Mommy Space

The Truth About Store-Brand Infant Formulas

2009-12-08T21:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

My kids are way past the formula consumption age, but I remember all to well how many hundreds of dollars we spent on brand name labels, thinking we were giving our children the very best science had to offer. Well... the best next to mom.

I was very interested to read a recent press release on PBM Products and their win over false advertising claims made by Mead Johnson. This is worth mentioning to anyone you might know who supplements or uses any brand of infant formula to sustain their little one.

Just a few days ago it was ruled that Mead Johnson had made false claims in their advertising against store brand forumulas, such as those you may have seen or purchased at Walmart, Target or your favorite drug store, that suggested that these store varieties contained less nutritional value than those distributed by Mead Johnson. Thanks to this $13.5 million dollar judgement, the consumer now knows beyond doubt the store brands offer the same benefit as those more expensive products they share a shelf with.

Store-Brand Infant Formulas or PBM Products was the victim of false claims made by Mead Johnson through it's advertising, that untimately cost consumers in a less than vibrant economy. We all want the best for our children and while so many of us are struggling to make ends meet, I can't help but wonder how many parents out there strapped for cash have been purchasing formula distributed by Mead Johnson, based on false claims that they were indeed a superior brand.

PBM Products offer the same benefit as Enfamil® LIPIL® and yet retail for half the price. If you want to know my opinion of why that is, it's likely the case that the name brand companies spend millions of dollars each year not only on advertising, but on sending those fun little diaper bags filled with products to hospitals from coast to coast. Sure it's cool to get the gift, but if you go on to buy the overpriced product... who's really benefiting? I know that for years (even though my youngest is 7) I've been getting infant formula samples for Enfamil and another leading formula producer in my mailbox. They have the mistaken notion that I'm perpetually pregnant and have spent a good amount of money on me.

Step Two... Experience with Product Testing Opportunities

2009-12-08T20:26:00.000-06:00

A couple days ago (see post below) I signed up with a product testing site, just to see what I might be able to earn testing new products being introduced into the market place.

I'd like to let you know that today I received my first email invitation to complete a number of screening surveys for different opportunities. So far I haven't qualified for anything, but I love that upon my submission of many of the screeners I've been entered into a prize drawing! That's a bit exciting and makes this well worth my time. I'll tell you that I've been the winner before in a couple of online survey sites, so I'm trusting the legitimacy of the claim that I'm truly entered! :) Additionally, I do feel that what I've seen so far spells complete legitimacy for Product Testing Services.

There's a good chance that if I am chosen to participate in product testing, I'll be asked to keep everything I share with them confidential. If that's indeed the case, I won't be giving any details here, but will share what I earn with you. That's probably what you're mainly interested in anyway? lol Just a guess. :)

Let's keep our fingers crossed and see if Wendy might qualify for something soon! The idea of testing products, especially in the area of technology is something I find rather exciting! I'm also hoping for kitchen gadgets since I spend a significant amount of time there. Let's face it, a stay-at-home mom does just about everything there except sleep and use the restroom. It's mom headquarters... or if I'm speaking like a business woman, my office! lol

Rambouillet Wool Clothing at Ramblers Way

2009-12-07T20:35:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ramblers Way. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tis the season to be shopping! Fa la la la la.... la la la la....! If you're singing along with me, it's time for you to check out Ramblers Way and finish off your holiday shopping before time runs out! This isn't just any online shopping experience either... Ramblers Way provides high quality next-to-skin worsted wool clothing, made 100% by Americans in America!

Since I've recently lost a bit of weight I could really use some new clothes and love Ramblers Way Next-to-Skin Cross Neck Long Sleeve Top as it can be worn anytime... even to bed! This garment isn't your average long sleeve top... but rather a superfine, 18.5 micron Rambouillet wool. It provides softness and will keep you warm, despite being super thin! This especially appeals to me since I suffer from thyroid disease and subsequently low thyroid function. This in turn means that Wendy here is ALWAYS cold. I have been caught wearing gloves at my keyboard. At the same time, I hate wearing bulky clothing. I love clothes that fit and flatter and yet usually have to dress in layers... unflattering layers at that. This particular next-to-skin garment is so comfortable you can (and likely will) even wear it to bed!

