Guest Post: 11 Intelligent Ways To Save on Textbooks Without The Bookstore

by

Andrea Woroch


Textbook prices tend to rise at four times the rate of inflation for an average of $900 per year. It doesn't take a college education to figure out there are alternatives to traditional outlets, but incoming freshmen don't always know the ropes. Here are 11 ways to save this fall -- none of which include shopping at the college bookstore.

1. Wait Until After You've Seen the Syllabus
Professors must submit their textbook lists far in advance of the next semester, which means they may never require you even open the book. Talk with your professor in the first few days to determine whether it's worth shelling out cash for something that may become a paperweight.

2. Rent
Chegg.com, the Netflix of textbooks, started a trend several years ago by allowing students to rent their books. You'll pay roughly half the purchase price and shipping is often free. Other similar dealers include BookRenter.com and CampusBookRentals.com.

3. Watch Daily Deals
The aforementioned Chegg announced in late May they'd begin offering daily deals targeted at college students. Scheduled to start in July, the program will begin with offerings from HP, Capital One, MTV, Microsoft and Dr. Pepper. Also keep an eye out for offers tailored to students by location -- possibly even your local bookstore.

4. Buy Used Textbooks
Used textbook companies have proliferated and even traditional booksellers now both buy and sell used textbooks. The selection has greatly increased and the prices are far superior to exorbitant college bookstores. Check out Half.com, Textbooks.com and eCampus.com.

5. Download
Few classes require students read every page of a textbook, so why not download the necessary portion from such websites as CourseSmart.com and Open Courseware from MIT? Project Gutenbergalso has scanned in hundreds of free-domain books for use on e-readers.

6. Don't Purchase the Whole Package
Federal regulations no longer allow publishers to combine textbooks with add-ons, such as CD-ROMs and workbooks. Check with your professor or teaching assistant before you buy the whole bundle.

7. Buy Online
If you want to physically own a new book, buying online often means free shipping and reduced prices. Grab a coupon code from CouponSherpa.com and shop online at new textbook sellers like Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com and AbeBooks.com.

8. International Or Older Versions
Non-traditional editions are usually significantly cheaper. There may be some slight changes, but many of these tend to be cosmetic or minor and won't greatly impact use.

9. Share
If you carpool, you know the advantage of splitting the cost of high-ticket expenses. Sharing is easier if you're in the same study group and/or see each other frequently.

10. Swap
Some schools now hold swap meets, where students can trade their old textbooks for the ones they'll need next year.

11. Compare Prices
You wouldn't buy a Porsche without shopping around, so do the same with textbooks. Websites such as CampusBooks.com, BigWords.com and AllBookstores.com make the process much easier.


As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea Woroch  has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

KRAFT GIVES AWAY $20,000 IN PRIZES FOR “REAL WOMEN OF PHILADELPHIA” RECIPE CONTEST Men & Women Enter For Chance To Win!

KRAFT and Real Women of Philadelphia Season 2 Hosts are calling you!  Grab your mixing bowls and oven mitts! 

The Real Women of Philadelphia are at it again and giving away a total of $20,000 as part of the Season 2 Recipe Contest. Men and women can enter for a chance to win $500 and the opportunity to contribute to the Real Women of Philadelphia cookbook by submitting their favorite recipes made with PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese or PHILADELPHIA Cooking Crème, a picture of their recipe and a short description. Each week, there will be a new recipe category and theme, including appetizer, side dish, entrée and dessert.  Five recipes will be chosen weekly with the submission period which began July 25 and running through September 18. There will be a total of 40 winners.

To enter the contest, register at the Real Women of Philadelphia website at www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com.

Additional contest information, recipe themes and requirements are available at: http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/season-two-official-rules

This contest is part of the Real Women of Philadelphia community which is now in its second season.  Community members have created their own site profiles, developed recipes, uploaded pictures, written articles and self-produced more than 12,000 entertaining short videos showcasing how they use PHILLY in their favorite dishes. These recipe videos  have received millions of views across various media channels and the Real Women of Philadelphia website. 

