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Sometimes you have to lie…

When I was a young girl in my early twenties my dad gave me some advice. I didn’t agree with him at the time but sometimes when you get older, you realize that your parent is right. And that maybe you should have listened to them.

He said to me, “Sometimes you have to lie.”

This was before I knew that he lied after WW II. If he had told the truth that he was born in Ukraine he would have been sent back to Russia.

So he lied.

He said that he was Polish and his papers from Ellis Island prove it. They say he was born in Poland. When I asked him about he explained.

It makes perfect sense.

If he had told the truth, he wouldn’t have been able to come to the United States. He wouldn’t have met my mother and I wouldn’t be here.

One thing that is NOT a lie is that my friend Charlotte lost 8 pounds using the methods in my book. “Zipping It up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”

Not only did she lose weight.

She dropped 2 dress sizes and is HAPPY being thinner!

So there you go. If you do decide to lie…

Make sure it’s for a good reason and that you won’t be hurting someone you care about while doing it.

For the raw TRUTH go here:
Sometimes you have to lose a few pounds…

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From the depths of my soul…

Shhhh

I’m going to share a secret with you.

This might be a mistake. Since it’s coming from the depths of soul. I’ve decided to take that chance.

I’m not one to talk religion in most cases but lately I’ve been praying.

A lot.

Ooooh. Do tell…

I’ve been praying to be more kind. Yes. It’s true.

You see, when you go through difficult times, it changes you. It changes your mindset, affects your health, your relationships and overall well being.

Especially, when you see evil coming from people you thought to be kind.

It can be SHOCKING.

To say the least.

Greed, envy, jealousy, anger, frustration, regret and revenge are all feelings that are very real. They can manifest in even the kindest people on earth.

So I pray. Every time an evil thought enters my mind about the people who have hurt me. I pray that my good side wins and that I will always be kind. Regardless of how hurt I am.

What I have learned over the years is that when we take care of ourselves we react more positively in situations. Even the worst situations imaginable. By eating healthy, exercising, taking vacations and taking time to enjoy life.

Which is why I wrote “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”

To help more people be kind.

It’s NOT just about losing weight.

It’s about a lifestyle change that creates positive change in all aspects of your life.

Do you want to be kind?

Or evil?

I don’t believe in “The Devil made me do it.”

We make our own choices. It’s time to end the excuses.

Back in February, I told someone that I want to help people live healthier lives. To avoid death and diseases like heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure and cancer. He told me “You’ll never do it. You won’t get them off the couch.”

Ha! The devil in me will not stop. I am determined to rise from the depths of disease and death to help save those who cannot save themselves!

You can fight too!

Do you want to be evil or kind?

What are you waiting for???

Here’s the evil link:
I want to be kind!

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It’s Complicated

This morning I was trying to think of some useful suggestions to post in my “Zipping It Up” Facebook group. I created the group to help motivate and inspire women to live healthier.

And so you can zip up EVERYTHING you wear.

Or nothing at all…

To be completely honest with you, I hate social media. But all the GooRoos out there say you should start a Facebook group. Build a following.

*Sigh*

What can I say…

It’s complicated.

Now that I’m committed, I have to keep going. If there wasn’t a need for this type of thing, there wouldn’t be such a demand for diet and weight loss products and services.

Plus, I was born to serve. To help others live healthier and happier lives. I can’t really ignore “my calling.” Can I?

One of the things that has helped me live a healthier life is Yoga. It helps tone your body, eases stress and I enjoy doing it.

To help me try to explain how to take a yoga breath (so I can share it with you – and anyone who doesn’t already know) I googled it.

You want to talk complicated???

I found page after page of long articles talking about breathing and yoga. Jeesh.

All I wanted was a simple explanation!

As I tried skimming through the articles, I couldn’t find the answer. Even the videos I saw were at least 4 minutes long. What is that? Like 400 times longer than the breath itself?

All the more reason I need to do a video series on SIMPLE yoga techniques.

Anyway, I’ll be working on that. In the meantime, for some uncomplicated information about:

*How to tone and strengthen your body
*How to succeed in weight loss
*Healthy morning habits to make each day great!
*Old school weight loss methods – that actually work

And more…

Check out “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”

It’s not complicated. In fact, here is what Jenn Gallo says about Zipping It Up: “Easy steps to follow for that big date or event when you want to look your best.”

