Unintentional Hiatus

I took an unintentional hiatus from this blog and a few other things to gather myself and prepare for the sale of my business. No matter how professional I tried to look at it, all I could see was I was selling something that was so dear to me.

I had hoped a nice Christmas vacation to Disneyland with my family would clear my head and bring me home ready to take on the world with my newest venture, Party Gals. It didn't really. All I could see was how many changes were made to the business I sold (I didn't seek them out, I seen them advertised by other wahms) and it truly bothered me. As an artist who dabbled in advertising art in college while earning my degree in animation some things I just see as amateur with cutsie graphics and no real professional presence. I do however see the care taken in marketing.

Today I seen yet another marketing piece with amateur graphics and taking away the essence of the business. I know, I know. But when you put so much into it and you should be looking at it as a business deal and just move on, I just can't seem to do so.

My days have revolved around taking care of my niece and nephew but the days have been split and erratic that sometimes I don't even have much time with my own family. I think some people do forget that and it does make it hard trying to explain that. I have taken steps to begin to keep those days less random so I can spend more time with my family.

With spending so little time with my family I don't seem to find time to cook for them. Either its take out or they have dinner ready by the time I get home. It was really nice to cook them dinner last night and doing so again tonight. It is the little things you take for granted or simply forget the pleasure it does bring to you.

We are leaving again for another vacation in less than a week. It was an unexpected trip that came after a very nice windfall from a remaining held sum from my car accident settlement. We decided to go during the spring and celebrate my son's 17th birthday at Disneyland. We will also be celebrating my husbands birthday with a belated gift of NASCAR. We decided to go with the Budwiser Block Party pack so everyone could go to the pits have a truly memorable first NASCAR race experience. My husband is all about racing so this is especially exciting for him. We order the Southern California City Pass so we will have 3 days in Disneyland, 1 day in Universal Studios, 1 day at Seaworld, and 1 day at the Wild Animal park. We got a great deal on www.getawaytoday.com for these. We arrive a day early which allows us to rest after a 12 hour drive and even visit with some family (we are from CA so lots of family still there).

When we return we have a lot of changes coming our way and will be a lot of hustle. It will be a blessing to go away to relax and come back with a fresh outlook.

Coming back will also open up new life for this blog and give opportunities to new postings as I find new passion in my Party Gals and Baby Bottom Bakes business.

While trying to redirect my thoughts I started a blog about my Disney adventures in and out of the disney parks. Disney is in my life daily. Without trying I have something disney on me at all times. My current purse is mickey, my keys have mickey and minnie keychains, I am often seen wearing a mickey shirt in some way, and I have my mickey necklace I wear from time to time, and my watch that I can never seem to lose (not that I want to). Disney has always brought me great pleasure. Also Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse were my inspirations for going to college and getting my animation degree.

For 3 years I did it all. Upwards of 18 hour days. I think the idea of selling part of that gave way to allowing me to see what was really important to me and also show me I can't do it all. I see so many WAHMs talk about doing it all and taking on more than 2 businesses. I think 2 is tough when done right. Trying to do more, the right way, is nearly impossible if you want to have any personal time or family time. Some will disagree but if we are bring honest about it, something is sacrificed every single time.

No more unannounced, or unintentional, hiatuses.

Life as I know it

Going from a full-time-plus WAHM to a part-time WAHM running 3 businesses (Party Gals, Teaporia, and Baby Bottom Bakes), 1 of which I own, has made major changes in my life. I closed my purse business recently. It was terribly sad but with the constant troubles I ran into I lost my passion for it. I hope to one day reopen as I regain the passion.

I refocused on Party Gals, a romance company. For years I had tossed the idea around about joining a company such as this. I kept putting it off because I was unsure of how my family would accept my venture. When I was close to closing my purse business I began looking around for a new direction in a completely different market. This is when I sat down with my family and asked how they would actually feel with knowing others new my business. The support was incredible so I jumped at the chance.

Teaporia is a company I have represented for a couple years now and love it. I have always kept this as a very part-time business by choice. Its a fabulous company with great products. I used this company to help boost my other businesses such as a purse tea party and now days naughty tea parties.

My personally owned Baby Bottom Bakes started from a hobby of many years as more and more requested my diaper cakes and other goodies. I opened my website several months ago more as an informational point but soon to take on orders for shipping. I am very particular about my cakes so I want them to be perfect through shipping. They will do just fine as they ship but still nervous. I do however have other items shipping which has become a fun adventure. Being it is only me I am staying small as business builds and eventually will take on a small staff that can create these handmade gifts to order.

