Instagram Queen - slay Instagram traffic & targeting in 30 days! by Lara Badiali

★★★★★  I was a beta tester for this course (call me surprised by its utterly practical and creative content.)

Wow. If you're setting up an Instagram account, maximizing the potential of IG for a business, or just curious what the IG fuss is about - here's my hearty recommendation to enroll in Instagram Queen.

I was not expecting much when I signed up as a beta tester. It was a 2-week test. I was kinda curious about IG, which I rarely used. My friends touted it as "the thing" and "the way we communicate." Ok, let's see, I thought. Why not?

What I didn't expect was to be taken from raw novice to really understanding the medium. I didn't expect a course with a fun and funny host who delivered serious content, laid out in a logical, easy-to understand way. I didn't expect a deep plunge into how-tos, lots of insider tips, links to resources, or confidence in creating valuable ongoing relationships. I didn't expect maximum impact and benefit.

But Lara Badiali delivered. And how! "Much more than we expected," according to fellow IG students and me. The course starts June 17. Click here to Lara more about it.

I admit it may cost you a pretty penny - but it's the equivalent of a university summer course ... in 30 days. The course replaces someone you'd hire to figure out this stuff on her/his own for a few months. So it's a great investment. It will pay off within a short time.

Still thinking? If you dive in, be prepared to fast-forward from neutral to full capacity: Badiali leads you step by step from understanding your clients, setting up an account, and creating content, to scheduling, marketing, and maximizing what you've designed. HAVE FUN.

The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook: Including Options for Low-Sugar, Low-Fat, Low-Salt, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, and Vegan by Jean B. MacLeod

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review.
Such a helpful reference book! The substitutions are clear and easy - the variety is amazing. Sometimes you need to use other ingredients. You've run out of something; your food sensitivities mean you can't have certain ingredients; you're trying a restricted diet. Or you're serving a guest with restrictions.

GET THIS book if you or your family have food sensitivities. The recipes use easy-to-find and simple ingredients. The instructions are clear.

Wish I'd had it when I was vegan. Would have been such a help.

12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson

★★★★★  The publisher didn't provide a copy for review. I got it myself.
My brother said, "watch Peterson on YouTube." Our family enjoys a debate on topics beyond boxes and pat answers. So I did. And I said, hmmm, interesting.

And then I read 12 Rules.  Peterson explains his philosophy of life - be nice and do good things - in ways that let us make pragmatic and practical choices for the future we want ... and a better world.

I'm going to read this with a group of leaders who wrestle with ideas and change. I laughed and teared up at various points (unusual for someone who is usually emotionally detached from media). I wrinkled my forehead at some points and said a loud, "Yes, of course!" at other parts.

If the name of one of the rules doesn't get your attention, you're not thinking deeply enough about consequences and societal progress. "Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them." Ok, here's another: "Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don't."

Worth purchasing. Worth keeping on your desk for further thought. Hey, let's face it: I don't say that about many books. Get a copy and read it.