It Came to Me ....

Personalized Mealtime Tableware

2011-04-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

Make Mealtime and Gift Giving Fun, with Personalized Melamine Plates, Bowls, Trays, and Platters. From characters to animal print, from full names to initials personalize it to fit you. These Personalized Mealtime Tableware makes a great bridal shower, Christmas, thanksgiving, wedding, anniversary, or anytime Gift. Hear are some Great examples.

Alphabet Plate

Brown Zebra Personalized Plate

Orange you square Personalized Platter

Blue and white interlocking personalized melamine Tray

Order your custom creation today!!!

Having a Baby Shower? where to start? Pt 2

2011-02-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

Just a recap, you have picked out your location, selected your invitations from giftsforallnc , and now you ready to go, OK well almost. Do you have your addresses ready to go, do you plan on labeling or writing your address on the envelopes? When you order your Invitations from us, save some time and purchase your return address printed on the envelopes, save you time. We also offer labels (will be online soon). OK now we are ready to move on.

You have invited all these lovely people to your party, what are you going to do? Decorations are a big part to any party, the atmosphere sets the mood of the party. Customized printable party packs (will be online soon) by giftsforallnc makes a party statement just for you. Can be personalized to you with your name, baby name, match the invitations. You can also have matching water bottle labels, candy wrappers, thank you cards, food labels and banner to name a few.

What about food? Depending on the time and location of your party food is important. You can have basic finger food, chips, dip, veggie platter, fruit platter, Drinks, Cake, and maybe some meat rolls. I always liked to feed my guest. I hate for someone to come and leave because they are hungry. What did i serve at mine? There was a veggie and fruit platter, party meat balls (meat balls made with 1/2 jelly 1/2 BBQ sauce) sounds funny but very good, chicken wings, red rice and beans. Its a party a celebration and that's what i wanted it to be. It a chance to be with family and friends. Did i mention Cake and Drinks. One of my favorite drinks was a virgin strawberry daiquiri, easy to make easy to enjoy.

You have the food, basic decorations this one big one.. a Centerpiece. what about a Diaper Cake? A Diaper Cake not only doubles and a centerpiece but makes a great gift for a mom. You can fill it up with lotion, soaps, you name it. We specialize in Matching your theme, so if there is an idea, a style you want to match please just let us know.

You are now on your way to having a perfect baby shower. If at anytime you don't feel like planning hire a party planner, let them do all the hard work for you. Here is a great one to use http://www.partiesandcupcakes.com/ .

Stay tune for Part 3, party favors finalizing.

Having a Baby Shower? where to start? Pt 1

2011-02-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

Its not everyday that you can celebrate a new life coming into your life. I doesn't have to be your baby it can be a friends, a sisters, cousins who ever every baby deserves to be celebrated. So, where do you start? Start with a date. about 6-8 weeks before the baby is due is about a good time. About 36 weeks a mom usually want to pick up the last min items that they still need to bring the baby home. Saturday or Sunday are generally good days. once you know the date decide on location. Good places to have them, at a home, a Private room at a restaurant, or a hall.

Now that you have the location and date.. Its time to think of themes and order invitations. Here are some great ideas.

Shes About to Pop Baby Shower Invitation

Surprise Inside Baby Shower Invitation

Fill the Nursery Baby Shower Theme

Now that you have selected your baby shower invitation from Gifts for all NC now its time to plan everything else.

welcome 2011

2011-01-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2011, this year has started with a big ol bang.. new invitations, new design, one yr for the new design. I have a huge list of things i want to do this yr so stay with us. Dont forget to join our mailing list. here are some of our new designs.

BBQ Party Invitation

Engagement Martini Bridal shower Invitations

A Little Birdy Baby Shower invitation

Toy Story inspired birthday invitation

photo engagement save the date

30th birthday retro- electronics birthday invitation

sweet pea girl birth announcement ( avalible in boys)

Sweet 16 birthday invitation, Pink Carpet Birthday invitation

Icecream social birthday invitation

Ladybug birthday invitation

Mini Note Pad Books Sale and more

2010-11-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hello All

I know it's been a while. Family life, business, and Now SCHOOL!!! yes im back to school. So before i forget, Sign up for our newsletter. You will not only receive sales before they are listed, but you get a chance to win a FREE INVITATION DESIGN. Yes i said FREE a $30.00 Value.

Here is the first Sale of the holiday season

Mini Books Special

Family Holiday Card

Holiday Cards Are Up

Dont miss out on sharing your pretty family with your extended family and friends. Here are some great designs option you can purchase.

and other Holiday Cards

Have a Great ThanksGiving and Happy Holidays to all

http://www.giftsforallnc.com/

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

2010-07-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Every day there a need for something, roof over our heads, water, power, food, help, and no matter what we go though kids go through too. There are families that cant supply there kids with the basic school supplies that they need due to there personal situation. I know i may not have much but i cant let a child go with out there basics for school. so i have an announcement

BIG BIG BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Starting today July 13th, 2010 to Aug 15th, 2010, Gifts for all NC will be having a school supply drive sale. For ever purchase proceeds from the sale will go to buying school supplies for local school children. The more sales the more supplies.

Whats is my goal :

(2) 15 x 15 x 15 box full of basic supplies, pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, book bags, composition books, sharpeners, pencil cases, index cards, file boxes, what ever is needed.