Not only is this garment warm, comfortable, and thin, but it naturally repels odors, resists shrinking when washed (YES! You can wash it!), and it's environmentally friendly to boot! When you purchase from Ramblers Way you're supporting an American company and the American sheep farmer. You're purchasing real wool... not a synthetic material, and nothing created in a factory that compromised the health of our environment or was created in a sweatshop in China.

I'm going to go on an imaginary shopping spree at Ramblers Way... just because I know exactly what I'd buy, if I had $500 to spend tonight on clothing. First off, I'd buy 3 of the Next-to-Skin Cross Neck Long Sleeve Tops. Additionally, I'd buy a camisole, and I'd get the Long Janes! The idea of the Long Janes excites me the most... I could wear these under my regular slacks or jeans along with the long sleeve top or the camisole and I wouldn't freeze anymore!

When I have the budget to do some shopping for these new found necessities, I'll share with you all my first hand experience with everything I recieve... maybe even a photo or two of me enjoying the warm of comfort of me NOT freezing! lol

This Christmas (or anytime for that matter) be sure to shop at Ramblers Way and support a great American company! Check out their site now and learn more about them, what their mission is, even meet the sheep! BAAAA! Oh... excuse me. :)

Testing the Product Testing Sites

2009-12-07T11:03:00.000-06:00

I've never signed up specifically with a product testing site... until today! I'm hoping to find another opportunity to save money, earn money, and teach you how to do the same.

Today I signed up with Contract Testing Inc. I'll let you know if and when I'm selected to review a product and what that experience looks like. This company compensates participants for reviewing products at home... which sounds like a lot of fun!

There are a number of product testing companies out there, but before you start signing up with them all, be sure you research the company you're registering with. As with any opportunity to get free products or to make money from home, this particular opportunity is subject to scamming. You shouldn't be asked to pay anything, reveal bank information, or set up a bank account for yourself or anyone else.

If you'd like to join this new adventure with me... before I really put it to the test, you'll find http://www.contracttesting.com/ offers a quick and easy registration process. Your journey with this company may look a lot different than mine as they likely will chose candidates best suited for the product being tested.

Stay tuned for updates from Mommy Space and good luck if you give this opportunity a shot! I'm going to be compiling a list of product testing sites in the coming days, so be sure and bookmark Mommy Space today!

Working from Home Article Database

2009-12-05T21:54:00.000-06:00

I stumbled upon a great resource for anyone in the "research phase" of looking to work from home. Of course I can't speak to the value of the information provided in each and every article, but there are scads of people offering advice and experience on ehow.com's working from home.

How-to articles on everything from making money giving music lessons, through affiliate programs, mystery shopping, even articles on how to earn money writing for ehow. If you're a writer, a musician, a teacher, a hobbiest, have a love for animals, for children, for crafting... etc., you'll find something you can do from home. Your home-based business, might be something to supplement your current income, but who knows... you might even find yourself working full-time doing something you enjoy!

It's worth your time to scroll through the articles and see what others are recommending and/or already finding success with. An opinion or two and a little direction could prove valuable!

If you have a favorite working from home resource you'd like to share with the readers here, please do! We're here to learn from one another. My best recommendation is to research both online and offline. Ask other moms what they do for additional income, brainstorm with friends, and consider earning money from home a number of ways, rather than just one. This way if you have a slow month in one area, the others will carry you through. This will also give you the ability to see what works and what doesn't without leaving you empty in the end. Good luck!

Great Deal on 60 Christmas Carols for Kids!

2009-11-30T12:57:00.003-06:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Madacy Entertainment. All opinions are 100% mine.

I sooo love shopping on Amazon.com, and not just for books. I wanted to share with you a great offer for a children's Christmas music collection available to you today for just $3.69! Currently selling on Amazon. com this offer is for a MP3 download, so you won't be receiving anything in the mail, unless you opt for the CD Format. The digital version of this collection normally sells for $9.49, but as of this past Friday... (Black Friday that is) the current plan is to give this fun sing-along collection to you for just $3.69!

