Meet Eric of Average Joe Arbitrage

Eric J. Wynn is a professional traveler; he spends an average of 350 days per year traveling and has developed and learned a number of techniques for travel hacking, credit hacking, and earning extra money. He created a website called Average Joe Arbitrage to share his travel arbitrage tips and other ideas for readers who want to save and make money.

To get an idea of his writing and the tips he shares, check out these recent articles on the benefits of brand loyalty and how to make the most of store specials to make money rather than spending it.

1. How did you choose the name of your site, Average Joe Arbitrage? Also, for readers unfamiliar with the word, what does "arbitrage" mean?

I consider myself just an average person, who lives a rather unusual life. And I wanted to share what I have learned at making extra money and living a better life with average people. Arbitrage is the knack or art of finding something valued at X dollars but knowing you can sell it for Y dollars. And, then capitalizing on that trade.

2. As someone who travels for much of the year, where do you most like to spend your time?

I normally spend about 90 days in one spot; then I pack and move up to another spot. It is a very nomadic lifestyle. But, I am fascinated with seeing America. Every location has its uniqueness; Boston has its museums; Nebraska has its prairies. Every location in America is unique and has something fascinating about it. But, my heart is with the beach, and I truly relish my time along the beaches, listening to the sound of the waves, the cry of the gulls, and the smell of salt air.

3. What are some of your favorite ways to make (and save) money, and how do you keep your business operations easily portable to accommodate your traveling?

I make money in numerous ways. I do a lot of secret shopping; I seek out arbitrage opportunities with retailers, and I take advantage of pricing anomalies that they have. For saving money, I always buy with coupons. I never want to pay retail. My favorite way method of couponing right now is using the shopping app Ibotta which is available in the Apple App store. It is the easiest fastest way I have found to get rebates. On a side note, if you download the Ibotta app, and use my referral code, qffkbsh, you will get a $10.00 welcome bonus. My gift to you...

4. Why is it important for people to utilize multiple ways of making/saving money, rather than just focusing on one specific hack or project?

We live in an economy in which is going to get harder and harder for people to make ends meet. By developing multiple income streams, people can better absorb these difficulties and in turn live a better life for their themselves and their families.

5. Can you share some of your all-time favorite deals you've found--and what are your tips for readers who want to find great deals, too?

Last Christmas, a retailer offered a $10 discount, for every hundred dollars in gift cards purchased. That is a 10% savings right there. Better than any savings account and I purchased 15 of these gift cards. But, the week before Christmas, the retailer adjusted the sale, and I was able to purchase $500.00 gift cards for $450.00. I purchased 20 of these gifts cards. I grossed $1,150.00 for my Christmas shopping! I think people should know how to find these deals, and I am just interested in sharing my techniques. The secret to this is reading my blog and keeping an eye open for these unique deals. If you scroll through my blog, I post a copy of the ad the retailer posted. It was no secret; millions of people saw it. But, how many took advantage of it?

Thanks, Eric!

Meet Kristi McAllister, Blogger at Truly Madly Sassy

Kristi McAllister recently started the blog, Truly Madly Sassy, which she describes as a personal blog about grief, hope, loss, love, transition, and the perils of everyday life. She lives in North Carolina, where she enjoys such hobbies as baking cupcakes and indulging in Starbucks beverages. The best way to learn about what's important to Kristi is to read her blog!

1. What inspired you to start blogging?

For years, I've had friends tell me that I had a great way with words, but I never really thought about it, to be honest. Then, back in the fall semester of 2016, one of my favorite professors, Wayne Loving, had asked our Economics class to post something on the discussion board about why we chose our particular major (mine is social work), so I posted about a friend who had committed suicide the year prior. Mr. Loving publicly commented on that post about how well I articulated things and from that day forward, he continued to prod me to start a blog so that I could help others. I completely give him all the accolades for what has become Truly Madly Sassy because his encouragement alone is what led me to start it. Even today, he occasionally sends me an email cheering me on so that I keep things going! Professors like him are hard to come by, and I feel so fortunate to have had him because he truly cares about his students and wants all of us to succeed at whatever we're good at.

2. How do you choose the topics to cover in your posts?

Interestingly enough, most of the things I cover in my blog posts are directly related to my own life experiences. I've often found that living transparently and authentically means being open and honest about all of our wounds because in talking about those things, we not only heal ourselves but others as well. At other times, I'll just get a hint of inspiration and wonder about things like what people might regret in their lives. My friends are my biggest fans and they’re always willing to take part in informal Facebook polls by baring their souls to me so that I can build a blog around their answers. Honestly, it's all rather spontaneous and rarely planned. I have to chew on things a long time before I can sit down and put something together that's coherent!

3. Do you have any special goals you hope to achieve through your website?

It might sound cliché, but I didn't start the blog to make money, although I would welcome it if that ever came about! But my biggest goal is to help others who might be enduring circumstances that seem unbearable. Many of us have crawled through hopelessness and sometimes, we feel insignificant because of that. If I can reach one person who might be struggling with a relationship, a loss, or someone who is seeking hope in a dismal moment, I feel that I've done my part in bettering humanity by letting them know that there’s always a little light somewhere if we just grab onto it.

4. What are some other websites that inspire you?

Iyanla Vanzant's website is always one that I frequently look at because in so many ways, I relate to her life experiences. Not only that, I love her books. I rarely keep a book that I've read, but I keep all of hers! Elizabeth Gilbert's website is equally awesome because she always has some sort of interesting podcast that I can find hope in. And last but certainly not least, Brene Brown is my hero and her website is the bomb diggity! I absolutely adore her work, especially where courage and vulnerability is concerned. That woman inspires me every day to be real!

5. Do you have a particular idea of your reader(s) in mind as you write, and what would you most like potential visitors to your blog to know about you?

I think Truly Madly Sassy has something for everybody, honestly. Most subjects revolve around love and relationships of all sorts, and who hasn't had ups and downs with both of those?! I'd say most of my readers are women, but I have had comments from men here and there on particular posts. I don't really sit down and say "Okay, I need to target this audience today"--I just write!

