FREE for you, FREE for me!

New Blog - Fat Fab Fit!

2013-05-25T17:50:00.001-07:00

Hello all, hope you're enjoying your weekend! Just wanted to give you all a quick update. I am no longer updating this blog regularly, however feel free to browse through the articles and links already posted. I will post here occasionally. I am focusing on my new blog where I share about my transformation journey through weight loss and self-discovery. Check it out!

How can I get what I want?

2013-04-23T12:11:00.004-07:00

How do I manifest what I want? How can I get the things I want?
How can I live my life to the fullest?

These are some of the questions I used to always ask myself. I used to always wonder how some people were able to get the things they wanted and I was still stuck in the same bs. I used to be the one looking at people's posts on Facebook and Twitter on how awesome their lives were going and wonder why my life wasn't going in the direction I wanted it to go in. Well one day I got fed up. I got so fed up I decided to make a huge, drastic change. I packed my bags (3 to be exact) and moved from NYC to San Diego in December of 2012. I didn't know what I was doing, how I was going to do it, or even really why I was going; I just felt I needed to do it, and so I did.

It started out simply with an idea; I want to move to San Diego. I had visited a few times before and loved it (and of course the fact that Comic-Con is here is a HUGE plus). When I had made the decision to move (at the point where I was fed up with the way my life was going) I was unemployed and was surviving on about $1 a day...it was bad to say the least but I will spare you the details. I had this bright, shiny goal to move to San Diego but absolutely no idea HOW I was going to get there.

Thankfully the Universe felt my strong desire to go. I did my part in noticing the signs, and kept my mind and heart open to all opportunities that presented themselves to me. I credit a large part of my change/transformation to 2 amazing, powerful, wise (and the list goes on and on) women. These ladies were the 'signs' and 'opportunities' I needed to be able to be guided in the right direction, to manifest my goal(s).

The first is Laura Yamin, who I know personally, and was one of the people to see the power I had inside (a power I didn't even know I possessed). Laura has dedicated a large part of her life to battling personal demons and addictions, and she shares her story on her Joyful Shimmy blog. She shares how she was able to break down barriers, the resources and tools she used, and then applying her knowledge to teach her audience how to lead a more fruitful life. Her blog (and business) is especially useful for entrepreneurs and overall anyone wanting to make a change. I worked with Laura for a long time and she always gave me a fresh perspective. One of the biggest lessons I learned from her is that IT'S OK. It's OK if I fuck up once in a while; I am allowed to! The world will not come crashing down...RELAX!

Through Laura I came across Erin Stutland. Erin was a valuable resource used by Laura to set and manifest goals, and because I was also looking to manifest goals of my own I decided to check her out. Erin offers many things for the mind, body, and soul. One of the resources offered is her "Magical Manifester" course. She offers a virtual (online) course for anyone wanting to manifest their goals. She breaks down the course with lessons and tasks, which you can complete at your own pace. You learn so much about yourself, including looking deep into why we are the way we are, and how we hold ourselves back from manifesting what we want. The course is less than $4 a day! Think of what you spend $4 per day on and tell me if any of those things are getting you closer to accomplishing your goals? It's a great investment, and honestly for all that she offers this is a steal! AND by the way this is the LAST TIME this course will be at this great price! Plus she offers a payment plan, if you want to break it down in to installments (what I did), and the payments are set a month apart. The total cost is $199 but you can choose to do 2 installments of $99. And the best part is once you are registered you can take the course and have access to the materials for as long as you want. She keeps us informed on her next round of the course and also if there are any updates, so we can check them out.

The next course is set to begin on May 13th, and registration is open now. If you're feeling stuck, like you want to make a change but don't know where to start, this course is for you! I found it at a time when I needed it most, and I didn't even have a full-time job. But since I wanted to take this course so badly the Universe provided for me, and I was able to pay in 2 installments, a month apart from each other. If you have a job, think about how just $99 a month (for 2 months) can change your life? Think of what you usually spend in a month, and tell me if you wouldn't consider making an investment into learning how to manifest what you want?

I am an affiliate of this course so I do get a percentage of anyone who registers using my link. If you choose to take the course you can also become an affiliate at the completion.

I highly recommend working with either or both of these women to live your best possible life. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Also if you've worked with either of these women feel free to comment on your experience below.

FREE to try before you buy!

2013-04-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

I recently joined Influenster which is basically a free program where you receive products to try and review, and share with your people. You link all of your social media accounts with the website, and fill out questionnaires depending on the type of box they will ship out. If you qualify to receive a box you'll get notified and eventually receive a large box filled with items. The purpose is to try them and share your honest opinions with your friends, family, coworkers, etc...

I recently received the complimentary "Sugar n Spice Voxbox" (my first box!) for testing purposes from Influenster. The box contained 7 items: Colgate "Optic White" toothpaste, mouthwash, and 360 brush, Vaseline "Spray & Go" Moisturizer, Dickinson's Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes, belVita breakfast biscuits, and Nectresse sweetener. I was super excited to see all of these items I got for free; it was like opening a present at Christmas! I tried all of these items (with the exception of the biscuits) for 1 week (or longer if I really liked it), and here are my reviews:

Colgate Optic White toothpaste - I did not enjoy using this toothpaste. It was very grainy and felt "heavy" in my mouth; it's a very thick consistency. Also the taste was not appealing at all. It definitely brought flashbacks of visits to the dentist. On the bright side it does whiten teeth as promised. My teeth were noticeably whiter at the end of the first week of use. I think if you are going to use this product, only use a little on the brush so the consistency and taste won't overwhelm you.

