Many people are scared of their financial situation. For a lot of those people, the cause is witnessing the financial crisis of 2008. They saw companies of all sizes drop jobs left and right. The event has caused more and more people to want full control over their financials and, unfortunately, deters them from taking risks.

But today’s market is vastly different than that of the past. Instead of people exhibiting brand loyalty, consumers often seek to make their own brand. This can be a one-person job (like social media influencers) or a startup that shakes the industry it’s part of.

Whether you feel unsure about pursuing your dreams of starting a business due to the 2008 crisis or your own personal fears, you need to take a look at why you should start your business now. Here are the three reasons why now is the perfect time:

1. Tech Makes the Playing Field Even
Better technology is being created every day at affordable prices. Anything from online gaming sites to internet-only e-commerce stores are opening up every day. This tech gives small-business owners access to lower overheads and operational costs as well as quicker distribution channels. It doesn’t even matter where you set up shop—these new technologies can help you.
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The use of technology allows you to quickly increase awareness of your brand and expand your customer base. With a wide range of options for web hosting, and numerous agencies specializing in targeted and competitive SEO strategies to help your business, the digital realm is making it easier than ever for small businesses to start and succeed.

Any ladies out there know what it's like to fall for the "Bad Boy"? I know I do. In fact, my husband was quite the rebel back in the day. Kind of like Tramp in Walt Disney's "Lady and the Tramp!" No matter how mismatched we may seem, something about us just works. 

Speaking of "Lady and the Tramp"....
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​This February, Disney’s cherished animated classic, “Lady and the Tramp,” joins the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection. Every member of the family will treasure this timeless tale—loaded with three versions of the film, classic bonus material and three all-new features—when it heads home on Digital and on Movie Anywhere Feb. 20 and on Blu-ray on Feb. 27.
 
The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition offers three exciting ways to watch “Lady and the Tramp”—the original theatrical version, sing-along mode and Walt's story meetings—both Digitally and via the Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack). The Multi-screen Edition includes Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital copy, giving in-home consumers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. In addition to classic bonus features, all-new extras invite viewers to enter Walt Disney's original office suite on the Studio lot, discover Walt’s personal passion for pups, and receive a celebrity-hosted spaghetti and meatballs cooking lesson.
 
As one of the greatest love stories ever told, “Lady and the Tramp” is sure to melt the hearts of generations with its beloved characters, brilliant animation, memorable music and sweet sentiment. The animated treasure tells the story of Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a freewheeling mutt with a heart of gold. Through the Signature Collection edition, viewers can relive the pair’s thrilling adventures, sing along with the film’s unforgettable songs like “Bella Notte,” and swoon over one of the most memorable movie moments of all time—the iconic scene in which Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and an accidental kiss.
 
“Lady and the Tramp” is the sixth title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. The film takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi” and “The Lion King.”

Thor, the God of Thunder is BACK with a vengeance, and he's coming to the comfort of your own home! 
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Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” the God of Thunder’s third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, electrified both audiences and critics alike reaching over $845M at the global box office. Now the colorful cosmic adventure, loaded with action, humor, drama and spectacle, bursts into homes Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™, and Movies Anywhere, on Feb. 20and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand on March. 6.
 
In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his home world and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) – and grapple with his silver-tongued adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the fierce warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and the eccentric Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). 

Now that things are thawing out here in the NE Ohio area, and spring seems to be on its way, we've decided to venture out of the house more.

Who wants to drag the kids out when it's windy and snowy with sub-zero temperatures? Those kinds of days, which are abundant here, end up being days spent out home, which definitely results in some Cabin Fever. 

Since we have had a few nice days, we decided to celebrate by taking the family to grab a delicious dinner at Charleys Philly Steaks, right here in the Akron, Ohio area. Their subs are fantastic, and I always love an excuse to go see my oldest son at work. (Yep, he's a Charleys team member!) The kids love their Chicken Fingers, so they couldn't wait to head to the mall Food Court to chow down. 

Since we're smack dab in the middle of an especially brutal cold and flu season, I am always looking for ways to help my family stay happy and well before illness strikes. One thing I like to do is take preventative measures, such as making sure we all get plenty of fluids and adequate sleep, and eat healthy, well-balanced diets.

Did you know that there are some foods and ingredients that can actually help to promote overall wellness and immunity? Some even help ease annoying symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and more when illness does creep in.

​My favorite "wellness food"? 

Manuka Honey!

Manuka honey is a special kind of honey that comes from the Manuka flower nectar gathered by the bees in New Zealand. Manuka is a Maori word that refers to the flower that grows on both New Zealand’s North and South Islands. The Maori were the first to discover the Manuka shrub which is related to the Tea Tree plant and has a very short annual bloom making it rare and highly sought after. Manuka honey is a completely natural, holistic, bio-available and biodegradable product.

For millions of years, bees and flowers have worked together to create countless naturally healthy and flavorful honey combinations. The nectar of each flower and tree contributes its own palette of tastes and enzymes to its local beehive. Throughout history, the Maori people of New Zealand have enjoyed this flower for its many benefits. Related to the Tee Tree plant, this honey is sourced from the rare and beautiful flowers of the Manuka tree. New Zealand’s Manuka honey is a wonder of nature. It is considered one of the most multi-dimensional foods in the world, containing complex sugars, live enzymes and other naturally occurring compounds and is consumed daily by many.
Honey has a lower Glycemic Index (GI) than table sugar. This simply means that the sugar in honey is absorbed into the bloodstream more gradually.

