Mini-office

One of the things that I needed to get used to in this house was the total lack of space for a desk. We have zero extra space for our desk that is currently in storage. When I started working from home, I knew I needed some kind of work space. Just something to make me feel like it's an actual job and so I  wouldn't sit down on the couch, turn on Friends and then "not get any work done". So here is my mini-desk. All that I need to write a blog post, watch some training videos, make a phone call, check my planner, take some notes, email, etc. is right here:)

Like I said, no space- we traded my sister a large sofa table for this smaller table (mainly because I had it's twin under the other window). I just decided that instead of transferring stuff back and forth, that I would make a permanent home for some of my supplies:)

Okay, so Friends was on any way....but you get what I mean:)

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Why Work From Home?

If someone told me when I was 18 years old that I would be a stay at home mom who has a home based business, I would have spit my soda out in their face laughing. When I decided that I actually wanted to have kids, I knew that I wanted to be a working mom. I was a teacher.... a kindergarten teacher. I loved my job. I worked with some of my absolute best friends one of which was even my roommate.

Mary, Me, Anabelle, Ami (missing Sarah) the day my life changed

And then I got married and three months later was preggers with Delaney. She was born in October and I had the rest of the year off for maternity leave. When January came, I cried and cried the day I had to go back to work and leave her. She stayed with my mom for a couple months and then went to a day care that was right on our school campus. But, I didn't care- I missed her so much. 

Eric, being the good guy he is, saw how miserable I was and we talked about me quitting. I did not renew my contract that year. When Delaney was 9 months old, I found out I was pregnant with Brody, so yeah, good move not working (for me).

7 months pregnant with Brody on our way to Denver!

Of course sacrifices have been made due to having one income. I've tried everything you can think of to bring in some money. I'm talking baking cakes, medical transcription, Avon, etc. I recently just 'retired' from selling jewelry. It was a great business and I did pretty well with it, but do to unforeseen issues, I felt it best to quit. I have been searching for the right thing. I have been searching for something that I can believe in, something I can be passionate about, something that is doable. And I have found it.

I needed a story- I needed a believable, duplicatable story and I found it. Bonnie, from House of Grace, showed me that I could do it. She's a mini- van driving, stay- at- home mom of multiple kids and she is very successful in her home based business. When I emailed her and asked her questions about the business, she was honest, open and supportive.

So here I am.... I made the decision to become a Shaklee distributor. I sincerely love the products. Keeping my family healthy is a priority. I make my own hours, I set my own goals and I have a ton of support.

So what. right? Why do you care how I came about this decision? I don't know, all I know is that if you are sitting there contemplating a home based business but have all these excuses in your head- know that I had them too. 

Excuses:

"I have no time"- I have a 4 year old, a three year old, a 13 year old step-son, a 16 year old step-daughter, a husband, 2 dogs, a big family, a house and the need to shower daily:) I am busy too. I have found ways to work my business. I scheduled time to work the business (naps, after the kids went to bed, when Eric got home from work)

"I am not a salesman"- Yeah, I taught kindergartners. Little kids and I get along just fine. I speak their language.They believe whatever their teachers say. Now, I am at home with my kids all day- all I have to sell them on is how awesome Curious George is and that juice is not allowed after the sun goes down (they bought both of those btw) You don't need to be a salesman- you need to have passion for helping people- the products sell themselves.


"I don't have the money"- I didn't the have the money. Eric was flabbergasted that I was even entertaining the thought, but ya know what? You do what you need to do if it's important to you. I knew in my heart that this was the right decision. 


"I don't know enough people"- do you have a couple friends? a doctor? a dentist? kid's teacher? work buddies? I could go on and on. You don't need to know a ton of people...make a list, I bet you come up with more than you think. 


"I don't know anything about the business"- let me be the first to tell you that I was TERRIFIED about signing up and then being left on my own. I may have a home based business, but the training and support provided is above and beyond! I have learned more about business and my own life in the last couple weeks than I have ever before. There is always someone to help you out- you are never alone!


