I was fortunate enough to interview Sarah Banas founder of Immortal Design. Sarah is a woman to watch, who has pursued and achieved a career in the STEMS field!

My name is: Sarah Banas

My company is: Immortal Design: http://immortaldc.com

My company Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/immortaldc
My Twitter handle is: @goimmortal
My career is: Software Engineer, CEO (Entrepreneur)

What I do everyday is:
Develop new software to make our lives easier. Sometimes it doesn’t work that way – it’s the simple things that are the most difficult.

Where I went to school:
I went to Loyola University for both my Bachelors and Master degree.

Why I decided to become a software engineer:
I loved computers since I was introduced to them, but was afraid of making it my career – after all, who hasn’t heard that if you’re not a doctor or a lawyer that you’ve failed in life?

When I was in my first year of college, I was taking a computer class and biology class at the same time. I could not pass Biology lab. I took the course by different teachers, and still I could not pass. I dropped out of Biology. The computer course was going unusually well. We were told for our final project to do something that incorporates some of the things we have learned throughout the semester. I built a prototype artificial intelligence, and I was officially hooked. I decided that this was going to be what I wanted to do in my life. It really made me happy (most days).

Little girls should do what I do because:

Software Engineering is a very difficult field in, especially for women. I don’t want girls to get the impression that it’s easy or something they should do because it pays well. It is very difficult, and it will take years before you make anything decent – if you do at all. If you can’t think outside the box, then you’re done for.

However, it is a very rewarding experience. I have built software that was expanded from home offices to corporate environments – to know that I built something like that is truly a magnificent feeling.

Now down to the important questions-

As a little girl I wanted to be:
A Neurosurgeon

My favorite color is:
Grey

I have a pet, whose name is:
I have 2 cats: Simba, an orange tabby; and Misiu, a tabby Main Coone.

My favorite food is:
Cheese. Cheese on pizza, goat cheese, I don’t care. I love cheese.

I have the most fun when I:
Either play video games with my little brother; or am trying to “hunt” my cats outside on the lawn.

Best advice for girls:
When life gives you lemons, squirt it in life’s eyes and keep running forward.

I absolutely love that quote!! I also love the fact she is a Loyola grad like me! So it’s no surprise what the college highlight will be…

These Superheriones are:

• Becky Cloonan at 32 years old has already been and was the first woman to draw Batman in the series 72 year history! She draws on paper-not digitally and it took her five years to begin making a living through her cartooning.
• Sara Pichelli is currently drawing Ultimate Comics: Spiderman! A huge coo in this male dominated field. She was born in Italy
• Karen Berger is the founder/editor of the Vertigo brand and is responsible for the graphic novel V for Vendetta, American Vampire, and The Sandman; just to name a few!
• Faith Erin Hicks studied animation at Sheridan College in Canada. She pens the web comic Demonology 101, Zombie Calling, and Ice.
• Amy Reeder is originally from Denver, CO and has a B.S. degree. Among her career accomplishments are drawing Supergirl and Batwoman!

View some of their works & read about some other great up and coming women comic book artists! http://pinterest.com/rxmac/women-comic-book-artists/

College Highlight:
School of Visual Arts, NYC (Animation) (Becky Cloonan’s school)

Sherian College (Animation) (Faith Erin Hicks school)

Is Richard Irvine here to help me revamp my collection? No, but the doll in question fits inside an egg so, you get the Food Network/Restaurant Impossible correlation.

1.) A precocious eight year old climbs on a chair to reach a high shelf in Gramma’s room.
2.) Quest-three wooden eggs; one blue, one yellow and one purple.
3.) Eggs fall to the floor, but none break.
4.) Slowly loosening the eggs; out popped a little articulated doll with a gown the same color as her egg.

They seem to be similar to Russian matryoshka nesting dolls.

                                     OR

Maybe a cousin to the English Smallest Doll in the World?

http://england.prm.ox.ac.uk/englishness-Smallest-doll.html

http://pages.antiquesatironbridge.com/31/PictPage/1922284091.html

College Highlight:
Loyola University of Chicago (my Alma Mater)
www.luc.edu/

It's overwhelming isn't it? Not only are you choosing a college and a major, but you also have to figure out the best way to pay for your education.
To help you determine the best way to fund your future, let's define some of the confusing terms associated with loans. The terms we will go over are interest, federal, subsidized and unsubsidized. Once we've gone over the terms, we will define the four main student loans available.

