Digital Magazine for the Mom Partners

The October (and very first) issue of the ReallyWorkingFromHome.com Digital Magazine is almost complete! I'm so excited about it. It's full of Small business & Direct Sales training, devotions, prayer requests, Business Finance tips & so much more!



There are so many benefits of being a Mom Partner with ReallyWorkingFromHome.com but 2 of the most important ones are:
1) The Digital Magazine and 2) Mommy Bags (we distribute Mommy Bags to Christian moms all over the United States that include your business information & promo items!)

To learn more about the benefits, visit our site at http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ or click here.

Monday's Mommy Minute

Meet

Nicole Elliott
A Christian Mom
from North Carolina


Nicole owns a scrap-for-hire business called Artistic Albums by Nicole. She creates digital scrapbook pages for clients. She can also create custom engagement, graduation, and birth announcements and specialized photo Christmas "cards".




How many children? One 19 month old daughter.

Favorite Movie: I have SO many favorites is too hard to pick just one! If I was forced to it would be the Lord of the Ringsseries (all 3) and The Guardian.

Favorite family activity:  having dinner together :)

Something we would be surprised to discover about you: I lived in Wyoming in the same house from the time I was born till I was 19 years old. In the past 4 years I've moved 4 times since then!!!

How has your faith in God helped you raise your family and run your business?My faith in God has helped me raise my family and run my business because I try to make him the center of everything. I couldn't do any of what I do if it wasn't for Him!!!!

Favorite item you've designed: "The Big Day"


Any specials you are running or discounts you would like to offer: Right now I have my 5 for 5 deal going on where new customers get their first 5 pages of any size for $5 a piece. For anyone reading this I'll do an addtional 5 pages for $5!!!! :D Or I'll create a custom announcement/card for only $5
 
Website: www.artisticalbumsbynicole.com
 
 
To find out more about Nicole and her business visit: http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ in the Moms Like Me section!

Making Some Extra Cash for the Holidays!

The holidays are just around the corner! And like me, many of you have started budgeting and shopping for your friends and family. Personally, I'm not one of those that makes sure my family & friends have all the new gadgets and gismos. I make a lot of homemade gifts, baked goods, etc. However, my son lives and breathes for Veggie Tales and my husband has done so much to help me out this year that he deserves a really great surprise (not to mention a stack of bills that we have to pay!) ...so I'm planning now and doing what I can to make some extra cash for the holidays! Here are a list of some things that I'm doing personally, and I know that they work!

1. Craft Shows,Consignment Sales & Shops
Yes, the good old craft show. Even if you aren't crafty, I bet you could easily make a bunch of holiday fudge! (for a super easy recipe click here.) This takes some time, but it usually brings in enough cash to pay for all of my holiday expenses! I have 3 scheduled in the next few months.  I make homemade fudge, sugar scrubs and more. I also sell my books and I  like to "re-purpose" old things! I go to garage sales or thrift shops and find items that I can turn from "trash into treasure!" Then sell them at a show or a consignment shop. There are some great ideas on this site: http://www.autumnplacearts.com/ Do a google search for other ideas!
DO NOT pay huge prices to enter a craft show! One of the shows I was looking at was charging $400 to enter! That is ridiculous! Never pay more than $100 (even that is a little high!) to be a vendor. The shows that I've entered are all between $35-$95. Having trouble finding a craft show that you can afford to enter? Get a group of ladies together from your church or Moms group who can bake or craft. Check with your church to see if you could host a show in the fellowship hall or have it at someone's home! Have each person chip in for advertising costs, fliers and signage. Ta-dah! You've created your own inexpensive craft show. Remember: word of mouth is always the best advertising!

2. Start an Etsy Shop

I feature "Mint" items in my shop: http://www.allthingsmint.etsy.com/ For more free information about starting an Etsy shop visit: http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/  To purchase an Etsy Success guide full of tips & tricks to make the most of your Etsy shop, check out http://www.thebuzz.etsy.com/

3. Affiliate marketing!
Jackie Lee, a mom friend of mine, has just written a blue-print for using Amazon.com as an affiliate to earn cash for Christmas. If you do this correctly, the average person can spend 5-10 hours per week and make a few hundred dollars for the holidays! More time= more money! This blueprint is truly an ingenious plan that I am using myself! My husband and I are working on it together. To download her blueprint visit: www.SquidooChristmasCash.com/blueprint To get one-on-one help from Jackie visit: http://www.squidoochristmascash.com/





If you haven't already checked out our website, you will find a TON of other money making/ money saving "Ideas that Work" http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/

