Recipes

Appetizers, casseroles, and delicious desserts all your guests will enjoy.

Party Themes

Looking to invite your friends over for a night of fun, these themed parties will entertain them till the party is over.

Traditions

Creative ideas for instilling your children with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Design

Looking to redecorate or need some inspiration. These are my favorite looks.

Gifts from the heart

Nothing is more personal than when you make a gift and share it with your loved ones. Here are some creative ideas.

Look for love

My thoughts on love and why you should always look for it. You never know when or where it will show up.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Make $ texting!

Get paid to text?  Now you can with ChattoText.  If you are on a social networking site and have a cell phone, there is no reason why you shouldn't be utilizing this new tool.  

30daysof:  Why did you get started in this business?

Chattotext User1:  At first it was the products features that interested me as I didn't realize it could be a business.  I learned about it when it was launched through Facebook as an application.  The product, Chattotext displays on my profile page and if anybody needed to contact me by phone they could text me right from their computer!  In addition, I could text right back to their computer...from my phone.

30daysof: Is there a start up cost? 
Chattotext User1: Yes, there is usually a cost for most conveniences in our lives.  To utilize ChattoText it is $5.99 a month.  I watched the video and learned that I could also make money with the product.  I purchased it and invited a couple of friends to watch the video.  Those friends who signed up to use the chattotext service ended up making me money.  For every person you sign up to use chattotext, you get $2 back.  So technically, I did not pay for the first two months becuase I had signed up 6 people.  If you sign up 3 people every month, the service is free.  If you sign up more, then you make money.

30daysof: How do you stay motivated? 
Chattotext User1: Money and a great product that I believe in motivates me.  I do not like hidden agendas, long-term commitments, or poor communication.  Chattotext did have some problems in the beginning due to its newness, however the developers handled all the fixes professionally.  I was impressed with their follow through and determination to resolve any problems. In fact, they just hosted a webinar to discuss and share all the new changes.

30daysof: What is your favorite product or the best selling product (service) you offer?
Chattotext User1:  The website Chattotext it so easy to use.  They have codes you can cut and paste and put on your blog, your website, or any of the social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.


30daysof: 
What is your biggest challenge in marketing your business?
Chattotext User1: When Chattotext was new as an application through Facebook it got pulled due to a violation of terms.  One month later all issues with Facebook and Chattotext are resolved and the product works great.  If you want to solicit the product as a business however you can not talk about it or mention it in any social networking status updates.  For instance you can't say in your status on Facebook: JANEDOE Want to make money texting? click on this link, http://cahttotexkj.com.

You can only have the box on your profile page and tell your contacts about it through emails, websites, or blogs.


30daysof: How do you get paid? 

Chattotext User2: Every month you get money put into your paypal account or bank account. Whichever you sign up for.

30daysof: Is there room for advancement (growth)?
Chattotext User2: You start to create a downline for yourself.  The more people you have signed up under you, the more your money grows.


30daysof: Who is your competition? Other companies that sell the same products or services? Why did you choose yours?
Chattotext User2: I haven't found any other product that texts my phone from a computer and vice versa.  I believe this tool of communication will become even more popular in the next two years.


30daysof: How can someone contact you to learn more or purchase your product?
Chattotext User3: After interviewing and trying out this product, I myself love it.  I am using it for my blog to get feedback on new topics to post.  If you want to sign up to use Chattotext as well, please do so by clicking on this link. http://www.chattotext.com/amember/go.php?r=795&i=l0


Here's hoping that you make money texting away with your friends and family.

Make $ with your simple idea!

Have you ever had an idea and thought, wow I should do this? It could really help make a difference.  I interviewed Heather Sievers, creator of the TIME OUT SPOT.  Time Out Spots are a discipline technique designed to help discipline children ages 18 months and up. Heather took a simple idea and created a business with it. Throughout her business cycle, this one idea has led to a product line consisting of Time Out T-shirts for mom and dad, baby onesies, wrist bands and even a Time Out Spot for your pet.


30daysof:  Why did you get started in this business?

HS: I was inspired by my three year old son. I started his time outs on a little wooden stool, which immediately became a problem. The stool would get flipped over and scooted around. It even started to damage the wood floors. The last straw was when he picked it up, held it to his bottom, and walked around saying, "I'm still in time out, my bootie is on the stool.” Time Out had turned into a game. So, it hit me. The family needed a new time out spot! Deciding that a rug would be great for this, I designed the Time Out Spot and went on a mission to have it manufactured.

30daysof: Is there a start up cost? Describe the start up cost and what you need to do to qualify for promotion or revenues, trips, cars?
HS: I started Time Out Spots with a $5000 loan.