When I am not working I am usually babysitting my niece or nephew. My niece is 15 months currently and my nephew (also my godson) is 10 months. My baby is 16 so its nice to have baby time. Its even more special that I can be so involved in my nieces and nephew's lives.

My son is the typical teenage who is trying to be as independent as possible. That makes mom a very uncool person to be around unless of course he needs money, he is sick, or he wants mom time and we head out to starbucks. My husband not only works his full-time job but he also is in college full-time and plays race car driver on the weekends. That doesn't give us much time together as a family but we do manage to come together every sunday at my mothers for family day.

In 4 weeks we will be in CA for a Christmas vacation with Mickey Mouse. In all the years I lived in Socal I never once visited the magic kingdom during any of the holidays. Last year was my 1st visit during Halloween and it was so fun seeing the park with new eyes. We also visited Universal Studios on Halloween at their Halloween Horror Nights. That was amazing! One of the best times I have ever had! We opted for the RIP tour. If you get a chance, try the tour. This year both parks will be fully decked out for the jingle holidays. I love Dr Suess so the idea of playing in whoville is very exciting. I am very excited to see Disneyland yet again with new eyes. Plus for the 1st time in about 10yrs I will be celebrating my birthday and we will be at Disneyland the day of. All of us kids have been cursed with a birthday within about a week of Christmas so to have it all to myself without the combo gifts is a very pleasant idea. We are going with several family members so this is just so exciting. We go to Disneyland so often its become like home. Still fun each time we go but to have the added excitement of something new always brings something fresh to the vacation.

Even with all that is coming I am still looking forward to the 2 of the 3 sit-down family dinners we share each year. Its special and many of my memories of youth have come from these special dinners. The smell of turkey throughout the house, football game on the tv, and the chatter of family masked with the laughs and screams of the kids is always a delightful time.

I will be one of those nuts shopping on Black Friday so wave in my direction if you are out there too!

Cherish those memories and share them for years to come. I wish everyone a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Mom, Tia, Nina

The last 3 years I have added 2 more names to the list of what I am called on a day to day basis - Tia (aunt) and Nina (godmother).

I can't say its the easiest of jobs because its not. It is however very rewarding and gives all those warm fuzzy feelings inside. I spend at least 2 days a week with this bunch and upwards of 5 including an overnight stay. The 2 youngest are 5 months apart so that is a challenge. Add a 3yr old who moves faster than a speeding bullet and can destroy a room in 2.2 seconds and it gets pretty chaotic. Then for a little fun you throw in a hormonal teenage boy who has seemed to become one with his new cell phone and only hears keywords like money, food, and yes, well you have just welcomed natural disasters into your home.

As a WAHM having these 4 on any given day, whether together or separate, that allows presents challenges. These may not be my children but I live a life as though I was a mother of 4 (3 of which are 3 and under). Just when I get a moment to answer an email, pop a binky on the floor. Time to wash! Pop it back in a crying baby and a toddler wants juice and attempting to water the kitchen attempting to make her own concoction. Of course that means stop everything you are doing and hurry before the house floods. After the last drops all soaked up into the dripping towel, someone just set off a stink bomb so they all join in. Start an assembly line of one off to the potty, and 2 on changing pads to ruin my appetite. Then heaven calls (que music here) - NAP TIME! HOORAY! I can answer a email, make a call, and check on inventory shipments. 20seconds later (at least that is how it feels) babies awake, toddler destroying, and its back to pamper patrol. When its time to go home and take care of the understanding man that sometimes forgets what I look like since I can scarce at home, people wonder why am I tired and why can I not get any work done expect late at night? Its simple. I am lazy and do absolutely NOTHING all day long.

Thanks to the makes of 5 hour energy I am happy that I managed to get deliver 3 kids unharmed even if the hair is not exactly brushed to perfection, or the clothes have a drip left over from lunch, or I forget that I didn't wash the last bottle and get ready for the next round of feedings. The balancing act changes from day to day but the tactics and skills do not. They only improve.

This is the life of a work at home mother and I wouldn't change it one bit!

The Deep Dark Secrets of Black Friday Shopping Success

1. Do your morning stretches. Those parking lots are longer than they look.
2. Eat breakfast but nothing heavy. You will need your energy.
   
