Chicago Restaurant Week 2021 A Guild for Socialites

Chicago Restaurant Week is an Annual Event where diners can enjoy multi-course meals and tastings from some of the most exclusive restaurants in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs. This year Chicago Restaurant week is March 19-April 4th, 2021. If you are a socialite, you know that there is more than just choosing a restaurant. There is a intentional purpose and reasoning behind our selections. It is important that you choose “The IT” spot, which varies from person to person, “The IT” spot for you can be about the ambiance, the cocktails, the vibe, or the networking opportunities.

Here are my Top 12 Recommended Restaurants for Socialites during Chicago Restaurant Week 2021.

Disclaimer: Most restaurants do not include Easter Sunday, also drinks, taxes, and gratuity are not included.

1. Carnivale

This is not just a restaurant; this place is an experience. This Latin dining restaurant is full of festive vibes and vibrant décor. Located at 702 W. Fulton Market St, during Chicago Restaurant Week you can acquire an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $55 per person.

2. Mastro’s Steakhouse

This is for my bougie socialites. Go here when you are ready to get fancy with the high-class society. Located at 520 N. Dearborn St. you can select from Salad, Jalapeno Tuna Sashimi, or French Onion Soup as your first course meal; Filet Mignon, Herb Roasted Chicken, Double Cut Pork Chop, or Blackened Salmon as your Entrée, and Cheesecake w/ Berries, Personal Warm Butter Cake, or Mango Sorbet as your dessert all for $55 per person.

#3. McCormick & Schmick’s

Personally, I would utilize this establishment for a business meeting, ask someone who you have desired to be your mentor to join you and pick their brain for an hour. Located in Oakbrook at 3001 Butterfield Rd, you will receive a first course of your choice of Lobster Bisque, Calamari, or Seafood Gumbo. Your second course can be Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon, Prime Center Cut Filet Mignon, Grilled Salmon, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Lump Crab Cake, or Jameson Irish Whiskey Glazed Salmon. Lastly your dessert is your choice of Upside-down Apple Pie, Chocolate Silk Pie, or New York style Cheesecake all for $55 per person.

#4. Morton’s Steakhouse

A great place for date night! Located at 65 E Wacker or you can go to the one in Oakbrook. For $55 per person, you can choose your starter of Onion Soup, Salad, or Prosciutto wrapped Mozzarella, with an Entrée of your choice of Filet Mignon, Prime Pork Chop, Salmon, Chicken, or Shrimp Scampi. You can also choose a side of Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, or Bacon & Onion Mac and Cheese for 2 ($8 upgrade). To finish it off enjoy either double Chocolate Mousse, Cheesecake with Salted Caramel, or Key Lime Pie!

5. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Another great recommendation for date night. Located at 1780 E Golf Road in Oakbrook this 4-course meal is only $55 per person. 1^st course includes your choice of Pork Chop Bites, Crab cake, or Beef & Bleu. 2^nd courses consist of Soup or Salad. Your 3^rd course you can pick a Bacon-Wrapped Filet, Pork Chop, Salmon, Chicken or Surf & Turf Pasta. Finally, if you can finish the 4^th course is the Dessert Trio.

6. Pinstripes

Yes, Pinstripes has made the list. This restaurant has created amazing rustic chic ambience. With calm farmhouse relaxing vibes where you can talk and get your feelings out in your best cute and comfy attire. Located at 435 E Illinois St. Purchase their $39 per person package of Calamari or Hummus for starters, a Salad, Salmon or a Ribeye for your Main Course, and a warm Brownie or Caramelized Cheesecake for dessert.

7. Roof on the Wit

This is a summer hotspot located on the 27^th floor of the WIT Hotel with a skyline view and cocktails for days! Go here if you want to have a good time because it is all about the good vibes. Located on 201 N State St for $39 per person you will receive a Salad, your choice of Spinach Artichoke Pizza, Spicy Garlic Chicken Pizza, or Nduja and Sweet Pepper Pizza, with a Cookie Pie or Brownie Pie accomplished with a Scoop of Ice Cream.