How can you help:

Purchase great cards, design packages, diaper cakes, invitations, gift certificates, anything that we offer.
Tell a friend
Spread the word ( post on your blog, twitter, facebook)
Support Us

Thank you so much for you help...

Updating..

2010-07-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

I know i haven't blogged lately, man its been crazy.. you know that thing called life, yes that thing that happens everyday. It caught up with me and i couldn't neglect it. Any who.. I have updated my website http://www.giftsforallnc.com/ added Birth announcements , birthday invitations, baby shower invitations, and much more. Stay tune for more announcements coming up..

Favorite quote of the week: positivity breeds positivity so i stay positive and look up, life gave me lemons i made lemon drop martinis lol.

http://www.giftsforallnc.com/

who would of thought

2009-11-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

who would of thought getting busy designing would reek havoc on updating my website. I have so much i want to do on there including adding new products, adding a shopping cart.. but boy i tell having kids, being homemaker and running a business, WOW.. anyone whos is the same situation prayer to you all.. i think i need a day to my self that i can sleep, and then work on my site, then sleep.. and work and sleep again.. ok add eat in there.. anywho.. it will be done soon.. i vow..

Have you been keeping up...

2009-11-02T19:22:00.001-08:00

have you been keeping up with giftsforallnc.com. No?? well you should be. I am I'm the process of updating my site offline and trying to get everything on there, all the diaper cakes, cards, logos, every thing i have done. Its hard but i need to be able to show off the great work i have been doing. I have been updating my facebook page for giftsforallnc so you can go there and see some of the new diaper cakes, new holiday photo cards, logos.. you name it. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Gifts-For-All-NC/53454152936?ref=nf . Don't forget to become a fan and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter. Great specials will be coming out and you want to be able to get the discounts and chances for freebies.. Don't miss out.

How to remove labels from a jar

2009-06-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

I know if you look all over the Internet there's this and that, use this soak this, use lighter fluid.. etc.. all great but since i can only speak about what i used i thought i share.

what you will need

Tea kettle

wooden clothes pin

water

rubbing alcohol if needed

here is what i did. I took the water and filled up the tea kettle and let it boil. Once it was boiling it was time to work. you know that little hole that the steam comes out that is going to be your tool to help take it off.

Warning: please be careful water is very hot and can burn

take the clothes pin grab the end of the label and allow a burst of stem to hit the label to and start pulling gently. The stem will loosen the glue and allow the labels to come off easily. and there you of the label is off. but if for some odd reason the glue is still on there.. use the edge of the clip and push it off ( if that make since) . but if you take it slow you will have very little or no glue left on the jar.

I Had to do this on plastic jars with the product still in it so i wanted to make sure that it was kept safe, clean and didn't compromise the integrity of the product.

hope this help you. if there is any questions feel free and ask.

What to name my new wedding programs?

2009-05-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

yes i know i can just list it as wedding programs but its not the same. All my items have a name to it. and this time i just went brain dead. So im calling on my people ( you guys) to help me.

NAME MY NEW WEDDING PROGRAMS!!!!

is it ever ok to give up??? repost

2009-04-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

So I was out this weekend and taking to a lady that was a group outing, and she was very talented . and we were talking and she mentioned that sometimes she want to give up cause shes not getting the sales she need to keep it going, and then she get sales not much and then get praises from the customers and thats why she does it because people love the work. and we keep on talking. I completely understand what she means. I too have my days of wanting to give up, not continue, then i make a couple of sales. I guess god is like -I gave you this, use it.. your not giving up till i tell you too. So I remember that i posted a blog a while back about is it ok to ever give up. i wanted to repost it.

Is it ever ok to just give up???
Is it ever OK to just give up? That's a question that i ask myself every day. Should i just give up being a sahm? Should i give up trying to be build my business? Should i give up being me? NO NEVER... the whole point of life is to grow and succeed. To me even if its a micro mini step in the positive is a Big step to success, One step to my goal, One more reason not to give up.Things to remember for not give up.- You are you! good, bad ,what ever. Love yourself and love life even in the time of sorrow.- Know that there is always someone in your corner. May not be financially but someone is there.- Prays are only a word, a key, a call away. Sometime we may need a pray to keep us going. That's OK, as long as you don't give up.-Last but not lease, You have a dream, a goal, a talent, Don't let it go to waste.If anyone can learn anything from me NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

Every day is a chance

2009-03-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

every day is a chance for me to be the change, it starts with me. even with no money i can help. help by holding a door, help a lady check out, share coupons with a stanger, offer my skills for someone that need it. If i have and i can share i will. Only if more people can do that. I saw a guy not even willing to help a lady helping who pushing a lady in a wheel chair uhhh why couldnt he.. i helped her with two kids one on the hip other to the side. shes like as many times as i have taken them to the doctor no one has offered to help me except the nurses.. you are very nice. I didnt do it for a thanks just to make things easier on her. The small things make a big diffrence.

It spoke to me-- womenade

2008-10-22T15:56:00.001-07:00

Sometimes things will speak to you. Weather its a dream or if its something someone ask you about. Recently, I was asked if i wanted to do a couple of holiday bazaar / sales/hay day what ever you want to call it, and one of them really spoke to me. It was the Womanade Holiday Bazaar. There vision--"Through Womenade, the gap will be bridged to eliminate suffering among women in crisis." I think that is a great idea. please read more at there site http://www.womenadesos.org/index.html.