3. Don't arrive early. Just arrive with padded knees and crawl the floors.
4. Use ear plugs when the rudeness song commences.
5. Go with a plan and keep moving. Never stop and you will be stuck!
6. As you come up to your desired purchase, grab and go. Look at it later. Someone you pass will want it.
7. Take the mp3 player. It helps to pass the time while waiting patiently in line.
8. Wear steel toe boots and pad those ribs. Never know when you might become clumsy.
9. Bring someone tall. They can grab things you can't.
10. When all else fails, stay home and shop from a WAHM from home!

I was part of those crazy people hitting the stores for good deals starting at midnight. I hit up 2 stores, awesome deals, and knocked 8 people off my nice list. The rest I will watch the sales, shop online, maybe even a little barter. The naughty list is easy. Sticks and coal for everyone!

WAHMs

As a WAHM it has been with a teenager. As my son was a young child I worked outside of the house even going to college for 2yrs while he learned in kindergarten and 1st grade. I never had a young child at home while a full-time WAHM. This week on and off I had a 2 yr old and 3 month old (my nieces) while trying to work. This certainly proved difficult. While I could still accomplish all I needed it wasn't without trial and and error. I don't think some realize how difficult it really is. Even I thought it would be easier than expected and I even expected problems. Next time we come across a WAHM especially one with young children still at home, look upon them with a new found respect. It is not as easy as it looks. As a woman wishing to extend her family with a new baby I have different expectations and plans for if and when this happens.

You Don't Do Anything

That is the one phrase I hear that I can't stand. During the week at some point someone needs something and when I decline that is the phrase that appears.

As a WAHM it is hard for others to see that you actually work. Even my son will walk in the house and instantly ask if he can use the laptop. He looks at me when I say no because I am working as though I just spoke an unrecognizable language.

There are a few low rent offices nearby that I have considered inquiring about. It is merely for the change in perception that I don't nothing all day.

I think what makes it hard is when you hear WAHM you think just direct sales. You don't tend to think of running a business from home. Not that direct sales WAHMs don't work hard and long hours. Its the mindset is the point. There are many places this does happen but where I live its not widely seen or heard.

Its even harder when family members compare the work and school my husband does. Its not recognized that I do something. Its believed I am lazy, use my husbands money, and chat all day on the computer. My solution to changing this view has always been to invite these people to spend a day with me and see exactly what it is I do. Once person in particular refuses. Not sure if its because I will prove them wrong or its a simple fact they don't like me. I am ok with both. It is how it is. I just wish that each visit with this person I do not have to tolerate the comments or defend my actions in every way possible.

All I can say at this point is I do work long hours. I work all day and well into the early morning hours. A 16 hour day is not uncommon and many days I can only hope it ends before the 17th hour. I even work on the weekends. Sometimes to the displeasure of those around me as I answer emails through the blackberry.

Next time you come across a WAHM remember they work hard. They have a job. Maybe not in an office outside the home but they have a job. During that time they are often interrupted with children, spouses, meals needing to be made, cleaning to be done, dogs to be walked, errands to be run. Sleep is a privilege for the WAHM. Support a WAHM.

I am looking for your articles

I want to hear from other WAHMs and how you live as a WAHM. Send your article to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com with "Life of a WAHM" in the subject line for consideration. Please no ad articles. These must relate in some way to being a WAHM.

He's almost home!

How can it be so hard to let your child go off to camp. I know it was compounded by the fact that my brothers and their wives took a last minute vacation so it seemed as though everyone was gone. He called the other day and as soon as he said hi I started to cry. I miss him so much. If I miss him now what will it be like in 3 yrs when he graduates high school and goes off to college or the military. He may decide to do neither but I have to let go sometime.

I have found several things to do this week business wise since I didn't have to worry about making lunch or worrying where he is. That is the one benefit to being a WAHM. You eventually have your child going off to school, social event, or simply outside to play giving you some quiet time for work.

My son comes home tomorrow and I am very excited. I plan to take him to lunch and spend the afternoon hearing all about his week. With Sunday being father's day tomorrow is my big chance to snag him. The hardest part of being a parent I think is the part where you let go. That time is coming closer and closer. Knowing you have done your best in raising him to be the best person he can be is not good enough. You have been taking care of them for so long its hard to think they don't need you to raise them. They still need you but it changes.

I can define it anyway I want but it is still letting go.