August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month

RED ALERT – August Is Psoriasis Awareness Month What is Psoriasis?  Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that impacts nearly 6 million Americans. Those with psoriasis often have red patches of skin with thick white scales – commonly on the elbows, knees and scalp. Aside from the way it looks, psoriasis is often itchy, irritating and messy - - there’s lots of flakey skin shedding. With psoriasis, some part of the skin’s immune system is overactive, speeding up the skin’s metabolism. Normal skin renews itself every 60 days; psoriatic skin only takes nine days. Chicago-area dermatologist and skin care authority, Amy Forman Taub, MD is the Medical Director of Advanced Dermatology, founder of Skinfo.com, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Northwestern University Medical School, Department of Dermatology. Dr. Taub has treated hundreds of cases of psoriasis, all with patience and persistence, and has found several treatment options which offer relief and a better quality of life for psoriasis sufferers. Suffer from psoriasis?  Consider these treatment options which have worked for Advanced Dermatology patients: XTRAC Laser:  The XTRAC excimer laser provides targeted phototherapy treatment for psoriasis offering safe, effective and lasting results. This laser uses a focused beam of ultraviolet light on the affected skin area avoiding exposure to healthy skin. Topical Agents:  In mild psoriasis, where less than 10 percent of the body surface is affected, topical creams, ointments, gels and lotions are often applied first. These usually consist of steroids, vitamin D derivatives, retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), and tar based topical treatments. The most common is a steroid because of its anti-inflammatory properties and because it also decreases the redness and scaling relatively quickly. Visitskinfo.com to learn which creams and lotions work. Oral or Injectables:  When psoriasis is more severe or light treatments or topicals have failed, oral or injectable solutions may be considered. They work by decreasing the metabolism in overactive cells thereby decreasing the rapidity with which psoriatic skin is made -- helping to normalize it. In addition, sufferers now have biologic medications available – also known as “designer” drugs which attack specific molecular targets in the immune system. Amevive, Raptiva, Remicade, Enbrel and Humira treat moderate to severe psoriasis. To learn more about combating Psoriasis, please visit: www.advdermatology.com/pages/psoriasis/305.php

Guest Post: Back to School on a Budget: 11 Back To School Savings Tips

by 

Andrea Woroch

You can hear the groans across the country. Summer has barely begun and already retailers are holding back-to-school sales. Toys R Us actually started their sales July 1, with an end date of July 23. The National Retail Federation says some sales may continue through August, but there might not be the same selection. That's reason enough to consider shopping now.

The question is how to save without busting your budget. Here are 11 savings tips to help you through this early shopping season.

1. Take Inventory

Consider what you'll actually need before hitting the stores. Has your child grown out of their schools clothes or will they do so by September? Can you reuse last year's school supplies or will you need to replace some items?

2. Set a Budget
Create a shopping list and stick to it, so you avoid impulse purchases. That fancy-schmancy Transformers' Trapper Keeper can push your budget over the edge.

3. Use Coupons
There may be great deals, but coupons can make them even greater. Check out sites like CouponSherpa.com that offer a wide selection ofonline, printable, and mobile coupons for back to school savings.

4. Shop Early
While it seems awfully early to think about school shopping, this is when stores are rolling out their best deals of the year. As they say, the early bird gets the worm.

5. Go Mobile
Tap into your mobile phone with apps like "RedLaser," which allows you to scan bar codes and find any cheaper prices online or at other retailers.

6. Check Social Media
Twitter and Facebook are great places to find deals offered to a brand's social-media fan base. "Like" or "Follow" the merchant and keep an eye out for coupons and sales announcements.

7. Buy in Bulk
Take advantage of bulk offers on pens, crayons, paper and other items your kids will burn through over the course of the year. You might team up with other parents for bigger bulk purchases that will bring prices down even lower.

8. Spend More to Save More
Sometimes it costs money to save money. For example, Staples offers a 15-percent savings pass for $10, which you can use throughout the back-to-school season.

9. Exchange
Gather your family and friends -- along with their kid's school wardrobes -- for an exchange night of hand-me-downs that will save everyone money.

10. Wait Until Labor Day
Labor Day is the traditional time for big sales on school clothing. You might take a chance and wait until then to buy any necessary items for your child.