8. Ruth Chris

Raise your hand if you do not love Ruth Chris? Says nobody ever! I would recommend this establishment for a time of Celebration. Whether it is a special occasion, a promotion at work, or just celebrating a small accomplishment Ruth Christ will not disappoint. Located at 100 W Higgins Road the $55 per person menu consist of Soup & Salad, or Crabmeat Stuffed Mushrooms for a $4.95 additional charge for your 1^st course, Petite Filet, Ora King Salmon, or Petite NY Strip as your 2^nd choice, with your choice of Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, or Sweet Potato Casserole.

9. Smith & Wollensky

This is another establish that I would utilize for business and networking. There is so much power in building business relationships and having an Executive Sponsor whose going drive your career with active network connections. This is where you invite them.  Located at 318 N State St you receive another $55 per person menu that includes a starter, entrée, and dessert.

10. STK Steakhouse

Do yourself a favor and wear your best and most sophisticated outfit if you choose this location. The ambience is cultivating, and the mood is suave. Located at 9 W. Kinzie your start off with Burrata or Tuna Tartare Tacos, Coffee rubbed Ribeye Steak, Maple Rub Ora King Salmon, or Wild Mushroom Risotto as your entrée, and dessert for $55 per person.

11. TAO Chicago

You walk into this grand staircase and to your delight you experience this wonderful ultimate view of a two-level restaurants with banquettes, Chinese day beds, and signature statues. This place is the best vibe you can ever experience in Chicago. For $55 per person, you start off with Spicy Tuna, Soup, Egg Roll, or Chicken Gyoza. As an entrée you can choose from Orange Chicken, Filet Mignon Pepper Steak, Honey Glazed Salmon, or Maki Roll, plus dessert. This is the definition of “The IT” spot.

12. The Metropolitan

Located on the 66^th and 67^th floors of the Willis Tower, I would recommend going here for lunch. The purpose? Network, Network, Network! This is a hot spot for local professionals, community leaders, and influential people to enhance your circle of friends. Between the hours of 11-2pm grab some Truffle Fries, a Burger, and a few business cards all of the price of $25 per person.

The final recommendation I would like to provide is to make a reservation in advance to ensure that you do not miss out on Chicago Restaurant Week, Socialite Edition.

See you around!

The Absolute Most Important Books to Have When Studying for your Project Manager Professional Certification (PMP)

Congratulations, you’ve decided to pursue your Project Management Journey by sitting for the PMP Exam! So where do you start? There are so many study materials available to assist you with becoming successful with passing your exam. It can be a little overwhelming due to the high volume of options you can utilize. Everyone learns differently and benefits based on their own learning style. I would not pass go or collect $200 without purchasing these Absolute Most Important Books when Studying for the PMP.

PMBOK Guide

PMBOK Guide

Head First PMP

Head First PMP

Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep

Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep

Agile Practice Guide

Agile Practice Guide

5 Professional Training Certifications to Boost Your Career from Google

As millennials, some of us has discovered our purpose or niche and are blossoming in our career. Others are still trying to figure it out and are in a transitioning stage, and then there are those who follow the high growth field and need credentials to be competitive in the market. Whatever stage you are currently in, is okay! However for any stage there is benefit diversifying your skillset.

Grow with Google is a career certificate program that provides professional-level training developed by google. These certifications require no experience in the field, the ability to complete the online program and learn at your own pace, and credentials from Google to a path to in-demand jobs.

Here are my 5 Professional Training Certifications to Boost your Career from Google.

1. IT Support Certification

IT support involves troubleshooting and problem solving when technology fails. Google provides an introductory level IT Support Certificate where you learn networking, operating systems, or system administration or an Advanced Level IT Automation with Python Certificate where you learn Python programing, debugging, or IT automation. Either way, the program consists of hands-on projects, regular assessments, and quizzes to take your career to the next level.

#2. Data Analytics Certification

We all are familiar with algorithms, and trends, but what do you do with that information? Data is needed to help push business decisions. Data Analysts process, prepare, and analyze data to assist with this need by creating visualizations of their findings to make business recommendations. In this certification program you will learn how to use data to solve problems, how to use data storytelling with visualizations, and develop in demand analytics skills using spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau, R, and more.  