If you are thinking about a home based business and are having reservations, trust me, I was there. I am BRAND new to Shaklee and am LOVING it. I love that I am helping people live healthier lives! I mean come on, who wouldn't want to do that! 


So, if you wanna join our awesome team or have questions PLEASE email me. Or if you know any one who would want an opportunity like this please let them know! 


Click on this link if you want to learn more....http://connect.shakleeuniversity.com/l35862241/?session=breez8ggpks2a89p93ksu

I will step off my soap box now.... and go play with my kids. 
Cuz I can:)

Yes, that's Delaney in a Belle dress riding her scooter

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Gettin' Clean!

I am SUPER excited about my new stay at home mom adventure that I just started. I am proud to say that I am a Shaklee distributor. Shaklee is the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S. The products are broken down into Healthy Nutrition, Healthy Weight, Healthy Beauty, and Healthy Home. In addition they have a Healthy Baby section and Healthy Water. After obsessing over reading many blogs for years now, I finally decided to try the products. While scouring the website, I felt a tugging on my heart saying that maybe I should look into the amazing opportunity that Shaklee offers. Eric and I talked it over and after talking with Bonnie from  House of Grace, I knew that this was for me. I love finding new products for my family that are healthy, safe and actually work. Now, if you know me, then you know I actually love to clean and organize. Seriously, I used to go to friend's houses and help them clean! The Healthy Home products from Shaklee are A-MAZ-ING. Seriously. The other thing that you may know about me is that I am cheap  frugal. I love a good deal. When I first read that because of the super concentrated formula of products such as the Basic H would actually SAVE me money, I knew it was for me.

My starter kit- I was so excited:)

Oh and check it out. I know this may not be the MOST important factor when choosing cleaning supplies, heck it may not even top your list, but look at how stinkin cute the packaging is! I mean come on, who wouldn't want to open the cabinet under the sink and be greeted by this adorableness. And yes, I realize that it makes me a bit of a weirdo that I like the way the cleaners look, but at least I can admit it.

The window cleaner made with Basic H

I guess I should probably tell you that in addition to being uber cute, they actually really work too. The Basic H is a 16 oz bottle that can make a degreaser, an all purpose cleaner and a window cleaner (just to name a few). To make window/mirror cleaner you just fill a spray bottle (you could even use one from the dollar store) with 16 oz. of water and then drop in TWO DROPS of the Basic H and BOOM- ya got yourself some kickin cleaner. Don't believe me? Well, let me prove it to ya.

We have two dogs and two little kids that feel the need to make the back door as gross as possible. Did I mention one of our dogs is a Mastiff? See, they drool. A Lot. And when they shake their heads after a drink, spit and other disgusting things fly everywhere. This backdoor was the beautiful before:

That's right- dog slobber galore. Oh and hand prints, smudging the dog slobber.

Then, I had Delaney and Brody clean the window for me (remember the products are totally safe):

So clean- Sandy walked right into it.

Here's my mirror in the kids bathroom. I may have a child who really likes to decorate with water....

please remember I kinda blow at photography and I didn't want to be in the picture at all, cuz I was still in my jammies, so yeah, just look at the picture:)

Not blurry- really dirty

After:

Much happier. This post was just to introduce to Shaklee and to let you know that it's now my business. I am super excited. If you are looking for a stay at home job, I sincerely want you to check this out or email me. Shaklee has been around for 50 years- ask your mom or grandma, I bet they have heard of it. I will showing you different products and updating you on my business (I am sure you want to know the 'real facts' about it- I did).

Until the end of May- like we're talking Thursday people- you can become a member of Shaklee for FREE- that's a savings of $19.95. You WANT to do this. Trust me. Just go to my website, check it out, if you have question about the products, email me, and then with purchase, you get a free membership. Starting June 1st, it will be $19.95 so HURRY!!

And here's a picture of the kiddos, cuz I love em

On quite the sugar high and exhausted from swimming- notice Brody's expression:)

Happy cleaning!!!

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