What part of "work" in WAHM do some not understand?

I have been a full-time work at home mother for nearly 3 yrs and a part-time work at home mother for several years before. The biggest obstacle I have to overcome (like most WAHMs) is not the obvious - long hours, balancing the home and kids, making the sale. The challenge is getting others to comprehend the concept of working from home. It is automatically assumed I can take time off at anytime. That is not the case. Yes I can flex my schedule if I have notice but I can't just drop and run.

I recently had an encounter where I was given a project because 2 others could not do it. One is college with a young child, no job. The other has a demanding job, no children. Now I can certainly appreciate both of these circumstances as I have been there. Problem is everyone forgot I have a full-time job as a business owner of an online handbag boutique with a consultant program. I am also mom, wife, 2 smaller businesses that I represent that I must work, heading a marketing campaign for an advertising co-op, keeping up the mini business of blogging, 2 fundraising campaigns. Now yes I will say I work more hours than the others and many times I have more stress. It comes with the territory of 80-100 hours a week.

I have to remind everyone I DO work not sit at home eating bon bons watching Oprah. Some do get upset and the first thing that usually leaves their lips is "but I have to work." Yes and so do I. Teachers this year no matter how many times I stated I work from home they always expect that I can drop and run. When I say I can't it is usually something like I thought you were a stay at home mom. No, I WORK.

This mindset is also why so many go into working from home because they don't see it as work. I am wanting to start a local work at home mothers group that not only provides support to WAHMs but also awareness and understanding what a WAHM does on a daily basis. Once all the fundraising, baby showers, marketing campaigns, and the summer craziness has slowed I will work on this idea and put it into action.

Promotional Fillers

In July Liv's WAHM Blog is going to give away Mom Packs™. A Mom Pack™ is a packet of advertising pieces coordinated by individual members in order to broaden their advertising market to expand literally all over the U.S. and beyond. This means your business can be included in this Mom Pack™ for free and sent to other moms all over the US.

This is a fantastic marketing opportunity. You are reaching a new group of people you never had access to before. Mom Pack™ are never sold although you may be requested to provide exact shipping cost to receive one. These are given free to customers so they never have to pay to receive your fillers except for shipping cost when applicable.

You are invited to send fillers in sets of 25 to be included in our Mom Pack™. A filler can be anything from a simple business card to a well package gift with your business materials and samples. Colored paper is eye catching, useful items, candy, and samples bring attention to your information. You want customers to see your information and actually look forward to seeing what you have to offer. Give customers reason to grab yours first.

This does not have to be an expensive venture. Here are some examples of fillers:

• Business postcard with individual wrapped candy stapled to corner.
• Brochure, business card, sample, placed in cello bag, tied with ribbon at top or stapled.
• Business card with hole punched in corner tied to pencil with company name (oriental trading has personalized pencils cheap)
• Instead of a traditional business card, print business cards on magnet sheets. These can be found in the office supply section of your favorite store. If you have professional cards ready to give, you can buy business card size magnets that just adhere to back of business card.
• Part of a toy company? Print up coloring pages with your info at the bottom, attach a business card and a crayon or 2.
• Makeup company? Create a flyer for customer to have 10 of her friends to buy a lipstick and she gets one free. Attach business card and lipstick sample if available.
• Create a flyer about your business with your contact info and a short scavenger hunt (7-10 questions). Have customer complete and contact you to win a prize.
• Seed packet for flowers attaching a label with your business card information. Add a popsicle stick so they can place he empty pouch near the planting grounds.
• Buttons are fun and interesting.
• Create a bookmark with your information.
• With a food company? Offer a recipe card with your information on the back. Include names and how to order items from your company.
• Business card size calendar. Calendar on one side, your business information on the other. Tip cards are great as well. Customers keep these in their wallet and next time they go out to eat, they pull out the tip card and reminded of your company.
• During flu season offer up trial size bottles of hand sanitizer with your business label.
• Scrapbooking companies, create blank or birthday greeting cards. Show off your products and how they are used in the creation of these. Everyone needs a card at some point.
• Gift certificates, coupons, frequent buyer cards are also wonderful fillers.
• Someone who sews? Create coasters to show off your handy work.
  

You can send fillers to:
Olivia Vidal
745 Cherokee Dr
Rio Rancho, NM 87124



Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

How do you unwind?

