According to Andrew Wilshire, we should hold onto our gold

My grandpa just recently sold off his dry cleaning business of 60 years.  During that time, my mom, dad and both uncles were employed by him at some point.  One uncle split off several years ago to pursue a real estate career, but the other one stayed until the very last day, complaining the whole time.  Needless to say, he took his share of the money and drove out to California, where he has been gold-mining for nearly a year already.  I don't think he has dug up a whole lot, but if he does, it sounds like he should hold onto it and not cash it in just yet since the value of gold is much stronger than the US dollar right now.

Andrew Wilshire is an expert investor in bullion and precious metals.  He advises that we invest in gold and silver right now, since they are experiencing growth and the US currency is worth less and less.  This is especially true since we have recently acquired trillions of dollars of debt to help save our economy from the recession.  

I have thought of cashing in some of my old jewelry to give my bank account a little boost, but according to Andrew Wilshire, it sounds like I should hold onto it for now.  It will end up being worth more than the couple hundred dollars I might get in return.  Since I don't keep up on the gold and silver stocks, it's nice to have advisors like Andrew Wilshire, suggesting what to do with my precious metals.  I'll have to pass the word on to my uncle... so he will hold onto that big nugget he hopes to come across.

Dr. Paul Offit kept my little girl from getting the rotavirus

As a mother, vaccines have been a topic of discussion on multiple occasions.  Every doctor, and parent for that matter, have their own opinion of what is the best vaccine schedule to implement for your child.  Luckily my daughter had received the rotavirus vaccine, because her 11-month-old cousin came down with the scary disease while she was visiting us from Washington.  Out of nowhere she was throwing up every hour or two for days.  I was so thankful my daughter was protected and had very little possibility of contracting the illness.

Dr. Paul Offit is the one to thank for creating the vaccine for rotavirus.  A renowned vaccine expert and pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Paul Offit has studied infectious diseases for 30 years and is committed to preventing them from taking more lives.  He has recently released a new book about the controversy between vaccines and their link to autism.  As someone who likes to remain informed about such important issues, I plan to get my own copy and read what Dr. Paul Offit has to say.

Power Properties offers inspiring decorating ideas

About a week or so ago I blogged about how my husband and I are searching for a new home.  I am happy to say, we have found one and plan to move in about a month.  But during our hectic home search, we stumbled upon an incredibly impressive real estate venture out of Dallas.  It is called Power Properties and it offers an array of listings from boutique to historic to the Caribbean-inspired Verandah Group.  

Anyway, the residences listed with Power Properties were so beautifully landscaped and detailed, that I just had to share their website.  Even though we plan to stay in the Valley of the Sun, I love finding sites like this that inspire me to make our new home a sanctuary we can really be proud of.  Now if I can just find some great deals to help me decorate on a dime, I'll be set!  But you can be sure I'll be linking back to Power Properties to aid me in the design process.

Mohammed Babangida encompasses the motto "Work hard, play hard"

I really believe in the motto: "Work hard, play hard."  Sometimes I prefer to work hard and play harder, but that's beside the point.  So I enjoy discovering other successful business people around the world who act out this motto day to day.  

Mohammed Babangida is a great example of someone who does just that.  A lawyer and executive ranking businessman, Mohammed Babangida is an avid polo player and jazz enthusiast.   He is passionate about his hobbies just as much as he is about his role in the oil and gas industry.  Son of Nigerian president Ibrahim Babangida, Mohammed Babangida learned early on that balance of work and play was not only important, but very attainable.  It is something I wish everyone could understand and live out every day.

His last name says it all: Dr. Joel RosKIND

I was just talking with a co-worker yesterday about breast augmentation.  I would like my breasts larger.  She would like hers smaller.  I haven't known many people to undergo this procedure, so I found some information online and discovered Dr. Joel Roskind.  Dr. Roskind is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon with ample experience in breast augmentations, various facial surgeries and body sculpting.  He even has photos on his website of past clients to show before and after shots of the surgeries.  I was impressed with the natural appearance of most of the augmentations and the amazing results of the some of the body sculpting.  

I have teased my husband in the past that with our second child, he should reward me with a tummy tuck and perkier breasts.  Maybe that idea isn't so far-fetched.  Dr. Joel Roskind really helps his clients gain more confidence in their appearance, whether its body sculpting or facial restructuring.  In fact, he travelled to Mexico to  volunteer his services to underprivileged children with cleft lip and palate disfigurements.  Now that's a doctor I would be proud to call my own.

