Moms and Mom-preneurs, Here's to YOU

Here's a rose for all the Moms and Mom-preneurs out there. Whether you are a working mom, or stay-at-home mom, I applaud you.


Just remember, it is from a woman that boys and girls are birthed. We carry the babies for 9 months, and then take care of them for 18 years. And, then, they never stop being our children, so, for life we have the pleasure and responsibility to be there for our children.


Motherhood is a job of sacrifice and dedication. So, Mom's, Here's to YOU!

Related articles

• Motherhood (puddinggirl.wordpress.com)

Kroger announces select pet food recall

While browsing the CNN website, I came across this pet food recall notice, and thought, I have to share. We have to take care of our little furry friends. Read the excerpt below:

Kroger announces select pet food recall
By the CNN Wire
December 19, 2010 5:19 p.m. EST


(CNN) -- The Kroger Co. is recalling select pet food packages from stores in 19 states fearing some of these products may contain aflatoxin, a toxic chemical byproduct that could be harmful to animals.


The recall involves certain bags of Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Kitten Food, Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, Kroger Value Cat Food and Kroger Value Chunk Food, the company said Saturday.

The Kroger Co. urged customers to immediately consult with their veterinarian if their animals show any signs of sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat. A yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, severe blood or diarrhea are also warning signs, the company said.

Read full article here

Working Online a Gold Rush? Los Angeles Tribune Scam Alert!

A couple of days ago, I received a link in my Facebook inbox from someone claiming to have a perfect opportunity.  Take a look:

This post is claiming that you can make a whopping $5,000  a month, just by signing up for their "free" program. The thing they are not telling you is that it is not so free. They state you have to pay $1.97 for shipping and handling, eventhough this is done all online. * Scam tactic. They are grasping your credit card info. Why? See the Terms and Conditions below.


___________________________________________________________
EASY GOOGLE PROFIT (securecartcenter.com) – Terms and Conditions






You have also subscribed to a fifteen-day trial to Grant Spring for just $24.87 a month and every month thereafter should you chose not to cancel. Prior charges for all programs are non-refundable but bonus subscriptions can be cancelled and future charges stopped at any time by calling toll free 888-247-2155.



If you choose to sign up for this product and pay the recurring monthly charges using a debit card you hereby provide pre-authorization and consent that blazingkeywords.com may charge $77.82 on a monthly basis. You may stop payment on any pre-authorized charge by notifying blazingkeywords.com at least three business days prior to the scheduled charge date. You agree your pre-authorization and written consent to charge your debit card is given in electronic form by submitting the request for the membership, and that an electronic signature is sufficient to authenticate your authorization to charge the debit card. You further agree that these terms and conditions shall be your copy of your pre-authorization for the debit card.

###

This is absolutely absurd. You are told you will only have to pay $1, but end up paying over $100 initially and then be billed every month. They tempt people who want to make a quick dollar.

I run my own businesses and running them does require risks, but my advice to anyone who is looking to make a quick dollar, don't start a business; home or traditional. Running a business requires patience, dedication, and hard-work. You can't even win the lottery overnight. Statistics show that a lottery winner has played the lottery more than 25 times before actually winning; could be much more. Fast quick easy money is just a delusion. Check your priorities. Don't be fooled into believing that running a business will bring you overnight riches. It is just the opposite. Most businesses take a loss before they make a gain. And some just never make a profit, and end up closing.

You have to not only be business smart these days, but you have to be street smart. All that education we learn in business school is good to a certain extent, but when you are out here in the real world, the experience you have gained throughout the years, sure comes in handy. I know right upfront what a scam looks and feels like.


I evaluated this offer and what alerted me was why would a legitimate News site promote such propaganda? Next, there were too many people claiming that they made a vast amount of money so quickly. If it were that easy, then why wouldn't everyone just quit their jobs and work from home? Also, when you click on the link to sign up, there is no concrete information about the program. There's just a form for you to complete, and to enter your credit card information. There really is not much information about what you will be doing or anything.


I found this website that tells more about this scam:Working Online a Gold Rush? Los Angeles Tribune Scam Alert!


