Saturday Share: Great Business and Networking Resources

A couple weeks ago, I had coffee with a military spouse who also happens to be a licensed Psychologist. Smart, driven, and completely lost on how to build a business in a brand new state. She asked if she could pick my brain about networking and building contacts when you're starting from scratch. 

I didn't know going into our coffee date, what I would tell her. I honestly wasn't sure if I was a great networker or just got lucky when I moved to Colorado. A few minutes in, I started spouting off the resources I used to find groups, certain personality skills I developed to help with the face-to-face interactions, and how I track my networking contacts. She looked at me, wide-eyed, and said: "so you're basically a networking genius." 

I smiled and responded that it was mostly luck and high-level organization that made my method a success. I also reminded her that it might not work for everyone in every field. But it had worked for me and, yes, I was pretty good at it.

So, today, I put together some resources to help build networking skills. Whether you're a budding photog trying to get your portfolio out there or a licensed psychologist trying to build a practice, there will be something here to help you with that endeavor. As always, email me if you have any questions!

In General

How to Make a Good First Impression - via Money Crashers

In-Person Networking, Like a Boss - via Successful Military Wife

The Power of Personal Networks - via Get Rich Slowly

How to Build a Personal Network (Genuinely) - via Lifehacker

The specifics

How to Professionally Promote your Friends - via Corporette

How to Network at a Conference - via Corporette

Tips for Staying in Touch with your Network - via The Levo League

Saturday Share: Spring clean your entire life!

When I think of spring cleaning, I often think of pulling out the fridge to clean behind it and spraying down the window screens. Sometimes I think of pulling out the summer clothes and washing and putting away the winter ones. Even less often, I think of all the other little tasks that need to be done, such as going through the medicine cabinet and tossing expired meds or clearing old, unnecessary paperwork out of the file cabinet. Yet, all of these things are important and help us enter into spring and summer (when kids are around and there are more activities planned, hence, less time for cleaning and organizing) prepared and feeling great! 

So, for this lovely spring Saturday (it's almost 80 here in Colorado!) I am presenting you with a whole slew of links to help you with spring cleaning your house, your wardrobe, your office, your budget, your career, and your life. Excited? Read on...

Spring Clean Your Home

40 house-cleaning tips - via Simple Organized Living 

(Perfect for those "tricky" spaces that you never think to clean)

Master spring cleaning - via the Huffington Post

Spring clean your fridge - via Mom's Everyday

Good Housekeeping's Spring Cleaning Resources 

(I especially like their 10 hidden germ spots article)

Spring Clean Your Closet & Wardrobe

Spring clean your work wardrobe - via the Daily Muse

Expert advice on cleaning out your closet - via Who What Wear 

(More specific tips on certain articles of clothing you're not sure about.)

Spring Clean Your Finances

6 money resolutions to make in 2013 - via Wisebread

How to spring clean your finances - via Life.YourWay

Spring clean your finances - via CreditKarma

Spring clean your financial plan - via Forbes

Spring Clean Everything Else

31 ways to spring clean your tech items - via PopSugar

De-clutter your life for a fresh start - via Huffington Post

It's time to spring clean your career - via Yahoo!Finance

Spring clean your career - via the Daily Muse 

(This has everything from freshening up your resume to cleaning out old emails!)

Don't forget to spring clean your mind as well! Whether you like yoga, meditation, devotionals or something else, it is just as important to use this time to de-clutter your mind, rejuvenate your soul, and de-stress your life. 

This weekend get a jump start on some of these tasks and let me know how it goes!

Saturday Share: Supergirls!

Last Friday (March 8th) was International Women's Day. And last month the Department of Defense released a memo authorizing women in combat roles. Finally, when Forbes released its most recent Top 400 List, women comprised over 11% (with three new additions from last year and 5 of the women are self-made billionaires!)

I wanted to devote today's list of links to those women, all over the world, taking control of their lives and their communities by starting businesses, helping others, and not taking no for an answer. 

Here are 30 female entrepreneurs to keep your eye on in 2013, via Jane Dough. Some of these business ideas are creative and unique and love that they all have different backgrounds and passions!

And 13 other women to watch, via the Levo League

A spotlight on my favorite woman icon, Sandra Day O'Connor. Thank you, Everygirl, for recognizing her awesome-ness!

Did you know there are 17 countries with women heads-of-government? And that the two highest test scores ever recorded on an IQ test were achieved by women? Amazing. Here are 10 interesting facts about women.

Finally, we all love her planners, but here is an interview with mom and entrepreneur (mompreneur?) Erin Condren on life as a business owner and mother of twins!

Happy Saturday and women-power to y'all!

