Coffee Without The Teeth Staining or Bad Breath? Yes Please
A high-quality coffee is such a life-saver for ensuring my daily routines go off without a hitch. Plus, from the aroma to the last drop, I genuinely look forward to my coffee in the mornings.
A high-quality coffee is such a life-saver for ensuring my daily routines go off without a hitch. Plus, from the aroma to the last drop, I genuinely look forward to my coffee in the mornings. I’ve discovered and been loving Golden Ratio coffee lately. If you know me, you know I love a hot beverage and a good cup of tea (must be the Jamaican in me) but Golden Ratio coffee is just as smooth as tea! It has twice the caffeine and 5 times less acid than regular coffee with, check this, the added benefit of less teeth staining! You know the dentist in me is most excited about this part.
Coffee that stains your teeth is so 2018!
I’ve Identified 5 Big Problems With Most Coffee Drinks:
They’re super high in acid
They contain chemicals
They sometimes make your stomach hurt
They make you jittery
They stain your teeth *
PLUS they agitate GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Acid Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Insomnia, Migraines, Anxiety, and more (yikes!)
How to Choose Better Coffee
Quality matters when it comes to your food and there’s no exception when you’re shopping for the perfect coffee option. Here’s a quick checklist you can use the next time you find yourself wondering if a coffee brand is worth your time.
Look for coffee that is:
Roasted at low temps
Ethically sourced
Single origin
Fresh from the producer
Contain certified organic ingredients
Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
Sold in sustainable, recyclable packaging, free of BPA and dyes
Making sure you hit all these points is a tall order; there are only a handful of brands that go the distance. Do the best you can, but if you’re looking for a high quality, stomach, teeth and environment friendly coffee possible I have got you covered.
My favorite coffee at the moment is Golden Ration!
Golden Ratio coffee is:
Made with organic ingredients
Gluten-free, corn-free, and dairy-free
No artificial flavors
Available in 6 delicious flavors
Vegan
Paleo-friendly
Keto-friendly
No bitter taste
Contains 0g Sugar
Packaged in recyclable pouches made from organic cotton -free of dyes and synthetic materials
Plastic-free, available in single-use, easy to brew pouches
Golden Ratio is taking coffee back to its roots so we can supercharge our energy and conquer each day. And making it easy to buy with a special discount just for my readers.
Plus, they stand by their product, always offering a 30-day money back guarantee. No risk, all reward!
Go here and enter the code: UNORTHODOC15 at checkout to save an additional 15% OFF these delicious, stomach and teeth-friendly, low acid coffee options in amazing flavors.
Come back and tell me how you like them!
This post contains affiliate links . See disclaimer to learn more.
How To Make the Choice Between Dental Service Organization (DSO) and Private Practice:
Many dental professionals, new grads In particular struggle with the decision to join a dental service organization (DSO) or purchase their own private practice. A lot of the decision making lies in the fact that we are now burdened with heavy student loan debt combined with the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many dental professionals, new grads In particular struggle with the decision to join a dental service organization (DSO) or purchase their own private practice. A lot of the decision making lies in the fact that we are now burdened with heavy student loan debt combined with the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The question then becomes, do I take the leap and go into practice ownership or play it safe? Of course, and you might be more equipped to flourish on your own. But this depends on individual skills and preferences.
According to David Rice DDS, founder of Ignite DDS “They both have advantages and shortcomings depending on the person. One’s level of personal responsibility, income level, and quality of life can all be better or worse according to preference. It definitely comes down to an important choice; how much are you willing to deviate from the old adage of ‘focusing on the dentistry?’”
DSO Advantages
DSO ownership can offer many advantages to a practice owner. There is essentially a corporate management system that takes over operations. This means help with payroll, supply distribution, and repair/maintenance issues. You’ll also probably enjoy perks such as drastically reduced repair bills and quicker service response. Large DSOs have the power to negotiate prices based on volume, so the larger they are the better the perks become.
Operations isn’t the only thing that gets a boost; your new affiliation will offer inclusion in nationwide marketing campaigns, with more patient visibility through multiple website channels. In a world where the pandemic literally shut down almost everything, that can be a huge boost when trying to convince your patient base (who isn’t leaving the house much) that the dentist’s office is one of the safest public places to be. Speaking of your patient base, if you’re just starting out in practice this is a big plus—you don’t have to wait to build your client base; the DSO will have been marketing for you since before day one.
Other perks will most likely include access to training and continuing education opportunities that you and your staff might not have known about or had access to otherwise. One thing about DSOs is that they prefer uniformity. This could result in the uniform decision to replace equipment that doesn’t hold up to their standard. You could suddenly be replacing dental chairs that are more than 10 years old or moving to CAD/CAM or CBCT if you haven’t already done so.
The benefits of new equipment are obvious, and hopefully your team will be excited about the new learning opportunities. Guidelines are the key to success for them, and you’ll have to keep your team in the progress loop. Because of this, you’ll also learn a lot about running a successful dental business, something that will be invaluable should you decide to open your own office someday. Large companies hire successful, experienced executives to lead their (and your) teams so that only best practices are brought into the business.
DSO Disadvantages
The drawback of the disadvantages might depend only on your interest in avoiding them, but profit would be at the top. You stand to make only a portion of what you would make as an owner, but the tradeoff is everything I discussed above. Because of the standards and uniformity, you’ll have little room for negotiation at the practice level, and other doctors and team members will be paid accordingly. Profits may take priority in corporate ownership, so you would be leaning into decisions you might not normally make under alternative leadership.
You also stand to lose some decision-making power. More specifically, additional treatment could be the norm when in doubt (perhaps against your own intuition), and associates working on scale might be in competition for the high-dollar procedures. Production goals will also be in place, so if others are sending the business, you’ll be held to capitalizing on those opportunities. It’s also wise to find out everything about the contract you sign; some may include a restrictive covenant that would prohibit you from practicing within a certain distance of your current practice to prevent competition.
Private Practice Advantages
On the flip side, private practice offers high-risk, high-rewards for those with dreams and perseverance. In reality, doesn’t everything worth doing carry risk? Obviously, overhead is the major discerning factor here, as all costs—from startup to maintenance—are solely your responsibility. Private practice also offers complete autonomy, with no location restrictions or restrictive covenants and complete control over capital investments, personnel, and other major decisions.
It helps if you know something about business, and there are many articles available about what they don’t teach in dental school. Small offices are more personally affected by each employee, so you’ll need to create influence by being a strong mentor and helping your team members grow. One way to do this is by exposing them to new technology and procedures and developing their skills. The investments you make in your team will pay off exponentially with less absence and turnover.
Also, human resources decisions are left up to you. If you do things right, you can minimize payroll with smart choices and multifunctional team members. You don’t have to seek approval to hire someone outside of your initial price range with exceptional skills. All major equipment investments, while seemingly pricey, will pay for themselves with a quick return on investment and will be attractive when it’s time to retire. I’ve often said that dental equipment upgrades are never a bad decision, and any dental transition broker will tell you that buyer dentists will consider offices with upgrades and good equipment a much better investment than something they must sink money into immediately. Furthermore, a private practice that is well kept is a very attractive opportunity should the owner want to take on a partner.