Be alert. There are many people out there who want to make their money by scamming others. They find it easy to do. Let's make it hard for them, by being sober and vigilant. Spread the word like a wildfire.
 
Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

Up Early in the Morning

A mom's work is never done. I believe lying down at night really means, take a pit stop, then get back on the road again. I was awoken at 3 am to start on laundry and feed and care for the cats. Children are still asleep, so I thought would just take some quiet time. Funny thing is, I'm still so tired.



Well, in a few more hours, the household will be busy, busy, busy. I better decide now what I will do. It won't be long before, I won't have a choice. Still with all of the business of running a household, I would not trade it for anything in the world...For that's the life of a Mompreneur...



Have a good day, fellow Mompreneurs and bloggers...Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

Running a Value-Driven Business

Running a value- driven business means understanding the five dimensions of a company. It's become popular throughout the 20th century to believe that the most important factor of running a business is to make money. This is not true. It is true that a business needs to generate income, but without the development of the 5 dimensions of a company, you can almost guarantee that you will either make a lot of money and lose it, or you will not make any at all.

The five dimensions of any company, no matter how great or small, in order, are: employees, suppliers, customers, community and environment.

1. Employees are first on the totem pole. They are the back bone of the company. They bring the company to light and life with their gifts, talents, ideas and dedication. They are what makes your company run and what helps it grow. They should be rewarded for being a part of your company, and made to feel part of the company; not to feel like the "hired help".
2. Suppliers come next. Without any supplies and products, what would you provide to your customers and clients? Treating your suppliers with respect and creating a good relationship with them will not only show character, but will bring you benefits. Your suppliers will be more willing to help you with ideas, and more prompt to negotiate deals and savings with you. This will generate repeat business for them, and you both will come out winners.
3. Customers are next on the list. Without the customers, you would have great employees, great products, but no sales. Without sales, you will not be able to generate income. What's more important about customers, is not sales. Building relationships and helping people solve problems is.Customers need to be treated like people who need our assistance. They need to feel they can come to us when they want and need to solve a problem. That's what businesses provide customers: solutions. If you are money-oriented, then you will not be interested in helping others solve their problems. This is where value must kick in. Once you do this, then your sales will increase, and so will your income.
4. Community-The area in which live, and even beyond, makes up our community. We are all a group of people who depend on one another. Your company is a part of a bigger picture. Value-driven businesses give back to the community, through time, resources and service.
5. Environment-Businesses need to use the environment each day. Did you use water to make your morning coffee? Do you use fuel in your vehicle to drive to the office? Do you need air to breathe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are using the environment. A value-driven business preserves natural resources and shares in the responsibility in caring for the environment.

Well, there you have it. Business should not be about "being busy making money". It should be about adding value: value to everyone who is involved in your company: employees, suppliers, customers, the community and the environment.

Thank you for reading this article. I really hope I was able to help you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add them below.

Sarah Kim,

Days in the Life of  A Mompreneur Blog Manager

Resources: Values-Driven Business: How to Change the World, Make Money, and Have Fun (Social Venture Network)

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Mixing business with pleasure seems to be something we are advised not to do. But how can you really take pleasure out of business, and be successful? If you do not enjoy what you do, then how can your business yield productivity? How can you benefit others?

I say yes to mixing business with pleasure. You should always be professional. This means being organized and know your stuff. But being a prune should never be included in the equation. You need to be yourself. You need to let your personality shine through in whatever it is you do. People are attracted to reality. Just look at the reality shows' success rate these days. How about the Lifetime Movie Network? The majority of its shows are based on true stories. And, of course, there's the traditional news channels. These shows get super high ratings.

Yeah, we enjoy a little fantasy and fiction every now and then, but fiction has its place. In the real world; in the business world, people want to see the real deal; the real you. After all, you are going to be servicing them and they are going to be spending their hard-earned money with you for your time. So, start out with doing something you enjoy, so that you can better service your customers and clients. They will love it and your business will too.