To make things even less complicated here’s the link:
It’s time to ZIP IT UP!

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S.W.A.T.

When we were kids, my brother, sister and I used to play S.W.A.T. We would run around the house and hide behind the furniture holding imaginary guns.

Taking action!

Just like in the show. Pretending to be the elite police force super heroes. My brother was most likely the bad guy. Since big brothers usually are.

I loved the action packed show.

At first, I wasn’t allowed to watch it because it was on late at night. And because of the violence in the show. I used to sneak out of bed and peek into the family room to watch. Eventually, my dad gave in and let me snuggle on the couch comfortably wrapped in a blanket to enjoy the show.

S.W.A.T. didn’t scare me. Not at all. I thought it was exciting. I even thought about becoming a police officer for a while. I actually signed up to take the Buffalo police exam when I was 18.

Twice.

I never took the exam though. Something just didn’t feel right about it. Deep inside, I knew I wanted to do something more.

One of the things that holds people back from going after their dreams is fear.

Fear of failure. Even fear of success.

“What?”

At least that’s what I thought the first time I heard of this.

Who would be afraid of success?

This is an actual real life phenomenon?

When I think about it though, I mean really think about it, it kind of rings true. With success comes great responsibility. If you have employees, they count on you for their paychecks.

If you have a fan base and a following, they expect you to show up. You can’t just stop blogging. Or stop posting on instagram. Or stop writing novels that your following is anxiously waiting for.

You have to show up and take action. Period.

It’s a huge responsibility. And can be a little scary.

Back when I decided to climb my first mountain, I set a date, booked a non-refundable hut on top of the mountain, trained hard and did my homework. I was completely prepared with food, gear and the right clothes needed for an overnight stay and rapidly changing temperatures.

My fitness level and hiking endurance was up to par. I was prepared and excited!

When I started my own business, I vomited.

I’m not kidding. I was physically ill.

Maybe it’s because I was completely alone in my new venture. Maybe it was fear. Or maybe it was fear of success. I may never know.

What I do know, is that you don’t have to do it alone.

Because I got your back and I am here for you. I have spent the last few years of my life learning how to start a business from the ground up.

And how to get my first book written, published and sold.

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. I also, just this morning created a new acronym. To help myself keep pushing forward. And to help you get started. A Simple Way to Attack Terror.

S.W.A.T.

The secret?

Just get started.

Or like Nike so eloquently puts it: Just do it!

Take action and tart today. The rest will all come together.

One very simple way to get started is by downloading my FREE checklist:
“10 Easy Steps to Start Writing Your Book Today.”

It will show you:
*How to choose a topic for book
*Pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional publishing
*The best way to research your topic
*The importance of a great book cover
*Setting deadlines to “get it done”

And more…

Join the S.W.A.T. team today and take action!
I’m ready to TAKE ACTION!

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How to Start Your Own Business

Burn the boats!

The other day I was reading an email from a very successful business owner.

His name is Oscar Garcia.

In fact, he is also my Facebook friend and teaches live trainings on how to create successful Facebook advertising campaigns.

Apparently, according to Oscar (I didn’t personally research this), the Spanish had a saying as they arrived in America. They would say “burn the boats” meaning that they were here to conquer and that they would not retreat.

Oscar was miserable working at a high paying corporate job. He quit his job, took his 401K money and moved in with a friend. He started his own business and is doing tremendously well.

He left himself with no safety net. No way to give up or retreat.

Like I’ve done a couple of times.

It wasn’t until I burned the boats and jumped in both feet first that I finally registered my LLC and published my first book.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you do this. In fact, I strongly discourage it. I have had to give up and sacrifice a lot of things to do this.

Which is why I would rather teach others. So they can learn from my mistakes. Instead of making the same ones I did.

This all inspired me to record Episode 3 of The Power of Writing Podcast. It’s about starting your own business.

Here it is:
How to start your own business

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Why You Should Exercise in the Morning

This morning I practiced what I preach…

I try to most days. But often times things come up that throw a curveball into your day. Unavoidable things that cannot be ignored.

Like when an old girlfriend calls you up at the last minute. She’s free for lunch. Yay!

Of course you were planning to workout during lunch. But friendships are important.

Right?

How could you say no?

Then later, one of your kids needs a ride somewhere. And you forgot about the school concert tonight. And so on and so forth.

So the ball hits you. Bam! And before you know it, it’s bedtime.