As busy WAHMs we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves from time to time. One way I like to take a time out is to make a nice cup of tea. My favorite is Wild Strawberry from Teaporia. In the summer I take a chilled cup and sip on the front porch and take in the evening stars and air. Its a wonderful time to just take a deep breath and enjoy the quiet time to myself.

How do you like to unwind and take time for yourself?

Tell Liv's WAHM Blog about it and you can win free tea. Visit http://livswahmblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/tea-time.html.

Where the deals are

I love finding a good deal just like everyone else but recently I have truly discovered etsy. I have been to the site many times and simply browsed without really doing much. I did a bit more searching and found some fabulous and unique handmade items. The talent these people have is unreal. I found a a beautifully crafted fairy in a bottle out of the UK that I simply must have. Its tiny, delicate, artistic, and unique.

Most of the talented people I came across are WAHMs. Being a supporter of WAHMs I am thrilled I could come across something like this. I know its been around for quite some time now but if you haven't taken a good look, do so. You never know what you will run across.

Here are a couple of shops that are my favorites so far:

Jack and Jane Boutique

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5259948

Creations By Charity

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6020950

Through The Cellar Door

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6773236

KTBdesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5349395

DewyandPat

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5228089

Do you have a favorite etsy shop? Comment and share it with us.

Romano's Macaroni Grill "What's for Dinner" Gift Basket

Jersey Bites is giving away a "What's for Dinner" gift basket this week. As busy WAHMs we can all appreciate a great meal, easy to make, affordable, delicious, and our family will love. This giveaway is just what you need!

Visit Jersey Bites to learn more about Macaroni Grill's line of dinner kits and receive your chance to win one for free!

http://www.jerseybites.com

Teachers make it diffcult for some WAHMs

I am finding my sons teachers do not understand the concept of a work at home mother. I cannot be the only one they have ever come across. The comment I get often is "since you are home all day...". What!? Yes I am physically home but that doesn't mean I can drop everything at any moment. I am a working mother just like those who work outside of the home.

This year seems to be especially difficult with many teachers as it is. My son has ADHD and as he enters puberty it almost amplifies the symptoms making it difficult to work with. Medication can only do so much and I will not over medicate so teachers do not have to accommodate his needs. This is where the comment comes in most the time. As if my being home all day will allow me to take him to school each day and go to every class.

I have never had so many teachers work against me in his moving forward in his studies and personal growth in his 10+ years of schooling. I believe some teachers feel (coming from various other comments) ADHD is something you grow out of by the teenage years and he should be able to better control himself. I am sorry but that is not the case. He is doing far better than I did in school at this age but I sometimes fear he won't be able to complete school in a regular setting with such resistance from teacher thinking old school that overactive, inattentive children have no self control and comes from bad parenting.

The other problem is teachers do not get the education they need to understand and work with such disorders. What about these children with autism? Yes many children with disorders are placed in special education but many are in inclusive classes. We all have the same goal. We just go about it differently. That goal is for our children to be at their best and get the education they deserve. Many other disorders get more exposure for what they go through and receive more accommodations, compassion, and understanding than my child who has a disorder as well. I too suffer from this disorder and every day I struggle to stay focused. I learned to adapt and most do not see what I go through.

Don't misunderstand. I am not saying mothers working outside of the mom need less support or children with other disorders should be ignored. I am just trying to wrap my head around the idea I am seen is a stay at home mother not a work at home mother and my child chooses not to control himself and stay focused and control impulses like other children.

We need ADHD awareness. It is real. It is highly misunderstood and greatly misdiagnosed. This is why we need the education and awareness. We need the funding for better research. We need the funding to better educate teachers, parents, health care providers. Where are our walks to raise awareness and donations. Where is the education so doctors are not passing on a prescription and sending us on our way. Where are the teachers that have been well taught.

There are great doctors out there. There are great teachers out there. There is just not enough. We had one up until about 4 yrs ago. His pediatrician was fabulous. He was well versed in childhood and adolescent ADHD. He worked with us. Never against. We had some great teachers in elementary school who understood and worked with him. He thrived. It wasn't until middle school (7th grade) and the loss of our doctor that he had since birth. Children with ADHD do not do well with too many changes. They like routine and habit. That is why they follow the same patterns over and over. Its what they know.