Detox & Weight Loss

During my last pregnancy I was very sick and developed "pregnancy induced hypertension" (high blood pressure/pre-eclampsia). To avoid that happening the next time around, I'm trying to lose 15 pounds.  I e-mailed my friend Donna Partow (http://www.donnapartow.com/) asking her if she knew of a good detox I could try to help. She responded that the Cabbage Soup Diet she has posted on her blog is something she does once or twice a year. I checked it out, went & bought all of the ingredients and I'm ready to go! My hubby is even going to do it with me for moral support (he really is the greatest man on the planet, if you ask me!!!) My cabbage soup is boiling on the stove as we speak.  Every day I will add to this post about what is going on! Anyone else care to join me?  Here is the recipe & details (thanks to Donna Partow!) http://www.donnapartow.com/forms/about-the-infamous-cabbage-soup-diet/

Donna says this:  "Personally, I LOVE the Cabbage Soup Diet and follow it at least twice a year. It was recommended to me by my former neighbor, Dr. Allan Spreen, a U.S. Olympic diving coach and author of the book, Nutritionally Incorrect (Woodland Publishing), from which the following is adapted. Dr. Spreen says this diet is safe and can be repeated as often as you like, as long as you take two weeks off in between. He says you can expect to lose anywhere from 10 to 17 pounds."

Cabbage Soup Diet
•6 large green onions

•2 green peppers

•1 large head cabbage

•1 bunch celery

•1 or 2 cans tomatoes

•1 pkg. Lipton soup mix

•Season to taste with spices, including salt, pepper, parsley, boullion, etc.

Cut vegetables into small pieces. In large pot, add vegetables and soup mix, cover with water. Boil rapidly for ten minutes.

Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender. (Vita-mix owners: blend & store in serving size portions)
This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. The more you eat the more you will lose.

Day One

All fruits except bananas. Cantaloupe and watermelon are lower in calories than most fruits. Eat only the soup and fruits. For drinks, you may have water, unsweetened tean or cranberry juice (I recommend Trader Joe’s or Knudson’s) Do NOT drink a cranberry juice cocktail.
(Day 1 My Notes: It is lunch time & I'm doing pretty well. I've had fruit and soup for much of the day. I did drink a sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast drink for the protein and I'm taking all of my vitamins including a B-12 and Acidophilus)


Ok...guess what??  This made me really sick on Monday afternoon! I was thinking I would just delete this entire post, but I thought I would be honest and leave it all up here. Here's what really happened: I developed a terrible headache (which I researched and said that is an effect of getting rid of toxins in your body) and the soup gave me some horrendous gas. I couldn't stand the smell or the look of the soup (this is gross but true: the smell of the gas was the same exact smell of the soup) after that, so I asked my hubby to dump it. Ok...so the cabbage soup cleanse is not for me!

Day Two

All vegetables. Eat all you want! Try to eat leafy veggies and stay away from carbohydrate-rich veggies like peas, corn or beans. At dinner time, you may have a baked potato with butter. Do not eat any fruits.
Day Three

Eat all the soup, fruits and vegetables you want. Do not have a baked potato today! If you have followed the diet for three days, and have not cheated, you will find you have lost 5-7 pounds.
Day Four

Bananas and skim milk. Eat as many as three bananas and drink as many glasses of skim milk as you want, along with the soup. Bananas are high in calories and carbohydrates and so is the milk, but on this particular day, your body will need potassium and carbohydrates, protein and calcium, to lessen your craving for sweets.
Day Five

Beef and tomatoes. You may have 10-20 ounces of beef and a can of tomatoes or as many as 6 fresh tomatoes on this day. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water to wash away the uric acid in your body. Eat the soup at least once today, but remember: the more you eat, the more you lose.
Day Six

Beef and veggies. Eat to your heart’s content of the beef and veggies. You can have two or three steaks if you like, along with leafy green vegetables. No baked potatoes (easy on carb-dense veggies) Don’t forget to eat lots of soup.
Day Seven

Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juice and vegetables. Eat as much as you like of all the items listed today. But be SURE it’s brown rice and UNSWEETENED fruit juice!!!
Beverages: You may drink water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, teeccino, unsweetened fruit juices, unsweetened cranberry juice and skim milk. Your best bet is always water.


Make sure to visit Donna's site: http://www.donnapartow.com/ ! She is a Christian author/speaker and health expert!

Friday Favorites Giveaway ~Contest is Closed! ~

Winner is: cdziuba! Congrats!

Today's Featured
Christian Mom
in Direct Sales
is Gina Olsen!




More about Gina:

How long have you been with company: since September 2008


Short Description of Company: Votre Vu is an exclusive source for the finest French-made, natural skin care products. Previously found only in select European salons and spas, this outstanding line is ready for delivery right to your door. Offering solutions for your daily skin care regimen, luxurious hair and body products, with anti-aging formulas.

A little about you: I'm happily married to my childhood sweetheart. We've been married for 23 years and have had the joy of raising 2 fabulous boys, now teenagers that keep us busy with all of their sports. I love that I can work my business around my family which is so important to me...