Also Visit the Holiday Bazaar Nov. 15, 2008--Take advantage of this all-in-one shopping opportunity, featuring local crafters and small businesses. Come shop with us to support local business and help Womenade serve local women in need at the same time.

I was hoping to part of it and sell some of my stuff in there but i don't have the income to do it.

your voice

2008-10-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

So i know i have MIA lately, things here have been a little crazy, from personal life to business. I promise i will come by and send a message.. Any who, With all the politics talk, i feel i should way in a little. I don't care who you vote for JUST VOTE!!! let your voice be heard. From local to president you need to heard counted. No matter your political belief stand up and tell how you feel.

I made a button you can add to your website, my space, or what ever.. feel free to use it.. just make sure it keeps my website on there..

this size is 150x150 if you need a different size feel free to contact me at admin@giftsforallnc.com and ask for another size. AND YES ITS FREE

So i was tested ....

2008-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

So as i was chatting with someone.. they said you said you like all types of music right? i said yeah why not.. so they sent me the link... http://theirritants.com/NewFiles/main.html so as i was listening though the listed song i got 3 songs stuck in my head... thanks so much, I'm going to dream about me wearing my "National Planet T-Shirt" , and MY THEME SONG( not all the time) but "I'm Always Late" by The Irritants. Everyone know i don't promote someone else unless i like it.. and it grew on me hope it does for you too.. they been around since 1985 so its been a while..

some times it takes a song to put a smile one your face after a bad week and this song made me smile and its starting my week of good. :)

here's you the irritants of Chicago / Cincinnati -- hope you don't mind me posting this...

Playing Catch up

2008-08-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

well lately i have been playing catch up, cleaning, work, SLEEP.. yup the last one is a big one. The kids are awake all the time it seems, or just trying to get things done cuts into sleep time. the joy of working from home with your own business. if it means $$ you do it.

So in my week of catching up blogging is one if them.

I have sent out my first wave of newsletters last week and have gotten good responses from it. If you haven't received it and you would like too.. the link is on my blog...
<-------------- over there-- so please sign up I send it out once every 3 mths, have more then sales, it have good stuff.. so just take the time and read it .. if after a couple of issues you dont like it you can unsubscribe. but i hope you dont.

I have also Did the LLL- A family A fair on sat. went very well. Met some greet people, and business owners also. I met the owner of Smart Momma in Raleigh, GREAT STUFF... LOVE IT. I also met another vendor who told me about a christian comedian going to be in Durham in sept. have the sheet... but you may want to look it up... sound like fun..

well back to work for me.. will update some more later.. as i said im playing catch up...lol

BUUUUSSSSSYYY week

2008-08-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yes saturday im doing the lll a family a fair at bond park in cary. Im getting items together for sale, getting my book together, making sure things are in order. so along with it i have my newsletter going out. and i designing that, and then im trying to make money in the mean time.. it tell ya...lol..

but first wave went out.. If you havent sign up for the newsletter do so.. great info in there. the link is on the side where it say submit e-mail address

ameriplan

2008-07-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a great lady the other day and gave me some great info. After asking her if i can pass the info on she said yes. Hope you all get some good info from it . I Did.

Limited Time Only! Receive $300 Worth of Free Gas! Call For More Details. Need Healthcare but can't afford Insurance Premiums? We have Dental Plans starting at $19.95/month for an Entire Household or an Individual Plan for $14.95/month. These Plans include Prescription, Vision and Chiropractic Discounts. Save up to 80% on all Dental Costs and up to 70% on your Prescriptions. We also offer Medical Plans as well, our Plans start at $29.95/month for an Entire Household. This plan includes Specialists, Primary Physicians, and Hospital Services. Membership Fee Guaranteed for Two Years. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee! We are also seeking Reps in your area P/T - F/T, Daily Pay with Benefits. For more information, Please contact me at 888-418-9332, MFonseca@ameriplan.net. Visit www.mybenefitsplus.com/40595547 for Benefits and www.freedomathometeam.com/40595547 for Biz Opportunity.

what to do....

2008-07-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

I never been the one to say this works better then that and so on, But when something works I'm all for it. So the other day yet again rice burned in my house, I'm my stainless steel pot. So as i was searching online and couldn't find a good answer i just went and looked in my cabinet and said something has to work. Looked and kept coming back to my open box of course kosher salt. It was like a glow around the box, I was hearing music... OK not that much but you get the idea. So I poured the salt I'm my pot waited a little bit, took my pot scrubber and just started cleaning it. The course salt works like an exfoliater on the pot, and take the burnt stuff off. You may need to repeat it and takes it takes a little elbow grease but it works.

I hope it works for you as it did for me

Marketing stratagies #2

2008-06-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

I know it takes money to make money.. but when is it to much to handle. You need money for samples, for advertisement, for gas, for logos, web sites, business cards, flyer's, etc etc... the list goes on. So what can you to cut down the cost. This is what i did may not be the best for you but its working for me.

- Some times you have to take a lost to get ahead.

- Take how much you have to invest (ie: 50 dollars, 100 dollars, 1000 dollars, or 0 dollars) and take 10-25% off it and figure out what you can do with it.