#3. Google Project Management Certificate

Project Managers are responsible for running projects and ensuring that the projects are delivered on time and within budget. In this program you will learn how to estimate time and budgets, identify risk, apply agile and scrum frameworks, and leadership skills. There are over 400k job openings in the field of project management, and this is a great way to get in a high demand field with the help from Google.

#4. Google UX Design Certificate

Short for user experience, this profession focuses on how the user interacts with and experiences a product, system, or service with ease of use. You will learn about developing user stories, testing and iterating on designs, and building a professional portfolio.  This program will also include hands-on projects, regular quizzes and assessments, and peer reviews

#5. Associate Android Developer Certification

If you are the mobile guru of the group, this certification may be for you! You will learn how to build android apps with no programming experience required. Learn how to test, develop, and debug Android apps with hands-on training, tutorials, and quizzes in this high-demand program.

The IT Support, User Experience Design, Project Management and Data Analytics Certificates cost $39 per month by subscription on Coursera and the official exam fee of $149 is paid to Trueability to administer the exam. If you are interested in financial assistance, you may be eligible for financial aid via Coursera through the course page. Recipients of financial aid will have full access to course content and assignments required to earn a certificate. In addition, each certificate includes interview and resume assistance, and ultimately, a foot in the door with top employers.

10 Tips to WOW Your Women on Valentine’s Day with a $100 Budget!

With the current state of our country things are a little different. Us being in a global pandemic, loss of jobs, and the economy tanking most men would use this as an excuse to not prioritize Valentine’s Day. I beg to differ; this is an opportunity to love on your mate the most. We have learned quite a few lessons during this unprecedented time; the obvious life is short, you have realized who your real friends and love ones are, and my personal favorite, it’s not about the money but it is more about the experience and the effort. When it comes to effort… more is more. So, to mitigate a lot of hurt feelings, unmet expectations, and fights here are 10 tips to Wow your women on Valentine’s day with a $100 budget.

Experience

1. Rent out the entire movie theater. AMC now has an option where you can rent out the entire auditorium and host a personal movie screening starting at $99 +tax. What a romantic gesture for just the two of you, and if you are really on a budget, the rental can include up to 20 guests so you can grab some other couples, make it a group date, and split the cost.

2. Go Clubbing. Create a VIP club experience from the comforts of your living room. This is where the effort comes in. You must purchase strobe lights, amazon has a 2 pack of sound activated party lights with remote control DJ lighting for $23.99. Create the mood by asking your spouse to put on their sexiest club outfit, turn off all the lights in the house, pop on the strobe lights, and blast your favorite era music all night long. Since you are already on amazon, and you want to create a VIP experience, purchase LED Bottle Service Sparklers for your partners drink of choice. Do not forget to have small bites and remember touching is allowed in this VIP room.

3. Have a Spa Date, not just any spa date but the ultimate spa date. First and foremost, you must purchase bath robes for both of you which are $29.99 each. It just makes it seem much more authentic and makes a great Instagram post.  Run her a hot bath with bubbles and rose peddles, purchase a good reasonable brand of massage oil, and give your partner a massage. For extra effort I would add soft music playing in the background. Pro Tip: watch massage videos on YouTube and learn some good techniques.

4. Create a WoW Factor. If you do not have time to do any of the other ideas listed above to create a great experience and you need a last-minute idea, here it is. Go to Dollar tree, find as many White Tealight Candles that you can find. They come in a 20 pack, but you need at least 100 candles or more to create a wow factor. While you are there grab a few bags of flower petals and place both the candles and the petals all over the house. EVERYWHERE, leave no spot untouched. This is the least expensive idea that requires the most effort. This is the epitome of “it’s the thought that counts” plus it makes a great Facebook and IG story.

Gifts

5. Purchase the gift that keeps on giving, lingerie. Head over to  Savage X Fenty buy your girl a few selections and make her feel like the beautify sexy queen that she is. Suggest that she owns the runway by modeling off her new gifts, become her photography (with her own phone) and hype her up. If her love language is words of affirmation, it is your job to compliment her all night.