How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith: I have always loved the Lord. When I was 17 years old I became a born again Christian and what a great feeling. I feel so blessed for all I have and thank the Lord everyday for what he has given me.... He truly is amazing!

Why would someone want to join your particular team? We have a unique marketing plan, combining the best of direct sales and party plans. We have luxurious French-made products naturally based with the finest ingredients, you don't have to be an expect in skin care either. No inventory, no deliveries, low start up cost. Great ground floor opportunity
 
What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) If you enroll for our AutoShip program at the time of sign-up, your starter kit will cost $99.00 plus tax and shipping. Without AutoShip enrollment, the cost of the starter kit is $125.00 plus tax and shipping. Both kits include the same products over $250 worth. Well worth the small investment. Autoship each month is about $60 to $75 depending on which products you pick.

What is the required purchase to stay active?In order to receive the Team Cycle Bonus, Matching Cycle Bonus and Lifestyle Bonus, you must make a personal purchase of at least 50 BV every four weeks. ("BV" or "business volume" refers to the point value assigned to our products. BV varies from product to product. One product might have a BV of 40; another product might have a BV of 75). To remain a consultant with Votre Vu you must make a 50 BV purchase every 24 weeks. 50 BV is about $60-$75 depending on your products.
Find out more here: www.votrevu.com/ginao
 

The Giveaway:
 
One bottle of Snapdragon
(Beauty Beverage)


This delicious private blend of powerful anti aging super-fruits and botanicals features Mango, Pomegranate and Acai Berry juices. A mélange of teas (green, white, and gorgeous red) infuse some spice to your life. Seven daily vitamins plus Collagen, Aloe Vera, Foti, Ginkgo Biloba and Baobab Fiber round out this exotic beauty mix, supported by naturally safe extracts, fruits and minerals which may enhance energy. No preservatives or sugars added (you're sweet enough). Used daily, Snapdragon may help repair, restore and re-balance your body's internal systems, naturally giving your skin a radiant, beautiful glow. It may boost your overall vitality when added to your daily beauty regimen for optimal health, inside and out. Luscious and fabulously refreshing, there is not another match on the market, just like you.

Gina sells 4 for $39.00 and then 2 for $23 but she is giving away 1 bottle to the winner of this giveaway!
 

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog.



6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

1. Add Gina Wilkerson Olsen as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here
2. Become a member of Gina's group on Facebook: Votre Vu French Skin Care-and a look inside the VuBar.
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win FREE SNAPDRAGON TODAY http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/
4. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here
5. Follow our blog!
6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com



And...as always...to win an instant ~Mommy Bag full of goodies~
add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy one of our little houses on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )
Every mom who does this will be entered into the drawing again AND receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.
Entries will be acccepted until Sunday 9/27/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

The Homemaking Cottage

Known as "a gathering place where homemakers share ideas for keeping home and family," The Homemaking Cottage is filled to the brim with tips, treasures, recipes, activities and more! Founded by Shiloah Baker of North Carolina, The Homemaking Cottage has articles on everything from preparing the Soil for Gardening... to Ways to Increase Your Metabolism... to making a fall pumpkin garland! You can even find sections devoted to Pregnancy and HomeSchooling.

One of my personal favorites was an article about planning interesting Date Nights! One of the ideas I plan to try is "Picnic on the living room floor – don’t forget the candles" (this is noted as an idea especially if babysitting is a challenge).

You will also find Thrifty Living Tips, tips about cleaning & organizing, recipes, family activities and so much more!

AND...I am so excited about the Christmas Extravaganza they are planning for November 1st through December 31st. This is something you will not want to miss!

You can read some of the articles for free, but the Deluxe Edition contains original, longer, and more detailed homemaking articles exclusive to The Homemaking Cottage.

Shiloah says this about the Deluxe Edition:

"The Deluxe Edition is a password protected special edition to the website The Homemaking Cottage. We feature an additional 1001 articles, recipes and crafts that are not found anywhere else. We have five specialty writers who focus on unique and inspiring articles for our subscribers. A six month subscription is regularly priced at $20. Our subscribers receive a 20% discount in our shop, can request articles and have 24 hour a day access to information."

COUPON CODE:

Save 15% right now off a 6 month or 12 month membership by using the following coupon code when checking out: loveyourhome

Check it out today: http://www.homemaking-cottage.com/

Monday's Mommy Minute

Meet
Lori Harwell!

A Christian Mom from Arkansas!

More about Lori:

How many children do you have?  2

Favorite Tastefully Simple Product I LOVE the Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Beer Bread

Favorite Movie: Confessions of a shopaholic

Favorite Family Activity: Sunday afternoons at the park with my family!

Something we would be surprised to discover about you: I roll my windows down whenever I go over a bridge...I guess so if it collapses I can get out!