11. Buy for Yourself
Back-to-school sales aren't just for kids. You might stock up on office supplies, jeans and other items that traditionally go on sale during this season.

Consumer and money saving expert, Andrea Worochhas been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her onFacebook and Twitter.

Half off sale on Wonder Bumpers

Go Mama Go Designs is offering over 50% off on their Wonder Bumpers! Wonder Bumpers are an alternative bumper that zip onto each individual crib slat, eliminating the potential for baby to suffocate or strangle themselves in the bumper as can happen with traditional horizontal bumpers.

Guest Post: Netflix Raises Prices: Keep Your Cash With 8 Alternative Options

by Andrea Woroch

Attention streaming movie marathoners: There are major changes coming your way. This month Netflix announced they'll be increasing their plan pricing. The trend of rising prices for streaming content is a growing one. Cell phone providers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all planning to eliminate unlimited data plans in favor of tiered pricing. With experts predicting most cell phone users won't be hit by the changes for a few years, Netflix is taking most of the heat.

The Netflix Changes
Here are the basics of the Netflix changes. Instead of having DVD rentals and streaming movies priced together, each portion will be priced as a separate plan. For most users, this will increase the monthly bill by $6-10. Price changes will take effect September 1.

Customer Backlash
Understandably, cash-strapped consumers are not thrilled about price increases. The official blog post announcing Netflix's changes has generated more than 12,000 comments. Most appear to be current subscribers pledging to cancel their subscription.

More Than the Price
On the surface, $6 doesn't seem like an outrageous amount, but customers are hurt about more than the money. Many who've been with Netflix from the start feel their loyalty has been betrayed. Disgruntled loyalists would like prices to stay as they are for current subscribers with increased rates only for new subscribers.

Not Enough Bang for the Buck
Another customer gripe is that the product doesn't justify the higher price. Subscribers have complained the streaming movie selection is lacking. They contend new material is not added often enough and many times the streaming video quality is poor.

Switching to the Competition
The price increases by Netflix are encouraging many users to give the competition a try. Redbox is one of the most popular alternatives, with $1 rentals and locations in just about every neighborhood. Amazon Instant Video is another popular choice. Streaming new releases are typically $3.99 to rent for a 48 hour period.

Price Increase Reasoning
Even though Netflix subscribers are in an uproar, the company isn't entirely to blame. When Netflix started their streaming service, studios who own the movies didn't realize the potential for profits. With the surge in streaming media popularity, studios want to charge a premium for their content. One expert has predicted Netflix's content licensing costs will increase from $180 million in 2010 to $1.98 billion in 2012.

If you don't want to pay these increased costs, here are a few alternatives to help you keep your cash.

DVD Exchange With Friends
Do you have a shelf full of DVDs you just can't bring yourself to watch again? Get a few friends or co-workers in on a movie exchange. Trade movies one for one and trade back when you're all done watching.

Rent From the Library
With the demise of local video rental stores, finding releases from a few years back is growing increasingly difficult. Renting movies from the library can help you track down many titles not available from Redbox. Even better, the rentals are free!

Discount Gift Cards
Going to see a movie in the theatre isn't exactly a steal, but there are some ways around high prices. Popular cinemas likeAMC and Regal both have more than 100 discounted gift cards available at GiftCardGranny.com.

Matinee Movies
If you work a 9-5, matinee movies may be out of your reach, but they make for another way to beat high prices. Tickets cost much less and you don't have to deal with the massive crowds you find in the evening.

Neighborhood Movie Night
Consider going in with a group of neighbors and investing in a backyard movie set-up. Hopefully, someone already has a projector they're willing to share. All you need then is a screen. Inflatable, outdoor projection screens can easily be found online for less than $200. This tip might not save a ton of money, but it can help a whole group of people stop paying their money to Netflix.

Free Screenings
Plenty of filmmakers just want their movie to get seen. College campuses are great resources for finding free screenings. Many towns also offer free showings of classic films at parks throughout the summer. A local paper is a good way to find out if there are any offerings in your area.

Get Outside
The natural world was here before streaming Netflix and it will certainly be here long after. Take the money you'd spend on movies and invest it in a national parks pass. The cost is only $80 for one year and it gets you and anyone in the car with you into more than 2,000 sites across the country.