Interest – Basically this refers to the fee for borrowing a loan. It is added to the amount you will be borrowing, and a lower rate signifies that you will be paying less.
Federal loans –These are loans offered by the federal government. You apply for these loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be used to determine which loans you are eligible for. The good news is you won't have to agonize over loans you are not approved for.
Subsidized- Subsidized refers to the fact that the interest on the loan will be taken care of while you are in school. If it's a subsidized federal loan, the government will be paying the interest, instead of it coming out of your pocket.
Unsubsidized- For unsubsidized loans, you are responsible for interest while you are in school. The loan itself may still be provided by the government, but it will not pay the interest.

Alright, now that you've expanded your loan vocabulary, here are your loan options.

1. The Stafford Loan is a federal loan that is given out based on financial need, comes with a low interest rate and comes with a long-term payment plan. This loan is available in two forms: subsidized or unsubsidized.


2. The Perkins Loan. This federal subsidized loan has a lower interest rate than the Stafford loan, but is more difficult to receive approval for because it are based on extreme financial need.Although these are funded by the government, individual schools determine who will receive these awards. Because there are limited funds available, only a small number of students receive these loans.

3. The PLUS loan. This unsubsidized federal loan is for the parents of undergraduate students. It is based on factors such as credit history and the cost of tuition. There is no maximum amount on a PLUS loan, so it can be a valuable in making up for costs that other financial aid does not cover. Repayment for these will begin either 60 to 90 days after the loan is disbursed (paid to the school) or after college graduation.

4. The private Loan. Banks, private companies and individual lenders offer competitive loan packages that can be based on credit history, grades, need and other factors. Before entering into agreements with private lenders, it is important that you fully understand all of the borrowing terms.

The last bit of advice you need to know is that it is likely that you will take out a combination of loans, and if you don't find the loan that suits your need immediately, keep looking. Communicate with the school you are considering attending, and utilize the Internet as a resource for finding the perfect loan for you.

Alanna Ritchie is a content writer for Debt.org, where she writes about personal finance and little smart ways to spend (and save) money. Alanna has an English degree from Rollins College.

College Highlight:

Rollins College (www.rollins.edu)

http://financewhizkids.com/index.php/tell-me-more/friends-of-finance-whiz-kids.html

Posted by Marcos J. Cordero
Wed, April 10th, 2013 @06:36AM

Warren Buffet,  philanthropist and investor, considered to be the most successful investor in the 20th century is now going to share his wisdom with children in a new animated series called the “Secret Millionaires Club”. The animated series has 26 online short webisodes that kids (and parents) can watch for free.  The Secret Millionaires Club will teach kids good financial decision making and basic lessons of starting a business.

Click here to view all 26 webisodes

Thanks Gradsave.com for this great post!!

College Highlight: (Warren Buffett Alma Mater)

http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/

Monday Five: Put More Money in Your Pocket with Spring Cleaning April 1, 2013 in The Loan Voice by Eric
By Eric

The grass is starting to turn green, it’s opening day for some of your favorite baseball teams, and it’s time for a bit of spring cleaning. But spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean throwing everything away. Here are a few ways to spruce up those closets and turn it into income.

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun!” – Mary Poppins
1. Amazon.We’re all familiar with one-click shopping, but that could work for you too. In earlier years we’ve set up a sellers account and started listing a few old textbooks ($80), best sellers ($20), and even my old Super Nintendo! We were very surprised at how much money we recouped through this method. Amazon takes a percentage of the sale, but in the end it’s still money in your pocket! Know that not everything you have can turn a profit. You’ll see that some books and CDs go for as little as a few cents. (Keep an eye out to make sure you keep shipping costs down, because it eats into your profits.)
2. Craigslist. Not limited to “Missed Connections” and old copies ofPlayboyfor free. In the last year, we’ve sold bigger items like a love seat, bedroom dresser, and extra bed for nearly the price we bought them at (if not a little more in one case…) and that money turned into an upgrade that fit our style and space better.
3. Bulletin Boards. Public library, telephone poles, coffee shop, breakroom at work. This is great for single items. Kitchen wares, bicycles, seedlings, and extra craft supplies. One flyer could be the difference between having extra room in your office or fixing the cascade of tupperware falling at you everyday.
4. Carmax. I bet you have a couple of Cadillacs in the linen closet, don’t you? Well, maybe not. But last year, we realized that based on insurance, taxes, gasoline, an extra parking space and the fact that we were living in a location where I could walk to work, it just didn’t make sense to keep the second car that we had needed in years prior. In less than 90 minutes I had a very reasonable quote, (which helped me make my decision) then a large check, and a clean slate. No hassle. This isn’t an option for everyone, but since it is one of the biggest items most people own, it could make a huge difference in your purchase power this summer. Vacation, first home, special project? It’s up to you!
5. Goodwill. For everything else! Now you won’t necessarily end up with cash in your pocket, but you’re helping yourself and your community. The donation will be tax-deductibleif you itemize, but make sure to keep yourreceipts somewhere safe for next Spring,or they’re useless. Also, Goodwill has provided countless jobs in cities and towns around the nation to those who have had the hardest time getting back on their feet. And I certainly put a value on that.