How has your faith in God helped you raise your family and run your business? My oldest child was born with a rare cancer and my faith in God brought me through that...he can do ANYTHING!!!! He always reminds me to turn to him when I am in need of a miracle in my business. God is Great!

(read more about Lori at http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ in the Direct Sales pages)

We're having an ONLINE PARTY!  Wahoo!

To access the party go here:

http://www.tastefullysimple.com/Cultures/en-US/Products/ProductList.htm?CatalogNavigationBreadCrumbs=ClientCatalog&ShowTop=true

Click on "find your host/event now" towards the bottom of the page. Enter MariLee Parrish (location is not required) so that Lori Harwell gets the credit for this party!

Here's the EXCITING NEWS!  One, lucky winner will receive ALL of the hostess rewards from this party! Once you have made a purchase, leave a comment below and you will be eligible to win up to $100 of FREE TASTEFULLY SIMPLE GOURMET FOODS!

(remember...you must make a purchase to be eligible)
 Prices start as low as $4!!!

**If you decide to book your own online party, you will receive ANY product in the catalog for 50% off (even the Gift Collections!)

Party will continue until October 2, 2009.

Friday Favorites Giveaway: FREE STARBUCKS with KOREY CALLOWAY!

Contest Closed.

And the WINNER IS: #24 (random.org) ALICIA WEBSTER

Today's featured
Christian Mom
in Direct Sales
is Korey Calloway
with Ardyss International!




More about Korey:

How long have you been with company: I've been with the company for about 6 months(as of 8/2009).

Short Description of Company: I represent a health and wellness company. Our flagship products are LaVive, a power fruit juice with Acai, Mangosteen, Gogi, Noni, and Pomegranate. And the Body Magic, a garment that helps you drop 2-3 dress sizes in less than 10 minutes without diet, surgery, exercise or pills

 A little about you: I'm married to my best friend and soul mate, and we have 2 beautiful children, Nadia and Donovan. I am the choir director at my church and I sing on the worship team.

 How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith:I have been a Christian since 1997 and I belong to a nondenominational church. I believe the Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. Because of His sacrifice, I am saved by grace through faith and no longer bound to sin.

 Why would someone want to join your particular team? I am a part of team Reshaping U within my company. We are a Christ centered organization that prays together and dose all we can to help each other succeed and take advantage of the 10 ways to get paid in this company.

What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) The startup cost is $350 and that includes about $700 worth of products.

 What is the required purchase to stay active? In order to stay active and eligible to receive a check, you need either a $100 autoship, or $150 on wholesale orders per month.


Find out more here: http://www.drop2sizesnow.net/

The GIVEAWAY:

A $5 Starbucks Gift Card Sponsored by Korey Calloway

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog.

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

1. Add Korey Washington-Calloway as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here

2. Become a fan of Korey's page on Facebook: Reshaping America

3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win FREE STARBUCKS TODAY http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

4. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/  and comment about it back here

5. Follow our blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com


And...as always...to win an instant ~Mommy Bag full of goodies~

add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy one of our little houses on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )

Every mom who does this will be entered into the drawing again AND receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.

Entries will be acccepted until Sunday 9/20/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m.

Karen Kingsbury's New Childrens Book: The Princess & The 3 Knights... Review and GIVEAWAY!

This contest is closed

And the Winner is: #23 (random.org) Carol El

I was shocked and honored when the Associate Director of Public Relations for ZONDERKIDZ e-mailed me that she had found my blog! She wanted a blog that was directed towards Christian Moms...and she found mine!

The book we are reviewing is a new book
by Karen Kingsbury called
The Princess and the Three Knights.

The book begins with a verse from 1 Corinthians 13: 4, 7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

The princess in the story is beautiful from the inside out. The king wishes to find a prince for his lovely daughter. This prince needs to be full of kindness and character. One who knows the true meaning of love. Three knights come to seek the hand of the princess. The knights must compete in tests and challenges to prove the eligibility of each man. The knights run races, clear trees, write essays and more. Until only the final competition remains... and the result shows the King and the Princess which man is worthy of her hand.

The Illustrations are absolutely beautiful! What a  meaningful message to young girls. It's all about the heart!


Here are a couple more great reviews that the book has received:

“Readable and offering a pointed message to young girls about what they should expect of their suitors, there's nothing to dislike in Kingsbury's text, and the illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard are gorgeous. Appropriately fairy tale like and romantic, they are also rich and vivid.” — Christian Children’s Book Review
 
“The bright, attractive scenes will easily hold children’s attention. Families seeking picture books that directly address God and faith will welcome this offering.” -Booklist, September 2009
 
 
Enter to win this book:
 
Just leave a comment and a way for me to contact you
 
5 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(remember to leave an extra comment for EACH task you complete)
1. Follow this blog.
2. Join our Facebook Fan Page:  ReallyWorkingFromHome.com
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Contest for New Karen Kingsbury Children's Book:  http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/
4. Go to our website at http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and let us know what your favorite tip is from the site.
5. Blog about this contest and link back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/ and comment about it back here



And...as always...to win an instant ~Mommy Bag full of goodies~

add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy one of our little houses on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )

Every mom who adds our button will be entered into the drawing again AND receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.


