Donnaism

If this ends up making sense, it was pure luck. Not planned whatsoever. That's what happens when you sit down with a Cinnamon Dolce Latte and start click-clackin'. The rest of the world calls it typing, but not my oldest sister. To her, I'm click-clackin'.

One of my faithful and supportive readers, The Numbers Whisperer, gets a kick out of my southern idioms. Although I'm not the first to have said, "Shut your mouth wide open!" or "It's hotter than fish grease!", she refers to them as Donna-isms. And being the twitter-addicted blogger I am, I've claimed the phrase appropriately by making it a hashtag.

The other day I tweeted this one:

don't force it. whatever IT is. #donnaism

(sidenote: I just wasted about 17 minutes of my life trying to figure out how to embed a tweet. I can't get those 17 minutes back. Ever.)

@MicheleDortch retweeted it and said she needed to hear that. You're welcome, Michele.

If you're still reading - thank you. I think I'm about to make a point.

I really could've forced out a themed topic relating to Christmas that probably would've made some sense. But I didn't want to. Instead, I waited to write. I'm allowing the words to just flow. However they're popping into my head is how they're being click-clacked.

As I continue to evolve, I'm making a conscience effort to not force it. Nothing that was ever forced felt good.

While people are resolving to not have resolutions and to be intentional without setting goals or whatever the popular thing is going into 2012, this is what I'm going to focus on. And my three words from last year of course.

If you don't do anything differently in the new year,

give yourself permission to just be.

Naturally. Whoever you are.

Don't feel obligated to meet anyone's expectations other than your own. But do yourself a favor in the process. Raise the bar.

I appreciate you putting up with me yet another year. Thank you for reading and sharing your feelings. I'm grateful for every single social media mention, comment, and most importantly for you telling someone about my blog and inviting them to the party.

I can't promise you anything other than to keep giving you the truth.

Honestly uncontrived.

That is how I choose to be.

Email Confession: I Want MORE

"Hello!

I found your blog quite by accident awhile back, and although I’m not a daily reader, I really appreciate what you’ve accomplished. I think I remember seeing one of your blogs some time ago that addressed how you submitted articles to magazines and what you went through. My question to you is – can you direct me to that blog again, or give a gal some help in that area? I want to submit an article to MORE Magazine – I’ve never been published before since I write primarily for myself, but I have a story I think would be so interesting to middle-age women needing a change, and MORE caters to women in my age group. Thanks! BSW"

*********************

Hey BSW!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate it. Yes, you did read where I shared my experiences with getting articles published.

Congratulations for taking the initiative to reach out to MORE. It may take a couple of tries before you get someone's attention, but don't give up. Be prepared to possibly having your content published online vs. in the print publication. I actually prefer digital because your stuff stays on the internet forever. When you send your pitch to the editor, be sure to tell them how their readers will benefit from your piece. What will they gain/learn? What void are you filling? If you have a compelling story, tell it, but be brief.

Here's their Media Kit - look over it. Let them know which audience(s) you're going to reach. I hope this helps. Wishing you much success and shoot me a link to your article once it's published.

Hugs & Handshakes,

Miss Donna

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

• doesn't matter if you've visited one time or one-hundred, I'll do my best to answer your questions
• if there's someplace I can send you for more information, I'll share that too (here's a great post about the scary truth of getting media coverage)
• something on your mind?! let me know. send a note to info@donnaljohnson.com. let's keep the conversation going!

Paying The Price For Growth

Saturday night on the Suze Orman Show, the one-on-one guest was a graphic designer who needed Suze's help. In addition to her bills, the graphic designer had a total of $40,000 worth of work she'd performed but had never been paid for.

I know. I had the same dumb perplexed expression on my face too.

But get this. It wasn't because folks had skipped out on paying her. She - the business owner - hadn't bothered to bill the clients! She said on tv, in front of the Lord and everybody, that she would get so caught up in completing the work, she'd just move on to the next project without invoicing.

At the end of the show, Suze gave entrepreneurs two pieces of advice. One I agreed with. The other I didn't.

GOOD ADVICE

Hire someone to do the stuff you can't do. Or the stuff you're not good at. It makes sense and sounds doable on the surface, however I understand that not everyone is in a financial position to outsource.

In this particular situation, it appears the graphic designer had the means to hire help. And we all know in the age of the ever-popular virtual assistant, recruiting a freelancer takes away the risk of hiring a permanent employee. And it's a helluva lot cheaper too.

YOUR BLOG AS A BUSINESS

A couple of weeks ago I participated in the #BlogTrends chat on twitter. The topic was expanding your blog. During the course of the chat, I made the comment that at some point, you have to hire help.

Well what did I do that for?! Folks got all upset telling me how they would never hire someone to write for them.

Ok. That's fine. Neither would I.

When you look at your blog as a business - instead of a hobby - you have a different perspective. Yes, you love to write, Yes, you love to share whatever it is you're sharing, but you don't lose sight of your blog being a source of income.

BAD ADVICE

Suze acknowledged there are quite a few people starting businesses as a result of the crappy job market. She went on to say if you can't afford to outsource your weaknesses, you probably shouldn't take the entrepreneur route.

Suze. I love you, but you're wrong.

HIRING FREE HELP

I've been really bummed out about not posting more videos on my blog. In case you didn't know, The Girl is my videographer. She enjoys going out with me to different places to shoot and then doing the editing.