Saturday Share: Beat the Winter Blahs

There are many aspects of winter that I love. I am from Minnesota, after all. I love warm, winter days where you throw on boots and clomp around in the snow then come inside for hot cocoa and your favorite flick. I love having a white Christmas. I love love love hockey season!

Usually, though, once the holidays come and go, winter feels like such a burden. That period between NYE and Spring Break is such a drag and often brings feelings of lethargy or even sadness. You've heard the term cabin fever? Well, that's the type of antsy I feel when winter doesn't end quite as quickly as I'd like. 

This week, father winter was especially cruel. After a gorgeous, warm weekend (high 50's and sunny!) we were hit with a storm that dumped just enough sleet and snow to cause frozen roadways on Monday. The rest of the week was spent thawing out and hoping it never returns again.

If you're feeling as blah as I am about winter at this point, here are some great ways to get through the funk. Spring is just around the corner and these few tips should help you hang in there until then!

Healthy (food) Tips for Beating the Winter Blahs - Life Your Way
Other Mood-Boosting or Energy Yielding Foods - The Daily Muse

Use your indoor time to Boost your Creativity - via WiseBread
and to tackle a small project around the house. Here are some ideas from Our Fifth House.

Get organized! Complete a project around the house to reduce clutter. Check out my Pinterest board on Organization for some great ideas!

This is also a great time to organize your closet, pull out spring and summer clothes, get them washed and pressed, and pack away the winter layers you no longer need. Here is a resource to help with that. 

Have a great weekend and don't let winter get you too down! 

Saturday Share: Coffee

It is no surprise that I like coffee. I like coffee a lot. 

So, inspired by my favorite drink addiction, here are some great links all centered around delicious java. Pour yourself a latte and enjoy these coffee-related links for your Saturday!

The Science Behind Coffee and How it Might Actually be Good for You - via Lifehacker

Mocha Cappuccino Cookies - Sweet Chick

Best Friends Mugs - via Beautiful Mess
**Note: From the many pins I've read on these, the only way to get them to truly be permanent is to use a food-grade, ceramic-based paint pen. You can get them at Michael's and supposedly they are the only permanent solution. However, I have not tested that myself.

"But first, coffee" tank from Skreened
{I seriously need this tank!}

This big database of coffee recipes, many of which can be made using a Keurig or Nespresso machine (or other in home brewers) - www.javaqueen.com

Happy Saturday!

Saturday Share: Staying Safe

This was not my original plan for re-introducing the Saturday Share series, but in light of recent life-events, it seemed fitting. For your weekend reading pleasure, I've compiled some great resources to help you stay safe and protect your belongings.

Avoid car break-ins - via NY Daily News

Tips on car break-ins direct from a police officer - via Business Know-How

My favorite tip: a disguise for if you must store your stuff inside your car - via Wisebread

Don't make stealing the car itself too easy - via Wisebread

But if it does... Rely on Taxi Drivers to Find your Stolen Car - via Lifehacker

Prevent identity theft using these quick-tips - via Business Insider 
And with 10 more great tips!

Secure your digital accounts - via Life.YourWay

I recommend keeping a list of all your accounts (in a secure place, like a fireproof lock-box). That way, when a card is stolen, you are able to immediately provide the full credit card number to authorities and to any places that need it for follow up. I was able to get the video of the man at Wal-mart because I had the full credit card number for the manager to locate the transaction. Some advisors say to keep copies of the front and back of your ID's and major credit cards as well. I know having my full license number would have made the restoration process much easier. 

Make sure you keep these documents in a secure place (not online or in a file cabinet) but keep them accessible. You may find this method handy even if theft does not occur.

Be safe and have a wonderful weekend!

Saturday Share

Starting next week, I am going to have a series of posts set up as we close and move into our new home!! The transition is going to be crazy-busy, so I developed some great posts to help you with a vast array of topics, from budget and finance to fashion to home-buying (fitting, eh?) Stay tuned for the official announcement and schedule next week. In the meantime, enjoy my link roundup:

READ: this article and then the book: Overdressed - Not only did The Budget Babe write an amazingly honest and interesting review, but the book is worth a read as well. Admittedly, I have not read it through yet, but it is most certainly on my list and I've heard many great things!

DO: something good for others by donating basic, cheap items you most likely have extras of throughout your home. {seriously. Who doesn't have about 100 pens they don't use?} - Via Unclutterer

PREPARE: for National Military Voter Readiness Day on September 15! Learn how to request and fill-out absentee ballots. If you're a resident, make sure you're registered. 

Learn more about the Heroes Vote initiative, here - this is so worth a minute of your time!

