How To Fulfill Your 2018 Goals List

After a beautiful autumn in 2017, here we are in the middle of February 2018. 

This is the time of year I consider how close I've gotten to my goals and the productive

results of those I've reached. How did I do and what have I learned from the process?

I have managed to balance family, secular work, community volunteer service, and business. I must admit, 
much was accomplished this past year as the following reveals.
1. I wrote three books. 
2. Planned, organized and managed two social events. 
3. Engaged 5 entertainment gigs.
4. Hosted several dinners with extended family and friends.
5. Restructured my financial plan.
6. Acquired a beautiful Kia SUV. 
7. Sold my old faithful silver sedan.
8. Made many new true friends.
9. Got even closer to my wife.
10. Learned new things about myself, my family and ancestry.

I must admit, though, there were a number of items on my goals list I would have loved to have fulfilled in 2017, but there are only
12 months in a year. So what outstanding goals are on my list? 

1. Plan an outdoor BBQ style family reunion this summer.
2. Put on a bubble show at my relative's kids graduation party
3. Throw a family reunion talent show
4. Enjoy a black tie 39th wedding anniversary party
5. Write a children's book in rhyme with illustrations and audio.

I'm happy to say I'm making wonderful memories while planning each event.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

What are your New Years resolutions? How close are you to meeting your goal? Here's are some tips that help make your resolutions a reality.

1. Don't pretend to be or have what you want in life. Experience life at it's best, in the raw. Be what you are while learning to be your best self.

2.  Give yourself permission to be truly happy and content with who you are, what you have, and those you have to share it with. 

2. Discover who and what you really are. That means looking past the mistakes, looking over the slip-ups, looking beyond the impositions of history, and accepting that there are things you have no control over. Focus on discovering your gifts, see your potential and hone your empowering traits and endearing qualities.

3. Focus on living in the moment while planning for the future. 

4. Plan the big stuff. Enjoy the little things. Let the rest of life play out. Don't overthink it.

5. Life is short, so keep your camera on. You never know when a priceless picture of your life happen and then quickly pass by.

6. You cannot do it all on your own. Sincere prayer for wisdom, insight, discernment, and guidance helps profoundly.

WE WROTE THE BOOK

Brenda and I wrote the book on family reunion planning. This event planning journal, recipe compiler, with genealogy research forms, makes a great keepsake to pass on to the next generation. Get your copy of Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide and Keepsake and start creating memories, drinking up life and living in the moment.

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Happy Reunion Planning Everyone!

Throwback Family Reunion Song List

Need help putting together a family reunion song list? We got your back. Take a listen to these reunion tunes and enjoy basking in the nostalgic memories.

Throwback Family Reunion Song List 

Dance With My Father - Luther Vandross
Happy People - R. Kelly
Inseparable - Natalie Cole
Ordinary People - John Legend
A Song For Mama - Boyz II Men
Dreams - The Cranberries
Gilead Lake Family Reunion - Randy Albright
Dance With My Father - Celine Dion
Family Reunion - Jill Scott
Family Affair - Sly & The Family Stone
All You Need Is Love - Paulist Choristers Of California
Remember - Harry Nilsson
A Change Is Gonna Come - Seal
Family Reunion Song - Bigg Robb
It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday - Boyz II Men
My Hometown - Bruce Springsteen
My Mother's Eyes - Bette Midler
End Of The Road - Boyz II Men
I'm Coming Home - Lionel Richie
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid

Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
Family Reunion - The O'Jays
People Get Ready - Seal
This Could Be Heaven - Seal
Here, There And Everywhere - Mikal Blue
A New Day Has Come (Radio Remix) - Celine Dion
Home - Diana Ross Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Everybody Knows - John Legend
To Sir, With Love - Lulu
Coming Home - John Legend
Stand By Me - Seal
Casper Cha-Cha Slide - Casper
I'll Be - Will Downing
If You're Out There - John Legend
I'll Be - Reba McEntire
We Are Family - Sister Sledge
Family First - Cissy Houston & Dionne Warwick and F…
Our Love - Natalie Cole
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong's Orchestra And Chorus

Keep Your Head Up - Chaka Khan
Electric Slide - Shannon
I Wish You Love (LP Version) - Natalie Cole
Wanting Memories - Sweet Honey In The Rock
I Remember I Believe - Sweet Honey In The Rock
You For Me (The Wedding Song) - Johnny Gill
Shine - Martina McBride
Family Reunion - George Benson
Happy and You Know It - Vicki Winans