What other ways have you been able to turn your stuff into flexible spending?

College Highlight:

University of Michigan (both authors attended-Stephanie & Eric)
http://www.umich.edu/

College Savings Dolls and GradSave have teamed up. Eddie from GradSave was watching the Twitter feed under hash tag #collegesavings when one of our tweets caught his eye. Eddie, a proud father of a 2 year old girl, thought our message to inspire young girls to go to college and set career goals for themselves was a great idea. Having the same principals and sharing the same message of  the importance to save for college at an early stage in life was key, it only took one tweet later for College Savings Dolls and GradSave to become bff's.

GradSave is the #1 online college registry giving families an easy way to save for college by creating a child profile that can be linked to any 529 savings plan or state tuition pre-paid plan. GradSavers then use the power of many, by sharing their GradSave profile on social media sites and can email their friends and family to receive gifts which can then be transferred to their college savings plan of their choice.   GradSave is the perfect way to receive contributions for life-events such as birthdays, baby showers, and reward accomplishments in school or to honor a family member, who wishes a future for their children and grandchildren. Friends and family feel good knowing that the money will be solely used for college and they gave a meaningful gift that will last a lifetime.

GradSave was inspired by Irma Grondin, a successful corporate attorney at a global law firm and mom when she realized that she did not want any more “stuff” for her newborn daughter.  Instead, she thought, “why not have our family and friends share in our child’s special occasion by giving them a gift that would last a lifetime. Even a $10 gift will grow to so much more when it’s time to go to college.” And GradSave was born.

Send a GradSave Gift Card to someone special or visit them at www.gradsave.com to register and start saving today!

College Highlight: (Irma Grondin)

University of Miami School of Law

Just finished watching two short videos from Makers about two outstanding women who reinforce the need for more women to embrace the STEMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Women hold less than 25% of STEM jobs* and this needs to be changed by the young women of today. These fields needs to be considered when a young girl goes to college. To succeed and move forward as a nation, women need to embrace these fields to become a competitive force.

Women you should know:
Pavni Diwanji, Director of Engineering at Google.
Sherry Listgarten, Director of Product Management at Youtube.

http://www.makers.com/blog/watch-meet-makers-google?ncid=edlinkusmake00000001&ts=1362683959

* http://www.esa.doc.gov/Reports/women-stem-gender-gap-innovation

College Highlight: (both of these women attended as graduates!)
Stanford University
http://www.stanford.edu/

My Mom cleaned out her attic, after fifty years of accumulation. Low and behold, she found these four lovelies! Three dolls are in home-made clothes but, at least they don’t have shags. I gave all my Barbies the “Mrs. Brady” multi-level shag. How these dolls managed to make it through without becoming beauty shop customers-I’ll never know.

Now we are gonna play the doll version of “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?"

Hints:

All of their hair is able to change.

One is in an original, but damaged, outfit.*

All are by the same manufacturer**

1.) I became the most recognizable doll with hair that grows?
a. Barbie
b. Tressy
c. Chrissy
d. Ellowyne
2.) I am Velvet’s friend?
a. Tiffany
b. Dina
c. Camille
d. Patty
3.) I have a tattoo?
a. Brandi
b. Amelia
c. Chrissy
d. Sindy
4.) I can actually flip my lid, who am I?
a. Sarah
b. Shari
c. Dina
d. Tiffany

                                                                                ***BONUS ROUND**
5.) Two of these dolls were produced in what year?
a. 1973
b. 1972
c. 1971
d. 1974

College Highlight:
New York University (NYU)
http://www.nyu.edu/

                                                                                 **Spoiler Alert!!!**
                 Answers:

1.)c

2.)b

3.)a

4.)d

5.)1971 (Dina & Brandi)

 *Brandi
**Ideal

Ideal Toy Company info from Wikepedia:

Ideal Toy Companywas founded as Ideal Novelty and Toy Company in New York in 1907 by Morris and Rose Michtom
During the Baby Boom era, Ideal became the largest doll making company in the United States and began selling dolls under license in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Their most popular dolls included Betsy Wetsy, Toni, Saucy Walker, Shirley Temple, Miss Revlon, Patti Playpal, Tammy, Thumbelina, and Crissy

Just mention Egypt and this fan of every Barbara Michaels book ever written and wanna-be explorer, is all in! I was flipping channels on Saturday night, and I landed on screen shot of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Cut-away to Brendan Fraser, and the hint of a new discovery!! I put the tv on pause, grabbed my pillow, a snack, and settled in to watch the Discovery Channel: What Lies Beneath.

