The Cajun Bahamas

“I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today…”

Enjoying the "big island", the "Cajun Bahamas", Grand Isle, where seagulls trail shrimp boats and surf fishing is plentiful. The sand may be trashy, the water may be brown, and the women may have no teeth. It may not be pretty, but its the beach cher!!

What spawned from a sporadic idea on T-roy’s part, we drove all night and ended up here at 6 a.m. yesterday morning (Sunday).  Our first stop, the beach for surf fishing in which T-roy immediately caught three specs. I wanted to show him up so I grabbed a rod and headed into the sea only to hook one very small speck and have my toe pinched by a crab. I ran full speed through the surf with fish still on line thinking I was being attached by a shark…I sure showed him! I’m such a chic! Enjoy the pics!!

Live by Design!!

 Room not too, too bad

 Cola and Roux catching their tan...

Fish Heads for some Crabbing...have fun with that T-roy

Dog Days of Summer

Just in case you haven’t noticed, the dog days of summer have come early this year. And with Goldie restorations taking a little longer than expected, T-roy and I have had to look for in our own backyard for fun-filled excursions.

A couple weekends ago we did the “False River Thing” with our friends Claire and Todd at their family camp…..it’s nice to know people in high places (if you know what I mean).  We had a wonderful weekend and by the time we returned we felt rejuvenated (pics included for either your enjoyment or laughter…J)!!

This weekend we’re venturing out from Port Barre into Lafayette to spend the weekend at our friends’ home, Jason and Blake. Plans are to catch a summer league baseball game and just enjoy a weekend of coach surfing away from home.

Its amazing how just a change in scenery can be just what the doctor ordered for these long, hot summer days. Whether it’s a 30 minute drive or a days trip, getting out of the house for a night or two can be just what you need to get your head on straight again. So, say “f**k it” to all those things around the house that need doing and get on out of the house for a night!!

Look for great ideas for fun in Louisiana on this site. http://www.louisianatravel.com/

LIVE BY DESIGN!      

The Music Biz

Today marks the last day of profit from passion, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't still love to hear your comments and ideas...keep on sending them so we can all continue to learn!

The music biz can be tough especially if you're a musician trying to make it big. If you play for fun, chances are you've already looked into lining up gigs in weddings, churches, bars and other venues. You've probably also considered teaching lessons and subbing for other musicians. But there is one more big way you can profit from your music passion.

With T-roy in the music biz, I've had to learn my share of "how things work" in this market. My biggest lesson....the work behind the scene!! One of the hardest challenges for a musician is being their own booking agent, manager, marketer, etc. It takes a lot of energy to manage the business side of music in addition to writing, recording, gigging, etc. We've looked for local agents and managers with no luck so I've become somewhat of the band booker/manager/marketer. I've asked this question a thousand times, "with the amount of musical talent in this area, why can't we find someone in this nitch?"

Soooooooooo, if you're a music lover and this is your passion, I see a huge opportunity for someone to develop this type of business here in Lafayette, LA. And just in case you get this post before 6pm today, here is a little tip for getting started!! Hopefully I'll see you there!!

Tipitina's Co-Op Lafayette
Don't forget The Jazz and Heritage Foundation is presenting a "how to sell your music" workshop tomorrow at 6:00 pm at the Tipitina's Cooperative 125 S. Buchanan St. Lafayette, La. 70501 If you make music...then learn how to sell it to Film, Radio, Television etc...

LIVE BY DESIGN

Burning Buns!

Lately I've been doing a lot of yoga, walking and squats...it seems I've gained quite a few pounds in the last two years, which is probably a good thing (according to friends). But the cellulite that comes with that is not all that fun (at least I now have boobs). Since I've turned 30, toning up has become a lot harder!! Anyone observing my yoga poses these days would be quite entertained to say the least...

My little bro, on the other hand has no problem regulating the exact caloric intake he needs each day to the amount of running or lifting he needs to do in order to stay extremely fit (we have no idea where he gets this from). If your like him and staying health and fit is in your nature, consider turning your passion into profits by teaching classes at your local gym. Other options may also be a meal planner (I would totally hire you), health coach and trainer. Lately, I've also seen people in smaller communities advertising classes out of their homes. Every day at regular scheduled times, group classes are set up in back yards. For some people, this is a whole lot cheaper and easier than a gym a gives them the same group participation and motivation. Small signs posted around town and word of mouth are great ways to advertise.

Anyone taking the leap in this area should let our readers know!! I'd love to take you up on your services!! Good luck burning those buns!!

Happy hump day everyone!!!

LIVE BY DESIGN!!!

Calling All Green Thumbs!!

Back to profiting from your passions today brings us to those who love to garden! Eating organic or fresh produce has always been a battle for me. Going to the grocery store to purchase fresh, organic produce can be ubber expensive!!

There is a little old lady living down the street from Mrs. Dell (Troy's mom) that has a huge garden. She spends hours watering and weeding and picking. I've considered stopping her several times to ask her if I can just buy produce from her rather than the grocery. My shyness has kept me from asking....I know I could drag my butt to the farmer's market at the but crack of dawn on a Saturday, but somehow I never make it. Our plans to travel keep me from growing our own or participating in an Earth Share.