6. Flowers, but now just any flowers you must purchase  Venus ET Fleur flowers. Venus ET Fleur are sophisticated classy Parisian-style hat boxes with real flowers that last a year. They have packages for all budget and bonus they are available on Afterpay to allow you to spring for the more expensive flowers and break the cost up and 4 equal payments.  

Dinner

7. Hire a Personal Chef. How romantic is it to ask your women to dress up for dinner and when she comes down, there is a chef in her kitchen preparing the meal? Course after course she is receiving delicious bites from her table that has been turned into a fancy restaurant. If you think this is out of your price range then you haven’t done your research, head over to thumbtack.com to discover several chefs in your area with amazing ratings that ranges from $35-$75 a person.  

8. Breakfast in Bed. This is strictly about the aesthetics. Whether you make pancakes and eggs in your kitchen or door dash Denny’s the point of this wow factor is to look visually appealing. Purchase a nice serving tray they have nice acacia wood serving trays with handles on amazon for $14.95. Plate the breakfast with some fruit to fill the plate. Remember breakfast is not breakfast without a mimosa to top it off, buy a bottle of champagne, orange juice, and don’t forget the strawberry on top.

9. Picnic Lunch, this is a simple gesture that does not get enough credit. Whether its in your living room, outdoors, or in the park a picnic lunch still works in the romantic book if you put the necessary effort in. Rule #1 you must get a picnic basket which can cost about $49.99 on amazon but it comes with all the necessary essentials like stainless still cutlery, plates, wine glasses, napkins, and bottle opener. Grab a bottle of wine, sandwiches, and chips from the deli. Add a good conversation and awesome playlist and you have the perfect date.

10. Wine Tasting. Here is another last-minute idea that takes little prep time. Stop at your local grocery store grab a few bottles of wine and a cheese tray and create the ultimate wine tasting experience. Pro Tip: go on YouTube research some facts about wine and pretend that you are a sommelier that’s trained and specialized in wine and food pairing. The effort of your commentary and knowledge would go along way.

Now go be romantic and have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

6 Top Tips to Hosting a Girl’s Trip or Getaway in 2021!

Girl Trips and Getaways are amazing, especially when they are planned and hosted property. Everyone has that one person in their group that takes the lead to ensure the logistics of the trip run smoothly. There is a skill to this, etiquette, and rules to guarantee that not only the trip is a success, but the host is remembered and valued for all the effort that went into planning the best vacation!

#1 Room Selections

Who gets the best room on a trip? The host of course! But how should the other rooms be determined? Well, that is strictly up to you, but here are a few ideas! Consider doing a competition, it can be an athletic challenge, creative challenge, or something as simple as paper, scissors, rock. Reenact your favorite Housewives show and go crazy running to the rooms first come first served style, you have complete creative control. One thing I would recommend is to gauge the emotional state of your guest, if someone has recently got a promotion, or worst recently got a divorce reward them with the next best room, everyone would support with your decision. Your goal here is to trade off square footage for amenities and make everyone think that they have won in some aspect.

#2. Welcome Drinks

Whether it is a cocktail, mocktail, or high tea drinks are crucial when hosting a girl’s trip. Ideally, you should plan to arrive a little early, or make arrangements to have drinks already prepared so that your guests are greeted with their drinks upon arrival. Aesthetics is everything when it comes to this step, it is not really about the drink itself, more importantly how the drink looks when it is received. You can choose something as simple as champagne with a strawberry on the rim of the glass or go all out with a signature drink, this small gesture goes a long way with your guest.

#3. Dinner

The importance of cuisine vs. the importance of ambience is a battle that can be debated on any girl’s trip. Some people care about Instagram worthy establishments where the sole purpose is to show off themselves and the location, while others want to experience new and authentic recipes that they can talk about forever. Best case scenario you find the best of both worlds. Just in case you cannot, or you really will not know until you actually get there, I recommend you create a theme for dinner. The best part of going to dinner is getting ready! Whether it is little black dress theme, Hampton’s All White Party theme, or Neon Color Theme, provide them with direction, something to look forward to, and a great playlist on deck while everyone is getting prepared.