For what you might normally expect to pay for shipping on the CD boxed set, you can have the entire collection of "60 Christmas Carols For Kids"! Doesn't this sound like fun? With Christmas just weeks away... (you do remember that this is the last day of November... right?) there's no time like the present to start sharing those favorite Christmas songs with your children.

Here's the cool thing about ordering this collection... there really isn't any mystery as to what you'll be getting. You can preview the songs straight from the Amazon.com website. If you only want one song... you can make that purchase for just .99 cents... but when you consider you can get 60 for $3.69, why on earth would you do such a thing!

I'm sitting at my computer at this very moment listening to "Here Comes to Santa Claus" and my 2 year old niece is wondering why the song cutes off before it's finished! lol Might have to buy this myself!

Anyone Know What Happened To TinkerBell?

2009-11-30T12:46:00.002-06:00

We just returned home from 2 weeks at Disney World and multiple trips to see "Wishes" firework spectacular at Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom and although as beautiful as ever we didn't catch Tinkerbell descending from the castle on her way to Tommowland as we had become so accustomed in years past.

I wonder... what happened to our favorite fairy? The nighttime show with all it's beautiful music set to multiple rounds of colorful explosions of fireworks set off the glowing castle as magnificently as ever, but upon watching for that very special moment when Tink would fly across the sky, we left somewhat disappointed.

The first night, I thought I'd somehow just missed her... after about the 3rd night it became apparent that she missed us! My little girl looked up at me and said, "maybe she's sick"... I thought that was cute given I chased my kids around the parks with a bottle of hand sanitizer the entire 15 days we were in Florida and they either came away from that thinking that was normal or that their mom is crazy.

Anyone know the answer to where Tink might be? With the recent rash of unexpected accidents at Disney (to the cast, not the attendees) has the park decided Tink shouldn't fly?

Mega List of Online Deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

2009-11-25T21:12:00.004-06:00

I should start a new weekly theme featuring a site of the week. I'm always finding really cool websites that make me drool with excitement only to not be able to locate them again later.

The particular website making me salivate today lists 300 money saving links for online shopping. This of course includes those bargains for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You'll also find links for coupon codes, free shipping offers, deal of the day sites and much much more. So... this money saving guide is something you'll want to use year round... not just over the next few days.

The guide is from Dirt Devil and is appropriately titled: The Dirt Devil 2009 Guide to Red Hot Online Shopping Shortcuts

Trust me when I share that you won't be disappointed! I'm printing this pdf to place on my refrigerator as a resource since I do so much of my gift buying online and am constantly looking for coupon codes. If you remember... I just wrote about coupon codes the other day. My list is really not that whoopie... this one however is what some would call THE BOMB!!!! Do people still use that expression? As a 38 year old mom to 2 I really wouldn't know, but will share that it's the first time I've ever typed it out... and I've never actually said it out loud. lol

Ok.... so go check this link out before you forget! This isn't something you should disregard! Send the link to your friends and family and save yourself long lines camped outside those storefronts on Friday. At least look to see what might be waiting for you online. In my opinion it's the only way to shop!

Saving Money with Coupon Codes

2009-11-24T14:11:00.002-06:00

Just as important as making money, is saving money. I seriously believe that. After all the more you save, the more you have. I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said "A penny saved, is a penny earned". With Christmas just around the corner (how did that happen?!), no better time like the present to discuss thrifty shopping.

One of the best pieces of advice I have to offer is to shop online (many retailers offer free shipping) and to use coupon codes. Do you know that I NEVER purchase anything before researching the web for coupons? It's just a healthy habit I've developed over the last couple years. In fact, I frequently pass up one retailer for another over offers for free shipping and monetary discounts. You can call me frugal, or you can call me sensible... you can even call me cheap! lol I'll take any of these as a compliment.

I frequently shop at Amazon.com, year-round in fact as much of the products they offer are eligible for free shipping upon spending $25. This on top of the fact that most of their items are less expensive than what I can find locally. I'll also tell you that if you need to make a return to Amazon directly (not sure about an individual seller), returning merchandise couldn't be easier. Last year I returned a book that was missing pages and was able to print the return label from my printer (postage paid) and slap it back on the box, placed it in my mailbox and it was gone!

