DISQUS

Mary · 1 year ago

I would like a life/career coach to help me figure out my next move - where to go and what kind of job to look for - before the end of this year. Yeah, I know, not the greatest time to be looking for a job!

Ginger · 1 year ago

you took the words out of my mouth...

Alison · 1 year ago

I'd adore someone wise, canny, smart, nurturing and inspiring to be my mentor. I'd just like things that way. Someone older, wiser and more experienced to give me advice, have discussions with. Communication. It makes me wish I still had my Grandfather or Great-great Uncle around. I want an expert at life.

Shelly · 1 year ago

Alison, That is such a great idea. When I was thinking of an expert for myself it's all small varied advice that I need. Sometimes a kick in the butt to putt myself out there or advice on life in general. I think a mentor would fit the bill perfectly. You never know who that might be in your life if you're open to the universe that person will have a way of appearing.

CarrieM · 1 year ago

A woman I know has four mentors, how? She is clear on what she needs, hunts and asks.

jennifersage · 1 year ago

I would love to have a Image and Style Consultant take me shopping in a big city. All my favourite colors, styles, accesories.A small but perfectly formed wardrobe to fit the real life i live now.
I am doing it now for myself, happy with results, but it would be fun to be taken right out of my known grooves and challenged and surprized and delighted with someone elses better ideas

Sam · 1 year ago

How to be happy.

Ellen · 1 year ago

Be who you are and accept ALL of who you are - the dark and the light.
Be human. Be flawed. Learn and grow. And don't wait til you love yourself - act as if you love yourself right now and you will be amazed at the difference!

Linda Borland-Fitzgerald · 1 year ago

Sam... they say the way to be happy is to give 'happy' to someone else via volunteer work of some kind. Figure out what kind of help you'd like to lend and do that.. worth a try? Service is the key

Tracy · 1 year ago

Sam
Stop searching for happiness. It will find you in time. Smile.

Jody · 1 year ago

I'd like a marketing expert to tell me how to successfully market my business using my own style. I am not normal nor average and marketing experts that use the same 3 things with every customer just don't appeal!

Suzyn · 1 year ago

Do you read Seth Godin's blog? Fabulous, unconventional marketing advice.

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

I agree, Seth's blog is excellent. Although I do wish he'd allow comments on his posts...

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

I read Seth nearly everyday. Brill.

Tsh from Simple Mom · 1 year ago

I don't get investing or mutual funds or the stock market. I'd love to, though. So I guess that would be a financial planner that has my best interest at heart - she's not trying to sell me something.

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

The challenge is that so many fund managers simply under-perform the market AND you pay a 2.5% - 3% management fee for the privilege! I think Warren Buffett's advice is pretty good -- if in doubt, buy index funds.

MoJo · 1 year ago

The ING Direct Streetwise Funds are pretty interesting (and fee free I beleive). although right now, I'm thinking maybe gold, silver and liquid gold are the only safe bets!

Julia · 1 year ago

I'd like to know how to find a cute guy without using the Internet. The whole on-line dating thing feels scary to me--I'd rather meet someone organically or through friends. Arggggghhh!!!

CS - Composed Lovely · 1 year ago

I am training for my first triathlon with 3 girlfriends and just last weekend we went to watch one. Now THAT is a great place to find cute guys! They are required to have their age written on their leg (takes the guess work out of the equation), the apparel they wear doesn't leave much to the imagaination when it comes to physique (we decided the guys in bars wear too many clothes), you see them wet and sweaty (el natural) AND it is a healthy outlet. If you aren't already a runner or cyclist I suggest you take it up. Start small - enter some local events and after a while you keep running into the same people, establish commraderie and eventually maybe even a date! I am happily married, but if anything ever happened that I was in your situation I now know where to start.

jennifersage · 1 year ago

I don't quite know what to say. The sheer simplcity and genius of this. Also happily married to a slender fit and healthy man BUT I will not forget this idea. And hey if I don't meet anyone the scenery will be good for me.

