Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Protecting your homes title and title insurance

Posted to the Fawcett Insurance Blog - June 25, 2008.

Yesterday the Vancouver Sun ran a story discussing how to protect your title from fraudulent transfers - click here to read the story.

This has prompted many calls and emails for information regarding title insurance. Traditionally title insurance is not considered necessary due to the Torrens system used for conveyancing real estate in BC. As such this is not a product that Fawcett Insurance offers.

The BC Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA) is recommending that homeowners concerned about title fraud either have a lawyer place an alert on their title (alerts the lawyer when any activity is done on the title) or obtain a duplicate copy of the title. Both of these are very effective in preventing most fraudulent transfers.

The LTSA also reports that over the past 18 years it had only two claims related to land ownership fraud and 14 related to fraudulent discharge of mortgages. This after processing more than 14.5 million transactions.

You can find more information on protecting your title by reading the following documents from the LTSA:

Information Bulletin - Feb 4th, 2008

Common questions about title security

Title Insurance, which is usually arranged through the lawyer or notary registering your title, is also an option. There may also be other options available to you. I recommend that you speak with a lawyer for more information about the best way to protect your most important aspect.

Feel free to contact Elizabeth Mah at North Shore Law for more information. She can recommend several different ways to minimize your risk. You can reach Elizabeth by email at emah@northshorelaw.com

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Little Engine That Could

The Little Engine That Could
I went on a very long hike yesterday morning as a guest of a weekly hiking group.
I don't think I had any idea what I was in for, which is probably why I agreed to go. My friend had faith in me and my capabilities, as did my family when I posed the question to them yesterday; "Do you think I can do it?”. I am not an experienced hiker,to say the least, and this turned out to be a 3 hour hike (not 2 hours as I had originally thought), mostly straight up the mountain. It was glorious weather, which helped, and I had my very experienced hiker friend guiding and encouraging me the entire way, which was extremely important to me. She helped me stay the course, and believe me there were a couple of times when I didn't think I was going to make it. The last stretch was grueling and we even went through snow. On the way up I was telling myself " I think I can, I think I can" just like the Little Engine That Could - a favourite children's book of mine that I read to my children many years ago. The message of believing in yourself rings out so clear in that book and is something I need to remind myself of constantly. I felt so relieved when I completed the hike and so proud that I had actually made it!
As I reflected on the hike, while nursing my aching body, I began to think how my hiking experience compares to running my home based business. I didn't know what I was in for really when I started my own networking marketing business. I liked the business model but had no idea how to make it successful. I questioned whether I could do it, and looked for encouragement from others whom I respect and who had faith in me. I have aligned myself in my business with great people who train, encourage and support me and who want to see me succeed, as they have. I hear myself saying "I think I can" often as I chug up the mountain to financial freedom. It's so important to keep your eyes on the goal, surround yourself with people who support you, and believe you can do it. I know it can be done. The Little Engine did it, and I did it today!

Friday, June 6, 2008

It's All About the Vibes!

I went to listen to Michael Losier speak tonight. He is a wonderful teacher who wrote the book Law of Attraction - The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't. He breaks it down very well. It's all about the vibes.
The Law of Attraction (or LOA) is very simple really - what you put out is what you get back. You put out positive vibes you will get more of the same, and if you put out negative vibes you will get more of the same also. The law of attraction doesn't differentiate, it just obeys and matches the output.

The key is to become deliberate in the process... and he uses a 3 step formula for deliberate attraction to occur.
1. Identify your desire.
2. Give it your attention.
3. ALLOW IT.
Allowing is the absence of doubt. Doubt brings with it negative vibrations and stops the flow.

So, to help minimize the doubt it's important to use the following tools:
1. Celebrate the moment (enjoy every positive experience)
2. Record evidence of positive law of attraction (journal - focusing your attention)
3. Let the law of attraction figure it out (you'll know when everything seems aligned)

Abundance is a feeling - how many minutes each day do you spend vibrating abundance in your life? Every feeling you create is on purpose, so notice everything you are attracting. Then be accountable for why you are attracting what you are attracting.