If what I'm shopping for isn't on Amazon.com, or if I've found it cheaper elsewhere, my next step is to visit the following websites for money saving discount codes:

www.retailmenot.com
www.couponcabin.com

By the way, and I know people who would argue with this... but I don't typically see much savings shopping eBay. I know there are always exceptions to this rule, but once I pay shipping I rarely feel that I've grabbed up a deal. The only exception I've seen to this is when my husband purchased a sticker for his drum set. lol The shipping was free as it fit into a standard size envelope and only set back the seller a standard postage stamp.

Have an awesome Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!!!

My 19 Day Diet Update

2009-10-27T23:32:00.002-05:00

It's been that long since I've been here with an update and one of the reasons for my absence is that nothing has happened in 19 days! Can you believe that? I'm only consuming between 1200 and 1500 cals a day and yet I'm stuck at an undesirable weight with a vacation looming on the horizon? What's an active mom of 2, babysitter to a 3rd to think? Sigh.

Is my body just in a funk? Is this what turning 38 looks like? I've only been 38 for just a few days now, but something is definitely different. It used to take so little effort for me to drop 10 or 15 lbs if I needed to, but now the inner workings of my body are somewhat a mystery to me. Just when you think you've figured something out it goes and changes on you... isn't that just the way?

So all I can say is I would like my scale to show a 3 lbs deficit from where I stand today within the next two weeks. Ultimately I'd like to see a total of 10 more lbs off by Christmas. Yet I dream. Disney claims dreams really do come true. You think there's any hope for this not so princess-like 38 year old mom? Guess time will tell... and maybe a little pixie dust. Anyone have some handy?

Friday at Home with Kids (and work)!

2009-10-16T09:58:00.003-05:00

My kids have no school today and I recently started babysitting a little girl, so I'm home today with 3 children! lol Youngest is almost 2, oldest is 8 and they can't play outside. It's too cold and wet, so here we are on a Friday morning in front of the television and computer, wondering what to do next. lol

It's still early in the day and I plan on taking them out, but the question is where? The other question I wanted to address given the nature of this blog is whether or not I can still earn a few extra dollars today? That answer is easy. Surely I can! The little one takes a nap in the afternoon and the other two are old enough to keep busy (and quiet) when given a project. So, this afternoon will be somewhat structured for anyone not sleeping. lol

As for where to take the kids? That I still haven't figured out. Handling 3 isn't easy outside the house. I need to go to the bank and that will be simple enough given we don't have to leave the comfort of the car to do so. The park is out because of the weather, so I'm thinking possibly taking them to the mall. The closest mall has a play structure for kids and it's free. Can't get much better than that except for the germies that will no doubt be lurking there.

In any case, it's Friday and I have always loved Fridays... whether working outside the house or not. It's a more laid back day for the kids... even on school days. We take it easy Friday evenings and I usually let my children stay up with their dad as late as they want to, while I go to bed early and watch movies on my big screen! lol Relaxation paradise! Ahhh! Can't wait!

Now, if I could only figure out how to get my laptop to work upstairs all would be right with my world!

I Dream of Activewear... and Blue Jeans

2009-10-08T20:05:00.006-05:00

Oh yes... that's my confession... I am dreaming of being comfortable at home, when out and about with my family, and when exercising. To me active wear is everyday wear. I love to be comfortable, but also want to look good. What does that mean? No sweatpants and t-shirts! lol I am dreaming of shopping for new active wear for everyday of the week and for almost any occasion. :)

So, where does my dream of shopping for active wear lead me? It's currently led me to Talbots! I'm going to imagine what I would buy at Talbots if I were to say... win maybe $500? I'm going to buy (with my imaginary money) the Scoopneck Sweater in black and the matching pull-on pants... and in fact I'd take another set in grey! Then I'd take the Velour pull-on pants in the wine color along with the matching Velour jacket. This would look great with my favorite white v-neck t-shirt! Finally I'd use the rest of my imaginary money to buy tank tops in a variety of colors... let's say ivory, burgundy, pink, pale green, and black. :) Look at the screenshot below to see just how many color options you have!

This site offers great style with a rich look at affordable prices. I'm having a lot of fun visiting the various departments and although my imaginary $500 has been spent, I'm going to imagine I have just $34 more dollars and shop for a pair of bootcut jeans! They look so incredible comfortable and since I'm a blue jean's snob, I must have them!

