Really Working From Home

We're Moving!!

2009-12-29T10:39:00.001-07:00

Yes, our new blog is located at http://www.wahmblog.info/ !!
We're so excited! Come visit for prizes, great WAHM info and more!

Find us at
www.wahmblog.info

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ Final Feature w/ Abbey Fatica of Living My Moment!

2009-12-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list! Only 4 Days Left!!!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Abbey Fatica

with

Living My MoMent!

Abbey's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Chocolate Crinkles

My mom has been making these for years and they are a holiday favorite in our family
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1. In large bowl, mix oil, chocolate, granulated sugar and vanilla. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours.

2. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.

3. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar; roll around to coat and shape into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.

4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly in center. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Abbey ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Living My MoMent is hosting their first annual Holiday Gift Extravaganza! Some of our MoMbusinesses are featured in the extravaganza as a way to get more exposure for their company for the holiday season! Please come check it out and buy MoM during this holiday season. Many of the businesses involved are offering special discounts on their products so this would be the best time to buy! Thanks for your support and Have a Happy Holiday!

Visit www.livingmymoment.com for more information, or to list your MomBusiness for FREE! :-)

Note from MariLee: Abbey also has a new addition to her family since this picture was taken. Her son was born on THANKSGIVING DAY this year! Congrats, Abbey :-)

Check Out our Current Giveways:

E-Mealz
Carlson Craft Greeting Cards
Kid's Craft Mat
$20 Shopping Spree
Mia Bella Candles

Merry SITS~Mas! ♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫

2009-12-08T09:35:00.005-07:00

And the winner is: Midday Escapes!!!

Welcome to all My SITS Girls today!! Never heard of SITS? Hop on over to their site: http://www.thesitsgirls.com to see what all the fuss is about! An amazing group of encouraging women!! Make sure to check out my special giveaway at the end of this post in honor of SITSMAS!!

Thanks for stopping by! For those of you who've never visited my blog before, please take a moment and check out all the amazing giveaways and yummy recipes we have had going on each day since November 15th! It has been so much fun! We are all about supporting Moms in Business! Merry Christmas Everyone!! I hope you'll take the time this year to focus on the TRUE meaning of Christmas: God Came Near, so that we might draw near to Him! He loves you desperately and wants to have a personal relationship with you!!

What's my site all about? Helping Moms have the opportunity to stay home with their kids, by teaching them how to create multiple streams of income from home! Our main site: www.reallyworkingfromhome.com Our site is geared for the Christian Mom, but there are ideas and resources for anyone wishing to make some extra money from home! We also offer PR & AD Packages including participation in our Mommy Bags and a monthly Digital Training Magazine!

We talk about all kinds of things over here on the blog: Groceries, Coupons, Saving Money, Giveaways, our faith in God, Making money from home, freelance writing and more! I hope you'll stop back and join us!

Big News: Online Christmas Boutique going on RIGHT NOW on our main site!

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a MomPreneur and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Special Giveaway:

A $20 Gift Certificate to Go Shopping with a MomBusiness from our site: www.reallyworkingfromhome.com

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Wish us a Merry SITS~Mas!

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a $20 Christmas Shopping Gift Certificate! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment back here about what you liked about her site!

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy our little house 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 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 accepted until Sunday 12/13/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 19

2009-12-07T18:59:00.002-07:00

And the winner is Nicole!

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Dana Udlock

with

"The Story of You"

Dana's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Ovenight Caramel French Toast

(awesome for Christmas morning, since you prepare it the night before!)

2 T. light corn syrup
1/2 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar

Simmer until syrupy. Pour over bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place 6 slices of bread on top.

6 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
1 t. vanilla

Mix together. Pour half over the bread slices. Layer 6 more slices of bread over the first layer, and then pour remaining egg mixture over the top. Cover and refirgerate overnight. Bake at 350 uncovered for 45 minutes. Serves 6-8.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Dana ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

In this electronic age where email and IM dominate, a personal message on personalized stationery is a refreshing change and is sure to be noticed by both customers and family alike! I carry a wide selection of stationery products that are personalized for your business or social use. From thank you notes to invitations to business cards and sales aids (and everything in between), The Story of You lives up to its name and helps you tell your own story to those in your life!