Private Practice challenges
Some challenges a new private practice might face are the same as starting any other business. Startup costs in building or purchasing can be burdensome, and loans can put pressure on a new business. A consistent patient base can take years to develop, so a first impression is important. The current technology and a fresh, clean office are a must to lure new patients away from their current offices. Marketing is important, and while there are several programs that you can use with third parties, a good employee with a marketing background will help you manage that as well as a strong social media presence. Obviously, slow days in your practice mean less income to cover expenses, whereas working for someone else might not affect your daily rate. You’re also solely responsible for keeping up on all of your HIPAA requirements and security and failing to do so can mean consequences to you personally.
Ultimately, there are ups and downs at both ends of the ownership spectrum. My goal in this article is not to pick a winner, only to illuminate the fact that one’s ambition, desire for income potential, or need for autonomy would make one choice easier than the other. Depending on one’s abilities, means, and outlook on life, either one offers benefits and downsides, but switching between the two will take time and research.
Before you make the decision, it’s wise to consider all factors, do your due diligence, and understand the restrictions of each. There are many resources available to advise on the cost/benefit spectrum, but no one else can tell you what’s right for you. If you value work/life balance and don’t put a premium on income, you might opt for less responsibility and focusing on the dentistry. If you want the chance to build something in your own name, you might want to take more control and reach for the brass ring. Good luck!
Original article from DentistryIQ
4 Tips for Maintaining Self-Care During a Busy Work Week
Amid all the hectic chaos of everyday life, be it at work or with family and other responsibilities, it’s normal to forget that in order for one to function properly, one must pay attention to health and wellness. Self care is something easily swept under the rug, but is actually an essential part of maintaining a well-oiled machine.
This is a guest post by Bash Sarmiento
Amid all the hectic chaos of everyday life, be it at work or with family and other responsibilities, it’s normal to forget that in order for one to function properly, one must pay attention to health and wellness. Self care is something easily swept under the rug, but is actually an essential part of maintaining a well-oiled machine.
Self care does not have to be the lavish and luxurious massages, yoga sessions, out-of-town beach trips, and shopping sprees for the most comfortable loungewear or whatnot that one might think of when we hear the term. While they’re all undeniably great, it does not and should not take so much out of the pocket to be able to practice basic self-care.
There are a ton of simpler, more cost-effective ways to practice self care in the middle of jam-packed work schedules. In this article, we gathered some of the most simple self care practices you can consider and adjust based on your schedule and budget.
1.Set your priorities straight
What self care is really about is knowing what your needs and priorities are at a given time period. When scheduling or crafting your self care regimen, ask these questions: what needs or issues do I want to be addressed first, second, third, and so forth? What activity will help me the most given these needs or issues?
This technique will help you in making your self care regimen more purposeful and productive. Who says self care does not contribute to efficiency? It’s actually what enables efficiency in the first place.
This will help tremendously in terms of managing our most valuable resource, which is time. Learn how to lay out what is most urgent and important for a specific time period, heavily considering the state of your physical and mental well-being and capacity.
2. Start an exercise routine
Keeping the machine running and getting it started early on in the day will help clear your mind of stress, anxiety, and other debilitating mental conditions. Establishing a certain exercise routine for the morning will actually help in the long run in terms of keeping your physical and mental state clear.
This does not necessarily mean the whole weekly gym visit or weekly cycle session. It can be as simple as waking up an hour earlier than usual to take a walk or sprint outside or doing some basic stretches on your computer chair.
The idea is to get that machine running earlier in the day to keep your mind active during normal waking hours and stabilize this activity.
A bonus to this is having a dedicated routine for health and wellness in general. Some people will have skin care regimens, for example, for the purpose of oil cleansing. This is for the purpose of systematizing your me time!
3. Set clear boundaries
Having clear boundaries will let you know when and where work ends and me time begins. It is important to have these boundaries when talking about self care since this is what most people tend to forget.
Saying no to requests and schedules is normal. While it can be a challenge at first, it’s best to always bear in mind that sometimes you have to put you first, and self care is actually part of ensuring that you will be able to deliver the best service to them. We must quash the notion that taking care of yourself is selfish or indulgent. Taking care of one’s self is essential to everyone’s physical and mental well-being.
One of the concrete ways you can do this is by setting meal breaks solely for meals and not for work. Taking weekends off is another. Start with allotting hours or days specifically to reel back and rest from all the hecticness. Clearing your mind will also be beneficial to delivering more efficiently at work in terms of providing fresh perspectives and a renewed energy.
4. Get some light
Many have attested to the positive effects of starting your day early in the morning with a quick walk around the neighborhood. Getting good sun is not only good to clear your mind and prepare you for a new day, but also for your entire body. The quick walk can also serve multiple purposes, such as running errands for the parents or buying that period underwear you have been looking for.
Get your daily dose of natural light every morning to wake up and you will automatically radiate the sun’s vibrancy as well after your walk. Seeing people from the neighborhood starting their days as well can help boost your morale. We’re all in this together!
Final thoughts
Key to maintaining a self care routine is identifying your needs and what can most efficiently resolve them. It is important to include in the conversation your loved ones, family, and friends as these are the people outside of your work life who know you the most.
Meet Bash Sarmiento
Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.
Find him on Instagram and LinkedIn
Mental Health Toolkit for Winter 2022
There are many times in the year when our mental health comes under fire with challenges. Challenges that come from every direction of life. Those challenges can come from motherhood, from marriage, the comments people say, from work, and the list goes on.
Original article by Natalie Foster of Mindfully Well Rooted.
There are many times in the year when our mental health comes under fire with challenges. Challenges that come from every direction of life. Those challenges can come from motherhood, from marriage, the comments people say, from work, and the list goes on. These reasons alone and so many more for every black woman, are why it is so critical to have a mental health toolkit. A mental health toolkit is a necessary resource that is specifically designed to support mental wellbeing throughout the year.
What Is A Mental Health ToolKit?
A mental health toolkit is a group of resources designed to bring you comfort in times of mental stress. A mental health toolkit can also be referred to a mental health survival guide. This collection of resources helps keep you grounded, calm, and redirects focus to positive situations in your life. When creating a mental health toolkit, it is best to lean into incorporating specific resources. Resources that help you maintain a happier and healthier version of yourself throughout the year. The components of a mental health toolkit are meant to help manage mentally stressful conditions, reduce the severity of mental illness symptoms, and boost overall mental well-being. A mental health toolkit is not meant to stay the same. There are periods of life that lead to evolution and change. So as the circumstances of your life change so does your mental health toolkit.
What Led Me To Create A Mental Health ToolKit
I have had a long-standing history of mental health disorders since the age of 11. I continuously struggled through much of my adolescence and young adulthood with a range of mental health issues. Those range from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation. During this particular time frame, there were certain circumstances that escalated my mental health issues. That is when I would usually turn to alcohol, marijuana, and or promiscuity to numb the pain of the mental pressure I was dealing with. Eventually I realized the mechanisms I was turning to only worsened my mental illnesses.
