Savory Turmeric Salmon & Spinach Rice Skillet

Ingredients

- 1 stalk celery, sliced

- 2 scallions, sliced

- Fresh green onion and/or fresh parsley, to taste

- Dried green onion and/or dried parsley, to taste

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 3 tablespoons Italian dressing

- Wild-caught sockeye salmon, sliced or diced

- 2 tablespoons turmeric

- 1 tablespoon ginger

- 1⁄2 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

- 1⁄2 bag frozen spinach

- 3 cups chicken stock (adjust to preference)

- 2 cups cooked rice

- 1–2 dashes Celtic salt, to taste

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and Italian dressing.

Add the celery and scallions. If using fresh green onion or fresh parsley, add them now. Sauté for about

5 minutes until lightly seared.

Add the salmon to the skillet, gently breaking it apart as it cooks.

Stir in the turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the salmon is fully cooked.

Add the frozen spinach and stir until incorporated.

Pour in the chicken stock, adjusting the amount to your desired consistency.

Stir in the cooked rice and add the Celtic salt.

Near the end of cooking, stir in dried parsley or dried green onion if using. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

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How the Lord floored me the first day of this quick getaway. 

We get in the room and this is my view. 

For some abundance is all about money but for me, The Freedom Teacher, abundance on this earth is best represented here in this picture. 

Resources are bigger than currency they help with  sustainability. They keep us ALIVE. Money  has its place .. let’s keep it there when speaking about Gods abundance. 

The beauty of Gods love and generosity towards us is this.. we are abundantly sustained spiritually and physically, held up, aided and breathing to live a life of generosity towards one another. #LiveThankful #Abundance #Trees

Today on Facebook I posted about sowing … How have you sown and do you feel it has helped you in life?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2953676214647585&set=a.309457895736110&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2953676214647585&set=a.309457895736110&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1530408390369679

Working with people across the globe virtually is exciting and poses distinctive challenges – there are for sure ups and downs. Project Management software and other collaboration tools used are critical for our collaboration to be a success.

I saw this infographic and loved it, so thought you would as well.

Trying to make a decision about which project management or collaboration software to use for your business?
Take a look at this infographic below. It highlights some of the most important solutions in this space and uses publicly available information to explain how they vary in terms of company size, popularity, social media presence, ease of integration, trust factors and mobile applications availability.

You can click on the company logos and then you will be directed to GetApp.com where you can view a product description as well as user reviews when available. You can also see how we came up with these 25 top project management applications and learn about our selection process.

This infographic is here to offer you information on important decision factors so you can decide which project management solution is the best fit for your business.

For a more comprehensive list of over 150 web-based project management software options, we encourage you to check GetApp.com’s online project management software directory.

– See more at: https://www.getapp.com/infographics/top-online-project-management-software#sthash.k0vYMsUm.dpuf

Online Project Management Software

Contemplating Outsourcing? Start Here.

The good, the bad and the ugly

As an entrepreneur you will have various tasks – large and small that need to be completed by individuals other than yourself. Many times, due to your start up budget those individuals will be freelancers (independent contractors) that will help you get off the ground and running.

I having completed hundreds of projects on behalf of myself and others have acquire a knack for finding quality, affordable help to get jobs done. From out of state coordination of special events to logo sourcing, I have done it all. I must say, most have gone off without a hitch but when it goes bad – usually it’s really bad. Due to advances in technology the market is saturated with freelancers.

These suggestions are to be used with more medium to high end Freelancers. You cannot reasonably expect the same client/provider interaction time with Freelancers that are charging minimum rates – that just isn’t fair. With that being said here are 5 key things to do and consider when outsourcing work:

• 1 Get it in writing

None disclosure/Confidentially agreements are key and any good professional independent contractor has one within their files already and they don’t mind signing it. If you don’t have one, I suggest you do a quick web search and cater it to your specific needs to cover yourself and your business information.

• Pricing/Terms/Completion Date/Job Specified/Options - all should be covered in contract and if possible review it verbally together so that you both are on the same page regarding expectations.

• 2 Research Rates (High $$$$ - Low $)
  Avoid the temptation to just award to the lowest bidder, believe me it has bitten me and it still hurts *ouch. Try to find someone that can meet your budge but if you can’t find them you may just have to wait until you can afford to move forward. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day -so don’t go out and pay $1,000.00 for a start-up website for an at home business when you haven’t acquired clients to cover such. Yes you will have start-up costs but be SMART about them.

• 3 Limit personal information sharing
  Until you have established a track record of dealing with an individual, keep yourself as safe as possible. I am a huge fan of outsourcing but I have experienced the good, bad and the ugly – and like I said when its ugly its UGLY.