I think as writers, being raw and real with our own scars allow the readers who follow us to relate not only to our stories, but to theirs as well. It's always comforting to me when I go through hard times to hear another person say "Me too!". I suppose if I wanted potential visitors to know anything about me, it would be this: I am far from perfect and fight the daily battle of feeling "good enough" in a big world of edits; however, my life experiences have made me the woman I am today and continue to shape me into the person I ultimately want to become. We all have room for improvement; not only that, we are all capable of being better people day in and day out if we just work at it. That's a long explanation, so the short version is this: I'm just a real person with real wounds who inspires to help others grow as I gain personal growth myself. It's all about transparency!

Thanks, Kristi!

Meet Remso W. Martinez, Podcaster and Blogger

Remso W. Martinez is the host of the Remso Republic podcast, one of the fastest growing political podcasts online. He's a blogger, community organizer, and campaign consultant who describes himself as being passionate about capitalism and individual liberty. You can hear his podcasts on SoundCloud, read his blog posts by clicking here, and learn more about him by visiting https://remsorepublic.com/.

1. How did you first become interested in politics?

It was always part of my nature. I didn't understand why if ideas were good that they had to be enforced by violence. It was at that point I understood that government wasn't the solution to our problems as a country, and that individuals thriving could accomplish more than any politician.

2. What inspired you to start a podcast?

I was a blogger for about a year, but very few people like to read things anymore; they focus on the picture and title instead of the context. I understood the only way to educate people was through entertainment, since all politics is downstream of culture.

3. What sets the Remso Republic apart from other political podcasts?

We have a commentator industrial complex, a lot of people who are famous for nothing but being famous and offer no real insight. My time in the media and political arena gives me the insight and knowledge that makes me a credible figure in my field. I don't talk about things I don't know about, but give you the straight talk needed to give you the best opinion and insight out there.

4. How does your perspective as a campaign consultant and community organizer influence your blog entries and podcast episodes?

I'm not a journalist; I'm a pundit, which means I have an agenda and worldview that I want other people to understand. I'm advocating for open minds and open markets, and hope I can help change some minds.

5. Would you tell us about some of the topics you hope to cover in upcoming shows--and do you ever consider listener-submitted ideas?

I want to continue to cover current events, but I am always open to listener recommendations. If you join my private fan group, the Remso Republic Nation, on Facebook, you can talk directly to me and my show producer Ryan and give us input and recommendations. My fans help shape the direction of my show because if they aren't listening, having fun, or learning, I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks, Remso!

Meet Michelle, Blogger at What Matters to Mommy

Michelle is the founder of What Matters To Mommy, blog which focuses on issues and concerns that affect moms everywhere, with the particular goals of helping readers save time and money.

Writing from her own experience developing new sources of income, Michelle shares her "cash flow summaries" every month, to show how she is making money from home and to inspire readers who want to find their own ways to spend more time with their families by transitioning to working from home.

1. When did you first start making side income by working from home?

I've tried a lot of things to make side income from home, but my first real successful project was my laundry business that I started in June 2015.

2. Why did you decide to share your experiences through your What Matters to Mommy blog?

I'm always researching ways to make my dreams come true. I read quite a few other blogs before I even realized what a blog was. I was trying to find a way to stay home with my kids and still support my family. One day it occurred to me that I couldn't be the only one on the planet who wanted freedom from the 9 to 5, and I became determined to find that freedom and to share my journey with anyone else who was looking. Thus, What Matters To Mommy as born. :)

3. What are some of the side gigs that you most enjoy?

I love the puzzle of building my website. I enjoy the excitement of trying something I've never tried before and getting a great final product. I guess that probably comes from my background as a science major. My blog is an experiment. :)

I also get super motivated when I get feedback from my readers that they tried one of my suggestions or they read one of my posts and it really helped them out.

4. For people who are just getting started in making money from home, what are some opportunities or types of work that you recommend for newbies?

This is such a hard question to answer. Every person is different. I guess I would have to say that making money from home is similar to working out. All of the best suggestions in the world won't mean anything unless you're actually going to do them, so my advice is to find something that you love doing. If you love what you do, your motivation will come naturally.

5. I know a lot of people who have tried various ways to make money online and have given up when they only made a few dollars (or pennies!). What's your advice for making at least enough money to make a dent in the grocery bill?

Making money online doesn't happen overnight. It's not a get rich scheme. You have to stick it out until all of your hard work pays off. That could be months, or that could be years. It's just like going to college. You study for years knowing that when you finish, then you'll be making money. You have to learn the ropes before you can become successful.

If you're looking to make money a little faster, then try a side hustle instead. Driver for Uber, wash laundry for Laundry Clink, or sell baked goods to friends.

Thanks, Michelle!

Meet Mark Pagaduan-Iha, Writer

Mark Pagaduan-Iha is a pet health and longevity blogger. He currently writes articles that offer tips and suggestions on ways that pet parents can not only keep their dogs healthy, but also increase both their healthspan and lifespan. Mark is currently at work on a book about dogs. Check out his website at http://dogadvertiser.com/.

1. How did your own experience as someone who loves pets inspire you to start your website?

I've always been a pet lover and especially fond of dogs, but I don't think I realized how much they really meant to me until my own pup became afflicted with heart disease. The whole ordeal was difficult to process, and even presently I find myself getting quite emotional about it.

My husband and I found very little answers from our primary vet and cardiologist regarding our fur baby's heart disease. Essentially, we were told that we would have to take a "wait and see" approach. Which I understood completely because they were trained in a certain school of thought, but at the same time it infuriated me. I've never been someone who doesn't take action. Listen, we're talking about my baby here, and I wanted to do anything and everything to help him.

After reaching out to other professionals, reading scientific studies, and scouring the internet for answers, I realized that there are other pet parents in the same exact predicament. They were either not given concrete answers regarding their pets' health or they were just given some medication and told to go on their merry way. In either case, their dogs weren't being helped. These pet parents, like myself, wanted more holistic or natural alternatives to help with the ailments that our fur children were facing. But many of us didn't know where to turn.

So a light bulb sort of went off in my head that maybe I should start a website dishing out my findings on natural and holistic methods to other pet parents. Here's something I learned as well: all pet parents want their fur kids to live as long as healthily possible. That in itself is powerful stuff.