Thanks for blogging with me. Continued success to you. Your questions and comments are welcome. Just post below. Until next time, take care of yourself, and yourself will take care of you.

Slash Your Grocery Bill with America's Cheapest Family

I was browsing the Internet and came across this interesting video. Featured on the Today Show, this family is called "America's Cheapest Family". See this video and learn more about how this family of five has managed to spend just $350 a month on groceries;including their toiletries, personal hygiene and paper products.

The Smart and Effective Way to Connect with your Kids Today

Children don't come with instructions when they are born. They are unique, little people who seem to depend on you for everything. And boy do they. From birth to 18 months, parents seem to have the hardest time. It's the time when we are walking on egg shells, trying to figure our little ones out. They look at us, but can't say a word. But I know what they may be thinking. "OK, parents, maybe I can't talk, but I still can communicate. Can't you read the signs? Read between the lines?"

All the while, we are thinking, "Hey little one, you've got to say something soon. I can't take much more of this game of charades". My children are teens and I still feel this way sometimes. They are so independent and want to grow up so quickly. With that independence comes sign language, foreign language and grey hairs. (Yes, I have a few)

So, what is the smart and effective way to connect with your kids today?

• Listen to them. That's right! Stop, look and listen to them.
• Show them that you are human. You're not supermom/dad. You're human and you make mistakes. Just quickly correct them, to be their example or they will surely call you on it. Don't give them that, "do what I say, not what I do", line.
• Stay in their lives, but not on top of them. Don't smother them by being overly protective. Be protective, but don't overkill. This could actually backfire.
• Prepare them for their future. That should be one of the top goals a parent has. You have a little person in your life for whom you are responsible. Teach them that life is about living and learning; then show them how to do it.

I had to learn some hard lessons in child rearing. I am still learning, but so are they. If you learned something from your parents that was inaccurate, then don't blame them, just change it. Your children are in a whole new day and time,where things change. But good morals and strong family values should not.

Well, I'm signing off. But before I go, I want you to remember these words. "Kids are people, too". Until next time, take care of yourself, and yourself will take care of you.

Changing with the Seasons

Image by ...anna christina... via Flickr

Does the weather have an affect on your mood? I have to say truthfully, it does on mine. I'm affected by the glowing sun, and the pouring rain. I don't like it when it's too hot or too cold. So, what do I do?

I have come to realize, since I can't control the seasons and its weather, that I have to find ways to adjust to them. I try to keep fresh smelling pine and flowers that blossom around, during the winter. When it's raining, I put on uplifting, yet relaxing music, and add a touch of gentle, fluorescence through the lighting in my room.

Image via Wikipedia

It's those little adjustments; changing with the seasons, that makes life just a little more pleasant. Although, we can't change the seasons, we can certainly change how we respond to them.

Image by Steve-h via Flickr

Make every day, every season, a beautiful day, overflowing with vitality and thanksgiving. You'll be sure to find that changing with the seasons, is not so hard after all.

Related articles

• We change with the weather. (zemblanitous.wordpress.com)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month (everydayhealth.com)

Buyer Beware

Stop, before you make that next purchase

I'm a retailer, but I am also a consumer. I love a bargain just like the next person. Shopping for bargains is fun and also relieving, to know that you are are smart-shopping. But what happens when you shop for a bargain that is nothing but a scam? It doesn't feel so relieving. Instead, it feels as if you have stepped into a nightmare.

How can you avoid being scammed? I have to tell you that I can't promise you that you never will be in your lifetime, but there are some things you can do.

• Ask questions. Don't be timid in this area. Reputable companies must be registered in their cities/states. All companies must hold a license that allows them to operate in their prospective states. Contact your local business regulator to check the legal status of a business you are interested in.
• Search your Better Business Bureau database for more information on the business. Not all businesses will be registered with BBB, so don't let this deter you. You can use other measures to find out the information you need about business besides using BBB. Business Owners: You can become a BBB member, but please know there is a registration fee.
• Search RipOffReport.com's Database. This is an open forum that people go to in order to share their experiences with not so reputable companies, or companies they feel deal in unfair practices.