While you may not have access to a tech-savvy teenager, I'm sure there's someone in your network who would love to give you a hand. You just have to ask and be willing to offer some assistance in return.

When I made the statement about hiring someone to help expand your blog, that's what I was talking about.

What do you need to take your blog up a notch?
Sidenote: You can remove the word 'blog' and insert business, quality of life, etc.

Where can you find the resources to help you get there?

I examined every penny I have looking for extra money to bring on a project-based videographer. That's just a fancy way of saying I was in desperate need of someone to follow me around town and hold my flip camera.

Low and behold, it turns out an employee of one of my coaching clients was willing to do it for free to get experience. She has a homebased business and wants to integrate video into her marketing.

Perfect. Problem solved. It's a win for both of us. It didn't cost me anything, but had it - I was willing to pay. What I could afford, of course.

If you're looking to grow in the upcoming year, it might help to think with the end in mind.

Don't look at yourself as a struggling blogger (if you google 'struggling blogger' and my picture comes up, please don't tell me!).

You know the popular blogger who boasts about making money and gets invitied to all the conferences and commands big bucks for her sponsored posts? At some point she realized she couldn't do it all on her own.

When you're ready to treat your blog like the thriving business it can be, you'll realize it too.

You've Got Mail: Eggplant & Glimmer

Back in October, I told you about my encounter with girdles and opportunities. That's when I ordered Avon from my online friend - Jan. I told you I would shoot a video so you could see what I bought.

Honestly, I forgot I had the stuff tucked away in my closet. Blame it on the devil.

A few weeks ago, Stesha shared some of her must-have beauty products and that's when I

remembered my box of unopened goods.

 I ABSUHLOOTELY love that bedazzled makeup bag!

I bought it as a gift for someone, but to tell you the truth - I don't think she's gettin' it.

The Girl has her eye on it too. She looked at it this morning and said, "If this sits here any longer, it might come up missing..." Oh yeah?! Touch it and you might come up missing!

Glimmer and Glow Bag                   $5.99

Big Color Eye Pencil (eggplant)       $3.06

SuperExtend Mascara (black steel)  $3.93

The above items were purchased from Avon's outlet. Equivalent to being on clearance I guess. I say that because those three items are no longer available. According to the representative, nothing came up when I gave her the product numbers so I can't even give you the regular price for each.

This is my all-time favorite thing from Avon:

If you want some of your own, you're in luck!

Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion (2oz)   $4.00

**Please don't send hate mail when I tell you I got mine for 99¢ per bottle.**

How much savings percentage is that?! Just what I figured. A whole helluva lot.

All of this, plus tax and shipping was only $19.44. The order shipped super fast - placed it on 10/14 and got it on 10/19.

I'm really happy right now. I've got stuff to make my eyes pretty and stuff to take it off with when I'm done and something snazzy to carry it all in too.

Damn. That's right. The bag isn't mine. My bad.

4 Priceless Lessons from Free Publicity

This past Saturday I had the privilege of appearing on our local NBC station. It was my third time on the live weekend morning show and this time around I gave tips on getting the most out of gift cards.

This past Saturday was also Small Business Saturday. When I originally sent my pitch, it was for a segment featuring affordable accessories as gift-giving ideas. I'd done all the research on trends and colors and everything.

KXAN does a fantastic job of featuring locally owned businesses, so it made perfect sense to start local.

Nobody told me this part: Getting companies to respond to you is damn near impossible. At least that was my experience.

Of the three businesses I reached out to, two never responded and the one owner who did was skeptical about how her company was going to be portrayed. Yes - after specifically stating that I'd like to feature a few of her accessories on an affordable gift-giving tv segment, she still had concerns.

Ok. You can sell me your stuff, but you're questioning me promoting it - on tv?!

All of this may be fairly new to me, but I refuse to beg folks to allow me to give them free publicity.

Much to my surprise, Kohls was the only retailer who returned my phone call and showed interest.

After sharing my frustrations with my contact at the station, she decided the gift card segment would be more timely. When I sent the original pitch - the one for affordable accessories that local business owners didn't respond to - I also included two other pitch ideas. Gift card tips was one of them.

And from this I learned the following:

1. Working with small businesses and solo-entrepreneurs doesn't always equal less red tape. Sometimes egos can take the place of stringent corporate policies and procedures.
2. This was very stressful in the beginning, but I enjoyed it.
3. When you present Plan A, it's a good idea to throw Plans B&C in the mix...just in case.
4. Once you realize you've mistaken a transaction for a real relationship, accept it and keep it moving.

Lessons, experiences, challenges or whatever you want to call them are around us all the time. These snafus shape our journey. And thanks to something I read on @AnOptimisticMom's blog, I know this one was right on time.

How Best Buy Blew It

When I started jotting down notes for this post, they were all positive. That was the intention then. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the story that's about to unfold is down right shameful.

On October 19, 2011, I ordered a Dell ink cartridge online from BestBuy.com. I was all excited because you get a 20% discount by ordering online on Wednesdays. The cartridge was regularly $23.99 and after the discount it came out to $19.19 (total with tax is $20.77).

I opted to pick it up in the store instead of having it shipped to Headquarters. The shipping timeframe was between 10/25 - 10/29. It would be available for pick up on 10/27 - a specific date.

Or so I thought.