Colgate Optic White 360 toothbrush - When I first saw this I pictured myself using it often because it seemed like it would really do a great job of cleaning. However the brush was a little awkward to use. It has no grip to keep it steady when brushing, and since it's curved it makes it harder to handle. I felt like I was brushing my teeth for the first time with it. However, the head does a great job of cleaning. I feel like my whole mouth is clean after using it. I paired it with the Optic White toothpaste which may have contributed to my teeth being noticeably whiter in a week.

Colgate Optic White Rinse - I am never using this again! The taste was HORRIBLE! I don't even know how to describe it. It tasted totally laced with chemicals. I felt as though I was putting something toxic in my mouth. It was also strangely a little salty. I don't normally use mouthwash often but when I do I expect something more pleasing, minty. This is not a product I would care to use ever again. Also the directions state to rinse with 15 ml BUT the cap didn't indicate what 15 ml was; no lines to indicate or anything. That would've been nice to see.

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - I like that it cleanses my face without drying it out. I would definitely use this in lieu of a toner. The only thing I didn't like about the wipes is the smell. I just didn't find the scent pleasant.

Vaseline "Spray & Go" Moisturizer - I LOVE this! I am buying this for sure. My friends tried it and they love it too. It's super moisturizing and not greasy at all, as promised. Your skin absorbs it quickly and feels smooth the whole day. Very easy to use.

belVita Breakfast Biscuits - Delicious; like eating a cookie pretty much. It was sweet and nutritious. I loved eating them with Greek yogurt.

Nectresse Sweetener - This was an item I was thinking of purchasing and glad I didn't. It's all-natural but tastes like an artificial sweetener. It left a metallic aftertaste in my mouth. I didn't like it at all.

So if you're into saving money and getting things for free, joining Influenster may be your best bet!

FREE Prom Dresses!!

2013-03-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

Since 2009 Dominican Sunday and Operation Prom have partnered up to give away thousands of FREE prom dresses in NYC, to young ladies from low income families.

Operation Prom also has chapters nationwide, so there may be a prom dress drive in your area! Check out their website if you are not in NYC. If you are in New York, there are chapters within the 5 boroughs, Westchester, and Hudson Valley.

The Dominican Sunday free prom dress giveaway for 2014 is TBA!

Get your FREE on!

2013-02-13T16:07:00.001-08:00

Everyone can benefit from getting free stuff nowadays. Who doesn't enjoy getting things like food, software, and services for free? Check out this large list of freebies for 2013! On it are some really interesting freebies such as getting a free college education, free passport pictures, and much more!

Also feel free to check out my post on free classes and tutorials, as well as the many other posts on this blog, on freebies for you!

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Taking The Road Less Traveled

2013-02-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Ashley Taylor

Like previous guest blogger Michael Oghia, I too am an unemployed, educated 20-something. Now, I’m not trying to question the credibility of higher education; it has its place and certainly has opened a door or two for me. However, it certainly hasn’t done much for my financial situation.

I’ve acquired internships, but all are unpaid, leaving me to pay the bills in unusual ways. The way I see it, college grads don’t have much choice besides either moving in with mom and dad to save money or struggling on their own while slaving away at multiple jobs; neither of which leaves much room for personal growth. There’s always the grad school route, but that comes with the pressures of debt only adding to the trillions America owes already. Plus, after 16 years of schooling continuing students are beginning to burn out if not burnt out already.

I was one of these burnouts. By the time my graduation day rolled around I knew I was done with school. That’s when I opted for the new alternative more and more college grads are pursuing: jumping the country. You, heard me right; jump the country, cross the border, shift paradigms, get the frick out! My original plan was to take a 3-month gap summer on an island in Central America getting my Divemaster certification and teaching Scuba to tourists as a way of recharging my batteries after University. I was certain, after 3 months on an island, I would be ready to come back to America and reinstate myself in the workforce as a productive member of society. I couldn’t have been more naïve.

Every day on The Island was an adventure. My office was a white sand beach with turquoise waters. Business attire was a tan, salted hair and a bikini. Evenings weren’t spent in front of the TV, but rather talking with friends and strangers alike over a couple beers under a star-studded sky while tropical breezes and live music beckoned you to dance. I returned to The States refreshed. Depressed for leaving behind paradise, but ready to be responsible in the Real World. I filled out countless applications and attended a few interviews, but only received rejection in return. I was overwhelmed and honestly baffled, as I attended a top school, got good grades, was involved in college and hold a solid portfolio accompanied by solid internships. I did my research and discovered that, according to statistics, nearly half of American college graduates are stuck rowing this sinking ship that is the U.S.S. Unemployed. Furthermore, the 50% that do have jobs are employed in positions that don’t even require a degree. Combined with the nation’s high unemployment rate it’s easy to realize that recent grads have it a bit tougher than those who graduated at the height of the New Millennium. My parents’ advice, get a job at Starbucks and stick it out. That’s what I would’ve done, but after the personal growth I experienced over the summer traveling I could no longer accept it as an option.