Dial Into Daily Movie Deals
Deal of the day sites like Groupon and LivingSocial occasionally offer discounted movie theater tickets for as little as $2 per person. That's a pretty cheap movie night outing and well worth the price. Just make sure to skip the popcorn and candy - your wallet and waist will thank you.

Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch has been featured as a media expert source on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, FOX & Friends, ABC News NOW, MSNBC, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Smart Money and many more.

World News With Diane Sawyer to Report "Retirement Revolution"

Next week “World News” cracks the code for a happy retirement. During a special week-long series, ABC’s Claire Shipman goes in search of boomers rewriting the rules of retirement with an in-depth look at the “Retirement Revolution” taking place across the country. We show you the amazing new ways boomers are pursuing their dreams, surprising new strategies to help them afford their big new goals, and breakthroughs that promise to give boomers the energy and health to do it all. Reports will begin airing on “World News with Diane Sawyer” on Monday, July 18.

“World News with Diane Sawyer” airs at 6:30 p.m., (ET) on the ABC Television Network. Jon Banner is the executive producer of the broadcast.

Best Friends Getaway Contest

To celebrate the fall 2011 launch of the exclusive Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Collections, Kohl’s Department Stores is launching a Facebook contest, offering 15 lucky winners a chance to live it up with their best friend in New York City. While it’s apparent that Jennifer and Marc have a lot of love for each other, Kohl’s is launching an online contest to find out who has the most love for Jennifer and Marc. The “Best Friends Getaway Contest,” invites participants to submit a creative video to show why they love Jennifer and / or Marc. Fifteen winners will be selected to win an all-expense paid trip to New York City with their best friend to experience everything that Jennifer and Marc love about their hometown of New York City. 

To enter, legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, 18 and older, can submit a video on the Kohl’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kohls), starting July 11 at 12:00 p.m. CT and ending at 11:59 p.m. CT on July 30, 2011. Facebook users, who haven’t done so already, must “Like” the Kohl’s Facebook page to unlock the entry form.  Only one entry per person is permitted. The winning videos will be selected based on four equally weighted criteria, including: originality / creativity of the video submission; personality of the entrant; level of enthusiasm expressed during the video; fan voting by their peers within the Kohl’s Facebook community. To view a complete listing of the contest rules and to enter to win, visitwww.Facebook.com/kohls.

The 15 winners will be announced on August 12, 2011. In addition to winning an all-expense paid trip for two to New York City, including airfare, hotel and transportation, contest winners will receive star treatment for the day, including:

• Entry to a star-studded NYC Fashion Week event in September
• Dinner at one of Jennifer and Marc’s favorite NYC restaurants
• A pampering session at an NYC salon
• A $500 Kohl’s gift card
• $500 spending cash
• A flip cam to document their travels / experiences to be shared via Kohl’s online and social media sites following the event.

The Jennifer Lopez Collection includes contemporary sportswear, dresses, handbags, jewelry, shoes, and sleepwear along with a home collection of bedding and towels. The Marc Anthony Collection consists of sportswear, dress shirts, neckwear, accessories, suit separates, sport coats, and shoes. Both collections will be available at Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com beginning this September. 

Old Navy Summer Fun!

I was sent by Crowdtap on behalf of Old Navy coupons to share with my friends.    Each of us received 1 pair of shorts, 1 top, and 1 accessory.  The rest of my friends had a party with me.  We discussed fashion tips and mistakes, along with great food.

Guest Post: 7 Convenient Places to Score Digital Coupons

by

Andrea Woroch

As more consumers turn to the Web for the convenience and ease of shopping from home and comparing prices among multiple stores, social media and the Internet are quickly becoming leading sources for digital coupons. According to research released June 1 by eMarketer, 88.2 million consumers will use digital coupons as an important part of their shopping experience in 2011. That's 47 percent of adult Internet users, a statistic that's destined to rise in the near future. eMarketer's study also revealed 92.5 million adult Internet users (48 percent) will use online coupons in 2012, versus 96.8 million (49 percent) in 2013.