Top Picks for the season:

In this season of list making, notepads are a necessity, and make great stocking stuffers, too! Thank you notes are always handy to have around--make sure you have an ample supply for December 25th activities. And I love sending personalized notecards with the name of my business on them, thanking my customers for their patronage after a large order!

Specials:

I recently read somewhere that in marketing dollars, retaining customers is much less expensive than the amount you spend to solicit new customers. Repeat business is the name of the game! One of the best ways to do this is to send Christmas Cards to all of your clients! My personal favorite is to find a Christmas card that features a calendar, for if your client hangs it up on their wall, you have successfully created a reminder about your business that will last throughout the entire new year! Now thru December 15th, I am running a 20% discount on products (including calendar Christmas cards!) purchased from my website, www.thestoryofyou.cceasy.com After ordering, send me an email at thestoryofyou@comcast.net and tell me where you heard about the special, and I will invoice you for the full 20% off.

Visit Dana's Website: www.thestoryofyou.cceasy.com

Today's Giveway:

Set of 10 full color, gold or silver foil embellished birthday cards, complete with foil-lined envelopes. Produced by Carlson Craft, the leader in social stationery and invitations, the retail value of this package is $20! Perfect to start your new year off!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Visit Dana's website and comment about how you would use some of this stationery in your business or everyday life: www.thestoryofyou.cceasy.com

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a $20 pack of foil lined greeting cards from Carlson Craft http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment back here about what they offer on their site.

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Entries will be accepted until Sunday 12/13/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 19~Weekend Review

2009-12-05T23:58:00.004-07:00

Many of this week's giveaways will end TODAY! Make sure to go back and enter for each one! Start checking items of your Christmas Shopping List FAST! Many Blessings to each of you!!

♪ Mia Bella Candles

♪ Kid's Craft Mat

♪ Christmas Christian Romance Novel

♪ Reese Witherspoon's "In Bloom" Perfume (by Avon)

♪ $10 Starbucks Gift Card

♪ E-Mealz Giveaway & Holiday Meal Plan

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working MOMPRENEUR and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 18

2009-12-05T23:42:00.002-07:00

Hi Moms! Are you enjoying the holiday season? I hope you are! My prayer for you is that you can slow down a little this year, and truly enjoy your family and get to the heart of what Christmas is all about!

This past week at my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting, we had a guest speaker come and talk about how her family of 7 makes the most of the holiday season each year. I want to share with you some of her ideas, in the hope that it will inspire you to make similar decisions in your own family!

This mother of 5 shared with us that they never had money around Christmas time, so they tried to find cheap or free activities that they could do each night in December to spend more time together and discover the true meaning of Christmas as a family. She encouraged all of us to (literally) "wrap up our T.V." for the whole month of December and make our own advent calendars. Each year, her family gets out the wrapping paper and covers over the T.V! Instead of watching the tube in December, they spend each night doing something fun & free (or cheap) as a family.

I encourage each of you to consider doing the same this year. Wrap up your television (or at least extremely limit time spent in front of the t.v.) and make a simple plan for each night in December. Here are some of the ideas that were shared: make a gingerbread house (we made ours with graham crackers and peanut butter!), go out for a lights tour with hot cocoa and popcorn in the car, camp out under the Christmas tree, dig up all of the lose change in your house and take it to various salvation army buckets around town, make a list of all the things you are thankful for, make and decorate homeade cards and goodies to give away!

Let this year be about giving instead of getting!!

Here's what its all about:

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" Luke 2: 10-11

My friend Shara, of www.mommyperks.com has written a great article called "A non materialistic entrepreneur's Christmas?" about the balance between giving and receiving gifts...with the focus on what's most important in life! I hope you will take a minute to read it!

Blessings to each of you this Christmas season!

Love,
MariLee

Today's Giveaway:

Click HERE to enter for the E-Mealz Giveaway!

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 17

2009-12-04T15:32:00.003-07:00

And the winner is: Life's Journey

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Chantelle Buhre

with

Scent-sations, Inc.

