Kaira Rouda | Kaira Rouda

5 05, 2013

Tracey Ballas

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:50:51+00:00May 5, 2013|Featured Entrepreneurs, Real You Incorporated|Comments Off on Tracey Ballas

Forget safe and easy. This entrepreneur is all about rising to the challenge. We’re talking about Tracey Ballas, CEO and president of School-Age NOTES in New Albany, Ohio. Tracey got her start in after-school education when she received a call from her former superintendent, asking her to launch an after-school program. “Once I got involved with providing a safe, nurturing environment for school-age children where they could have social and recreational outlets while receiving academic support and creative, skill-building opportunities, I was hooked,” she says. Tracey’s career has been far-reaching, taking on roles that ranged from president of the National After-School Association to advisor to former Vice President Al Gore on the Welfare to Work Committee. But life took an unexpected turn when Rich Scofield, Tracey’s dear friend and colleague and founder of School-Age NOTES, passed away unexpectedly. She did not hesitate to rise to [...]

5 05, 2013

Tanya Baker

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:50:54+00:00May 5, 2013|Featured Entrepreneurs, Real You Incorporated|Comments Off on Tanya Baker

"She’s an efficient self-starter who has the ability to work well on her own. The Wow Factor Tanya is clearly motivated by what she can do for her clients. Since she works with meeting and event planners within an organization who may not have the time, knowledge or interest to negotiate the best hotel contracts, she is able to wow them with her expertise. “My clients frequently stumble onto me, reluctantly give me a chance and then have their hair blown back by what I deliver!” she says. “I frequently get one- or two-word email responses that say, ‘You rock’ or ‘Marvelous’ as they see me in action getting their best interest negotiated.” Sure, the money Tanya makes is a factor, but it’s not enough to qualify as the sole motivator. Instead, it’s the thrill of the hunt, the give-and-take and the gentle banter focused [...]

12 04, 2013

Real You: Authors in Bloom Blog Hop! 10 days of prizes, tips and more!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:50:57+00:00April 12, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Authors in Bloom Blog Hop! 10 days of prizes, tips and more!

Welcome to my part of the Author's in Bloom Blog Hop Tour! I am happily giving away a signed copy of my debut novel HERE, HOME, HOPE and a copy of my mystery, ALL THE DIFFERENCE! Leave a comment here and then hop to all the other fabulous authors and discover reading and gardening tips galore! For all the contest rules and details, please visit the Authors in Bloom landing page at www.acozyreaderscorner.com. And by entering, you're also be ALSO be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE - a Kindle Fire or Nook (winner's choice) and a $25 gift card for the same. Please leave comments on my blog to win! Winners announced on April 19th, 2013 (US and Canada only)! Here's a tip: Don't ever sign up to be part of a blog tour on your moving day. (My apologies for the late post, Diane!) For a gardening tip: This [...]

21 03, 2013

Real You: A moving experience

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:02+00:00March 21, 2013|aha, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: A moving experience

We all have certain talents - and certain, shall we say, challenges. Well, I'll readily admit one of my biggest deficits is organization - or lack thereof! So, the fact we've moved as a family four times since the fall of 2009 is remarkable. Remarkable that we've stuck together and remarkable that I can find anything, anywhere. And, why am I writing about this you ask? We're moving AGAIN! So with the impending, looming process I thought I'd take a moment to share the top five things I've learned during my last four years of a very moving experience: Lesson 1: You cannot control anything. You can plan, make checklists, plan some more - but when the big day comes, it arrives with all the mistakes, broken dishes and chipped treasures that are part of being human. Lesson 2: Moving is a great time for reflection. I [...]

5 03, 2013

Real You: The power of patience

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:11+00:00March 5, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The power of patience

I've joined a meditation class. I was reluctant initially because I didn't understand that there is an entire methodology behind the practice of meditation. It's not about chanting, or some other "out there" sort of new age thing, as my youngest assumes. (He'll learn.) It's the art of opening and emptying your mind and being still. It's a place inside yourself free of judgment and full of love, devoid of technology and abounding in possibilities. It's a hard place to find, but it's wonderful to learn. To practice. And to practice patience. Oh, and it was good timing when I started the meditation class. My third novel is on submission with my agent and the waiting, this next step of waiting in the publishing process, is enough to drive anybody crazy. (Breathe.) My son is waiting to hear from colleges to discover where he'll [...]

