I can't believe .........

..its April already. A lot has happened since we last talked. They have been all great so cannot be rank ordered. Here goes:

Boca Party Supplies is number one on page one on Google for several of the products we offer. The store has been open for only 2.5 years and I knew we would get there. Just surprised it happened so fast. We appreciate all of our wonderful visitors, and especially those of you who became customers. Our store is growing and we will be adding more high quality products and are planning developing a tea party page. As always we appreciate your feedback and comments so we can continue to improve and serve you.

We, my wife and I, went to "The Festival of Speed" reception at the Clearwater, Florida Airport last weekend. I was looking for things that I could pass on to you about how to improve your formal events. The hanger and tarmac were filled with the newest and rarest autos and private jets available. Beautiful! Some of the folks were dressed to the 9's, and others were there in their jeans, ( it is Florida after all ). The food was pretty good. But, even though I hate to be negitave, I must say the thing the caterer forgot was to have places for the guests to put their plates and glasses as they finished the food selections. We were surrounded by these luxury vehicles and planes and no where to put our dirty dishes. People were very good though and resisted leaveng things on the displays but many of us were uncomfortable. The lesson here ... at your parties make sure there are conveinient places for the dinnerware that is no longer being used. Then something you cherish won't be damaged. Sometimes we just forget. (I think I will go make a list. )

Lets see... this is April. Its not too early to remind you that May is breast health "Early Detection Month". Please take the time to remind loved ones to make sure they are doing their monthly breast exams. We could reduce deaths from this disease dramaticly by finding the symptoms early. Yes, I do them ... men do get breast cancer. If you need more info check Bay Bridal Shop. The web address is on this page.

Three weeks ago I attended a three day course by the Bob Proctor folks and learned tons about how to improve what I do and grow the business. This was probably the most productive workshop I have ever attended. I, like Jack Canfield, author of "Chicken Soup For The Soul", heard repeatedly, growing up, that there was never enough money, "money doesn't grow on trees" etc. And I worked hard and long to be able to have the things I wanted and got them. It worked. However many of the things I learned at the semnar will make it much easier from now on. Yes, I am excited about what I am doing and look forward to new and greater experiences and vacations in the near future via the techniques I learned. I recommend this to you all. Start with going to http://boblindstrom.thesgrprogram.com and order the 7 free lessons. If you find them helpful, go back and order the home school kit, I did. If not, Thanks for looking.

I apologize if this post seems to be disjointed and have too many references to my stores but I do want you to be informed. I will do better next time.

Thanks for listening. B

Breast Cancer Awareness

I have been busy in another arena for the last week and a half. Like many guys I never quite got it when it came to breast cancer. I lost a very good friend about 20 years ago to breast cancer but didn't understand the issue. It took another wonderful friend, who is recovering now to make me pay attention. I called her to see how she was doing and then she told me what she was going through. We have lunch together every other week and it has opened my eyes.

That's why I wanted to share this with you now. My friend shared with me that she had not been doing her monthly self breast exam and therefore wasn't diagnosed as soon as she could have. A regular self exam would probably have meant she wouldn't be going into her second round of treatments now.

What can we do to help? Lots! You can support cancer research and treatment by participating in walks and runs sponsered by your local Susan G. Komen group and the Pink Ribbon groups, and /or make donations. On the personal side you can ask women if they are doing their monthly exam. I called my sister and other loved ones, and after they got over the shock that I asked such a question, answered me and I was surprised that so many weren't. It's a love thing. Ask. Share your concern for them. They appreciated it. Only about 14% of all women do their breast self-exam. Thats not good enough, and half of those don't do it right.

Here is a website that shows you how to do it right:
http://www.y-me.org/information/concerned_about_breast_cancer/earlier_detection_methods/perform_BSE.php
Copy and paste it in that box thing at the top of your internet page. It will take you there.

My wife recently got information about a new device that aids in doing a self breast exam, making it easier to do it correctly and helping you to find lumps easier and sooner. Its called 'The Breast Self-Examination Kit'. So, what am I doing? First I made a large donation to the local branch of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Then I participated in their walk. And, I have put the self exam kits in my bridal store to make them available to everyone. Why do I want that word bold? Because, men, you want to protect your loved ones. A portion of the profit made by the supplier is donated to their local cancer charities, and I am doing the same in St. Petersburg. Fla.

What are you doing?

Thanks for listening,
Bob