That increase is partially due to consumer brands moving slowly away from promoting their products through magazine/newspaper inserts and store promotions as they learn the tricks of catering to online and social media addicts. Still, some shoppers remain confused as to where they can find electronic coupons. Here are seven tried and true and even a few unexpected places to look for online coupons.

1. Merchant e-newsletters
Many retail websites now allow you to sign-up for e-newsletters that deliver coupons directly to your email inbox. Most often these email offers include information about exclusive or public promotions and sales events. Some merchants also provide a check box on the registration page, so you can opt out of receiving less useful information.

2. Online Coupon Sites
When you see a box asking for a coupon or promo code on a retailer's checkout page, chances are there is a discount available somewhere in cyberspace. To save time when searching for such money-saving codes, aggregator sites like PromoCodes.us organize online coupons for thousands of stores including Kohl's, Sears and more. Simply click on the code to redeem the discount for your online order instantly or copy and paste it into the appropriate space in the "shopping cart."

3. Live Chats
Customer service departments allow you to chat online with a representative. Use this option to ask for any promo codes or free shipping coupons for which you could use toward future purchases. You might just be surprised at how helpful they can be.

4. e-Bank Statements
BillShrink is working with more than 2,000 banks to create something entirely new; Statement Rewards is half loyalty card and half daily deal coupon. The program monitors your bank statements for larger payments, such as $150 per month at Outback Steakhouse. That restaurant then could include a coupon for a corresponding amount directly under the statement's listing for the purchase. To make the coupon stand out the retailer's branding benefit, Outback Steakhouse might include their company logo.

5. Social Media Sites
"Like" or "Follow" a merchant on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information on coupon offers, as well as sales, promotions, sweepstakes and give-aways. While you're there, read user comments for additional savings tricks.

Don't forget to unlock special offers and in-store coupons by "checking-in" on Foursquare. Retailers and restaurants are luring consumers in with instant coupons and deals like 25-percent or free appetizer with every check-in.

6. Mobile Phones
Mobile apps are a convenient resource for in-store savings. For instance, Coupon Sherpa has a free application that allows you to search for mobile coupons on a smartphone while you're in a store.

7. Rewards Cards
These aren't your grandmother's rewards cards. While the cards still provide cents-off deals and special rewards on in-store and online sales, some merchants -- like Safeway and King Soopers -- now allow you to download coupons directly to your card for an easier redemption process.

With so many more convenient places to score coupons these days, shoppers have a greater opportunity to save.

Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch,  has been featured as a media expert source on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. For more savings tips follow @AndreaWoroch.

Kids Free Summer Fun Deal

The Newseum will waive its admission price for all youth visitors, 18 and under, regularly $12.95,  through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

Currently ranked the #1 Washington, D.C. attraction by TripAdvisor.com, the Newseum’s “Summer Fun Deal” promotion is designed to encourage families, particularly in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, to experience the Newseum. Up to 10 kids will be admitted free with each paid adult admission.

The “Summer Fun Deal” promotion is sponsored by WTOP 103.5 FM, Washington’s all-news radio station. WTOP also is co-sponsor of the Newseum’s educational program through which Washington-area public and private schools receive free museum admission when they visit as a school group.

In April, the Newseum opened its new exhibit “Pictures of the Year,” which showcases dramatic, award-winning images of the people, events and issues that shaped the world in 2010. Other temporary exhibits now on display include, “Covering Katrina,” “First Dogs: Presidential Pets in the White House,” and “Inside Tim Russert’s Office.” Popular permanent Newseum features include: the 4-D film “I-Witness,” the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, the Berlin Wall Gallery, the NBC News Interactive Newsroom and the 9/11 Gallery sponsored by Comcast — the nation’s first permanent museum display about the September 2001 attacks.

The Newseum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $21.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors (65 and older), and $12.95 for youth (7 to 18). Annual memberships also are available. For additional information, the public may call 888/NEWSEUM (888/639-7386) or visit newseum.org.

For more info about the Summer Fun Deal and the Newseum click here.