That much needed workout – just didn’t happen.

The best way to avoid the curveball is to exercise first thing in the morning. Which is exactly what I did today. I went for a run and did a few sets of pushups. Now all I left to do is my core.

Not my favorite thing in the world. But WOW. I feel great afterward.

Another reason I had to knock out my workout first thing is because today is the live Bald for Bucks event at my daughter’s school. Brave kids are shaving their heads, cutting off 9 or more inches of their hair (enough to make a wig for a cancer patient) and for the less daring, dying their hair a crazy color.

All for the fight against cancer.

Since this is such an amazing cause, I’m donating some of the proceeds from this month’s eBook sales. “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”

I also created a special edition eBook just for the cause. The book won’t go away but the discounted price will. At midnight tonight the price goes up.

To give you a little bit of info of what the book’s about here is what one happy reader said:

“Written like a friend is giving advice to a friend, this little book is filled with clear, direct and, most important, DOABLE advice on losing 5 pounds fast. Not only that, it gives advice on keeping it off and on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There’s no gimmicky stuff and nothing unhealthy. – Mary Beth Cunningham

Go here to get your discount and learn even more ways to avoid getting hit by the ball:
It’s time to zip it up!

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Is this a scam?

In most industries and especially in sales (of any kind) you have to keep learning.

To sharpen my copywriting skills, I’ve been reading through some of the “BEST copy ever written!”

As I was reading, I kept thinking that it all sounds so…

Cheezy.

Which my mind translates to, “Is this a scam?”

I have never particularly cared for big flashy ads that are filled with huge promises and giant “BUY NOW” buttons.

However, statistics show (and $ signs) that they do actually work. Therefore, we can’t stop using them.

So what do we do???

This is one of the reasons why testimonials are so important.

And why I would lie to tell you about a testimonial I received about “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”

This testimonial was written by Dr. Michael Dusa.  He has a degree in nutrition, was a bodybuilder and has owned fitness companies throughout his career. He is the founder of MTFU where he helps men over 50 enjoy life to the fullest. By helping men get healthy & fit, have better love lives, enhance their careers and live happier and healthier lives.

Which is exactly why I wrote Zipping It Up. Only it’s specifically to help women.

When you wake up in the morning, slip into loosely fitting clothes, look in the mirror and think, “Damn, I look good!” – It changes your day. Your motivation increases, your mood changes and your career flourishes.

Not to mention your sex life.

Here’s just a snippet of what Dr. Dusa’s review of the book Zipping It Up:

“By my marketing colleague, Irene Gabelnick. LADIES I recommend this book. I like Irene’s style very straightforward, no secrets, no bullshit. Everything you need is packaged as a system in this book to shuck those last few pounds and slip easily into your favorite outfit or bikini.”

That is only ONE of the many 5 star reviews written about “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”

This week I am offering a special eBook edition. You don’t need a fancy Kindle device, or have to download the Kindle app OR even have to wait for it to be shipped to your door!

You can start Zipping It Up today!

Plus… I reduced the price! You can save 30% off the print cover price if you buy it today! I am only offering this special discounted price until Sunday, June 3rd.

The best part…

In memory of my loving sister Natalie, who died of breast cancer, I am donating 20% of the proceeds for each eBook sold during this special promotion, to the fight against cancer. My daughter Hannah (that’s her in the picture) is raising money for Bald for Bucks and is donating 10 inches of her beautiful blonde hair. Which will be used to make a wig for a cancer survivor.

To help make this a world without cancer.

*This promotion has ended. You can still Purchase the book in Kindle and in print here:

I want to wake up feeling great!

 

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10 Influential Entrepreneurs to Help You Grow Your Business

A big part of growing your business is learning from top successful entrepreneurs. There are many amazing people to learn from. The best thing I can suggest is to follow people you resonate with. Observe their business models. Watch how they create their business structure, build their brand and their tribe.

I’ve created a list of highly respected, top influential entrepreneurs who’ve helped me get one step closer to growing my business. They can help you create the business of your dreams and a life of freedom. Follow them on social media and reach out to connect. You might be surprised who you might meet. You can connect with top experts in your industry to build relationships with like minded people. Position yourself as an expert and open doors to unlimited opportunities.

