Saturday, March 2, 2013

WMW 13 - Womens Money Week

Starting on Monday March 4, 2013, I will be taking part in Womens Money Week 2013. A whole week dedicated to blogging about a pre-determined list of topics.

Last year,Womens Money Week compiled The Ultimate List of Women Money Bloggers and several of my favourite blogs were included. (Some of us had to email them to ask to be included.) I found new blogs that I love from this list also. I'm not sure if they will be updating the list this year, or even making a new one, but either way, there is a tonne of women money bloggers to read.

My own interest in personal finance started when we were at an all-time financial low as a family. We had a staggering amount of debt, and the income flow had decreased to a trickle. We were in a rough situation. Then, I happened across Gail Vaz - Oxlade's television show, 'Til Debt Do Us Part. It was an eye opener for me. I became a student of my own finances, soaking up information on money matters in any way that I could. I read books, read blogs, watched shows and slowly but surely, I started cleaning up the financial mess that we had made.

I am not perfect with finances now, nor will I ever be. But I have learned a lot of things in the last four years on my financial awakening journey. We have gotten our consumer debt under control, and we have money in savings for our future. We can now deal with the curve balls that life throws at us without going into crisis mode. I'm still learning and growing and look forward to getting to where we want to be.

This next week is going to be great, with bloggers from everywhere participating. I'm looking forward to reading some great posts, getting some new ideas, and maybe, just maybe, passing on a few ideas of my own.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Womens Lifestyle Show

On March 23 & 24, 2013, the London Convention Centre is hosting the Annual Womens Lifestyle Show.

"The Womens Lifestyle Show is the fun event of the year for women of all ages in Southwestern Ontario. Shop in the vibrant marketplace which features unique and artisan products. Sample delicious locally sourced culinary bites from the top regional restaurants. Be entertained. Learn the latest trends in fashion, fitness and well-being. Take a day with your friends, daughter, mother or neighbour. Or come on your own to escape in our own world of that is fun for females!"

~ from the Womens Lifestyle Show homepage, http://womenslifestyle.ca/

Now I don't know about you, but this sort of thing usually does not rock my socks off. However, I will be there on the Sunday. Reason? Because Gail Vaz -Oxlade will be there! She's scheduled to speak at 2 pm, and I will not pass up an opportunity to see here, especially here in London, Ontario.

There is no freaking way I'm going to lined up with 2000 other women at 9 am trying to get one of the 200 swag bags that they are offering to the early birds. But hey, if morning is your thing, you might want to try for one. I hear that they are pretty awesome!

I know lots of you ladies in our area would love the opportunity to see Gail - in person - and here is your chance.I doubt she'll be autographing anything, and may not even have the typical 'meet & greet' that her book signings have, but one never knows.

If you have never heard Gail speak publicly before, I strongly suggest you make your way down to the London Convention Centre March 24, 2013 way before 2 pm. I know from past experience that the seats will fill up fast! There is a $10 charge to gain entrance to the Womens Lifestyle Show, but seeing Gail live is so worth the price of admission.

I know I'll be there!