After 4 months of job hunting, and cleaning bathrooms at a taco shop in the meantime, I scraped up enough money for a ticket back to The Island for a 2 week head-clearing. “Is that all you’re bringing? A duffle bag and dive gear?” my father asked me on the way to drop me off at the airport. “Yes.” “How much money?” I peaked into my wallet, “$50 US and about $20 in the local foreign currency.” “Where will you be staying and working?” he probed out of concern. “I don’t know. I’ll figure it out when I get there.” He silently held his breath for a few seconds, probably debating what a good father would do in this situation. Should he turn around and keep me safely in his reach or let me go out and experience the world? In the end, he did not turn around at the next highway exit, but continued to the airport, “Ok, I trust you.” My plane touched down at 2:15pm. By 5:30pm I not only had a place to stay, but work lined up for the entirety of my “vacation,” and a beer in my hand as I watched the sunset with people I counted as family. Once again, every day was an adventure; I was meeting interesting people and experiencing wonders most only dream about. On top of that, I was making a living doing something I loved!

At the end of the 2 weeks I called my family to ask permission to stay. Being the amazing people they are my parents fully supported me. Traveling is unconventional and requires a bit of bravery, but the benefits far outweigh the bit of sacrifice it requires. Depending on where you go and what you do, it’s generally cheaper to live and the support system of a small community is comparable to that of an extended family. My last bit of advice: start small. This wasn’t my first bout at solo travel and I would never encourage anyone to just toss a dart at a map and move there. Long-term travel is a ladder and you have to learn to crawl before you can walk, much less climb. Take it one step at a time, stay flexible in your mind-set and don’t look back; you’ll never regret it.

Ashley Taylor is a 20-something graduate from the University of Florida. Growing up in a family that valued travel over most other things, it was only a matter of time before she set out to explore the world by herself. Solo travel experiences include: front row seats at Old Trafford, riding bikes through Paris at 4am, going through a hurricane and earthquake at the same time in a third world country, and dancing with Jake Gyllenhaal in New Orleans. Currently she works as a Divemaster in Roatan, Honduras, and couldn't be happier. E-mail at amtayla@gmail.com for any and all freelance writing opportunities.

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On the Market: Reflections of an Educated, Unemployed Twenty–Something

2012-12-25T14:11:00.002-08:00

Hi all! Here is a wonderfully insightful guest post by Michael Oghia (bio and links below).

Posted on Facebook: December 16, 2012

Link: http://tinyurl.com/20SomethingOnTheMarket

You know that 12.3 million you keep hearing about? That’s me, Mr. educated, yet unemployed. I am also what New York Times writer Robin Marantez Henig called one of those “20–Something’s.” She discussed how, due to the changing economic and social times, people my age transition to adulthood much slower (and differently) than before, and delay milestones such as buying a home, marriage, and children. I have to admit, when I read her essay nearly two years ago, I didn’t think she was referring to me. I was 22 at the time, but I was an Arab–American in a foreign country surrounded by the comforts of graduate school, that sheltered, structured bubble that protects you from the outside world—or so you think.

I was convinced that academia is for me. Yes, I was heavily involved on–campus in extra–curricular activities, but I never immersed myself in formal training of either the corporate world or the numerous NGOs, institutes, think tanks and nonprofits. No, I was set on research, and how would that experience benefit my sociological teaching and research duties anyway? So, I applied to different graduate programs—twice—that I thought I would be a good fit for, but was ultimately rejected both times. And when “grad school: part–two” didn’t work out, I found myself faced with a new, dreaded reality: looking for a job.

Do you remember when the recession hit in 2008? At the time, I stared at the television in the lobby of my collegiate residence hall were I was working as an RA. I watched the stock market fall faster than Felix Baumgartner, and in that young, Twenty–Something way, I thought it would never affect me.

Think again.

After graduating with a Masters of Arts in sociology this past June, I did something else I never wanted to do: I moved back to my parent’s home in Kentucky. With a six–month loan grace period hanging over my head like a 1980s doomsday clock, I desperately started scanning Idealist.org and other sites looking for the perfect job, or at least a right fit. Rejection after rejection, I began to feel an unfamiliar vulnerability and lack of confidence creeping over me. Over time, I became engulfed in a world where good news is as welcome as a downpour in the desert, yet is just as rare. I was searching everywhere—from the U.S. to Canada, Australia, the UAE, Qatar, and Europe. I contacted what seemed like everyone I knew asking if they could help me.

No luck.

I really had no idea what I was doing. I had committed myself to academia since the beginning of college, so what do I do? My dream was to be a professor—to publish research articles, present at academic conferences and teach students. However, when I formerly made the switch from higher education to international affairs, I was still lost. No one ever told me what to do if my goals change, or if I choose a new path. I soon discovered there is a disparity between theory and practice. Sure, people say it’s ok for your goals or path to change, but people don’t really expect it to change or offer any practical advice on how to traverse a new direction if it does. I received career advice from many different people—who often contradicted each other—telling me to “put this on your résumé,” “shorten that,” “apply here,” don’t apply there,” “make this one page,” “make that two,” “rewrite your cover letter,” and on and on.