During my experience with cognitive behavioral therapy, I asked my therapist if I could possibly go any lower. From there, my therapist asked me since I felt this way, what healthy coping mechanisms did I enjoy? She made me aware that I deserved happiness. I could do so by implementing those mechanisms when I felt myself entering a mentally stressful moment. She simply dubbed those mechanisms as a mental health toolkit. She informed me that a mental health toolkit will create a positive foundation for me to redirect my mind while engaging in positive mechanisms. In spring 2019, I started discovering resources to support my mental wellness.
The Foundation of My Mental Health ToolKit
Over the course of the past 2 years, I have leaned into specific resources. Resources that will help me to maintain a mentally healthier version of myself. After a significant amount of trial and error, I found that my particular preference of resources include the five senses. Having a resource from each of the five senses, mentally works for me. I have grown to nurture this approach for the past two seasons of fall and summer. I have found that taking this approach with the five senses allows me to have variety in the tools I engage in. Having five broad areas I can pull from gives me the freedom of knowing that I can always change a tool when it longer improves my mental wellbeing.
I use tools that stimulate each of the five senses
What's In My Mental Health Toolkit?
The purpose of what is in my mental health survival guide is to help me recall or imagine joyful moments. These joyful moments are brought on while engaging in activities that I thoroughly enjoy. Having these specific mental health tools have prevented me from reaching the point of a mental health crisis.
Sight
I incorporate the sense of sight into my mental health toolkit by either reading a book/magazine or opening up my affirmation coloring book. Being able to read takes me away to different settings within the books where I am able to connect. I often imagine what the fictional characters or nonfictional people did outside of what was presented in the books/magazines. While I color, my mind focuses on precise strokes of my crayons and pencils. It's a form of a calming experience for me that I recommend as a mental health gift. Some of my favorite books to read are The Alchemist, Set Boundaries Find Peace, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck. Plus a few of my favorite adult coloring books are Color My Melanin: Affirmation Coloring Book and Uplifting Aspirations.
Smell
The act of lighting candles and then letting the amazing aroma permeate the room, is how I incorporate smell into my mental health toolkit. Smelling the aroma from candles truly helps me to ease any stress that I may be having. There are certain scents that remind me of a particular place or a specific time. That place and or time in my life is usually when something positive occurred in my life. I have been a fan of using candles in my mental health toolkit for the past two years. My favorite candles to burn in my home include UnOrthoDoc Candle Co., Public Goods, the Harlem Candle Co.
Touch
Holding onto a soft weighted blanket has been the way I incorporate touch into my mental health toolkit. I also like to pull out my childhood teddy bear to hold onto for some extra plushness. The weight of a soft weighted blanket offers a therapeutic touch that mimics a comforting hug for me. The type of comforting hug my husband and dad gives me. Speaking of my dad, he bought me a teddy bear when I was about five years old. I have held onto that bear ever since because of the pleasant memories it me. However, if you are looking for your own weighted blanket, I recommend the Room Essentials Sherpa Blanket, Baloo Throw Blanket, and the Bearaby Cotton Napper
Taste
One of the best ways for me to incorporate taste into my mental health toolkit is to eat some sweet and savory snacks. It is known that the types of food we consume play a vital role in not only our physical health but our psychological health as well. This is why I tend to stick to eating things that are good for my mental wellbeing. I love to eat some strawberries and grapes along with some roasted almonds and pistachios! The taste of these foods immediately make me feel great! I tend to shop at Publix, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s for my fave mental wellness snack!
I incorporate the sense of hearing into my mental health toolkit using two tools. Hearing is incorporated by either playing the piano and or listening to music. I started playing the piano when I was seven years old. Honestly I used to despise it. However, now that I am much older and in the world of adulthood, I have grown to appreciate the talent I have. These past two years, I have been playing the piano to improve my craft and escape in the melody of the music.
I also escape while I am listening to some of my favorite genres of music on my record player. Music is oftentimes a powerful way to bring mental stability into your world. A quick dance session happens a majority of the time when I listen to music as well. The piano I am currently playing is Williams Legato III Keyboard and a few of the records in current rotation are Michael Jackson Thriller , The Isley Brothers, and John Coltrane.
The circumstances of life are constantly changing. Oftentimes those changes challenge our mental health and wellbeing throughout the year. That is why it is so important to have a mental health toolkit to turn to in those times. Using that toolkit outside of those times, is just as critical to keep the mind at ease before stressful situations arrive in life. I encourage you to build your own mental health toolkit. Be intentional in what you choose to include in your toolkit. In addition, incorporate it into your life on a daily basis and not only when a mental health crisis arrives. If you need inspiration on how to create a mental health toolkit, I highly suggest you visit the following websites: Plus if you know anyone who needs something new to put in their mental health toolkit may I suggest checking out my Mental Health Gift Guide.
Let me know in the comments what you have decided to put in your mental health toolkit for this season!
To find these items and purchase them visit my LTK Shop at https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MindFULLyWellRooted**
**This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and make a purchase. There is no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products and services that I trust.
Meet Natalie
Natalie Nicole Foster is the blogger and content creator behind MindFULLy Well Rooted. On her blog and social media platforms she uses both her faith journey and life managing mental illness to propel other women forward to build a relationship with Christ and prioritize their own mental wellness. In addition, she encourages other women to manage all the various hats as mothers, wives, and everything else in between. Natalie Nicole is a stay at home mom of two boys and a wife to her husband of nearly three years. They live in the beautiful city of Charlotte where they enjoy the outdoors, family events, and so much more!
How To Launch Your Side Business Successfully In As Little As 14 Days
There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a job. Some people genuinely love what they do, where they work and the people they work with. But, what if you had more time to spend on the things that you are truly passionate about?
No one gets wealthy from having a job. Read that again!!!
Having a job is great, you receive a paycheck in exchange for time spent completing tasks related to your work. That paycheck affords you the lifestyle you live, you pay your bills, go out to dinner or brunch with friends and you may even be able to squeeze in a vacation with the 2 weeks paid time off you negotiated in your contract. It's the American Dream!
But, that American dream is flawed. With your job, you're exchanging your most valuable asset - your time. Meanwhile, your boss has time to spend with his/her family, take 4-6 vacations per year (maybe more), owns homes in Miami and Fiji (which he flies to in First Class or on his private jet) and host dinner parties on his/her yacht.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a job. Some people genuinely love what they do, where they work and the people they work with. But, what if you had more time to spend on the things that you are truly passionate about?
I've always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Both my parents were business owners and growing up I never saw them work for anyone. They were always their own boss. I remember distinctly how my dad lectured me on the dangers of mediocrity and somehow my 10 year old self formulated the conclusion that if you worked for someone you were mediocre. That may not be what he meant, but that's the conclusion I reached at the time.