- Utilize your free resources, online classifieds, friends sites, any thing.

- Barter. You may know some one that needs a gift for a wedding and you can provide that, and they can provide design, or printing. use it.

- Find companies that specialize in small, new business. they are more likely to work with you. And take there time and answer questions that you may have, no matter how silly they are.

-Ask around, ask for help. other small business can give you advice what they have learned, who they have worked with.

Just remember never give up, and ask for help if you need it.

clearing my mind...

2008-06-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

-every day is unique. Each day pose something new and exciting to challenge your mind. With new challenges you grow, inside and out. mentally you feel drained but the next time It comes at you you will know what to do or at least what not to do.

- I have a new addiction.. its plurking.. make new friends, and type... where iming meets blogging.. lol...

- I so wish my car was working so i can get out the house and explore, go to the park with the kids, have fun, meet other adults.. but the car not letting me.. oh well till it get fixed...

- new designs are coming soon.. I get ideas form any where ... looking at trees, having a conversation, anything.. you never know what some ones mind can do.

- I HAVE 2 BOXES OF FOOD THE THE FOODBANK OF NC.. WOHOO.. NEED MORE.. SO PLEASE HELP

- Its OK to ask for help the worse that someone could say is no.

- don't take ask before doing it.. even if its a flower off your neighbors plant you never know they may say yes go ahead..

Marketing strategies #1

2008-06-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

When having a business we consider several things, what to sell/to do to make money, how much can i bring in, and where to start. Once you know what your going to do you need to consider things, location, online, how much money to invest, just general where to start. As I learn from personal experience, trials, and others people, what works and doesn't, and i will share them with you so you can have success in what you do.

My marketing strategies for this week is love what you do. If you love what you do and is passionate about what you sell you will make sales. You are also marketing yourself along with your product. If you don't like what you do, don't do it. It will show in your work, your customer service, and in your sales. People just doesn't by your product because of the price , they buy partly because of you. So if you are not passionate, love what you do then fine something else that you are passionate, and love to do.

Other ways to help the charity of the mth

2008-06-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Not good at guessing.. that's OK. maybe you need something for a gift... a diaper cake, a gift basket, need note cards, party favors anything. I will be adding more Items for sale and with the purchase of these items 1-8 cans of food will be donated to the food bank of NC.

What is the goal $100- 200 pieces of food. You can also take a guess with out paying the dollar ( local only) if you are close to me you can fill out the guess form and donate food directly to me.. there plenty of ways to help...

Help me help them

Mommy Happy!!!

2008-06-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

So last night was pizza night in my house didnt feel like cooking. The kids was hungry-- got tomato sauce everywere... but on me.. what did i have on a white tee shirt, something i normally dont wear because i have his with messy hands-- moms know what i mean--. Ate dinner do sauce on me WOHOO... got the kids out the chair and i still didnt get anything on my shirt... WOHOO... I felt so proud... Mommy Happy. I HAVE A WHITE NON STAINED SHIRT... Now that something to to make anyone happy...lol

Charity of the month

2008-06-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

The other day while i was watching the new, they were doing a story about the food bank of NC. They mentioned that there have been a rise in people need food, and not that many donations coming in especially in the summer. In the summer there is more of an increase of people needing food because the kids are out of school. As the story was told something in my heart needed to do something, but i didn't know what. Every mth I donate proceeds from a certain item sold to a charity of choose. But this needs more then that, Its need Us, you and I to making a donation of a $1.00 or more to make this successful.

This mth charity of the month will work a little different. You have a change to win prizes worth over $50.00.

Click the link below to get started.

http://www.giftsforallnc.com/Charityofthemonth.html

Thank for you for all your help

clearing my mind

2008-05-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Clearing my mind....

-Not all the time is it easy to stay TRUE to yourself when you have your own business. You didn't make it this far if you wasn't true to yourself. Being true to yourself, ideas, your thoughts is what makes you.

-Being creative isn't easy, its a gift that come naturally to people, me being one of them. But some times you have a block.. a creative block... you can see what it is but it just doesn't transcribe well on paper, in software, nothing. I tell ya I'm working on a logo for someone.. and in the process of making that one i came up with two other ones because it looked better for that then what i was working on. go figure..

-Sometimes we all need help, were just to proud to ask for it. Weather its with a job, moving, spiritually, physically, financially, just ask. The worst thing they can say is no. but most of the time people are willing to help if its for a good cause.

-Cutting back sucks. With the prices of gas going up to $4 a gallon, basic necessity's going up, where can we cut back some more. no eating out, don't do much of that, don't go anywhere-- cant no gas, turning off the house phone-- need it to have the Internet--wohoo blah... cant cut insurance, buy in bulk cant all the time only have enough for one not the 5 pack. uhhh... i know I'm not the only one going through this and we really shouldn't have to cut out things just to afford 5 gallons of gas -$20 bucks worth of gas... I miss the days of $.89 , or even $2.50 for that matter...

-Whats for dinner... Oh i don't know. Today sounds like a good day for a 30min or less meal. Maybe shrimp with pasta, and salad, or grilled blacked chicken and rice and beans... hmmm the choices.

What is a true friends...

2008-05-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

What is a true friends....