2. What is the significance of the site's name, The Dog Advertiser?

To be honest when I first started the site, I wanted to be very inclusive of "all things dog." I felt the name The Dog Advertiser was very cute but also conveyed the feeling of a general dog news publication. However, I quickly realized two things. The first is that you can't be all things to all people; the task became overwhelming when trying to source every type of interesting story that came up. The second thing I realized is that my true passion is dealing with the health, wellness, and longevity of our pets.

So I decided to shift the focus of the site, but still retained the name. Plus, our two kids are in the logo, so how could we ever change it? ;-)

3. How do you decide what content to feature on your site?

I wish I could say that there's a real process behind it, but there really isn't. Well, I take that back. I keep track of pet health news, and if there's something I feel people should know, I'll post it. So for example if there is a new drug that might be coming out, I'll research it and write something regarding it. Something like that came up recently with a drug called Sileo, which is supposed to keep dogs calm and quell anxiety. It came out right before the 4th of July holiday, and the drug company was doing some press and media for it. I took issue with the fact that no one had written about the adverse effects of Sileo, so I went to task and wrote a piece about it, cited my resources, and outlined all the nasty things that could happen if your pup took it.

However, most of the time the posts come from identifying what's really going on within the pet community and what's going on in our own lives. Health in general is very broad, but we are writing about things that can help heal your pet and also little tips and tricks that you can use to help increase their longevity. Also, when it comes to longevity, the content regarding it is endless. Especially because our dogs' chemistry is so similar to ours.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about the book you're currently writing?

Which one? Haha. Actually, I have several books that I'm in the process of writing. But the one you're referring to is actually somewhat of a general guide to help pet parents navigate through the basics, such as diet, choosing a vet, a run down of some of the major pet ailments and of course various holistic/natural remedies that they can utilize. There will be much more inside of it, but that's the overall theme. The book is getting so big that some are referring to it as a "bible for natural pet health." I needed to cut a lot out, because I didn't want people to refer to it as that.

The book really is a starting off point to help people navigate through the sometimes complex world of pet health. The problem I often see (and I'm guilty of doing this in my posts sometimes) is that experts talk in their own complicated language. It's too hard for many newbies to understand and frequently intimidating. So much so that a lot of pet parents call it quits and just defer to their conventional vet. They end up back at square one. It's quite a big turn off, so I'm trying to take the opposite approach and lay the foundation, speaking in simple terms all the while giving them a ton of information that they can easily understand and implement.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you and your work?

I would like your readers and really everyone to know that I'm in the trenches with them. They are not alone in this. I have a pup who has had severe skin/coat allergies and was diagnosed with heart disease. He wasn't feeling well for a long time. But along the way I learned some natural and healthy ways to manage it. As a result, he's not only feeling better, but our primary vet and cardiologist are very surprised and pleased with how he's doing. In addition, his skin issues have been completely resolved. After nearly 9 years of trying everything under the sun to cure his skin allergies with conventional medicine, he finally responded to a more natural approach.

So essentially, I know how they are feeling, what they might be going through, and the daily struggle that goes along when caring for a pet that might not have ideal or optimum health.

But beyond that I would like to convey that traditional medicine doesn't always have the answers. While I do believe it's important to consider both conventional and holistic treatments and therapies, it's crucial that pet parents see that there is hope with alternative medicine and remedies. Primarily, yes, I will often seek out the advice of my holistic vet, but I will also consult my primary one as well. It's important to get BOTH sides of the story and BOTH views.

That's what The Dog Advertiser is about. We want to help you with the health, wellness, and longevity of your pet using alternative and natural methods. But we also do our best to lay out both sides of the coin. It doesn't behoove anyone if you are one-sided, and at the end of the day it's not about us; it's about our beloved fur babies. It's our job to protect them, love them, and most importantly give them the best chance at having a fulfilling and healthy life.

Thank you so much for this interview; I appreciate it and hope to see you and your readers on The Dog Advertiser soon! :-)

Thanks, Mark!

Some Natural Ways To Stop Snoring

A lot of times when we think about how to stop snoring, we think of surgical interventions and expensive medical devices. But there are other options, too, for some of us. Maybe you're one of the lucky people who can find relief from natural methods to stop snoring--and/or maybe your snoring is troublesome to your sleep partner, but your doctor has said your snoring doesn't sound like a major medical issue.

If you're looking for a collection of interesting, non-invasive options to try to see if they help you, check out James' anti-snoring blog. He focuses on affordable, natural methods to help you stop snoring, and he gives detailed overviews and reviews of different products on the market today.

Some of the products featured on the blog include a washable fabric chinstrap that helps keep your mouth and jaw in a comfortable position while you sleep that discourages snoring, an anti-snoring pillow, and an adjustable mouthpiece that helps keep your airway clear while you sleep.

In addition to product reviews, the site contains other resources, such as a Sleep Apnea 101 page that goes over the basics of sleep apnea and discusses various treatment options. What I think is most important about this page is that you really get an idea of the ways that sleep apnea has a negative impact on your health (including increasing your likelihood of developing heart disease!), which is good motivation to address your snoring.

If you or one of your loved ones has been snoring, why not read up on different anti-snoring methods and give some natural methods a try to see if they help? You never know: sometimes the easiest answer turns out to be the best one. Or better yet, talk to your doctor about the natural methods you discover through James' blog and go from there. But the first step is always gathering information, and James' anti-snoring blog is a helpful place to start.

Meet Khalid Zidan, Entrepreneur

Khalid Zidan is a blogger and entrepreneur. He decided to share his experiences to help people who are struggling in their lives and want to achieve what they've been dreaming of. He's founded serial websites focusing on a range of topics including SEO, freelancers, market review, affiliate market, dropshipping, and more.

Learn more by visiting his website, SuccessEntrepreneur.org. You can also connect with Khalid on Facebook.

1. When did you realize that entrepreneurship was the right career path for you?

When I started to realize I would never be a free man in a 9-5 job.

2. What are some of the ways that you help people who want to make money online?

I believe anyone can earn money online: all you need is a device with Internet access. That's it. I have tried many different ways, including courses, training, and mentors. Most of them were such a failure. However, some worked! And I earned money from them, so I am teaching these successful methods to others so that they do not have to repeat my same mistakes.