Years ago I was hired as a project manager and contracted a young lady “awesome graphics” to complete a website for a client and was under the impression that she was doing all the work,(novice me) a few weeks later I received an email from someone in a foreign country stating they had not been paid for work completed on the site and they wanted to let me know. UGH! I was in shock. In this situation, there was no way to keep that from happening since they had my email but Thank Goodness that’s all they had. Talk about Indirect outsourcing gone bad.

Hopefully this example will help you keep in mind that some freelancers are outsourcers themselves, so remain aware and be careful. Don’t be afraid to “Ask the questions.” It should be like an interview process they have to go through until you feel comfortable to move forward. You can never be 100% safe but you can avoid a lot of costly mistakes by taking the time upfront to set clear expectations and get the answers you “need” prior to any payments being made.

• 4 Be fair with pay
  Remember freelancers are in business as well. It’s not fair to expect extensive work for minimum costs, so when you find one that provides good quality, affordable costs and efficiency – keep them. Sometimes I give a small token of appreciation, in the form of a few more bucks, believe me they appreciate it.

“Establishing, respecting and maintaining good relationships will always be vital in business for business.”

• 5 Give proper feedback
  The most essential key to helping freelancers better understand you and recognize your standards, is providing honest feedback. Being open about your thoughts throughout the duration of the project will also aid in professional relationship development and possibly lead the way for future assignments.

Oh I’ll give you one more…

• 6 Trust your instincts
  If it doesn't feel right,it’s probably not right - so keep it moving! Check references and portfolios, if it looks made up and doctored just to appear as if they have completed work, find someone else.

Freelancers love a constant work flow but some are downright hungry for work and will say or do anything to get it. So once again, exercise patience, discretion and caution when seeking out the right ones and when you find them – CELEBRATE!
Send your questions or comments in they may make it to the “BLOG QUESTION OF THE DAY!”

I have been an avid promoter for self-published authors to distribute through Smashwords since the beginning of my self-publishing adventures and the latest news has me even more of a cheerleader of its Founder Mark Coker.

The latest is that OverDrive is making room for Smashwords authors. On May 20, 2014, Smashwords announced an agreement to supply more than 200,000 titles to OverDrive, the world’s largest ebook platform.

This is a tremendous feat for Indy authors who are often not accepted to be represented on mainstream publishing industry platforms such as OverDrive. Libraries offering OverDrive go from the option of $20 - $40 ebooks from large publishing houses to now having the market open for self-published authors to come in and possibly price more affordably.

Per Smashwords' website, within their agreement with OverDrive, libraries will lend purchased ebooks under the one copy/one user model, meaning each copy they purchase can be checked to only one reader at a time.

This is the same licensing arrangement use for the 2012 distribution agreement with Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 service.  Once a patron’s borrowing time expires, the book is ready to be checked out by another patron.

Library patrons will have the ability to recommend titles to their library from the Smashwords catalog, which presents a great opportunity for authors. For authors not connected with local library staff, this opens up an entirely new communication channel to market your book and even offer possible library event collaborations pending your genre.

Personally I have much experience and success with library tours and loved connecting with the local market and staff as an author.  The following is a simple diagram of the process for your ebook getting to library patrons.

Within this agreement the libraries have opportunity to cash in as well. Alternately, if a library ebook is already checked out, patrons will be presented with the option to purchase the ebook through a link on participating libraries’ websites through OverDrive’s “Buy It Now” feature. In this sense, the OverDrive library network becomes an ebook retailer for popular books.  The library also earns a commission in the process.

Thanks to Founder of Smashwords, Mark Coker for continually creating partnerships that increase our visibility and opportunities within the marketplace as self-publishers!!!

I cannot wait to see what happens next. Stay tuned.

There are many reasons you would want to learn the basics of a P&L statement.  When seeking financial assistance from banks or investors it’s a staple within the documents you will supply for review.  I held a workshop and the participants loved and grasped this information. If your an aspiring entrepreneur or existing business owner its vital to dedicate some of your time to learning your financial basics.

What is a P&L statement? It’s a statement that is a summary of a company’s revenue and expenses for a set period of time, usually 1, 3 or 5 years. Also the P&L statement is also referred to as an Income Statement.

For US based sole proprietors, independent contractors and single owners of a limited liability corporation the information is used on the IRS form Schedule C

1st Sales (Revenue) – money received from the sale of a company’s products/services during the specified period

2nd Let’s look at the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) – this includes all goods and service expenses directly accumulated to generate revenue.  They are not your reoccurring expenses for doing business.

Total sales – COGS = Your GROSS PROFIT

3rd Now, let’s look at the Expenses (Operating Expenses/Overhead) - Money paid out as necessary expenses from the business to achieve a goal or purpose but are not directly related to making the product.  These expenses are not the expenses within COGS. Some examples of expense line items are: insurance, equipment rental, payroll, rent, fees, phone, professional fees, etc.  If you have to complete this section be sure to allot accordingly for possible variation for certain months. For Example: You may pay more fees to your accountant within the months you file taxes than just regular fees for booking services.