After the commercial, a cute blond woman archeologist popped on the screen with a grey satellite shot of the pyramids. This remarkable woman was Dr. Sarah Parkac, the Space Archeologist and her breakthrough research that takes finding items buried deep in the ground to a whole new level. Dr. Parkac uses satellites to take pictures of mounds covered by Egyptian sand; interprets those patterns, and underlying surface breaks, to uncover hidden gems are not visible to us mere mortals. Once the new site is pinpointed, the digging, hauling, and sifting begin. It is very exciting!

Are you humming the King Tut song, yet?University of Alabama

College Highlight(s):
Yale University (Dr. Parkac Undergrad)

University of Alabama-Birmingham (Director atLaboratory for Global Health Observation)

Further information:
www.ted.com/talks/sarah_parcak_archeology_from_space.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TEDTalks_video+%28TEDTalks+Main+%28SD%29+-+Site%29

ed.ted.com/on/zaNHsGYl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Parcak-Space-Archaeologist/136683579743899?sk=info

http://www.sarahparcak.com/mobile/index.php?v=v1

https://www.uab.edu/anthropology/history-and-anthropology-contact/740-sarah-parcak-phd-

Remember, when you were in kindergarten and took a power nap, laying your head down on the desk following your “snack break”. I actually got a “Best Rester” award for that-well I fell asleep, but I digress.

I just received a very well done you tube video, via a tweet from a new follower that extols the benefits of the power nap. I knew it!!!

Take a look:

http://bit.ly/YSfL8n

Some famous nappers: **

• John F. Kennedy 
• Lyndon B. Johnson 
• Winston Churchill 
•  Napoleon Bonaparte 
•  Thomas Edison 
• Stonewall Jackson 
• Ronald Reagan 
• Salvador Dali 
• Albert Einstein

College Highlight:
Texas A & M University (sleep study labs) http://www.tamu.edu/

**

http://artofmanliness.com/2011/03/14/the-napping-habits-of-8-famous-men/

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/napping

                                                                      

Let me tell you, if you are a woman in the toy industry and not a part of this group, you are really missing something. The usual cat fights and secretiveness are not here. All you have to do is ask and people will respond or point you in the right direction. But it is up to you to ask, this is not a group of wallflowers, it is a very philanthropic group that also runs a design scholarship for girls starting out in this industry.

The Lighthouse at Chelsea Pier

This year WIT granted 7 scholarships to young women currently attending colleges to help nurture their talents. Money for these scholarships is collected via dues paid by the members, contributions, and silent auctions of donated goods/services.

The prestigious Wonder Woman in Toys Awards are also given at the dinner and also includes the recently added Superman Awards! See this year’s winners:

Rising Star -- Caitlin Gutekunst - Licensing Manager, Americas - Mind Candy
PR * Social Media -- Jen Derevensky - President - Ren Beanie Public Relations
Manufacturer -- Gale Jarvis - President - Alexander Doll Co.
Designer or Inventor -- Nancy Zwiers - Chief Funosopher - Funosophy
Licensing & Entertainment - Lourdes Arocho - VP, Toys and Games - Nickelodeon
Socially Responsible -- Jean Butler - Executive Director, The Toy Industry Foundation
Retailer - Laila Nosrati - Buyer, Girls' Toys - Toys R Us
Marketing or Branding-Alita Friedman-Chief Brand Officer & Principal-Pretty Ugly
Lifetime Achievement Award - Cathy Meredith - Hasbro
Superman Award - Jay Foreman - The Bridge
Superman Award - Carter Keithley - The TIA

College Highlight: Fashion Institute of Technology (one of the scholarships’ went to a young woman attending here)

http://www.fitnyc.edu/

*The WIT Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)(3) corporation. The Foundation grants scholarships to recognize outstanding women in toy design and other industry-related programs at colleges and universities around the world.

Flying into snowy LaGuardia, immediately checking into the Hilton Garden Inn-Times Square and heading straight over to Javits. The frenzied New York Toy Fair 2013 begins! We, as everyone in attendance, have been planning this for months or if you are a TIA event planner, for over a year!

We hit the ground running and after checking in and putting on our lanyards, we started to take in the hustle and bustle and jovial atmosphere that is toy fair. Everyone is making plans to see all of the sites, and what wonderful sites they are!

We meet with several different influential people including Char Polanosky of Doll Diaries, dolldiaries.com. She has a great doll blog that really tells it like it is in regards to the construction, materials, and packaging of a doll she is reviewing. She also has some tips, easy to make crafts and contests. Char brought along a new friend for us to meet, Maxine Harvey, www.mydollbestfriend.co.uk. She just started a new company, My Doll Best Friend a large collection of different dolls, accessories, and furniture for purchase on her site based in the UK.