A true friends are there for you in good time and in bad. To listen to problems of each other. They are the ones that tell you " ehhh... that looks tacky" and you dont get mad. True friends are there for you when you need it. True Friends are there to comfort you when you need smile, drink a bottle of wine, or eating a gallon of fudge ripple ice cream or yummy hd- vanilla swiss almond.. yummy... True friends are are more then friends they become your family, they are your sisters, or brothers, your friends.

Im so sick of spam

2008-05-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

I swear, this last week I was hoping to get emails for business someone wanting to order something... but noooo.... all i have been getting is spam. apparently i can get make my shaft 6inch longer in over night, i can have a fling with some girl name stacy from some were, and i need Viagra on top of it. DUDE IN A CHICK... not a dude and even then they don't want to that. Even better i just won a lottery that i didn't even play... wohoo go me in so lucky to have my e-mail address pulled out of thin air... uhhhh... Im so sick of spam... good thing is thats, it is prob. the .1% of spam that is sent to me daily. I wish it will go away... I bet the one day(never) that i need to make my shaft grow 6inch over night, and take Viagra i wont get any information on it.....

uhhh... spam spam go away.. don't come back another day...lol...

Hey look at me....

2008-05-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have a feature spot on a blog... wohoo... yay.... gotta love it...
http://moms-united.blogspot.com/

and we have comments.... yay....

Expo Update...

2008-05-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts for me for the woman's expo. I have to say thank you to everyone who helped me get there. I couldn't have done it with out you guys. So Friday I went saw the booth and I was in front of Macy's door. I started slow because the mall was slow. but I did get some prospects that day had people sign up for news letters, took guess at the jelly beans, made sure they had my cards read for when they need it in a couple of mths. baby town I tell ya. I had one lady come up to me older lady wish she had someone to give it to because she loved the product and was proud of me for doing it and being young. she even got on the phone and called some grand mama's at the church and started a prayer chain and took some post cards and business cards to take to them. I did get info for future orders, was asked if I wanted to do a kiosk at the mall, do a on base show that they having on Thursday. Saturday was a better day. I did a donation for the silent auction, and I didn't get it back so it sold...lol.. WOHOO... and walked around talk to other business people... getting my name out just like they are. Gave away over 100 bags, over 200 business cards, and TALKED TALKED TALKED... not to mention I sold 2 cakes, and have custom orders one for announcement and one for a logo package( both were from vendors that I talked too). and met some really nice ladies. Talk to a couple of ladies that want to do something for baby shower- new baby gifts for troops families . so im working on a package for them. Over all it was a great experience, and would do it again... as long as I had the $$ to do it.

Busy Week...

2008-05-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be really busy. I (Gifts For All NC) will be at 9TH ANNUAL W.O.M.E.N.S EXPO 2008 May 9th and 10th at Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville, NC . Dont forget to come by and shop, purchase and place your orders for your custom items. Any who to keep on track I made my goals for this week.

business
- get everything ready for the expo Friday and Saturday
- make 7-8 diaper cakes
-2-3 wood keepsake boxes
- 3- washcloth mints boxes
- print pictures for portfolio (again)
- make candle favors
-make birth announcements
- make another tutu basket

Personal
- make healthy dinner
- have play time with the kids
- get some sleep
- NOT TO LOSE MY SANITY

going green..

2008-04-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

I know green is the rage, but its good to be green. When going green you need to do what is best for your family, your business, yourself. Take one step at a time, you don't have to do everything all at once. I know I'm not the greenest person but i have taken some steps in the positive direction. Here are things that i have done for my life.. and still going.

Home
-I switch the light bulbs that are in regular use.
-I keep lights off when not in use and in the day time.
-I open window instead of using the AC.
-Tuning off items when not in use
-Turn off water when not in use.
-Use reusable bags where ever i go, including craft stores
-unplug unused appliances
-use old shirts, fabric for rags to clean instead of paper towel
-Depending on the item buying used.. Reduce reuse recycle
-Recycle paper, bottles and cans
- Any thing that i don't use i freecycle it- try to keep it from going to the landfill

Art Time
-Use fabric- canvas fabric for paint time.. spills are OK because at the end season all that painted canvas makes a cute abstract art work- provided by the kids
-Use branches, acorns, leaves from art work instead of buying them. Nature provides it for free
-the accidental drops of plates, mugs, glassware is now Mosaic table top
-Reuse paint brushes, when they get old and worn to use use the stick part of the brush for another project.
-Those old holed jeans that i had made a nice pocket book for playtime for girls, quilt for nap time, and fun throw pillows.

Business
I try to make everything reusable. Eco-friendly products are costly, but are worth it if that is what my customer wants.
-When making my cakes i make sure the flowers can be reused for decoration, art project or even re gift when cake is taken apart.
-Cake base even though it is cardboard, you can uses it for a wall clock just add the arms and numbers and there you go.
-The ribbon well what cant you do with ribbon-- use them on gifts, if you crafty make a ribbon pillow case, use it for hair bows, or on a hair bow holder. Use it for trim on a fabric piece.. maybe that pocket book that you made out your old jeans.
-Use recyclable paper
- Go paperless- E-mails, E-faxes, E- invoices, IM's when ever i can.
-When designing items for sale, I try to think of what people actually use. Not all the time do we want to keep 6 packs of notepads around, or order 100 of something when you only need 25-50. So with all my designs I have a design package only, buy the design with out all the papers. Its set up for an easy print, saved so you can print what you need when you need it.

