We're Kim, Caleb, and soon-to-be Ally Michelle. I am a work at home mom, taking part in the MOM team and also run my own store, Snips and Snails. This is our life..
Well, this week we've all had tummy troubles. This weekend topped it off. Caleb was in bed all day yesterday, and he vomited a few times. I was the same way. I don't know if it had to do with the whole peanut butter salmonella thing or not, but it sure sucked. I'm finally getting over mine, Caleb is back to his normal happy, bossy self. Too bad we won't sue them, we might actually get $75,000 like others are trying to, how crazy is that? People sue over the stupidest things...
Posted: 04:29, 2007-Feb-18
Seller Sourcebook
Thinking about selling on Ebay?
This website has it all! There are lots of great articles and surveys, along with reviews of ebooks and wholesalers.
You can also host your images here and create beautiful templates with her very easy template designer. All you have to do is fill in the blanks and VOILA ~ a stunning ebay auction. You don't need to know a stitch of html.
Salt Box Line a small box with black paper and add a thin layer of salt. Your child can write letters in the salt. Shake the box to "clean the slate."
Alphabet Books Cut a piece of paper into fourths, staple them together on the side, and write an alphabet letter on the cover. Your child can cut pictures out of magazines that begin with the letter on the cover and glue them on the following pages. Label the pictures.
Playdough Draw a letter, and have your child roll out pieces of playdough and fit and mold them together to make that letters shape. Try lots of letters!
Fine Motor Control Practice Draw curly lines, shapes, mazes, and have your child trace them with a pencil. Then see if s/he can duplicate these shapes/lines/etc. by him/herself.
Word Wall Put up separate alphabet letters on pieces of paper on the wall. Write new words the child has mastered, cut them out and put them under the alphabet letter that has the same beginning sound.
Post-its & Pens Write single letters on small post-its and have your child stick the post-its on items around the house that begin with the same letter.
Posted: 05:21, 2007-Feb-17
Brownie Recipes
Caramel Brownies Mix: 1 German chocolate cake mix 3/4 cup butter 1/3 cup evaporated milk 1 cup walnuts Spread 1/2 mixture in a greased 9x13-inch cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for six minutes. Melt: 1 14-oz bag c bag caramels 1/3 cup evaporated milk Sprinkle: 1 six oz bag chocolate chips over hot cake mixture. Pour: Melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chip later. Crumble remaining cake mixture over the caramel layer and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Do not overbake.
Candy Bar Brownies 4 large egg -- lightly beaten 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter -- melted 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/3 cup cocoa 4 2.7 oz snickers bars -- coarsely chopped 3 1.55 oz hersheys milk chocolate bars -- finely chopped Combine eggs, sugar butter and vanilla in a large bowl. Combine flour ,baking powder and cocoa. Stir into sugar mixture. Fold in Snickers bars. Spoon into greased and floured 13x9"pan. Sprinkle with chopped milk chocolate bars. Bake 350 degrees for 32 minutes.
Butterscotch Brownies 1/2 cup melted butter 2 cups dark brown sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 375. Butter a 9-inch square cake pan. Mix all ingredients together, combining them well. Spread the mixture in the cake pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until dry on top and almost firm to the touch. Let cool for 10 to15 minutes, then cut into 2-inch squares.
Posted: 02:40, 2007-Feb-16
Preschool Painting
Here's some items you might find your child enjoys to paint with.
Paint brushes of all sizes Q-tip swabs Pencil erasers Rubber scrapers/spatula Pine Branches A Pine Cone Willow leaves Pastry brush Sponges Bingo bottles Hands and fingers Toes Body sponges/puffs Feathers Toilet cleaner brushes Vegetable brushes Make-up brushes and sponges Squirt bottles Eye Droppers Shaving brushes Potatoes and other veggies cut into shapes Carrot and celery tops(a good one to go with the story "Tops and Bottoms") Toothbrushes Marbles in a box Matchbox cars Kitchen sponges that have the handle that you can add soap; add paint instead Ribbon or string 16 oz or 2 ltr pop bottle bottom Pipe Cleaners Old Hairbrush Sticks Tongue depressers/popsicle sticks Flowers Blow through a straw Potato masher Gummy worms Plastic dish scrubbers Pop cans Hair dryer Lay down newspaper or do this outside. Put paper on top of the newspaper and give two kids each a hair dryer. Let them have a hair dryer fight with runny paint!! Mix up colors to make new colors and cool designs by blowing the paint around the paper. Plastic dinosaur or other animals footprints
Posted: 12:55, 2007-Feb-16
Where to find merchandise?