23 01, 2013

Real You: So about those New Year resolutions . . .

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:12+00:00January 23, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: So about those New Year resolutions . . .

I used to make a resolution, or several, each year New Year. I know many of you do, too. Unfortunately, this is about the time, the end of January, when those resolutions go bust. My theory. Don't make them and then you can't break them. Don't get me wrong. I'm all about goal setting, and I'm really trying to up my cardio exercise intake this year even with my compete disdain of any type of sweat. But it's not a New Year's resolution. Nope. It's a fitness commitment. Oh, and I've joined a meditation group, too, but that's just something I've wanted to try. Ok, well, maybe there is a link between the new year and trying some new things. I just prefer to give myself the gift of less pressure than a failed resolution. I'm going to try new things this year. Some I'll stick [...]

22 12, 2012

Real You: 10 ways to give to great causes from your heart

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:18+00:00December 22, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: 10 ways to give to great causes from your heart

Please welcome my guest, author Jill Williamson. Jill has a wonderful take on the some of the most wonderful ways to give gifts this Christmas! Oh, and she's putting her words where her heart is - read on! Welcome Jill: People spend more and give more in the month of December than in any other month. I love seeing how generous people are at this time of year. But there is so much need in the world. Do you ever feel like there’s just no way to give enough? And if money is tight, how can you afford to give to charities when you’re concerned with paying your bills and putting food on the table? Fret no more! Here are ten ways to give to great causes that are close to your heart and on the other side of the world. And if you have [...]

21 12, 2012

99 authors, 99 books, 99 cents! Plus, a $500 prize! Today only!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:31+00:00December 21, 2012|giveaway|Comments Off on 99 authors, 99 books, 99 cents! Plus, a $500 prize! Today only!

These prices are available on Amazon only. I'm so happy ALL THE DIFFERENCE is included in this fun selection of books. Happy shopping and don't miss your chance to win some of the $990 worth of prizes! For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

11 12, 2012

Naughty or Nice Holiday Giveaway! Winner Announced!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:42+00:00December 11, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Naughty or Nice Holiday Giveaway! Winner Announced!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! And to celebrate, we've asked two of our favorite leading ladies - Kelly from HERE, HOME, HOPE - and Ellen from ALL THE DIFFERENCE - to select prizes they'd love to receive. Ellen, representing the devious women of Grandville, selected some Naughty gifts - Arsenic perfume, a Black Swan Ornament, a Journal to write about her secret lives, a Swarm of Bees candle and more. Kelly, representing the happier women of Grandville, selected an assortment of Nice presents for you including Rosewater perfume, a handblown White swan ornament, a journal to record your good deeds, a pure white soy candle and more. To enter, leave a comment or enter via Rafflecopter here or on my Facebook Author Page! UPDATE: WINNER ANNOUNCED! Emerald Barnes is the winner of the Naughty & Nice Giveaway! Thank you to all of you who entered! More exciting giveaways and events are coming - as [...]

21 11, 2012

Real You: So much to be thankful for, especially you!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:04:53+00:00November 21, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: So much to be thankful for, especially you!

It's that time of year, when we all reflect on our blessings. As an author, finally putting my passion into action and having the career of my dreams, I am sure of one thing - your support makes all the difference. With each book or short story, I've been thrilled by the response from long-time friends, and new friends alike. I'm so grateful my novels have resonated with you, and that you are looking forward to the next. Who could ask for anything more? But there is more. Always. My family. A week ago, my daughter's college house burned down. She lived there with 8 other girls, and thankfully, none of them were home when the fire started. It moved quickly and the damage was enormous. She lost everything - possessions, clothes, computer, photos - but she is safe. And really, that's what matters as [...]

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