There is so much more that I do (can do more) and you can do too.. but for now I hope that this inspires you to try something.

Thank you to all my sponsors

2008-04-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Thank You to all my sponsors who helped me get to the womans expo. I couldnt do it with out you guys... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU... XOXOXOXOXO

-Cathy, Wear Patch - Lose Weight
90 days to a slimmer you!
www.nexagenusa.com/mspatching
It is an all natural weight loss patch - not stimulant driven but safe and effective. There have been some amazing results reported from people who have used this product not only with the weight loss but all around health and wellness issues. We also have other all natural wellness products in our line that are some of the best products on the market - Calcium, Multi-Vitamins, Mood Harmonix and our 'sleeping giant' Cell Energy Elixir (l-carnatine).

-Bonni Alexander,Realtor Remax Regency
Licensed in Virginia
http://www.bonnialexander.com/
http://balexander.teamregencyhomes.com/

-Amanda Brooks , my seriesse
www.myseriesse.com/?ID=amandabrooks

-Lori- Country Potpourri
decorate your home.... Celebrate your stylecandles, bath, lip butter and much more
http://www.countrypotpourri.com/

-Tara- Hip Hop Mama Shop
tutus and other trendy items
http://www.hiphopmamashop.com/

-Becka - Learn and Grow Together
Connecting families through education, communication,love, and most importantly...FUN! Sign Language.
http://www.learnandgrowtogether.com/

-Amy Watson - Au Pair Care
Live- In Childcare
http://www.aupaircare.com/

I can remember.....

2008-04-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Its sad to say "I can remember ( fill in the blank)", and lately i have been. Not even about the stuff that's OK to remember, like having the posters of your favorite group in your wall, going on your first date, when you wore this. But lately I have been saying to myself and others, I can remember when....

I can remember when gas was .89 cents. When it went up to .99 it was an out rage... then if you needed a ride any were it was OK to ask a friend and give them 5 in gas... now 5 in gas will do nothing in some area maybe a gallon of gas that's enough to get to the next gas station.

I can remember when going to the grocery store and getting eggs, milk, and bread for 5 if not less. now a dozen of eggs are 2.19, milk 4.99 a gallon, bread-- cheap one 1.50. Its sad that just getting the basics is killing us.

I can remember when OJ ( orange juice) was 3.00 or so a gallon... now well its just omg.. OJ good for the body Vit. C, folic acid, bla bla bla.. but for the pocket it will set you back.

I'm not a big political person, but i want someone in office that can help all of this, don't care if your red, green, white, black, purple, man or woman, dem. or repub. We are suffering, and not because we went out last week and spent it all on useless things, but just getting the basic necessities, food, water, gas, power, roof over our heads. If you make min. wage, and you move to an apartment that is in a less crime area so your family can be safe you will pay at least 600 a mth. then with the rising gas prices, food prices, water and energy cost, something has to give and its usually food, or safety for your family. Its just sad, when middle America becomes lower America and not because they want to its just to survive. its just sad...
( all views are from me... )

I just want to remember the good things, remember when we can make it with out struggling for necessities.. Just want all of us to be happy, Live happy.

We can do it, I have faith that it will all pan out.

I took a well needed vacation

2008-04-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

I took a vacation.. Yes i did!!! well in my mind i did. I managed to have an hour to my self no kids yelling mommy, not cooking dinner, not working, nothing, It was just me, myself, and I. So what did i do on my vacation... I took a pee with the door closed. I took a shower with hot water, washed my hair, shaved, brushed my teeth, and went to sleep with no kids in the bed. Slept for hours it was peaceful.. just like a well needed vacation.

ohhhhhhhh......ahhhhhhhhh......... ::snap, snap:: vacation over back to mommy land.

Seriesse

2008-04-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a wonderful ground floor opportunity with a company that has a proven track record in customer satisfaction for 12+ years! I am talking about Seriesse International. I would like to give you a little background information about Seriesse.

Like many young girls, Jennifer dreamed about the glamorous lifestyle of a fashion model—meeting celebrities, traveling to exotic places, and shopping in the finest stores. By conventional wisdom, it probably should have remained just a dream. After all, she was one of seven children whose father died when she was only 12 and whose mother struggled to provide even the basics for her family. But Jennifer chose to go beyond the limitations of conventional wisdom. Blessed with both natural beauty and an unswerving determination, Jennifer Flavin set out to make her mark in the competitive world of modeling.The one real threat to her success, though, was her recurring acne. Despite all kinds of cleansers and diets and cover-ups, despite scrubbing her skin raw, despite everything she tried, Jennifer still experienced the humiliation and hardship of being turned away from some modeling jobs because of her acne.The development of the Seriesse product line started with finding a solution that worked for Jennifer and then grew into a line of products that has been a top-selling brand on television for over twelve years.

Jennifer Flavin-Stallone and her husband, Sylvester (Rocky), have set out to help others who are struggling and provide them with a business opportunity that is not only easy to start and doesn't require a big investment, but that has products that actually work! With those two key ingredients, Seriesse International makes for a wonderful ground floor opportunity!