Tim Ferriss is an author of best-selling books, including his newest release,“Tribe of Mentors.” The first time I heard Tim was on a live interview with Jack Canfield. He shared how he set goals to write his first best-selling book. And the day his literary agent called him to inform him he had hit the charts. His exact words were bleeped out and his enthusiasm was contagious. I liked him instantly. I finally started reading “The 4-Hour Workweek” after buying it sometime last year. I’m only a few chapters in and I can already feel my dream life beginning to come alive.

Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor, entrepreneur and personality based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the creator of Blogilates, the #1 female fitness channel on YouTube with over 300 million video views and 3 million subscribers. I started following Cassey a few years ago when I started working her extreme ab series, into my workout routine. I watched her grow her business from a mat and a camera to an amazing studio. Her business model and success has been one of the strongest influences to starting my own business.

Ann Handley is a writer, speaker and marketing expert. I read an article about her a few weeks ago and started following her. I received my first newsletter from Ann a few days ago. It was filled with valuable information, kept me locked in to the end and most importantly made me laugh. Learning the fundamentals of successful marketing is key to creating a successful online business.

Nick Usborne is freelance writer, copywriter, author, and speaker. He is also known as the Coffee Detective and the creator of a course I recently completed. The course called Money-Making Websites through AWAI, teaches you how to create passive income. By using an interest, hobby or passion, building a website and learning how to monetize it.

Ryan Lee is a business coach and founder of Freedym. He helps entrepreneurs create a life of freedom by building an online continuity business. He is a master at connecting people. I recently joined one of his Mastermind groups which has introduced me to many successful online entrepreneurs. The Freedym membership site has everything you need to create, grow and market a thriving online business. 

Chris Winfield is an entrepreneur and success ​coach in New York City. With the use of simple systems, techniques and the power of true focus, Chris teaches people how to get 40 hours of work done in 16.7 and much more. Are you seeing a pattern here? Get more done in less time. Chris also teaches about gratitude and being thankful for what you have.

Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist who helps entrepreneurs impact millions. She specializes in connecting entrepreneurs with media outlets to become the expert in their field and reach the masses. Selena is someone I resonate with on many levels. Like me, she has to step out of her comfort zone to get in front the camera for photos and videos. Her techniques for getting into mainstream media can help you grow and promote your business.  

Ruth Soukup is a writer, speaker, blogger, entrepreneur and founder of the Living Well Spending Less blog. She creates courses that help entrepreneurs create successful blogs. If you want to create a life of freedom through blogging I highly recommend you check her out.

Suzi Whitford is a writer, blogger and founder of Start a Mom Blog. She is an up and coming star blogger. Her courses and content are filled with great information to create, grow and build a business for mommy bloggers.

Last but not least, is someone I oddly placed after the lovely, sweet Suzi.

Dan Meredith is an author, coach and founder of a massive Facebook group called Coffee with Dan. His book “How to be F*ucking Awesome” is a must read if you want to learn what is important about building a business and how to get sh*t done. There is a waiting list to get into his popular Facebook group. A word of warning, It’s not for those easily offended.

Those are my top 10 picks for influential entrepreneurs to help you grow a thriving business. Learn from the best and live the life you deserve. While having the freedom to do the things you enjoy. Without selling your soul.

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How to Discover Your Passion

Being a professional photographer always seemed like an exotic career to me. It seemed like an unattainable dream. Daunting, almost. Not the portrait photographers working at JCPenny, taking pictures of screaming babies. Or even the ones who work every weekend capturing wedding and Barvitzma pictures. Although, I am truly appreciative and fascinated by the way they capture the emotions of every moment throughout each event.

I was never really interested in photographing people. Until I had my own children. After having my first child, I couldn’t stop. I wanted to capture each and every moment. To keep each memory forever.

Just like other amazing moments I’ve experienced throughout my life. Like catching an eagle enjoying a snack, as I hiked a quiet path along a beautiful gorge trail. Or suddenly seeing a baby shark as I snorkeled in Hawaii. I followed it. Just so I could get a picture of the beautiful creature with my disposable waterproof camera. It didn’t occur to me, until after I was safely on the boat, that mommy shark was probably lurking nearby.

I started a blog and began writing articles to draw traffic to my blog. I finally published my first book, which has gotten rave reviews. Even from a bigtime guru, in my niche. With the exception of a few stock pics, I have used my own pictures for my books, my website, recipes and to create social media pins.

