Tina’s Coffee Break is a weekly column I wrote for three years in the community newspaper that my husband and I owned. This column was sometimes whimsical, often nonsensical, and occasionally serious.

This column became a means for me to express myself on seemingly random subjects, but subjects that are on my mind and/or in my heart at the time they’re written — things we can all relate to many times.  These are the things we chat with friends about over a coffee break.

After selling the newspaper, I found I missed writing my weekly column… and thus began my journey as a blogger.  I blend the various bits of my life — professional, entrepreneurial, and personal — and share my experiences when the moment strikes me.

Simply put, I write about life’s moments.

So, who am I? I’m a wife, mother, court reporter, and entrepreneur.  I balanced on the razor-sharp ledge of extreme multi-tasking far too long, finally stepping off that ledge stronger and wiser.  I’m now better equipped to balance each piece of the puzzle that makes up my life.

As a mother of two, wife of 30+ years, and businesswoman of 27+ years, a piece of me is in everything I write.

Check out my Blog on this site’s Blog tab or Here for additional content.  Follow Tina’s Coffee Break on Facebook  Here

Discovering natural alternatives

The court reporting industry is known for its emotional, mental, and physical extremes. The industry has an exceptionally high “burn-out” rate.  I know — I’ve been at it for nearly three decades. 

I was the “workaholic” poster child, completely burned out and on emotional overload 24/7.  The inflammatory condition that had hit me suddenly when I was about 35 years old had been wearing on me hard, physically and emotionally.  (The first serious attack hit me so hard, I couldn’t even hold the coffee pot unless I used two hands.)  By 2015, when a friend suggested I attend a class on essential oils, I was ready to try anything.  Frankly, I tend to be a pretty big skeptic when it things like this, but I went (honestly, mostly because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by saying no). 

It didn’t take long before even I was convinced of the effectiveness of essential oils on my mood — not to mention physically.   It’s pretty amazing how the simple inhalation of those tiny little molecules can impact your mood.  Then, I discovered Copaiba…  Copaiba became my best friend and now hangs out front and center next to my keyboard — it’s such a huge help after pounding out page after page on the keyboard.  I soon discovered the flexibility of reaching for an essential oil instead of opening the bathroom cabinet when I needed support for a variety of matters.  Soon after, I found Ningxia (learn about this incredible source of antioxidants and more Here) and I knew I had found a company with everything I needed.

It wasn’t long before others were asking me how they, too, could start to integrate more natural solutions into their daily routine. Talking to others about essential oils became as natural as talking to them about where I bought a new purse or a pair of shoes.  People want to know what you’re using and why you’re using it.  They want to know that someone else they know and trust has already tried something and liked it. 

Tried it, yes.  Liked it, absolutely!  

It wasn’t long before what started out as coffee shop chatter became a business.

A search for alternative solutions to address my work-related stresses became so much more.  I now mentor others, offering guidance based off my personal experience on basic product usage, as well as helping them share what they learn with others — which means building their own brand of entrepreneurship. Businesses are built every day by people who begin as a customer and ultimately stretch beyond their comfort zone into something more.  As the saying goes, anyone can do it, but it’s not for everyone.  If you think it’s something that may be for you, you just need to reach out to me and say, “Today is the day!”

Whether you’re a professional who needs to change the way you’ve been addressing your daily physical and mental stresses… or a stay-at-home mom who needs a break from the “crazy” that parenting can be… or an empty-nester looking for something new to learn to occupy your time… reach out and become a part of a community of people who lift each other up in so many ways.  Let me help you find that extra bit of balance.  There are alternatives.

You can learn more HERE.

Learning to design jewelry with crystals

Read more about how It’s About the Vibe came to be HERE.

You can follow me on Facebook at It’s About the Vibe to see new crystal diffuser bracelets and other designs and keep up with our little community of crystal and essential oil fans. That is where I post new designs and occasionally hold a Live Facebook sale.