lottery-style home site drawing and contract process.
No models were built, only a computer-designed virtual tour of the community and interior units.

Target Market

The Villas at Edenfield mostly caters to the “Empty-Nester” demographic looking for a luxurious maintenance-free lifestyle with a purchase price of $200,000 - $250,000.

Measured Success

Smith Family Homes spent approximately $50,821.00 on the entire process, gained vendor sponsorships of $3,775.00. Only 145 exclusive invitations were sent, resulting in 77 people attending. In less than 4 hours, (including virtual tour viewing times, lunch, prize drawings and lot draw, 14 net sales were procured, resulting in 35% of the entire sales for the entire community. Those 14 sales totaled more than $3,000,000 in sales and over $700,000 in savings.

Sample Marketing Statement #2

2009-08-17T18:28:00.001-07:00

Marketing Statement

Smith Family Homes builds single-family attached and detached homes across the Tampa Bay area emphasizing an innovative culture based on customer satisfaction achieved by high levels of quality construction and customer attention. Smith Family Homes has always had an innovative approach to homebuilding. We compete with other builders by offering our homebuyers features in our homes they would normally pay extra for from other builders, and we make them a part of our standard package. Homebuyers can easily see the difference in value and they appreciate it.

Target Market

Smith Family Homes’ portfolio contains a full spectrum of homes for just about any lifestyle or budget. Homes range from affordable and stylish town homes, maintenance-free villas and large estate homes. We pride ourselves on home designs that exude comfort, safety, and technically innovative features that make life a little easier at home.

Smith Family Homes caters to working professionals and their families in starter-home, move-up or luxury market, “empty-nesters” looking for luxury, or maintenance-free lifestyles. Smith Family Homes typically builds homes ranging from $300,000 to over $800,000.

Sample Marketing Statement

2009-08-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Marketing Statement

Smith Family Homes builds single-family attached and detached homes across the Tampa Bay area emphasizing an innovative culture based on customer satisfaction achieved by high levels of quality construction and customer attention.

Project: Smith Family Homes Outdoor Campaign
Location: Veteran’s Expressway north of Hillsborough Avenue

This billboard was selected and designed for the active Tampa commuter, focusing on directing traffic to Smith Family Homes’ award-winning website. The billboard has been very successful, bringing local traffic to the website and developing brand recognition.

Target Market

Smith Family Homes’ portfolio contains a full spectrum of homes for just about any lifestyle or budget. Homes range from affordable and stylish town homes, maintenance-free villas and large estate homes. We pride ourselves on home designs that exude comfort, safety, and technically innovative features that make life a little easier at home.

Smith Family Homes caters to working professionals and their families in starter-home, move-up or luxury market, “empty-nesters” looking for luxury, or maintenance-free lifestyles. Smith Family Homes typically builds homes ranging from $200,000 to over $800,000.

sample mission statement

2009-08-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

SAMPLE WRITING MISSION STATEMENT

Mission Statement

To provide our homebuyers with the highest level of quality, value, and service possible, not only in the construction of their new home but throughout the entire home-buying experience. By doing so, we build for each of our associates a profitable company with an impeccable reputation that we will all be proud to be a part of.

Since 1998, Smith Family Homes has built single-family attached and detached homes, and multi-family town homes across the Tampa Bay area emphasizing an innovative culture based on customer satisfaction achieved by high levels of quality construction and customer attention. Smith Family Homes has always had an innovative approach to homebuilding. We compete with other builders by offering our homebuyers features in our homes they would normally pay extra for from other builders, and we make them a part of our standard package. Homebuyers can easily see the difference in value.

sample press release - SFHCEOMAG

2009-08-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE

In the heart of Land O’Lakes Florida, Smith Family Homes builds luxury homes in the community of Wilderness Lake Preserve. Exclusively located in the Lakewood Retreat village of Wilderness Lake Preserve, Smith Family Homes has built nearly 36 prestigious homes on 90 foot home sites, many of which back to conservation or to the spring-fed lake, the centerpiece of the community. Currently, they are offering only 3 more home sites for sale.

Built in 2005, Smith Family Homes Showcase home in Wilderness Lake Preserve is a 4,131 square foot home called the “Bramante” that wonderfully blends 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, home office, loft, game room, and home theater. The flagship of Smith Family Homes’ portfolio, the Bramante interior features 14 foot ceilings, a large formal living room, formal dining room, and a large, open island kitchen. Smith Family Homes also includes features in this home like 18” tiles in all kitchens and baths, upgraded cabinetry, rounded corners throughout, upgraded faucets, built in media centers, a second story balcony, and much, much more!

