{She Troubleshoots} I love this!

In my former life I created jewelry...so because I still love it so, I always sweet-out when I find gems to drool for. Here are some beauties...go check them out and show them love...they deserve it!

Flashy Blue Moonstone Drop Earrings by
Sonjafive20 on Etsy

$55













Orchid Aqua Chalcedony
by BelleZamia
$21

Teal Rag Dress - I absolutely love this dress...perfect aqua accent around the neckline!
MellifluousCouture$67

Easily pair varying shades of blue together for a sweet summer flirty look, that can be pulled off by any willing fashionista.

What are your favorite summer color combos?

{She Troubleshoots} Quitting your 9-5

Wow such a powerful phrase..and just getting started...technically. To say I'm not employable wouldn't be totally true, as I've managed to keep my current 9-5 for just over a 1 and 4 months..but I'm already feeling the burn of making some other guy wealthy...and leaving me trading time for dollars.

Uugh...so I made the bold statement to quit my 9-5 by Christmas...yup I said it...Christmas.  My hubby retires from the Navy in approximately 4 years and 4 months...and I want him to finally be able to have a stress free work life. If he wants to be a Walmart greeter(even though you gotta be a senior citizen or have special needs for those cushy positions here in Va Beach) by goodness he should be able to.  But...in order for that to happen, mama's gotta be bringing home the turkey bacon and then some.  Our boys will still both be under the age of 11, so we still have a lot of rearing years to go...but for him; I want to give him real retirement at 41.

So how am I going to make this happen?
here's my hypothesis:

1) Make a clear plan as to how I'm going to grow and sustain my new venture 7 Cities Mobile. Where among a few things I'll be setting up complete mobile marketing solutions for local business owners.  Basically ridding them of their failing 'mailing list sign-up' debacle and awful email lists; and transitioning them into the new era of text message marketing and mobile commerce. Get's me all excited :)

2) Will be intensely building up Stick Me Designs and increasing brand awareness and community reach.  The company is sustaining and coming along nicely now it's time to kick it up a notch and really hit her home.  Bigger accounts, more community involvement and outreach.  See my latest stint HERE.

3) Taking an initiative to get my financials in order and under control.  This is gonna be a major overhaul...thankfully my hubby has a dog gone great financial head on his shoulders and he'll help me along the way..Thank God for him!

4) And finally...working on getting 'my-self' in order. I read an article today about Financial Freedom and it made some very good albeit scary points about wealth and what happens when you start to get a taste of it. I say scary because without working on ME I know I'll fall victim to many of these pitfalls. I'm owning up to that now, before the 'freedom' gets here.  It's so easy to get caught up in ...if I only had XYZ I'd be happier...or if I only lost 12 more elle b's I'll be happy. When really what needs to happen is be happy with you...really happy. It's tough...I know and I'm not sure how long it will take me to get to 'that' point...months...years...who knows. But I do know that as I journey there, my hope is that I'll appreciate the steps, and marvel in the outcome.

{She Troubleshoots} Bum Traffic Systems, Push-Button Blogging Softare, & All The $$$ You Care To Make!

I'm a tryer...I think it sort of goes along with me troubleshooting things and wanting to see how things work, wanting to see if I can make things happen.  When it comes to curiosity combine that with my troubleshooting acumen and well it occasionally is a recipe for disaster or genius!

To accomplish my goals to financially retire by age 45, I'm constantly seeking out ways to build up my streams of income. Through Stick Me Designs, 7 Cities Mobile and other smaller side ventures. So when I decide to give something a chance to impress me, I stomp in waiting for the great impression.  More times than not, I'm left with the taste of disappointment in my mouth.

Then I began thinking, what if I started sharing those little disappointment appetizers with my readers, but not as a reason to deter you, but more like insight. This first taste is from a 'system' I gave a try, to see if it could live up to its crazy, lure me in video that I watched and all the hype around it.

My friends, this idea just hit me like a slap in the face...let me digress for a second.  What if someone tried all these different blogging software, traffic mania, all the money you could ever want hyped up hooey and gave you the real scoop?


-->What if a blog actually shared with you, what they found to be true, false and untested...and didn't actually want you to buy that system in the end?  I could do that for you, because in all honesty I've tried, bought into, and believed so much crapola..that I'm a certified BS consultant.  

