The Jo Totes DSLR camera bag for women was my favorite travel companion during my trip to New York for BlogHer 2010. I hate carrying more than one bag when I travel and the Missy helped me maintain my one bag minimum. I was worried at first because I needed to bring a lot of equipment to the convention which included my Canon 50D and laptop.

About the Bag
Missy is a modern camera bag with a retro twist. She features two large exterior pockets with magnetic closures and retro details, including a strong metal zipper, vibrant colors, and a decoratively stitched belt.

Bag Details

• Exterior material: luxuriously soft, water-resistant, top quality faux leather in black
• Interior fabric: cotton in a black, white, and pink floral
• 1/2″ foam sewn into the lining of all four sides and the bottom of the bag
• Four adjustable pads made from 1/2″ foam (two with soft velcro panels for horizontal placement)
• Removable and adjustable cross-body strap
• Durable and smooth-gliding metal zipper
• 9″ drop from shoulder
• Exterior pockets: two large front pockets with magnetic button closures; one zippered back
• Interior pockets: two open pockets; one zippered pocket
• Metal color: brushed silver
• Four metal feet
• Size: 16″ x 11 1/2″ x 6 1/4″

My Experience
I was impressed with the bag from the moment I opened the package. It’s not made of genuine leather but who cares because this faux leather is waterproof. I chose the Missy in black but it’s also available in a pink and / or blue. It’s lightweight bag so you don’t have to worry about “bag weight” when using it for travel. I managed to fit everything I needed for my long flight to New York in the Missy without any problems.

What did I carry in my Missy DSLR camera bag during my trip New York? My Canon 50D with Tamron 28-75 attached, Canon 70-300mm lens, MP Mini 210 Laptop, Nook E-Reader, iPhone, Ecosystem notebook, charger for purse essentials and flight paperwork.

I love being able to switch from wearing the bag across the chest or as a single shoulder bag. The interior and exterior pockets provide enough room to store all of my purse accessories from nail polish to a hairdryer.

My favorite thing about the Missy Jo Tote is that it doesn’t look like a camera bag which reduces the risk of it getting stolen. The Missy for form Jo Tote is a modern, stylish and inconspicuous DSLR camera bag perfect for the fashionista photog. Be sure to check out the entire line of Jo Tote DSLR camera bags.

Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review, however the Missy Jo Tote was provided in order for me to write this review.

I still can’t believe Ms. Bizzie will be starting Kindergarten in less than two weeks. Seriously where did the time go? Tomorrow we are meeting her new teacher and we can’t wait. The school is just around the corner and I can’t wait to walk her to school every morning even though school starts at 8:01am. That’s SO EARLY for us. We usually don’t get out of the house until 9:00am and that’s on a good day.

I can already see her rolling her eyes as I snap away with the camera capturing every moment. I want to get a picture of her carrying her brand new backpack, tying her shoes, walking to school… There are so many things spinning through my head I need a shot list…

You are not going to believe what I stumbled on while reading Kelly Willette’s blog Willette Photography & More. Give up?

A “must-have” back-to-school shot list for all the photography obsessed parents out there getting ready for that first day of school.

• With teacher
• With new backpack
• With new clothes/shoes
• Schools supplies
• Outside classroom door
• Shopping for school supplies
• With you
• With School friends
• Writing in school notebooks
• With Lunchbox
• Getting ready for school

She has so many other suggestions so be sure to check out her Back-to-School shot list.

I am hoping to get some shots of her in the playground, at her new desk, and doing her homework for the first time. Of course I’ll have to throw in some pictures of her mini double (baby brother) that has to do EVERYTHING his big sister does.

While you’re checking out Kelly’s blog be sure to check out her Photography Tools and great workshops and e-classes. Her Finding Your Joy e-class starts on September 1st if you are looking for something to do while your little ones are in school.

Mom Entrepreneur: Lettie Thomas
Business: Lettie’s Transcripts
Website: www.facebook.com/lettiestranscripts

Lettie’s Transcripts creates written transcripts of audible media for small businesses, churches, schools, podcasters and more. My transcripts serve as valuable tools for the hearing impaired, linguistic learners, oral history projects, business meetings, interviews and sermons.

What inspired you to start your business?
My children really inspired me to start my business. I want them learn how important it is to choose a profession that you truly love. I want them to do something they are passionate about. I decided I needed to set a good example by living what I am teaching.

How long have you been in business?
I just started this year.

What did you do in your past work life?
I’ve been a manager in retail. I’ve done data entry for a financial services company and I currently do some secret shopping from time to time.

Describe your ideal workday.
My ideal workday is a day without distractions. I love working from my home office because I can create a schedule that allows me to work when I know I will be most productive.

What have been some of your major successes?
I actually secured my first customer through networking. I’ve never been very good at networking and I had to make a consious effort to put myself out there. Now that I have succeeded I have the confidence to keep going.

What have been some of your major challenges?
My biggest challenge right now is money. I don’t have money yet for a website and have to get creative. Right now I’m networking through social media websites. I’m constantly looking for free resouces and marketing techniques.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
I remind myself that my entire family will benefit from what I am doing. Working from my home office allows me to satisfy my customers and my family more effectively.