Entries will be acccepted until Sunday 9/20/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m.

Monday's Mommy Minute

Today is the first time we're hosting
"Monday's Mommy Minute."
Each week we'll be featuring a Christian Mom and sharing a little bit about her faith and business.
So, I thought I would start it off with an amazing woman and friend: Shara Lawrence-Weiss.

Shara is the owner of Mommy Perks and the founder and owner of Personal Child Stories. Mommy Perks is an online community for moms to receive "Perks & Discounts, Reviews, Giveaways and More!"  Mommy Perks offers some amazing PR packages to help you brand and get the word out about your business! Mommy Perks offers FREE listings for non profits and mom's groups, too!

 Personal Child Stories are hand-crafted books using your own personal photos and information that can be created "for children of every learning stage, including children with special needs." Price ranges from $20-30 depending on number of photos and pages.  After Shara's young son was diagnosed with Glaucoma and had to have his eye removed, he was having some trouble adjusting to the changes in his life. Read the rest of the story:


"My mother suggested that I create a personal book for our son, addressing each issue. I searched for a company that might be able to help me, but came up empty. I decided to create two books at home. One book addressed the issue of my son’s new eye, the other focused on his need to keep his glasses on in order to protect his left eye. Each story page featured photos from our personal collection: photos of the prosthetic eye, of our son, of family members who love him. Photos of his glasses, of family and friends who also wear glasses, and of the objects and items that could potentially damage his left eye if his glasses were not worn. I had each book laminated and bound.

I read the books to my son daily. They impacted his behavior dramatically and we soon passed through that season of our lives…and into another. When our son entered preschool, I requested that his teacher read the prosthetic eye story to the class – in order to open up the lines of communication between my son and the other students.

Oftentimes fear of the unknown is all that separates us from those we do not understand.

Again the book was read in Kindergarten and in first grade. By second grade, all of my son’s friends were well aware of his situation; so much so that it no longer mattered to any of them. It was old news.
The books have been an invaluable tool in our son’s life. If you choose to order a Personal Child Story, it is our hope that it (or they) will also bless your child’s life in countless ways."




Interview with Shara

Share a little about your faith:
"I was raised in a home of faith but did not fully embrace that faith, myself, until after my first son was born. My father was (is) a minister and missionary. He ran a homeless shelter for about 3 years during my youth. My three sisters and I had prayer, faith and generosity modeled for us from the time we were born. I spent quite a bit of time attempting to reject the faith that my parents modeled but in the end, God pierced my heart and left me reeling with His truths and promises. I haven't looked back since :-) "


How does your faith help you in business?
"Honestly, I could go on and on and on about this. However, I will touch on the one main key philosophy that has gotten me through countless difficult days:
I try to remember, at all times, that every person is hurting in some way or another. Every human heart has been broken and needs mending. Every person on this earth is fighting some sort of battle inside. From anger or depression to porn or shopping addictions. From self loathing or rage to past childhood burdens or gambling addictions. Christ's job is to mend those hearts - my job is to simply model His love. I can't fix people. I can't be responsible for healing them and I can't TAKE it personally when they don't behave the way I want them to. It's not about *me.* It's about their own journey through this broken world & all I can do, and all I am called to do, is to be a witness to them in love. To model for them what Christ has done for me. The rest...is up to God.
That viewpoint, in and of itself, has allowed me to carry on day after day. In business, in my community, in my home and in this world."
 
Please take a moment and check out Shara's links. She is an awesome Christian mommy and she would be happy to help you in any way she can!

Friday Favorites Give-a-way!

Today's featured

Christian Mom

in Direct Sales

is Laura Scholle

          with

The  Gourmet Cupboard

And the Winner is: Lisa Garner!

More about Laura

How long have you been with company: 2 months as of 8/2009

Short Description of Company: We offer over 200 gourmet food mixes, including dips, soups, meals, seasonings, desserts as well as many sugar free selections. Each mix includes all of the dry ingredients; you simply add a few fresh ingredients. Our homemade gourmet food mixes are delicious, healthy and easy to prepare.

A little about you: I AM A STAY AT HOME MOM WITH 2 LITTLE BOYS THAT I HOME SCHOOL. I HAVE A LOVING HUSBAND AND A GOOD LIFE WE ARE CONSULTANTS WITH A GREAT COMPANY. WE LOVE TO GOLF AND SPEND TIME TOGETHER

How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith: I HAVE BEEN A CHRISTIAN ALL OF MY LIFE I GUESS I WAS SAVED AT THE AGE OF 8. I LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL OF MY HEART AND I LOVE TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT HIS WONDERFUL WORKS HE HAS DONE IN MY LIFE.