Kirk Franklin's - I Need You To Survive
Family - Dolly Parton
Everyday (Family Reunion) - Chaka Khan
Those Were the Days - Dolly Parton
Summertime Thing - Chuck Prophet
Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ole Days - the Judds
My Father's Eyes - Eric Clapton
See What Love Can Do - Eric Clapton
Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
Teach Your Children - CSN
Mama - Soulfood Soundtrack
I'll Always Love My Mama - the Intruders
Mom - Earth, Wind & Fire
Grandmas Hands - Bill Withers of Gladys Knight And The Pips
Summertime -Dj Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Mississippi Slide - Southern Soul (Blues)
Get Here If You Can - Oleta Adams
Better Days - Diane Reeves
Reunited - Peaches and Herb
Precious Things - Jonathan Butler
Peace - Michael McDonald


Get the family reunion music checklist form along with great ideas for family entertainment in Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide and Keepsake. 

9 Top New Year Resolutions For Success

9 Top 2018 New Year Resolutions For Success

The 2018 new year is just around the corner. Have you decided upon a resolution that will make a difference in your life and that of your loved ones? Here are 9 New Year Resolutions that can change your life for the better and the 9 keys to fulfilling them successfully.

Spend More Intimate Time With Beloved

Whether you are newly engaged, newly married or enjoying a long-term relationship, to make it last and reap the benefits of commitment it is important to schedule a time to spend with your significant other regularly each day, week and month. Be determined to spend that time together sharing common interests and focusing on your best selves. 

How To: Make time for each other by sacrificing a game night with the guys or a phone conversation with a girlfriend that is likely to be long and engaging. Remember intimacy does not always have to be hot romance. Sometimes when expectations are high one of the partners struggle to deliver. Think of simple, easygoing, laid-back activities that are also mutually enjoyable and conducive to an intimate atmosphere. This often involves sharing meaningful thoughts and affectionate gestures, like a back rub, bubble bath, foot massage or playing a board game together. Read a book or share an activity that builds warm reassurance of ones love and loyalty.

Finding True Love

And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage

Spend More Time With The Kids

Make it a habit to spend some fun and meaningful time with your kids daily, weekly and monthly. Tuck them in bed at night. Bring a small gift home from work. Write them a lunch note. Pick them up from school. Walk and talk. Share a meal together. Take time to recreate each week.

How To: Take the kids to the park or beach and play ball if that's your thing. If you are an artist go outdoors and do some canvas painting. Like flying kites or RC boats? Let the girls do your hair or dress you up for a tea party. Throw some hotdogs on the grill or eat at a local family restaurant. Throw up a backyard tent and roast some nuts or marshmallows on an open fire. Wrap up in a blanket together and read a book of jokes or funny short story. 

Happiness Is

Funny, Wise and Inspirational Quotes

Cut Financial Costs In Half

One of the biggest problems we confront daily is not having enough money to meet the exorbitant cost of living. It is essential to learn to cut costs, save more money and put away for a rainy day.

How To: Reduce wage holdings for non-essential benefits. Save on fuel by monitoring and reduces vehicle usage, map out routes that save on mileage. Save on residential power usage. Turn out the lights. Set devices for sleep mode. Burn candles for night-light.  Reduce large screen TV usage. Cut down on takeout, fast food and ordering in. Buy in bulk while distributing and using resources economically. 

Create Emergency Disaster Contingency Plan

Acquire personal emergency kits and car emergency kits. Create personal hygiene go bags. Determine best escape routes. Map out home and terrain evacuation routes Determine a gathering place to meet and other disaster contingencies.

How To: Make good use of online disaster contingency checkoff lists. Access emergency and relief aid suppliers in the following categories:

Disaster Survival Vehicles and Cars, Dirt Bikes, Mopeds, Legal Aid, Emergency Kits, Disaster Fitness Foods, Go Bags, Back Packs, Boots Gloves, Survival Gear, Winter Weather Clothing, Anti-Flammable Clothing and Gear, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Insurance, Hurricane Insurance, Disaster Insurance, Disaster Ebook Packages, Bank Cards, CrowdFunding and Donation Apps, Disaster Relief Aid,  CPR Registry and Certification. Disaster Preparedness Training Courses.