Have you ever wished that you had been at the right place at the right time? Well you are there NOW! Seriesse International is going into it's second year and now is the time to make your mark! You have found that opportunity that promotes beauty from the inside out. Between Jennifer's award-winning skin care and mineral makeup line to Sly's S-force nutritional products that are endorsed by many well-respected doctor's internationally, you have an opportunity that will far surpass any other that you have tried in the past.

I would like to invite you to visit my Seriesse website and learn more about the products (click on each product to see a video demo of how to use the product!) and the opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. The cost involved in Seriesse is only $29.95 (plus sales tax and shipping) and the website is only $49.95 (plus tax) for the first YEAR and $29.95 a year after that! You will LOVE the back office! You have video training and a wealth of information at your fingertips!

We just recently had a webcast celebrating the first year in business. There are so many wonderful new things coming out and the response is just wonderful! The compensation plan has been carefully thought out and maximizes earnings throughout every step in this exciting business venture. The company currently has 8000 consultants. Seriesse has spend twelve years laying the foundation for this business, they have done the hard work, now they are passing the torch and letting us, the consultants, build it even bigger and enjoy the rewards of our success!

I would like to invite you to go to my website, www.myseriesselife.com and see what there. Feel free to contact me with any questions. I offer samples and catalogs also.

Looking for sponsors

2008-04-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am doing a woman expo in Fayetteville the week of mother day’s weekend. And I am looking for sponsors’ to help me make it there. If you have a business, or know a business that would like to do this let me know. For being a sponsor and helping me get to the expo, you will receive.

$10 sponsor- will get there info on my blog and business card/ flyer in the bags at the expo at my booth
$20 sponsor- will get web banner ad for a yr on shops by moms, info on my blog, and info in the bags at the expo
$25 and up sponsor- will get web button on my site, banner ad on shops by moms, info on my blog and info in the bags at the expo

HAPPY SALE

2008-04-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Sale Happy Sale --- MY BABY DOESNT NEED SURGERY... SO IM HAVING A HAPPY SALE

BOGO, BTGO, BOGT, BOGO- Buy one get one

Buy Invite or Announcement get Thank you design for free- you print only design

sample:

Buy Logo get Basic Banner for Free

Buy Printable Note pad design get one Free

Sample:

Buy 1 yr Ad space 125 x 125 button Get the rest of this yr for free

BTGO-

Buy Two get one Buy Two Baby Mini Diaper Cakes get 3rd for free- equal or lesser value

sample:

Buy Two Sets of Custom Clothes pins clips Get one set for free

samples:

BOGT- Buy one Get Two

Buy A Box Of Baby sweet treat mints w/box - and get 2 custom clothes pins clips same pattern

Buy One Full Size Diaper Cake Get 2 custom clothes pin clips for free

PREMADE LOGOS- 10 DOLLARS
BANNERS- 5.00

BUTTONS 2.50
MINI Diaper cake- 20.00

KEEPSAKE BOX- 15.00

SMALL KEEPSAKE BOX-10.00
CANDY WRAPPERS / bag toppers

PERSONALIZED NAPKIN RINGS

LINED Envelopes

ASK ABOUT PARTY IN A BOX, BABY SHOWER IN A BOX.

I try to fit in your budget so ask about budget friendly products. Want to pass on my happiness to you. when you purchase you also will be helping me get a booth at the expo..

wohooo

2008-04-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

do you mind if I toot my own horn a little. So a couple of min. ago I did a search for diaper cakes.. over 160,000 yes I said it 160,000+. One time a long time I ago I was in page 30 or so if not further behind.. don't know there's a lot if diaper cakes out there. any who.. while doing the search im on page 10... 98 I think it was ... IM UNDER A 100.. WOOOHOOO. I know that far away from #1 but I think that is a huge accomplishment considering how many is out there.

I said all of that to say its ok if your not #1 right now, keep working striving and to be #1 and you will be there... NEVER GIVE UP.

IM SO HAPPY!!!!!

2008-04-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

well were back from the doc and DEVIN DOESNT NEED TO HAVE SURGERY. WOHHOOOOO... they said that the all the sutures that needed to be open are and his brain has enough room to grow normally. but he still has the ridge but other then that hes ALL GOOD...!!!! I tell you im so happy i can cry, drink, have a party, Im going to have a sale for my business.. to pass my happiness on...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS

I'M NOT OLD...I'M A MOM

2008-03-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Feel free to laugh at anytime..

I'm not old, I'm a mom. I have said that at least 3 times today. Today was such a nice day the kids and i went out and hit some stores. We went to one store, no names here... but there was a shirt that i was looking for, while i was searching two younger ladies no older then 22 walked by and said "... hahaha look at this shirt only old people wear that...." I said to myself... but i like that shirt.. its basic, clean cut, easy to care for... that's not an old person shirt". Needless to say i ended up not getting anything, they didn't have my size.