There is no easy way out for this one, y'all. If you want designer clothing, that is. Your best bet is to buy directly from the clearance racks and from online department stores. You know the items will be in great condition both ways, with wholesale you never, ever know. I have never bought wholesale personally, but I've heard from a few people it's not that great. T.J. Maxx and Ross's are also a great way to go. And sometimes you'll find items for a great bargain at Overstock.com.
If you know how to find good deals you can usually get nicer quality merchandise and at a lower cost then any "wholesaler" anyway...
Posted: 01:35, 2007-Feb-15
Auction Title Tips
Keep in mind that the only way to get high prices on your auctions is to get lots of bids. You get lots of bids by attracting lots of buyers. You get lots of buyers if your auction is easy for them to find.
Although it is absolutely necessary to have your items listed in the correct Ebay category, many buyers don't search this way. Many people simply type the name and/or size of what they are looking for into Ebay's search box. You can increase your chances of your item showing up in their search results by having the most "searchable" keywords and by optimizing the space that is available to you in the item title. Ebay recently made this a little easier on us by allowing us to use more characters, so lets not let them go to waste! Make your title work for you!
Here are some basic rules:
1) Always include the name brand (most important if it is a desirable name brand).
2) Always include "NWT" in the title if it is new with tags.
3) Try to squeeze in the word "NEW" if it is new, because not everyone, especially new Ebayers, are familiar with "NWT."
4) Include the size of the item in your title.
5) If there are a few different ways to list a size, squeeze in as many as possible. For example, if the item is from Gymboree and is a size Small, list "S 3 3T SMALL" since those are all different ways that people search for the same size. Space is limited, but try to at least squeeze in a couple.
6) Leave spaces between words. If there aren't spaces, then none of the keywords will work. For example, if I am searching for "0-3," a title that says "0-3m" will not come up in my search results.
7) Do you have something that is size 6-12 months? Try writing "6-9-12" in your title, so that people searching 6=9 and those searching for 9-12 will both pull up your auction.
8) Listing something for a low price and don't have a reserve? These are really attractive to people who love to bid! Advertise it! Write "NR" for "No Reserve" in your auction title. Do this only if you have some extra room, as it is helpful, but not high on the totem pole for searchable keywords.
9) If you are listing something from a certain line, like a Gymboree or Baby Lulu line, make sure to include it in your title. People do search for specific items from specific lines.
10) If you are selling a Santa sleeper, try adding "SANTA HOLIDAY SLEEPER." For that matter, if you have room, add the word "PAJAMAS" to that since that's another searchable word. Get the picture?
11) Use all of your space. If, and only if, you have included every searchable word that applies (NWT, NEW, BRAND NAME, SIZE, HOLIDAY, NR...) you can add interest words like "SO CUTE!"
Here's a little test. See if you can tell which titles are more searchable:
1) a) "NWT NEW Baby Lulu Hibiscus Dress 12-18" b) "Adorable NWT Baby Lulu Hibiscus Dress 12-18m" answer - a
2) a) "NWT NEW Vintage Gymboree Outfit 6-9-12 m" b) "NWT Gymboree Oddles of Poodles 3 pc LOT 6-12" answer - b (hint-people searching "3-6" will also pull this up!)
3) a) "NWT BABYGAP NEW JEANS. SO CUTE! L@@K!SZ 3YRS" B) "NWT Baby Gap jeans. 3T 3" answer - b (even though b could use some work, it is much more searchable than a)
Posted: 08:10, 2007-Feb-14
Make Money On Ebay
What's the big secret?
