You have a full time job. You have a side hustle. For so many women, this is becoming the new reality. Having a plan A, B and even C has become the new normal. Entrepreneurship is on the rise and there has never been a better time to start, build and grow your own side business.

But what if you want to turn that side gig into a full-time job? How do you nurture your passion when you have so many other responsibilities in your life? In order to get started on the right path, you must adopt certain strategies to help you focus on your plans and goals. The following tips have helped me create, build and run two successful businesses. If you incorporate them into your life and career, you’re bound to get results … //READ MORE

Yes, many of us were back watching Mad Men again this spring. We watched despite the fact that the producers split the seventh and final season into two parts, which means we must wait until spring 2015 to see how it all ends. Despite the fact that it’s been a long time since we last saw these characters and may have had a wandering eye during the hiatus. (Sorry, Don, but there are so many distractions these days.) Despite the fact that we were sick of a few characters by now (Megan, anyone?) that we had a slightly take-it-or-leave it attitude about tuning in.

But we tuned in. Maybe we just needed to know if Don would move to L.A. and start wearing madras pants (not likely), if Roger and Mona would get back together (more likely), or if Sally would catch her dad banging another MILF (most likely). But the real reason we watched was to learn a thing or two from the mistakes of these highly flawed, utterly irresistible-despite-themselves characters. Here are 10 nuggets we gleaned from the last few episodes starring our favorite Madison Avenue mod squad. … //READ MORE

Designers are throwing the book at the latest fashion accessories.

People will be hanging on your every word when they notice you bouncing around town or showing up to your next book club gathering wearing one of these literature-inspired fashions. Try a sassy purse like one that might have swayed from Daisy Buchanan’s wrist, a wise-ass tote that would make Holden Caulfield smirk, or writing gloves worthy of a Jane Austen heroine. Whether you love the classics, swoon over epic romances, or find sci-fi out of this world, there’s a novel accessory for you this season. … //READ MORE

Everyone finds themselves confused, at least once or twice in their lives, about matters of the heart. Over the course of the past few months, I’ve had around a dozen conversations with friends and acquaintances—whether they’re married or single, gay or straight, old or young—who suspect they are dating the wrong person, married to the wrong person, or coveting the wrong person. Or sometimes the problem is that they’re with a person at all, when they just want to be alone, or snuggling up to their pet chihuahua watching The Real Housewives.

Of course, the reason the person is “wrong” for them varies. They could have the wrong career, the wrong personality, or the wrong attitude about commitment. They could have incompatible personalities, incompatible work schedules, or incompatible levels of passion. Sometimes wrong just translates to crazy, or not crazy enough. There are many reasons these objects of affection are possibly not the right choice. … //READ MORE

So you’ve been running for a while, and it’s been a great way to stay fit and emotionally sane. But now that you’ve burned through a couple pairs of athletic shoes, you’re thinking about getting competitive. You know other women who’ve completed races and you think all those photos of them wearing sponsor shirts and crossing the finish line with big smiles on their faces make it look fun. You’re starting to think about entering a race yourself.

Maybe you’re seeking a fresh way to stay motivated with your workout routine. Perhaps you want to meet other people who share your passion. Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to dress up in some cool racing gear. Whatever your reason for entering that first competition, the decision can be exhilarating. But where do you start? Here’s a great plan, in 7 easy steps. Ready, set, go! … //READ MORE

It wasn’t long into our relationship when my then-boyfriend, now husband, asked me if I would ever consider living in his native England. While trying to play down my initial “holy crap, this might just be serious” reaction, I immediately answered with a solid yes. Fast forward a few years and a couple of kids later and you couldn’t drag my card-carrying, U.S. citizen husband off American soil. The great weather and excellent job opportunities of the Bay Area had sucked him in for good. … //READ MORE