30daysof: How do you stay motivated? Books, quotes, people who inspire, etc...
HS: My motivation comes from customer feedback, press, and knowing that I can do my job during my own hours (even if they are 8 pm-midnight) so that I can take care of my boys.

30daysof: What is your favorite product or the best selling product (service) you offer?
HS: Definately the Time Out Spot, although our Mommy and Daddy "Needs A Time Out" tees are very popular.

30daysof:
What is your biggest challenge in marketing your business?
HS: Deciding who to advertise with, which blogs to send samples to, you never know.  Advertising is so expensive and very hit or miss.  Almost all of my major publicity has been free due to it getting into the hands of the "right" people.  See the press Time Out Spots have received.


30daysof: How do you get paid? 
HS: Huh?  Paid?  All money goes right back into the company.  

30daysof: Is there room for advancement (growth)?
HS: Always, but I personally am not ready for growth.  I like that I can still be mostly in charge of overseeing everything and would really need an investor to "go big."

30daysof: Who is your competition? Other companies that sell the same products or services? Why did you choose yours?
HS: There are a few small companies that sell similar products (under 5), but none are really the same.  So competition is not really an issue.

30daysof: How can someone contact you to learn more or purchase your product?
HS: They can visit the website at www.timeoutspots.com or email me at heather at timeoutspots.com.  Time Out Spots are available for purchase in a store near you.


Heather is also the author of the popular blog, swankymoms.com and the creator of NurseryRhyme Tease. When Heather has an idea she goes for it and makes it happen.  You can too!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Make $ beautifying skin


For over fifty years JAFRA Cosmetics has been transforming women’s lives with innovative, quality skin care products and exceptional career opportunities. JAFRA is a party plan company with a multilevel compensation plan.
Over 500,000 consultants worldwide sell Jafra products catering to women, men, children and babies. I interviewed Noma Roche (NR) to learn more about the business. 


30daysof: What is the name of your business? 
NR: JAFRA

30daysof: Why did you get started in this business? 
NR: To make extra money

30daysof: Is there a start up cost? Describe the start up cost and what you need to do to qualify for promotion or revenues, trips, cars? 
NR: It varies, Can be as low as $30, You can fill out an application on line, select your consultant case, place an order, send a payment, sign up friends and relatives, others who need to earn money, start your own lineage, they usually have a trip each year that you have to qualify for by selling the product and signing up new consultants.

30daysof: How do you stay motivated? Books, quotes, people who inspire, etc... 
NR: online videos, weekly conference calls with guest speakers telling how they sell and how to increase sales.

30daysof: What is your favorite product or the best selling product (service) you offer? 

30daysof: What is your biggest challenge in marketing your business? 
NR: Not a problem, you just talk to everyone you meet about your products.

30daysof: How do you get paid? 
NR: As a consultant, you get 50% off every order you place at $300 dollars or more a month. As a Manager and above your paid a commission of your teams sales and also your own sales, the higher you go the more the commission is.

30daysof: Is there room for advancement (growth)? 
NR: Plenty, it depends on how much effort you want to put into building your business.

30daysof: Who is your competition? Other companies that sell the same products or services? Why did you choose yours? 
NR: Mary Kay, Avon... It's easy why I chose Jafra, nobody else has Royal Jelly Moisture Lotion.

30daysof: How can someone learn more about the product?
NR: They can review the product line online at Jafra.com and contact me by email.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Make $ the clean way!



 
In our everyday lives, we are exposed to elements that we can't avoid. They are harmful to ourselves and the environment.  Shaklee is a company that offers solutions that are safe for you,
your home, and your planet.  I interviewed Jennifer Poston (JP) with Shaklee to learn more about the business opportunity.

30daysof: What is the name of your business?
JP: Poston Partners in Health (Shaklee)

30daysof: Why did you get started in this business?

JP: The timing was right for us, along with an incredible first impression of the company and products.  My husband had just lost his teaching job and we were floundering as to what to do for money.  Also, the more we looked into the company, the more impressed we were by it's history, the science behind the products, their priorities about caring for the environment and people's health, and their ethics.  We knew it was something we wanted to share with other people, and we loved that we could make money doing it!
 
30daysof: Is there a start up cost? Describe the start up cost and what you need to do to qualify for promotion or revenues, trips, cars?
JP: There are 3 ways to start, ranging from $19.95 to $299.  The higher the level you choose to start, the more opportunities there are to make significant amounts of money.  The great thing about the highest level ($299) is that what you are paying for is mostly products that you get to keep yourself, to begin familiarizing yourself with the products.  The concept is that it's hard to sell something you don't use and believe in yourself!  
 
There are always MANY opportunities for earning incentives.  There are trips that you can qualify for through doing different business activities and earning points for the trip through them.  The company likes to see their distributors succeed, and it shows!  You move up in "ranks" in the company simply by growing your business--through your customer base and the people you train to build a business "under" you.
 