And now you can be one too! Listed below you'll find a few systems, softwares and push-button methods I've recently bought into, and requested my money back for.  I'll share with you the details why I thought it was a waste of money. The good parts about it, how much it set me back for (temporarily) and if I think it's possible to make money at.  It's just my opinion and if your situation is different from mine, some of these may be the goldmine you're searching for...but if you're like me where every single dollar counts you may agree with me on some points.

Either way I'd like to share...stay tuned!

{Digital Marketing} Taking Full Advantage of your Google Places Page

Just in case you've missed what has been happening right in your back yard with Google, here's a brief synopsis.
Actually let's take a quick step back and review the Google basics for a minute.
Let's look at some truths that we know for sure.

-> The best place to be on Google is in the center of the page, this is called the organic listings. People don't pay to be here...they're there because of a few things that Google has deemed important. Mainly backlinks, relevance, maturity (in terms of how long it's been around) and quality. For some getting anywhere near this coveted area on the first page above the fold has been promised over and over again...and never delivered upon. Especially if you're trying to get there for general popular keywords such as 'Dentist' or 'Dry Cleaners'...very difficult to achieve.
-> Being listed in the area on the far right hand side is known as the paid-listing area. These poor guys are paying for every single click that takes place there...in hopes of a sale or heck anything for that matter! Every single time a lookey-loo is curious... A click$...every single time someone by accident clicks... Another click$. Can it go without saying that managed in the

wrong hands or by a novice, money goes down a deep black drain in a matter of hours in some cases? It's not pretty friends...I say this from experience. As a marketer I find it a bit

necessary to give most avenues a good 'ole honest try...this one I have to report did absolutely Nothing for me..except spend money that I could have happily used elsewhere...with better results.

If you're running a full time business the time, effort and knowlege learning curve can be astronomical, not to mention time-consuming. You quickly find out why you do what you do...because you DON'T like to do This stuff! Lucky for you there are folks who do!
Let's talk about Google and what they're doing for your business...it's pretty darn nifty...and you should be excited! They have taken all the information they can find on your business and given you your very own spot in the Places Pages. But not just any spot my friends...the best spots in the house!
I'm talking right there under those silly paid advertisements at the top! They've even given you an opportunity to rank up towards the top with some regular maintenance, authentic reviews, pictures, videos and a thing called citations. Which is a another way to say other sites have something to say about you.
This is great news for you because:
*** The idea of the whole Places evolution is to better connect you with the enormous audience that is now searching for anything and everything online. If they're searching for a Optometrist and they're in the Hilltop area of Virginia Beach, Google will bring back (first) a few forgettable directories, and then viola...the Google Places businesses. If you have met the qualifications they specify...you're in!

You want to be in? But are lacking in the time to make it happen? Give 7 Cities Mobile a call to schedule your consultation.

Putting your Facebook activity in a cool hardcover book

I love, love love this idea! Because all of the activity you do on Facebook you will eventually lose. So why not have that activity put together in a beautifully bound book? I know right Awesome!

Here is the excerpt from SpringWise which spots new emerging ideas around the world. Love this site, which was also kind enough to feature me when I launched... ( no paid advertising here...just the good ole WOM)


Created in cooperation with creative agency Cosalux, Social Memories is a Facebook application that turns users’ Facebook activity into a hardcover book with 28 glossy pages.

Now in beta, Social Memories aims to give Facebook users a way to preserve their virtual lives in physical form. Users of the app, which is available in both German and English, begin by specifying the timeframe they’d like their book to cover. A minimum of 10 uploaded photos and 10 status updates since June 2009 are required. Social Memories then scans and analyzes that Facebook activity, reproducing photographs as well as creating a range of infographics revealing highlights and trends. With a customizable color scheme, the resulting book can then be viewed online for free. If users choose to order a professionally bound copy, the price is EUR 19 plus shipping; worldwide delivery is available.

 

{She Troubleshoots} Offering Mobile Marketing

It's no secret that everyone has a smart phone. And if you're one of these folks like I am, you keep it with you everywhere. Mine is by my bed while I sleep (even though I don't check it once I 'power down') it's with me all day, literally I take it with me and feel a little lost without it. Like how I forgot it on Thursday...don't ask me how but somehow I did...