Then you’re told, “Call them after you apply, be aggressive, follow–up.”

Others say, “No, no, just e–mail, don’t call.” You get lost in the sea of career tips with each website’s career articles refuting the next. Four months later, I’m still unemployed, but it’s amazing what you learn when you challenge yourself, challenge your fears and overcome.

Overcome what you ask? Well, for me, after college, I thought I was so smart and could do anything. After graduate school, however, I am so overwhelmed by the problems and injustices in the world, as well as the plethora of unanswered questions, that I feel dumber than when I entered. However, aside from a new humility I had never previously known, reflecting back on my life since July, I feel like I took a crash course in “Life 101.” It’s the college course never offered (and if so, the professor never showed up to class). I’ve had ample time to spend thinking about where I am in life, what have I been through the past 6, 12, 24 months. In fact, just more than three years ago, I was getting on airplane bound for a foreign land I’d only heard about when my parents were discussing their life before immigrating to America.

People called me crazy and said, “What!? What do you mean you’re moving to the Middle East!?”

Very few truly understood, and in fact, I didn’t really either. But as it turns out, it—like many great opportunities— was simply a chance to explore the world, learn about my family history, and challenge myself.

I’ve been able to see all aspects of my life from the last six years, make connections, identify the puzzle pieces we call coincidence, and practice what my dad calls “The Lemon Theory:” turning the lemons of life into lemonade and growing in the process. I’ve been able to realize that most of the time, college equips you with not just a liberal arts education, access to new minds and ways of thinking and networks, but also it gives you a role. And that role combined with skills is ultimately what people reference when they market themselves, especially in science and business (“I’m an engineer, I’m an accountant”). However, in the humanities, it’s a lot less accepted. It’s tough to find anyone that can clinch a job merely by saying, “I’m a philosopher,” or “I’m a poet” (in my case, “I’m a sociologist”). This makes going into the social science and humanities fields—while definitely valuable and worth it in the long–term—tougher in the short–term. And for many like myself, it’s frustrating when you feel that all that awaits you afterward is neo–indentured servitude (aka, unpaid internships) that you can’t afford to take, especially if you don’t have the means or the privilege to live with parents or family.

But my generation cannot succumb to the stereotype some have labeled us: entitled. As David Burstein points out, there are many hard–working, innovating “Twenty–Something’s” working for positive social change. Our cohort is saturated with potential, but we are living in a society filled with archaic structures and systems that severely limit how this potential is tapped. How do we overcome it? How do we even market skills that didn’t even exist three, five, 10 years ago, or weren’t considered nearly as important? How do we contend with a globalized market in a globalized world? For all of us who are unemployed, what we can do is change our attitude. Be proactive, network, be open to new prospects, update your LinkedIn account, and visit your university’s Career Development Center. But most importantly, stay positive, and stand with each other, your fellow Twenty–Something’s, in comradery.

I’m sure that if you can identify with my experience, sometimes you just want to give up. You’re in your 20s, and tired of living at home. You want to be independent again. You don’t want to rely on anyone, especially your parents. But you have to stay positive, and you have to persevere. I always think to myself, no matter how bad it gets, no matter how dejected I feel, no matter what is thrown my way, I refuse to give up. I refuse to let life get the better of me. I am stronger than that! And so are you. “Things can always be worse” is my motto. Stay confident, and know that you will eventually find something. In the meantime, use your downtime to mature emotionally and make the best of what you have.

As it turns out, I’m glad I experienced the multiple signs that I’m a Twenty–Something. Unemployment helped me become a better person, and taught me things a university could never teach me. Whether it was résumé development, rediscovering my confidence, rekindling old friendships, mastering rejection (and lots of it), becoming OK with being alone (even when my life is seemingly on pause), or refusing to give up or stop working hard. Moreover, I think there’s three defining elements of the Twenty–Something’s experience that weren’t mentioned: find your niche and foster your passion, decide whether to settle or not settle, and find a life companion or partner. However, no matter how you chose to order these or how tough the economy is, this process, this journey all begins with you, but is sustained by our collective solidarity.

So, I challenge you, my fellow Twenty–Something’s. Even if life is giving you lemons, make lemonade. Remember that the search is difficult in today’s world, but not impossible. Take this time to focus on yourself. Grow, develop, and mature. Keep your head up, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, persevere, stay confident in yourself and your decision–making and take a page from Gandhi’s misquoted, paraphrased words:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Bio:

Michael Oghia is an unemployed Twenty–Something born in Kentucky to Syrian–Lebanese parents, completed a Bachelors of Science in sociology from the University of Louisville in 2009, then graduated from the American University of Beirut in 2012 with a Masters of Arts in sociology after writing a thesis about romantic relationship formation and love among a sample of Lebanese youth. He maintains his blog, LOVEanon, as well as the LOVEanon Facebook page where he connects readers to relationship research and resources. He is active on Twitter (@MikeOghia), is a hopeless romantic, and a lover of flip–flops, traveling, cultural exchange, hummus, poetry, drumming, cooking, and love.

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Discount Beauty Queen

2012-12-20T20:59:00.001-08:00

I had a flash of inspiration to write this post, as I was in the shower. I felt I had to share some things I've learned this year about saving money on beauty and personal hygiene products.