If all checks out, still use precaution. The business may be reputable, but every business has employees, even if it is a sole proprietorship. You will be dealing with real people. There should be a mutual relationship between buyer and seller, business and consumer. But it doesn't always work quite that way. Some people are just really out to make a buck. They have no realization that people are the reason they are making their money in the first place. If they mistreat their customers, the customer has the freedom and every right to go elsewhere. Businesses who put customer service last on their list, should really rethink this method. Without the customer, you have no business. Treat them right, and they will come back. Mistreat them and lose business and loyalty. Plus they may just tell everybody to steer clear of you.
This should be a no-brainer for business owners, but apparently this is not taught in most business schools. You have to learn that morals are a part of character. It would be such a shame to work so hard to market a business to only find that your customers are running away because of your immoral business practices. Take that into consideration. If your business school doesn't teach morals and ethics, then you better go elsewhere to learn them quickly. Quite frankly, you are wasting your money going to a school, who does not teach you these things. If you really think knowledge and money is what it takes to run a business, you will find that your business will fail quickly. Consumers look far beyond your sales, your store layout, and your smooth talking. They look at how you treat them. Yes, they really do.

In closing, this post was created to help you be aware, not to live in suspicion, and to help my fellow busines owners along the way. Consumers, shop freely, but be informed and vigilant. There are scammers out there who make their living off of other people by deception. They do not have your best interest at heart. So, buyer beware.

Thanks for blogging with me. Feel free to add your comments below. Until later; take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you

Charge those Electronic Gadgets

Today, I have to admit that this is surely an electronic world. As if we didn't already know that, huh! I have a cell phone and computer to manage daily, and that's no easy task. But what happens when you need to use the gadget and it won't power up? Well, it is not only useless, but it becomes stressful; not being productive because a gadget doesn't work.

I had to learn this the hard way, so now I am making it a habit to charge my electronics each night to prepare for the next day. I guess I have been a bit lazy in doing this, especially since the cell phone gives me plenty of warning when I need to charge it. Laptops do the same. So, I guess I really have no excuse. The few minutes it takes to charge up those electronic gadgets, saves hours of frustration and non-productivity.

I hope you all have had a great day and wish you a great week. Thanks for blogging with me. Feel free to leave your comments and share your stories. Until next time, take care of yourself, and yourself will take care of you.

Passion or Obsession?

Do you feel driven towards some specific things you do in life? Do you feel like you want to do these things all the time, and that's what keeps you going? If you answered yes to these questions, then now you must ask yourself another highly important question: Is it passion or obsession?

The answer to this question may seem obvious to some, but not so obvious to others. The Webster Dictionary definition for the two words are as follows:

1. passion-strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor. a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything:ex, a passion for music.
2. obsession-the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistentidea, image, desire, etc.; an addiction, a habit of activity; often injurous

You may look at the two definitions and think to yourself, what's the difference? Well, let's go a step further. We looked at the definition. Now, let's look at some synonyms for each word.

1. passion-craving, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, infatuation, obsession, devotion
2. obsession-enthusiasm, delusion, attraction, fixation, complex, compulsion,preoccupation,phobia

While we can notice some similarities, we can also see the difference. Passion and obsession are two words that represent a feeling or movement; both closely relative to the other. The difference is: passion yields productivity where as obsession yields destruction. The dictionary described obsession as something that often causes injury.

When you are passionate about something, you are calm, cool and collected. You are in control of your desires, though they be strong. When you are obsessed with something, that something is in control of you. You are fixated on it and it becomes your life. You don't have control over your thoughts or actions. So your end results and what comes forth is vanity and destruction.

Passion is the depth of life. We all were created with special gifts and talents. To find them is to find your purpose in life. Obsession for over achieving something, whether it be your passion or not, only brings destruction. Today, I urge you to find your passion and take hold of it, but don't become obsessed with it. Passion helps you enjoy life, while obsession makes life seem worthless, apathetic and even unbearable.