Acquire A Wage Increase

After reducing needless financial costs you may still determine that your income does not meet the cost of living. 

How To: The most immediate route to take to increase income is asking for a raise. Work on improving your performance for about 6 months to a year. Strive to acquire a competitive standing compared to fellow employees and exceed in areas your employer would find invaluable. Once you have achieved several good documented reviews confidently yet discretely request a raise. Remember, timing is everything. You'll want to request a raise at a time when the business is stable and/or thriving. The best time is during acquisition of new profitable contracts.

Take Greater Advantage of Economic Advancement Opportunities

To improve your financial status you may need to consider opportunities for advancement within the company department you work for. 

How To: Consider acquiring certification via any courses your company offers first. Take advantage of any free or course cost-cutting programs your company offers. Consider taking night courses and branching off into management or other advancement opportunities. Online colleges and Universities can provide the ideal flexibility for those who work full or parttime.

Earn More Income Via Home Based Business

Need more income? After asking for a raise and requesting advancement at your place of employment, you may still see a need to increase your income to care for life's essentials. Consider establishing a side-business.

How To: Focus on your talents, skills, interests, and hobbies. Establish practical in demand needs others have that you can meet expertly and professionally.  Create a business entity and profitable business and marketing process to meet those needs. Read how to earn a second income fast while following the steps to establish a legal business entity... The Introvert Guide - How To Start A Successful Business

Plan a Luxury Family Cruise Vacation

There are many ways to relax and enjoy a vacation, but there is nothing that comes close to the amenities provided by a luxury cruise. Plan a luxury family cruise with all the bells and whistle your household are bound to enjoy.

How To: Make good use of a family cruise booking tips and cruise planning and packing checklists provided by Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guidebooks. 

Plan A Family Reunion Event

Nothing comes close to empowering the family like a family reunion. The process of planning in itself can help bring siblings together and unite filial bonds once again.

How To: Make good use of family reunion planning tips and event planning checklists provided by Fimark's Family Reunion Planner 

Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide and Keepsake

Learn how to save money on group rates for large family events like family reunions.  Get tips on how to plan a budget-friendly event and book a money-saving group travel package for family reunions held locally and remotely. Get planning, organizing and event management tips as well as a 5-theme itinerary and great event activities ideas.

Prayer and Good Wishes

Nothing comes close to the power of prayer, doing all things out of good motive and wishing friends, family, and neighbors well. Do what you reasonably can to support the people in your life and watch how it always comes back to you.  Enjoy your best life in 2018!

Warm And Toasty Fall Food Fest ideas

It's getting cold outside.  But that didn't stop us from having a fantastic outdoor Fall Food Fest last month complete with hats, gloves, scarves and a hearty bowl of vegetable soup, chili, chowder, and smores in hand. The open campfire also helped keep those red cheeks aglow. 

It's a time to go outdoors and get warm and cozy with good friends, family, and savory, mouthwatering dishes you can cook at home and throw on the BBQ grill at your favorite neighborhood park or home backyard. Here are a few fantastic warm and toasty fall food fest ideas our folks are still raving about.

Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole 
A mouthwatering sweet potato dish made with marshmallows and streusel.  Includes diced sweet potatoes, marshmallows and a sweet streusel sauce made from pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Mmm, mmm good!

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken
A warm and cheesy chicken dish that sticks to your ribs. Includes cheddar cheese, broccoli and chicken breast with bacon bits. Season with garlic, paprika, and onion to taste. Yum!

Check out these great outdoor dishes and more from our 1000 Recipes Pinterest Board. 

Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder
This savory potato corn chowder will delight your pallet and warm your tummy. Includes diced potatoes, onion, corn, butter, cheddar cheese, cream, and vegetable broth. Ooowee!


Spicy Chili
Other great outdoor dishes for your Fall Fest may include spicy chili with ground turkey, diced carrots, celery, red and green peppers, onion, red beans and seasoned with garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. 

Don't forget the hot drinks! We're talking a big cup of rich warm brothy egg nog, epresso, vanilla coffee, creamy maple pecan latte, caramel frappuccino, and cappuccino.


Get more warm and toasty crockpot, in-the-oven and stovetop recipes at  https://www.pinterest.com/fimarkhome/1000-family-recipes/ 

Get Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide and Keepsake complete with a Fall Food Fest event planner, and activity ideas.  