On 10/27, the shipping date, I got an email saying the order had been delayed. An exact reason wasn't given, but the email said I'd receive another email when the order had been shipped.

Fast forward to November 17, 2011:

I've YET to receive said email and I don't have a damn clue as to where my ink cartridge is. And guess what?! Best Buy don't know where it is either!

I have to be honest and tell you with all the fractured tibia drama going on in my life, this ink cartridge was way down on my priority list. I refuse to let October the Devil infiltrate my November.

On 11/2 I called Best Buy customer service. I have to give them some credit for having zero hold time and a painless automated system. However, when the rep came on the line, it was all downhill from there.

She (typically I would've gotten her name, but it was irrelevant) basically said:

• the warehouse had requested shipping (wonderful! now tell me something I don't know)
• the item was shipped to the store, but she didn't know on what date. (really?! really?!) when I expressed my frustration she then backtracked and said the weather was making 'the system' slow and if I had time to wait she'd look for it. I was placed on hold while she had someone else look for the mystery shipping date. It took at least 5 minutes for her to come back and tell me the supervisor couldn't give me a shipping date. (no - I didn't ask to speak with the supervisor because I'm totally convinced EVERYBODY is mild-to-moderately incompetent.)
• due to having issues with 'the system' she couldn't even get to the reason why the shipment was delayed.
• I'd have to contact the store to see if it's there OR wait on the email.

After being on the phone for 21 minutes I hung up with nothing. No answers. No ink cartridge.

On 11/17 I went to the Best Buy store where the item was to have been shipped. In a nutshell, I was told the exact same thing by the clerk and his manager. Nothing.

The manager informed me I could call customer service and get a refund.

Shut your mouth wide open! Like, that's an option?! I'm so grateful!

I couldn't help but wonder if Best Buy would have the same attitude if the missing item in question was this:

image courtesy of BestBuy.com

Sale:

$3,299.98

Reg. Price:

$3,799.98

Why would anyone trust them with a major purchase if they can't keep track of a $20 ink box?!

* * * * * * * * * *

I want my ink cartridge.

I want an explanation. One that makes sense.

A Date With Plain Ivey Jane

This past Saturday The Girl and I spent the day together. Whenever that happens, there's sure to be food and fashion involved. In that order.

I got wind of a fashion show brunch tweeted by @2NDStDistrict and decided it would be the perfect place for us to hang out. 

You know it's damn near impossible to go to something like this without asking the million dollar question:

"What am I gonna wear?!?"

Prior to seeing the tweet, I'd never heard of Plain Ivey Jane. 

As if you didn't already know I'm a discount-shopping-non-couture kinda girl.  

When the show got underway, I was pleasantly surprised to see the models wearing wearable clothes:

 

My event photographer was invited to pose. She accepted:

 Since Saturday, I've been asking God to perform a miracle on my hips so they can accommodate this cute Hype charcoal washable silk dress:

Both me and The Girl's eyes lit up when this ensemble hit the catwalk.

Can you say, "Happy New Year!"

Sarah Reeves fulfilled her dream of having her own boutique.

 By doing so, she made it possible for women to have affordable designer goods without breaking the bank.

me and Plain Ivey Jane owner, Sarah Reeves

As you can see, Plain Ivey Jane carries a variety of apparel and accessories. Betsey Johnson, Diane Von Furstenburg, Vera Wang, and Marc by Marc Jacobs are just a few of the brands you'll find there. 

How do they do it? Sarah buys overstock directly from the designers and then passes those savings on to you.

She calls it Closeout Couture. 

I like that.

What's your favorite look from the fall showcase?

Guess what?! Due to the overwhelming response to this post, I started a personal style blog. But it's not just any personal style blog. Go on..click here to check it out!

A One Night Stand for Charity

Back in August I told you about my experience auctioneering a live auction for the first time. It was a charitable event hosted by the Interior Design Society Texas Hill Chapter to raise money for a room make-over for SafePlace.

That night, we raised close to $3,000.

The entire project has been made possible by the generous contributions of the IDS members, contractors, and regular people like you and me. Everything has been donated. From labor to materials to time. 

We held the finale event at the end of October to get the funds in order to complete the project.

This one was a silent auction complete with karaoke, costumes, margaritas, and a slew of vendors offering fantabulous door prizes. A local artist painted an original picture right before our eyes - the only item auctioned off live. 

me, a one-night-stand, and Chair of IDS Charitable Committee

 

Both events were mega-successes considering the fact that IDS has only been in existence here locally for not even a year. I'm truly humbled and blessed to be a part of such a giving organization. 

With just under $5,000 and a whole lot of teamwork, the make-over is in progress and we're all eagerly awaiting the reveal. I'll be there front and center...with a wad of tissues, as I'm sure there won't be a dry eye in the house.

With the holidays approaching, there'll be all kinds of causes for you to support. 

Remember, those in need can benefit from your time as well as your money.

*To my Facebook friends who inquired about my dress, I got it at Body Central.

Mobile Phone Geeks: Cell Phone Contract Alternative

As much as I love social media and being online, I don't consider myself to be a super technologically advanced person. I can do without all the latest gadgets and you won't find me at the center of any groundbreaking advancements. 

Remember. I'm the person who just cut the cords from my desktop last summer and moved into the laptop generation.

Having said all that, you shouldn't be surprised I didn't have web service on my mobile phone. Until now.