#4. Matching PJ’s

What’s a girl’s night without matching pajamas? This is a must! Whether you purchase them yourself or ask your guest to purchase ahead of time this tip brings comradery to a girl’s trip. Ensure that you choose something that is flattering to all shapes and sizes so that none of your guest feel uncomfortable, and if you want to play it safe you can do bath robes. Regardless of what you choose, this will heighten the excitement of your trip and provide plenty of photo opportunities that everyone will love.

#5. Resting

This is probably the most important tip! Do not, and I repeat do not fill every second of the day with an activity. When going on a girl’s trip, most people are leaving their husbands, children, or busy workday. It is okay to carve out idol relaxation time where you have the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. Coming back home from a vacation well rested will be the determining factor of how well your guest enjoyed their trip.

#6. Swag Bags

Is this necessary? No. But will you hold the title of best hostess if you provide a little gift and token of your appreciation? Absolutely! If your love language is gifts, this tip is a no brainer. Hostess who has the love language of gifts see this as a mutual benefit. #1. Your guest agreed to arrange their schedules, take PTO time, leave their families, and commit their time to you, they will appreciate this kind gesture. #2. It just feels good to give! To see the reaction on your girl’s faces and feel appreciated that you thought of everything is priceless. I would recommend that if you choose to provide a gift, repurpose this tip and make sure it is something they can utilize on the trip.

25 Beyoncé Songs to Help you Overcome the Grief Process.

When you ask someone their thoughts on 2020, you may receive a variety of answers. Some people experienced a ton of highs while others encountered a fair amount of lows. A good deal of life altering circumstances occurred and caused many different forms of grief.

Grief is something that we all deal with when something life changing alters your life. Whether it is losing a job, ending a relationship, or the death of a love one there are emotions associated with these situations.

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross developed the five stages of grief and suggest that the process consist of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance.

Studies have shown that music can play a critical role in allowing a person to explore feelings and express their emotions associated with grief. In an attempt to ensure that bliss is the outcome for any circumstance that occurs and to assist you with this process in a healthy way here are 25 Beyoncé songs to get you through the grief process with lyric quotes.  

Denial

Denial is the refusal to admit a truth or accept someone or something.  Here are 5 songs to help you with these emotions.

•  Say My Name  “Something’s going down that’s the way it seems (Shouldn’t be the reason why you’re acting strange) If nobody’s holding you back from me (‘Cause I know how you usually do)”

•  Crazy In Love  “Got me looking so crazy, my baby I’m not myself, lately I’m foolish, I don’t do this I’ve been playing myself, baby, I don’t care.”

•  Sweet Dreams  “You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare either way I don’t wanna wake up from you.”

•  Me, Myself, and I  “I can’t believe I believed everything we had would last so young and naïve for me to think she was from your past.”
• Hold Up  “Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you slow down, they don’t love you like I love you back up, they don’t love you like I love you step down, they don’t love you like I love you”

Anger

Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Here are 5 songs to allow you to explore those feelings.

•  Daddy Lessons “With his gun, with his head held high he told me not to cry Oh, my daddy said shoot.”

•  Don’t Hurt Yourself  “Who the f*ck do you think I am? you ain’t married to no average b*tch, boy you can watch my fat a** twist, boy As I bounce to the next d*ck, boy”

•  Ring the Alarm “Ring the alarm I been through this too long but I’ll be damn if I see another chick on your arm”

•  Resentment  “Just can’t seem to get over the way you hurt me don’t know how you gave another who didn’t mean a thing, no the very thing you gave to me,”
• Sorry  “I don’t give a f*ck, chucking my deuces up suck on my balls, pause, I had enough I ain’t thinking ’bout you”

Bargaining

Bargaining in grief is a type of negotiation that gives you false hope in the situation. Here are 5 songs that can help you relate.

•  Before I Let You Go  “Now, we had our good times that we can say we hurted each other, yeah and, boy, it’s a shame I won’t be foolish, no I wanna know I wanna make sure I’m bright, boy before I let go

• Disappear “If I begged and if I cried would it change the sky tonight would it give me some light should I wait for you to call? Is there any hope at all are you drifting by?”