3. Why is blogging so important for people who want to start their own business?

Blogging is your voice--it's like your business card. If you are not blogging, you do not have an opinion, and you will not be seen as trustworthy. Come on, even Sir Richard Branson is blogging! Everyone should. Put your voice out there.

4. What are some of the biggest and/or most common mistakes you see people making in starting a business?

Listening to too much advice--or to none at all! I have met aspiring businesspeople telling me that they have read 50 books last year! And I ask them, what did you learn? They do not even remember! So what's the point? My advice will be: choose a very small niche that you like and master it; start small, and then expand your niche while you are growing.

5. What projects are you currently working on, and do you have anything new in the works that you're excited about?

I am working right now on mastering Kindle books and e-dropshipping.

Thanks, Khalid!

Meet Angela Lee, Founder of Millennial Housing & Lifestyle

Angela Lee is the founder of Millennial Housing & Lifestyle. She is a millennial and an NYC transplant with 12 years of experience in real estate and mortgage banking. She's held senior positions in sales, talent management, communications, and marketing for various private and public institutions. She was recently elected to lead the largest AAPI real estate trade organization in 2017--and honored as the first millennial, Korean American, female leader of a nationwide real estate trade organization.

Learn more about her at www.itsmeangela.com.

1. How would you describe Millennial Housing & Lifestyle?

The decision to launch this platform is due to my passion about educating the millennial generation in terms of housing and lifestyle so we can have a positive impact for the generations to come. Whether or not one believes homeownership is still out of reach, we will talk about challenges together. The blog platform has exclusive interviews with experts, as well as lifestyle tips and tricks--plus informative content designed to help make the next big decision a smart one. I am on a mission to make real estate relevant to a lifestyle, not just some responsibility to dread.

2. What are your focus areas, and how do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

So here I am in real estate, doing something that will impact millions of people all over America. Hosting this important discussion concerning the millennial generation and real estate is at the very core of our personal lives, our regional and national economies, and our futures.

Most blogs dealing with real estate are self-serving. They bend over backward to sell products and services. But this blog is different. I'm here for one reason: to start and nurture a rich conversation. The participants will be millennials and interested others who want to make an important contribution to the real estate industry.

3. How is the real estate market impacting how millennials see and do things for their future?

The soaring cost of education, massive student loan debt, the difficult job market, and the rapid rise in the cost of living in major population centers has hit millennials square in the jaw. We have a challenge like no other generation has faced in decades. One of the first areas we millennials must reform is real estate. In an age when it's very difficult to buy a home before age 40, it will be our task to find ways to disrupt, innovate, and improve.

4. What are some things that most people don't know about your job, and what are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered personally?

The blogging business is not an easy task. In order to create and curate quality content, I have to spend countless hours brainstorming and speaking to my sphere of influence. It is hard work and a full-time gig, and much of it isn't glamorous. Just like any other business investment, it's important not to lose sight of end goals.

I recently ended a 13-year career as an upper level executive in the financial industry. I can't lie: the money was very good. But here in New York City, it takes a lot of cash just to live. I woke up one morning realizing I was about to turn 33 and owed on mortgage debts, student loans, and credit cards for a grand total of $1.5 million of debt. I was clearly going to be working until my dying day simply running in place to keep the payments on schedule. But the big realization that made me quit my career was that I wasn't making a difference in the world. Focusing on everything that's working instead of dwelling on negativity has helped create a balance in my personal life.

5. What tips would you give to a millennial who is looking to start a business in today market?

I would say don't rush into anything, and get a professional mentor (you should find one if you don't have one already.) You're going to need a whole lot of skills you probably don't have right now because of your age. Technical skills are great assets, but interpersonal skills will get you far in life, especially in business. My second bit of advice is don't ever burn bridges because you never know where and how your paths will cross again. We all run in circles--it's a small world out there. It is a golden rule in life.

6. Finally, what are you most excited about at the moment, and do you have any other thoughts to share?

My biggest project at the moment is the official launch of my new blog--Millennial Housing & Lifestyle.

Remember, leaders are not born. They are made. Becoming an entrepreneur/CEO is not as hard as it looks. It is the hard work that you need to put in; that is a big deal. Be sure to dream big and focus on what you want out of your actions. Immerse yourself in building your own empire.

Thanks, Angela!

Meet Rebecca Lombardo, Author

Rebecca Lombardo is 42 years old and has been happily married for 14 years, living in Michigan. She and her husband have no kids but five rescued cats. Rebecca is bipolar, a mental health advocate, a blogger, and now a published author. Learn more about Rebecca and her memoir, It's Not Your Journey, by visiting www.RebeccaLombardo.com or the book's Amazon page. You can also keep up with Rebecca by reading her blog and following her on Facebook and Twitter.

1. What helped you find the impetus to start your blog?

I started writing my blog to help me relieve some of the pain, stress, and guilt from everything I have been through in my life up until now. I didn't even originally plan on publicizing it. I had always wanted to be a writer, but I gave up on that dream a long time ago. When I started to let people read it, I gained confidence from all of the people that were telling me how it good it was. Once I made it public, the response was overwhelming. I starting writing for me. I kept writing for me, and everyone that was learning from it.

2. Over the last two years, what's kept you motivated to continue writing and posting to your blog?

Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, suicide--all of these issues are widely misunderstood. Once I realized I was reaching people, I knew that I needed to keep going. It was scary because a lot of people didn't know that I had this disorder, and I didn't know what they would say or do. However, the outpouring of support was amazing. It feels incredible to know that you’ve helped someone.

3. What was the process like of shifting from writing a blog to writing a book?

It was difficult. I wanted the book to read like a journal, which is why all of the chapters are dated. I wasn't sure I wanted all of these stories out there for the world to see, but since it had been my dream since childhood, I had to go forward. I can't even count the number of times I had to edit, rewrite, or eliminate chapters. Sometimes it was too overwhelming to be reliving all of these painful experiences over and over. I'm just glad I made it through.

4. How has it helped you to connect with others through your writing?

I think my other responses covered this. :)

5. What would you say to other people who are dealing with bipolar illness, depression, or other illnesses that cab make it hard for them to be able to write and create?