By the way, how many of you have been following my blog and have consequently learned about Talbots red chair confessions? If you're new here, go there now and check out the Talbots blog... which is very entertaining... especially if you haven't already watched the confessions of the just recently revealed mystery!

Another Weightloss Update

2009-10-08T19:47:00.002-05:00

I'm not feeling my clothing fit any looser yet... but I've lost another 2 lbs! So, that makes 5 or 6... my scale can't quite decide. I really could use a new scale to tell you the truth as the one I have is so inaccurate I tend to take 5 readings and accept the one in the middle! lol

I have a good feeling about reaching my short term goal of losing 15 lbs, and then another 10 at some point. The last 10 can come off slower... I know it will and I'm good with that. They always say it's better to loose weight slowly right?

Switching gears slightly, I haven't had a good week. I'm fighting a cold that I originally hoped to be allergies... on the other hand at least it's not h1n1! My special needs son had a really bad... meaning highly emotional evening yesterday... really wearing me down further and my niece who I am now watching during the day had a seizure in my van yesterday morning. It was either her first, or the first one anyone has identified as being a seizure.

On another front, I have a huge undertaking that will wrap up in just one month's time. So... looking forward to that event to be fulfilled! Planning a women's retreat is somewhat like planning a wedding, except that you have 3 meals to plan for instead of one! In all fairness it's a lot of fun too.

Okey Dokey, I'm off to pop some more Mucinex before the floodgates open again! Nuff said?

Choosing a Web Hosting Service

2009-10-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

What better way to find a new web hosting site than to review the best options out there side by side? You can take 10 web masters or bloggers and find that there are 10 different lists of priorities when looking for the best host. Some of us have cost as priority number 1, others are looking for unlimited storage space and unlimited domains. Whatever you're searching for, you'll find a fit through Web Hosting Geeks.

A great way to find your next web hosting service is to check out Web Hosting Geeks best of 2009 list. They've compiled a "best of" list for web hosting services under $10, all of which include at least 1 free domain and include some sort of money back guarantee for a stated period of time.

I'm looking at this list and I'm somewhat surprised that one of the best known hosting services, at least to me, is outbeat by 8 of it's lesser known competitors! This is why you really want to visit this site. Do your homework before subscribing to a web hosting service just as you would making any other kind of purchase.

A great way to do this homework is to add the Web Hosting Geeks blog to your research library. Once you have your host in place, take some time to learn about SEO tricks and tools. For example, within the fantastic toolkit on their webmaster blog, you'll find a great keyword research tool. This is just one example of a way you can aid the promotion of your site without spending any money. It's a free tool, just waiting for you to access!

Ending First Week of New Diet

2009-10-05T12:08:00.002-05:00

Last Tuesday marked the start of my latest attempt to drop 15 lbs and so far I've lost 3! I don't necessarily expect every week to be that good, but we'll see what happens.

I'm eating between 1200 and 1300 calories a day until I lose 10 lbs, then will start back up at about 1400-1500 until I reach my goal. I don't know how I settle on this formula, but I've done it so many times in the past and it's always worked for me.

What am I eating? A lot of protein through boiled/lightened seasoned skinless/boneless chicken, the leanest ground turkey available, and from a variety of beans. I'm also eating a lot more cooked veggies... usually tossed together with my meat and beans and about 3/4 cup of brown rice. I often throw in 1/4 cup of chopped onion too... really like the extra flavor and crunch! lol

I'm also really enjoying Kellog's Special K bars. I actually went to Sam's Club looking for something else, but settled (or so I thought) for the Special K. Turns out I prefer them to what I went looking for, and these protein/mean bars have 40 less cals per serving that what I was buying before!

So, I'll keep my reader's posted. This weight although isn't a lot to lose is essential if my Winter wardrobe is going to fit. I don't have the budget to buy new clothing, so the only other option is to lose the weight! lol I have some really nice clothes that I've never worn because of the battle of the bulge. My husband still thinks I'm a size medium, lol and he loves to buy me clothing for my birthday and Christmas, so there ya go!