I had a two year old smart phone that was web capable, but I didn't feel the need to be connected at all times. Texting 24/7 was more than enough for me.

My phone recently died and I decided it was time for me to get with the program. I was going to invest in a quality phone and web plan. After all, I am a blogger...I need to be able to throw up a post from anywhere!

No matter how much the thought of tweeting in public excited me, I WAS NOT entering into another contract with T-Mobile®. Not for a phone, not for a plan, not for nothing.

I had one option and one option only. Head down to Mobile Phone Geeks.

I have to confess I wouldn't have known they existed had it not been for The Girl. You see, when she went behind my back last year and bought an iPhone off of eBay, she researched ahead of time to find out where to take it to get it jailbroken or whatever you call it. 

Not only do the Geeks sell new and refurbished phones, they repair em too. Just ask The Girl. She's had at least two cracked screens and one "it needs a new LCD" experiences (at her own expense of course).

The thought of getting a refurbished phone didn't bother me one bit. Why should it?! When my Behold from T-Mobile® broke within days of receiving it, the handset protection aka insurance rip-off covered me. They shipped a brand new pre-owned model to my front door...and continued to bill me monthly for the original brand new one that resulted in a two-year contract and endless phone calls to customer service.

This is not a scenario I ever want to repeat. 

I was actually able to test drive two different phones before deciding which one I'd take home. What cell phone retailer lets you do that?! I was able to put the phones to use to see which one would be best for what I'd be using it for.

If there's a PhD in cell phones, Mobile Phone Geeks has earned it. 

They have several locations throughout central Texas and you can chat with them in person seven days a week. Always personable, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile to get you taken care of.

Out of state? No problem! They offer mail-in repair service.

I haven't written my first mobile blog post yet, but thanks to Mobile Phone Geeks, you can find me tweeting and updating my Facebook status from this beauty:

T-Mobile® myTouch® 4G. photo courtesy of tmobile.com

How did I survive being in the "there's an app for that!" dark ages all this time?

Disclosure: My relationship with Mobile Phone Geeks began long before this sponsored post. As such, the above opinions are expressly my own.

October is The Devil

Dear October 2011,

I need for you to get the hell outta my life ASAP! Yes, I know you're gonna show up like clock-work, but was it really necessary for you to be such a bitch this time around?!

It started with the pitiful blog stats you threw at me. Like really...85 pageviews per day?? Give me a damn break!

When you saw that was starting to consume me, you did what you thought was the right thing by pushing my elderly mama down while she was trying to plug in her candle warmer.

NEVER again do I want to be responsible for a 73 year old woman set in her ways who refuses any kind of help and turns extremely vicious when you take away her nicotine! It's not a pretty sight. Trust me.

But ooohhhh noooooo...you didn't stop there. You had to go and do this:

no caption needed. his body language speaks for itself.

You see that look up there on his face? That's the look of a kid who's pissed off at October!

leaving after-hours doctor visit. nurse not included.

Did you miss the memo that The Boy plays FLAG football?! A low-to-no contact sport?! You were considerate enough though to break his right tibia on the same day his Granny had surgery on hers.

And as a result, I'm waaaayyyy too familiar with the orthopedic procedure known as 'open fixation internal reduction'.

A fancy way of saying, "You're getting Propofal while we cut you open and stick screws in your broken bones".

Which brings us to this:

pre-surgery. post-crying episode.

You know good and damn well I had no intentions of ever going public with Baby Daddy! His role is behind the scenes. Paying bills and other duties as assigned. Your tactic to get us photographed together was evil!

The look on his face says, "Yippee! She finally put my pic on her blog!"

Mine says, "Don't let the fake grin fool ya...I'm still bustin' a cap in October's ass when this is all over with!"

The poor kid has no idea what's going on. Look at his eyes. He's feeling kinda Charlie Sheen-ish thanks to the pre-Propofal cocktail the nice nurse lady gave him. Winning!

I'm convinced October is really 'Satan on a Calendar'. Halloween has been abolished up in here.

we need to work on his non-verbal communication.

No. That's not the on-call physician making his rounds. That's the private bedside entertainment provided by Dell Children's Medical Center.

Note to Aetna Insurance: If above mentioned entertainment isn't covered by you, please remember to bill Baby Daddy accordingly.

After day-surgery that turned into an overnight hospital stay, you sent us home. With a wheelchair, crutches, and codeine (the urinal Baby Daddy walked out with, as if it were some kind of a trophy, is irrelevant.)

The look on The Boy's face was priceless when he got home and saw these:

the infamous biceps he asked the physical therapist to measure.

If I have anything to do with it, those will be the only footballs he ever holds again for the rest of his life.  

Found Online: Friends, Girdles & Opportunities

Have you ever seen one of those enticing, yet spammy looking advertisements telling you you could get paid for your time just by completing surveys?

I stumbled across another one here recently that was offering a $150 Visa gift card to watch cable programming for five days. They were conducting research for a new online-only subscription service called HBO Go. About two days into the project, my logon got messed up so I wasn't able to complete the study. I answered like 10 questions and was surprised when I got an email saying my payment was ready to be redeemed. Turns out, those 10 questions were equivalent to $20.

I'd already decided what I was gonna buy had I gotten paid in full. I was heading over to Target for one of these:

photo courtesy of target.com

The remaining balance was gonna be used for Christmas shopping.