I would say, take it slow. Don't get down on yourself if you don't write a major best seller the first time you sit down to write. There are days when I can't write either. I don't get down on myself because I know that there will be a day when I can. I try to avoid deadlines and such. I hate setting myself up to fail. With the feeling of failure comes tremendous feelings of depression, and that's what we’re all trying to avoid. You may find that you're second guessing yourself, predicting that you won't be able to do it. If you're feeling like that I say, sit down in front of the computer or with a pad and paper and just see what happens. You may be amazed at what happens. Be nice to yourself. It's OK not to be perfect.

Thanks, Rebecca!

Meet Kimberly Fisher, Writer and Entrepreneur

Kimberly Fisher is former model and actress. She is the founder of Jetsetera.net and LuxeSoul.com, and she is a busy lifestyle writer, media personality, and internet entrepreneur.

1. How did you first become interested in blogging?

I have always had a love for reading and writing, and I was offered a column when I was modeling entitled "Ask the Model." From there I read everything I could on freelance writing, and just starting pitching different publications. In 2008 I started Jetsetera as a way for friends and family to keep track of me while I was traveling the world, and it eventually turned into what it is today: a curated luxury travel blog with a focus on lifestyle.

2. What are some of your favorite topics to write about?

Travel is always a favorite topic, but I tend to also cover beauty, fashion, and eco-friendly living.

3. In building your websites, what are your personal guidelines for creating content that catches the interest of readers?

With so many different blogs out there, it is hard to get noticed. You have be uniquely you. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and speak your voice. Also, write about something you are passionate about--it won't be work if it is something you enjoy doing every day.

4. What are some things we can do to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle while also being mindful of the environment and sustainability?

There are so many ways to give back. You can mix entertaining with giving back by attending charity event, or buy luxury clothes and goods that give back and support a community or a cause in some way. Even choosing hair, makeup, or skin products that are not only good for the environment, but are better for you. I have also seen a huge jump in sustainable and eco-friendly travel over the past few years.

5. What projects do you hope to pursue in the next year or so?

I am looking at branching back into hosting with the development of video and online shows for both Jetsetera and LuxeSoul, as well as some other projects and collaborations.

Thanks, Kimberly!

Meet Aurora Afable, Entrepreneur and Blogger

Aurora Afable is a biochem student, blogger, entrepreneur, and more. She's been blogging since she was 16, and over time, it became her profession. She has also written and published a book about outsourcing. Learn more about Aurora and her work by checking out her sites, Cool College Helpers and The Modern Catholic.

1. When did you first become interested in being an entrepreneur?

I've always had an interest in entrepreneurship since I was very young. I lived in a different country back then, and I would sell candy or cellphone credits (since I'm a reseller) to other people. The candy didn't work out, though. I ended up eating the inventory I had! When I moved here, I was eager to find out more about how entrepreneurship worked here. It's very different compared to the previous environment I was in.

Of course, over here everything is modern, so I decided to go to the marketing route, since I'm a technology power-user. I couldn't settle to do the regular college-related jobs. Sadly, I don't have the same amount of energy most college students have because I served in the military (but that's another story). Instead, I took the risk (since it's fun) and just did it. I don't even know how it all began. I guess one day I just woke up and decided that I was going to buy hosting and get myself the two websites.

2. How did you decide on the topics for your websites, Cool College Helpers, and The Modern Catholic?

Good question! You don't find a lot of student entrepreneurs in this niche (as far as I'm concerned). My motto is "there must be a better way," so I have a knack for finding out the best things about how to get something done or make something more enjoyable. My family members always ask me advice on how I do things, and I also had some of my friends do the same when I first started college. I guess you can consider me as a risk-taker because I don't care to fail. All that matters to me is being able to accomplish my goal no matter how many times I fail. This has given me plenty of insight and experience on certain ideas so that I can kind of predict the outcome of a situation. Because I'm a student, I have so much knowledge about the topic that I thought I'd share the tips I have to the world. I really love helping people out. Cool College Helpers is about helping working college students out. I don't do it because of the money. I do it because helping an individual who needs your help not only benefits that person, but it also benefits you because you realize that you're needed in the world.

The Modern Catholic first started off as my personal blog. I guess you can call this blog "pure." I knew I had to change it when I realized that all my interests would not fit this particular theme. The goal of The Modern Catholic was to basically document my journey as I try to come back to my faith, or to God. There was a time in my life where I doubted God. That was when I was depressed, was not doing well in school, had broken up with someone I truly loved, and just seemed to be stuck in a hole. Truly, that was the most challenging year in my life (thus far). I moved to California to leave that and decided to be happy again. The Modern Catholic definitely keeps me straight and reminds me to take a moment and remember my beginning. I believe that some people experience this also, so I decided to make this journey go public.

3. Do you create all of your own content for your sites, or do you work with freelancers at all? In other words, how do you balance your studies with your websites?

I'm really glad you noticed. It is difficult, after all, to work in your career, try and find yourself, and manage to try and help people out. As I started building a site, I did outsource to Filipinos for awhile. There are only a couple articles at CCH that have been written by them, but I was never happy about it because it lacked culture. After a month or so, I decided to let go of them and just write my own articles. The content needed was based on my experience, and it was hard for them to interpret that in writing. Mind you, most of my staff had bachelor's degrees, but the culture just wasn't there. To answer your question, I write ALL the content of my sites except all the legal notes on them.

4. In your opinion, how long does it take to achieve success?

It depends on what you mean by success. My meaning of success would be having a good amount of readers that come back to your site because they trust the kind of advice it gives, or it makes them feel good, or they think that it helps. With a large amount of observation and trial and error, it isn't far. I have been doing this since March, and with the right amount of content, and followers, we've been doing better every day. We have generally increased the fans of our social media profiles, and we've actually had people want to do guest posts. To me, seeing it grow from what it used to be to what it now feels like I am going somewhere like I'm closer to success. At this rate, success seems like it'll be here in about a year hopefully.

5.What do you plan to accomplish, in the next year or so?

Honestly, I haven't even planned that far! I have too many ideas and writing on my hands. Evidently, I am getting there. I just finished scheduling articles for the next three months. At this rate, I should be able to find out a realistic goal for next year. Every day counts as it's part of my statistics. Some days are difficult, and some days are just wonderful, especially when people tell you that what I wrote truly helped them. It's very addictive... I don't receive a lot of gratitude, but out of all the hard work you do, a small thank you once in a while can keep you going. I think it's the same concept as eating sunflower seeds. The amount of work you put into opening the shell does not equal to the amount of food you get. However, a tiny piece of that reward is still enough for you to keep opening a hundred more.