Informational Sharing Club

2009-10-05T09:12:00.004-05:00

This is sorta cool... I just found this site described as a "premium advice and information sharing club" where you can access an online community of experts in order to attain professional advice and information. If you have a specific talent or expertise in a certain field, you may qualify to become an advisor, giving you the ability to create custom pages, sharing when you're available to provide information and what you'll charge for the information... that's right, this is a money making opportunity for those of you looking to earn a few extra dollars.

WisdomPan also provides a great toll for those seeking advice, through it's blogs and message boards. Ask an expert and be assured you're getting unbiased direction. The experts at WisdomPan.com are carefully tracked and rated, meaning you can be assured they're accountable to giving you top-notch advice.

Adventures in Babysitting

2009-10-05T09:03:00.002-05:00

So, I finally made it to the day when both my kids are in school all day, spent around 6 weeks home alone with all the freedom a mom could ask for and found myself a bit lonely. This despite being active in a women's leadership committee, and directing another committee. Just so much time spent at home (alone) on my computer making no more money than when my kids were home and I was... well, on the computer. lol

I typically spend a couple hours online a day and since my office space is my living room, which is also the play room, tv room, and family life central, I have always been able to work with my kids home. I actually thought I'd somehow blossom out when they went to school, as a major mompreneur as I like to call it, but more than anything else, I was bored.

So... when a family member asked if I'd like to babysit his little girl I felt a bit excited. It only took a few days to make up my mind that yes, I 100% wanted the job. So... today is day one, with a nearly 2 year old playing at my feet with my daughter's kitchen toys. I'll not be spending more time on my computer and possibly less, but will make good use of my time while she's napping and content playing solo. Today all the toys here are new to her, so she's super content playing at my feet, tomorrow I'll likely be helping her build and destroy mega block houses and plastic food sandwiches. lol

What do women make babysitting? I haven't really compared and I realize there must be many variables such as location and age of the child. I'm being paid $150 a week for about 10 hours a day. That's basically $30 a day, 5 days a week to watch my niece. I think everyone wins in this deal!

Red Chair Confession's Big Reveal!!

2009-09-30T08:21:00.002-05:00

Finally we know who is behind the Red Chair Confessions... are you ready to know??? It's Talbots! lol That's right... our mystery confession woman who we've been following for the past few weeks was in fact obsessed with shopping at Talbots. So... there you go! It does make some amount of sense to me looking back... shopping is a bit exciting is it not and sometimes it can become somewhat of an obsession.

Are you surprised? I didn't really know what to expect... I thought the videos might be leading up to a public service announcement of some kind (thank goodness is wasn't that!), or perhaps they were the kick off to a new television comedic drama of some sort. I was kind of hoping we'd see more of this actress... she's pretty good is she not? lol

So... what's up with Talbots? I think they're showing us how hip they are these days, as well as affordable and committed to today's trend-setters... including, but not limited to us mom types who like to show off a bit of flair from time to time. You know... between burp cloths and diaper bags? We can still be hip! lol Yes we can and Talbots wants to help keep us that way!

You'll want to watch the newest video reveal from Red Chair Confessions here...

So what do you think? Do me a favor and visit Talbots, and while you're there pick out your favorite item, then come back here and tell me what it is! I seriously want to know!

My Diet Starts Today

2009-09-29T08:26:00.003-05:00

I feel like I'm more accountable when announcing a diet to the world, so here goes... I need to lose 15 pounds and I'm starting today. My clothes don't fit and I'm feeling quite frumpy and my husband has just booked our vacation... so I feel there's no better time than right this very minute to get started! lol

I've been eating out waaaay too often and it's starting to catch up with me. The willpower I once had seems so have vanished into thin air, or maybe fat air. I'm not what I should be, not what I could be, and definitely not what I want to be.

Truthfully, I could lose 25, but we'll just start with 15. My goal is to lose 10 before the first week in November and another 5 by that month's end. Here are my obstacles... I have hypothyroidism (treated, but sometimes makes managing weight more challenging), I'm not very motivated, and I have scads of opportunities for eating out. So... be praying for me! I'll keep you posted on my progess, should there be any. See... there you go! My biggest obstacle might actually be that I haven't decided 100% that I'll actually lose the weight. I won't get anywhere with that attitude! What's the matter with me anyway? Ok... so I'll keep you posted WHEN I see progress and that WILL BE every week!!!