Instead of getting another muffin top reducer, I decided to support one of my buddies who's working her ass off to build her direct sales business. I've known this lady for almost two years now and she's one of my biggest cheerleaders. She sends me links to deals and shares all kinds of money saving resources with me. When I write a post about a challenge I'm facing, she takes the time to send an email offering encouragement.

And by the way...when I say "I've known her" for almost two years, that means we met on Facebook in March 2010...never laid eyes on her in real life. But that's how social networking works...when you're really building relationships.

I can't wait for my Avon to get here! I scored some pretty good deals by ordering from Jan online.

I remember when I was a little girl and the Avon lady would come by our house on Saturday afternoons. My my my have times changed.

Anyway, if you're in need of eye shadow or perfume or foot scrub or jewelry or Christmas ornaments or anything else, click on over and order from Jan.

I'll shoot a video and show you my goodies when they get here!

Dr. Oz Is Going To Be The Death Of Me

The clueless non- coffee drinkers of America probably didn't know National Coffee Day was September 29th.

I celebrated. With coffee. Nothing fancy, just my usual Folgers instant. 

Coffee addict - yes. Coffee snob - no.

With a different study out on any given day giving conflicting and confusing information about the health benefits or lack thereof when it comes to drinking coffee, you can imagine how torn I am trying to decide if I want to kick the habit altogether.

I gave it up for lent a couple of years ago and didn't die, but the thought of divorcing it for good makes my heart rate drop.

What I have decided to do is make a few healthier choices...choices that work for me. 

Dairy creamer is out. No more french vanilla flavoring in my cup. I'm using almondmilk in its place.

Bye-bye sugar as of this month. I finally followed Dr. Oz's advice and stirred in a little agave nectar.

photo courtesy of drugstore.com

I bought the exact one pictured above (from Wal-Mart..no trip to a specialty store) and I absolutely love the taste! 

It costs like $3 and change so I just closed my eyes when the checker scanned it. This certainly qualifies as one of those items that make you say, "Um...can you take that off please?!", when you get to the end of your transaction and see your total. Don't even act like you ain't never done that before!

In the event I don't give up my java and considering the changes in how I 'take mine' now, I'd still like to work up to drinking it straight black. 

THAT would make me feel like a real woman!

Bloggers Don't Get Paychecks - Part 2

I'm really excited to announce my video project with Social Moms on behalf of their client, Nature's Path Organic Foods.

When I wrote Bloggers Don't Get Paychecks and shared the opportunity on my Facebook page, some of you wanted to know how this came about:

• I've been an inactive member of Social Moms (SM) since 2008 or 2009 (when it was known as Twitter Moms). I continue to get the newsletter and scan it for opportunities. When I saw the call out, I completed the questionnaire immediately. 
• Since I wasn't active in the SM community, I really didn't expect to get a response. Much to my surprise, I received an email from the SM team telling me they'd checked out my blog and videos and liked them. I'm making it a point to bring up my inactivity because there are some networks who give preferential treatment/better opportunities to members who engage more and/or pay for premium membership privileges. This isn't the case with SM. Thanks, Megan. 

• The fact that I have a YouTube channel was instrumental in me being chosen. All I had to do was point to my videos and let them speak for themselves. No convincing on my part. The decision makers were free to draw their own conclusion as to whether or not I'd be a good fit to convey their brand messaging.
• To increase your chances of getting paid gigs via your blog, you have to diversify and show all of your talents. Text-only blog posts won't cut it.You have to stand out and be memorable.

• This opportunity was pretty lucrative in my opinion, especially for a first timer like me. It took planning and scripting and directing. It's more labor intensive than writing a post to review a product. The only instructions I received were to be creative, incorporate music/dancing, and keep it under 30 seconds.
• Having a social media presence to be able to share and spread the message is very important, but SM or their client didn't focus on my follower/fan/subscriber numbers. They were interested in my content. If you think you can't put yourself out there until you grow your following, I'm here to tell you I have less than 6,000 twitter followers, just under 200 Facebook fans, and I'm holding steady at 53 YouTube subscribers with no viral videos. Some bloggers are interested in popularity contests and trying to penetrate the in-crowd. I'm not one of them.

You have to get clear on your goals for blogging and take steps every day to move you closer to achieving those goals. You have to be ready for the opportunity before it ever presents itself.

Stay humble, show gratitude, and help the person next to you. 

The spotlight might be on you at the moment, but you can't forget about the community who gave you the platform to shine.

This is not a sponsored post, meaning I'm not being paid to write this. I was compensated for creating a video for Nature's Path.

Vague Blog Disclosures Suck

At some point if you monetize your blog, you have to figure out how you're going to disclose the pay-for-play relationship you have with brands and sponsors you work with.

That's the decision I'm facing as I get set to announce my first paid spokesperson opportunity.

The guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission pretty much leave it up to the blogger as to how we do it, they just want to ensure it's done. 

I've seen it done all kinds of ways - from having a blanket disclosure statement to spelling it out in posts. Some bloggers take the extra step and let their readers know, link by link, when they're promoting affiliates.

Here's how I'm going to disclose the information to you:

In plain, non-confusing, free of legal jargon english at the end of each sponsored post.

Adding a separate disclosure page with cookie-cutter lingo doesn't work for me. Yes, that would make it clear that I may receive compensation, but it's still too ambiguous as far as I'm concerned. If I purchase something with my hard-earned money and decide to write about it, that's one thing. I don't want the lines to become blurred when I'm compensated for giving my opinion.