Women of Color Conference Announces 2011 Speakers

Spanning topics ranging from what non-verbal communication says about you to balancing work and family, The MGM Resorts Foundation today announced the dynamic lineup of speakers for its fifth annual Women of Color Conference to be held Aug. 1-3, 2011 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.  Providing a forum for career and professional women to network with peers as well as internationally known authors, career coaches, image consultants, business development experts and motivational speakers, the conference is open to the public.

“Each year, the Women of Color Conference program grows more impressive, drawing more prominent and influential women to its speakers’ roster and offering conference attendees even more tools they can use as they chart their paths of success,” noted Debra Nelson, conference founder and vice president, corporate diversity and community affairs, MGM Resorts International.  “We look forward to three stimulating days of discussion and networking that will bring attendees face to face with some of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the world.”

In alphabetical order, speakers announced for the 2011 Women of Color Conference include: 

Linda Clemons

CEO, Sisterpreneur, INC

Speaking date: Aug. 3

How we talk, walk, sit, stand and gesture says more than we realize.  Motivational Speaker Linda Clemons will direct Master Class:  Is Your Body Talking?™.  During the session, the power of non-verbal communication will be explored.  Practical strategies to help foster more powerful and effective results in personal and professional interactions will also be discussed.  Additionally, participants will learn how to discern unspoken messages others may be communicating.   

Clemons is president and CEO of Sisterpreneur, Inc., an international business empowerment organization.  A popular radio and television personality, Clemons has presented to audiences at the White House, Major League Baseball and Fortune 500 companies.  She returns this year by popular demand.

Brenda Cooper

Fashion Stylist and Image Expert

Speaking date: Aug. 2

Cooper will present: “Brand Essentials, Style Matters” and discuss why fashion is significant in the business world.  Often seen on E! Entertainment and featured in national media outlets including In Style, Self, Allure, People Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post and In Touch, Cooper is an Emmy-award winning fashion expert and image consultant.  Cooper advises individuals and corporate executives about using fashion to enhance their image and improve self-esteem. 

Michelle DiTondo

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, MGM Resorts International

Speaking date: Aug. 3

DiTondo will moderate “Leader Moms,” a panel to help new and mid-level leaders explore their higher professional and personal ambitions.  As senior vice president of human resources, DiTondo knows preparation, attitude and skills are key to achieving success.   This panel of leader moms will use documented research and their own personal stories to illustrate how it is possible to balance career, work and family and make it to the top of their chosen careers.    

Elizabeth Gallagher

President and CEO, Gallagher Group International

Panel appearance date: Aug. 2

Gallagher will appear on a workshop panel to contribute to speaker Tina Phyfer’s presentation about community service titled: “Be the Change: Use Your Life to Make a Difference.”  Gallagher leads a global business marketing and public relations firm where she develops and promotes Hispanic-owned businesses.  She serves on the board of the Latin Chamber of Commerce of Las Vegas and is a former director of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she advocated for the economic, social, political, educational and cultural interests of Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S.

Julia Hubbell

President and CEO, The Hubbell Group

Keynote speaking date: Aug. 1

Hubbell will make the keynote presentation: “Gossiping for Good” to explore strategies to help participants start and build a network of supporters and resources to advance their careers.   Hubbell is an award-winning entrepreneur and journalist.  She is also a training and organizational development specialist who has held corporate and consulting positions at companies and organizations in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.  She is a decorated disabled Vietnam-era veteran who served as Chief of Military Protocol for the Jimmy Carter Presidential Inaugural in 1977.  

Pat Landaker

Author and entrepreneur

Panel appearance date:  Aug. 2

Landaker will appear on a panel for a workshop entitled: “Strategies to Empower Your Career.”  Landaker is owner of Deeva Feeva, the umbrella company for six business imprints: Pat Landaker Productions, Pochette Books and The Zen Diva^©, Diva’s BootCamp^®,Managed Perception^©, and My Dog & Pony^©.   She is an experienced coach and consultant who also hosts programs on women’s empowerment. 

Jan-Ie Low

Managing Partner and CEO, Golden Catalyst

Panel appearance date: Aug. 2

Low will appear on a panel for a workshop entitled: “Strategies to Empower Your Career.”  Low is Managing Partner of Golden Catalyst, an events production firm.  She is recipient of numerous awards including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Madam C.J. Walker Award for business and community service and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada’s Young Athena Awards for leadership.  In 2007, she was named Public Service Member of the Year by the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce. 