I think it's pretty safe to say, me and my smart Google phone are inseparable..and when I get a text message I generally check it within a few minutes. How 'bout you?

Well how cool, awesome, fabulous would it be if you could market that service to small business owners in your local area? Or you can even just offer the text message service for them to handle...you still make a profit on commissions.

What do I mean? Well what if you could offer them a super easy, affordable way to broadcast deals, contests and polls to their audience? What if you could tell them that text messages have over a 95% open and read rate?? It'd be pretty sweet dontcha think?

Yup I thought so too. So after finding the perfect platform to launch this I jumped on it, and jumped in with 2 feet! I'm a Local Mobile Monopoly Agent and it's Awesome!

I'm offering text message marketing to all the local business owners here, and profiting by helping them reach their audience no matter where they are. It's an awesome gig and I enjoy connecting with the community here and helping them see real results in real time.  Every time a customer comes in to redeem their text blast...they know that's mobile marketing at work. And in turn know that my services are working for them, and all they're doing is shooting me an email or giving me a call with their broadcast request. Easy, Effective Fun!

Are you offering this service to you local market, or do you use this service let me here your results.

{She Troubleshoots} Launching Mobile Marketing

It's no secret that everyone has a smart phone. And if you're one of these folks like I am, you keep it with you everywhere. Mine is by my bed while I sleep (even though I don't check it once I 'power down') it's with me all day, literally I take it with me and feel a little lost without it. Like how I forgot it on Thursday...don't ask me how but somehow I did...

I think it's pretty safe to say, me and my smart Google phone are inseparable..and when I get a text message I generally check it within a few minutes. How 'bout you?

Well how cool, awesome, fabulous would it be if you could market that service to small business owners in your local area? Or you can even just offer the text message service for them to handle...you still make a profit on commissions.

What do I mean? Well what if you could offer them a super easy, affordable way to broadcast deals, contests and polls to their audience? What if you could tell them that text messages have over a 95% open and read rate?? It'd be pretty sweet dontcha think?

Yup I thought so too. So after finding the perfect platform to launch this I jumped on it, and jumped in with 2 feet! I'm a Local Mobile Monopoly Agent and it's Awesome!

I'm offering text message marketing to all the local business owners here, and profiting by helping them reach their audience no matter where they are. It's an awesome gig and I enjoy connecting with the community here and helping them see real results in real time.  Every time a customer comes in to redeem their text blast...they know that's mobile marketing at work. And in turn know that my services are working for them, and all they're doing is shooting me an email or giving me a call with their broadcast request. Easy, Effective Fun!

Are you offering this service to you local market, or do you use this service let me here your results.

{She Troubleshoots} This guy's got Talent...& not America's Got Talent type..the real deal!

P.S. Stick through his beginning shaningans..he really is good...I promise :) Is it his awesome dancing that made this video go viral? I'm not sure but I know I love a great dance video when I see one :) Enjoy!

{She Troubleshoots} 5 Swimsuits You Can Rock with Stretchmarks

I love my boys...but man between my genetic makeup, my very short torso...the stretch markers they left behind on my stomach is a travesty. And no amount of cocoa butter, or Palmers creme was gonna save my once smooth belly. --}Real Truth{-- Cocoa butter, Palmers and oils do not work...if you're genetically pre-disposed to get stretch marks! End of story that is all.

So while I've accepted that they'll never go away, I still like to wear cute stuff. And since I'm losing some elle b's while the hubby is deployed, and the boys love to be in the water...and we do live minutes

from the oc

ean...mama kinda has to done a swimsuit every now and again.

So here are a few I found that don't look like they should be on a 50's manneqin...and you'll actually want to wear..if you're like me and wanna hide some mommy flaws.

{She Troubleshoots} Stick Me Designs & the Hoot

In my other life I am the owner and designer behind Stick Me Designs. This allows me to do a few pretty cool things. 1) I get to be involved with some of the coolest folks around 2) I also get to bring a little bit of sunshine to their testing routines via my colorful diabetes clutch bags and accessories.

