Project Dream Goes to Nashville

Last month (and beginning of this month) we traveled to Nashville for a week for the Shaklee Global Conference and were so happy to meet up with my Project Dream International Team! Project Dream is a group (team) of women who blog and market Shaklee products via our blogs. We're like family. I love these women, as I know you've heard me say before.

Directly following the convention I was so pumped about new endeavors that I promptly went on hiatus from here. :( So lame. Just as I was ready to get back to blogging (after a week break), I realized that my time limit to take the Certified Personal Trainer exam was in 11 days. I made the decision to pause from the blog and study my butt off and I don't really regret it, but I DO MISS blogging and interacting with y'all!!!

So I'm back now and I'm going to start off nice and easy with a little eye candy... feast your eyes on ... ME! j/k... sorta. Here are some of the absolutely gorgeous photos taken by Samantha Byers Photography in Nashville. This is only a tiny fraction of Project Dream, but it gives you a nice idea of how awesome we are.

(If you are every curious about PDI, go to our site and come to one of our Thursday night webinars. We love meeting fellow moms and bloggers! www.projectdreamintl.com)

 

Second from the left is Jaima from Ring Around the Rosies. She is a beautiful person and was so nice to have all of us over to her home to take pictures with a gorgeous Nashville backdrop and her husband prepped everything while she was at the conference, including finding a caterer for some Southern cooking. :)

This last picture is of all the PDI women, plus some friends and family, including Jacqui McCoy who you may know from Extreme Weight Loss or the Shaklee 180 site. Jacqui and her mom joined us for the night and they were so sweet and great/motivated business women to add to our team meeting.

Register now for our next webinar (held every Thursday) to learn more about PDI and find out if this amazing team of bloggers may be just what you have been wishing for. :)

Bloggy mini Break - Getting My Fitness On

Hi friends! I've been away for almost two weeks now. :( And I have so many great posts planned and so much to share, but the break is going to last at least into next week too. Maybe. We'll see. Here's the deal... I'm on this really fabulous weight loss journey that peaked my interest in fitness.

So about 6 months ago I bought a Groupon for one of the certified personal training classes and certifications. Any CPT out there may be rolling your eyes right now because no it is not from one of the top providers. But I'm not doing it for other people (not at the moment anyways). I'm doing this for me to learn more about health, fitness, and my body.

Unfortunately I've spent the last 6 months pretty wrapped up in my job(s), lay off(s), and new business. The package expires in 11 days. Not sure if it's even possible for me to do this in time, but I am definitely going to try!!! It means a lot to me and I know y'all understand.

Hopefully I can schedule out the studying easily enough and get some blog posts out soon- I have great fun to share with y'all- camping, hiking, eating, exploring, painting, shopping, etc. I promise to be back asap!!! :)

 

P.S. You can always keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram (happyalison180)! And if you live in the Charleston area and are interested in weight loss and having a walking and accountability group, I would love for you to join me at the Charleston Body Turnaround!

My Story: Finding a Blogging Family {Part Three} + Giveaway

Earlier I was writing some snail mail cards to a few of my Project Dream friends and it occurred to me that this story of becoming a blogger and how I monetized my blog really isn't complete if I don't mention the amazing women/friends/fellow-bloggers/family who encourage and support me on a daily basis.

When I talked about how I monetized my blog (better than affiliate marketing, sponsorships, etc.), I introduced you to Project Dream International. If you go to the site or follow our Facebook page at all, you can see that we are clearly a fun group of women who mean business! What you might not realize is that we are all bloggers. It's how we all met!

If you have been on Pinterest at all lately or attended a blogging conference, I'm sure you've heard the blogging tribe buzz. The experts say it's crucial and for more reasons than just exposure. A blogging tribe supports you, give you ideas, picks you up when you're discouraged, helps cheer on accomplishments, and motivates you with the best training. Or at least that's what mine does.

We don't call ourselves a tribe, though. We're just Project Dream because dreams are our mission. We aren't limited to only 10 people and we don't have rules about keeping the size of our blogs near each other. Everyone is in different parts of the journey. And that's okay because we're not really a traditional tribe- we're family.

A few years ago I was feeling in a rut. My handful of good friends are ones I've had since middle school (or earlier) and the further I got into adulthood, the harder it became to make new ones. Enter Project Dream... not one of these women lives in the same state as I do, yet I talk to them on a weekly basis, texting, on Facebook, and through the cards that I sent out today. They are there for me in every aspect, not just blogging. They are amazing friends.

Well, I've gushed enough about how great they are. How about a fun look back at this last year? I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas to meet up with them and attend some conferences. Meeting in person isn't a requirement- I was very blessed to have been able to.

Dallas- Me and Katie from Building a House of Love.

Dallas- Vicki, Mary, Erin, Katie, Me, and Claire and our friend Juan who we met in Los Angeles. He's awesome.

