There are payroll services and then there are payroll services

For some reason, payroll has never been a smooth road for our company. We had one period where we had an awesome payroll service. That ended only because he was bought by Paychex. Before and after that one period, though, it's been bumpy. The latest payroll debacle occurred yesterday when our current payroll service, Perquest, withdrew funds from my checking account without my authorization and without documenting why, due to the fact that THEY had failed to pay appropriate Medicare, FUTA or social security taxes for a former employee. I think this borders on criminal. So, that happened yesterday and today we signed up with a PEO firm. I need to get the payroll, health insurance and worker's comp headaches off my plate!

Ruminating on the Roomba

In December, I was lucky enough to land on the Ellen De Generes show as an audience member for the bonus day of the 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. I won many wonderful things including an iRobot Roomba which is a vacuum cleaner that drives itself. All I can say is wow--what an amazing thing! My carpets and floors haven't been this clean in years. Somewhat steep price tag but may be worth it. If I'd seen this BEFORE I'd received one as a gift, I might have bought it.

Here's the concept for IGotAnEnvelope.com:

Igotanenvelope is a continuous art project where people leave empty self-addressed stamped envelopes in public places to be picked up and filled by others, who then send them back.

Go the their site to check it out. How fun!

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!