So, if i'll just get to the point...if gardening is something you enjoy, consider making profits by running a neighborhood garden. I know many people who would love to pay for fresh produce delivered to their doorsteps each week. Setting up a produce stand near your home or participating in farmer's markets could also be a very viable option for you. With fresh food being harder and harder to find and family farms disappearing, I think the search for fresh, organic foods will be more and more popular. Among these, other examples include landscape design, gardening instructor or consultant, florist, office-plant caretaker and many, many more options remain.

Good luck green thumbs!! We hope you'll keep growing so we can keep eating well!!

LIVE BY DESIGN!!

Losing Your Footing

Sometimes it may seem like life is headed in the right direction. You have a goal in mind, you've identified the steps for achieving it, and you're working towards that goal conscientiously. We can see the end. However, there may be times when the dots just don't seem to be connecting the way we'd hope. We loose confidence, we loose motivation, we feel busted....

This was me last week....

After a good "oh woe is me" pity party I had for myself this weekend, I opened my journal this morning to find this quote,

 "...life is like fording a river, stepping from one slippery stone to another, and you must rejoice every time you don't lose your balance, and learn to laugh at all the times you do."

-Merle Shain, 20th-century Canadian writer

So, today, I've decided to end my "pity party" and laugh at myself instead, only hoping that there are others laughing at themselves as well. A guess learning to see it this way is part of living by design-harder but worth every second!!!

Have a great week!!

Live By Design!!

Decorate Your Home-Passion into Profit

Something about the feminine energy makes us (women and some men) want to make things feel a certain way...the flow of our living room, the welcoming feel of a kitchen, the relaxation of a bathroom. If I remember correctly, I think this is called "chi". Some are blessed with the ability to feel a room or an environment and have the gift of arranging decor in way that changes the energy of a space. Simply moving the large vase from the counter to the table or the chair back a few inches can change a room in its entirety.

I have several friends who have these special gifts...from interior designers to stagers for home sales to closet organizer, feng shui experts and color consultants. Some make a living full time while others are inspired to "play" part-time. However often, they always seem to be love the energy they get from a project. It invigorates them!!! 

If this is something your attracted to, take classes through community programs, find out ways to get involved in the underground circuit of this market, talk to people who have a toe in the industry, etc. People react to positive spaces and as long as we have homes and buildings, we will always have a need for people and their "magic touch". 

LIVE BY DESIGN!!!

Socialize

You know "those" people? The ones who can just "simply" throw a party together on the drop of dime? Everything is exquisite....even conversation seems to come so naturally. Yes, we can call these people party planners, hosts of sales parties, conference producers, etc.

Whatever the event may be, they can plan it beautifully and make it "happen". If this sounds like you, event planning may be up your alley for turning passions into profits. Start small by talking with your friends and family about upcoming events they may be planning. From birthday parties to graduation parties and weddings, your personal contacts may be enough to keep you busy for a while. If you enjoy it, reach out in your community for other prospects.

In addition to individual events, consider small businesses as a market. So many of them need assistance in the planning area and what a better way than contracting out you and your creative flare. From ribbon cuttings to client mingling, small businesses could definitely be a money maker. Consider talking it up before the holidays hit, as this is always the best time for profiting on planning events.

Only four more posts for turning passions into profits so keep sending in your real life examples!! We all love hearing them!!!

Have a great week everyone!!

Share Expertise

About a year and a half ago I made the decision to start my own business as a Human Resources Consultant, freelancing my way through life. It was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I didn't like about it was not having an IT department when I needed it...darn technology!! :) While HR Consulting is something I seem to be somewhat transitioning in and out of, I've learned more in the last year and a half about owning your own business than ever before and it has led me into other areas of freelancing. 

Today's profit from passion focus is on sharing expertise. If you work for any business, chances are you know how to do something value added that other businesses may consider contracting out. While this may be scary at first, making the jump gave me the freedom and flexibility I was so looking for. With consultants being in high demand, this could be a perfect opportunity for you.... Also consider opportunities as a trainer. If you're skilled in something and you enjoy sharing your knowledge there are plenty of opportunities for trainers in the world of business and also on the consumer end. Other ideas from All You are self-help book author, blogger, industry event speaker, manual writer, etc. Whatever you choose, the learning opportunities in freelancing are endless and my most important lesson has been self-confidence....knowing that I can do almost anything I'd like to do.

Its almost Friday everyone!!!! Woohoo!!!

Live Life By Design!!

Goof Around With Your Kids

Now that schools out, Troy's nieces, Caroline, Eve and Lola have been frequenting our home (Granny's House). While at times, this might seem a little overwhelming, I've actually been enjoying the playful squander...walks for snow cones, art projects, Alice in Wonderland, homemade cookies (okay, I made them from a package) but you know what I mean....all the stuff you enjoyed doing when you were a kid!! Pulling from All You again, today's profit from passion idea is goof around with you kids!! 

Some Suggestions are: Home-based day-care owner (not for me but hey, what ever floats your boat)

Children's Party Planner

Videographer (catching all these wonderful moments for parents at dance recitals, parties, etc)

After-school-club tutor

And don't forget arts and craft clinics...summer time is the perfect time!!!

Swimming Lessons

Whatever the idea, small groups of kids can be fun!! Especially if you can send them home....

Happy hump day everyone!!!