If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
It is hard work! That is why it is so important to do what you love and have a passion for. The harder you work the more rewarding it will be.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
I make time for myself every night. Sometimes it is only five or ten minutes but I make myself a priority every single day. I take time to sit and relax, read or watch a bit of T.V. This prevents me from becoming overwhelmed and stressed out.

I’m also a bit of a work-a-holic so I literally set a timer when I am working. When the timer goes off I stop working no matter what. Then I can relax or spend time with my family.

What is next for your business?
When I have the money I will be purchasing software that will allow me to work more effeciently. I will be able to increase turnaround time and productivity with these tools.

Are you a bizzie mom entrepreneur? Would you like to be featured and show off your product or service. Fill out our mom entrepreneur questionnaire and email 411 at bizziemommy dot com any images you would like to use in your post. Interviews are posted every Tuesday.

It seems like this year just flew by so fast that it was hard to hold on for the ride. I know there were times that I was just barely holding on by the finger nails. But you know what, I still made it through. I had to admit I was dreading my birthday for a little while, mostly becomes it’s a reminder that I’m still where I want to be. I’m still working for someone else, I’m still struggling with time, and it seems I’m still running around busy as ever. I’m still wondering if I will ever get things under control.

I’ve been reading books, blogs, and magazine articles about how important it to follow your passion, and I’m trying. But none of them seem to address how you make money while you follow your passion. Nobody tells you how to pay your mortgage, health insurance and car payment while you follow the path to happiness.

And through all my research I never found answer other than if you follow your passion the money will come. I also discovered that many people suggest making a list of 100 things you would like to do in life. You know the “bucket list”, “life list”, and “mighty list”. So a few months ago I started my list and it was surprisingly hard to complete I wanted to make sure everything on the list was important and meaningful. I realized that my list was about what I thought people should put on a list. Not necessarily what I really want on my list. So here we go my second attempt at my very one 100 list. You can read my older list here.

I can admit that I know nothing about flowers or roses for that matter. In fact I can almost guarantee that any plant will die under my care. I don’t have a green thumb and playing in dirt, well I just don’t do it. I don’t like the bugs and I hate getting dirt under my nails.

So when we moved into the new house I was happy it came with a weekly gardener. The back wall of our backyard is lined with roses and when they bloom they are so pretty. I actually had no idea that they keep  regrowing. I know don’t laugh but I didn’t I thought it was a seasonal thing. They bloom and they die and then you have to wait until next season.

Then a few days ago after the gardener does his magic and clips of the dead roses so new ones can grow. I thought well isn’t that amazing to be able to start all over again. I mean sure it’s a rather short lived life but being able to start over again that is a gift.

Sometime I feel like I could start over again. There are so many things that I know now that I really wish I knew 10 or even 5 years ago.

Aren’t you tired of searching the web for an SEO friendly, easy to customize theme that provides a ton of support for its users. I’ve done my share of searching and what I hated most about using a new theme was having to customize it, then having to customize it again when the next update to WordPress became available. It was a tiring process until I purchased and installed Thesis – I’ve been through several reiterations of the theme and with each new update it has gotten better and best of all I don’t have to touch the core files so I never have to worry about losing my customization.

Today Thesis 1.8 became available with some great new features that will make you want to switch today.

1. New Header Image Uploader
   Everyone wants to customize the header of their blog to make it unique and personal, but not everyone knows that the header should be clickable, css-based and optimized for SEO and now they don’t have to. With Thesis 1.8 you just need to upload your desired header image and everything else is done for you.
2. SEO Character Count
   Because search engines only show a specific number of characters in you
3. New Google Fonts
   I’ll be the first to admit that I never even heard of the Google Font Directory, I’m pretty sure I’m using a universal font but it never occurred to me to check. Now with Thesis 1.8 you have access to 28-web fonts for free. And because they are served directly from Google servers, you can stop worrying about browser operating system conflicts
4. WordPress Nav Menu Support
   Now you can finally is the new navigations menu builder offered with WordPress 3.0. If you haven’t upgraded you should check out wordpress.org.
5. Category/Tag/Taxonomy Page Options
   With this new version of Thesis you will be able to add unique headlines and content to every category, tag or taxonomy
6. Favicon Uploader
   Favicons are a great way to extend your site’s brand and Thesis 1.8 contains a simple favicon uploader you can use to add to your site.
7. Custom Loop API
   This is probably the most interesting new update to Thesis, the ability to customize a Loop. The Custom Loop API allows you to target and modify the content area of every type of WordPress page. I haven’t played with this option yet – but it is on my to-do list. And if it does what I think it will do, I’ll have a new updated homepage. Yeah can’t wait.

If you are looking for a theme that is customizable, easy to use and provides an easy to read guid and helpful forum then you should install the new version of Thesis today. Please visit www.diythemes.com for more information.