The splendor is continued to the exterior, when all 12 feet of glass doors pocket into the wall, exposing an outdoor kitchen, and a beautiful pool and spa, surrounded by cultured stone walls and stone-styled floors, the pool even offers a gas driven “fire-pit” for setting the mood. Beyond the pool area and find a magnificent view of the spring-fed lake. There is also dock access for that morning walk to the lake, or a perfect place to watch a Fourth of July fireworks show.
Wilderness Lake Preserve is a master-planned community in the heart of beautiful Pasco County. Located in Land O' Lakes on 680-forested acres, Wilderness Lake Preserve is quietly secluded, yet boasts convenient access to many modern day amenities including shopping, dining and entertainment via I-75, the Suncoast Parkway as well as the Veteran's Expressway.
This unique neighborhood features large, spacious home sites that take full advantage of Florida's natural setting. The community's centerpiece is a sparkling natural 38-acre lake surrounded by rustic lakeside lodges. Many of the homes available border either the beautiful, spring-fed lake or lush conservation areas. Residents can also enjoy an abundance of amenities including a luxurious Bath House & Spa, tennis and basketball courts, dedicated walking paths and a charming nature center.
Smith Family Homes’ portfolio contains a full spectrum of homes for just about any lifestyle or budget. Homes range from affordable and stylish town homes, maintenance-free villas and large estate homes. We pride ourselves on home designs that exude comfort, safety, and technically innovative features that make life a little easier at home.

Smith Family Homes caters to working professionals and their families in starter-home, move-up or luxury market, “empty-nesters” looking for luxury, or maintenance-free lifestyles. Smith Family Homes typically builds homes ranging from $200,000 to over $800,000. For more information on Smith Family Homes at Wilderness Lake Preserve, please visit our award-winning website at http://www.smithfamilyhomes.com/ or call, (813) 996-9556.

Insomnia?

2009-08-06T00:18:00.000-07:00

Insomnia. We've all experienced it at one time or another. What I find somewhat ironically humorous is that I usually experience it at the strangest times!

Like now...it's 3:22 AM on Thursday morning. Last night, my wife Deana and I drove from Tampa to Lakeland to one of her favorite restaurants, Abuelo's. I would highly recommend it if your a fan of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. So we get home, and I'm just wiped out, exhausted from the day and the drive back. So, we go straight to bed, watch a little TV and I fall fast asleep. About an hour later I woke to her still watching the TV, and just turning off the lights! A quick trip to the bathroom and I'm back in a flash. Stumbling back into bed I close my eyes for a moment only to find them WIDE open again a second later. My brain says, "Okay, you've slept, let's start working again!" I toss and turn to focus on just one little idea...sleep. But as it would happen, my mind starts racing again and before I know it I'm up and back in the office, banging away at the computer! What's up with that?

Well, according to WbMd.com Insomnia is described as a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. [Duh!]
It is a condition that millions of people suffer from, but thankfully there are some good tips to prevent or treat Insomnia without a prescription that might cause any number of things including swelling glands, MORE Insomnia, drowsiness the next day, confusion, forgetfulness and dry mouth. These side effects can be severe.

But never fear, here are 11 great tips from WebMD to help with Insomnia without a prescription:

Wake up at the same time each day. It is tempting to sleep late on weekends, especially if one has had poor sleep during the week. However, if you suffer from insomnia you should get up at the same time every day in order to train your body to wake at a consistent time.

Eliminate nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants. This includes certain medications such as theophylline, beta agonists (usually as inhalers) and decongestants, especially prior to bedtime. The effects of caffeine can last for several hours, perhaps up to 24 hours, so the chances of it affecting sleep are significant. Caffeine may not only cause difficulty initiating sleep, but may also cause frequent awakenings. Alcohol may have a sedative effect for the first few hours following consumption, but it can then lead to frequent arousals and a non-restful night's sleep.

Limit naps. While napping seems like a proper way to catch up on missed sleep, it is not always so. It is important to establish and maintain a regular sleep pattern and train oneself to associate sleep with cues like darkness and a consistent bedtime. Napping too much, or for too long during the day, can affect the quality of nighttime sleep. A short nap (around 20 minutes or so) in the mid- to late afternoon can be helpful, however, and should not interfere with getting to sleep at night.

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and duration. However, exercising immediately before bedtime can have a stimulant effect on the body and should be avoided. Try to finish exercising at least three hours before you plan to retire for the night.

Limit activities in bed. The bed is for sleeping and having sex and that's it. If you suffer from insomnia, do not balance the checkbook, study, make phone calls, etc. while in bed or even in the bedroom, and avoid watching television or listening to the radio. All these activities can increase alertness and make it difficult to fall asleep.