Alison · 1 year ago

Ohh, Jennifer, you crack me up! Your pragmatism is so pure its outrageous!

laurel · 1 year ago

Danielle -- depends what you want, but try the Panasonic DMC-FX150K. I'll ask the professional photographer in the family (my husband) too but I bet it will be on his list.

Personally, I would like an acupuncturist/ Chinese herbalist on call . . . I can't seem to shake this crap flu virus thing I got a few weeks ago and I'm SO over it. I wish I could find someone as qualified as my former acupuncturist!

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

are in in Vancouver by chance? if so...I know of 3 excellent acupuncturists.

laurel · 1 year ago

no, we are in Italy and it's not such a common thing here to go to acupuncture. I ordered some Chinese herbs online; hopefully I have made the right choice of formula but there's a reason people go to school for years to learn this stuff!

Linda Borland-Fitzgerald · 1 year ago

I recently bought the Canon EOS 400 digital REBEL XTi.. it's a digital but
also a single-lens reflex cammera with a 10.10 megapixedl imaging sensor. IIt's as automatic as you want/need and totally manual if that's your preference.. it's your option. It's about $800 and you can upgrade plus there's lots of accessories. I found this camera while 'scouting' a house and realized at the last minute that I'd forgotten my camera. The home owner offered to lend me her daughters camera..she was enrolled in a photography class and had saved all summer for this camera. I loved it because the wide angle lens allowed me to see more of the room. When her daughter forwarded the pics later that night, to my -email. I was really impressed and put it on my wish list. My husband surprised me with it for my birthday this year and I love it. A friend bought the upgrade version for her safari to Africa trip and her pics are phenomenal.

Jess · 1 year ago

Nutritionist would be great - being a journalism student sometimes means less healthy eating or eating at all!
Life coach - also awesome :) I'd like to know how to prepare for the future.
And Martha Beck - just to keep me sane haha!

licarrit · 1 year ago

A life coach would be nice, a parenting expert with a sense of humor would be really good too, a live in physical trainer to roust me out of bed in the morning would be all the psychological therapy I'd ever need. Someone that is a cross between Diogenes and a really good concierge service -So I know I'm getting the truth and the best of what ever I need.

Anna · 1 year ago

Hey !!! This is my ideal job but I suffer from lack of a brilliant marketing strategy. Really any marketing strategy at all.

I would also throw in my talents as a personal chef. A full service personal trainer/ life coach specializing in parenting who can feed you really really yummy healthy food.

The expert I am needing is someone to help me put my plan into action. I have done this kind of thing for so long but never needed to get paid for it. Having a very challenging time with the transition from volunteer to professional.

licarrit · 1 year ago

Anna, register here, and then start networking. Like the old shampoo ad tell 2 friends
, okay, maybe 5, and tell them to tell 2 friends and so on and so on. before you
know it, you're marketing. Also get anybody you've done this for to write you a
recommendation, make copies and put them where your customer would be,
daycare, gyms, grocery stores. Both cost next to nothing and help build confidence
and a loyal customer book. If you're certified by any national org. look into their
resources too.

Wazzy · 1 year ago

A general contractor who could not only help me get some things done around my house, but let me help THEM so I could learn next time to maybe do it myself.

Kirsty · 1 year ago

I would really appreciate a career coach who would actually cheer me on in pursuit of a morally satisfying and financially rewarding job. A coach who is there to make sure I actually follow through with my ideas. A coach who motivates me to work hard, hard, hard like I know I can!

textimage · 1 year ago

as much as i love, love love to cook, i think i would want personal chef. one that was well versed in a variety of foods from around the world and with a health-minded, often vegetarian bent. this chef of course would work in concert with my personal, on-staff yoga teacher ;-)

Traci · 1 year ago

Carrie, Try this book: http://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Carnivore-A... In the interest of full disclosure, I need to tell you that I haven't read it, but it is on my radar.

I'd like expert, tailored advice on how my husband and I can get through this recession with minimal financial loss and maximal personal growth.

CarrieM · 1 year ago

Thanks Traci!

L'Tanya · 1 year ago

From vegetarian, raw vegan food to thai and everything in between, I would love to have at-home chef training.