Look carefully at this rose. How beautiful are its petals; beautiful and flourishing, such a delight. But just beneath such beauty lies thorns; right where we must hold such a beautiful flower. We could prune the thorns and hold on to the beautiful flower with such pleasure or we could become so obsessed with reaching the petals that we totally ignore the thorns, holding onto them, while painfully climbing toward our goal of reaching those petals. Which would you prefer?

I personally would prefer to prune the thorns, so that I could comfortably hold the stem that leads to my passion: the petals.

Become passionate and start enjoying life today! Thanks always for blogging with me. I welcome your comments and feedback. Until later, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

My New Schedule Is Going to Take Some Getting Used To, But I Have to Start Now.

Kids just returned back to school: home-school that is, and boy is it taking its toll. It is back to planning and scurrying to fix lunches, prepare uniforms,correct school and homework, and then not to mention, there's those field trips and extra curricular activities to throw in there. Then I have to pay bills, run my business and finish the housework.

Well enough said. I have another long day ahead of me and I'm just taking it one day at a time. That's all we can do, isn't it? The next time you go down your list of things to do, and you start stressing, just think about the fact that there are only 24 hours in the day, and you can only do so much during that time. I mean you have to sleep, eat, exercise, shower, groom and then add all the other things to do; in one day.

Don't try to be superwoman, (man). Think about what you need to do and plan for it. Really, most of us put things on our lists of things to do that we really don't need to. Or some of us don't even have a list/goals. Big time waster and productivity stopper. If you are not checking off prioritized things to do, then you are not getting anywhere. You are not living. You are just alive.

For instance, think about the time that you waste throughout the day; checking email when you should be working on that important project. Watching your favorite TV show all day, when you should be studying for a test, completing a work-related task, or filling out forms that require a deadline. How about talking on the telephone or just browsing the Internet when you have other important tasks to do?

The following is a list of solutions that can help you overcome these time wasters:

• Checking Email- As a busy mother and business woman, I need to keep up with email. Simple solution. I carry my Motorola Cliq with me, in case I have priority messages. I can check my email several times per day without having to go to my computer. I can preview emails and even answer them from my phone. This way I can check email without the temptation of browsing the Internet and wasting time. Then I check my emails online once per day and delete the old messages. I then file the ones that I want to save into a folder called "Saved Emails". If I want to review an email later, I file it into a folder called "For Review". I also schedule time to review these items and decide whether to save or delete.
• Phone calls. Caller ID. I know this sounds selfish, but screening calls is a plus when you are pressed for time. Some people are not as time- concious as you are, or are trying to be. They will talk for hours if you let them. Now if you have customers or colleagues, then you want to pick up the phone for them, but still keep it short and precise, (to the point). If your best friend wants to call and have a gossip session, turn your voicemail on, and call her back later.
• Watching TV/Browsing the Internet. I run a home-based business, and it is real easy to become too comfortable at home. I homeschool my children and its the same thing. We have so many distractions and temptations that are grabbing for our attention. So what to do when you work/school from home? Turn the TV off. Put away your remotes and focus on your to-do lists. Work before play always bring prosperity.

Start now. Do these things to increase productivity. You have to start now and be persistent and consistent. Thanks for blogging with me. It's time for me to log off. Have to get some sleep.

So glad it's the weekend

I'm so glad it's the weekend. I slept in until 8:30 AM. That's a plus for me, seeing that I wake up at 4:30-5:00 every morning. I want to just sit back and catch up on some reading and some favorite TV shows, perhaps. Yes, it's one of those days. I'm always on the go. Today, I don't want to go anywhere, but to my bed. And you know what? I think I will.
I have to get the children ready for back-to-school. Yes, next week is the big one for them. More planning and more things to do for me. But that's the life of a Mom-preneur.

I hope that you are enjoying your day. I hope you have a happy and safe one, whatever is you are doing. That's what is important. That's the latest in the Days in the Life of a Mom-preneur. Thanks for blogging with me, until next time.

