Relay For Life

Last year was my first year starting and heading a team. I stumbled through it but we did our best. this year I am far better prepared after going through it once. The preparation itself has been hard.

This years theme is movies. Since this is an overnight event and we are a football family, I have chosen to go with Friday Night Lights. We have a football themed campsite with football themed items for sale and we will sell glow items. I am also giving away 100 reusable totes with fillers and samples from WAHMs.

Today is the final meeting and will be picking up the team t-shirts. I have not received the theme lap list just yet but will at the meeting. Every hour there is a different lap theme. Last year lap themes ranged from walking backwards, blowing bubbles, dribbling a basketball. Just some really fun things to do to keep things interesting during the 13hr walk.

I think the truly spectacular thing you will see at relay is the luminarias lining the track. They look beautiful with their candle flickering honoring or in memory of those who have fought against cancer.

I really enjoy this event. I get to be truly thankful to see my father walk the survivor lap and share with others. I do wish I had more support in the preparations but through the years maybe that will change. For now I am able to take care of all the needs to be done.

Learn more about Relay for Life and how you can help
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/SoChicBagBoutique.com

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.

Dress up those meals

This was shared on another site and just had to keep passing it on. These are fun and creative ways to get your kids to eat. These mural meals are incredibly artful as well as delicious and nutritious to boot.

Visit http://www.lilsugar.com/3169975 and take a look at the slide show. Your kids will love these! Parents will love these!

Away at camp day 4

Its day 4 of his trip to camp. I did better yesterday but with mid week being here I am anxious to hear from him. I was told the kids would be calling home about mid week. Just to know he is ok would make me feel so much better. I don't know if he is having a good time, miserable, in different, or anything. We had the option of going with him but being I would have absolutely no cell or computer access I just couldn't do. I have a job to do still and with family vacation coming up I couldn't take off the extra time. Besides he is 15 and I need to let him go do his own thing without mommy and daddy. I never really seen how attached I am to him. He's my only baby and I miss him. I can't wait until he comes home and I get to hear all about his trip. I plan to take him out to dinner.

Away for camp

My son left for boy scout camp yesterday. That was hard. He has never been out of my control in 15yrs. If he has been on vacation without us it has been with my parents. This time he is off on his own. Its hard to let go especially being an only child. It had to happen sooner or later. I have to constantly remind myself he is not in his room playing games, he is not at home waiting for dinner when I am running errands late, he is not going to come running in and ask what I am doing. No friends over, no loud radio for me be upset that it is too loud. I kept thinking last night as a storm passed through that he didn't pack warm enough. While I was at the store picking up some snacks for hubby I kept think Phillip would like this. As I reached out to grab hold I remembered he wasn't home today and didn't need a snack. Was worried because he forgot my jacket and only had sweaters and sweatshirts. As we were leaving my mother's house late last night I kept wanting to call out to him to come downstairs and tell his grandparents good bye so we could leave. Just strange. He comes back Saturday so we will see how well I do after a week without. Anyone else go through child withdrawals?

My baby is no longer a baby

I am sure I should have realized this before but this week was eye opening. During my son's physical for boy scout camp he was of course measured and weighed. The weight wasn't an issue. It was the sudden realization he was just inches from being the same height as his dad. At 5'10" he already towers me at half a foot.

We will be going through several milestones the next 3 years - driving a car, getting a job, taking SATs, graduating, applying to college. Being this is our only child at this point in time it is kind of sad. At the same time I feel proud. Proud that we have done our very best to raise him to think for himself and make the right decisions about his future.

Kudos - Donna Bliss of My Miracle Baby

Donna and I are part of the Mom Pack a networking group dedicated to moms. Donna made a post offering a christening gown from her business My Miracle Baby.

Original post:
I have an exquisite christening gown by Elegant Baby to the first person who needs this for their special occasions. Its a stunning satin gown with a bonnet sized 6M. We no longer sell this item--the style has been changed and I thought it would be nice to offer it to a mom. In these tough times, I'd love to be able to help someone who wants a special dress for the baptism. Its simple, classic and truly stunning. We use to sell them for $109. It would be completely free - no catch other than you have to be use it for a christening or baptism for your child or someone you know--its not for resale. Have a great weekend!

I was lucky enough to reply first to receive the gown. I received the gown on Wednesday and I am in awe. It is truly stunning! It is so simple and elegant. Just exquisite to say the least. I am so excited to offer this gown to my godbaby. For such a special day this gown is perfect. It brought tears to my eyes just thinking about my godbaby in this gown.

Thank you Donna and My Miracle Baby!

Visit Donna and My Miracle Baby at http://www.mymiraclebaby.com/. She has some beautiful items available and incredible prices.

HUGE Clearance Sale

I have some great items available for my own companies as well as purchases I have made and just have far more than I need that is just taking up space. Everything is brand new!

Take a look and see what I have for you. Hurry! Quantities are limited!

Visit Liv's WAHM Blog for all new listings.

Contact me at disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com to place your order or for more information.