My dad has always been a self employed businessman that wears many hats. He is an engineer by trade, a lawyer, he owns businesses in a myriad of industries and has time to be involved in politics. It seemed to me that he did whatever he pleased at whatever time he felt like doing it . He employed competent individuals who managed the daily activities of the businesses and allowed himself the freedom to spend most of his days as he saw fit. He is a very shrewd man but I could never figure out how he made money but never went to work at a scheduled time. As a kid I decided, perhaps subconsciously that this too would be my life - wearing multiple hats and being financially independent to live the life I pleased.
As a dental student I loved scented candles and always had a passion for creating things by hand so I decided to merge the two. I started making candles in my kitchen as a way to relax and be creative and I've kept this passion alive till this day. Over the years it has transformed into a steady income earning business. My vision for the company has always been to become a staple in dental offices throughout the U.S (and the world) as well as homes, boutiques, yoga studios, restaurants, etc.
The candle company, my blog and other passive income streams remain my 6-10 (what I focus on when I'm not in my private practice being an Orthodontist and creating smiles between 9-5). However, during the pandemic in early 2020 when we were forced to quarantine I put my full focus into the candle business and was able to grow it over 300% in three short months. During this time I put 100% focus on my side businesses and they flourished! Now, I want to help you do the same.
Mindset Mastery
A lot of people have genius ideas that never get off the ground because they get stuck on turning those concepts into reality. Starting any kind of business is challenging! Despite those challenges, a well thought out idea can become a full time career (if that’s what you want).
Did you know it could take as little as 4 days to slingshot an idea into reality? I am speaking from experience. It involves a little mindset mastery, planning and execution.
Let’s face it, in life your mindset will make or break you. Business is no different. The truth is there is no better time than now to start that side hustle you’ve been thinking of. The Internet has created an environment where anyone can become successful once they have a great idea, fill a void or solve a problem. Those ideas are not serving a purpose in your head or in your notebook. They are worth nothing unless acted upon. This is the first step to starting your side hustle journey.
Mindset Master 1 - Believe in yourself and your business
Mindset Master 2 - Cultivate a mindset of abundance
Mindset Master 3 - Form Profitable Habits
Mindset Mastery 4 - Think 2-3 steps ahead
In my e-book: From Idea to Profit, I go over each mindset mastery step and get into the nitty gritty of launching your business. It includes 7 fundamentals steps every person has to go through to get their business going, in addition to all the steps necessary to get your business set up and fully running. The great part, all of this can be accomplished in as little as 2 weeks!
You have absolutely nothing to lose! For the cost of two cups of coffee you can get all the steps to get a profitable side business up and fully running that will continue to make you money for years to come. Not only that, but you also receive not one, not two but three free bonuses inside!
Books I Read in 2021
I love a good book! I am an avid reader and for as long as I can remember one of my favorite hobbies has been curling up on the couch with fuzzy socks on and a great book. Find the 12 books I read in 2021 inside.
I love a good book! I am an avid reader and for as long as I can remember one of my favorite hobbies has been curling up on the couch with fuzzy socks on and a great book. Forget Netflix! For a while now every year I set a goal to read at least one book per month (12 books per year). Sometimes I can get two or three in depending on the size of the book and the amount of time I have, but at the end of the year that number should at least be twelve (never less). In 2021 I read 14 books and I am sharing with you some of those with you, along with a few that are on my current on my reading list.
1.The 4 Hour Work Week // 2. We should all be Millionaires //
3. Set Boundaries Find Peace // 4. Influencer // 5. Believe It //
6. 18 Minutes
1.The Vanishing Half // 2. Your Time To Thrive // 3. Think Like A Breadwinner //
4. Beyond Entrepeneurship // 5. Simple Be. // 6. Get Good with Money
1.What happened to you // 2. Play Bigger // 3. Between Two Worlds //
4. Superfans // 5. Super Consumers // 6. Scrum
Want to read along with me every month? I created a book club for book lovers like myself. It’ll be a place to discuss each month’s read as well as a place for networking and community. Join the club and grab this month’s read. See you inside!
The Most Comfortable Loungewear I own From Cozy Earth
I love a company that has a great mission and an added bonus if the production of their goods isn’t harmful to the environment. Because their products are made from bamboo they have several eco-friendly benefits that I found really interesting
As I sit to write this blog post, I am in the softest and most comfortable pair of loungewear I have ever owned. They are the Women’s Ultra Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant and matching Pullover Crewneck from Cozy Earth. They are perfect for a movie night in, a quick errand out, or a sweet slumber. I also own the Women’s Stretch-Knit Bamboo Kimono Robe which is really elegant and comfortable. If you’ve never heard of Cozy Earth they are a premium bedding and loungewear company. All of their products are made with Premium Weave/Bamboo. They are also:
Certified free of harmful chemicals
Temperature Regulating
Moisture Wicking
10x softer than Cotton!!
Backed by a 10 Year Guarantee
Sustainable and Eco-friendly
I love a company that has a great mission and an added bonus if the production of their goods isn’t harmful to the environment. Because their products are made from bamboo they have several eco-friendly benefits that I found really interesting:
Bamboo grows super quickly. This means that when bamboo is harvested, it can be replanted and takes less time to grow back than other plants like, cotton. This means that more material can be produced with less time and without consequences in quality.
Bamboo self-irrigates, so it consumes less water than other plants. This water can then be used for other purposes, like human consumption or food and other organic material growth, a major benefit for areas in the world where bamboo is grown as a crop.
Bamboo produces more oxygen than other trees and can help reduce carbon dioxide levels. With growing population levels, carbon dioxide is becoming increasingly prevalent in the earth’s air. With increased oxygen production from bamboo, more oxygen can be pumped into the atmosphere to create a better balance of natural gases.
Cotton, among other fabric materials, is typically grown using a lot of pesticides to keep insects out of the crop, some of which can be hazardous to human health. Bamboo, on the other hand, uses less pesticides in its growth, so its growth/fabrication process is less harmful to the people who will be using the bedding or clothing made from it.
The more you know, right?! I was so impressed with the loungewear that I ordered a Bamboo Sheet Set recently, which is currently being shipped. One of the company highlights is that their products were chosen as Oprah's Favorite Things for the Sheet Set in 2018, the PJ Set in 2019, the Ultra-Soft Jogger Set in 2020, and the Plush Lounge Socks in 2021. Aunty Oprah hasn’t steered me wrong yet.
Cozy Earth was gracious enough to share with me a discount code for my readers. Give them a try, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Use code: DR.UNORTHODOC40 at checkout for 40% off your order. Come back (or email me) and tell me how you like your purchase.
Setting Financial Goals in 2022
It may be important to cut down on carbohydrates or increase the number of trips you make to the gym each week (of course, you can still do those things), but harnessing the power of focused financial discipline can provide you with practical habits that can serve you for a lifetime.
At this point we have become very good at setting new year goals or resolutions. However, setting financial goals for the new year is a very different kind of ambition than working out, losing weight or making our beds every day.
Yes, it may be important to cut down on carbohydrates or increase the number of trips you make to the gym each week (of course, you can still do those things), but harnessing the power of focused financial discipline can provide you with practical habits that can serve you for a lifetime.
Here are seven straightforward and achievable practices for helping to improve your financial future.