As my valued reader, it's not your job to figure out when I'm endorsing a product/service for money and when I'm not. I'd be up front with you even if I wasn't required by law to do so.

It all boils down to this: When the shoe is on the other foot, how do I want to be informed? How you answer that question should guide your decision making process when it comes to keeping your audience in the know.

Don't assume I'm turning my blog into fish stick and Febreeze territory. Ain't happening. You got my word. 

I'm simply doing my best to honor our relationship and the trust you bestow upon me. I'm grateful that you take the time to read, share, and engage with me here. 

Amberr declared my blog a "no-bullshit" zone. Let's keep it that way.

Non-Meme Queen: The Versatile Blogger

I've typed and deleted three sentences trying to get this post started. I'm not deleting anything else. Whatever it ends up being, just go with it please?! Great. Thanks.

A few months ago on twitter I had a question about something. I don't remember exactly what, but what I do remember is that Amy came to my rescue and answered it. We've been blogging buddies since then. She lives in Chicago and tells me at least a couple of times a month she wants me to come visit. 

Sit tight, Precious...I'll be there soon as I can!

Three bloggers awarded Amy The Versatile Blogger award. The rules state if your blog is mentioned, you have to tell seven things about yourself and list 15 13 bloggers you think others will enjoy reading.

I appreciate Coffee Lovin Mom passing the torch to me.*

7 RANDOM THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON'T CARE TO KNOW ABOUT TUE®:

1. LEFT. my dominant hand
2. 13. favorite number, was my Daddy's thirteenth child (yes, he had 12 with his first wife)
3. ORANGE. favorite color
4. TERRELL OWENS. the man I plan to marry, he doesn't even know I exist but that's ok
5. OUTBURST!. my ROTFLMAO equivalent, you'll know it when you hear it
6. HEIGHTS. I don't do em
7. BETWEEN A & B. my bra cup size

BLOGS I GOTTA HAVE IN MY LIFE

1. hotchocolocatecaramelmocha
2. The Work at Home Woman
3. The Numbers Whisperer
4. Teen Entrepreneur Blog
5. Learn What Not To Do
6. Libra Fitness Austin
7. Miss Coupon Diva
8. Cassius Blue Consulting
9. 12 Most
10. The VaVoom Factor
11. Dump Your Frump
12. Girl Talk With Marlo
13.  Mel Robbins 

* I'm the self-proclaimed 'Non-Meme Queen'. As such, this is my first and last time participating in one of these.

Thank you kindly, Management.

Bloggers Don't Get Paychecks

A paid video blogging opportunity presented itself, I threw my name in for consideration, and ended up getting chosen to participate. The campaign isn't slated to go live until October and for that reason, I'm not at liberty to divulge the specifics of the project. Once everything is finalized, you'll be the first to know.

So what's the point of me telling you this now?

A good deal of women bloggers will tell you they blog because they love it and could care less if they make  any money. Visit a blog published by a man and you're going to get loads of information telling you why and how you should be monetizing your blog.

Every piece of success advice I've ever read states this golden rule in some variation: do what you love and the money will follow or find something you're passionate about and get paid for doing it. This opportunity is the first rung on my success ladder. It's proof that my work is being recognized and confirms that people are willing to pay for it. Thank you, God. 

WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS?

• I've yet to meet someone who goes to work for free. In most cases, they don't even enjoy what they do OR the people in their office, yet they show up. Why? THEY'RE BEING PAID!
• If people can go to a job they hate in exchange for money, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being compensated for doing something you kinda sorta enjoy - alot (see golden rule statement above). 
• Getting paid as a blogger takes a helluva lot longer than getting paid as an employee, but the earning potential is far greater. Please note: I would've had to work approximately 12 hours at the job I hated in order to make what I made for the video project that took 2 hours from conception to final product. 
• I like the idea of being paid for my creativity. I can name my past employers who made it very clear they weren't paying me for such.
• I have to continue to be on the lookout for these kinds of opportunities in addition to creating them on my own. I have to let people know I exist and the benefits they'll get by putting me to work. 
• Unlike an employee, I get to determine my worth. Since my pay is directly tied to my creativity, the incentive for going above and beyond and standing out is always at the forefront.  In past positions, I've been rewarded for merely meeting expectations and fitting in.
• Because I have expenses aka bills, I won't pocket a dime from this project...something employees AND start-ups can relate to.

 I don't have any qualms about putting this out there: Making money from my blog is only one of the income streams I'm creating and building for myself.

It's no different from any other venture people embark upon. It takes commitment, time, dedication, and innovation and smart investments to get results. If you think you aren't profiting fast enough, don't make the mistake of giving up.

Planning, executing, and adapting isn't just for big businesses. It also applies to blogging.

Read Bloggers Don't Get Paychecks - Part 2 to get the scoop on how it all came about!

Discount Swag: Old Navy Back2School Edition

Shopping at discount stores works for me, but not so much for The Boy and The Girl. Old Navy isn't a regular hang out of mine, but as long as they're running specials like this one AND offering money saving coupons - I'm there!

If you can't see the video below, CLICK HERE.

Since this is the first time I've purchased boys jeans from there, I'm going to pay close attention to the quality - how long they hold up and if they shrink in the dryer, etc. 