Ok... I'm running late to a women's group, so better skiddadle! Oh... and no there won't be food there. :o) Thank goodness.

More Red Carpet Confessions!

2009-09-14T13:46:00.003-05:00

Ok the mystery continues! lol For those of you who visited my blog recently you know that I shared a video from Red Chair Confessions and that there's a lot of mystery surrounding who the woman on these videos is and what exactly it is she's confessing to. This video like the one before will send your mind racing with possibilities and will leave you with a chuckle and absolutely no concrete answers. lol

The video is entertaining despite it's lack of reveal... which I hope to have for you very soon. Hmmm... what could this woman be confessing to? I find myself giggling as I watch this latest episode of the Red Chair Confessions as this woman looks remarkably like my son's school teacher from 2nd grade. lol She doesn't sound like her, but as I watch her reveal just enough information to give the viewer the impression she's up to some sort of forbidden activity, I can't help but think of a school teacher sitting in her closet confessing to all sorts of mischief after school hours.

This video is a bit different than the one before as the confessor is alone... well sort of. She is on YouTube. It's a little odd if you consider that she's hiding in a closet, yet revealing her face and voice via the Internet. So... do you think this lady is an actress for a new comedy? Is this just an Internet thing? Are they trying to create a viral video? Regardless... I'm enjoying the mystery and could get hooked on following this unlabeled woman and her goofy confession breaks.

Watch this video and tell me what you think. Any guesses to what she might be confessing to?

Removing Widgets

2009-09-14T13:39:00.002-05:00

Just a few moments ago I realized that a few of the widgets in my lefthand sidebar were suddenly being embedded with advertisements so I wiped them all from my blog. I hated to do this because before the ads started showing up, they were 100% relevant to people looking to telecommute and therefore helpful. lol In the coming days I'll try to compensate for their absence by placing a list of links to job posting sites and blogs... a couple of which parented those widgets.

For some time I have suspected that the widgets were slowing my blog down somewhat anyway, so we'll see if this page loads any faster. I also need to resize/reformat my header... I think it's taking up too much memory and space. Not an expert there, but this is my suspicion.

Ok... nuff about that! I just wanted to appologize to any of you who might miss the widgets! I could have kept them all, but it would have cost me and I'm not in investing mode at this time. My spending has been up and my compensation down and you can only do that for so long! lol

Here's to wishing all my readers the very best in all their work from home ventures and research!

The Mystery of the Red Chair Confessions

2009-09-10T01:18:00.003-05:00

Ok ladies, do you enjoy a good mystery? How about a juicy confession? Not mine of course. My life isn't quite that exciting... or at least not juicy. I'm talking about the mystery and intrigue surrounding the online confessions of what we have no clue by a woman whom has yet to be identified. If you don't think you're following this, you probably are. It's supposed to leave you scratching your head. I think.

Confused? lol So am I! Confused, intrigued, entertained, and ready to share the link to
Red Chair Confessions! Take a quick peak at Red Chair Confessions and you'll no doubt hear a chuckle or two coming from deep in your throat. It's ok to laugh.

Last week this mystery woman was sitting at a confessional spilling her beans to a priest, giving the viewer's mind all sorts of ideas as to what she might be confessing to, only to never really reveal what it was her addiction or source of forbidden joy might be before running from the church toward the source of her guilty pleasure once again. I was trying to imagine what I would run to with such enthusiasm and swiftness. Hmmm... I'm drawing a huge blank. Am I really that boring? Maybe just that old? lol

Ok... so, her she is again in this YouTube video sharing her confession with her therapist, only to decide the reason she has sought therapy is in and of itself somewhat therapeutic. This video is the one that actually had me the most intrigued. Watch it for yourself and tell me what on earth you think she's confessing to? Is this an advertisement for a new line of shoes? lol Perhaps to a new television series? Maybe it's not an advertisement at all? Any ideas?

All I know is that after watching a couple of these videos I had to visit the website, which well... holds the videos and not much else. No hints at all for me to go on about what this mystery woman is struggling with that has her so perplexed and happy at the same time. No guesses as to when her secret or her identity might be revealed. I guess we'll just have to keep visiting ReChairConfessions.com to see what happens next week.