So many people are trying to build a web-site and then trying desperately to get traffic to their web-site. Why not simply go to where the traffic is? Go to eBay! You don't even need a web-site! (If you have a web-site get ready for a serious TRAFFIC BOOST). What's the secret? It has to do with the fact that about 80,000 people sign up for eBay.com every day! And over 700,000 people make a living on eBay!
Whether you plan to hit the malls or the garage sales in search of items to resell, it is important to know what sells for what on Ebay. As a general rule, I never buy anything that isn't AT LEAST 60% off, but I usually pay much less. I might buy a hard-to-find Baby Lulu piece for 60% off and make a great profit, but if I buy some basic pieces from Gymboree for 60% off, I won't make a profit at all.
We all know that many Baby Gap and Gymboree items sell well on Ebay, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to make huge profits on these brands because of increased competition. Don't get me wrong, these are still great brands and great sellers, but since there are so many sellers who sell Baby Gap and Gymboree on Ebay the prices are being driven down a bit.
It is always important to do a completed item search on Ebay before you list anything. It will give you an idea of how like-items have sold in the past 30 days and is a predictor as to how your item will sell. Keep in mind that Ebay can be very unpredictable, but at least you have an idea. Try typing "Lilly Pulitzer" in the search box and then checking the box on the left that says "completed items."
It is also important to know what brand names are popular on Ebay. The following is a list of populare boutique brands. If you are selling any of these, don't forget to put "boutique" in your auction title. These can be found in garage sales across the nation as well as boutiques, online shops, catalogs, department stores, and discount stores like Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls. You just have to do a bit more legwork, but the effort is worth it if you find those few items that reap high rewards on Ebay. Here is the list:
Baby LuLu Bailey Boys Balu Bear Feet Cakewalk Catimini Chicken Noodle Clayeux Deux-par-Deux Elefanten Hanna Andersson Indygo JM Originals Lilly Pulitzer Little Mass Michael Simon Oilily Oink Baby! Psketti Rubbies Tickles & Giggles Trish Scully Zoodles
Posted: 06:21, 2007-Feb-14
Smart Ways to Use Your Business Card
Your business card is one of the most valuable networking tools you have in your quest for increased referrals. Can you envision a reality where 20 to 30 people in your word-of-mouth marketing circle carry your cards and have them ready to hand to prospects they're actually qualifying for you? I certainly can, and am excited every time I hear someone say, "Let me give you my friend's business card; oh, and by the way, may I have him (or her) give you a call?"
The business card is the most powerful single business tool--dollar for dollar--you can invest in. It's compact, energy-efficient, low-cost, low-tech, and keeps working for you hours, weeks and even years after it leaves your hands!
Some of the things your business card does is:
Tell people your name and the name of your business
Provide prospects with a way to contact you
Give others a taste of your work, style and personality
It can be so unusual or attractive or strange or charming or funny that it sticks in the memory like a great radio or television ad
It can be reused, as it passes from person to person, giving the same message to each person who comes in contact with it
The two main functions of your card are to gain business from the person you give it to and to get your name out to other people with whom the first person comes in contact with via referrals. With that in mind, let's take a look at the most effective ways to use your business cards.
Make Your Cards Accessible in Every Situation In short, don't leave home without them! It's a great idea to keep a small box of your cards in your glove box, just in case you find yourself in a situation where you need more than you've carried in your pocket or purse. In addition to my jacket pocket, I tuck them away in my briefcase, wallet and computer bag, just to make sure I never run out.
Keep an eye on your supply. The time to reorder is before you're in danger of running out.
In addition to being sure you have your cards on hand, be sure that your networking partners always have your cards. Check with them regularly to see if they need more, and be ready to provide them with whatever quantity they say they need in order to promote you.