Let me know of any other Old Navy finds I might be missing out on. 

Thanks for watching & sharing your thoughts!

How To Survive Long-Term Unemployment

One of my friends I haven't seen in a long time invited me out for coffee. Nothing is on the calendar yet, but she told me when we get together she wanted to talk about how I've survived being unemployed for so long. 

I can't believe I haven't written about this. Yes I can. I have notes and scrap papers full of topics I haven't gotten around to sharing with you yet.

When Stesha told me no new jobs were created in August, I was in shock. Like, not ONE.

Without being too long-winded, I'm going to tell you how I've managed to survive over 36 months of unemployment (got my last unemployment check in May 2010):

FRUGAL FROM THE START

I've seen alot of articles offering tips to help people change their spending habits as a result of "the new economy". I was ahead of the game. While others were trying to figure out what a coupon was and had never touched a clearance rack, I was already a regular non-crazed coupon clipping discount shopper.

I was introduced to coupons around the age of 6. My then brother-in-law would take me to the grocery store and he'd teach me all about doubling and stacking. Although he didn't call it stacking. We just used multiple coupons for one item. He'd quiz me on unit prices. I always failed. I was happy as all get out when the stores started putting the unit price on the shelf sticker!

I've never been a label whore. Except when it comes to canned goods and household stuff. I recently started trying generics. I've switched to Wal-Mart's Great Value version of Scrubbing Bubbles and I also buy their frozen vegetables.

I don't wear designer clothes. If I have on something that's considered "famous label", you best believe I got it at Ross, Marshalls, or TJMaxx. There's an 85% chance it was on clearance and if it was regular price, I put it in layaway.

I shopped the same exact way when I had a paycheck. It's second nature to me.

LIVING WITH LESS

Aside from this big ass house with rooms I don't even go in, I'm a minimalist for the most part. I have a weakness for nice houses...in nice neighborhoods with good schools. This is usually accompanied by nice sized property taxes.

We've been here since 2005 and there are unfurnished rooms in my house. When Baby Daddy lost his job in 2006, that was the end of furniture buying. When most people buy a new house, they run out and furnish it on credit. Not me. Every piece of new furniture was paid for when we moved in thanks to layaway, which is the same as buying cash.

I don't like debt. I have it now as a result of unpaid bills, but it's not something I knowingly sign myself up for. Not having debt is what helped us save our home from foreclosure..the first two times. I've lost track of the number of foreclosure notices we've received. I just focus on the fact that despite overwhelming odds, we're not homeless and I thank God for the modification that resulted in an extremely low interest rate.

I pity the Jones's and have no desire to keep up with them. Running out buying the latest iWhatever has never been my thing. I replace things when they need replacing. I do my best to take care of them so they won't need replacing for a long time.

VALUE YOUR MONEY

I'm a disciplined saver. I like looking at my money. Knowing it's there if I want to spend it. Being all dressed up, taking a trip you really can't afford (because everyone else is going and you're all about impressions) has to be the worst feeling in the world.

When you truly value your money and your self-worth, you don't make decisions like that. You're open and honest about your financial situation with everyone. Not just the people who share the same money philosophy.

When it was time to get a new car in 2007, I bought a quality used car. Why? Because I value my money enough not to sink it into something brand new that's going to depreciate at least 25% the minute I drive it off the lot. Car payments for both cars is $600 month. The price of ONE brand new one.

The one thing I didn't do was save while I was collecting unemployment insurance. I wish I had put back $50 month. That would've left me with $2,475 in savings when it ran out. Enough to have paid my car off in full.

I haven't gotten food stamps, Medicaid for my kids (I did in 2006 when both me and Baby Daddy were jobless), or any other kind of government assistance.

I guess I'm basically trying to say the relationship I've had with money all along is what best prepared me for unemployment.

I've always operated under the mindset that a paycheck is temporary and nothing I should create a lavish lifestyle around. I've truly believed in living well within my means.

Quinoa For Dummies

I had a plethora of titles for this post. Some of which included:

• Shit Dr. Oz Says
• Shit Dr. Oz Says to Eat
• It's Oprah's Fault He's on TV in the First Place
• Black Folks Eat Quinoa AND other Healthy Stuff Too

As not to offend anyone, I stuck with Quinoa for Dummies.

Dr. Oz introduced me to quinoa. Not personally, but via his tv show. He's also the reason why The Boy asks for these. The first time I ever tasted quinoa was earlier this year when my friend Chris gave me a bite of hers. She'd mixed together mushrooms, onions, other vegetables and pasta sauce. Meatless. Really good!

I liked it so much that she gave me a whole bag. No recipes, just told me to follow the cooking instructions on the back. She did say I could use it in place of pasta and rice.

My first attempt at making something turned out good. I pretty much followed Chris's lead and did an all veggie mixture with pasta sauce. The Boy and The Girl loved it!

This time around I experimented a bit more. I initially set out looking for a recipe calling for SilkPure Almond Almondmilk Vanilla. Being the experimenter I am, I thought it would taste good mixed with tomato sauce. Like using it in place of heavy cream.

I googled, found a pasta recipe using almondmilk and sun dried tomatoes, and created this

The quinoa is the white puffy stuff on top.

I took the next two photos using the food setting on my camera.

Is there a big difference in how it looks?

The Girl wanted to know what it was called. I told her I made it up.