Set Up a Budget & Track what you spend
A great first step is taking note of your monthly net income. That would be your take-home pay or any other income you have, after taxes. Next, list all of your expenses, including fixed items such as housing, utilities, transportation, and any regular debt payments, such as loans, credit cards, insurance, etc.
Include and track your average grocery costs, out-of-pocket medical fees, and discretionary personal spending. Hopefully there’s enough room left in the budget for saving and investing. The important idea here is to make a budget that works for you and to stay on track.
Set Up an Emergency Fund
It’s easy to feel confident when everything is going fine, but having a rainy day fund set aside in an accessible account could mean the difference between getting through a difficult stretch or falling into a much more dire situation. Th rule of thumb is to have 3-6 months of living expenses put aside. Some people opt to have a more hefty cushion, like 12 months. If you lose your job, encounter a serious health issue, or are met with any number of other unexpected financial challenges, having an emergency fund could make all the difference to your financial wellbeing.
Pay Off Credit Cards
Getting a handle on credit card debt is critical in creating healthy New Year’s resolutions you can actually stick to and follow through on. The credit card companies are very adept at convincing people that spending is easy. Try to pay off the entire credit card balance whenever it is used.
If you’re unable to pay the entire balance and have multiple credit cards consider credit card consolidation. This can allow you to get on a fixed payment schedule with a target payoff date, potentially lower your interest rate, and possibly improve your credit score.
Saving X Amount of Dollars
I am not a big proponent of having money sit in a savings account because the interest rates on average are really low. Unless you’re putting money towards your emergency fund or putting money aside for a big purchase like a downpayment on a car or home, your money is better placed in investments where the returns are much higher.
Saving for Retirement
It is never too early (or late) to put money away for retirement. Opening a 401(k) or an IRA should be a top priority. Hopefully, your employer will offer to match your 401(k) contribution up to a certain percentage. This can be especially beneficial because your contributions aren’t taxed on the way in.
Alternatively, if your job does not offer a 401(k) plan, you can set up your own IRA. If you already have one, you can make it a New Year’s resolution to contribute the maximum amount. Currently, 401(k) plans and IRAs have a maximum limit of $20,500 and $6000 for 2022, respectively.
Start Investing
Deciding on what investments to make can be a part of your overall financial strategy. Most likely you have goals spread throughout all the stages of your life plan and your portfolio should reflect those priorities.
For example, your short term goals (fewer than three years) may include an emergency fund, travel plans or buying a car. You may want these funds to be liquid in order to access them more quickly. For medium and longer term investments (saving for a down payment or retirement etc), you may be able to take some risk, thereby increasing the opportunity for greater returns. It’s always helpful to have some guidance as you establish your investment plans. Speak with your financial advisor to see the options that are best for you and your situation.
Here are some Investment topics and strategies to dive into:
Investing 101: Invest In Yourself
Setting Up Your First Investment Account
How To Start Investing In The Stock Market
6 Questions To Ask Before Investing
6 Tips on Getting Into Real Estate Investing
5 Ways To Invest in Real Estate
Up Your Investing Game with NFTs
Long Term Financial Planning
While it may seem like you have plenty of time before you need to focus on long-term financial goals, there can be more to it than just saving for retirement. It’s never too early to imagine where your life is headed and what you want to achieve in the future.
This can be anything from owning a home, to raising a family, to starting a business, to becoming debt free, to maximizing your earning power. Envisioning what’s possible can enable you to set practical goals to get you there. Once you’ve outlined a plan it is equally important to revisit your plan regularly and make adjustments as needed.
All of these options provide a practical way to rethink your financial activities so you can begin developing an overall strategy for building wealth. And the earlier in your career that you start—especially in your 20s and 30s—the more power your money can provide you over the long run.
Of course it’s never too late to start adopting practical habits for spending, saving, investing and planning. And if you set your mind to it, there’s no limit to the possibilities you can uncover—while maintaining that resolution to go to the gym regularly, too.
The Best Leaders Are Humble Leaders
Humility is an incredibly powerful choice. It is a critical success factor. Scientific inquiry into the power and effectiveness of humility has shown that it offers a significant “competitive advantage” to leaders.
"Never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart."
It’s the beginning of a new year and with that comes a lot of goal setting and reflection. As I look back on my first year as a practice owner I can’t help but be overcome with gratitude. Yes, I get to live out my dream of operating my own dental practice and make a significant impact in the lives of my patients but, beyond that is the ability to create jobs and foster a work culture and environment that is progressive, empowering, motivating, inclusive and rewarding. I do not take any of this lightly and work towards improving these everyday.
The reason I am so grateful to be able to foster this kind of environment is because it is exactly what I needed in my jobs before I became my own boss. I’ve experienced bad bosses and less than desirable leadership and vowed to not repeat those when it became my turn.
The truth is, true leadership has it’s basis in humility. Often times leaders let success get to their heads. They gain satisfaction from pushing people around. Little do they know, humility is an incredibly powerful choice. It is a critical success factor. Scientific inquiry into the power and effectiveness of humility has shown that it offers a significant “competitive advantage” to leaders. Leaders are more powerful when they’re humble.
So as I reflect I wanted to share a few notes on leadership and humility from one of my favorite leadership speakers, Brigette Hyacinth. Take what you need:
Humble leaders show vulnerability which makes them more approachable. Such leaders don't point fingers or divert blame, and are willing to listen to differing opinions. If you don't listen or won't admit you’re wrong, you can’t grow. If you don't grow, your business won't grow. Success requires continuous growth.
“Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people or find a different room.” Michael Dell
Humble leaders are great listeners. Listening forms the foundation of good relationships. Why? Because it shows you care. Humility and emotional intelligence go hand in hand.
Humility is a sign of strength, not weakness. When you can shift your focus from taking to giving, from hoarding the credit to recognizing the contributions of others, it shows inner strength. We know success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is a team effort. Learn to appreciate and value the people around you.
What you want won't always come easy, but if you work hard, and never give up, you will get there. Small steps everyday.
In spite of how much success you attain. Stay humble.
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real" -Thomas Merton.
Humility if consistently pursued and prudently polished over time, is a powerful force for good, that helps one to reach and sustain success.
I hope something sticks with you and you join me in my pledge to make your work environment a bit better, everyday.
How to Smash Your Goals in 2022
The years 2020 and 2021 taught us a lot about uncertainty. Nevertheless, the beginning of a new year is a hopeful time. Let’s set and smash our goals in 2022!
The years 2020 and 2021 taught us a lot about uncertainty, to the point where now we probably have gotten used to plans changing on a whim or at least a bit more comfortable with variability. Nevertheless, the beginning of a new year is a hopeful time. It is often a time where we daydream and envision our ideal future and motivate ourselves to turn our vision of this future into reality by smashing our goals.
My method of goal setting remains the same, but I wanted to add a few specifics this time around:
1.START WITH A YEAR REVIEW
I know this might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth your time. Don’t stress, just be honest with yourself. If you had a planner last year, just look back through the months and assess everything without judgment. The easiest way to do this review is by answering these 5 questions:
Identify 3 to 5 things that made you proud from 2021
If you set goals for 2021, how far did you get?