LEARN: how to be happy, er, unhappy with these tips - via The Art of NonConformity

{A great article about the things we do that affect our happiness and cause us to get in our own way. Good reminder. Valuable read.}

GET ORGANIZED: with 99 tips for organization on the cheap - via Style at Home

Have a great weekend!

Saturday Share

This week was especially long, since I spent two days in insurance classes in Denver and we had a lot of things going on with the house (We passed our inspection!) As such, I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. I did manage to round up a few great links from the week for your pleasure. 

LEARN: How to use everyday things to make your life a little easier - via Real Simple

MAKE: a cute and highly organized place to hold your recipes 
{I am currently working on mine right now!}

DO: take time out of everyday to calm your nerves and clear your brain! - via Happy Go Legal

WATCH: This video. It's a mash-up of all the best movies from your childhood (ahem, the 80's and 90's) to the lyrics of Sir-Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back." Seriously, this vid will make you smile. (Thanks for the share, Leah!)

ENTER: these great giveaways: 

1. From Mrs. to Mama - 2000 Reader Giveaway!

2. I Heart Organizing - Scrapbox Giveaway

Have a great weekend!

Saturday Share

We're dealing with more house stuff today, hoping to start really tying up the loose ends. We might also stop at the live auctions and see what kind of furniture and appliances they have right now. In the meantime, I am going to share my weekly links with you.

LEARN: How to host guests in your home - via the Simply Luxurious Life
And when someone is hosting you, give them one of these great gifts - Real Simple

DO: Protect your digital presence with these tips via Tech...Your Way

READ: This article - 7 Tricks Your Mind Plays on You - via Lifehacker

MAKE: This fudge. And then send me some.

Source: thetwobiteclub.blogspot.com via Mel on Pinterest

Saturday Share

While I am waiting for Rafflecopter to finish maintenance so I can pick the winner of my giveaway, I wanted to share my links of the week. 

LEARN: About scholarships available for military families (of all ages!) 
Forget the Dog, Not the Baby

USE: These 10 tips on how to fit working out into your busy schedule - via Healthy Homefront


READ: What all renters need to know to protect themselves - via Financially Wise Women


PLAN: everything in your home with these home management printables (They're free!)
via Life.Your Way


WATCH: This video - He's cute, but he sure is stupid
(See more here)

Saturday Share

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday week and that you got to enjoy some time outdoors and with family and friends. (Can you tell that I am seriously missing mine right now?) 

On to this week's batch of links: 

LEARN: How to pack smart from Real Simple

WATCH: My husband (and his unit) receiving firefighter training this week:

DO: not stay up late to finish something that you wouldn't get up early for


GET: inspired to start a business, create a product, do something...
If Sarah Blakeley can do it, you can too! This woman is amazing!


MAKE: Crab Cake Sliders w/ Pineapple Kiwi Salsa for the perfect summer sandwich

ENTER: My giveaway by 07/14!

Saturday Share: Obamacare

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, I am going to skip the traditional link-share and instead share a list of articles and links related to the decision. 

I am trying to share information and insight from all sides of the issue and keep it informative, rather than political. If I missed something helpful, please let me know. I'd love to include more links if you find one especially interesting!

The full opinion (66 pages)

7 Ways Obamacare will Enormously Impact your Family - via Mommyish

How the Supreme Court Ruling will Affect your Business - via The Grindstone

Court Holds that States have Choice Whether to Join Medicare Expansion - via SCOTUSBlog

A Roberts Switch in Time - via SCOTUSreport

Individual Mandate Survives; It's a Tax Now - via Above the Law

Top Ten Takeaways from Obamacare Decision - via BIGGovernment

The Impact of Obamacare - via The Heritage Foundation

And...from the Administration: Obamacare Facts

I think it is really important to be informed, know your rights and know how this will affect you. If you're upset, do something about it. If you're happy, express that too. Either way, vote. Seriously. Always vote!

Saturday Share

Another week gone...At this point, I am an expert on gathering and sharing my favorite web-links. You should see my bookmark folders which are broken down into categories such as "political," "diy/decor," "fashion," "money," etc...and then into subcategories: "shared," "not to share," "yet to read." 

Don't feel bad, I actually really enjoy the process! I just hope you like the shares as much as I like sharing them!

This week:


BE: Safe this summer by following this list of safety tips.
Great tips on health and safety for your home, car and the beach! Via Walgreens


LEARN: How to cancel on someone gracefully via Lifehacker


BUDGET: your life using this financial priority pyramid from Moneysense


STYLE: your hair in one of these braided styles - perfect for days at the beach or when you did have time to wash your hair! Via Real Simple


I am looking for guest bloggers or people who would like to provide a product for giveaway. This is a great way to promote your home business or etsy shop or just to get more traffic to your own blog! If you are interested, please message me (or stop by my Facebook page) to sign up!