Thanks, Aurora!

Introducing Mavenrose.com and a Book about Movies as Inspiration

If you're interested in the ways that movies can help us explore meaning in our lives, be sure to visit Mavenrose.com. The author behind the site, Primrose Roberts, regularly posts thoughtful content about the ways that we can enjoy movies as a way of gaining perspective on our own situations in life.

The posts combine a variety of interesting source material, such as Jungian archetypes and Joseph Campbell's writings. There's also a connection to the Law of Attraction as the author analyzes the ways that movie heroes reach their goals. In other words, you can look at movies through different lenses and appreciate movies in new ways--and appreciate how they can even help you actualize what you want to achieve in your own life.

Primrose Roberts is the author of a book called SPUN: 101 Movies to Recreate Your Reality. You can get a good idea of the content of the book by visiting her website--and in fact, you can read Chapter 1 of the book there for free. The book is available on Amazon, in Kindle format.

We've always heard the expression about the "magic of movies," so I like the idea of someone taking this notion and exploring it more fully. We spend a lot of time watching movies, so why not watch them in a way that's more active rather than passive? The author also works with the metaphor of "writing a script," extending it beyond screenwriting to the idea of writing scripts for our own lives.

Meet Jesse Barrett of WDW Through Jesse's Eyes

Jesse Barrett owns and operates WDW Through Jesse's Eyes, a Disney tip blog and podcast. The content is all about Walt Disney World, and Jesse and his fellow contributors post fun and informative material. There are three people (including Jesse) who work on the site and podcast.

1. When did you first go to Walt Disney World?

I've been going to Walt Disney World since I was two years old. As a Florida resident, going to the parks with an annual pass was cheaper for my family of five than going to the movies.

2. How many times have you gone to Walt Disney World, and what keeps you going back?

I've spent over 250 days in the parks in my lifetime. I go at least once if not twice a month, and I spend about three to six days in the parks each month. By the end of this year, I will have spent 48 days in the parks in 2014. I continue to return to the parks because there's just something magical about that place. I tell my friends, "Disney is cheaper than therapy, and better than a drug addiction." Going through the turnstiles at the parks makes you forget all of your problems outside of the park. You're instantly immersed into a new world, and you're in Walt's World now...

3. How do you come up with topics/tips to cover on your site?

WDW Through Jesse's Eyes isn't just Jesse. We have Heath who also writes and cohosts the podcast and Donna who is a phenomenal writer and photographer. Heath and myself will come up with the show topics (usually we'll be in the middle of a conversation and say, "That'd make a great topic!"), or we take suggestions from our fans on Facebook. Donna's blog topics are one of two things: they’re either stories pertaining to an upcoming show topic or something new that she's recently experienced.

4. What's your best advice to someone visiting Walt Disney World for the first time?

Our first podcast episode was on this topic. I'll include the list we came up with, but I encourage everyone to download our podcast and listen for more in-depth information. (Our Podcasts are available on iTunes, Podcast Addict, and Sticher Radio.)

Here's the list:

Heath's Top 5:

• Don't Try to do Everything
• Give Yourself a Chance to Relax. Pace Yourself
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows
• Don't Argue, You're on Vacation
• Allow yourself to become immersed in your environment.

Jesse's Top 5:

• Learn the My Disney Experience App
• Make your Dining Reservations
• Don't Cram too much into one day
• Don't miss the end of the night shows
• Get Familiar with the Park before you go

Our Top 5:

• Don't Cram
• Relax. You're on Vacation!
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows! (Fantasmic is AMAZING!)
• Immerse yourself into the Fantasy of Walt Disney World
• Make your Dining Reservations before you go!

5. During the holiday season, are there special things to look out for at Walt Disney World?

There are so many fantastic things to do at Walt Disney World for the holidays! The castle is decorated with beautiful lights, and every night at dusk, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Christoph of Frozen fame light the castle. There's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is a hard-ticket event in the parks that has a special parade and its own fireworks. There's also Holidays around the World at Epcot where you can experience how Christmas is celebrated in other countries; there's the Candlelight Processional which features a full orchestra, choir, and a celebrity narrator to tell the Christmas Story; and there's "Joyful," a Gospel Christmas Celebration. All of those are available at Epcot. There's also the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios where over 100,000 lights are synchronized to music and cover two streets of buildings. My favorite thing is the Gingerbread displays at some of the resorts. You can see picture of all of these things on our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/WDWThroughJessesEyes.

Thanks, Jesse!

Meet Patty Dole, Blogger

Abigail (Patty) Dole lives on a boat with her husband (who is a retired sea captain) and their cat named Daxxy. They live a fairly simple self-sufficient life on an old Tjalk that is about 130 years old. Visit Patty online on her informative blog at www.LadyLivingonaBoat.com.

1. When did you first start living aboard a boat, and what inspired your decision?

I was strictly a land dweller until I met my husband who has basically lived and worked at sea since he was about 17 years old, so he was my influence and I have to admit I love it!

2. Why is self-sufficiency so important in your life?

Self-sufficiency means freedom to us. We just want to be free to live our lives on our own terms, not being dependent on any entities. For example, in bad weather if you have a solar wind, or a good generator and some batteries, you are all set if the electricity goes out and the electric company can't get to you for a few days or weeks. People who live in houses that don't have any of those things are at the mercy of the electric company that may not be able to reach them due to circumstances beyond their control. That is something that people like us don't have to worry so much about.

3. How did you select your top five products that you recommend for saving money?

We are not wealthy people. My husband is retired and living on a pension which isn't as much as we would like; so saving money is important to us. I have found that often the more money that people make, the greater the debt that they get into because they haven't altered how they viewed their money or their time. We love spending time together and doing the simple things in life, so the products that I recommend are actually coming from how we are learning to live our lives. We actually save more money this way, and it frees up our time to do the things that we value in life.

In other words, we really believe that managing the money that we have is far more important than making more money that we don't adequately manage.

So I am making these recommendations to anyone who wants to learn to manage what they have and learn to live within their means. That is very empowering.