So today I went shopping for some items I needed. One of the things I needed was a shower gel (body wash). A lot of women use three main products in the shower; a body wash (or soap), a shaving cream, and a "feminine hygiene wash". My personal stance on beauty and personal care items is to purchase items which can multitask; one item to use for multiple purposes. So let's say the three items mentioned cost you $5 each. You'd be spending $15 for three items when you can use one for all three. My secret? Baby Wash.

A baby wash is an ultra gentle cleanser for babies. But why should babies have all the good stuff? My skin is sensitive and should be treated with TLC. And as for your hoo-haa, duh that's something you need to treat with special care. You gotta treat her like the queen she is. In case you didn't know, you shouldn't be using regular soap down there. Baby Wash is perfect because it has the keywords to look for: soap-free, gentle, sensitive, pH-balanced. If you check the label of a Summer's Eve feminine wash, those are the same words used on the bottle. Baby wash/baby soap is just as gentle AND yes it does lather so you can use it to shave too. I just got two of the Rite-Aid brand because it was two for only $5! So instead of spending $15 on three different items, I saved $10 AND got two items! SCORE!

Next up, lotion. I have sensitive skin so I don't like using creams and lotions with heavy fragrances (I get fragrance free). If you really like perfumed creams and lotions you can add fragrance to them yourself and save money. Just buy a fragrance-free lotion and add some scented oil to it, in whatever scent you like. Now in terms of multitasking...the reason I buy fragrance free lotions and creams specifically for sensitive skin is because you can use them on both your body AND face. Sure you can spend money on special serums, night creams, yada yada. But I find that the less junk is on my face the less likely it'll react negatively on me. Again I have sensitive skin so I like using products which are gentle and don't have a lot of extras in them. But even if you don't have sensitive skin, if you just want to moisturize your face, why spend money on an extra bottle just for your face? One bottle can go for both. Or even if you just want one separate lotion for your face, you still save money with this method because if you haven't noticed those face creams come in teeny tiny bottles which don't last at all. Let's do the math. A bottle of a generic brand, fragrance-free lotion is about $5 and can last you about 3 months, whereas a tiny bottle of face lotion will be about $10 and last one month.

Finally, hair. I spend more money on my hair than anything else. I don't splurge on an item that's not staying in my hair. Shampoos and Conditioners and meant to be washed out, so why spend $10 on a bottle? It doesn't matter what kind of miracle it promises to do to your hair, it's gonna be WASHED OUT! It's like throwing money down the drain. I can understand if you want to spend a little more on conditioners, but if your hair needs moisture better to invest in a leave-in conditioner which will go a longer way than a regular conditioner to wash out.

I'm sure there are a million plus ways to save money on your beauty routine, just do a little research before you go shopping next time.

What kind of beauty secrets do you have to share?

Make Money Online

2012-12-16T17:57:00.004-08:00

There are tons of legitimate ways to make money online. And I'm not talking about schemes or MLM business opportunities. You can make a good amount of money working online by freelancing.

Market your skills and put them to use! You can freelance full-time or part-time; it's up to you! When you freelance by working online (also known as working remotely, virtual jobs, and telecommuting) you can make your own schedule and be your own boss!

I am gonna list the websites I found to be the most helpful:

oDesk - you create a free profile, take some free skills tests (proof for employers), and then apply for gigs. You set how much you want to get paid and they have a variety of jobs. I'm currently working on a writing assignment through this website. Again it's completely free to join and search for jobs.

Fiverr is one of my favorites. You pretty much promote different skill sets you have in the form of jobs you'd be wiling to do for a minimum of $5. For example you can offer to write a blog post for someone, for $5. You can also offer extra services for more money. I've used this site to hire freelancers. If you're looking to hire someone for a gig, this is one of the best websites to do it from. It's free to join and post for freelancers.

Flexjobs - they post all kinds of telecommuting and work from home jobs here. The only thing is that you have to pay a fee to join the site, in order to search and apply for jobs. I paid the fee last year, for 6 months, and while they had plenty of work from home job opportunities which were hard to find elsewhere, I was not able to successfully obtain work from this site. So I personally do not feel it's worth it to spend money to look for work, especially if you're unemployed and can't afford it. It's not super expensive but I'd rather spend my funds on necessary things. If you have the money however, go for it.

Elance - you can also create a free profile to search for freelance opportunities. I just started using this site so I don't have other feedback to provide other than it's free to use.

Which websites have you used to find work online?

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How to find a Job in a “Jobless” Market

2012-12-12T22:05:00.002-08:00

A lot of people are unemployed and feeling down on their luck. Many believe the situation with the economy and the job market is hopeless. I've been there; I was unemployed and underemployed for about a year. I got by on gigs on Craigslist and other side jobs, all the while going to job fairs and applying to jobs like a maniac.

First thing you have to do is change your attitude and outlook. If you believe the situation is hopeless, then it will be. Plus no one will want to hire you if you’re in “Debbie Downer” mode.