Chicago- Krysta, Me, Jenn, Bonnie, and Mary

 We actually stayed at Bonnie's house and this was my first time meeting my PDI friends in person. It was so much fun! Mary is actually laughing in this picture. She's a hoot. :)

One of the nights we went on a field trip to Trader Joe's. It was my first time and it was awesome! Of course we were in our pj's and cracking jokes with the few people left working there that late. Always a good time. :)

The Heasleys (how cool are they!? 12 kids!), Jenn, Susie, Krysta, Mary, Bonnie, Elisabeth, and Me

 Oh yeah, and we did attend a great conference and learned a lot besides which TJ yogurt I like best. Here is even more of the group... (ignore my awkward pose)

Funny thing- I can't find any pictures of me with the ladies in Los Angeles, but I know there must be some. Maybe we were just too busy laughing to remember pictures? That was a fun and funny weekend!

Most exciting for me about this walk down memory lane is that I get to see many of these women and meet even more at the Shaklee Global Conference in just a few days!!! I'm so excited to see them all again and do some in-person brainstorming and keep building our businesses and blogs. :)

Blogging friends who I will get to see again or meet in Nashville this week:

Ring Around the Rosies; My Other Shoe; Eyes on the Source; Happy, Healthy, and Domestic; Raising Daisies; Claire's Healthy Home; Beauty Blondie; Erin Branscom; Krysta Steen; Bonnie Donahue; Blissfully Ever After; Parents of a Dozen; The Home Tipster; Pearls, Paisley, and Petticoats

If you would like to be a part of this awesome group of women, go to Project Dream's website and sign up to learn more! No feeling nervous! :) We're all strangers at first, yet all looking for the same things out of life, which is part of why it's so easy to bond. We'd love to have you!

Okay, now GIVEAWAY TIME! :)

In celebration of my first time in Nashville I am giving away a gorgeous pair of earrings from Lauren Amos Designs. These are the same that the main character, Rayna James, from the TV show Nashville wore. I bought a pair for myself because I love them so much! lol.

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I'll be wearing these plenty while in Nashville. :) I can't wait! Good luck!!!

 

My Story: How I Monetized My Blog {Part Two} + MacBook Pro Giveaway

Last Monday I told you a little history about myself and how I became a professional blogger. I also mentioned at the end that I, of course, still need to make money to pay bills :)

Enter Project Dream International - I was first introduced to PDI by another blogger who I had been following for about a year. I read all about how she was building her own business by blogging. I was very curious!

Have you ever thought about doing affiliate marketing on your blog? Or adsense? Or reviewing products? Those are all ways that bloggers can monetize their blog and you'll hear tons about them at events like BlogHer and Bloggy Bootcamp, but what I've learned in the past year is that there is a better way to monetize that isn't talked about much.

Moms everywhere are opening up Etsy shops and investing in supplies to craft their jewelry, purses, prints, etc. Well, there is another group of entrepreneur moms who are also building their own businesses! That's what Project Dream International is- we're a group of women building our WAHM businesses together. :)

I don't know where you are in your life and career. Maybe you absolutely love your job and your blog is already making lots of money! But if that doesn't quite describe you and you want something to help you reach your dreams (vacation, college tuition, home renovation, etc.), you need to check out Project Dream.

Prior to partnering with Project Dream International, I was feeling very trapped in my 9-5, cubicle job. I thought I had reached my dreams, but was beginning to realize that I wanted more from life. I had also started blogging, but wasn't making much money on affiliate marketing and sponsorships. Project Dream trained me, helped me build my blog, and gave me real tools to make my new dreams a reality. Following my 4th layoff I didn't have to worry because I knew I had my blog and business to rely on. It has made all the difference in my life. Now I am a part of a community of amazing women who will forever be family to me! :)

If you would like to learn more about Project Dream International, go to our site here and sign up to receive the free webinar that explains even more about how we are making money blogging! :) And you are always welcome to message me with any questions. I see so many women with great blogs or obvious potential- they just need a little training and support. I love being able to help others learn how to make money through blogging!

P.S. Now that you are ready to get serious about blogging, you might want some good equipment! :) I'm a part of a really great giveaway going on at Pretty My Party for an Apple Macbook Pro! See the details below and enter to win!!! Good luck!

Rules: Giveaway is open worldwide to all participants age 18 and older. If the winner resides outside of the U.S. they are required to pay shipping. Everyone entering the giveaway is required to like and follow every business and blog participating. You will be disqualified from winning the prize if your name is chosen and you did not follow everyone on the entry form list. Giveaway is open until July 29, 2013 at 12 a.m. EST. One winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified by email by hello@prettymyparty.com. Please make sure that email is on your safe email list and doesn’t end up in your spam folder. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced on Pretty My Party on Aug. 1, 2013.
Disclosure: This giveaway is in no way associated with Apple or any of its products. Pretty My Party and those bloggers and businesses listed above receive no compensation to promote Apple products, including the Macbook Pro.

Prize: 13.3-inch MacBook Pro (model MD101LL/A)

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My Story: Becoming a Professional Blogger {Part One}

Oh yeah! I'm officially a full-time, professional blogger. You are my #o-uno work related care in the world. I love it!