Food fest ideas, warm winter recipes, easy crockpot recipes, quick stovetop recipes, cooking tips, savory-sweet fall recipes,  corn chowder recipes, bacon cheddar recipes, baked chicken recipes, sweet potato recipes

When To Start Planning The Next Family Reunion?

So I want to plan a gathering. I have this itch. An excruciatingly itchy itch I must scratch right here, right now. I want my event to materialize a few weeks from now. The problem? Not going to happen. If anything I'm just going to end up with a lot of scratch marks where my itch used to be.

Benn there. Done that.  And this is what I learned. The best event planning is done when you've given yourself enough time to really dig in and get into it. Sometimes you have to plan to start planning before you can actually start planning. Set a date with ample time to plan consider possible event details. Then rally the family and discuss the matter to narrow down the theme, itinerary and activities. 

When To Start Planning The Next Family Reunion?

When is the best time to start talking to the family members about the next family reunion? November 23rd to January 2nd. This is family time season. Everyone is in the frame of mind to focus on family activities. Discuss some of the ideas you and others have for a memorable family reunion. Consider possible dates for the event and pick up the discussion again sometime in December. Send out a survey in January detailing possible event locations, recommended activities and dates.  Make use of the Possible Locations form in Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake Guide as well as Themes and associated activities. The Event Timeline Reunion Planner will step you through the planning, organizing and management process.

Get it on and plan to start planning your best reunion ever this weekend. Get Fimark's Family Reunion Planner book and access the family reunion planning guides, tips and checklists. Finally, everything you need to plan a memorable family reunion is at your fingertips.

Keepsake Family Recipe Compiler

I've learned that there is more readily available fake food then there is real food. If I had my way I would throw it all in the garbage scow and sail it to the edge of the earth never to be seen again. 

Imagine discovering a food that can save our life? That would literally be all forms of organically grown food. I love to do my own cooking with wholesome ingredients from my local farmers market and whole foods store. But how do you turn healthy food into a tasty delight? Great recipes. Here are three ways to discover healthy recipes quick'n easy.

1. Compile recipes you know you'll love from cooking books at your local library, cooking shows and online magazines.

2. Remember your favorite dishes mom or grandma used to cook. Get the recipe when visiting the family over the weekend and jot them down while you're there. Ask about the history behind the recipe.  Who passed it on to them and when? What changes were made over time? What secret ingredient, preparation and cooking techniques make it pop?

3. Find great recipes from our very own Pinterest board.

1000 Family Dinner Recipes

pinterest.com/fimarkhome/1000-family-recipes/

Did You Know?

Brenda and I wrote the 132 page paperback book, Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake complete with The Keepsake Family Recipe Compiler. Enter traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Record origin, culture, and history. 

Get the keepsake familyy recipe compiler in the print and digital editions of Fimark's Family Reunion Planner. Makes a great keepsake gift.

recipe book, family dinner recipes, autumn recipes, collecting recipes, recipe compiler, Pinterest Recipes, recipe app, #Recipes, #RecipeApps #DinnerIdeas #TurkeyDayIdeas #TurkeyRecipes #FamilyDinnerIdeas 

1000 Family Dinner Recipes

I love good food and good food love me.  What I love most is the fact that there are endless ways to prepare a meal. I'll never try them all but I'm sure gonna try. Right now, I'm stuck on perfecting chili. Served it up at an autumn fest and it was hit. Now they call me the chili man. I can live with that!

Looking for family dinner planning inspiration? This is the place for fantastic recipes... 

1000 Family Dinner Recipes

pinterest.com/fimarkhome/1000-family-recipes/

Did You Know?

Brenda and I wrote the 132 page paperback book, Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake complete with The Family Recipe Compiler. Enter traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Record origin, culture, and history. 

Get the keepsake book in print or the ebook in PDF format when you access Fimark's Family Reunion Planner with recipe compiler. Makes a great keepsake gift, heirloom and fundraiser. 

recipe book, family dinner recipes, autumn recipes, collecting recipes, recipe compiler, Pinterest Recipes, recipe app, #Recipes, #RecipeApps #DinnerIdeas #TurkeyDayIdeas #TurkeyRecipes #FamilyDinnerIdeas