She said we should call it

Quinoa Asparagus Trio with Tomato Almondmilk Sauce

Care to know what's in it?!

I made sure to write down what I was throwing in the pan as I went along. And in case you didn't know, measuring stuff when I cook is unheard of. 

Except the sauce. I made sure to get those measurements right for you. And measuring the quinoa for the first time can be tricky. This stuff multiplies like rabbits.

I only cooked a small amount because I didn't know what it was going to taste like. It was enough for me and The Girl to have seconds of the portion size pictured. 

The Boy couldn't have any...tree nut allergy. Bless his heart. 

What You Need: 

1/2 cup Almondmilk

1 6oz can tomato paste

1 1/2 cans of water (using the tomato paste can)

1 bundle of asparagus

As much red onion as you like (I like alot)

1 pkg of chicken sausage

garlic powder

dried basil

dried parsley

salt & pepper

1 tblspoon of butter (you can't possibly have sauce without it)

extra virgin olive oil

What You Do:

• Combine tomato paste, almondmilk, and water. I didn't add all the almondmilk at one time. I put in 1/4 cup, tasted it, decided I wanted more, and added another 1/4. That equals half, huh?! Now you can add your garlic powder, basil, parsley, butter, and salt & pepper. Stir all this up and simmer over low heat.

While the sauce is doing its thing, put your quinoa on. It only takes 15 minutes to cook.

Get your trio stuff together. It'll be ready around the same time your quinoa is done.

• Put the olive oil in the pan and throw the onions in to let them start to soften. Or would this be considered carmalizing?! I'll stick to what I know. Sautee the onions and add the asparagus. The chicken sausage I used was fully cooked so I added it when I had my asparagus almost as tender as I wanted it - just so the sausage could heat up and soak up all the flavor from the veggies. 

Now listen. You can make your trio out of whatever you want. You can even turn it into a quadruple. I was really wishing I had some mushrooms. You can add chicken breast, or thin sliced beef or pork. 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with omitting meat altogether.

Are you a quinoa virgin? What would you add to make this your own unique dish?

Victoria's Secret: Customer Experience and Word-of-Mouth

Saturday I hung out with my BFF Chris and two of her friends at happy hour. This looks like it has the potential to become a regular monthly routine.

I'm sure the good folks over at Kona Grill in The Domain don't mind as long as we're throwing back margaritas, wine, and every appetizer on the reduced price happy hour menu.

When it was time to go, Chris announced she had to head over to the Apple store. Perfect. We could walk together since I had to stop in Victoria's Secret which is before you get to Apple. As we were walking, I told her I was redeeming my free panties coupon. Chris being the saver she is wanted to know how I got it.

They mailed it to me. Somehow I'm on their list. Baffles me since I never shop there. Other than using my annual free panty coupon. I did buy a bra in Vegas, so maybe I gave them my mailing address at that time. No, that can't be the case because before I even went to Vegas I was receiving their catalogs in the mail. The ones with real clothes that you wear on top of their thongs, bras, and panties.

That reminds me. I haven't received one in ages. Not that I bought anything anyway, but I really liked looking at the pictures. Not of the women in thongs, bras, and panties. But of the clothes they wore over them.

We walked in on the Pink side of the store. Two employees were standing in the doorway leading to the un-Pink side. They didn't miss a beat with their conversation which had to have been personal because when I said excuse me so we could pass through, they looked up and said, "that's ok...", and kept talking.

Maybe there's a rule that employees working on the Pink side can't greet folks who are going to the un-Pink side.

I found a young lady and told her I was looking for hipsters. She led me back to the Pink side, rattled off something about the sizes on top and others in the drawers and then she left. Chris commented that she'd spoken so fast she didn't understand a word she said. Obviously, I didn't either because I started looking around for someone else to help me. 

This time I tell the employee - a different one from "Speed Talker" - that I had a coupon for free panties. She asked to see it and took me back to the un-Pink side. Turns out my coupon wasn't for hipsters. It was for hiphuggers. My bad.

She pointed to at least three different tables and pretty much said, "help yourself", and proceeded to walk off.

Not so fast Missy...I have a question. I didn't say that, but I was thinking it. As she tried to scurry past me, I asked another question. She answered and started to walk away again. 

Ok...was Hurricane Irene scheduled to make landfall in the bustier section and she was in charge of evacuations?

Oh - I forgot this part. In between answering on the run, she did manage to ask if I also had the other coupon to get $10 off. Turns out, she's a master at the upsell but lacks basic customer service skills.

Do you honestly think I want to give you my money when you can't even give me your time?!

Me: Um...do you have better things to do other than help me?!

Her: Oh...no, I didn't know you had more questions.

Me: You can't know if you walk away before I can even ask!

Her: Oh..I'm sorry. It's just that I have to get back to the register. 

Please enter into evidence Exhibit A. Exhibit A is the register. There are already three people behind the counter and NO ONE IN LINE!!

At some point during this fiasco, Chris leaves. When I get to my computer, I have a Facebook post on my wall telling me to look at her status update.

Please enter into evidence Exhibit B. Exhibit B is an example of the kind of word-of-mouth you don't want for your company:

Just watched Donna give the customer service smack DOWN in Victoria's Secret!! Don't mess with the lady, friends!

Please. Treat me like I matter even if  I'm only coming in to buy free panties.

photo: Steve Rhodes