Boy! Shopping and Paying Bills is just like going to work

Today was bill and shopping day. It was like going to a full-time job.  It seemed extra hard today though. My son was in one of his "all-nighter" moods. This means he wanted to stay up all night. I had to get up and get an early head start, but just couldn't seem to get going. I wanted to plop back in bed, pull the covers over my head and sleep the day away. But who would pay the bills? Who would shop for the kids? I had to get up.

On these kinds of days, this is the time when your motiviation and perserverance must kick in. You want to sleep in, but you know you can't. These are the times when sacrifice shows you what it really is and does. I so get it. But now I am looking forward for the sun to go down, because I will enjoy my bed tonight. I am pleased that I got up today, because all the things I needed to do are done and that's worth all the sacrifice in the world; taking care of my priorities; my family and household.  Work hard at achieving your goals and you will reap the rewards later.

I'm curious to hear from you all. Leave your stories in the comments section. Tell me about your roughest day(s), when you just didn't want to get up. What did you do about it? And what was the outcome of your decision.

Thanks again for blogging with me and take care until next time.

Finally Caught A Break

Hey everybody. I know it's been awhile since my last post. That's because I've been running non-stop. I felt like Superwoman this week, but I sure didn't feel like her. If only I was made of steel. I think exercising was the most tedious this week. I decided to give the EA Active another try. It was pretty fun, because it allows you to have two players. So, I convinced my daughter to give it a try. She was sweating like I never seen her before. This Wii game really puts it to you.

Well, I'm going to keep it short this evening. I am so tired I can barely stay up. I think I'll skip watching 24 for tonight. It's time to just go crash, before I burn. Thanks a bunch for blogging with me. Good night.

Love is

Love is_____________ Fill in the blank.

Love is many things to each person. You have to look in side yourself to find out what love is to you. I could tell you over and over what something is, but you have to see it for yourself. I would like to share what the Bible says love is in 1 Corinthians 13.

Listen to this song by the lovely and talented Stacey Oricco



This is the definition of true love; not emotional or fabricated in nature; rather, genuine and agape in all its facets. It is the deep burning desire to give to someone even when they don't give back. It is the passion from the depth of one's soul to give and to forgive. It is the compassion of one's soul that moves them to do for someone who does not even return the favor. True love just is. It does not love because it is loved. It just is.

I hope that your soul finds this type of Love...

Just One of Dem Days

Today was just one of them days, when I wanted to be all alone. I had deadlines to meet, people to help, projects to complete, bills to pay, business tasks to complete, laundry piled-up, dishes to do, cats to care for, plants to water, food to cook, and I had to do this all before morning was over. Not to mention, my family had their demands, and it was just becoming a bit much.
Usually, the challenge didn't bother me. So what happened today? It was like a pressure cooker, with the steam pushing itself out the top. I usually have it all together, so I just decided to take a time out.

Posted here below is a song that goes way back; Monica's "Don't Take It Personal/Just One of Them Days"
I thought of this song and went to find it on YouTube. Thought I'd share it. If you are having, one of dem days, then take some time out for yourself. It's OK to, you know. You'll feel much better. You can relax, regroup and restart. Hope you enjoy the video and thanks for checking in. Take care!

Be Still My Soul

Today I was bit restless. I felt like something was missing in my life today. Out of all the blessings I could count, I still felt dissatisfied. I went to see Eclipse with my daughter today, and have to tell you that I am a sucker for romance. I loved the vampire and wolf action, but I must confess, I have to envy Bella. Yes, envy her. She has two guys fighting over her and she has to make a choice. I wish I had one guy who loved and admired me as much as Edward and Jacob do love and admire Bella. Yes, I am married and really try to put an effort into my marriage, as I believe we all should, but please see below.

Agape/Covenant Love: I think that kind of love only exist in G-d and fairy tales. Edward is so kind, gentle, caring and passionate. He has a warm heart, and the sad part about it is, he's not even human. So, my next question is, can humans love unconditionally and totally? Is there a soul mate out there for each of us? Does
G-d create someone special for everyone? Are we mismatched with people whom we have found lustfully attractive, but have no love for? Well, just look at the global divorce rate; every 2 out of 3 marriages end in divorce. Those who stay together, stay for several reasons other than love. And then they have extra-marital affairs, which causes more problems and closure.