Saturday Share

Another week...another list of links. Happy Saturday, y'all!

INVEST: time and money into the 4 B's 


USE: One of these 9 decluttering tips from top professional organizers


MAKE: use of your corners, by building an outfit-planning bar


LAUGH: At this pin...

Source: someecards.com via Mel on Pinterest

Saturday Share

This week has been a complete whirlwind, and, frankly I don't foresee that getting any better. We're only in week two (technically three, with the preview week) of my Bar class and it's only going to be more intense as we get closer to the bar exam. I am trying to stay on top of blogging, but after class, studying, job searching and spending time with Al, I'm usually pretty wiped. 

This Saturday, I've collected a lot of links to share with y'all, most of which have provided me much-needed study breaks. Hope you enjoy them too!

READ: The June issue of Matchbook Mag featuring (one of my favorite) designer Cynthia Rowley!

(Forgive me for this one, but...) FIND: The (valuable) lessons one can learn from Sex and the City (or any girly show)

REMEMBER: All these great things from childhood? Feel old yet? 


PLAN: a staycation in your city - is yours on this list? 


LEARN: How to use TriCare while on leave or vacation via Healthy Homefront


MAKE: Cupcakes (1 or 2) for your summer events or these delicious jello "mimosas"

Thanks for your support!

Saturday Share

Happy June! The weather is beautiful here in Colorado and I am going to enjoy some time outdoors today. 

First, of course, I wanted to provide you a little weekend reading. Enjoy!

LEARN: How to add 30 minutes to your day (and be more productive) 


WATCH: This CBS video featuring none other than the lovely Lori Volkman (and her husband) from Witty Little Secret


ORGANIZE: your home using this 130-sq-ft, apartment as inspiration


MAKE: time to check some of these 101 ways to embrace summer off your list


Have a great weekend!

Saturday Share

Can you believe this is the last weekend in May? I have been living in Colorado for a whole month already! We are headed out for a camping trip this weekend with another couple, so I won't be back until after the Monday holiday. 

In the meantime, here are your Saturday links: 


READ: "Spouses See More Job Choices" by Lisa Daniel at Military.com

LEARN: About the great tablets on the market by TechRepublic
(And help me pick which one I should buy, other than Apple iPad.)

SAVE: Money for these 6 major expenses via Money.Yourway


WATCH: This video on the new workout craze - Dance Walking via Healthy Homefront

Saturday Share

I'm back in Minnesota for graduation weekend. It's good to see family and friends even though I just left a few weeks ago. The best part, of course, is the actual graduation, which will be tomorrow afternoon. I think this new life will feel more real once I don that gown and accept that diploma!

I pulled together another set of links for your pleasure: 

LEARN: About how Julia can have a better life by TheFoundry

Which was in response to this infographic by the Obama Campaign
(**I provided both sides of the argument as a non-political, merely informative, share. I just found them both to provide good information no matter which side you're on!)


MAKE: One of these great party dips on Pizzazzerie


READ: This list of 101 Timeless Life Lessons by Marc & Angel


Don't forget to enter my giveaway! The winner will be picked when I return on Monday.
Have a great weekend!

Saturday Share

Today is Al's birthday, so he's calling the shots. We'll see what he comes up with for entertainment. In the meantime, enjoy these links for your Saturday:

LEARN: The 11 Things Your Hairdresser Wants You to Know by The Friskey

DO: Cut diet soda out of your diet (for your health!) by YouBeauty


If you do cut diet soda out and feel the lack of energy - try Starbucks Happy Hour!


READ: About why women are more ambitious (or not - you tell me...) by The Careerist


SUPPORT: One (or more) of the lovely milspouses you know, by nominating them for AllYou Mag's Military Mom contest!




Happy Saturday (And Happy Birthday, baby!)

Saturday Share {On Sunday}

I've read a lot of girl-power-esque articles recently and I wanted to share them. I always find that self-affirmation and female friendships that empower and encourage are vital for a healthy, happy life. So, today, consider me your friend who is passing along good, positive words to start your week!

LEARN: What your body actually looks like and Why women are unaware of it

And then go cherish all the wonderful things your body can do!

GO: On an inexpensive vacation, and focus on yourself!

DO: This before you turn 30 - I bet you'll already have many of them crossed off!

READ: About these great women in the Marine Corps - Go fems!

I have some fun stuff coming up this week, including some posts of all the organizing projects I've been doing around the apartment. In the meantime, go enter my giveaway for an Amazon.com e-gift so you can treat yourself to something special!