Body Paints - Brilliant, Avon!

The boys received Avon Bath Time Body Paints in the Christmas stockings. We tried them out tonight and they are fantastic! They are designed like roll-on deoderant bottles with colored soap. The kids roll the soap all over themselves as if they are "painting". Then, of course, they have to wash it off which means they get clean while having fun. Great scent, as well. Over all, I think they are an outstanding product! They also happened to have the "magic towels" from their stockings too, which turn into washcloths so it was a bonus to have those in the tub.

Have spent most of these two weeks with the kids but next week it's back to the office to focus on marketing, hr and payroll and general admin issues.

I bet there are many other moms out there who are gearing up to go back to the office. See you on the other side and Happy New Year!

How I Love My Fujitsu ScanSnap

I can't believe how many times I use my 1-Touch Fujitsu ScanSnap! It has made my life immeasurably easier!

Here are some ways I use it for business:
- Copying government forms that I've filled out which require that I have a "hard copy"
- Printing copies of flyers for other people
- Emailing documents to different individuals
- Copying business cards

It's really so easy!

Setting Limits for my Strong Willed Child

My youngest son challenges me every day in every way possible. I've already read Raising a Spirited Child and my mother (helpful that's she's a librarian) just gave me Setting Limits for my Strong Willed Child. Such good advice:
Know that he's going to test the limits
Know that he's not planning on cooperating
Know that he's going to watch my reactions and then choose his behavior accordingly

OK, now that I know he'll never be cooperative or listen, I feel better. Or do I? Well, I guess it will only last another 16 years or so...

Can My Friend Manifest her Spa Retreat?

Michelle Hazlewood, a friend and business colleague is following her dream to start a Spa Retreat in either Panama or Costa Rica. She is writing a blog chronicling her adventures as she follows her Guide. I love reading about her experiences and I encourage you to follow her blog. Her faith in her mission is impressive and inspirational. I believe she will do it, one way or another!

Cyber Monday and Free Shipping Day

If you haven't had enough holiday shopping, there's Cyber Monday (tomorrow) with lots of discounts to be found and Free Shipping Day on December 17. Go to freeshippingday.com to see if your favorite store is participating.

How to Googlize Your Business

In the technology industry, things are constantly changing. The Microsoft model for businesses now has a competitor in Google. All of the apps that Microsoft provides for a fee are available through Google for free. Granted, some of the Google apps are not yet mature. As we are becoming more familiar with the Google apps, though, the more we like them and can see all the many uses for business owners. And, in today's tight times, saving money is always helpful to business owners!

To start Googlizing your business, you should get a Gmail account which can be changed to your domain name and you can start using Google Docs, spreadsheets, forms and Google Wave.

How to Store Holiday Wrapping Paper Rolls

I came across an ingenious way to store wrapping paper, all on my own. Recently I'd been obsessing about the fact that my rolls of wrapping paper had been loosely splayed on a shelf in my garage for the past 5 years, vulnerable to dust, tears and possible chewing by little critters. So, I decided this was the year I'd take care of the issue. I'd decided on a tall but slim trash can as the answer. But, yesterday I was at the market and there were some empty wine boxes sitting at check-out with 12 little boxed slots in them and I thought I'd take one home (after politely asking cashier and explaining the reason) and try it out as a storage solution. Guess what? It works great! And the cashier thought it was a great idea, too!

My Introduction

Although I imagine it's going to be hard to find the time to write a blog while in the midst of running a business and raising two (very active) boys, I am going to post about topics that I think are relevant to other moms who own their own businesses and are raising kids.

OK, enough already about why I'm doing this! Next post will be about something substantive--holiday wrapping paper!