Kids and parents can join Garfield, Jon, and Odie for two hilarious adventures in the new DVD “GARFIELD: NINE LIVES!” Garfield answers the age-old question about cats having nine lives, is it really true?  Jon, Odie, and Garfieldalso get to go on a vacation, but its not exactly the luxurious vacation of Garfield’s dreams.

“GARFIELD: NINE LIVES” (SRP $6.99) is available NOW on DVD, and has a run time of approximately 50 minutes.
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Public Media Distribution, LLC announced today it is releasing “MOVEABLE FEAST WITH FINE COOKING – SEASON 5” on DVD and Digital HD. Nominated for an Emmy® and James Beard Award, and winner of both Telly and TASTE Awards, MOVEABLE FEAST WITH FINE COOKING is co-hosted this season by award-winning chefs Pete Evans and Curtis Stone, and special guest chef Michelle Bernstein. In Season Five they bring viewers to Europe and Puerto Rico, in addition to locations in the United States, to meet top chefs and award-winning food artisans to source the finest regional ingredients and create a multi-course feast for friends.
 
Viewers will learn cooking tips and techniques from talented chefs, including Patricia Wells, Guy Savoy, Bryan Voltaggio, Tom Douglas, and Sherry Yard, and discover how they can interpret the chefs’ flavorful dishes in their own kitchen. Diners enjoy these spectacular meals hosted in unique places, from the breathtaking mustard fields of Dijon and rice farms near Turin, to a stunning vineyard in San Luis Obispo and an authentic Taos pueblo. Viewers will want a seat at the table!
 
“MOVEABLE FEAST WITH FINE COOKING – SEASON 5” will be available on DVD March 6, 2018. The run time of the program is approximately 390 minutes on 2 discs, and the DVD SRP is $29.99. The program will also be available for digital download.

-FREE Vitamin B-12 –60-Day Supply–1,000 mcg (only pay $3.95 S&H)
-FREE Vitamin D–Any D product (baby, child, adult) (only pay $4.95 S&H)
-BOGO–FREE Vitamin C (Sour Cherry or Tangy Orange)–500 mg–Buy One Get One Free

The month of February is considered a romantic month thanks to Valentine’s Day. However, romance and staying healthy is a yearlong love affair. What better way to “Say I Love You” than with the natural and healthy benefits of Superior Source Vitamins?! 

Superior Source Vitamins are the perfect choice for the entire family, young and old alike! What makes SSV unique? They are MicroLingual® with “Under the Tongue Technology” that works fast, and are quickly absorbed into the body, dissolving in seconds. Did you know that...by swallowing supplements, as much as 50% of the potency is lost in the high acid environment of the stomach.

This month, I have a wonderful variety of Superior Source Vitamins I'd like to share with you. I take these products personally, and can attest to just how much easier these are to handle. Since there's no swallowing horse pills involved! This makes Superior Source perfect for the entire family, even those who typically have a hard time with big, bulky pills. 

15% OFF ALL PRI products
Blogger Viewers Receive 15% Discount Code on www.ShopPRI: Luv15 
​Plus, FREE Shipping! ​

The month of February is considered a romantic month thanks to Valentine’s Day. However, our sweet tooth is a yearlong love affair. What better way to say “I Love You” than with the sweetness and healthy benefits of Manuka Honey. PRI has a wonderful variety of Manuka products from New Zealand–spread it on toast, eat it out of the jar or honey sticks; kids will enjoy the Manuka lollipops and the caramels just melt in your mouth! Great for snacks, parties or
to share with friends. They’re certain to put a smile on anyone’s face. PLUS...
our highly rated NEW Australian Manuka Honey 25+ is prized for its medicinal and anti-bacterial properties.

New Zealand is one of the last bastions of purity as an environmentally protected and GMO Free region with the cleanest oceans on the globe. Case
in point, Manuka is the gold standard for honey and is produced exclusively in
New Zealand from bees and flowers that are environmentally protected. Enjoy these safe and soothing products every day and feel great eating them! No artificial flavors, colors, no corn syrup or refined sugars and NO preservatives.

​The incredibly moving and heartfelt family film, Wonder, heads to Digital January 30 and 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand February 13 from Lionsgate. Based on the #1 New York Times bestseller, and USA Today’s top-selling book of 2017, by R.J. Palacio, writer-director Stephen Chbosky (Beauty and the Beast, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) brings to life the uplifting story of a boy who inspires and teaches others that true beauty is found within. Certified Fresh™ on Rotten Tomatoes and co-written for the screen by Steven Conrad and Jack Thorne,Wonder stars Academy Award® winner Julia Roberts (2000, Best Actress, Erin Brockovich), Academy Award® nominee Owen Wilson (2001, Best Writing, The Royal Tenenbaums), Golden Globe® nominee Mandy Patinkin (1984, Best Actor – Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy, Yentl; 1995, Best Television Actor – Drama Series, “Chicago Hope”; 2003, Best Supporting Actor – Limited Series or Television Motion Picture, “Homeland”), and Jacob Tremblay (Room, The Smurfs 2).
 
Wonder follows the inspiring story of the Pullman family, whose youngest child, Auggie, is a boy born with facial differences. When Auggie enters mainstream elementary school for the first time, his extraordinary journey unites his family, his school, and his community, and proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.