After a while, I began to realize that I have many amazing pictures. Some even better than ones I find on stock websites. Yet, I still didn’t value my own work. I was also a little afraid of learning how to use a DSLR camera.

Despite the fact, that I could build a website, self publish a book, learn about internet marketing and start my own my business. I still questioned my capabilities as a photographer. Until one day, I was reading a Facebook post from a professional photographer. Someone commented, that she captured the moment and expressions into her photography. I went into the family room and looked on the mantle above the fireplace, where I have framed pictures of my children. Pictures I took of them.

Their expressions and the feelings of the moment are beautifully captured. I stared in amazement as I realized I have a gift. I too have a talent of capturing the moment.

That was when I decided, it would be a shame not to share my photographs and pursue my love of travel photography. I can continue to capture moments of my life, while turning it into a career. One I am truly passionate about. I still have a lot to learn. Life in itself is a continuous learning experience. Why waste it learning things I don’t really care about?

As I was going through hundreds, if not thousands of old photographs, it solidified my confidence to become a travel writer and photographer. Below is a picture I took with my cell phone, on the way back from a hiking trip.

I remember the moment so vividly. Once again, capturing the moment. I was thinking about breaking up with my boyfriend at the time. We weren’t speaking, as he sat next to me driving my car. It gave me hope. Almost as if someone was watching out for me. Looking over me and showing me that it is safe to cross the bridge. There is hope at the other end. That I will be okay. Whatever path I choose.

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Should You Weigh Yourself?

This morning I read an article about weighing yourself. Correction, it was about why you shouldn’t weigh yourself.

Apparently, there are people who obsess over the scale. I get it. And if you’re obsessing over a scale, you probably have bigger problems than being overweight. Other issues that may be causing you to overeat.

Don’t blame it on the scale.

I weigh myself every morning.

Just once a day. About the same time before I eat or drink anything. Just to keep myself in check. “They” say, it doesn’t matter. It’s just water weight. It takes days to lose actually fat. Blah, blah blah.

It works for me.

The reason it works for me is that I look at it positively either way. Whether it’s tipping high. Or weighing in low.

If it’s low, I feel good. But it doesn’t mean I head for the bacon, eat a burger and fries for lunch, then eat candy bars and chips all day. I look at what I did right and try to do it again.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat?

Eat healthy. Exercise. Everything in moderation.

Rules I live by.

We all have times when we gain weight. Most of us average folks, anyway. My weight has fluctuated many times throughout my life. People look at me and assume that I am naturally thin. I don’t believe in “naturally thin.”

I believe in being healthy.

There is a reason that I don’t have health issues. Even at my age.

To prove it, that even I have struggled with weight over the years, I pulled out a book that a friend lent me back in my twenties. No, I never returned it.

My bad?

I’m pretty sure she told me to keep it.

I must have put on a few pounds at the time and wanted to lose it. Since I am of the proactive
nature and keep myself in check, before things get out of control, I read the book.

It’s called “Diets Still Don’t Work.” by Bob Schwartz.

There are two main reasons I like the book:

1. I agree that diets don’t work
2. Because a key element to success is “mindset”

The mind is a powerful thing. We cannot change the things that happen to us. Of course, we can make choices about what we do and where we go. That might increase our risk for danger. I certainly wouldn’t walk alone at night in a high crime part of town.

But we cannot control everything. Death is inevitable. Challenges arise.

The only thing we can control is how we react.

It’s not easy. We were born with emotions and we can’t change that.

What we can change is how we take care of ourselves. It isn’t rocket science that when you are healthy and feel good, that everything in life is better. It helps us deal with whatever sh*t storm gets thrown our way. Maybe I should stop following the loud mouthed cursing gurus for a while. Alas, another thing I can control.

If you want to be proactive, take better control of your life and deal with challenges a little bit better…

Read a good book.

One that might actually help you.

Like “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”

It is not a diet. And the absolute first thing I teach is “mindset”

You gotta want it.

If you don’t, don’t waste your $2.99. The low cost for the Kindle version. It won’t do you any good.

Here’s what Jocelyn Jones, a happy verified purchaser, has to say about Zipping it Up:

“Thank You Irene, This is a very helpful tool for all the ladies out there that need to lose weight fast for a special occasion or just because. The tips are simple to follow and implement. I HIGHLY Recommend this book! 🙂

If you are ready to be proactive zip on over here:

I AM READY BE PROACTIVE!