Oh, if there were a love like Edward and Bella's on this planet. That would be a sight for sore eyes, because personally my eyes are tired of seeing the same old, same old. My heart is filled with joy when I watch the Twilight Saga. I love to watch Edward and Bella together. I do wish Jacob would just grow up though. Of course, the movie wouldn't get all the high ratings its getting, now would it!

That's just it. It's just a movie. Does love like Edward and Bella's really exist? I have yet to see it; two hearts beating as one, two souls in love with each other and two souls who live for the other; soul mates. That's two words people don't think about today when they get married. That's why there's such unhappiness in marriages. Marriage is a wonderful institution when it is shared by two people who really belong together. Just consider that before you say I do.

I sincerely wish you the best and thank you for blogging with me. Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you ;)

Being Spontaneous

Today I did something I never usually do. I did something spontaneous. OK, remember how I said we need to sit down and plan our day. I am usually rigid about my schedules and my plans, but today I did something out of the ordinary. My husband decided to take a trip down to the beach. I thought, are you out of your mind? Do you know how many things I have to do before the work day is over? Of course, that doesn't phase my husband. He lives for spontaneity. It drives a strict planner and "stick to the schedule" person up the wall.

Well, to say the least, we went to Virginia Beach and it was a great trip. I found some great bargains on swimwear for the kids. I picked up a couple of t-shirt souvenirs for myself, and even enjoyed a vanilla custard ice cream cone. Now it's back to business as usual. We're off to get an oil change and I will get back to my things to do. I guess it's OK to be spontaneous, as long as it does not take priority over your important tasks. I have to admit that I still brought my netbook on the trip to check emails and update my blog.

Well, back to my daily routine. I hope you all enjoy your day, and thanks for blogging with me. Until next time, take care and be safe.

Whew! Was it hot!

Today was a scorcher with highs reaching the low 100s. There was a a heat advisory issued for the past week, because of the heat wave. I just really hope everyone is taking these advisories seriously. Drink plenty of fluids and try to stay as cool as possible. If you have to work outside, use extra precautions. Don't forget your sunblock while you're out there.

While trying to beat the heat, I took care a couple of errands. We always try to plan our errands geographically. I write out an itinerary before leaving the house and my husband usually is the chaufer. He is very tough. He has to work the grave yard shift and still comes home to help out with the children, and the house. This weekend for Shabbat, he will be making corned beef, cabbage and rice. MMMM, I can bearly wait. He cooks in the crockpot, so it lasts a couple of days. Last weekend, he cooked a ziti dish in the crockpot which was totally to die-for.  Really great, since we both work and bearly have time to cook. This saves money and time.

Today, I planned the children's school lessons and we really had a great Bible lesson today. We studied about Israel and Judah, the divided kingdom and how G-d is restoring the land of Israel and bringing forth His promises in these last days. I have to tell you, I am more exciting about studying these books than I was as a child. I absolutely love it, because now, it makes more sense to me, than before. Before, it just seems that I was just reading and for nothing. But to know that these events of the Bible are taking place in our day, really makes a difference. It's literally exciting and awesome.

I have to search for a science curriculum that is appealing to my children. Again, if it is non-pertinent to their lives, they don't want to learn it. I feel the same way, most of the time. So, I guess that rubbed off on them.

Well, I'm going to make it brief, and am calling it a night. Thanks for blogging with me. Feel free to post your comments. Stop by again real soon, OK....

Today was a good day!

I can honestly say that today was  a good day. I woke up this morning with a sure purpose and didn't relent. It helped that I logged off of my Facebook page at a reasonable time; 12:30 AM... Yes, that's reasonable for me.

Don't want to look like this!

I was able to sleep through the night, which is usually not the norm. So, yes it was a good day. Sleep, as you know by now, is a commodity that can't be continuously sacrificed without sure consequences; consequences which will sooner or later command repayment, one way or another. Whether it be unproductivity, less energy, headaches, state of confusion, frustration or mood changes/irritability, it will take it's course.