Seek Situations to Exchange Business Cards There are many opportunities in which you can pass on your card to prospective clients and customers as well as referral sources you wish to develop. Some are obvious; others are not. Whenever you have a one-on-one meeting with someone new or someone you haven't seen for a while, give her your business card. At mixers and social events, be sure you have plenty of cards when you go in. These are good places to extend the reach of your network.
Conventions and trade shows are another great venue for exchanging business cards. The vendors at the trade shows are anxious for you to take their card--don't make that a one-way street. Be sure you give them your card as well.
When you visit a non-competing business that might attract the same people you would like to have as customers, ask if you may leave a supply of cards to be handed out or made available. In most cases, a business that's complementary to your own is always looking for a networking partner. An example would be a sports nutritionist leaving a stack of cards at a martial arts studio. Be creative and consider even bringing your own cardholder to leave out.
International meetings and events can provide an opportunity to give out your business cards. Consider having your card printed double-sided, with English on one side and the language of the host country of the event on the other side.
Contacts at a Distance Whenever you communicate with someone in writing, send a card if it's appropriate to the occasion. Enclose several cards in every packet of sales material you mail out. Along with your thank-you note to the businessperson whose referral brought you a major contract, include a business card to replace the one she gave away, plus several more.
After any telephone call in which business was discussed, follow up with a letter outlining the main points of your discussion and include one or more of your cards. E-mail is a great way to follow up, but a letter will actually allow you to include your business cards.
Special Tricks of the Trade When giving out your card, hand-write something on one copy, such as your cell-phone number, a secondary e-mail address, etc. This will give that particular card a greater chance of being held onto. Be sure you give a couple of "clean" cards to that person, as well, and ask your new friend to pass one on to a potential customer.
After you get someone's card and have ended your time with her, make notes on the back of the card to jog your memory about something special that'll help you remember her. Don't do that in front of her, or you run the risk of making the impression that you are "forgetful." If you need to record information immediately during your discussion, such as telephone numbers or other data not on the card, use one of your own cards. You don't want her to think you view her card as scrap paper upon which to take notes.
At a restaurant, leave your card with the tip and write a personal thank-you note on the back or pay the highway toll for the Mercedes behind you, and leave your card for the driver!
The main thing when handing out your card is to keep in mind what an effective tool it can be. Take maximum advantage of its full potential. And never, ever, be caught out without it. And if you need a referral to a great graphic designer and printer, contact me--I have just the card for you!
Posted: 05:30, 2007-Feb-13
Family Affiliate Programs
Here's some of the affiliates I have joined, click on any of them and check them out!
I've joind these and have since become an affiliate. You don't have to purchase any of them to become an affiliate.
Posted: 01:00, 2007-Feb-12
Baby Shower
Me & Kathy went to Target and got registered. They've got a lot of cute stuff, better than Walmart. And we don't have a Toys'R'us here anymore, so I went with Target. I've actually never had a baby shower before, never really wanted one. But Kathy is so happy about it, and I am too now, of course. Caleb went a little crazy with the scanner they give you, I think he scanned everything in the baby section...LOL!
Isn't it too cute? We've spent over $300 on clothes for the new baby, we're so excited about it being a girl!
I also got in my Gymboree order today. Here's what I got my son and soon-to-be daughter:
I got some good deals at TJMaxx today, about 8 items for $17. I went to the TS and found 4 items for $4 and a Little Tikes Stoplight thing-brand new condition. Couldn't pass that one up! My aunt bought me a body pillow that I've been dying to have. It gets a little uncomfortable when you're belly starts growing! I can't wait to use it tonight!
Posted: 09:54, 2007-Feb-9
WAHM Forums
Looking for a way to network with other work at home moms (WAHMS)? Well online forums is a GREAT way to get your name out there and create incoming links to your sites for FREE.
With dance practice, basketball, the science project that's due tomorrow and tae kwon do, who has time to concoct easy meals for the kids in the evening? You do! You will have time if you focus on easy kids meals.