Do not eat or drink right before going to bed. Eating a late dinner or snacking before going to bed can activate the digestive system and keep you up. If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or heartburn, it is even more important to avoid eating and drinking right before bed since this can make your symptoms worse. In addition, excessive drinking prior to bed can overwhelm the bladder, requiring frequent visits to the bathroom.

Make your sleeping environment comfortable. Temperature, lighting, and noise should be controlled to make the bedroom conducive to falling (and staying) asleep. Your bed should feel comfortable and if you have a pet that sleeps in the room with you, consider having the pet sleep somewhere else if it tends to make noise in the night.

Get all your worrying over with before you go to bed. If you find you lay in bed thinking about tomorrow, consider setting aside a period of time at night before you go to bed to review the day and to make plans for the next day. The goal is to avoid doing these things while trying to fall asleep. It is also useful to make a list of, say, work-related tasks for the next day before leaving work. That, at least, eliminates one set of concerns.

Reduce stress. There are a number of relaxation therapies and stress reduction methods you may want to try to relax the mind and the body before going to bed. Examples include progressive muscle relaxation (perhaps with audio tapes), deep breathing techniques, imagery, meditation, and biofeedback.

Consider participating in cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy helps people with insomnia identify and correct inappropriate thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to insomnia. In addition, cognitive therapy can give people the proper information about sleep norms, age-related sleep changes, and help set reasonable sleep goals, among other things.

Amazingly, I discovered number 11 on my own. The number 11 tip to curing Insomnia is actually writing, or maybe even reading, an article about Insomnia!

Thanks, and here's to a restful night's sleep.

Marriage - The Roller Coaster

2009-08-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Today, my wife Deana and I celebrate 13 years of marriage. It hasn't all been wonderful bliss, I'm sure anyone who is married would agree with me on that. But for the most part, it has been a wonderful, exciting, joyful adventure. By each passing year, the foolish years seem to get farther away, our wisdom seems to be growing (thank God!), our sons are getting older by the second, and each year seems to be moving just a little bit faster.

I love this clip from the movie "Parenthood". The entire movie is hysterical, but this key moment in the movie allows the audience to get some perspective. The wife gets it, the husband doesn't. Marriage IS like a roller coaster. Sometimes, you're up, sometimes your down. Sometimes it goes fast, sometimes it goes fast.

I love this analogy because it is how God intended our lives to be together. Let's be honest, do you think that even before man fell in the garden of Eden everything was hunky-dory? I don't think so. Even if we had remained in the Garden with no sin, men and women are so different from each other, we would still have conflict of some sort to understand each other better.

That's truly what marriage is about. It's a partnership of course between a man and woman and together they are one flesh. God, as a perfect creation is both man and woman. That doesn't mean he is a particular sex, it means that is his perfection, all the wonderful things about both man and woman came from him - in his image. This is reflected in something I heard Chris Hogan from Noble Call ministries say not too long ago. "Man will never understand woman completely, because when God created woman, he 'took out' the woman part." All the caring, nurturing, emotional stuff we men don't get went out of us with Eve. Men don't understand because we don't have that inside us.

So, a wedding as described in Genesis 2:24 - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." When man and woman are joined together we are complete. Two halves becoming whole. Marriage, of course is the journey; the adventure to live this life the best we can, and the two halves support one another along the way. Sometimes one is strong when the other is weak. Sometimes the other is wise when one is foolish; but the two halves, as long as they stay together make the whole and that cannot be broken.

let me encourage you, if you're married and your really gonig through the "muck" of it right now, I've been there. We know what;s like to have maritial conflict and be one step away from the door. But you can make it. You can work past all the foolish things whatever they are. But the key is that you have to put the other person first. You have to take up your cross each day and die to yourself and your selfish ways to support your spouse and your family. If each half of the whole does this, mariage works. Maybe not perfect, but it works. If one half does it and the other half doesn't, it will sink and will not stand. If both don't do this, it will be over before it started, and there is no hope. So die to yourself. In all you do ask yourself, "is this what God wants me to do, and does it help my spouse and family?" If we can do this, really do it, all marriages will stand the test of time and divorce will be a failed thing of the past.

Thank you Deana for loving me, thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for having our wonderful sons. Mpost of all, thank you for being a reflection of Proverbs 31 and putting God in front of me.

2009-07-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

FUTURE FREEDOM goes live online at midnight tonight! I hope you enjoy it, and please write me a review. I'd love to hear your honest opinion.
http://ping.fm/nXQ7e?ref=ts

2009-07-03T14:22:00.001-07:00

Whewww....that was my sigh of relief. FUTURE FREEDOM is in the can! with just 39 hrs. 13 min. 24 sec. left! I love it when a plan comes together!