Kristin_The_Goat · 1 year ago

I am newly diagnosed diabetic, so all of my questions are centering on that problem.

licarrit · 1 year ago

Kristin, I am 10 years in and I still have questions that unfortunately is the nature of the disease. Don't blame yourself, if you start you'll just end up diabetic and crazy! ; )

Find a diabetic counselor, most got into it because they were diagnosed themselves so
they are usually compassionate about the ups and downs of the disease.

Realize that no matter if you eat the same thing at the same time everyday your sugars
are going to fluctuate. Just take in the information with out beating yourself up about it.

Kristin_The_Goat · 1 year ago

Thank You. I needed that message. :) Thank You

Ellen · 1 year ago

I'd like someone to market my new business. And if I could find an angel to finance it, that would be great!

DHayes · 1 year ago

I'd love a wardrobe consultant/personal shopper. Someone who could assess what I already have and help me indentify what I need (and help me get it!) to create a simpe but timeless, complete and well-integrated wardrobe. Also a personal trainer to get and keep me motivated on a targeted exercise routine.

Danielle, With regards to the camera, have you checked out the Nikon D40? I have one and love it--very easy to use and FAST (no more pictures of the back of my son's head!)
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5...

debbierodgers · 1 year ago

I used to be a gardener - in the city. Now I'm in the country and the gardens that looked manageable when we bought are truly in proportion for me now - they are HUGE & endless. PLUS, our neighbour changed the swale on his property and we now have a swamp at the end of the drive that keeps eroding the culvert and is killing all the 40 foot pine trees one by one. I don't know how to fix this!

So I would like the advice (& services) of a master gardener and landscaper.

Nancy · 1 year ago

I would love to have a personal chef to create healthy nutritious meals for me.
A fashion consultant to help me buy the perfect clothes for my frame & that would reflect my personality.
A life coach to help me navigate life's challenges~ better than I do on my own.
A gardener to create a lush, organic garden full of organic, healthy, vibrant foods!

Brenda · 1 year ago

A personal assistant who would keep me organized and where I need to be.

carolee · 1 year ago

First and foremost, I need my Style Statement read for me. Sometimes I feel that I have two totally different sides of my personality and in doing my own, I got it right for one of them, but I'm sure you ladies could find the one that fits both. After that, a cook! Macrobiotic would be best, but at this point, anyone else cooking my food would set my life flying in so many areas!!

Ishita · 1 year ago

Hi Danielle,
The Canon Powershot G9 camera is a fantastic camera with manual & auto. functions...it takes outstanding photos and is 12 MP, allowing you resolution to blow up pics as big as you like. I just finished a photo program and my friend bought the G9. Her photos were equal to, if not better than our professional-grade fancy cameras. Its compact, unobtrusive, and cool black. The LCD screen is huge and it has most of the major functions of a pro camera. I'm excited about it because i just recommended it to my mom who can now OWN taking awesome photos! A link below:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-G9-Digita...

Suzyn · 1 year ago

I've been putting off seeing a financial advisor for years, because it always seemed that our finances were "in flux" - but since it's been that way for years, maybe that's normal for us. I'd like reassurance that we're doing everything we should be around money.

JoeM · 1 year ago

I need as much as I can get about myself and why I do things that are dumb. Preferably before I do them. :-)

Traci · 1 year ago

Yes, Yes, Yes. Me too.

jennifersage · 1 year ago

Awwwh. This is so endearing. I am nearly 62 and still doing "dumb" things. The big change is I stopped beating myself up.
Saying sorry to others, clearing up the mess.
I regard mistakes as invitations to learn. Your mistakes/dumb things will have a personal style to them and tend to be repeated until the lesson is learned. Then the universe's next lesson comes into view over the horizon.
Dance with the chaos

Ashley Livingston · 1 year ago

First of all... Danielle, you can get a Canon Rebel for less than a $1000 and get a diffuser for your flash. You would be amazed at the difference! As a photographer, flash is a necessary evil for me. But in recent years, they have really come up with a lot of ways to get a softer look using your flash. Hope that helps!