Next, we meet with the dynamic duo, the design genius’ of 3creativedesign, Christina Manzella and Mike Ferrari, http://www.3creativellc.com/ . They really do everything a new or established business would need in the market and are a joy to work with. We had a great meeting, and were happy to learn they both made it relatively unscathed during the terrible snow storm that threatened to upset Toy Fair 2013. Actually, there were quite a few booths whose products arrived late or in some cases not at all.

After, our two successful meetings we were off to The Lighthouse on Chelsea Pier for the divine (WIT) Wonder Women in Toys dinner. More on that in part 2-stay tuned!!!

College Highlight:

Barnard College

http://barnard.edu/

Just got this email! What a great scholarship contest from Kohl’s. I love Kohl’s; they have fashionable merchandise and fabulous sales. I was excited to learn that they are helping fund our future generations by supporting great volunteers. I’m sure your child or someone you know deserves to apply for this money.

                           The 2013 Kohl’s Cares®Scholarship Program nomination form is now available!

It's time to nominate great volunteers, ages 6 to 18. Top winners receive $10,000 each. Nominate now through March15; nominators must be 21 or older.

To nominate a young volunteer, go to www.act.org/kohls and follow the online instructions. You are urged to submit your nomination early, as you may experience delays due to heavy server traffic closer to the deadline. Please note, no extensions will be granted.

Details regarding the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program can be found in theOfficialRulesandFrequentlyAskedQuestions.

                                                            Ya gotta enter to win it! Good luck!

College Highlight: (Kohl’s Corporate Headquarters, Menomonee Falls, WI)

http://www.wctc.edu/

I just read that the Super Bowl is the second highest food holiday, next to Thanksgiving! I am actually just making appetizers this year and catering the rest from Boston Market. I have no time to shop/create this year. When I do have time though, this is what I have done in the past that is always a big hit.

Appetizers should just be minimal and finger food. Think chips, dips, cheese/ crackers, etc.

Main: make a chili bar, it is easy and you relax while your guests help themselves. You just make one big crock pot of chili, Chili_recipe.doc, and set-up the fixin’s for the chili bowls, chili dogs and nachos. That way you have one big item with three different offerings. I do:

• hot/mild chili peppers 
• sour cream 
• guacamole 
• shredded cheese 
• melted cheese (mini-crock pot) 
• hot dogs 
• hot dog buns 
• onions, chopped 
• bacon 
• tortilla chips 
• condiments: ketchup/mustard/hot sauce/salsa 
• dessert brownies/cookies

Then you have to have a fun game to get people involved, even though I really just watch for the commercials! The game we are doing this year is based on the first bets ala Las Vegas. Some examples are:

• Who wins the coin toss 
• 1st field goal 
• 1st dropped pass 
• 1st fumble 
• 1st touch down 
• 1st defensive score

ENJOY!!

Since the game is between the Forty-Niner’s and the Raven's, it is only appropriate that we highlight two colleges in those areas.

College Highlight:

San Francisco vs. Baltimore
City College of San Francisco                                                The University of Baltimore
http://www.ccsf.edu/NEW/                                                     http://www.ubalt.edu

As I went through some of my #bodyimage tweets and Pinterest images, I found yet another statistic on how a poor body image was being perceived in college but, also how it was being combated head-on in another country through retail therapy.

First the sobering statistic, from Brown University Health Services:

“Body image is a widespread preoccupation. In one study of college students, 74.4% of the normal-weight women stated that they thought about their weight or appearance “all the time” or “frequently.”
Encouragement to focus on appearance is at an all-time high in this culture, and with it comes the potential for a significant increase in negative body image.”

Secondly, what can we do to help combat this situation? I think we need to look to the way a store in Sweden is using mannequins to help women recreate realistic mind/body imprints for themselves. After all, you know that a picture is worth a thousand words and most of what we believe to be true is tied to imagery.

Maybe it is just the repetition of realistic images in our day to day lives that will transform our “the thinner the better” ideals to a new healthier and realistic image of what is attractive? I think that this visual is a step in the right direction.

College Highlight:

Brown University
http://www.brown.edu/

Read more:

http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/nutrition_&_eating_concerns/body_image.php

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-i-promise-body-image-jar.html

http://cougarmeat.tumblr.com/post/21715093370/strudel-cutie-left-store-mannequins-in-h-m

Have you seen the official trailer for MAKERS: Women Who Make America; the impact women have made in America over the past 50 years?The film premiere’s on PBS February 26, 2013.