American tax relief helps taxpayers catch up on past debt

I wish I knew about American Tax Relief a couple years ago.  Since I am self-employed, taxes are a little trickier and the government expects that I pay estimated taxes every quarter based on my projected income.  Well, I have not been as diligent about doing so in the past and, unfortunately, I have been faced with some pretty steep IRS bills.  I got them all paid off, but I could have possibly saved a lot of money by utilizing the services of American Tax Relief.

Apparently, federal law allows you to come to a settlement on your tax liabilities with the IRS and the people at American Tax Relief help you take advantage of that.  Imagine paying pennies on the dollar and making those intimidating IRS letters disappear.  That is definitely something I would have taken advantage of.  I spent hours on end talking with IRS representatives  and waiting on hold, so it would have been nice to hire a professional negotiator at American Tax Relief to take care of the problem for me.  Hopefully I won't be faced with tax problems again in the future, but if I am, I will definitely keep this service in mind.

Amos Tamam made traveling a little more convenient

My husband and I were just talking about how we'd like to go to New York City.  We've never been there and it would be wonderful to see the many iconic buildings, parks and restaurants we hear so much about.  I know we'd probably have to taxi our way around, which is why I'm excited to hear that taxi cabs in NYC are now accepting credit cards.  Finally!  

As a traveller, I have often had to travel with large amounts of cash in my pocket to tip baggage handlers, drivers and purchase convenience items in the airports.  But now I can feel safer not having to tote as much money since one of the more costly expenses now accepts credit cards.  This is all thanks to Amos Tamam, the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems, who migrated to America in the early 1980s from Israel.  He started out as a taxi mechanic, then developed high-tech meters for the cars and is now offering wireless credit card processing to taxi cab fleets all over New York City and Philadelphia.  

Amos Tamam was able to achieve the "American dream" and made our lives much easier in the process.  I'll definitely be thinking of Amos Tamam as my husband and I are handing our credit card to the driver as we pull up to the Empire State Building.  Convenience sells!

Linus Gitahi says entrepreneurs still drive our economy

Most of you know that I'm an entrepreneur at heart and I honestly believe our world is driven by the small and medium-sized businesses... not the corporate giants that many think rule our lives.  So I was pleasantly surprised that this world view was held by a majority of people in Africa as well.  Nation Media Group, which operates several papers and radio stations in East and Central Africa, is working to collaborate forces between small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya in an effort to drive the country's success.  The survey they implemented showed that small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya contribute 75% of the nation's wealth and 80% of its employment rate.  Linus Gitahi is the CEO of Nation Media Group and calls these businesses "the real engine of the economy."  

Linus Gitahi is definitely an example of a successful businessman with global reach.  He was once the head of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, and now leads the media and marketing endeavors of NMG.  As a business-minded individual, I am impressed by Linus Gitahi's drive and success.  And I am grateful he is helping to feed the small and medium-sized businesses that drive our economy.

Phoenix homecare a great alternative to nursing homes

My aunt operates an adult care assistance program in her home in Phoenix.  I got to thinking over the weekend how incredibly valuable it is to have some help when we get older.  We will all likely get to an age where we will need some help doing the everyday tasks in life, but no one is really excited about going to live in a nursing home or impersonal hospital.  That's why the option of Phoenix homecare is a great one.  The caregivers are so loving and assist in giving medication, do the grocery shopping, meal planning and setting up reminders for the important birthdays or appointments.  

Whether its Dementia, Alzheimer's, or physical limitations, it is a huge advantage to have someone come to your home to help out.  Home care Phoenix is definitely something I will look into when a loved one of mine approaches an age where they will need some assistance doing the laundry, cleaning, bathing or getting dressed.  I don't know about you but I would love to have someone help me with errands or drive me around, even at my age.  So Homecare Phoenix seems like a great choice to me.

What does your online reputation say about you?

As someone who has a background in Marketing and several years experience in public relations, I understand how vital it is to maintain a good reputation within (and even beyond) your industry.  Nowadays that reputation is primarily sustained online.  Therefore it is more important than ever to check out what people are saying about you and verify its validity.  Your online reputation could make you or break you.  

If you find a slew of false criticisms against you, you must take the steps to correct them and clear your name.  Fortunately, there are companies who specialize in online reputation management.  They can rectify your rep and alter your publicity for the better.  So go ahead and google your name to see what's being said about you.  If you find some undeserved reviews, you better take action.  Seek out someone who can help you with your reputation management and clear the way for more favorable feedback.