4. What do you say to people who don't believe that couponing is an effective way to save money?

I say that they are really missing out on an effective opportunity to not only save money but get top brands. I have found that effectively using coupons frees up my income so that I can pay more on debts that I owe, and yes we still have debts.

It makes our lives less complicated. For example, if I use buy "ones or twos, get ones or twos for free" on things that we use like laundry soap, razors, toothpaste, deodorant, dish detergent, etc for three months straight, then I don't need to spend any money on those products for the next six months to a year, and that frees up at least $40 to $100 per month on those products alone. It is not about being a hoarder; it is about being prepared. Notice that I have not even mentioned how much we save on our pet products or food. Also remember, we are only two people with a cat. A family has the opportunity to see even more savings because they tend to spend more money.

5. What do you enjoy the most about living on a boat--and what do you find most challenging?

The things that you don't really think about living in a house, you have to think about while living on a boat. How and where to dispose of your waste, generating your own power, keeping your batteries up to date are all challenging, but at the same time, it is these very things that keep me independent. It makes me think that there is and has always been a high price for our conveniences, and I would not trade the life that I have.

Thanks, Patty!

Meet Josh Lieberman, Blogger

Josh Lieberman is 22, an iOS app developer, and in college. He loves to write and follow passions and procrastinate. Check out his blog at http://www.tonotmissthebliss.com.

1. What inspired you to launch your site, and how did you choose the name, "tonotmissthebliss"?

It all began a few years ago when I was about 50 pounds overweight and had this big idea for a project. The project was this huge, way over my head, ambitious goal to 1) get in shape, 2) lose weight, and 3) write about it all to become a book about the process. After a lot of writing, I began to share it with friends. But it becomes cumbersome to discuss the same bit of writing in three or four different full conversations. This is where the blog idea was born--as a place to write these musings and thoughts.

I've always had a fascination with the word "bliss." Somehow, I'm quite happy that "tonotmissthebliss" still resonates with me to this day. It took me a couple years to really build the momentum and energy to consistently post. But now that I've slowly reached this point, it feels amazing.

2. How did you first get interested in writing poetry?

Hah. I would say that listening to Eminem at a young age definitely influenced my mind to enjoy hearing rhymes. In high school, my friends and I would insult each other with rhymed blocks of text. Then in my early years of college, I would write long poems for gals I never dated. Only recently have I started directing my love of poems towards myself, the universe, and overarching ideas such as love and inspiration.

3. What do you find are your favorite times to write--and what are some topics or experiences that seem to motivate you to put your thoughts/feelings into words?

The favorite time to write is when the mind has something to write about. Thank goodness for Evernote--as long as I have my phone nearby, I can record the thought for later. I would say 40% of my rhymes are from the train, 35% are written at the park, 10% at work, and the other 15% anytime, anyplace.

The biggest motivation is my love of anime. There's a certain type of show I watch where a team comes together to overcome insurmountable odds. The feelings of inspiration, teamwork, and THEY DID IT!!!! create such positive visceral reactions that resonate with me. Upon figuring out that I can craft those same emotion with my rhymes, I became addicted to it.

But my content is inspired from nearly everything I come across. Whether it's hearing about wars in the Middle East, learning about the universe during an episode of Cosmos, or listening to the late thinker Alan Watts, anything and everything is inspiration. I'm merely retelling the pre-existing story from my perspective.

4. How would you compare the creative work of developing apps with the creative process of writing?

You know, I've never yet tried to make that comparison. I'll start by how they differ. For one, I could write a poem on the train into work and shape it into a blog post to share that evening. For apps, it takes months to get somewhere tangible. They operate on completely different time-scales.

However, at the core of both you find the same elements--human emotions. It's all about the emotion you aim to invoke in the reader or the user. How can you make them feel something positive and worth feeling again?

5. When you think about your life over the next few years, what do you imagine yourself doing?

Hmmm, I don't really know a specific destination. I just know I want to grow my talents and see where they take me.

If I were to imagine the current trajectory, I would continue writing poems to the point where they eventually start linking up with music. I would love to be a songwriter one day. Or a spoken word rapper.

I see myself having at least two more personal apps on the app store. I have a super mega dream app I want to make, but there's two (or even three) that have to come before it, and each one is at least a six-month project.

So if I'm at a point where I have those under my belt and in the next few years I can start that dream project, I'll be so happy.

Thanks, Josh!

Meet Luca Di Fonso, Fashion and Fitness Blogger

Luca Di Fonso is 24 years old and passionate about fashion, traveling, and fitness. After finding success on Instagram (www.instagram.com/lucadifonso), he started a blog to share his passions in a better way, hoping that people can find some useful tips and enjoy seeing the world through his eyes.

1. How did you first become interested in posting on Instagram?

I started because of a bet with a friend of mine. Then I saw that people were interested in seeing photos of what I do in my daily routine, so I continued to post.

2. What do you think made your Instagram feed so popular?

I think probably it gained followers because people can see a lot of different things rather than only selfies! I try to keep the attention of my followers by posting about different topics.

3. What do you find the most interesting--and the most challenging--when it comes to capturing fashion through photography?

I started just a few months ago, so I'm not an expert, but a lot of people asked me, "How can you be so serious during the shoots?". Believe me when I say that the first time, it was difficult. But when you see all the people around you who are working really hard--such as photographers, stylists, and so on--you understand that you have to be very professional, too.

Every shoot is different because you have to help the photographer to capture the right soul of the brand. You know, posing for a street style brand is different than posing for a tank top brand.

4. Why did you decide to start your own website, and what will visitors find there?

On my website, you can find fashion tips for men and women, and a section showcasing the most stylish people I've seen on the street. You can also find a section talking about fitness where you can find diet tips and gym schedules/routines for men and women, too. I also have a lifestyle section where I discuss topics like music, food, and restaurants. Finally, I have a travel section where I post pictures and videos of the places I visit.

5. In the next year or so, what projects do you hope to be working on?

I hope that everything goes well and that I can continue to work with a lot of fashion brands, lifestyle brands, and travel agencies in order to reach my goals. But who knows?

Please check out my site at www.lucadifonso.com. Thanks, Luca!