And I would love for someone to give me expert advice on how to manage my business to take it from a system of "let me try this new thing and see how it goes" to a "this is the simplest, most efficient way to get where you need to go." Yeah, that would be awesome! I like hand holding!!! :)

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

I never thought I'd say this, but I'd like to learn to play golf, so lessons from a proper instructor are high on my list. Next on the list would be finding golf courses that follow good environmental practices...

ErikaRS · 1 year ago

I want someone to help me figure out how to make my job, hair, clothes, home, marriage resemble my style statement. But first I need someone to help me figure out how to find people I can trust to help me make these decisions.

How do you find trusted experts if you do not have any in your extended social networks? If you have any tips, let me know.

Laura · 1 year ago

I'd like a consult with a make-up artist whose specialty is beautiful, natural make-up for older women with silver - pewter - grey (whatever you want to call it) hair. Someone who really understands that silver hair can be as illuminating to the face as blond highlights are to younger women.

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

okay, here's what to do: MAC, Chanel (they animal-test, tho',) Prescriptives, and Make Up Forever (excellent line) counters at most major department stores offer complimentary make up application. Go on a weekday when they can take their time with you. If you call ahead at MAC you can book an artist for, usually about $45 and you can put that $45 towards makeup - ask for someone who's KNOWS older women with and how to work the silver palette. If you try 4 artists, one of them is bound to do right by you. Be open to NOT being a silver palette (sometimes warm tones with grey can lift a complexion to new heights. And...MAC makes excellent make up brushes. I also thought it was extravagant, but the right eyeshadow brush can make such a difference.
Be gorgeous!
xo
D

LeeAnne · 1 year ago

Danielle- if you don't have fancy flash that you can bounce (eg control where the light goes) put a tiny piece of kleenex over your flash (just make sure your hand isn't blocking the flash). It softens the light.

I'd like an angel on one shoulder reminding me to breathe & appreciate the moment when I got frustrated at the mundane things in life (finding kids' homework, laundry etc).

I'd like a devil on the other shoulder reminding me to be sexy & sensual.

LaLou · 1 year ago

My boyfriend is in the middle deciding what career path he'd like to follow--I'd love to find a career coach or enthusiastic sounding board for him.

More immediately, I'm going up to Montreal (from NYC) solo this weekend for work and have never been before. I'd love to hear from a local expert who could recommend neighborhoods to explore, shops to check out and restaurants to visit! (I have to admit, this is my first trip alone to a city I've never been to--especially one that might test my high school French--and I'm a wee bit nervous...and excited!)

CarrieM · 1 year ago

Old Montreal is fabulous, like Europe. I stayed at the Hotel Gault, cool and the best service. Enjoy!

Linda Borland-Fitzgerald · 1 year ago

You HAVE to go to the market downtown and buy hot out of the oven, Montreal style bagels.. I'm drooling.

MoJo · 1 year ago

OK - I know I risk offending some here, but I have always had a hard time finding real experts. There are many out there who are thought of that way, or are self-professed - but in my experience they are better used as 'facilitators' and sounding boards. Kind of like someone who will bear witness to our discovery and growth. Yup, unless it's quantum physics or engineering, if it's in some way tied to self discovery or expression, I think I'm with Danielle on the 'look within' for expertise, and maybe call in some objective feedback, when necessary, to hone the process.

The thought of someone being expert at anything to do with me is like throwing power out the window...

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

I've never found a mentor that rocked my world. But, I've found diamonds of wisdom from looking, and some gems that fit into my own crown. What's been most valuable along the way is the QUESTIONS. When I'm really seeking help from someone I usually ask them this, "What questions do you think I should be asking myself?"

Sid · 1 year ago

A professional photographer directed me to the Lumix by Panasonic (DMC series). Apparently it's all about the lens: the Lumix uses the Leica lens, which is glass instead of the plastic lens most other digitals use. Leica makes wicked-expensive cameras, but this Panasonic version is well under $1000.

For myself, I'd love to have an on-call, international etiquette advisor. I travel a lot so I'm fairly savvy, but sometimes I'm pretty sure I've put my foot in it without knowing why.