As the day continues we walked by(after spending 3 min getting the kids out the car seat into stroller's) a loud group of woman.. not I'M GOING TO BE LOUD FOR THE HELL OF IT... just a carrying voice, any who we walk by and they are talking about shoes (hint we were near a shoe store) "...oh i love your new shoes, they going to look great with your blue dress...." then someone else said " I so wouldn't be able to wear that dress if i was a mom, the stretch marks, the puff belly.. and anyway I'm to young to me a mom... I haven't had my 30th birthday party yet... haha its only a mth away..." as the laughter continues I'm thinking to my self.. shes older then i am.. and i have 2 kids.... am i to old to be cool....I'm still in my twenties. So we go in on of my favorite stores and my dd said "mommy pink, pink paper, pink cup, .... green, green flowers, green color.... red, red paper, red flowers, red shirt.. mommy your short is red and white.. mommy pretty shirt... " after that i didn't feel old i felt proud, proud to be a mom, proud to have smart kids, proud that i was able to me a mom... with a a good a nice since of reality and comfort...lol..

I cant say thank you enough

2008-03-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

This week has just been HARD, really hard. Business, home, fine, but my 1yr old son needed to have his first (praying that its last) CT Scan. Yeah so i was freaking out... not even from the ct scan part , it was the whole thing everything, sedation, him getting the scan done, and finding out results that will come next week. Earlier this week i was OK, but Wednesday shit hit the fan.. I started crying, I needed to get out the house, get a drink i swear.. i know i need to be strong for him and my dd, but sometimes us moms have a little breakdown before everything starts.

***Little back info.. when my son was born he had a forceps delivery didn't want it but we needed to get him out. after the first couple of week we noticed a bony lump on his forehead. nothing no where else, just in his forehead. Later we found out that the bony plates in his forehead overlapped and fused together. So to make sure his brain isn't affected by it they wanted to do a ct scan, and see if there is anything that can be done. ***

Any who.....

I cant tell you how much support i had, not just from family, but from friends, my mommies groups, business groups, you name it, the amount of prayers that were said( i don't know how many) but the time to just say a word meant a lot. I had 3 of my friends that live closet to me offer to watch my dd while we go for the appointment. They have a life and a family of there own, but they did this for me and my family... and i cant tell you i cant say thank you enough.

So we get there to the hospital after ohhh getting the run around of where to check in. We finally find the place we need to go we go to the peds section, and this part the sedation part scared me the most.. hes never had to be sedated. It took 30 min for him to go to sleep.. holding him while hes screaming, kicking , hitting--- fighting to go to sleep, i just want to cry. He wouldn't let them take his vitals, nothing, they went to go get the second dose, loaded it up brought it in the room and he crashed and went to sleep. Here we go, they took his vitals, everything sound great. Took him to get the scan stood there for 5 min or so and it was done. Back to the room we go, to let him sleep the meds off. 30min went by, he didn't wake up, 1 hr went by he didn't wake up, so they were trying to wake him up with a damp rag didn't work.. So now I'm kinda getting worried cause he wont wake up, i held him kissed him, still nothing, finally he started waking up.. WOHOO... my baby is waking up.. but he was so drowsy, and out of it.. and he was so hungry, and grumpy but he was awake. He drunk a 12oz bottle of apple juice in the hospital, took a poop.. you name it. Fast forward we got home he ate some and went to sleep. I came to check my e-mail haven't done that all day.. look in my inbox there was over 400 e-mails.. and a lot of it were friends checking in from work, moms saying "I hope everything is going good, .....I'm still praying for you guys, .... We love you, If you need to call me do so..."

I tell you i cant say thank you enough.... Going from no friends/little friends, to a whole support network, I am so grateful. Were still waiting for results but right now my little boy is with me and happy....

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

who ever said being a mom was easy....

2008-03-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Who ever said being a mom was easy..LIED....lol.. There are days that its not as hard, kids listen, you can clean, cook, work, sleep, eat, walk, run( not me but some), drive, go out in public and the kids act like they had some home training--which i do teach them. Then there are days that you want to pull your hair out - the same hair that took years to finally grow and 100's of dollars to look good, you said no so many times that you starting to think that no is your child's name, dinner burnt so you call for pizza and they know your name buy heart, the house looks like a tornado hit, and going to the take a pee with the door close is mellow time for you.

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and love being a mom, but there are some day that are harder then others. For example, we go out to a birthday party for a friend of mine, her baby just turned 1. We get there my daughter is doing fine playing, no problems till she saw the birthday cake in the fridge, then all hell broke loose. She didn't want to eat, she stop listening, she threw a tantrum , you name it. It got to the point were we had to leave, because she was raising hell. I felt bad, embarrassed, and upset, you name it. I know we do things to save face and the kids know that we don't tolerate that behavior, but when will they learn? Our parents said the same thing i bet.

As they say you never really know how it is to be a mom till you become one. Thank being said.. If someone ask is it easy being a mom, don't lie tell them the truth.. ITS HARD, BUT ITS WORTH.

Is it ever ok to just give up???

2008-03-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Is it ever OK to just give up? That's a question that i ask myself every day. Should i just give up being a sahm? Should i give up trying to be build my business? Should i give up being me? NO NEVER... the whole point of life is to grow and succeed. To me even if its a micro mini step in the positive is a Big step to success, One step to my goal, One more reason not to give up.

Things to remember for not give up.
- You are you! good, bad ,what ever. Love yourself and love life even in the time of sorrow.
- Know that there is always someone in your corner. May not be financially but someone is there.
- Prays are only a word, a key, a call away. Sometime we may need a pray to keep us going. That's OK, as long as you don't give up.
-Last but not lease, You have a dream, a goal, a talent, Don't let it go to waste.

If anyone can learn anything from me NEVER GIVE UP!!!!