Why would someone want to join your particular team? We are dedicated to our customers and your needs. We will always have an ongoing sale on some of our products. We are here to make your life easier and your family satisfied. We provide great support and help you make a success out of your business.
 
What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) No required start up kit to join, simply make an order of any amount within a week of joining! No tax, but shipping charges vary based on weight of the mix you purchase, but minimum shipping is 10%

What is the required purchase to stay active? You must make a quarterly order (or several small orders) totaling $100 to remain active. That is less than $35 per month!

Contact Laura at: scholle4@live.com

Find out more here: http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/
 
Laura is new in business and is also having a Grand Opening Celebration! Here are the details:
 

 ORDER 25.00 IN MIXES AND RECEIVE A FREE ECO BAG OR HALF OFF A MIX OF YOUR CHOICE.


ORDER 50.00 AND RECEIVE A FREE MIX AND HALF OFF ANOTHER MIX OR CHOSE AN ECO BAG.


ORDER OVER 50.00 AND RECIVE A FREE MIX AN ECO BAG AND HALF OFF A MIX.


LAURA ASLO MAKES CUSTOM GIFT BOXES FILLED WITH ALL YOUR FAVORITE MIXES!





The Giveaway:

 

A $10 Gift Certificate to

The Gourmet Cupboard!

 

 

 

ENTER TO WIN:

Leave a comment on this blog with your name and a way to contact you.

  

5 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

1. Add Laura Scholle as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here

2. Join Laura's Facebook Group:  Laura's Gourmet Cupboard

3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win FREE GOURMET FOOD TODAY http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

4. Go to our website at http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and let us know what your favorite tip is from the site.

5. Blog about this contest and link back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/  and comment about it back here


And...as always...to win an instant ~Mommy Bag full of goodies~
 add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy one of our little houses on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )
Every mom who does this will be entered into the drawing again AND receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.

Entries will be acccepted until Sunday 9/13/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m.

·.¸¸.·´GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION! ·.¸¸.·´¯`·

*Winners for prizes 1-15 are listed below. Please e-mail
marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your address to claim your prize. Winner of the Grand Prizes will be e-mailed as soon as they have been chosen.



And the Grand Opening of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com BEGINS!

2 Grand Prizes & 14 MORE GREAT PRIZES!

Grand Prize #1:
Winner is Melissa Taylor!
For The Aspiring Christian Writer (must be a mom!)

A Free Critique will be given by our professional editor who has worked for NavPress, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan & Focus on the Family. Our site charges $65 (and some companies charger over $100!) but will be given FREE to the winner!

To Enter: Send an e-mail to submissions@reallyworkingfromhome.com  including

• Your complete name and contact information.
• An short explanation of why you want to be a writer. What is your purpose and goal for your writing?
• A summary of your best story and your thoughts on what makes your story stand out.
• A two-paragraph writing sample of your choice. Send us your best work or, if you are new to writing, simply answer the question, “What are the benefits of moms working from home?”

Please keep your entry under 250 words. The winner will be chosen on September 13th and notified on this blog AND via e-mail.

 

 

 

Grand Prize #2:
Winners are
Sherrill Yoder & Barbara Collins!

For The Christian Business Owner Mom

 

She will receive a 6 month advertising spot AND PR Package on ReallyWorkingFromHome.com

2 Winners will be picked! 1 for the Direct Sales page and 1 for the Moms Like Me page.
(thanks to Nicole for submitting a GREAT IDEA to allow ANY Christian small business owner mom to enter!)

This is what is included in the package:

• 
  
  Be the EXCLUSIVE representative for YOUR company! (If you are a consultant with Tupperware, VotreVu, The Gourmet Cupboard, Prim 'n Purdy, Tastefully Simple, Gold Canyon Candles, Discovery Toys, Efusjon, Arbonne or Ardyss International you may NOT enter this contest.)
• 
  
  1 business owner is featured on the site every week. You have the option to feature a giveaway which will also be promoted to the hilt! We even submit the contests to several national sweepstakes sites!
• 
  
  Have your fliers, catalogs and/or samples included in our "Mommy Bags" which are distirbuted to Moms Groups, churches and craft fairs all over!
• 
  
  Advertising (paid spots and free spots) on Facebook, Facebook groups, Twitter, twittermoms, cafemom, google and multiple Christian sites and directories
• 
  
  Monthly Newsletter including tips and ideas and step-by-step instructions to help grow your business
• 
  
  Phone and e-mail coaching included! ($65 dollar value PER SESSION) Ask questions and get answers to help make your home business the best that it can be!
• 
  
  Direct Sales Moms will be featured on the Direct Sales Page. Small business owners will be featured on the "Moms Like Me" page.  