Identify what worked well, what didn’t work and why
Are there things you would like to improve, start or stop doing?
What are some of the lessons you learned last year that you want to keep moving forward?
2. PRIORITIZE YOUR GOALS
Now that you’ve done your review, identify the top priority areas that you want to work on whether it is career, finances, health, relationships, etc. It could be all of the above, but pinpoint specific things in each category to work on. Remember, this is not about anyone else but you.
3. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN
A sure way to make things happen is to write it down. It sounds strange, but there is enormous power in putting things down on paper, and according to research you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams when it’s written. I always keep a physical (paper) planner even though I use the planner on my smartphone as well. If you’re in need of a planner, you can find one here.
4. MAKE YOUR GOALS S.M.A.R.T.E.R
So how exactly do you set intentions that you will actually stick to? Be SMART about it. You’ve heard me speak on setting smart goals here and here. But this year, I want us to be SMARTER.
Before you set a goal, first figure out your “why.” By figuring out and articulating the reason you want to achieve something you are more likely to remain motivated to stick to it.
S - Small and Specific: What do you want to do?
M - Measurable : How will you track your progress?
A - Attainable: How will you do it?
R - Relevant: Is this relevant to your life right now?
T - Timely: When do you want to do it?
E - Evaluate: How is it going?
R - Readjust: How can you make it better?
5. Build a system around ACHIEVing YOUR GOALS
This is where we sometimes lose focus. We may know what goal(s) we want to accomplish and at this point they are intentions, but the steps in how to accomplish them might get blurry, so we need to turn them into action.
6. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS, REFLECT AND RE-CALIBRATE
Resist the urge to freestyle your goals and actually check your progress as you go along. At the end each month, take time out to analyze what you have achieved, what you failed to achieve and how to improve on this. Journaling as you go along and circling back at the end of each month can really help you to stay on track.
7. ADJUST TO LIFE’S LEMONS
Life gets in the way and can derail you. Things such as illness, family commitments, work, life emergencies etc can impact your goals. Take note of these things and adjust as you proceed.
8. ASK FOR HELP
Lastly, get an accountability partner. Have a friend or loved one you can lean on for moral support and encouragement, you will need it from time to time. If you need specific help, reach out to those who can offer any guidance or assistance. The internet and social media is a great way to make connections.
Bonus: Be your own D**n Cheerleader and eliminate self doubt. Figure out what keeps you motivated and inspired. I love quotes! I keep them everywhere - my phone’s wallpaper, sticky notes around the house, on my desk at work, on the bathroom mirror, etc. I listen to music, books and podcasts that are uplifting. I tolerate no negativity and try to stay away from it at all costs.
Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. By breaking down your goals into bite-sized, manageable actions and writing them down, setting goals and intentions for the new year that you can actually stick to becomes a much easier process.
Grab your planner and let’s smash our 2022 goals! Remember, a sure way to make things happen is to write it down.
How I’m Staying Active During The Holidays
This time of year can be crazy busy between traveling, holiday get-togethers, and all the things sitting on our never-ending to-do lists. For those times when I just need to get started to build momentum I’ve kept the mantra “progress over perfection” close to me.
Progress over Perfection!
Squeezing in time for working out has been quite challenging since having my baby this past summer. My time is just not the same. It can be even more of a struggle during the holidays. This time of year can be crazy busy between traveling, holiday get-togethers, and all the things sitting on our never-ending to-do lists. For those times when I just need to get started to build momentum I’ve kept the mantra “progress over perfection” close to me. I am just about 10 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight and although I don’t mind the extra fluff I just haven’t felt my best. I don’t have a goal to lose weight. My goal is simply to move my body and reap the benefits of a good sweat session. Moving my body for at least 30 minutes per day as of right now is the goal.
Here’s a peek at a few ways I am staying active during the holidays.
Schedule My Workouts
I live and breathe by my calendar, and I find that when my workouts are scheduled they are more likely to happen. I have set aside Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays as my core workout days. I get on my peloton bike for a 30-45 minute ride session or I may do another form of cardio followed by a bit of weight lifting. The other days I try to sneak in some light yoga or stretching for 20-30 minutes before bed.
Accountability Buddy
Having an accountability partner is motivating! Let’s be honest, unless working out is part of your daily lifestyle it can be a struggle to stick with it. On busy days or when I just don’t feel like it, it’s helpful to have someone in my corner encouraging and reminding me of my goal.
Get Creative
I have to switch things up, otherwise I get bored. This goes for my workouts and even my workout gear. I have long ditched the gym membership but I do have the peloton app - I have access to all kinds of different workouts like cycling, running, yoga and strength training so I can keep it interesting without getting bored. A change of scenery is also great. I take my workout outdoors when it’s not too cold.
Prioritize Progress Over Perfection
I swear this is my life mantra! I pretty much apply it to all parts of my life from business to relationships to fitness to parenting. There are so many days, especially this time of year when a full-body workout just isn’t going to happen. On those days, I prioritize something over nothing. Most of the time, that looks like a 20 minute walk around the block with Reggie (my husband) and Braxton (my 6 month old). The most important thing is that I just get my body moving!
Athleisure: Lululemon
Up Your Investing Game With NFTs
If you haven’t been living under a rock you more than likely have heard of NFT’s by now. If you haven’t yet heard of them, it is all the rave in the crypto space right now! They are a new way of operating and owning assets that it is like a foreign language when getting into it for the first time. There is so much to learn and the information given in this blog post will only scratch the surface.
For some months all I kept hearing about was an online piece of work called an NFT. If you have been living under a rock you more than likely have no clue what I am talking about. In the cryptocurrency space it is all the rave right now! But what are they?? According to coinbase, NFTs (or “non-fungible tokens”) are a special kind of cryptoasset in which each token is unique — as opposed to “fungible” assets like Bitcoin and dollar bills, which are all worth exactly the same amount. Because every NFT is unique, they can be used to authenticate ownership of digital assets like artworks, recordings, and virtual real estate.
Non-fungible - What is that?
Non-fungible means that something is unique and cannot be replaced with something else. Bitcoin, for example, is worth as much as every other bitcoin. A dollar bill, is worth exactly one dollar. “Fungibility” refers to goods or assets that are all the same and can be swapped interchangeably.
NFTs on the other hand are unique and cannot be swapped interchangeably. Concert tickets are non-fungible. Even if every Drake concert ticket is the same price, they aren’t directly exchangeable. Each represents a specific seat and a specific date — no other ticket will have those exact characteristics.
The reason why they are such a big deal is because they are appreciable assets, you can buy and hold or you can buy and sell these digital assets for a lot of money! Some of the more recognizable ones on the marketplace have come from projects by Bored Apes and Crypto Punks - earlier this year the Crypto Punk NFT(crypto punk 7524 aka Covid Alien) shown below sold at Sotheby’s for 11.75 million!! The creator put them up for auction, starting at $100 and the winning bid was astronomical.