Use your resources: ask your friends, family, ex-coworkers and previous supervisors to help you with your job search; they may know someone who is hiring. Also try buddying up with one of your unemployed friends and take turns helping each other apply for jobs, check each other’s resumes, etc…

Put yourself out there! Emailing your resume a million times isn't enough. Go to networking events, join Yahoo Groups, Meetup, LinkedIn, and join different groups of professionals in your area and/or your field. Many times job postings are listed there (especially LinkedIn). Also try reaching out to your school’s alumni network and get in contact with some alumni in your field.

Post your resume and make it visible on websites like Monster, so that recruiters are able to get in contact with you. Also join different temp and employment agencies. Headhunters can provide a great deal of help with your job search. Don’t sleep on temp jobs! Many positions start out as temporary and may become permanent. Plus the advantage of having a temp job is that if you don’t like it, the end will be near.

If you still can’t find a job, how about creating one? Why not start your own business? Don’t be scared; it’s very easy to start a business, especially a home business. There are tons of resources at your disposal to get your business started.

Lastly, don’t forget to take it easy once in a while. Looking for a job is a job in itself. You deserve a mental health break every so often, especially if you find yourself exhausted and overly stressed from the job search. It’s OK to take a break! Sometimes you need to replenish your energy to get back in the game.

Good luck with your job search and by the way, check out my post on Government Benefits for the Unemployed, to help you out during this time.

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Short-term Housing in Downtown San Diego

2012-12-09T17:18:00.003-08:00

This is a follow-up to my review on Old Town Place. I'm currently staying at Newport Place, managed by the same company, which is located in the downtown section of San Diego.

I am staying in a huge room, which is almost like a studio except I share the bathroom and kitchen with someone else. The room has a private entrance, is fully furnished, and even has a refrigerator and microwave. Just like with Old Town Place, all utilities are included; there is a laundry facility and computer station on site, and it is in a central location. Newport Place is perfect for anyone needing short-term housing in downtown San Diego, especially students of San Diego City College since it is about a block away.

Everything is pretty much within walking distance; supermarkets, shopping, post office, and more. I highly recommend this place to anyone in need of housing in San Diego.

20K For College Students!

2012-12-06T13:30:00.001-08:00

College Students get your money on! Here's a chance to win $20,000 from Fila USA!! Pimp your wallet!!

Free Classes and Tutorials!

2012-12-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the School of Life, where you can learn pretty much anything for FREE!
Want to learn a new dance, a new language, how to make a dress out of old t-shirts? YOUTUBE might be the place for you. There are tons of videos up on just about everything you can think of; just try a search on what you’re looking for. Some helpful YouTube channels include: Expert Village, eHow, and ThreadBanger among others.

Do you dream of becoming the next J.K. Rowling? If so, you may want to check out some of the free writing classes and seminars offered by WritingClasses.com, to brush up those writing skills.

If computers are more your thing, check out some free classes offered by your local public library (NYPL), or from an amazing company called NobleDesktop which offers free seminars on some of the latest software (both online and at their NYC location). If you need the software you are trying to learn, but can't afford to purchase it, try the free downloads at CNET. CNET offers free downloads for both PC's and Macs.

Another helpful website which lists all kinds of free stuff for New Yorkers (such as courses, events, concerts, etc...) is ClubFreeTime. It's worth it to join just to get access to the wealth of resources offered.

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FREE Classes at Wellesley College!

2012-12-06T11:52:00.003-08:00

Starting Fall 2013 Wellesley College will be offering FREE Online courses for both women and men! Join their mailing list for updates on classes and schedules. You better get your free education on!

Win passes to San Diego Comic Con 2013!

2012-12-03T14:47:00.002-08:00

G4TV has a contest to win passes to San Diego Comic Con for this upcoming summer! This is a great opportunity to win free passes, 4 nights at a hotel and much more! Enter now!

Short-term Housing in San Diego

2012-12-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

So I recently relocated from NYC to San Diego for various reasons, but before I moved I spent a number of hours researching short-term housing options in San Diego.

Short-term housing is good if you are a student, or a professional on a business trip, or someone in transition from relocating. I also think short-term housing can often times be more economical than hostels and/or traditional hotels. Being that I was in the process of moving I did not feel comfortable signing a lease to an apartment that I was not able to physically view. I was primarily dealing with people by phone or internet and was just paranoid of getting ripped off. There are so many housing scams out there that you just don’t know who to trust.

In any case, I came across a couple of options: airbnb and Old Town Place. With airbnb you can rent rooms and private homes directly from the owners, and the site also offers reviews on the location and host. You can view pictures and descriptions; overall you feel comfortable reserving housing there. I found some great options but you have to pay your entire stay up-front plus a fee for the service; I just found it to be a little pricey. I came across Old Town Place (as well as Newport Place – a “sister site” where I’ll be staying at next - review coming soon!) which is promoted as short-term student housing, mainly for international students, but anyone can stay here as long as you stay the minimum of one month. The staff is extremely helpful and courteous (I dealt directly with Kristy Ward who is the Business Manager), and the great thing is you can pay only a deposit to hold your room (and/or studio) and then pay your month’s rent upon arrival. I thought this was a great option because you can pay your rent once you are physically there and are able to see the place. All rooms and studios are fully furnished; the rent includes your typical utilities (such as electricity, water, etc…) as well as Wi-Fi, and cable. They also have laundry facilities and a cleaning service for the common areas (such as the living room and kitchen).