Flip that frown upside down

I have come to realize that this economy is not so bad.  If you are able to make the current market work for you, it could really provide some positive financial results.  For example, my husband and I bought our first home back in 2005 when the housing market in Arizona was insane.  We made offers on multiple homes and most went before they were on MLS for 1 day.  Of course, the value of everything skyrocketed at that time.  But unfortunately what goes up must come down and now Arizona has the highest foreclosure rate of any state in the country.  This may seem like a dismal time to own... and in some ways it is.  We are subject to losing our home just like so many others.  But we are also trying to look out for our financial future which tells us that with the dragging economy and the tremendous supply of foreclosed homes, now is the time to buy.  So we have been searching for a new place and have been pleasantly surprised to find gorgeous new homes for 1/4 the price for what we paid for our house back in 2005.  I just thought I would share this little bit of information since so many sources are reporting negative news.  However you can do it... make our current economy work for you.  Five years from now, you'll be glad you did!

Tough times call for more positivity

In these tough economic times, I find it more important to really enjoy the little things in life.  It is not enough to just get by anymore.  With all the tragedy, chaos and downward spiral of the economy pushing in around us, we need to create a barrier so as not to get depressed.  I know it's easier said than done.  I had my share of ups and downs the last year... searching for viable employment for a solid six months was not an enjoyable experience.  But I have definitely realized that it's up to me to create happiness within myself.  I can't depend on my circumstances, as they constantly change and are more often grim than not.  Therefore, I think now is the time to really love your life.  Go for a walk.  Listen to the birds.  Watch a child play.  Find a way to take a quick, inexpensive vacation to recharge.  Truly enjoy your family and friends.  I read an article on PR Week that supports this notion of our need for more positivity in these dark times.  You can read it here.  It states that people are wanting more uplifting news stories, are watching more comedy and are trying to lighten their moods in spite of our financial woes.  I'm working on a "how-to" article for Knol for Dummies.com about traveling on a budget.  Those of you who know me, know that I love to travel.  And you also know I have no money.  So I'm excited to share some great tips on how to plan your escape, if only for a weekend, to recharge and gain a new perspective on this crazy thing that we call life.  Stay tuned!

Learning tricks of the freelance trade

As I do more research on freelancing, I am finding an abundance of information available online.  And I am extremely grateful for this.  I have experience writing and experience opening a business, but I've never intertwined the two.  So it is enlightening to see how others have broken into the freelance world and how they find their work.  There is definitely a list of do's and don'ts and I have probably already broken a few of the don'ts.  But that's how you learn, right?  You can check out some of the informative links I have come across under the "Favorite Links" list.  As I continue to delve into the world of freelance writing, I plan to expand my network tremendously.  I see my contacts as a way to improve not only my writing, but the way I operate my business as well.  So please feel free to comment and give feedback on anything that strikes your fancy.  What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger... and I appreciate all the things that have  boosted my strength.

Charity Run to Honor Injured Officer

Press Release

March 2009- JUST US Public Service Motorcycle Club to Host First Annual Richard Zvarra Charity Ride

Motorcycle lovers of all kinds will gather Saturday, March 21 to benefit Officer Richard Zvarra as the Phoenix Chapter of JUST US Public Service Motorcycle Club hosts the first annual lotto run to honor the injured officer.  Zvarra, a Corrections Officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that left him with severe head injuries.  The former marine has multiple surgeries and rehabilitation in store for him as he battles to survive.

The charity ride will start at Pioneer Restaurant, 3901 W. Pioneer Rd, where participants can donate $10 to the Zvarra family in return for a lottery ticket.  Additional tickets can be purchase for $5 each.  At each of the four stops, riders will choose numbers until the final stop where the Grand Prize winner will be rewarded with $100.  Registration will be from 8:00am- 10:00am, with the ride beginning at 10:00am.  All proceeds will benefit the Zvarra family to help pay for the officer's medical expenses and to support his wife and two small children.

JUST US PSMC was established in 2006 and consists of members employed in public service, including Detention Officers, Correction Officers, Police Officers, Firefighters and Military Personnel.  For more information, please visit their website at www.JustUsPSMC.com.

Michele's Bio

I have always loved to write.  As a student, I found it easy to write assigned articles and essays for my classes.  I enjoyed reading, but would scrutinize authors for their word usage or choice of sentence structure.  I would consistently edit papers for my fellow colleagues and was the go-to gal for suggestions on various marketing collateral.  I never thought I could make a career of writing, though.  Now I do.  With a background in Marketing and Journalism, I believe I encompass a well balanced perspective of what great writing should be about.  I am not an uptight or fussy writer.  I think people should enjoy reading what I have to say and if the wordage is too pretentious, they will be turned off.  Therefore, I decided to create a blog for my viewers to follow.  It will be an all encompassing blog covering everything from relationships to food to travel and anything in between.  I hope you enjoy what you read and check back frequently for updates.  Feel free to comment on anything I write as well.  I would love for my site to be an interactive and educational one for all of us!