30daysof: How do you stay motivated? Books, quotes, people who inspire, etc...
JP: Staying connected is crucial in this type of business.  It is easy slack off when no one is looking over your shoulder.  In Shaklee there are so many ways to stay connected!  I have an incredible mentor who has become a good friend, and she calls and checks in on me frequently.  She holds meetings at her house and over the phone with her business builders so we can support each other and continue to learn.  There are online meetings as well as conference calls.  I also have a variety of books that have been recommended to me by those who mentor me, that I can refer to when I need a mental boost.

30daysof: What is your favorite product or the best selling product (service) you offer?
JP: I personally love all of our products, but there are two lines that are especially necessary in our family, and that are very popular with my customers.  One is our green cleaning line, which many people are interested in because of the surge in eco-awareness.  The other is our weight-loss/management line called Cinch, which is different than many other weight-loss products out there because of the emphasis on losing weight WHILE keeping you lean muscle.  Shaklee even has a "Biggest Loser" competition going right now for those using the Cinch products, and the prizes are big money!

30daysof: What is your biggest challenge in marketing your business?
JP: The cost.  Because our products are the highest quality, they are not your Walmart prices!  It is sometimes hard to show people that you get what you pay for, especially with things like vitamins.  People don't realize they are not all created equal, and that some can even be harmful!

30daysof: How do you get paid? 
JP: Shaklee has 5 ways total that they pay people.  It is easiest to explain it using visuals that I have online, so if people want details I show them those.  The great thing, though, is that I don't have to keep track of ANY of it myself.  Shaklee keeps track of it for me, and I just get my check every month with my statement.  It is a very easy business to maintain money-wise!

30daysof: Is there room for advancement (growth)?
JP: Definitely, that is part of what drew my husband and I to it!  There is no "glass ceiling".  You can give yourself a raise anytime you want, as long as you are willing to put in the work to do it!
 
30daysof: Who is your competition? Other companies that sell the same products or services? Why did you choose yours?
JP: Melaleuca is one of them.  I haven't personally looked too much into it...I just know how over-the-top impressed I am by Shaklee and their products! 

30daysof: How can someone contact you to learn more about the product?
JP: They can visit my website at http://shaklee.net/kjposton

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Make $ painting hands and feet!

You can make money doing whatever you love,  even if you paint fingers and toes!  I interviewed artist, Lollie Kienz of Fullerton who paints hands and foot prints of your children and turns them into art.  

Piggies and Paws is a home party business which focuses on the creative preservation of children’s growth. Our main service is to provide a fun and creative way to preserve children’s hand and foot prints. Unlike casting and plaster impressions, which are typically done only in a child’s first year, our hand and foot art can be done throughout a child’s lifetime, actually documenting their growth.



30 days of: What is the name of your business?

Lollie Kientz: Piggies and Paws.  I create custom, frameable artwork out of the hand and footprints of children.  

30 days of: Why did you get started in this business?
Lollie Kientz: I am a person that truly loves creative projects and my number one priority is being a mom.  When I was pregnant with my second, I wanted something to keep me busy, bring in some extra cash, and ultimately let me stay home with my girls.  Piggies and Paws popped into my head one morning and I started the process of interviewing.  It was an absolute perfect fit.

30 days of: Is there a start up cost? Describe the start up cost and what you need to do to qualify for promotion or revenues, trips, cars?
Lollie Kientz: There is a start up cost that you learn more about in the process of interviewing.  You make your money back quickly.  There is no promotions or cars or incentives like that but there is also no big sales push.  I am not a big sales person at all so I really like how the company is structured like that.  

30 days of: How do you stay motivated? Books, quotes, people who inspire, etc...
Lollie Kientz: I actually stay motivated by working on creative projects in between work.  Sometimes it can get monotonous so I just pull some other project out that I am working on for my girls or the house that I am really excited about and work on that.  

30 days of: What is your favorite product or the best selling product (service) you offer?
Lollie Kientz: My best selling product is the only product I offer and that is the artwork itself.  There are hundreds of prints to choose from and all of them are unique and adorable.  Priceless!

30 days of: What is your biggest challenge in marketing your business?
Lollie Kientz: I actually have never marketed my business. Word of mouth is how I get my referrals.

30 days of: How do you get paid? 
Lollie Kientz: I send everything into the company and they cut me a check.

30 days of: Is there room for advancement (growth)?
Lollie Kientz: Within your own business and booking galleries, yes.

30 days of:  Who is your competition? Other companies that sell the same products or services? Why did you choose yours?
Lollie Kientz: I am not aware of any other product or company like this one.  