This NFT titled Everydays: The first 500 days by Beeple was put up for auction at Christie’s starting at $100 and sold for $69million!!
The below NFT, also by Beeple was purchased for $66K and sold for $6.6 million - 10 times the purchase price!
Why are NFTs Important?
You can think of NFTs as being kind of like certificates of authenticity for digital artifacts. They’re currently being used to sell a huge range of virtual collectibles, including:
NBA virtual trading cards
Music and video clips
Video art
Digital art
Virtual real estate (in a place called Decentraland)
As with Bitcoin and other crypto that has boomed in popularity over the last year, NFTs have also soared — growing to an estimated 7 billion. Each NFT is stored on an open blockchain (often Ethereum’s) and anyone interested can track them as they’re created, sold, and resold. Because they use smart contract technology, NFTs can be set up so that the original artist continues to earn a percentage of all subsequent sales (royalties).
I am a new comer to the NFT space and only purchased my first in September of this year. Some NFTs that I have personally invested in are from Boss Beauties, World of Women, Women Rise and Alpha Girl Club. I purchased a Women and Weapons NFT for 0.175 ETH which is roughly $700 USD and have gotten a few offers, the best so far being for 1.18 ETH which is roughly $5000 USD. I have not sold it - I will be holding on to it for now or until I get a much better offer. The reason I chose to invest in some of the above NFTs is because they embody a cause or a mission that I can get behind. For example, Boss Beauties has a mission to educate and empower the next generation of Women and Girls through scholarships and mentorship programs.
Tweet from Reese W.
A recent tweet from Reese Witherspoon on NFTs and the need for more women to take up space in this arena. Reese is also one that I follow on Twitter as she is part of the large NFT twitter community.
How to Purchase NFTs
NFTs are bought and sold through an NFT marketplace built specifically to handle the blockchain transaction. NFTs can cost anywhere from a few dollars to millions of dollars for a digital asset thanks to the scarcity model. To buy NFTs, you must have a cryptocurrency and seek out a purchase through an investment marketplace. Most NFTs are sold on the Ethereum blockchain, meaning you must have the cryptocurrency Ethereum to purchase. Another crypto that’s used to purchase some NFTs is Solana (Sol).
Here’s how I purchase my NFTs:
You will need the cryptocurrency Ethereum (ETH) to purchase NFTs. I purchase all my cryptocurrencies on Coinbase. If you use my referral link to purchase your first $100 worth of crypto you will get $10 worth of Bitcoin. You will also need a wallet, such as the coinbase wallet or metamask and a marketplace to purchase your NFT on, such as Opensea.
Create an Opensea account - Go tot the website opensea.io and create an account. After which you can connect your crypto wallet to OpenSea, edit your profile, and begin interacting in the space. Here’s a video on how to open an account.
Connect your wallet - A crypto wallet, such as coinbase wallet or metamask, stores your Ethereum and processes transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. A unique wallet address will be generated and you will use this address to complete transactions. Here’s a short video on how to connect a wallet to your opensea account - in this case it shows how to connect a metamask wallet, but any wallet you choose will be set up in the same way.
Fund your wallet with Ethereum - You can get ETH, the digital currency that fuels transactions on the Ethereum blockchain, from a digital currency exchange like Coinbase. You will need ETH to "mint,” create and purchase an NFT.
Research available NFTs on Opensea - You'll want to choose an NFT that you feel has an upside value potential. The NFT can be some art, music, video, or even an item within a video game. You can even search Google or Twitter for NFTs. When looking at the upcoming NFTs, note when the sale is, what the cryptocurrency requirements are, and how many of the NFT are being sold. This helps you better understand the scarcity behind the NFT you are choosing. I am a member of an NFT community where these are talked about all day and I am also involved with a number of NFT communities on twitter (the only reason I am currently on that platform).
Bid on or Purchase your NFT - Make sure that there is enough crypto to conduct the transaction including any relevant fees. Fees can include the costs of purchasing and transferring cryptos, converting one crypto into another, and gas fees(amount it costs to process the transaction). When the NFT is purchased, it is stored in a crypto wallet on the same blockchain, on a different blockchain, or in decentralized storage. Mine are stored in my coinbase and metamask wallets.
*Coinbase will launch it’s own NFT platform in Q1 of 2022, I will more than likely switch from opens when that happens*
This information is so new that it can come off very confusing. It’s an entirely new world and a new way of operating and owning assets that it is like a foreign language when getting into it for the first time. There is so much to learn and the information given in this blog post only scratches the surface. Be sure to educate yourself and do your research before investing in any NFT. I can’t wait to see how this shapes the future.
Change is Here!
Another tweet from Reese - everything is changing and we must move with the times in order to not get left behind. Investing in the stock market is great and I encourage that but there’s a new way of investing that is not yet mainstream that in my opinion, we ought to get involved in NOW.
An Organized Life Is A Balanced Life
I speak frequently on my efforts at leading a fulfilled and balanced life. Truth be told, it’s a constant work in progress. Really organized people are not always born that way, they have to cultivate healthy habits, which then help them to stay organized.
I speak frequently on my efforts at leading a fulfilled and balanced life. Truth be told, it’s a constant work in progress. One of the ways I am able to achieve a semblance of this is through Organization. I consider myself pretty organized, but that hasn’t always been the case. I think the more responsibilities you gain, the more you grow as a person and the more hectic your life gets, organization becomes quite possibly the only way to consistently perform well in all areas of your life. Really organized people are not always born that way, they have to cultivate healthy habits, which then help them to stay organized.
Here are some habits I have cultivated to become organized. Take what you need:
1. Write Things Down
We all know someone that remembers every birthday and sends cards for every holiday. It’s not magic and they don’t use memorization. Trying to remember things will not help you to stay organized. Try writing things down. Did you know that when you write things down you’re 42% more likely to do/achieve them?!
You will only further complicate your life by trying to contain important dates and reminders in your head. I write down everything: shopping lists for groceries, important dates like meetings and birthdays - everything!
2. Make Schedules and Deadlines
Keeping things organized goes hand-in-hand with staying productive. Well-organized people make and keep schedules for the day, week and even months. They make deadlines and set goals. And most importantly, they stick to them!
3. Don’t Procrastinate
The longer you wait to do something, the more difficult it will be to get it done. If you want your life to be less stressful and less demanding, then organize as soon as you can. Putting in the effort to get things done as soon as possible will lift the weight off of you from doing it later.
4. Give Everything a Home
Keeping your life organized means keeping your things in their proper places. Organized people keep order by storing things properly and by labeling storage spaces. You can make easy-to-access storage spaces for things you use all the time, and de- clutter often.
5. Declutter Regularly
Find time each week to organize. Highly organized people make sure they find time every week or more to organize their things. Stuff does not stay organized on its own; it needs to be reorganized continuously and consistently.
6. Keep Only What You Need
More stuff means more clutter. People who live organized lives only keep what they need and what they really really want. Having fewer things also means that you enjoy those things more and feel better about using everything you own, rather than letting half of what you own collect dust.