It's all about the vibes - you get what you vibrate.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Why I Drink XanGo

I used to get migraines all the time. I have suffered with them on a regular basis for as far back as I can remember... well at least since my early 20's. In the "old days" if I had the slightest hint that one was coming I had better not be too far from home because I wouldn't be able to drive far before it really hit. I would definitely be home for the next day or so in a completely dark room with no noise allowed as whatever medication I had at the time really didn't work so I would not be having a good time, for sure!
After many years of suffering with the heavy barbituates available for the migraine pain, a new class of drug came to market. This one focused on blood vessels and serotonin levels, or something to that effect. All I know is that they were very expensive, and I couldn't leave home without them. They worked much better than anything I had taken before, but I still got migraines regularly. Sometimes I had to take 2 or 3 of those expensive pills in a 24 hour period (ka-ching) but at least I had some relief. There were definitely side effects from the pills though, which I didn't like.
Just over a year ago I was introduced to a whole fruit puree mangosteen juice called XanGo that not only tasted delicious, but was being touted as a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a pain inhibitor. I started taking the juice purely for its antioxidant properties as I try to be proactive about my health. As there is a lot of buzz about mangosteen in the health and wellness industry these days I thought it was worth a try. I had read that the phytonutrients called xanthones, unique to this fruit in such quantity (over 40), had many health benefits. I really didn't think it would do anything for my migraines, and I continued to carry my medication with me always.
Four months into taking Xango, I realized that I hadn't had a migraine. Wow! That was very unusual, and was very exciting to me. I began to monitor my migraines from then on, and while I have had a couple here and there (usually because I have pushed the limit on lack of sleep, too much stimulation, or too much chocolate), they have not been nearly as severe as pre-XanGo, and they have been few and far between. Sometimes if I notice signs of a possible migraine coming I take an extra shot of XanGo and it goes away. This juice is truly a godsend... and has no side effects.

For more information about this juice or to compare migraine stories, write to me at janice@boostyourhealth.net

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Loss of a Great Leader

I heard some very sad news today. One of the great leaders in our industry, and in our company, Bob Schmidt, passed away. It was such an irony as this man who had beaten cancer just a few short years ago, was taken from us while fishing in his new kayak yesterday morning.
We still do not have details but it is such a great loss to so many who knew him.
I had only met Bob really once, last year, when he was in Vancouver for a Xango regional convention. When I came back after lunch I saw him talking to a couple at one of the tables outside the ballroom. I stopped to sit and listen to his words of wisdom also, and in a very short time the table was surrounded with people who were hanging on his every word. Bob was a great teacher and could capture your attention easily. I have listened to his many sales and training tools since I became a student of network marketing - he was a master. I will continue to do so as I grow my Xango business.
He has influenced so many people's lives and helped many become successful in this business.
Bob's passing so unexpectedly makes me grateful for the time I have with my loved ones, as we never know when it is our time.

He will be greatly missed.

janice@boostyourhealth.net
www.4abundantsuccess.com

Sunday, May 25, 2008

The lengths I go to for a good nights sleep...

Justin and I just got back from a relaxing weekend in Whistler staying at the parent's condo. I love the condo. I love the hot tub, the pool, the condo itself, the bathtub, the view, and the location. I love the birds singing outside the windows. I even love the layout of the condo.

But I can't stand the bed. The bed is king-sized, covered in a down duvet, with synthetic down-style poly-filled pillows, and it has the feel of a slab of granite.

Luckily, we have our wool pillows and a regular weight king size wool duvet tidied away in the storage locker. The first thing we do is unmake the bed, and place the down duvet underneath the fitted sheet, which provides some extra padding. (I really should bring up a wool overlay next visit, and we could do away with the lumpy down duvet all together.) Then we swap the poly-filled pillows out and replace them with our wool-filled pillows, which pop up in about 5 seconds to their former loft and glory after 6 months stuffed inside a tiny airtight plastic bag with the air sucked out. Then we make the bed with the wool duvet on top.

A little extra work perhaps, but a relaxing weekend requires a relaxing sleep; sleeping in an uncomfortable bed with uncomfortable bedding just doesn't cut it. (I started taking a wool duvet and pillow with me even when we go camping; it makes sleeping in the wilderness a lot more civilized, and camping is a lot more fun when you can actually sleep at night.)