Karen · 1 year ago

I want someone to show me how to get a board of directors position. I would like to make a bit of money at it but more importantly I want to be able to contribute to shaping a company. (With that comes a someone who can fix my closet - I am a style mishmash)

Linda · 1 year ago

Re the closet you should have a look at www.flairimageconsulting.com an amazing image consultant, and one of her services is closet auditing.

HelloFabulous · 1 year ago

Oh, without a doubt you should check out Women On Board:
http://www.poca.net/womenonboard.html
A great group of senior leaders who are passionate about the incredible value adding women to their boards brings.

laurie_matthews · 1 year ago

I'd like help discovering what my new life path will be, and answering the question that Eckhart Tolle raises in Chapter 7 of the New Earth - Who am I? or Who am I not?

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

that;s the biggest question there is! I also got a lot out of this Tolle Q: "What is your relationship to life?" The answer to that will show you your relationship to everything....

Ellen · 1 year ago

Thank you, D....that's exactly the question I needed today.

ChaseLisbeth · 1 year ago

I'd like someone smart, trust-worthy and gay-friendly to help me figure out my finances and how to plan for my financial future - heck, even someone who could help me figure out a monthly budget would be a godsend!

Rushmi · 1 year ago

I want some one to help me keep myself organized and focused. Like physical organization - Laundry, dinner, work, files, bills, schedules. Just when I have a great system in place - it crumbles after 2 weeks....Order. Order. Order in this house hold and work.

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

This is my constant issue too--- right now I am loving my "unschedule". That and the 'fly lady' site (even though this is geared to full time housewives, which I am not) are really helping me out.

Linda · 1 year ago

I would like to know how to post profiles on different social networks, or can I just copy or forward my facebook one. I'm taalking of course about my business one.

Constance · 1 year ago

I'd love a life/career coach.

Tracy · 1 year ago

Me 2.

Natasha_L · 1 year ago

I'd love expert, wise advice on my personal finance situation - where and how to invest and budget.
I'd love IT help that was a phone call away, or to find someone willing to come by my house for 30 minutes to an hour once in a while just to tune things up or give a mini tutorial. This would allow me to concentrate and speed through the work at hand instead of spending time trying to figure out something that just isn't second nature or interesting to me. More confidence, trust and efficiency on the computer would feel so much more peaceful and powerful.

CarrieM · 1 year ago

Ditto

kerrymac · 1 year ago

Danielle, you need to buy a camera where you can turn off the flash. In order to do that you need a good lens like a 2.8 or less that will let in lots of light...you can't normally do that with a point and shoot. If you are willing to spend $1000 I would get a digital SLR. A Nikon D60 or Canon Rebel XTI would do you well. I have tried both...I just ordered the new Nikon D90 with built in video. For a beginner who wants to start SLR the best deals I have seen are at Costco, especially in the States. You can get one of those two cameras, a basic lens, a basic zoom lens, a bag, a warrenty, and a memory card in a package for under $900. Also, the book I blogged about will take you far in your photography adventure.

Carrie, I have found lots of good info on your questions from the Slow Foods Movement...also one of my fave cookbooks ever is The Meat Club....it's based on the movie the Fight Club but very girly and covers ever type of meat you can imagine. Think old school pot roasts, roasted chickens etc. Sooo funny too.

As pour moi? I need tech help with my Mac and my blog. It takes me hours to do simple things and it drives me completely bonkers. I dream of a couple of hours of tech support, adding widgets, getting Google ads to work and making my Mac keyboard english again!
www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Wow, this question makes me appreciate the expertise of my friends and family--- I DO have so many mavens on my speed dial.... I would like more abundance in my life, so that I can properly compensate the many knowledgeable and generous people who help me out all the time. (This list includes myself.)
Right now... I know web designers but am winging my own site with my helpful but amateur dh due to lack of $. Maybe I should figure out a barter...

Carly · 1 year ago

As both a brand new mom and a new business owner, I'd love someone who could lead me through balancing working efficiently and creatively (with a baby on my lap) while being a "present" mother.