2009-06-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Just 6 days to the premiere of Future Freedom! That's 137 hours, 25 minutes, 22 seconds...

Dream a Little Dream

2008-10-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Depression? What Depression? So much of what we hear today from the newspapers, TV, talk radio, etc. is the REAL depression.
The bible says, "The power of life and death are in the tongue." As a result, much of what we see and hear is caused by the downtrodden way people speak about their lives, business, families, and government. Example - 2004 and 2005 was the biggest housing boom I have experienced. in mid 2005, many reporters, commentators, and even home builders started talking about "The bubble bursting." As the market grew and continued to grow due to speculators and over-building, the "bubble chatter" grew and grew until it was almost a deafening roar. Then as predicted, the bubble did burst. Was it just a good prediction, or was it something else? I believe that the bubble chatter caused the bubble to burst prematurely, because it shook consumer confidence in the housing market.

I am prayerfully considering returning to school after 16 years to finish my education. I know it will be hard to incorporate into my already-busy life, but I believe that God wants us to always be learning new things, pushing ourselves to achieve the dreams we have and the goals he has set for us. Not just for us but for His glory. I will continue praying for wisdom regarding school...and whatever your dream is, stay in prayer and meditation and he will show you the way.

Instead of complaining about bank bailouts, Presidential candidates, gas prices - we have to try and focus on the great things in life! We need to remember the great things our country has done, and dream about what more it could be. I believe in renewable energy, I believe in American ingenuity, I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and what the freedom of Salvation means to us all. In short, stay positive even in down times - know that God has a plan for us all, and that if we trust, it will reveal itself and open up possibilities that are bigger than just our feeble little dreams!

Something To Believe In

2008-09-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

I don't agree with Barack Obama. I don't believe in his policies, or his politics. But this is not a smear campaign. I think their are a lot of people who don't agree with him. But in a time in our history when we are so divided, the housing market is suffering, the economy is suffering, I think the reason he has done so well is that we all want something to believe in. His message of change rings through the hearts and minds of Americans like a tuning fork, and lifts us all to reach higher.

For some it's their faith, for some it's their family, for others, it's a presidential candidate.

But at the core of our very being, we all want to believe that we are greater than we are now, that we can all be improved to what we are destined to be. I know for me, that's where my faith in God comes. This is where my peace comes from. without it, I know that I know I would be a disaster!

But more specifically, I have been thinking about how this relates to our current energy crisis. In fact, it reminds me of how our grandfathers and grandmothers might have felt during the turn of the 20Th century, when industrialism was exploding, and then again during WWII. People worked hard not just because of the paycheck, but because they believed in something greater than themselves. They believed then that the USA was meant to help keep the peace in the World, and no one could tell them differently. They believed it in their core.

I don't think there is one correct answer that fixes the energy problem entirely. But we all know that doing nothing doesn't fix the problem either. I think men like T. Boone Pickens with simple solutions and a long term bridge or plan to help us out of this crisis is the answer. With the help of our government, private and public companies, and just old-fashioned brain power and elbow grease, I think we will soon see the day where men and women will leave their failing white collar jobs at computers, to work on oil refineries, or power plants, or on offshore oil rigs...not because of the money, but because they believe in something greater than themselves. I believe this is a crossroads for our country. I know that we have the potential to be the 2nd "Greatest Generation", and the day is coming soon where we have all have to ask ourelves, "What do I believe in?"

Movie To Go! is Launched!

2008-07-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce that my new company Millstone Media, Inc. has launched its first Movie To Go! DVD kiosk. This is a new concept in this area, and I pray each day that it will be a great success.

Movie To Go! is a fully automated DVD rental kiosk, where consumers can select from over one hundred movie titles and rent those movies on a per day fee as low as $1.99 per day. The great thing is, that unlike our competition, the movie comes in its original box, so renters may also choose to purchase the movie, and add it to their home DVD library in its original glory.

Being a new industry for me, I can tell you that I was very intrigued about how it all works, very curious about the machine and its parts, etc. If the thing didn't cost as much as a new car, I might have taken all apart and put it back together! but thankfully, it arrived completely installed and ready to go. The delivery guy was very cordial and very careful, although the poor guy's hand truck got a flat tire, so I grabbed my hand truck and we moved it to its present location.

The machine is very easy to use, you just look to see what movie you want to rent or buy, select the movie the keypad, swipe your credit card, and the movie pops out Just like a coke machine!

I seriously learned an important lesson about patience these past two weeks. There were delays with nearly every company involved, But thankfully it is all set and our very first Movie To Go! machine is up and renting!