(Mia Bella's Gourmet Candles)

Chantelle's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Cranberry Sauce

2 c. fresh cranberries
1 ½ c. water
Boil together until berries “pop”

1 (4oz) package of sugar free orange jello
Add powder to cranberry mixture
Cool but don’t chill

Add 1 c. crushed pineapple, drained
Stir in 8 tsp. Equal sweetener
Mix Well
Pour into 8” pan
Chill

Makes 8 servings
(WW=less than 1pt. each)

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Chantelle ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

I am pleased to offer a product line that is both affordable and high in quality. My customers can choose from a wide selection of Jars, Votives or Wickless melts in over 90 scents….all within the $10-$25 price range.

The National Candle Association website mentions that candles are burned in 8 out of 10 US households. They are also highly appreciated when given as gifts for various occasions such as the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).

Scented candles remain the most popular and affordable way to infuse your home with holiday ambiance. That’s why candles are taking the center stage in holiday decorating, gift giving and entertaining plans for 2009. They create an inviting home and bring back memories of years gone by.

My top product picks for the season would have to be our 16 or 26 oz. Gourmet Scented Jar Candles. Available in over 90 scents, they are certainly our “WOW” product because of the quality scent throw and clean way they burn. They have self-trimming wicks and liquefy evenly from top to bottom. They last hours longer than traditional wax varieties and smell absolutely fantastic!

Sales & Specials:

SNOW PLACE LIKE HOME: A comforting blend of warm spices combined with the sweet tart essence of cranberries makes this one a winner for those cozy fall and winter days.
Designer Jar Series, Includes holiday box & gift tag.

Buy 9, Get 3 Free (while supplies last, contact Chantelle via e-mail at:chantellebuhre[at]gmail[dot]com to receive this special offer!)

Receive 12 “Ready-to-Give” Gifts in one of our most popular Holiday scents!

Less than $20 per person!
(including tax &; shipping!!!)

You can check out all our products at

http://www.gourmet-candle-business-from-home.com/

Today's Giveway:

Holiday Scent Sachets, a Catalog + $5 Candle Cash

Scent sachets work great in your purse, car, a drawer, locker or tote bag. One of our top holiday scents will be mailed to you along with a certificate for $5 in Candle Cash! Redeem your “Candle Cash” off any order of $5 or more!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Visit Chantelle's Shop: http://thesoycandlelady.scent-team.com/shop/home.php and comment here with something you'd like to find under the tree this year!

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win Mia Bella Candles! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment back here about what you like about it!
5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

If you'd like to win even MORE candles for Christmas, Chantelle is hosting a separate giveaway on her website here: http://www.chantellebuhre.candlebizfromhome.com/drawing.php Enter to Win a Free 16oz. Jar candle and a Bella Bar given away each week.

Entries for our own giveaway will be accepted until Sunday 12/13/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 16

2009-12-03T21:39:00.002-07:00

And the Winner is: Brooke!

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Mom is

Sherri-Lee Pressman

owner of

4KIDS ENTERPRIZES!

What is 4Kids Enterprizes? Sherri-Lee has created an awesome program for kids where you can purchase a subscription for the children in your life to receive educational mail and activities each month for an entire year. There is also a subcription to receive crafts for the year. And coming soon? Literacy 4 Kids and Crafts 4 Kids! What a great Christmas gift this would make for any child on your list. It's literally a gift that gives month after month...and a fun, educational gift at that!

You can also read Sherri-Lee's Mommy Perks interview here: http://www.mommyperks.com/vip/?p=3479

Sherri-Lee's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Nanaimo Bars

1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 5 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 egg, 2 cups graham wafer crumbs, 1 cup coconut.
Place softened butter, sugar, cocoa and vanilla and egg in double boiler, stir until butter is melted and mixture resembles a thin custard.
Combine graham wafer crumbs and coconut, add to the custard mixture. Pack evenly into a 9" square pan. Spread with icing.

Icing:
cream 1/4 cup butter, add 3 tbsp milk combined with 2 tbsp vanilla custard powder. Blend in 2 cups icing sugar, spread over chocolate base. Let stand about 10 minutes to harden. Then melt 4 squares semisweet chocolate with 1 tbsp butter and spread over custard. When set cut into bars. YUM!

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Sherri-Lee♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Really for me it's all about family and accentuating the kindness and generousity that we do all year long. And don't over book. I know many people get so busy they don't enjoy the season, relax everything will be fabulous if you are with people you love who love you.

Why is my product a great Christmas gift? Well... let's see. Kids LOVE getting mail, this sets them up with mail every month for a year. And on top of that the mail is fun and educational. This is something they will be thanking you for all year long!