Launched back in 2007, Stick Me Designs is now one of the fastest growing diabetes accessories brands around...don't believe me ask my customers in Iceland, Australia, or you could look up a few in the UK too :) I'm pretty proud of my fledgling company and what it has meant to a few people out there.

Recently after listening to my fans, followers and awesome customers they decided that owl's are very cute and they wanted a clutch designed after them. Viola...introducing the 'Hoot' design. Finally available for immediate delivery.

Here are just a few comments from those who have snagged the newest deluxe clutch:

-->I received the deluxe clutch for my 6 year old daughter yesterday...the shipping time was faster than I had expected...thank you very much.  She was very excited when she saw the Pink Olive...her face was priceless! ,,,you "hit the nail on the head" with this design!!!  B.Evanchak


-->My daughter sent me your site.  I wish someone had made such  beautiful things back when my daughter got diabetes back in 1984. She really likes the look of this and asked me to buy it for one of her Christmas presents. But really it's a present to me to.  Even though she is 36 years old a mother of a child or even of a grown child always worries. Thank you so much! S. Miles


-->I wanted to send a quick note to let you know I've been loving my clutch.  I received it the day before I was leaving for a trip to London, and having everything in one brightly-colored clutch made that trip much easier.  But I'm still using it for day-to-day life, too.  I'm currently doing the D365 project on Flickr, and it was in my picture from Friday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdingsor/5867426587/

And also when I received it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdingsor/5789523257/in/photostream

Thank you again for making such a great product!

{She Troubleshoots} Local Mobile Monopoly

Anyone who knows me even a little tiny bit, knows that ultimately my goal is to allow my hubby the opportunity to be able to Really Retire after his time in service with the Navy..we're working on 16.5 years here my friends and the clock is a tickin'! He has sacrificed so much for our family, not to mention to serve our country that I want more than anything to give him a truly Retired lifestyle.

In order to do that, I need to really starting cookin' that bacon...or in other words make that money honey! While Stick Me Designs plugs away and grows, I'm always on the hunt to share what I know, help others and get whoever is interested on board to the wonderful world of online media and marketing (I do have a degree in Marketing anyway:) So when I find something that looks promising I'm happy and eager to share...or let you in on my progress.

I recently like just today decided to give the Local Mobile Monopoly strategy a try. Why? Well because who isn't using a smart phone these days, texting, emailing and going online with their phones. But how many local mom and pop business owners do you know that are actually, fully taking advantage of this explosion of mobile technology. I can count on one hand here in Virginia Beach...it's not too many. Maybe the local radio stations and a bar or 2, but up till now the price point has been too outrageous to dive into for the local seen...Until now ... :) [Check that screen shot...already looks like something I'm excited to be a part of, crisp clean...and professional]

Not only is the members area of this strategy on point, but the training 50+ videos we're talking, and a free hosted website? Are you kiddin' me...and these guys are down to earth and real live people who are trustworthy from the start. Not only am I happy to share this with you..I wholeheartedly endorse it 100%.

Now I'll be using my {She Troubleshoots} to give you updates on how things are coming along for me, but if you wanna jump on this bandwagon...you better hurry because if another marketer secures your local market...you may just miss you ticket.

Cheers! and Please share your experiences too...I'd love to hear how you're doing too!~

{She Troubleshoots} A Tablet vs. a Nook?

My husband was sweet enough to buy me a Nook for Mother's day this year, and I love it so far....but the chic geek in me wants to tinkle with it and change it to a full fledged Android tablet...but the cautious mom in me says...hold on there partner. One false back slash and your Nook could be rendered utterly useless...

*sigh* So my question is if you've 'converted' your Nook and (voided your warranty) what do you think, was the task mildly easy or was it a 10+ on the geek-o-meter? I can't really see justifying purchasing a tablet at the moment, because I would simply be buying it just to whip it out and show...not reason enough at this point.

I love my Nook, and I don't want to destroy it because I want to tinker...although..hubby did buy the extended warranty against anything. Because truth be told...I'm rather destructive with my electronics. Maybe it's because I think I can fix it if it breaks..anyway, just wondering what all you techy types have to say.

Should I stick to keeping it a Nook...with restricted limited capabilities...or Go For it??? Thoughts?