Have you ever felt like you don’t have the space to keep all the stuff you own? Instead of renting a storage unit or buying a larger home, get rid of some things.
7. Delegate Responsibilities
A really organized life is not overfilled with responsibilities, meetings and deadlines. In fact, it has less because things that create stress have been slowly organized out. One great way I stay organized is by delegating things to others that I don’t have to do myself.
Start becoming more organized today by creating a plan. Begin the planning process with a planner. Grab the 2022 Goal Planner below and get to it! Begin the new year with a clear, organized action plan:
Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile
No gift guide is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season.
No gift guide is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season. I’ve rounded a few up for you and linked them below. Click through for the savings. They make great stocking stuffers!
Goby - I love Goby’s electric toothbrushes and even carry them in my practice. Every new patient gets a goodie bag with oral care goodies along side a brand new Goby toothbrush. This holiday they are having a great sale on their brush kits. 10% off 1 brush kit, 20% off 2 brush kits, 30% off 3 brush kits. When the sales end you can always get $10 off any order with code: UNORTHODOC10. They make great Christmas gifts.
Hello - Everyone loves Hello products and you can guarantee to find something that tickles your fancy. Choose from sensitivity toothpastes, to whitening, to all natural and even fun kids flavors! Toothpaste isn’t the only thing they have either - think mouthwash, lip balm, deodorant and more. They are having 25% off their bundles until November 30th.
Quip - If you’ve known me for a while you know my love for quip and their super stylish and sleek designs. Quip is a travel essential for me. I keep the quip toiletry bag with quip goodies including an electric toothbrush, tooth paste, floss pick, and mouth wash in my suitcase! You get $10 off when you spend $50, $50 off when you spend $150 and $75 off when you spend $200. Use code: BF2021 at checkout.
Cocofloss - I LOVE Cocofloss and so do all my patients! They make flossing so much fun with all the yummy flavors. They’re having a 25% off sale + free shipping when you spend at least $20. Use code: BLACKFRIDAY. If you catch this post after black Friday, the code: UNORTHODOC will get you 20% off. These make the best and most fun stocking stuffers!
Keeko - All natural dental care? sign me up! I especially love their biodegradable toothbrushes, their coconut floss and the copper tongue scraper. These make great stocking stuffers. use code: BLACKFRIDAY for 25% off. After the holidays use code: UNORTHODOC10 for 10% off.
Risewell - This isn’t pictured but if you’re looking for non-fluoride products (they use nano-hydroxyapatite instead) then these are great! Use code: SAVE15 for 15% off site wide. After the holidays use UNORTHODOC10 for 10% off site wide.
I just love the holidays for all the gift giving and receiving! Did I tell you I gave quip kits as wedding favors? (along with some other really nice things). True story. The dentist in me had to do it.
Happy shopping!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission when you click the links.
Tax Write-Offs For New Business Owners
As a new business owner, you may not know all the tax write-offs available to you. I sure did not, but with the help of my trusted CPA I am getting more and more familiar the more seasoned I become. I am going to share with you a few that I have come to know quite well over the last several months.
As a new business owner, you may not know all the tax write-offs available to you. I sure did not, but with the help of my trusted CPA I am getting more and more familiar the more seasoned I become. I am going to share with you a few that I have come to know quite well over the last several months.
But first, What is a write-off anyway? A write-off is an accounting action that reduces the value of an asset while simultaneously debiting a liabilities account. It is primarily used in its most literal sense by businesses seeking to account for unpaid loan obligations, unpaid receivables, or losses on stored inventory. Generally, it can also be referred to broadly as something that helps to lower an annual tax bill.
Here are 5 Write-Offs to take advantage of if you’re a business owner:
1. Startup And Organizational Costs
As a new business owner, there are certain costs associated with getting started in business called startup and organizational costs. Be sure to keep a record of these deductions because the IRS allows you to write off up to $5,000 worth of startup expenses made in the first year of business. If you spend more than $5,000 in your business the first year, the amount in excess would be considered amortized expenses and is able to be written off over the course of 180 months. So until your business is considered “operational” you are not able to take 100% of your expenses but are limited to $5,000 worth of expenses.
2. Equipment Costs
As a business owner, you have the ability to write off your equipment. This is a no-brainer if you are a dental professional. Even If you purchase items through Amazon or other stores of the sort for products and equipment, as long as those expenses are considered business equipment costs and not personal expenses, you can receive a tax deduction for it. At the beginning of my business, what became really important to me was that anything eligible I spent my money on was being written off by my business.
3. Business Meals
Thanks to the Tax Relief Bill that was implemented by the Trump administration as well as the Biden administration you are able to deduct 100% of your meals in the year 2021 as long as there was a business purpose for the meal. So, if you choose to conduct business in a restaurant or you are ordering food for the office, your business-related meals are now 100% deductible - hello dinner team meetings! Make sure that you keep a record of your business meals as well as the purpose of the meal.
4. Your Vehicle
If you saw this post you know that I am writing off my vehicle since I use it for my business. If you have a vehicle that you are using for a business, it's so important to understand how to take a vehicle deduction and how to properly depreciate your vehicle. There are two ways to go about writing off your vehicle, you can
choose to depreciate your vehicle (e.g., taking the purchase amount of your car and writing it off over the course of five years) or you can
choose to take mileage - the mileage is helpful if you drive frequently since there is a set amount, 57.5 cents, that you can deduct per mile of a business-related trip.
When you are depreciating your vehicle you are also able to write off all the expenses associated with that vehicle. When it comes to purchasing new vehicles, you might want to look at buying one that meets specifications (such as weighing more than 6,000 pounds). If a vehicle meets the criteria, including being used for business purposes more than 50% of the time, you may be able to deduct the entire purchase price of the vehicle – financed or not – in the year the car was purchased. What this means is, if you are someone who is in need of a new vehicle for work, you can purchase it and write off 100% of your vehicle purchase amount, whether you make a down payment on the car to finance or if you paid cash. Lastly, you can also write off a leased vehicle's car payments through the business. However, when you are leasing a vehicle you are not able to take the depreciation deduction.
5. Place Your Children On Payroll
Braxton is not of age just yet, but when he is I will definitely be putting him on payroll. If you have children that can do tasks that are ordinary and necessary for your business, this is a great time to grow money for your kids tax-free. Many of us know the benefits of having a Roth IRA and that children can have Roth IRAs, but many taxpayers aren't sure as to how to go about growing tax-free dollars for their children while leveraging a business. When you decide to put your children on payroll, there are no payroll taxes you have to pay on the amounts. You can pay your child up to the standard deduction, which is $12,400, without your child needing to file a tax return. Now as a business owner, you get a $12,400 deduction for putting your child on payroll, without having to file a tax return, and no payroll taxes get paid. On the backend, you can also set up a Roth IRA for your children, place them on payroll and fund the Roth IRA through the payroll #WIN.
Since becoming a business owner, my mindset towards money and taxes have completely shifted. When you are a business owner, you should always be thinking about how you can leverage savings on the things that you are already spending money on. You should definitely speak with your CPA or trusted tax advisor to ensure you are leveraging your business the right way.