•  I Miss You  “I miss you, like everyday wanna be with you, but you’re away I said I miss you, missing you insane but if I got with you, could it feel the same”

•  End of Time  “Come take my hand I won’t let you go I’ll be your friend I will love you so, deeply I will be the one to kiss you at night I will love you until the end of time”
• Countdown  “There’s ups and downs in this love got a lot to learn in this love through the good and the bad, still got love dedicated to the one I love, hey.”

Depression

Depression is very common in grief, it’s an emptiness you feel when you withdraw from life. Here are 5 songs to let you know you are not the only one who has experienced this.

•  Pray You Catch Me  ‘Nothing else ever seems to hurt like the smile on your face when it’s only in my memory It don’t hit me quite the same maybe it’s a cause for concern but I’m not at ease keeping my head to the curb”

•  I Rather Die Young  “’Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you”

•  I Was Here “I want to leave my footprints on the sands of time know there was something that, something that I left behind when I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets leave something to remember, so they won’t forget.”

•  XO “In the darkest night hour I’ll search through the crowd Your face is all that I see I’ll give you everything Baby love me lights out Baby love me lights out You can turn my lights out.”
• Drunk In Love  “I’ve been drinkin, I’ve been drinkin, I get filthy when that liquor gets into me.”

Acceptance

Acceptance is the final stage when your emotional stabilize and you acknowledge the reality. Here are 5 songs to uplift you.

• Spirit  “Sayin’ rise up to the light in the sky, yeah watch the light lift your heart up burn your flame through the night”

•  Sandcastles “Show me your scars and I won’t walk away Oh, and I know I promised that I couldn’t stay, baby every promise don’t work out that way”

• Listen  “Listen to the song here in my heart a melody I start but I will complete”

•  Heaven    “You showed me love was all you needed Heaven couldn’t wait for you”
•  Survivor  “I’m a survivor I’m gonna make it I will survive Keep on surviving.”

10 Books that will Change Your Life in 2021

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When was the last time you had that lightbulb moment? When you learned something so profound that you never knew before that moment and it changed your life forever? What if I told you that lightbulb moment does not have to occur every ten years, or every three years, or even annually. That moment can occur daily if you are intentional about growth and development.

Reading is the best way to gain knowledge, reading in the self-help category will ensure that you are consistently getting loaded with pertinent information that will change the trajectory of your life in the most meaningful way.

Here are my top ten recommended books that will change your mindset and your life. I suggest that you get into the habit of reading every day to gain the most out of this journey. Reading daily improves your IQ, decreases your stress, and you will learn and gain insight at an accelerated level.

Here are my Top 10 lightbulb moment books that will change your life.

1. Limitless : Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life by Jim Kwik is a New York Times bestseller and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller.  This book is written by the #1 brain coach and is a guide that focuses on the 3 M’s; flipping your mindset, igniting your motivation, and mastering the method to ensure your powers become limitless.
2. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller that teaches you the Rules of Power based on the stories, lessons, and philosophies of many figures throughout the ages. Whether you are actively “playing the game” or intentionally not “playing the game”, the game is still being played and there are rules. This book will education you on the rules, teach you how to defend yourself or conquest power.
3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a leader’s dream book and many leaders have excelled in their professional and personal life after reading it. This book is all about dealing with people and ultimately gives you a play by play on how to make people like you, win arguments while avoiding conflict, and changing people without offending them.
4. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves is one of my favorite subjects. EQ is one of the most effective tools and critical skillsets to enhance every part of your life. If you have not mastered emotional intelligence you are behind the curve. This book teaches you the four core EQ skills that enable you to achieve your fullest potential.

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 5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is The Landmark Bestseller. This book explores the authors 13 principles of success: Desire, Faith, Auto-suggestion, Specialized Knowledge, Imagination, Organized Planning, Decision, Persistence, the Power of the Master Mind, the Mystery of Transmutation, the Subconscious Mind, the Brain, and the Sixth Sense. 

6. 7 habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is a Wall Street Journal Best Seller. This book helps you transform your life by adopting 7 habits and critical lessons of successful people that will add enrichment to you.

7. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck  by Mark Manson is probably one of my all-time favorites on the list. This #1 New York Times Bestseller teaches you how to handle things that may not go your way and be honest about the situation. Overall, it helps you prioritize what to give a f*ck about.

8. The 5 am Club by Robin Sharma is a #1 international bestseller. This book shows you how just one hour a day can change your life helping you maximize on productivity. You will receive formulas and step-by-step guidance that will transform your life.

9. The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene. We all know that networking is a huge part of success and sometimes you must pull out that charm to accomplish a goal. This book will show you charm, persuasion, the ability to create illusions.

10. Freedom from an Illusion of Freedom by Patrick Lemon. This book is about the illusion of fear and how to utilize self-awareness to overcome it.  It offers internal psychology, optimistic/positive psychology, reflective psychology, self-improvement psychology as a guide with many self-help quotes to motivate you.  

 

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HOW TO CHEAT A SIDE HUSTLE WITH LITTLE TIME AND GET AWAY WITH IT!

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I started this journey with the intent of making additional money by doing the least amount of work. With the future so cloudy and so many unexpected things occurring, the Project Manger in me wanted to mitigate my risk. My goal was to double my emergency fund to protect myself from unexpected risk, but you can use this same practice to pay off your student loans, save for a down payment on property, or start a business.

My recommendation is that you only use this practice for something important or productive, not just to have extra money because you will not be as motivated to continue the process if there is not a goal associated with the mission.

As a wife, mother, full time employee, student, and entrepreneur the likely hood of me actually taking on a part time job was slim to none, I just didn’t have the time! I needed to find something that would not interrupt my daily schedule.

After months of doing research, I settled on being a personal shopper  . My daily schedule already consisted of me getting Starbucks in the morning, running errands, and going grocery shopping for my family. This was part of my day that I actually enjoyed because it allowed me to get out of the house, have some alone time, and do what most women like to do anyways, shop! I figured, why not add the additional perk of making my leisure time profitable while accomplishing a financial goal.

If you are turned off by my decision to become a personal shopper   keep reading because I also had some reservations and I established some strict rules for myself to combat the risk.

1. Only take batches that are less than 3 miles from your home. As stated previously, my intent was to make additional money by doing the least amount of work. I only chose stores that I would likely have to shop throughout the day in my local neighborhood. This was a strict rule for me because I did not want to put extra wear and tear on my car and I calculated, local rides would be the equivalent of me driving to work and back everyday (I currently work from home now).
2. Only worked 1 hour a day. Also as stated prior, I am a wife, a mom, a student, a full-time employee, and an entrepreneur. I realized very early that I did not have many hours in the day to dedicate to being a personal shopper. I was intentional about my time and ensured that I received the best ROI possible, investment being my time.
3. Go for the big fish! My goal was $25 a day, on a good day, I would attempt to get one batch that will allow me to make as close to $25 so that my workday would be complete after just one order. Disclosure, some big fish batches are just not worth it, I would rather do 2 five item batches at Walgreens or CVS then accepting a 45-item batch at Aldi’s (NEVER ACCEPT THIS, TRUST ME!)
4. Focus on the Money The money is the most important part, for running my normal errands and shopping at grocery stores that I would already likely go to, I earned $25 a day (give or take) 7 days a week which equals $175 a week. There are 52 weeks in a year which allowed me to save roughly $9,000 taking into account you may miss a day or not hit your goal every day.

The most important part here is to put this money directly into a savings account and not touch it under any circumstances. I want to be clear, this being a personal shopper is not an easy job, it is tough and to dedicate one hour a day takes mental dedication and execution, but the reward is worth it. I want to commend any person shoppers that does this work full time or as a necessity just to make ends meat because it is more difficult than you think.

In closing, this is my journey and my story on how I made additional money to accomplish a financial goal that worked with my lifestyle. If you decide to take a different path, I encourage you to stick to it so that you can reap the benefits at the end. Be intentional about the task, the goal, and the accomplishment. This is the time that we need to do the things that are uncomfortable, uninteresting, and maybe even unflattering to ensure our future selves are setup for success. Good Luck on your Journey.

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