Mary McElhattan

Author and Motivational Speaker

Speaking date: Aug. 2

McElhatten will appear on a panel for a workshop entitled: “Strategies to Empower Your Career.”  Author of Rocket Risks, McElhattan is a certified business coach, author and public speaker.  She has varied corporate experiences, including having served as a chief financial officer who helped develop a small firm into a multi-million enterprise.  Her recent book Rocket Risks offers practical strategies to help overcome life challenges.

Tina Phyfer

Practice Administrator, Women’s Specialty Care

Speaking date: Aug. 2

Phyfer will conduct a workshop: “Be the Change: Use Your Life to Make a Difference” to explore why performing community public service is significant in one’s career.  Phyfer helps patients heal physically, emotionally and intellectually.  She is a long-time board member of The Shade Tree Shelter, a facility that provides safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis.  Most recently, Phyfer was part of the medical team that assisted residents of Haiti immediately following the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010

Deborah Rosado Shaw

Entrepreneur and Author

Panel appearance date: Aug. 2   

Rosado Shaw will appear on a panel for a workshop entitled:  “Strategies to Empower Your Career.”  Shaw is a critically acclaimed author, entrepreneur and international speaker.  Her book, Dream BIG! – A Roadmap for Facing Life’s Challenges and Creating the Life You Deserve is distinguished as the first book authored by a person of Hispanic descent to be published by a major publishing house in the U.S.  Shaw has received many awards and recognition for her business acumen and success including “Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year” by the National Hispanic Business Group and “100 Most Successful Latinas in the U.S.” by Hispanic Magazine.  

ABOUT THE WOMEN OF COLOR CONFERENCE

The purpose of the Women of Color Conference is to offer information, perspectives, strategies, and inspiration regarding issues of concern to women, and men supporting women, to enhance their personal and professional development as individuals and leaders.  For information about sponsorships and registration, please visit www.lvwomenofcolor.com or follow on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/lvwomenofcolor.

For attendees outside of Las Vegas, Southwest Airlines will serve as the conference’s official airline and offer a special discount to those traveling to and from McCarran International Airport.  For special rates, attendees are encouraged to go to www.southwest.com/woc, promotional code: WCCLAS.

ABOUT THE MGM RESORTS FOUNDATION

The purpose of The MGM Resorts Foundation is to collect and distribute monies and assets donated by employees of MGM Resorts for the aid and support of qualified community nonprofit programs, agencies or organizations designated exclusively by MGM employees.  In addition, the Foundation collects and distributes donations to the Foundation by third-party non-employees to support charitable, scientific, literary, religious and educational activities approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and organized by MGM Resorts employees to benefit qualified non-profit charitable organizations designated by the Foundation’s Board. 

Celebrate July 4th With 9 Promo Codes for All American-Made Products

Not all of us want to spend the 4th of July with a mob of people in someone's backyard. Some see such holidays as an opportunity for shopping with big savings. If you're one of us, then hop online and check out the following most-excellent deals for American-made products you can get using online coupons from PromoCodes.us. You'll find special offers on everything from steaks to jeans.

1. Brooks Brothers
Get $10 off your next order of $50 or more when you create your personal profile.

2. L.L. Bean
Free shipping on every order plus 70% off select Summer Footwear.

3. American Apparel
Free shipping on orders over $75.

4. New Balance
Free shipping on all orders.

5. Levi's
Take 30% off any purchase with promo code EXTRA30.

6. Ames Walker Hosiery
Free shipping on orders over $50.

7. Lucky Brand
Up to 50% off during the Red, White and Denim Sale.

8. Omaha Steaks
Free shipping on orders of $99 or more.

9. Kansas City Steak
Take $15 off orders of $125 or more with promo code AF125.

Resource: Coupons.com

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PR pros: Ban these terms from your writing

 From key and holistic to solution and proprietary, these words are way beyond their expiration date.

by Caroline Gilmour

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Posted via email from Tips, Thoughts and Ideas related to Media

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