“The film will feature the stories of those who led the fight, those who opposed it, and the unintentional trailblazers -- famous and unknown – who carried change to every corner of society.”

Some of those interviewed are:

• Gloria Steinem 
• Marlo Thomas 
• Hillary Clinton
• Oprah Winfrey 
• Katie Couric 
• Judy Bloom 
• Carol Burnett

Watch the trailer here: http://aol.it/13rhd79

College Highlight:
Smith College (Gloria Steinem’s alma mater)
http://www.smith.edu/

Come on’!! Not only do you have to find a school you like, that doesn’t cost too much, and will help you pursue your career but, it also has to be knowledgeable about food allergies. Can you imagine having to navigate all of the newbie living arrangements and adding food problems to the list of things to you need to master as a college freshman?!

The ADA (American’s Disability Act) has been involved in a student complaint started in October 2009 that Lesley University violated their rights by not ensuring that students with food allergies have access to an equivalent dinning experience as other students do. The ADA set down these compliance standards.

A college must:

-develop individualized meal plans
-allow pre-ordered meals
-provide a dedicated space to avoid cross-contamination;
-use alert notices on allergy containing food
-train food service staff
-get vendors who have allergy free options

This is a step in the right direction and, as a parent; I would feel a lot better about sending my child to a school that had these ADA regulations in place.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/01/02/lesley-settlement-flags-food-allergies-and-campus-dining#.UOV9hD_Vhbs.twitter

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/December/12-crt-1538.html

This article was forwarded to me by a wonderful woman, Nikki Everett, in my celiac group that has a child that needs to be gluten-free. She has the following sites:

http://gfvendorinfo.blogspot.com/

http://www.glutenfreekidsrock.blogspot.com/

College Highlight:
Lesley University
http://www.lesley.edu/

This is a triumphant story of a real-life person & weekend photographer in CO, Anna Newell Jones, who paid down her debt in 15 months. Fed-up with her debt following her around, she starting writing a personal-finance blog to keep her honest at http://andthenwesaved.com/ .

Anna had accumulated $23,605.10 in debt using credit cards, taking out college loans, etc. So, in January of 2010 she decided enough was enough, and created her program called My Spending Fast ®. Basically, say “NO” to everything that is not a necessity. The core of this program is her wants vs. needs list; a written down version of your “must have” expenses.

It was a struggle at first but, cold turkey seemed the best way for Anna to leave her old debts and start a newer “normal” life with her money. Treating money with respect and using it to enhance her life instead of money controlling it.

Please, go check out her website and review the references that were used to complete this article. Anna is truly an inspiration to those of us with debt and for kids coming out of college with enormous student loan bills.

References:

http://thefamilyceoblog.com/2012/02/debt-payoff-success-story-anna-newell-jones/

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/14/pf/anna_newell_jones/index.htm

“I quit spending cold turkey to ditch my massive debt.” Self Magazine, January 2013, p.72

Anna's other sites:

http://www.newelljonesandjones.com/

http://www.etsy.com/people/annanewell

College Highlight: (Anna's a

Art Institute of Colorado 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2013 is going to be a great year for College Savings Dolls!

Thanks for supporting us in 2012!

, 
Patty & Sarah

I just finished watching a very powerful documentary film on the OWN network titled Miss Representation. This film is written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

A synopsis from the site states, “the film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.”

Some stats:

-the United States is 90th in the world for women in national legislatures
-women hold only 3% of clout positions in mainstream media
- 65% of women and girls have disordered eating behaviors.

You will see:

-Condoleezza Rice
-Nancy Pelosi
-Katie Couric
-Rachel Maddow
-Margaret Cho
-Rosario Dawson
-Gloria Steinem
-and interviews with many teenage girls

Go to the site, view the trailer, and let me know what you think-

Read more& view the trailer @:
http://www.oprah.com/own-doc-club/Miss-Representation-Trailer#ixzz2FLSlpX3W

http://www.missrepresentation.org/

College Highlight: University of Denver (Condoleezza Rice alma mater)
http://www.du.edu/

Give yourself a gift this season: Gift Cards are a great gift to give and get.

Why do they get a bad wrap? They are not a cop-out, especially when you don’t know what to get someone and if you get the GC with a person’s favorite in mind. I know that my tastes change almost daily-how would someone know what to get me?! I LOVE getting them, and then I can get what I want instead of what someone thinks I want.

In my last post I talked about how teenagers loved a GC & you won’t get “the look” when they open that gift! However, don’t forget older adults who already have everything; can enjoy a good meal out, a free movie ticket, or even a splurge on the more expensive items at the grocery store. I LOVE getting a GC-takes me through the blahs of Jan/Feb and let’s me get sale items, therefore more bang for the GC buck!