My senior year of high school I had to make that dreaded decision- which college to accept?
It was College of Charleston (CofC) vs. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and I was torn in half. Short story- I chose CofC. CofC meant that I would be getting a Business degree with a minor in Political Science. I knew that from the moment I accepted. So my dreams of living a creative life, designing furniture, painting, and decorating were put to the side with SCAD. And I was okay with that and still stand by that decision, but it had its effects. Still, it was just another part of the process, the plan, life.

via (<- fantastic lifestyle blog, btw)

Fast forward to senior year of college, when I was first introduced to the Charleston Aerospace and Defense Industry. My eyes twinkled and heart skipped a beat- this is where I was meant to be. I was enamored with everything this industry had to offer from the smallest contract to the idea of working at the Pentagon.

As a senior with limited extra curricular activities besides wasting 4 years on a stupid boyfriend and an equally dull GPA, I was willing to work at the bottom of the bottom to prove my worthiness. I'm not a traditional-test-taking type of gal. I fail multiple choice every time. But give me a computer and some random new software everyone else is taking classes to learn- I'll be testing (applied knowledge tests) as an expert in an hour or two. I always knew I could prove myself, if I could just get my foot in the door.

So I set out on my job hunt before graduation. I knew every defense contracting company in a 30mi radius of Charleston. I even attempted to go door-to-door with my resume, which is near impossible since you can't get into most offices without badges and can only talk to the receptionist in the others. I joined all the defense related clubs and networked like there was no tomorrow.

Still, no dice. I broke down in August 2008 (3 months after graduation) and took a job as an assistant at an insurance agency. Gag me. It was awful, but it was something!

Lay-off One

Then in February 2009 I was laid-off a few days before Valentine's Day and my birthday. Either me or the office manager had to go and since she was the boss' girlfriend, I lost. ha.

After the most miserable 6 months of my life on unemployment, I got a job hostessing part-time for the restaurant that was going to cater our wedding.

So there I was hostessing downtown just 2 weeks before my impending nuptials. I don't think Kent and I brought home even $500/month between us. I was still applying to at least 10 defense jobs per week, calling anyone's number I could get, and attending all the networking events I could find. I was not the most scholarly candidate and these companies get to pick from the best!

Finally my break- September 2009- I overheard a diner talking about a company that I had just applied to that morning and I told his waiter to make him pay upfront. {so sneaky!}
I hurried to seat a table and ran back and took a chance, asking him if he worked for that company. He replied no and I was momentarily crushed. When I explained why I asked, he said the most amazing words I'll never forget... "Oh well you don't want to work for them! You want to work for Lockheed Martin!"

HOLY CRAPOLA!!! I had never even applied to a job at Lockheed. LM is the #1 defense contractor in the world. They get the top pickings of the world. I was in heaven.

We exchanged information and I literally jumped up and down through the restaurant squeeling. LOL. It just felt like such a break and like somehow this was my moment.

And it was, but it took a while. Contracts are up and down and it's a complicated industry to be a part of. So after much patience, I finally began working at my dream job in April 2010.

I loved working for Lockheed Martin. The Charleston office felt like a small, family business while still having all the perks of being a part of a large company.

Lay-off Two

But like I said- contracts are up and down and our project ended up with a different company a year and a half later. I was laid-off for the 2nd time. So to the new company I went. :( Thankfully still working on the same project with the same people.

Lay-off Three

From there it was pretty downhill. That project ended and I was essentially laid-off again. I found another project to work on (under the same company), but that went very downhill.

Lay-off Four

One day you're rearranging your life to travel for the project on no notice and the next minute you're being laid-off because the customer (i.e., the government) has changed the goals and you aren't needed now. This was by far the worst lay-off. It broke my heart. I'm not going to go into all of that though. So if you are counting... That makes 4 lay-offs in 4 years, or 3 in 2 years.

via

I was done! Cooked! Crispy! Turn me over! Put a fork in me! Ain't ever going back!

So in May of this year, I found myself back to where I was as a high school senior- Do I choose business or creativity? Thankfully, I'm choosing both this time around. I've postponed looking for a new job, partly because I don't even know what to do now.

I had a dream in college to work in IT (computers) for a big defense contractor and I was so blessed to have made that come true at such a young age. But now I have to let go of that dream and start building new ones.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams,

 live the life you've imagined.

- Henry David Thoreau

I'm choosing to do that with you. My blog readers. I love blogging because I get to network with so many different types of women and build my Shaklee business by helping families become healthier. Win! I'm able to spend more time with my boys and I even have time to workout now. This is what I've been yearning to do for the last year, but had been SO afraid of taking the plunge. As much as the last lay-off broke my heart, I know God is the one who orchestrated it. He knew I was too afraid so He gave me a BIG push!

I'll be back next Monday with Part Two: How I Monetized My Blog. This new dream I'm working on is amazing and I'm loving every minute of it, but it still comes with bills. :)

Now I really want to know- What is your dream? Have you ever reached a dream and then had to move on?