Now I just need to get next years teachers on board and hopefully squash the resistance we have felt for so long. He will be a 10th grader next school year, learning to drive, following with a job to start in the summer before 11th grade. Maybe I can finally get these teachers to understand I do work. I just happen to work from home. Maybe they will learn I have to schedule meetings just like everyone else. I can't always take their calls at anytime during non-emergencies. I can't do their job with just a phone call putting my child on the phone to tell him please just get through the class without her calling me again. And maybe I can keep teachers from punishing him for what he has no control over and using a zero as punishment. Until then I will campaign to change their thinking of WAHMs and ADHD.

NEW Message Board

I have opened a brand new message board - Liv's WAHM Blog Message Board. Come learn how to build your business and share your experiences. While other message boards for WAHMs are there to socialize and advertise, we are here to teach and network. While we have areas for you to socialize and interact with other WAHMs, our focus is coming together and learning what it takes to become a successful business. Find tips, articles, and support. If you are currently a work at home mother or looking to become a work at home mother, this is the place for you.

Come join us at http://livswahmblog.proboards.com/index.cgi

Pampering the Goddess Within Give-away

Are you ready to pamper your goddess within? Luna Wolfs Mystical Essence has created a set just for you. This beautiful set goddess set.

You will receive:

4oz Lotion - Our Mystical Lotion is created using a soy base will soften and rejuvenate your skin.
Colored & Scented Bath Salts - We start with sea salt, color enough just to tint your bath water and not your skin for a relaxing, luxurious bath.
Celtic Knot Soap (Personal Size) - a wonderful handcrafted personal soap.
2 Soy Votive Candles - Our votive candles are hand poured using 100% soy wax to scent your entire room.

This entire set is divinely scented in Goddess. This set will surely tantalize and bring out the goddess in every woman.

Visit Luna Wolfs and order yours today for only $20.
http://www.lunawolfsmysticalessence.com/store/affiliate.asp?aff=28

You can also enter to win this fabulous set for FREE! Tell us why your inner goddess needs pampering.

Just visit Luna Wolfs Mystical Essence Blog at:
http://lunawolfs.blogspot.com/2009/02/pampering-goddess-within-give-away.html

Has this happened to you (a vent mostly)?

For a week someone advertised their party and even had help doing so. All week myself and others could only talk about how excited we were to attend and buy. Being I was a previous customer of this company I knew what I wanted and really anticipated the party. When I heard there was a party coming I even held off from ordering from the company site in case there was an actual party which was about 3 weeks before the actual party took place.

The party was held and just happened to be on a day that my son was sick enough for the Dr. I had to take him in late and just completely forgot there was a party until the next day. At that point I kept posting on the board I wanted ordering information and any specials. For days nothing from the rep. Only the board I even seen this person in a chat room telling them I wanted to order. Still nothing. This has been 2 weeks now and I still have not made an order. Unfortunately I will not be placing an order with this lady now. I should not have to chase down someone just to give them my money. If I have to chase them down, will I actually get my order?

Has this happened to anyone else? I am leaving the persons name and company out on purpose. This wasn't an actual bad transaction. Just no transaction at all. I have had great transactions with the company just unfortunately I can't seem to get myself a steady consultant outside of parties. There is no close representative in my state so I have to rely on the internet.

I have just never had to chase down anyone to make a purchase like this and not get any results. Being I own a small business with consultants and even still hold parties myself I just can't seem to wrap my head around the idea that someone would not want my money so they make the sale and make money. If someone wants to buy something from me you better believe I am going after that sale. Maybe I am just more gun ho than others but I am in the business to make money not to pass opportunity by.

If you have a business you work from home and do parties, please make sure you follow up on sales leads before and after your parties. You may just miss out on that sale because you just didn't pay attention.

Oh what a Monday

Today was the first day of the next 2 years as the wife of a college student. I accompanied him today to help purchase his books and supplies. His knee has still been an issue but did very well considering the walking and climbing required.



We currently only have the 1 computer setup so this will be a challenge for the next couple weeks. We will be setting up the second computer that is down currently until he can get ahold of a laptop in the next month or so. The struggle over the computer has already begun. This is placing the 2nd computer in top priority.



Tonight will be a late night at work. Deadlines are closing in. It will get easier. Just a lot of adjustment when things change.

I have aquired a new notebook folio that also stores a great monthly calendar. What is so wonderful is the calendar has pages that flip over the top for easy access. It also has a storage pocket and pen placement in a secure way. I found this at Walmart for only $8. Its a soft faux leather cover and very professional looking. Its a great item for the work at home mother.