DVD vs. the Net

2008-05-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Many opinions on the future of the Internet and movies...But DVD is already here and huge!
6 reasons DVD will last, and Internet movies are just a Fad:

1. Internet movies require a high-speed connection - only 50% of households have one!
2. When you download a movie, all you get is THE MOVIE! No bonus material!
3. Quality - Internet movies are on a compressed file...less data means less video and audio quality!
4. If you rent a movie online, you MUST view it within 24 hours or it will self-destruct!
5. Availability - Internet movies are typically not released until 30 AFTER the DVD has already been out!
6. Selection - There are approximately 300 Internet movies...compared to 90,000 DVDS!!!

check out the video below...

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=668946255

Mason Baptized!

2008-05-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased and proud that this past Sunday, Mother's Day 2008 my oldest son Mason who is seven was baptized. Mason, who gave his heart to Jesus when he was just 3 years old! has always shown a great love for God and heavenly things. He was baptized as a sign of obedience to the Lord's command, and a testament to others thinking about being baptized. GO MASON!

Prayer Breakfast

2008-05-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a blessed day! I was invited by my dear friend Greg Shepard to attend the Tampa Bay Leadership Prayer Breakfast, which actually was lunch, but it was fantastic. Whatever your faith, it was great to see several hundred very busy people take some time to pray together, and stand united for our God, our leadership and our children.

The best part, was that S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-Fil-A was the keynote speaker. at 87 wonderful years old, this great man of God spoke with his thick Georgian accent as funny, and an eloquently as a man half his age. He spoke about his own life mostly, adding funny stories about work, running one store versus two, and now 1,300 Chick-Fil-A stores.
But mostly he spoke about his faith in God and how God was there through tough times, and was always faithful. Personally, he challenged me to glorify God in all I do, especially in business. It gave me many things to think about, and to pray for.

I can truly say I am blessed and a better Christian for attending this today, and as an added bonus, I got my picture taken with Mr. Cathy himself!!

TIME TO LOSE SOME WEIGHT!

2008-04-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post is several days old, but I started a new diet last Friday, April 25th. No, no, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm 35 and have packed on the pounds as I have gotten older. WHO HASN'T! (If you haven't, darn you!)

So 8 years ago, after smoking for nearly 10 years my wife was expecting our first child. I had a AH HA! moment on day, and December 31st of 2000, I had my last cigarette! woohoo!

Well, I had another AH HA! moment last Thursday evening, so Friday morning I began a ketogentic diet, which is a modified Atkins diet. High protein, low carbs, and low sugar. I'm off the sodas, off the sweets, etc. It's only been 5 days today, but I have lost 5 pounds already, and just knowing I am doing something great for my body is inspiring me to do more!
SO, it's not the biggest loser or anything, but I'm going after that college weight again!

OUCH! Gas Prices are killin' me!

2008-04-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that gas prices hit another high today! It's absolutely crazy. I was driving out of my garage today, listening to the morning update on 970WFLA, saying that a barrel of oil hot $118 overnight! Translated, the gas station next to our community had REGULAR gas at $3.65 per gallon!!!! Geez!

I have these moments of nostalgia, when I think of my school days, and not so long ago when gas was $.99! This is where it needs to be again. I' mean really, do we HAVE to use our cars? Do I have to drive a huge Chevy Pickup? These are the way things are right? ...right.

Mind you I am not an alarmist, but this is crazy, we cannot allow the gas companies and OPEC to take advantage of our pocketbooks like this. I believe our economy is still strong, but man, this is killin' me!

Chris Tomlin Concert

2008-02-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

My wife and I and a couple friends recently were guests of the JoyFM in Bradenton, Florida at the Chris Tomlin concert at the Manatee Civic Center. Tomlin, a contemporary Christian artist offered up more than an hour and a half of outstanding praise and worship songs. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it was very spiritually moving and an emotionally-lifting time of worship to Almighty God. I was singing along with the songs, raising my hands, praying and just enjoying having God's presence around us during the concert.

But since then, I have been thinking. Why don't we praise God like this all the time? Especially for men, why are scared or too prideful to show others that we love God enough to just praise him without bounderies? The answer is simple, and it's the subject of the Men's bible study I am attending right now at Idlewild Baptist Church. Society has trained men especially, to be loners; not to depend on anyone, including the Almighty God.

It is my hope that my generation and others that follow can change the stigma of society's prejudice and show the world what true Christianity is! My prayer is that I, just like Jabez, would be blessed by God and that he will increase my borders, spiritually. I pray that I can be the mentor and the example I need to be to my children and my children's children.