Carly · 1 year ago

And the expert help of a maid! ;-)

colleenoverman · 1 year ago

I'd love advice on how to get your book (well, books) published by a company that is amazing (have a great mission and allow their authors to stay true to themselves) and really invested in seeing your book meet a large audience. I am so excited to have my books published, they are nearly done.

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

Colleen (or anyone for that matter,) - if you an to interview me about publishing - I know every angle of it - I'll run it as a blog article on C&D. It's a topic I'd love to generate wisdom on in the future.
xo
D

colleenoverman · 1 year ago

I'd love to!!! Let's set something up.

Kristen · 1 year ago

I would love to have proper naturopathic advice on anxiety.....anyone??

Isabelle · 1 year ago

Kristen,
I'm not a proper naturopathic, the only advice I can give is based on my own experience. Look into Ayurvedic nutritional counseling, what you digest tremendously affects how you feel. Evenly spaced meals, less sugar/caffeine, daily meditation along with hands on blessings has helped me relinquish anxiety in my life. good luck!

Alison · 1 year ago

Ah, Ayurvedic medicine. So holistic, pure and ancient. I adore it. Medicine that's based on the way the body is and maintaining balance is so wonderful.

Tracy · 1 year ago

Kristen: I am no doctor but my suggestion would be to surround yourself with 'REAL' people who are honest about themselves and do not try to be someone they are not for the purpose of impressing others. You will find being with people who are honest about their own fears and anxiety is tremendously refreshing!!!

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

before our book tour I went to a naturopath to to get some supplements to deal with the demands of stress, travel, jet lag. She gave me me a series of supplements that helped boost my adrenals and not only did I not get run down, I felt better than ever. The adrenals help cope with stress and anxiety. You need to feed them.

Linda Borland-Fitzgerald · 1 year ago

Someone to just tell me how to do something when I need that information - to never have to read another manuel in my life!!!!

marn · 1 year ago

I need a clutter buster! Someone to come in & tell me where to put stuff, how to organize, and what to get rid of or hold onto. After reading A New Earth, I started to really PURGE, but I have come to a standstill.... :-P

Lori_from_Texas · 1 year ago

I would love expert coaching on public speaking and presence. As a worship leader and teacher in my faith community, I want to hone my skills so that my prayers, messages and teaching sound natural, authentic, and conversational. I hate relying on notes, but I'm too nervous not to use them.

ruth r. · 1 year ago

You could try something called Toasmasters.

ruth r. · 1 year ago

I would love expert advise about how to celebrate a milestone in my life. I turn 22 next week Friday and I really don't know what to do to celebrate. I usually do the "simple, understated" celebration, but this year I'd like to do something extra memorable, but creative. Any unique ideas? Pretty please....

DanielleLaPorte · 1 year ago

send your mother flowers. get your portrait taken by a great photographer. marry yourself. get a tattoo. rent a Porsche for the day. These are all solo-celebrations, of course.

Cobby · 1 year ago

I would like to get three forms of expert advice right now. First, I would like Stacy and Clinton to come clean out my closet, teach me how to dress in a way that accentuates my positive traits while reflecting who I am on the inside and then redo my hair and makeup. Second, I would like a career coach/personal coach to help me dig into and break through the issues that are keeping my from moving higher on my company's ladder. Third, I would like a good fee-based financial advisor to evaluate all of my and my husband's holdings to help us be sure we're on track to reach our financial goals.

Ngonzi Truth Crushshon · 1 year ago

Time management! How to get everything done without overwhelming myself....or how to add more time to my day! HA!

LeanneMichelle · 1 year ago

Danielle,

Like at least one other person here I recommend the Canon Digital Rebel series of cameras. I have one from a few years ago and I've never been disappointed with pictures. As far as shots without the tinny flash look... I just invested $14 in a flash diffuser which is basically a piece of foggy plastic that will flip over your flash -- Takes away the harshness of the flash but still allows great pictures in low light conditions. You can also invest in some inexpensive lenses that allow more light to come in without using a flash. I've found the folks at Ritz/Kitz camera to be extremely helpful :) Good luck!