30 days of:
How can someone contact you or learn more about the company?
Lollie Kientz: You can learn more about the company through the website at piggiesandpaws.com.  I am the artist in Fullerton, Lollie Kientz, so you can contact me through the website too. Simply enter your zip code to find a piggies and paws artist in your area.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

30 days of...Making Money Your Way


My idea of the ultimate life is to make money doing what you love.  For the month of April, the 30 days of...blog is featuring home businesses to help inspire you to make money YOUR way.  

The remedy for creating a successful business person is not available by prescription...if it were pharmacuetical companies would be even wealthier.  I have found that the people whom I deem the most successful have passion for what they sell, they do it with integrity, and they are persistent and tenacious.  

I interviewed 30 different home businesses owners and asked them the same questions about their product or service.  The businesses range from services such as prepaid legal services to products lines such as drinks, vitamins, candles or jewelry. I was shocked to learn all the various products out there.  May you be inspired by one of these businesses and start making money YOUR way!

Tatata!






Wednesday, March 11, 2009

30 days of...Party Themes- St. Patricks Day

Have a little Irish in you, do you? This St. Patricks Day Party theme features three activities, delicious food ideas, music, invitation ideas and decor for yourself, your guests, and your cupcakes.

stpatricksblog stpatricksblog beobimonkey

Thursday, March 5, 2009

30 days of...Party Themes

It's time to Partay!  I just posted 30 days of...Party Themes for you to choose from.  The list is comprised of themes for kids as well as adults.  My favorites are:  Scavenger Hunt Party, Fear Factor or the Regifting Party.  Here is a list of all 30 to inspire your next gathering with friends and family.





Saturday, February 21, 2009

30 days of...Great Dates Week 4 - Get your heart racing! GIVEAWAY!!


"I feel the need...the need for a speed!" said Maverick and Goose and they boarded their fighter plane in the movie, Top Gun. We all have the need for some speed and sharing the experience with the person you love is exciting. Dates #23 - #30 feature exhilarating activities to get your heart racing together!
Plus there is a FREE GIVEWAY mentioned at the end of the post so read on.



23. Hot Air Balloon Ride - In the city of Temecula, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the wineries. The trip provides gorgeous views from high up and as you descend you can reach over and touch the tops of the trees. This journey begins before the sun comes up and ends just in time for breakfast. Wilson Creek Winery offers champagne and a continental breakfast after the ride.

24. Palm Springs Aerial Tram - This should be one of the great wonders of the world. Within 10 minutes you experience the desert climate then mountain climate. During the winter, be prepared to play in the snow and sled down some hills. The rest of the year allows for great hiking and overnight camping. Either time it is a great time to share together.

25. Disneyland, California Adventure - this place is an even happier place when you leave the kids at home. Book a reservation at the California Grand Hotel.
There you can dine at a 5 star hotel, get a massage, lay by the pool, enjoy a band at the House of Blues, and ride California Screaming as many times as you want.

26. Skydive - Jumping out of a plane together will get your heart racing for sure. I did it once and had a blast! To see how I survived, view the video.

27. Planetarium - When I think about how big our universe is, it gets my heart racing. There are so many free telescope shows and exhibits you and your date can see in every state. In New York at the Museum of Natural History, the COSMIC COLLISIONS exhibit is a spectacular immersive theater experience, which launches visitors on a thrilling trip through space and time—well beyond the calm face of the night sky—to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe.

28. Trapeze - Have you ever played the game, "Trust me?" You fall back into the person arms and see if they will catch you. If they don't catch you, then dump then right then and there. (That is after you get up.) In San Diego, Trapeze High is a trapeze training facility for people of all ages, abilities and skill levels. You and your date can do acrobats with each other high above the ground.

29. Go 180mph in your own RaceCar - At the California Speedway and other select tracks, you and your dates can ride in race car yourself or with an experienced driver. It will give you a whole new appreciation for the sport. And yes, racing is a sport, it isn't just a bunch of men turning left. (At least that is what my husband insists!)

30. Eat on the Top of the World - My best date was 11 years ago when my husband asked me to marry him. He took me to dine at the TOP of the WORLD in the Stratosphere Hotel. You could tell his heart was racing the whole night. In most major cities there is a High Rise Restaurant worth experiencing for the view and the food. Takami Sushi is located 21 floors above Downtown LA's Financial District, and is considered one of the most unique restaurant concepts Southern California has ever experienced. The Carnelian Room in San Francisco, features surrounding views of 360 degrees with award winning cuisine.

GIVEWAY!!! I am always looking for creative, romantic, and adventurous dating experiences. Please share your best date or share your idea of a perfect date. You will be entered to win 2 tickets to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. Random drawing takes place on March 30th.