Mom Entrepreneur: Patty Reiser
Business:Heritage Makers
Website: www.bookyourphotos.com
Facebook: Patricia Reiser
Twitter: @patty_reiser

In two words. Digital Scrapbooking. But its all that and so much more. You can create heirloom quality books with all your photographs so easily with their web based program so you never have to hassle with upgrading your software. You can also create works of art with their Gallery Wrapped Canvases. Send personalized Greeting Cards, postcards and invites. And even jewelry. The possibilities are endless.

What inspired you to start your business?
I love photography. I love capturing those special moments and everyday candids. I had been involved with another Direct Sales company since 2004. One thing I kept hearing was that you should have a passion for what you are doing. And quite frankly, it was not that business. My husband encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a professional photographer. With that support I decided to do just that. I also wanted to find a Direct Sales company that was in line with my passion for photography. While searching online I found Heritage Makers and I knew this would be a perfect compliment to my photography business.

How long have you been in business?
I joined Heritage Makers in October 2009.

What did you do in your past work life?
Since becoming an adult I have basically worked either in the medical field or law enforcement in one clerical position or another.

Describe your ideal workday.
My ideal workday would have to be a day where I am hosting a Workshop. Everyone is excited to learn about storybooking and how they can preserve their photographs and the stories behind them in a new way. Guests are excited to play the fun games I have planned and win a few prizes. I have a Hostess who is easily excited and motivated to reach her sales goal for this workshop. When it comes time to place orders, just about every guest places an order and my Hostess has surpassed her goal. She is thrilled to be able to place an order herself and have most of it paid for with her Hostess Rewards and can’t wait to get started on her projects.

What have been some of your major successes?
One of the first Workshops I did was my ideal day. A friend decided to host a Workshop for me about six weeks before Christmas. While she only had about 6 people actually attend, everyone was really excited to learn about storybooking and many placed orders. I was also able to add a few outside orders to her final sales total which helped her exceed her goals. She was able to complete her Christmas shopping with her Hostess Rewards and everyone loved the gifts. Not a single one was returned.

What have been some of your major challenges?
Marketing my business. I live in a small rural town which has been hit pretty hard with this recession. I have seen more businesses go under these past few years than the entire time I have lived. Seems like everyday another one is being closed. I have had to take my business online and utilizing social media to market my business.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
My Director. She is very supportive and always there for me. We work well together and collaborate on a weekly basis to build a successful business together.

Do you have a motivational quote?
God never gives us more than we can handle.

If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
Never give up.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Get your family involved. My son loves to help me out with my business. Even if it’s just putting labels on catalogs for me. It’s time spent together that is important. My daughter will go with me to Craft Shows on occasion. My other secret is to be organized and to schedule time with family first and then business. I keep a calendar and block off family events first and let my clients know that my time is limited.

Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
The Internet. It allows you to connect with people all over the world. There are also many applications available to you that allow you to run your business successfully no matter how big or small of a community you live in.

What is next for your business?
My immediate goal is to reach the level of Director by the end of 2010. My goal for 2011 is to purchase a high speed scanner so that I can expand my business to helping others preserve their non-digitized photographs.

Give us your two cents sales pitch.
I kept my family in a shoebox until I met a Heritage Maker. Let me assist you with getting your memories out of the shoebox and into storybooks that will last for generations.

Are you a bizzie mom entrepreneur? Would you like to be featured and show off your product or service. Fill out our mom entrepreneur questionnaire and email 411 at bizziemommy dot com any images you would like to use in your post. Interviews are posted every Tuesday.

I have to admit when I first starting blogging it was to fuel the inner writer from within. See I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was little it was short little stories, poems and even commercials (weird I know). Then as I got older I picked up a screenwriting book and wrote my first screenplay in high school. I never showed it to anyone and never will. I picked it up once a few years back and it was god awful. But I was a kid and new at it – when is anyone perfect the first time around, right?

So fast forward to the present I’ve put my screenwriting on the backburner for now and I’ve picked up authoring my blog BizzieMommy.com and writing as the digital editor on LifetimeMoms.com. When I first started blogging the Hubs (oh he’s an SEO guy) would constantly get after me about SEO and keywords and proper titles. He didn’t understand why I would take so much time writing it if nobody was going to see it. So needless to say I’ve been working hard to make sure my posts are relevant to the time, seo friendly, keyword relevant and compelling. And that is a lot to remember just for one post.

Luckily Darren Rowse of ProBlogger has come up with a solution to help you remember all the important best practices in blog writing. The Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers and it just popped up in my inbox this morning!

The Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers is a downloadable eBook providing a list of recommendations to follow, as well as pitfalls to avoid, as you write that next blog post. It’s a checklist of things that are common in most great copywriting and mistakes that are commonly found in ineffective copy.

It’s a great tool to quickly identify things you can improve to help your post reach its full potential before you hit Publish.

Now if I could just have someone go through all 892 posts on BizzieMommy.com and score and rework them…

The Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers will help you write compelling, usable, grammatically correct and search engine friendly copy for you blog. – Sounds good to me!

You can get your copy for the next 2 weeks at a 33% discount, download your copy today for just $9.97 USD.

If you are new to blogging,  I also recommend Darren’s other e-book 31 Days to Build a Better Blog.