Gross Profit – Total Operating Expenses = NET PROFIT or LOSS

I hope this information has been useful, for more assistance or have questions concerning your P&L statement, contact me @504-495-4937 or send an email to info@toniaaskins.com.

Freelance Writing – As a freelance writer the competition as well and the opportunities are numerous, and if you’re good at it the demand for your services will reflect it.  With tons of online freelance sites you are certain to get more strategic ideas for growth and online exposure once you began. There are writers who operate within niche industries and others who cover a variety of subject matters.  Content writing, ghostwriting, and travel writing are just a few freelance opportunities that exist within the marketplace.

Online Fitness Trainer – Individuals are seeking help with weight loss, healthy menus and fitness routines – which leans to great opportunity for you if you’re interested in fitness.  Social media grants great exposure and opportunity to be noticed and connect with individuals who may desire your services. To start this business you must be strategic in your planning and focus. People don’t want to be sold to – they want to be added to.

Social Media Manager – Social Media Manager is another business with heavy competition, but still has prime opportunity. Most small businesses need the help of at least a part time social media manager to stay on pace with the market and competition. Most people think small business and think companies’ with 2 or 3 employees but that’s a misconception. The SBA defines a small business as less than 500 employees – ponder those opportunities. If you decide to dive into this one, learn all you can from the most well-known stars in the industry.

Also if you decide to purchase educational material ensure that it’s updated and current or else you maybe purchasing material that was fine for last year but is out dated now.  The great thing is there are numerous seminars and workshops to help you get what you need when getting started to become successful. The key within this industry and in other start-ups  is your overall efforts including work habits, determination and skill-set.

Grant Proposal Writer – Most of the work is very independent and requires some experience.  Contrary to what most people think, grant writers are hired by various industries not just nonprofits.  To gain the experience I suggest classes, volunteering and contacting local nonprofit support organizations to locate training opportunities.

Consultant – Starting your own consulting practice at home or within a small office is a great way to take advantage of your expertise.  If you have significant experience within a field or have been highly successful within an industry this may fit you perfectly. Planning, strategies and the right connections can land you accounts and clientele that keep you on long term for development, growth and continued success for their businesses.

Results speak for themselves - after you have recommended a tool or given advice that will help a company succeed you are likely to be called on whenever a situation occurs and your advice or services are needed.  If you take on consulting you must be proactive, strategic and passionate on your clients behalf, pulling out the best you can offer to suit their individual needs.

If you need help learning how to set up you business to contact me via email or phone. 

Email - info@toniaaskins.com

Phone - 504-495-4937

Courage. Strength. Humanity.

Yesterday, one of the most revered men on this earth gave us much to ponder as we all took a deep breath hearing that he had been promoted on to the next phase of the human journey at 95. I could not possibly start this blog and not recognize his wondrous wisdom, humility and courage. Thank You Sir Nelson Mandela! We can never forget you and your works of LOVE, HOPE and DETERMINATION.

Social equality is the only basis for human happiness.

Quick Facts
NAME: Nelson Mandela
OCCUPATION: Civil Rights Activist, World Leader, Writer
BIRTH DATE: July 18, 1918
DEATH DATE: December 05, 2013
EDUCATION: Clarkebury Boarding Institute, Wesleyan College, University College of Fort Hare, University of London, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
PLACE OF BIRTH: Mveso, Transkei, South Africa
PLACE OF DEATH: Johannesburg, South Africa
FULL NAME: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
AKA: Nelson Mandela
AKA: Rolihlahla
NICKNAME: Madiba
ORIGINALLY: Rolihlahla Mandela

“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days.”
– Nelson Mandela

Credit Biography.com

I’m titling this first post ‘Timing and Voice’ because I have purposefully put off starting a blog until I felt the flow and timing was right. Well now is the time – I want to enjoy this journey and seek to share short audio and blog tidbits of : hot opportunities, trending industry info and inspirations for business & life.

Many of my resolute ideals and motivation have been acquired by learning from others who have gone before me, paving the way of experience with dedication and courage.

There are countless '3 I's' - impressive, individuals that inspire me to be my best and I will use this blog to share and shine the light on them and the lessons I have acquired with the sincere hope that they inspire, motivate and inform you as well.

One of my ultimate goals everyday is to remain at peace in the midst of the processes of life and business. So here we go, thanks for starting this walk with me. I welcome feedback and if there is a particular topic that you would like to read about feel free to email me at tonia@toniaaskins.com. Remain in peace and in your flow.