Total Value is: over $120!

To Enter: Send an e-mail to sales@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name, e-mail address and your company. Tell us how your faith in God has helped you grow your business. We will pick 2 inspiring moms on September 13th. The winner will be notified via e-mail and announced on this blog. 

 

And now for MORE great prizes!
 The only qualification is that you MUST BE A MOM! :-)

Prize #1:  Winner: Sarah Reece
Prim 'N Purdy Gift Basket
The winner will receive a 16 oz hand soap scented in Country Apple, sugar cookie lip butter (a Prim ‘n Purdy exclusive flavor), 8 oz Luxurious Lotion scented in Country Apple, NaturaLite (Palm Wax) Votive scented in Apple Butter, Mini Mason Jar Candle scented in Candy Corn and Guest Size Leaf soap scented in Country Apple.
Total Value: $45

From Lori at Prim 'N Purdy http://www.primnpurdy.com/
Twitter: @primnpurdy
Facebook: Lori Homeyer and/or Prim 'n Purdy Inc. (fan page)

Prize #2 Winner Thena
100% cotton XL Mommy Perks T-Shirt. A $15 value.

From Shara at Mommy Perks.http://www.mommyperks.com/
Twitter: @mommyperks
Facebook: Mommy Perks (fan page)

Prize #3 Winner Nicole Elliott
TupperWare
(2) of the 1 cup/250ml Freezer Mates Small One Containers. A $12 value.

from Chris at http://www.shoponyourseat.com/
Facebook: Chris Carroll (stockton/ modesto, CA)
Twitter: @directsalestalk

Prize #4  Winner Alicia 27
AND Prize #5 Winner Arlene
The HomeMaking Cottage Deluxe Edition Subscription
The Deluxe Edition is a password protected special edition to the website "The Homemaking Cottage". Featuring an additional 1001 articles, recipes and crafts that are not found anywhere else. We have five specialty writers who focus on unique and inspiring articles for our subscribers. A six month subscription is regularly priced at $20. Our subscribers receive a 20% discount in our shop, can request articles and have 24 hour a day access to information.  The winner will receive his/her own account with customized username and password as well as the other privileges of our Deluxe Subscribers.

from Shiloah Baker at http://www.homemaking-cottage.com/
Facebook: The Homeaking Cottage (fan page)
Twitter: @pinkginghamom
 

Prize #6  Winner Nicole A.
4 Efusjon Natural Energy Drinks! (2) cans of Efusjon Raw Energy Drink (no caffeine) & (2 )cans of Efusjon Edge (with caffeine)
A $10 value.

From MariLee at http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/
Facebook: MariLee Wahm Parrish
Twitter: @MariLeeParrish

Prize # 7 Winner Shawn
a $10 Gift Certificate to Votre Vu, sample pak of the 4 step sensitive skin "Attentive" line, and a  magnet
A $15 value

From Gina  with Votre Vu  www.votrevu.com/ginao
Facebook: Gina Wilkerson Olsen
Facebook Fan Page: VuBar- coming to a city near you-

Prize #8   Winner Peg42
Discovery Toys 'Measure Up' Cups
Stack, sort, count, and nest cups of different sizes and colors
$12.50 value

From  Arlene at www.discoverytoyslink.com/arlenegianelli
Facebook: Arlene Gianelli
Twitter: @Toymommy2001

Prize #9 Winner Tamara B
All Natural Mint Sugar Scrub. A $7.95 value.

From All Things Mint  http://www.allthingsmint.etsy.com/

Facebook: Really Working From Home (group) and ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (fan page)

Prize # 10 Winner Karen

8 oz Apple Spice candle. $11.98 value.

From Deborah at Gold Canyon Candles

www.mygccandle.com/deborahsfragrantmemories

Facebook: Deborah Joylynn LaPrade

Prize #11 Winner Mrs Chronic

Caramel Apple Dip Mix. A $5 value.

From Laura Scholle at http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/

Facebook: Laura Kelley-Scholle
Facebook Group: Laura's gourmet cupboard








Prize #12 Winner Grissell 

1 bottle of Le Vive Juice (energizing & healing properties for the whole family!)

A $55 value!!!

From Korey at http://www.drop2sizesnow.net/

Facebook: Korey Washington-Calloway
fan page is: http://www.facebook.com/reshapingamerica

Prize #13 Winner Gourmet Candles

Ginger Citrus Mini-Set from our 2009 Holiday Line!

You will receive a set that includes: Body Wash, Sugar Scrub and Body Butter.