I can’t believe how many restaurants have jumped on the GC train. At my local Brixx Pizza when you bought a $100 GC, you got a $25 GC for yourself & an entry into their $500 GC drawing! If you’re looking for deals like this one: connect on FB, check out the local newspaper, see in store flyers, and be sure to get on the e-mail list for GC news.

Remember, the time you are saving other’s by not forcing them to return an item that was not quite right, is invaluable. I think that the true meaning of gift giving is not burdening someone with a gift that may have future strings attached.

Interesting Fact:

Who invented the GC?
The first GiftCards were produced by SSI Technologies, Edmond, OK (metro. of Oklahoma City) for Blockbuster in 1995.

College Highlight:
Oklahoma City University http://www.okcu.edu/

Over the weekend my husband & I explored the new Coinstar offerings, since we needed by buy several gift cards this year. You see, teenagers really don’t want anything that you pick out!

You get an e-Certificate that you give to the recipient with a code for them to enter, they can use it in the store or on-line. There are many different places to choose from, some of these are Amazon.com, Home Depot, Chili’s, Starbucks, X-box, etc.

Since I save change all year and our banks will not count change anymore, Coinstar allowed us to get all the people on our list e-Certificates this year. I just throw what is in my pocket, my car or bottom of my purse at the end of the day into an old cleaned out pickle jar & never think about it again.

However, if you don’t hoard change, Coinstar’s game “Mining for Coins” shows that the average family has $90 in coins in various hiding places in their house! That is a nice amount to have laying around doing nothing when you are struggling to find money for gifts.

You can also donate to various charities; The American Red Cross, UNICEF, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Humane Society of U.S., etc.

OR you can actually get the cash, but there is a fee.

Please post any other saving ideas? I can always use more!

College Highlight: (Coinstar founder, Stanford University grad; Jens Molbak)

Further info.:

https://www.coinstar.com/

Partner with Jumpstart for early education:
https://www.coinstar.com/Fun-Stuff/jumpstart.aspx

Mining for coins:
https://www.coinstar.com/funstuff/miningforcoins.aspx

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is a long awaited day in our family. We were all crowded around the television in our finest sleeping attire, i.e. jammies and anticipating the start of the parade. Let the food fest begin!

This year I made; a hot jalapeño popper dip found on Pinterest, went old –school with the Lipton Onion Soup mix & sour cream, bought the traditional perennial favorite shrimp tray, & for something sweet created soggy red velvet cupcakes. This small repast just fills our tummy’s enough so we are ready for our late afternoon turkey dinner.

While enjoying the singers, dancers, floats and marching bands, I heard something interesting. I learned that there is a Bob & Delores Hope Scholarship for bands appearing the Macy’s parade. A band member submits an essay & if he/she is chosen they get 5K toward their education as well a nabbing another 5K for their school band. What a way to say, “Thanks for the memories”. Now on to the main eating event, turkey and all the trimmings!

I thought since we were in New York we should highlight an artistic school with high academic standards. Any other artistic schools you want to nominate?

College Highlight: The Julliard

http://www.juilliard.edu/

Scholarship:
http://www.dbband.org/alex-heise-wins-macys-scholarship/ (this years winner)

BOB AND DOLORES HOPE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (could not find a link-sorry!)

Dip Recipe:
http://www.simply-gourmet.com/2012/08/183-jalapeno-popper-dip.html?showComment=1353962595908#c8679540625355985239

This is the 2nd in series of things my Dad taught me: Coupons!

My Dad always said, “You always pick up money on the street, right? Well, if you don’t what are ya thinking.” Using a coupon is the same as picking up money. Why pay more for an item then you have too? Coupons = FREE $$$!!

I can’t tell you how many times I have saved money on an item. Let me tell you everything goes on sale! And I do mean everything, I actually found a outdoor garbage can on sale when the $3 off was a /HUGE deal to a young money strapped couple starting out. A garbage can is not your usual shower gift! (*Note to self*-you know on one else will give a garbage can filled with supplies).

Make this easy:
-Grab the circular at favorite store when you enter, that is the least painless time item. After all, you are already there-they usually come out Wed. or Thurs. for you to review.
-Coupons already on the store card (always get store cards)
-Coupons in the Sunday newspaper (Sunday paper is free if you use a few coupons from their flyers!)
-Download on-line coupons (fast, you don’t have to leave your desk!)

The last tip is not the easiest to start but, will really help you in the savings department. I have not gotten this far yet but, I have it in the back of my mind to start when I can. My Dad would take the money he saved each grocery trip using coupons and put the money saved in an envelope.

Do you use coupons? What is your best find?