Attended My First MeetUp!

2009-09-09T21:48:00.003-05:00

Hello fellow work from home (or dream to be) moms! I had an exciting day and wanted to share what made it so special.

As my title states, I finally attended my first MeetUp and after spending a couple hours with about 9 other momprenuers (my little word for mom entreprenuers) I realized just how essential (and fun) networking can be. Just imagine if you will... a room filled with other women who like yourself are working their own businesses and eager to share what they know! Such a room of chatty women can provide you with insight and direction you'll find nowhere else and in the process of gleaming from their knowledge base you might just leave with a few new friends. At the very least you'll leave with a stack of business cards! lol

It's all good! That's all I can say. Maybe I just found a great group? I can't really compare it to any other networking event, since this was a first for me, but the ladies I met today were as varied as the industries they've applied themselves to and each had something to share. The cost for this particular MeetUp group is just $3 per event making it totally within this penny pinching mom's budget!

Learning to play the game of attracting and retaining clients is somewhat like learning a new dance and for those of us who've never danced at all... that can be a bit intimidating. Maybe that's why I'm so excited about networking... I feel like I have a roomfull of dance partners, each at a different skill level, but all there to teach and to learn.

If this sounds like something you yourself might benefit from, finding a local MeetUp in your area (or starting your own) could be just a few clicks of your mouse away. Just visit http://www.meetup.com/ and see what you can find! Look under networking and small business to see if there's a fit for you.

I sincerely hope this works for you! Let me know if you get hooked up and what you come away with! I'll share more about my networking journey in the weeks and months to come! Feel free to share your journey as well. :o)

Notes from a Bored Mom

2009-08-27T19:48:00.002-05:00

Hello, my name is Wendy and I'm bored.

As I type those words I'm feeling very immature, but yes... I really am bored! lol What is boredom exactly? Boredom to me is not about whether one can find something to occupy one's self with, but rather about enjoying what one is doing. I can't get excited about going through my everyday routine.

When my kids tell me they're bored I immediately interpret their complaint as a lack of ability or drive to find their own entertainment or to take interest in some sort of constructive activity. Occasionally, I interpret their complaints as mere laziness... something I'm sure they don't appreciate. What does it mean when mom is bored? Should I be bored? Then I think of my place in this world and how blessed I am to live where I do, the way I do and feel really guilty for saying such things as "I'm bored". Makes me feel very spoiled and pathetic.

Maybe what I'm feeling isn't really boredom, but loneliness. I didn't feel this way until my kids went back to school... so maybe I'm just getting used to the new norm. A quiet house, without anyone fighting, singing, building with blocks, coloring with crayons, helping me fold towels. Yes... I did say fighting... I think I miss my kids so much during the day, I can safely even add that to my list.

How many of you work-from-home moms get bored (or lonely)? What have your experiences been as your kids leave home one at a time to start school and how long did it take you to adjust to your new norm?

My New Blog on Blogging

2009-08-16T21:42:00.002-05:00

Ok, guess it's been a slow day as all I have to report at the time is that I'm currently working on a new blog about how to earn from a blog. I have found myself recommending blogging as an option for women looking to work from home (side-income), but then don't have the time to get them up to speed. It's the same problem I faced a couple years ago when everyone started emailing me about a cake I'd made that I decided to show off on my cake blog... I was getting multiple emails a week and found the time it took to create a tutorial well worth it! lol I rarely get those emails today.

I TRULY enjoy helping others, but I'm also all about being efficient. Anywho, wanted to mention to you all that I'll be launching the new blog by months end. Still trying to come up with a name, because quite frankly the blog on blogging thing has been done to death! lol My goal isn't to tell you EVERYTHING on blogging, just enough to get started, the bare bones if you will. :o)

If you're wanting to learn how to blog for free... I can show you how I do it. If you want to learn how to customize your blogger template... or add your own buttons and banners (self-made to boot), I'll be able to give you some insight there too. I have rarely paid for anything when it comes to blogging and truth be told the one time I did it amounted to nothing. Nothing beats working for you, on your schedule on something that belongs to you, that you have absolutely no financial investment in. How many things can you say that about?