Sales or specials...Order both mail4kids and crafts4kids at the same time and I will include a craft mat FREE. (must order both mail4kids and crafts4kids for one year each).
E-mail Sherri-Lee at info[at] 4kidsenterprizes[dot]com and mention ReallyWorkingFromHome.com to receive this special offer.

You can check out all of Sherri-Lee's great products for kids at www.4kidsenterprizes.com

Today's Giveway:

The Craft Mat

Are you tired of finding surfaces for your kids to do their crafts on?

Are you tired of glue and paint getting all over your table or placemats?

Are they tired of paper sticking to their crafts (after setting them to dry on it)?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have something to take with you that was not only small, light and easy to transport but would also keep your kids busy in restaurants, at family events and provide you with a safe place for them to create their crafts on?

The Craft Mat is the item you have been looking for!

This mat measures 18″ x 12″, is fully laminated and provides fun activities on one side and a blank back for creating your own work of art.

Wipe it off, lay your crafts on it for glueing, painting or other messy activities and don’t worry about your table anymore.

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Visit www.4kidsenterprizes.com and tell me what comes in a regular year round mail4kids subscription.

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a Craft Mat from 4Kids Enterprizes http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment with something that you liked about it back here

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 12/13/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 15

2009-12-01T11:30:00.047-07:00

And the winner is : Missy Bees!

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Valerie Eddy

with

Beach Body!

Valerie's favorite family Christmas Recipe

What means the most to me during the holiday's is the warmth of the season - the uniting of friends & family. Therefore in the beginning of the "cold" season I make a batch of my homemade "Hot Cocoa Mix". Not only does it last for my family, but I can easily spread the warmth to my newspaper carrier, mailman, & neighbors because this recipe makes a half gallon!

Homeade Hot Cocoa Mix
6 cups box dry milk
5 oz. powdered creamer
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 lb. box chocolate flavored drink mix (like Quik)
white chocolate chips and/or mini marshmellows.

Mix it all together. Place 3Tb. mix into a cup. Add 1 cup boiling water. Top with whipped cream.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Valerie ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

I have always felt that presents should be about LOVE...not just something to give... to give. The items I offer, are to bring our love one's into a healthier level, in turn - many more years with us! And that is the ultimate gift...TOGETHERNESS!

Tops picks of the season & why? With so many quality programs with proven results, it's hard to answer this one. It really depends on the person. If someone really doesn't like to workout but understands the benefits of it or if "time" is a factor in general, then I recommend a quick in and out routine: Tony Horton's 10-minute trainer - a full program in 10 Minutes! Believe me it is a workout--breaking a sweat and asking for water! The routines are simple and it comes complete with a chart to give you the best results. In a few weeks the person will see results.

Sales/Specials: For every person who orders any product between November 30th & December 15th I will mail them two Food Journal's to help them on their journey of weight loss. Each journal offers a one week record of what someone is eating, motivational sayings to keep them on track, and shows them how they can turn their transformation story into $25,000! Furthermore, for each $25 spent on my site; I will send a $5.00 Gift Card to Subway.

Today's Giveway:

"Stillwater Promise" a delightful modern story of faith, forgiveness and love... centered around an enchanting Bed & Breakfast during the Holidays! (Barbour Publishing "HeartSong Presents" Series, Christian Fiction, Romance)

From the Back Cover

"How can Sara trust a man who abandoned her twice?

Sara Lewis’s goal of running her own bed-and-breakfast has taken some pretty tough knocks. Now when her dream of moving into her B&B “castle” is finally coming true, the man who left her to raise their little girls alone shows up talking about his new faith and wanting to be her prince again.

Life has been harsh for James Lewis since he ran out on Sara for the second time. None of his hopes of success in the music industry have been realized. As a new Christian, he truly wants to make amends—but knows he won’t be welcomed warmly. When his mother calls with news of Sara’s “latest” man, James comes home to uncover the truth and try to be the daddy his girls need.

Will James and Sara surrender their marriage to the Lord and allow Him to heal their hurts? Or will misconceptions and selfish ambitions once again cause James to run?

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 "

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Visit Valerie's website: http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/TonkaMom and comment about a product you would like to try.