From Michelle at Arbonne  Email orders to: Michelle.Opoien@gmail.com
Facebook: Michelle Opoien

Prize #14 Winner Shara
from our Newest "Moms Like Me" Member: Nicole Elliott

The winner will receive their choice of:
4 custom designed scrapbook pages (12x12 or 8.5x11) High Resolution Jpeg images only;
2 custom designed scrapbook pages (either size) Jpeg AND printed version,
 or A custom designed annoucement (birth, wedding, graduation, birthday) High Resolution Jpeg image only
Up to a $32 Value.

From Nicole Elliott

Facebook: Nicole Elliott (Greenville, SC)

http://www.artisticalbumsbynicole.blogspot.com/   

Artistic Albums by Nicole (Facebook Group)

Prize #15 Winner Lisa
From Our Newest "Direct Sales" Mom: Trista Duncan

The winner will receive a "Cookie Lee Jewelry" bracelet that says "Jesus Loves Me" with crosses and hearts. This is a girls bracelet (but will fit a woman with a smaller wrist)

A  $16.00 value.
From Trista Duncan
http://www.cookielee.biz/tristaduncan
Facebook: Trista Duncan


To Win: Just leave a comment with your name! That's it!
However....if you want more chances to win, read on!

Earn Extra Entries:
You can do any or all of the following for extra entries. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1. Follow this blog and leave an extra comment
2. Follow any of the women above on twitter and/or add them on Facebook and leave a comment (1 extra entry for EACH time you follow,add someone or join a group/fan page!)
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Tons of Prizes today for MOMS: http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment back here letting us know.
4. Go to www.reallyworkingfromhome.com Find your favorite $$ saving tip, work from home idea or recipe and comment about it back here.
5. Make a purchase, big or small, from any of the Direct Sales people on www.reallyworkingfromhome.com and receive 5 extra entries for each purchase! Yes, that's 5 extra entries!! Remember: The holidays are right around the corner!



AND finally...to win an AUTOMATIC DOOR PRIZE ~A Mommy Bag full of goodies~, add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy one of our little houses on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/)
Every mom who does this will be entered into the drawings again AND receive an automatic prize. To claim your "door prize" You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. We will check each one and then send out your prize!

Winners will be chosen at random on September 13, 2009 and will be contacted via e-mail and announced on this blog.  You are entering for prizes 1 through 15 (NOT the grand prizes) by leaving your comments here. FREE SHIPPING in the U.S. only.


Blessings to all of you! I hope you have fun on our site this week!

Centered...

Hi Everyone!

I felt prompted today to post specifically about my relationship with God. Let me tell you a little about the Creator of the Universe...who loves me unconditionally (and you, too) and desires a personal relationship with me (and you, too)!

For a while I had things mixed up. I kept trying to put God at the top of my "to-do" list and was constantly frustrated when I wasn't able to check off that box each day.  I desired to have God be a part of my life for as long as I can remember...but I wasn't really "getting it."  All the while, though, the power of Christ was working to draw me to Him...and He showed me that He wants to be the very center of my life...not just at the top of my list of priorities.

All of us are messed up in one way or another. We're just not perfect, no matter how many boxes we check off on our list, or how many PTA meetings we participate in, or how many lasagna's we make for friends in need.  We all have "stuff."   So God sent his Son to pay the price for our mess...for our sin. The creator of the Universe loves US!. Me...and YOU!   The Bible puts it this way:

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'  Acts 17: 24-28

We either accept it, or we don't. But he is never far from each one of us!

You've probably heard this one:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

If you've never asked the Lord to remove your sins and become the very center of your life, will you do that now?  It's just between you and God.

It's not an easy road, I'll tell ya. But allowing Christ to be the very center of my home, my family and my heart has brought me peace that transcends all understanding! I'm not saying I don't have bad days and hard times, but true peace isn't the absence of all of those things....it's the presence of God DURING all of those things!

I'm praying for you now as you read these words and I would be thrilled to talk with you further about any of this!!

Blessings,

MariLee

So....as an addendum to this post, I was actually selling some things on ebay including an audio book of "Experiencing God"  I always go to Amazon.com to use the "review information" when I'm selling something and I came across an amazing review of this book, by some guy I do not know...but his thoughts truly inspired and blessed me. Here is what he has to say:

"This book made me get on my needs and pray to God that I would never try to do anything for him again, that's right. You see when I got out of grad school I thought I was going to be this super missionary and save the world of everything, including poverty and hate. Needless say it made me realize that much of my attitude was based on pride and arrogance, not realizing that the only thing my creator wanted from me was intimate love and devotion...not my "skills & plans". I literally cried and prayed with my Savior after my brother in Christ, Blackaby, helped me realize this…it was a very illuminating and personal experience for me. And yes, from my personal love relationship with God, I do have a strong desire to be apart of His Kingdom on earth and share in its work - which sure beats trying to do things for Him that I think he wants. David H. Squires"

What an awesome insight! Thanks David...whoever you are! :-)