Introducing Sean Fargo's Blog

If you're interested in Buddhism and meditation practice, check out Sean Fargo's website. Sean is a former executive who left his career to spend two years becoming ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. Today, Sean facilitates mindfulness classes at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and other locations, reaching out to a wide variety of people, from teenagers to men in prison.

His blog offers his reflections on various teachings--this can the form of book reviews, commentary on Buddhist talks, and more. There are guided meditations and other tools that allow the reader to engage in personal reflection. In short, there's a gentle emphasis on insight and mindful living.

You'll find a lot of audio and video content throughout Sean's posts. The video below is an example of the videos he frequently includes on his personal site.

Sean is dedicated to offering resources for people to find space to pause and reflect in their lives, and he has another site called MindfulnessExercises.com where he shares secular mindfulness exercises. His work online is a great example of how websites can be a resource for connection and meaningful exchanges.

Meet Kareem Maize, Blogger, Musician, and IT Professional

Kareem Maize is a 26-year-old musician and information technology professional with a passion for learning new aspects of life every day. On his journey to express himself, Kareem began blogging to share his ideas with others. Now he intends to create interesting and engaging content for his viewers to help them grow spiritually, physically, and mentally.

Visit Kareem's blog here, and also find him on Facebook (also here) and on Twitter.

1. If you had to summarize the goal of your blog, what would you say?

My blog is an environment to help people with personal development by exposing them to different ideas and belief systems.

2. Why do you think that many people feel a lack of abundance in their lives?

They created a limiting belief about their current circumstances regarding the assets in their life they did or do not possess.

3. In your own life, what has helped you gain insight and to experience personal growth?

I had several good mentors, but ultimately I always had a feeling that that a single person can accomplish great things. As a child I had the crazy belief that anything is possible and funny enough I still do.

4. When it comes to being more solution-focused rather than problem-focused, what are some things we can do to start seeing more solutions, rather than problems, in our lives?

The best way I have found to conquer a problem is to realize that it is only temporary, and you are greater than any problem you currently face. Once you realize it's only temporary, you can shift your focus to a solution instead of being consumed by it.

5. How do you see your blog growing over the next year or so?

I want to have a good following in the personal development community and thousands of subscribers.

Thanks, Kareem!

Meet Emma, Blogger, Lawyer, and Traveler

Roots and Wings is a blog written by Emma, a lawyer and world traveler who lives in Melbourne, Australia. She describes her blog as sharing her journey to try and have roots (career, family, relationships, etc) at the same time as wings (travel!).

1. How did you decide on the title "Roots and Wings" (R.A.W.) for your blog?

I was on the plane coming home from eight months in Europe, and I was feeling very frustrated and torn about coming back to Australia to pick up my career. It took a few more years, several holidays, and a job change for me to realize that my frustration was a result of my struggle to "have it all." I was trying to lay down roots and a foundation, while still having the freedom to explore and spread my wings. At first, I didn't really know what to do with this realization. I briefly contemplated an ankle tattoo of "Roots & Wings" before the light bulb idea to start a blog. I think I made the right choice!

2. What helps you to balance your career as a lawyer with finding time for travel and other pursuits?

A strong work ethic and a good relationship with my boss. Although travel is a non-negotiable part of my life, I still view it as a privilege rather than an automatic right. I work hard, establish trust, and encourage my boss to value "performance over presence." If the work gets done well and on time, there's no reason to decline my holiday request. I very rarely have enough annual leave but am more than happy to take unpaid leave--you always seem to have the money or the time for a holiday, but rarely both. So, instead of trying to earn more money (although, that's always nice), I'm focusing on scheduling the time to actually spend it--preferably in the Mediterranean!

3. When you travel, do you prefer to do a lot of planning ahead of time about what you'll do when you visit a certain place, or do you prefer to let things happen more spontaneously?

I’m much more of a planner! I actually just wrote a post about this because I think that people (wrongly) assume all travelers are aimless wanderers. The perfect holiday needs to balance both, so that there is some pre-planned structure and space for spontaneity. Read more and get a copy of my template holiday planner here.

4. What would your advice be for people who want to travel internationally but feel hesitant somehow, maybe because of the expense of maybe because of the unfamiliarity of going abroad, etc?

Just do it. It will be challenging but it will be amazing. You can overcome a lot of those issues by researching and planning--work out a budget, research the cities, look at discussion boards, and find the best hostels/hotels. If you're not keen on solo travel, join a tour group, teach English, volunteer, or find work through companies like WWOOF or WorkAway. This is a great way to meet like-minded people, save money, have support, and get a really authentic experience.

5. As you imagine your future self, what do you picture yourself doing?

I'm not exactly sure, but I'm excited! I'd love to be in a role where I'm doing something strategic and innovative but able to work with my own hours and location--my career path is looking more like a scatter diagram than a line graph but it's not going to be a "cookie cutter" life and that's the main thing (http://www.therawlife.co/the-modern-career-staircase/). I'm currently exploring opportunities for another extended working holiday in 2015--six months split between NYC and Italy is the dream. I'm loving being a blogger, too, so hopefully Roots & Wings will take me somewhere amazing.

Check out Emma's posts here.

Thanks, Emma!

Introducing the Blog of Ann C Logue

Annie Logue is a longtime Chicago resident who writes about a variety of topics but with a particular emphasis on money. Not only is she a writer, but she is also a consulting analyst who lectures on finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She's written four books in the popular "Dummies" series of nonfiction/how-to books, most recently Emerging Markets for Dummies.

Annie's blog covers a lot of different subjects and is a well-written and thoughtful series of posts. She describes the blog as "[exploring] money and culture all over the world." There are posts on frugality and ways to save money, socially responsible investing and business practices, and the growth of financial markets on an international level.

The blog is timely and relevant--for example, a recent series of posts looks at the Hobby Lobby case, and another post addresses "the quasi-public nature" of pro sports (think about cities paying for stadiums, etc!). I'm definitely a layperson when it comes to financial topics, but I found the writing to be accessible and clear--no difficult jargon, etc. Really the blog is a nice starting point for readers who want to read an informed perspective on a wide range of issues relating to finance.

I think the best thing about Annie's blog is that it's a good example of how a blog really can catch the reader's interest and make you want to read more of the author's work. I know that after reading her blog, I feel inspired to check out Annie's books as a very readable and useful introduction to some financial topics I'd like to learn more about.