The pictures on the website don’t do this place justice! I am staying in room 2B which is part of a 2 bedroom apartment. This bedroom has a private entrance, as well as a door leading into the kitchen and bathroom area (two doors total in the room). Both doors have locks and upon arrival you receive a set of keys for the front door and laundry room, as well as for your mailbox. The room has a desk, mirror, wastepaper basket, television, night stand, lamps, alarm clock, and closet. They also include fresh towels and linens. The kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, stove, table, utensils, pots, cups, and all kinds of appliances (such as a microwave, blender and coffee maker). They also include cleaning supplies, an ironing board and iron, and plenty of shelf space. Finally, the bathroom has a sink, toilet and shower, and is a decent size for two people to share.

By the way, the outside is gorgeous! They have a little patio area, which in front of my door is a table and chairs for those lovely sunny days. And I have yet to explore the rest of the complex and area, but I’m sure it’s all beautiful.

If you plan on staying in San Diego for a month or longer, I think this place would be your best bet. I think you will find it to be the most economical and also the most convenient. If you’re concerned about the privacy and/or noise level, you have nothing to worry about. Everyone is respectful; you barely hear any outside noise. Also all your doors can be locked and only accessed by you. If you don’t drive the Trolley and Bus station is only a few blocks away (which by the way I highly suggest walking around Old Town, it’s definitely eye-gasmic!).

I felt inspired to write about this place because I did not find much information in my initial online search for short-term housing in San Diego, so hopefully this review serves as a guide for you.

Want more money? Declutter your space!

2012-11-27T11:03:00.001-08:00

Ok I just had to write a quick post on the power of decluttering! And no this is not about Feng Shui (spelling?).

I am in the process of cleaning my room as I prepare for my move out West and in doing so I've already "found" $600 and I'm not even finished! How did I find so much money from just cleaning my space? Well for starters I sold a bunch of unwanted items on ebay. These were things that would have been trashed but instead I chose to give them a chance to make me some money by placing them in a kind of 'virtual garage sale'. Remember one person's junk...you know the rest. I made about $100 total from the stuff I would have thrown out. If ebay is not your thing I also sold some things on Craigslist so try there as well.

Next way to make money by cleaning is by going through all of your papers; any old letters laying around, 'important documents' collecting dust, envelopes you haven't opened. You'd be surprised how much money you have there! Trust me you will find some useful things! I found a few gift certificates I never used, a few money orders never redeemed; in one day I found about $400 worth just laying there waiting for me. Not to mention the change you have lying around! If you were to place all those coins in a jar and then take them to a Coin Star or Penny Arcade, I'm sure you would walk out a happy camper!

Now on to the 'woo-woo' stuff. Decluttering your space, especially the area(s) of your house and/or business dealing with money, opens your door to abundance. Do you ever wonder why you try and work so hard but don't see your financial situation improving? Or do you feel like you're in an uphill battle? The money is right there in front of you, just sitting waiting for you to use it. Plus how can you expect abundance and prosperity when your space is filled with money you're not even aware of or using? Why would more money enter your life when the money you have is not being put to good use?

Even if you think you have nothing of value in your home or business, try clearing out the space. Go through each and every one of those items you haven't used or looked over in a while. Believe me I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Win Free Groceries for Christmas!

2012-11-20T06:44:00.001-08:00

Prevention Magazine has a contest to win free groceries for the holidays! You can win up to $1500 in gift cards to shop till you drop! This will definitely help you save money! ENTER HERE.

Shecky's Beauty Night Out SALE!!

2012-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Goldstar(.com) has a 1 day sale going on now for Shecky’s Beauty Night Out tickets (for NYC, but they also have events in other cities as well)! You can get them for $10-$12 (regular price is $30+)! If you’ve never been to a Shecky’s event, let me tell you they are worth going to no matter what you pay! I’m featuring this event on my blog because even though the event is not free, you get back more than your money’s worth so in essence it is free because you get so many goodies for nothing!

First off the drinks are free and flowing! The bar is open (and free) from open to close and the drinks are all by sponsors (which means you won’t get the cheap stuff). BEWARE! Make sure to eat something first because there is rarely any food at their events; there may be some snack samples from the vendors but not nearly enough to be considered a meal.

If you go you MUST purchase a ticket to receive a goodie bag; the goodie bags are the best part! The bags are filled with all kinds of items from the event sponsors and they are always worth about 3 times the amount you paid for to even go. The bags are not just filled with sample sizes, many times they include the full size products. The items range from cosmetics, to skincare, etc…all good stuff! A tip for you: pick up the goodie bag at the end (when you’re about to leave) because they are usually heavy and you don’t want to lug it, along with your purse, while trying to walk around. These events are usually packed, and it can get hot in there. Plus there is usually more than 1 level so you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking.

And finally, there are TONS of vendors, most of them offering samples and/or raffles. So aside from your swag bag, you’ll also pick up some awesome freebies from the sponsors and vendors. Just make sure to walk around to each and every table, and sometimes they might not have the freebies visible so just ask for them.

Shecky’s hosts events all year round, but in my opinion Beauty Night Out is the best one; it doesn’t happen as often as the other events and the products/samples offered are usually higher quality. You do not want to miss this!

Freebies for Veterans!