I accept PayPal (credit card, debit card, paypal, echeck) or Revolution Money Exchange. All items will be shipped via United States Postal Service Parcel Post, Priority, or flat rate (which ever is cheapest for you or your preference) once payment has cleared. I charge actual shipping. All sales are final.


Bunny Tealight Holder

Light Yellow, Carrot Cake Scented. Add a tealight and let the warmth release the wonderful scent or cut up and place in your favorite tart warmer.

Retail Price: $5.00 each
Sale Price: $3.75 each



Mystical Votives

Available in: Spicy Mystical Twist, Lemon Verbena, Gardenia, Patchouli Spice, Cool Citrus Basil, Pina Colada,Eucalyptus Leaf, Bubble Gum, Sandalwood, Christmas Tree, Mango, Cedarwood


Retail Price: $3.75 per pair
Sale Price: $2.81 per pair

$10 for mixed dozen




Mystically Romance Set

Scented in Love Spell
8oz Mason Jar Candle
4 Fluted Tarts
(Does not include gift can, demonstration purpose only)


Retail Price: $10.00
Sale Price: $5.00





Goddess Pampering Set

Scented in Goddess
4oz Lotion
Colored & Scented Bath Salts
Celtic Knot Soap (Personal Size)
2 Soy Votive Candles


Retail Price: $18.00
Sale Price: $9.00





Mystical Lotion

Blackberry Sage


Retail Price: $5.00 each
Sale Price: $2.50 each






Mystical Candle

Lemon Grass
(jar varies from picture shown)


Retail Price: $8.75 each
Sale Price: $4.38 each




Mineral Girlz Lip Gloss

Available in: Simple Sparkle, Bubbly, Be Mine, Fresh Berries, Show Off

Retail Price: $8.00 each
Sale Price: $2.00 each

Set of 5 w/ vinyl case $8.00





Mineral Girlz Glaze

Available in: Daring , Gracious , Fearless

Retail Price: $8.00 each
Sale Price: $2.00 each

Set of 3 $5.00





Mineral Girlz Bar Soap

Available in: Random, Giggles , Angelic , Lavender & Shea Butter , Oatmeal Milk & Honey

Retail Price: $6.00 each
Sale Price: $1.50 each



Mineral Girlz Salt Soak and Scrubs

Available in: Random, Giggles, Angelic , Oatmeal Milk & Honey

Retail Price: $7.00 each
Sale Price: $2.00 each

Soak and Scrub set $3.00




Mineral Girlz Sparkle Dusting Powder

Pixie Dust
Fairy Dust
Super Shimmer

Retail Price: $8.00 each
Sale Price: $1.50 each




Stuff A Friend Animal Kit

Includes unstuffed animal, stuffing, wishing star, stuffing stick, instructions, birth certificate

Choose your animal: Ivory Bunny, Orange Striped Cat, Pink Pig, Dalmatian, Tan Bear, Giraffe

Retail Price: $15.00 each
Sale Price: $5.00 each




Outfits also available
Pink satin pajamas, army, soccer, cowboy, scouting outfit, bear slippers, and more. Ask for list.

Retail Price: $5-$12 each
Sale Price: $2.50 each





Mia Bella Mixed Dozen

This is not your typical Mia Bella dozen. Instead of the traditional 1 scent dozen you will get a mixed dozen. You can't get this normally.

Dozen #1 Includes:
Apricot Freesia, Caramel Apple, Victorian Rose, Chili Vanilli, Tahitian Spiced Vanilla, Lemon Verbena, Sicilian Lemon & Rosemary, Forbidden Fruit, French Vanilla, Georgia Peach, Sugar Cookie, Cucumber Cantaloupe

Dozen #2
Black Cherry, Ginger & Cedarwood, Caramel Apple, Lemon Verbena, Christmas Essence, Peach Papaya, Apricot Freesia, French Vanilla, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Cactus & White Peach, Forbidden Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler

Retail Price: $36.00
Sale Price: $15.00



Bear Love Gift Basket

Basket features 3 "Love Spell" soy tealights
20 glycerin dipped "Love Spell petals
Bear holding heart photo frame
wicker basket. Comes wrapped and ready for giving.


Retail Price: $15.00
Sale Price: $5.00




Heart Shaped Basket

Metal heart shaped basket
"Love Spell" soy jar candle
4 "Love Spell" soy tarts.

Retail Price: $16.00
Sale Price: $7.50





Avon Promotion Buttons

5 pin back buttons in white and yellow

Retail Price: $5.00
Sale Price: $2.00



Smencils
Made from 100% recycled newspapers, #2 pencil.
10 different scents:
Chocolate, Popcorn, Bubble Gum, Watermelon, Very Berry, Cotton Candy, Orange, Grape, Cherry, Rootbeer

Retail Price: $1.20 each
Sale Price $0.50 each or $4.50 all 10




Mini Purse Print Tote

7"x5", fully lined, zipper closure
Available in Blue, Pink, Yellow

Retail Price: $10.00
Sale Price: $3.50




Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

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