College Highlight:

Western Michigan  (http://www.wmich.edu/)

Why am I writing about a grocery store on a pro-education blog? I’ll tell ya why, along with many other programs they are rolling out, this new favorite hits home. It is called Publix Preschool Pals, https://www.publix.com/preschool/NonMemberHome.do . You get newsletters, access to information their web site, prizes, cards on kid’s birthdays, and access to educational tools for children. Even though I am a non-member I could still join the club.

Publix also participates in the Upromise college savings program, upromise.com. If you are unfamiliar with Upromise, let me tell you it is a painless way to save for college. They have basically two ways to save:
Register your gas cards, grocery cards, etc. (shop as usual) Shop thru their links on-line. They have so many participating stores, like the one’s you already shop. You’ll get some discounts for using their links, and they contribute money for your child’s education. It does add up!

Obviously, Publix is into the promotion of education of young children. Well, I for one would make an effort to reward them for there positive role modeling and I would definitely send a letter thanking them.

Any other early childhood educational programs you’d like to share?

College Highlight:

University of Florida http://www.ufl.edu/

Saw a movie this weekend that pitted seeking kindness in others while still showcasing the ultimate in girl power. Okay, the girl power point was downplayed but, how often does the girl win, rescue the boy, and triumph by reflecting kindness back to others?

Not only did I become one of the last people you know to see The Hunger Games but, coincidently, I also watched an interview by Marie Forleo with Sir Richard Branson. Yes, that humanitarian/entrepreneur guy, the owner of the whole Virgin empire and his own island! Along with his many words of wisdom, the take away I got was that kindness begets kindness. He has lived his whole life by this principle and has not done too bad!! The old saying do unto others as you want them to do unto you is very true.

In life and in business you have been taught the art of stepping on people to get ahead in life. Making others look smaller so that you look bigger and more important. We are always told you need to play the game to win the prize of power, freedom and money. But what if you treat everyone you meet with the same respect, listen to them and be considerate. What would happen?

If people worked together to build others up instead of thinking what others can do for them or how it makes them look, the world may shift off its axis one tiny bit!

Have you shown a random act of kindness?

Interview:
http://www.marieforleo.com/2011/07/qa-tuesday-richard-branson/

College Highlight:

Seton Hall University (http://www.shu.edu/) Finance major: Marie Forleo

I loved this little doll. I found her in my “saved” doll box in my parent’s garage. I always carried it around in my pocket-just in case I was bored somewhere like school, church, or running errands. (Just kidding, Mom)

Let me tell you what I know before I beg for your help!

• I was a child in the 70’s so; it is probably from that era. 
• Material: orange rubber with red paint on her hair. 
• Dimensions: 2” x 1” x 1”. 
•  Bottom is very illegible but, I think it may be BARBER. 
• Depiction: Pebbles Flintstone. 
• Purchased in Chicago.

College Highlight

University of Chicago

• http://www.uchicago.edu/

My Dad passed away suddenly, was a teacher in life and remained one moving forward. This series of life lessons will periodically appear on our blog. I am a big believer the positive items of the past need to be revisited and one of the many lessons he taught me was organization of your financial life.

After a tear-filled session putting into action his last wishes, which by the way were already determined and paid for. My mom and I set about putting together a continuation of her life without my Dad. What an overwhelming task was ahead of us! While I messed with putting the day to day living in place, she worked through the file box and notified the organizations. The first item on the agenda was social security and pensions.

Then under his desk we found a black-lidded plastic portable file holder. As we opened it we found all aspects of his financial life were accounted for. So the overwhelming task became less so, since not only were all the account numbers, contact phone numbers accounted for, the files were easy to read in block printing.

If my Dad’s legacy of teaching can move forward a new generation, he will be continuing his life work. As a fellow teacher blogger has taught me, life is a series of transitions.

Files listed:

1.) Will/Estate/Trust copies & where to locate the originals
2.) Social Security info.
3.) Pension info.
4.) Bank info.
5.) Investment info.
6.) Life insurance
7.) Car info.
8.) Home info.
9.) Death instructions/info.
10.) Health insurance

I came home and did the same for my husband. I do most things on-line so, I included passwords, login information, and account numbers. Sometimes, there was nothing in the folder but, the info I had written. Maybe one piece of paper with all the access codes would have been less cumbersome but, I was paying homage to my Dad-so I did it his way!

What if something happened to me, as the keeper of our financial life, where would he look? It is not something you think about at a young age but even if you don’t have the item, create a folder as a holder for it later. This life lesson re-taught me that life is fragile and preparation will help those left. By having everything in order, it gave us time to grieve, re-organize our lives, and be able to move on concentrating on happy memories.

College Highlight:

Illinois State University (my father’s undergrad teaching degree was from here)

http://illinoisstate.edu/