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a Christian Romance Novel! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 12/06/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 14

2009-12-01T00:38:00.003-07:00

And theWinner is: Pamela Shockley

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Rhonda Maguire

with

GeneWize

Rhonda's favorite family Christmas Recipe

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH EGG CASSEROLE

(Our FAVORITE holiday recipe we've used for going on 20 years! I personally enjoy this because I throw it together the night before and just wake up and pop it in the oven : )

2 c. plain croutons or toast cubes
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
4 oz. cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp. onion powder
1# Jimmy Dean's breakfast sausage
May use Egg Beaters.

The night before: Mix croutons and cheese. Put in greased 10" x 6" x 1 3/4" dish. Mix remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over crouton mixture. Sprinkle sausage over the top. Bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. Double the recipe for 9"x13" pan. Christmas morning, pop in oven while you open the gifts.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Rhonda ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Why is GeneWize a perfect, personal Christmas gift? After examining your DNA, GeneWize will create your personalized formula for nutritional supplements and skin repair serum with 100% active ingredients individually selected to enhance or diminish the biological processes causing you to age. You are the one and only you, and GeneWize is the one and only direct marketing company specializing in genetically customized nutritional and skin care formulas. When you're holding your GeneWize products, you can say without a doubt, "It's all about me! Made Exclusively for me!"

Now you can discover your predispositions for aging including cardiovascular, joint, lung and breast tissue health, immune health, brain and eye health, how well you detoxify pollutants as well as to discover what makes your skin age from oxidative damage, environmental stresses, irritation, collagen breakdown and photo-aging. With a 90 day trial of the skin serum, supplement, or both you will get your DNA test and genetic assessment FREE! This means $129/month for the first product and $228/month for both (plus taxes and shipping).

Please contact me with any questions or if you'd like to know about our enroll four pay no more program you can get your product free! http://www.dnaandyourgenes.com/

Today's Giveway:

A $10 Starbucks Gift Card!

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Follow Rhonda on twitter: @rhondamaguire

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a $10 Starbucks Gift Certificate! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Visit Rhonda's site: www.DNAandYOURgenes.com and tell us what you think!

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 12/06/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Boutique~Week in Review~ 5 Fantastic Giveaways! ♪♫

2009-11-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

Many of this week's giveaways will end TODAY! Make sure to go back and enter for each one! Start checking items off of your Christmas Shopping List FAST! :-)

"In Bloom" Reese Witherspoon perfume from Avon ($34 Value)

Gold Canyon Candle ($12 value)

$20 Gift Certificate for the Online Boutique

Pampered Chef Giveaway ($43 Value!)

♪ E-Mealz Giveaway & Holiday Meal Plan

♪♫ Don't forget to visit ReallyWorkingFromHome.com

RIGHT NOW during our Online Christmas Boutique!

Do some holiday shopping to support a Mom Business

and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 12

2009-11-28T17:08:00.001-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is

Shari Romsdal

with

Crafy Bear Crafts

Shari's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Corn Delight

1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can cream style corn
1 stick butter
1 cup Velveeta cheese cubed
¼ cup chopped onion
1/8 cup chopped pimento (optional)
1 cup broken spaghetti

Drain whole kernel corn and combine all together. Bake covered 30 minutes then uncovered 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Shari ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

At Crafty Bear Crafts we strive to make each item uniquely yours. Whether it is a fleece blanket with your graduate's school, name, and year on it or a bib with your child’s birth information. Each item is created to show the recipient how much you care for them!

Our top picks for the 2009 holiday season are:

1. The fleece scarves. Everyone can use them. They are lightweight but still keep the warmth in. At $10 each they make a great gift.

2. Fleece Blankets. Just like the scarf, these are lightweight but still keep you warm. Measuring 50” x 60” they are even big enough to share. Coming in at $23 ($25 with carrying strap) they are a steal and a great way to show team spirit.

3. For the little ones we have pull over bibs. White terrycloth washes up great. They are a generous size to cover the front and the neck will even fit over some toddlers so it could be used when doing crafts. They make a great fit and even a stocking stuffer at $6.50

SPECIALS: Right now until December 5, 2009 we are running a special. 10% off your order (before shipping). Mention ReallyWorkingFromHome.com to recieve this offer. All orders will be sent out by December 19, 2009.