Sure it's a no-brainer to throw a hotdog in the microwave or set a tortilla in a pan on top of the stove, sprinkle on some cheddar cheese and ninety seconds later have a plain quesadilla, but what's the joy in that? There are other easy kids meals that are a bit more interesting. Try experimenting with Casseroles or one-pot meals which in most cases go over well with the kids; and are easy to put together.
Try this easy kids meal:
1 lb. ground beef 1 - 16 oz jar spaghetti sauce 1 - cup water 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 - cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sprinkle beef in a three-quart glass baking dish and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Mix & turn part way through cooking time. Drain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and macaroni. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring part way through. Crumble mozzarella on top and allow to sit covered about 5 minutes before eating. Creates an easy kids meal that serves a couple hungry kids.
There are numerous easy kids meals you can cook with ground beef. Any recipe that calls for ground beef will work just fine replaced with ground turkey, chicken or venison instead. The simple recipe below uses ground meat. It takes close to an hour to cook but merely a moment to prepare.
Mix together:
2 pounds ground meat 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup One bag of Crinkle Cut French Fries
Brown hamburger and strain the grease. Add both soups to drained hamburger and place in a 9 x 12 greased baking dish. Top off with cut French fries and cook at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until fries are light brown.
Taco salads are very fast and simple to make. Start with lettuce. Add tomato, onion and cheese (if your kids will allow it.) Prepare some hamburger and add in an envelope of taco seasoning or just include some taco sauce to the meat. Next add crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos. Top off with salsa or Catalina salad dressing. Remember the sour cream and guacamole too! Everyone will love this easy kids meal!
For a simple, on the go, nutritious, cold meal you'll need:
Large lettuce leaves (not bagged lettuce) Turkey or roast beef deli meat Cheese slices Condiments
Step 1: Peel off a large lettuce leaf. Step 2: Assemble meat, cheese, and condiments. Step 3: Roll up and stab a toothpick in the middle. Step 4: Eat. Step 5: Wipe your mouth, there is a bit of mayo. on your cheek.
What about an interesting twist on the famous mac 'n cheese easy kids meal?
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni (elbow, seashell, bowtie doesn't matter, just not spaghetti) 1 c. cottage cheese 1/4 c. sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1. Prepare macaroni according to package instructions. 2. Mix sugar, cottage cheese, and cinnamon with drained macaroni. 3. Nibble and add sugar/cinnamon, if desired. 4. Serve immediately. Delicious!
Drum up a bit of creativity to create a spin on a tried and true meal and even with the crazy evening activities you'll have time to cook a nourishing easy kids meal for your family.
I have another son, DJ, who I share custody with his father. He was diagnosed with autism and sensory spectrum disorder by my doctor. I just couldn't handle him all day, everyday without the help of anyone. So, I had to do something. That's how it came to a split custody. It's a very hard thing to talk about, so for the most part, I choose not to.
I'm pregnant with my third and LAST! child now. It's a girl! Her father was murdered when I was 2 months pregnant. I miss him and love him greatly.I though it would be hard to keep the baby, but I've overcome that and am very excited about having my little girl I've always wanted.
Posted: 03:37, 2007-Feb-6
Introducing Me!
We went out of town Friday to get a level 2 ultrasound. Everything's going great, I'm 6 months pregnant, and the baby weighs 2 pounds. I can't wait to have a little girl! We have bought way too much clothes already, the outfits are just too adorable for girls! Caleb's finally warming up to having a little sister, something he hated the thought of two months ago. He loves picking out outfits just as much as we do!
Let me introduce myself. I'm Kim, I stay home with my kids and run a business from home. It's not much yet but I have my store, I sell new and used children's clothes and everything else I can find! Take a look at my store, you might find something you gotta have:
Anyways, I had my first child,Caleb, when I was 14. Yes, I was very young, but it made me change my outlook on life and made me a better person in the long run. I wouldn't change it for the world. Caleb is four years old and very smart. He loves the trampoline,riding his bike, and playing XBOX with his papa. He's learning to write, he loves Hooked on Handwriting. You'll hear alot about him later...I've gotta hop in the shower.