It was a lovely weekend, and I feel re-energized by the time away. But am I ever looking forward to cuddling up to sleep in my queen sized wool and latex bed, with all of my gorgeous wool bedding.

Sleep. Yum.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

SleepySheep.ca Sponsors John Henry Days - Live to Ride! (and then have a good nights sleep!)

We at SleepySheep are passionate about 3 things: healthy sleep, delicious food, and of course CYCLING! I bought my first mountain bike at John Henry the Bicycle Man 4 years ago, and I have been hooked ever since. SleepySheep will be sponsoring John Henry Days, and the John Henry Rides for 2008!

Do you want to ride faster? Maintain your concentration? Get the most value out of your exercise?

Getting a good nights sleep consistently has been proven to help you heal faster, keep your focus, and benefit more from physical activity and good nutrition than you would otherwise. Even the Olympic team doctors agree: a good night's sleep is priceless for improving athletic performance and mental acuity.

Come and experience our beautiful, healthy, and environmentally friendly bedding at John Henry Days this weekend; we will be there enjoying the family fun an Saturday, May 10th, 2008. There will be tents, products, demo bikes, stunts, a kids festival, a huge barbeque, and music!

The whole street will be shut down; come and join us for some family fun rain or shine at John Henry Bikes at 400 Brooksbank Avenue in North Vancouver.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Fawcett Insurance blog goes live! (finally!)

At long last the new Fawcett Insurance blog is up and running. It's not pretty yet, but Chelsea will be helping to get it looking much better.

For now, check out www.fawcettinsurance.com and come back often for all the recent news in the world of insurance.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

SleepySheep has a brand new Facebook page!

You can find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Vancouver-BC/SleepySheepca-The-Best-Wool-Bedding-The-Best-Sleep/. This is the place to discuss sleep health, post questions, and find out about how our duvets, pillows and overlays support a healthy sleep.

Become a 'fan' on our Facebook page and receive special offers.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Give your mom a good sleep for Mothers Day!

reminding everyone that Mothers Day approaches + http://SleepySheep.ca is having a sale :-D

Monday, January 28, 2008

SleepySheep.ca launches new store online!

SleepySheep.ca, purveyor of fine wool-filled duvets and pillows, has launched its online store, and is ready to take your orders! Our luxurious wool-filled bedding ensures a comfortable rest by wicking away moisture and allowing it to evaporate, keeping you at a comfortable temperature the whole night through.

Wool is a naturally superior choice to down and poly-filled blankets and pillow. Down, while quite warm, must be manufactured in unbreathable covers in order to keep the fine feathers in, which can cause elevated temperatures and lead to a restless night. Polyester and polyethylene foams can off-gas potentially hazardous chemicals, in addition to often being treated with flame retardant chemicals. This can lead to potential health complications.

Wool is naturally flame retardant, anti-microbial, and naturally insulating.

Our blankets and pillows are manufactured in Canada, in beautiful North Vancouver. For further information on our bedding, and the benefits of wool, please visit us at: http://www.sleepysheep.ca

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

I love my job and it shows!

Real estate to me is not just about selling houses, it is about helping families achieve their goals. My philosophy is that if I truly help people and provide them with incredible service and advice, that sales will undoubtedly be the result. I further believe that through this extraordinary service and results, my business will grow as my past clients enthusiastically refer me to their family and friends. And so far, it has been working!

Each and every day I am honored that my clients place their trust in me to advise them in buying and selling one of their most important investments ~ their home. Exceptional service, honesty and complete integrity are the foundations of my day-to-day dealings with people. I approach every day with energy and passion for what I do ~ my clients deserve nothing less than top service and results!

During the past few years I have worked extremely hard to become one of the top Realtors in the area. The knowledge and local expertise that I have gained from my numerous sales transactions is undoubtedly one of the biggest competitive advantages that I offer my clients.

All of my hard work in the area has not gone unnoticed. I am very proud of my recent accomplishments has won various industry awards due to my achievements and customer service

I welcome the opportunity to work as your chosen real estate professional. If you have any real estate questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to call or email me anytime.

Yours truly,

Elizabeth Dyer
Realtor