I feel really good about the sleep thing; getting enough of. Just hope I can make it a habit. I was able to do some "summer" cleaning. I organized the shed, the downstairs linen closet and the living room. I found some items I had been looking for and I even found some items to stock my retail/outlet store with. My hubby and I took the items over to the store, ran a few errands; got gas for the car and gas for our bodies; (food shopping at Walmart).

We had pizza and watermelon for lunch; interesting combination, huh? It wasn't bad. Just didn't like the "new" recipe my hubby tried; beef sausage pizza. He tried some homemade pizza thing and my taste buds were saying, uh uh, not today. I tried to let him down easily. I tried not to offend him, while staying assertive. I absolutely hated his new recipe. So I decided to let him know without hurting my taste buds and hurting his feelings. I told him, "Hey, it's really nice to try new things, but sometimes they just are not appealing. What one person likes, another may not. I really appreciate you making lunch, but I would rather just stick with my regular cheese pizza".

This way I stand my ground without letting him down. It's very important that we stand firm in our beliefs and it's OK to not back down. But just use tact, so that you do not hurt anyone's feelings, and so that you will not be miserable.

I was able to also update my store policies. I'm working on a store manual. Even though I don't have employees yet, this is the perfect time to begin writing store policies. I do have help from family and to me they need to learn just as much about my business, especially if they are going to get involved.

At the end of the day, I was able to review children's homework and get laundry and dishes done.

Juggling between work and home life can keep you in a state of confusion. That's why I get my planner and calendar and keep it in tact. I also have to find some me time, during the day. Most of the times my days look like this:

But today I felt like this

Well, I'm getting ready for a new day. Will try the "sleep early thing" again. I'll be sure to keep you posted. Hope you get enough zzzs tonight. Tune in for more Days in the Life of a Mom-prenuer.

Handling Problems

Problems are inevitable, and they seem to come when you are least expecting them. Today, I checked my bank account, and to my surprise, (which I really should not have been), I found a pending charge from an online website design company, that was not supposed to be pending. Why? Because, I cancelled the webhosting a month ago. They even gave me a cancellation number and instantly deleted my account. Well, I guess they forgot to delete my bank account information.

This is why I hate signing up for programs that require your billing information up-front. If you can help it, try never to give them your information up-front. I know this may be hard, because nowadays, it's a requirement. So that's why I say try.

If you must use services that require up-front credit or banking information, make sure you keep accurate records of cancellation numbers, customer service contact numbers/addresses/email, billing information; (credit card or bank account used) and the name of the representative who assisted. Each time you call to fix a problem, take note of the information that they give you; jot down important notes, like other contact persons/numbers, reference numbers and any other instructions. Jot down the date of cancellation and file the information as pending..(until the problem has been resolved).

Be sure to check your bank/credit card account for any billing discrepencies. Should you find that you were unrightfully charged, gather all the pertinent information, and give them a call quickly. It does take time to fix some problems. We seem to get into them quickly, but fixing them is another story. So, be patient, be polite, but be timely, when dealing with situations like this.

I would hope you would never have to experience this, but if you have, then you know all too well, where I am coming from. You can relate. If you haven't experienced this, then great! Just be prepared. There's always a chance.

Well, that's it for now.  Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more!

Wow, Who ever Knew?

Who ever knew that you can get burn-out from running a home-based business? I have learned from experience that running a home-based business is not much different from running a regular run-of-mill business or a corporation. With any business, comes great responsibility and the need for time management.

I can really find a hard time relaxing, but I know I need to. So I have decided to schedule "no agenda times" during my days and weeks. This is time that I will not perform any business-related work. I will take a load off. I do know that you have to work hard, but working smarter, not harder, has proven to be more valuable.

The key is not to work more hours, but it is to work more efficiently in the hours that you do work. I have also decided to write in my vacation days on the calendar. This is a start for me, because I rarely, and do mean, rarely take vacations.

Well, that's the Days in the Life of A Mom-prenuer. I will be keeping you posted on more Momprenuer ventures in the very near future. So stay tuned, and Happy Mom-prenuering.