2012-11-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

Our Vets deserve much more than this but here are a couple of sites which list some cool freebies for you! Have a very Happy Veterans Day!

Freebies for Service Members

Veterans Day Specials

FREE Weight Watchers??

2012-11-09T07:14:00.003-08:00

I’ve never tried Weight Watchers, but I know friends who have and liked the program. WW is not free though and for those of you who know me I love getting free stuff! I knew there had to be a way to incorporate the WW program for free. I think if you’re not sure if you want to spend the money OR maybe you just don’t have the funds to invest, then this article will help you get something similar for FREE!

First off the very basic nature of the WW program is counting calories. Anyone can do this without necessarily signing on to a program but what’s great about it is that it makes counting the calories much easier. 3500 calories make 1 pound so if you are eating anywhere near that on a daily basis you are bound to keep gaining weight rapidly. In order to lose weight you have to cut calories. This doesn’t mean you have to eat less, it just means you have to be more aware of what you are putting into your body. If you incorporate some exercise along with lower caloric intake, then you should see faster results for weight loss.

I found this great, FREE app called “MyFitnessPal” (which I use on my Android phone) where you can log your meals and snacks and keep track of how many calories you are taking in. When you first set it up, you put your information and level of activity and it will calculate how many calories you can eat on a daily basis in order to meet your goal. You can choose how much weight you want to lose, how many calories you want to take in, etc…so it is very easy to modify. Plus you can search for many different types of foods to log into your food diary. I think what’s great is that when you are putting down what you eat it gives you a moment to really reflect on what you are putting into your body. This app also breaks down (depending on what you are eating) how much of fat, protein, sodium, etc. you are eating so you start to notice if maybe you are eating foods with too much sodium or sugar, which can lead to serious medical issues.

I think using an app like this can give you a preview of what to expect if you choose to later on try Weight Watchers, or just stick with this to lose weight on your own. Another thing to note is that if you need extra support, for example if you feel you need to meet with other individuals who want to lose weight, who share the same struggles as you, you can join existing support groups for free. You can either create one yourself and advertise on outlets like Yahoo groups or Meetup(.com), or join existing groups (on sites mentioned) or check out “OverEaters Anonymous”’; they have free OA meetings across the county. I’ll post an update in about a month to let you know how this free version of WW is working out for me!

Lastly I will be posting soon about ways to work out for free, so you won’t have to spend money at a gym!

Save more by SPENDING more??

2012-11-07T19:13:00.001-08:00

Is it possible? Can you actually save money by spending more of it? The answer is YES!

It's a very simple trick...all you have to do is play around with your budget so that everything you spend is rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. Even if you are really lazy and hate budgeting your money, all you do here is just add and subtract.

First get a piece of paper and write down the amount you currently have to spend. This includes everything; money for bills, for food, recreation etc...if your intention is to spend it then that number would go at the top.

Let's say you just got paid $600 and that's all you have until the next pay period, then $600 is the number which goes at the top of the paper. The next step is to write down all of your expenses until the next pay period below your starting amount. Let's say you get paid every 2 weeks; you would list all of your expenses from this pay period until the next so possibly some bills, lunch, transportation,etc.

The most crucial step after listing all of your expenses is to round the amounts up to the next whole dollar amount. So if your phone bill is $56.75 then you would list it as $57 under your starting amount ($600) and that is what you would subtract.

Every little bit helps and goes a long way especially if you're not very good at saving. By rounding up your expenses you end up indirectly saving. I highly suggest whatever amount is left over after either a pay cycle or the end of the month, you put in a savings account. Keep in mind this trick applies to both debit and cash transactions. For cash, pay only with bills and any coins left over place in a jar (or piggy bank). At the end of the month put everything from the jar into your savings.

If you don't have a savings account, check with the bank you have a checking account with to see what they have to offer for savings. I don't have a savings account with a bank I actually prefer online savings accounts such as Smarty Pig
where you can set savings goals. I think when you have a goal to save for you become more responsible and aware about saving; your success rate is much higher for achieving that goal. Maybe you want to save for an expensive item you've been wanting to splurge on or possibly a dream vacation you've been wanting to take; whatever it is this method will help you get started towards accomplishing that goal.

Free Writing Classes in NYC!

2012-09-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

GothamWriters' Workshop is offering a bunch of FREE writing classes between Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th, in New York City. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the classes Gotham Writers' Workshop has to offer, before paying full price for one. This is especially useful if you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned writer, to brush up on your skills. They offer a variety of classes to learn very useful writing techniques such as Creative Writing, Screenwriting, etc...You have to register online for the classes, so do it now because space is limited! Don't miss the opportunity to attend a free writing class!

Start your HOME BUSINESS on a Budget today!

2012-08-29T14:58:00.001-07:00

Hello all! I recently published an ebook on Amazon for Kindle titled "BYOB (Be Your Own Boss): How to Start a Home Business on a Budget". This ebook serves as a great guide for those of you interested in supplementing your income by starting a small business from home. This is a very informative and easy to understand guide. It provides step-by-step instructions for starting your business, marketing, and also has some great free and low-cost resources to use. Check it out!

Ways to save as a family

2012-05-18T13:53:00.002-07:00

Learn how to save money individually and as a family via my article on Yahoo Voices: Ways to Save