Shari's website: www.craftybearcrafts.com

**Click HERE for Today's Giveaway!

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 11

2009-11-27T12:45:00.003-07:00

And the Winner is: Nicole!

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Mary Bertsch

with

Avon!

Mary's favorite family Christmas Recipe

PEANUT BLOSSOMS

1 ¾ c. flour
1 tsp soda
½ tsp salt
½ c. sugar
½ c. brown sugar, packed
½ c. shortening
½ c. peanut butter
1 egg
2 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
48 milk chocolate kisses (9 oz.)

Combine all ingredients, except candy, in large mixing bowl. Mix on lowest speed of mixer until dough forms. Shape dough into balls, using a rounded teaspoonful for each. Roll balls in sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Top each cookie immediately with a chocolate kiss and press down firmly so cookie cracks around the edge. Yields 48 cookies.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Mary ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

“DING DONG” AVON CALLING!!

Remember those days? AVON has been an American icon for over 120 years. But….AVON has expanded way beyond the well-known makeup and perfume. Today AVON features fashion accessories, jewelry, handbags, children’s clothing and accessories, MARK—trendy, fun, on-the-edge products and more.

Do you need a great gift for a friend or family member? Need stocking stuffers? Short on time? Have you thought about shopping ONLINE for AVON products? There’s something for everyone at AVON. Get the best in bath and body, skin care, fragrance, jewelry, fashion and great gift ideas.

So……do you want some ideas for easy Christmas gifts? These are my top picks for the season which can be purchased from campaign 25. Go to my website www.youravon.com/mbertsch for easy shopping from home at your computer. Select direct delivery and the products will be shipped to your front door.
**I will even give you a FREE shipping code FSANY.

Top Picks for the Holidays:
The Ultimate Beauty Gift Set ONLY $24.99 (OVER $100 value) with any $10 beauty purchase pg 12-17, 34-34, 56-123, 180 thru 211

1. Cosmetic bag $25 value

2. Rare Gold Eau de Parfum Spray $22.50 value

3. Anew Ultimate Age Repair Night Cream $34.00 value

4. Ultra Color Rich 24k Gold Lipstick—Golden Raisin $8.00 value

5. Glimmersticks Eye Liner—blackest black $6.00 value

6. SuperFull Mascara—black $8.50 value

Introducing “NEW” IN BLOOM by REESE WITHERSPOON 4 piece gift collection ONLY $39

1. Eau de Parfum Spray $34.00 value

2. Body Lotion $15.00 value

3. Shower Gel $15.00 value

4. Gift Bag

Introducing “NEW” PATRICK DEMPSEY 2 Eau de Toilette Spray ONLY $30.00 ($35.00 value)

“Big Deal” ALL 16 for $12—Great Stocking Stuffers!

1. 4 Holiday Hand Creams

2. 4 AVON Kids Holiday Bath Time Body Paints

3. 8 Winter Treats Lip Balms

More Stocking Stuffers!

1. Lip balms & mini hand creams $.99

2. Roll-on deodorants $.99

3. Kid’s Bath Time Body Paints $1.99

4. Bubble Bath Minis, Shower Gel minis, Body Lotion minis $.99

5. Full-size Hand Creams $1.49

6. Full-Size Antibacterial Hand Gels $1.49

7. Full-Size Holiday Shower Gels $1.99

America’s #1 Bubble Bath any 2 for $9.99

Bath and Body 5-piece Gift Set $9.99

1. Shower Gel

2. Body Lotion

3. Body Spray

4. Shower Pouf’

5. Drawstring Bag

Natural Shower Gels Any 5 for $10

Create your own holiday gift basket for ONLY $1 with any $20 beauty purchase (see details)

1. Gift Basket (All $15 value)

2. Tissue Paper Cellophane Bag

3. Self-Forming Bow

**Go to my website www.youravon.com/mbertsch and use

FREE shipping code FSANY. **

Today's Giveway:

In Bloom Eau de Parfum Spray by Reese Witherspoon ($34 value)

Developed by Reese Witherspoon with a prestigious fragrance designer, this precious floral elixir expresses indulgent sensuality with a sumptuous trio of signature blossoms. Sensual and elegant, it entices the senses with gardenia blossoms and lush floral, enveloped in amber wood and peach tea leaves.

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Follow Mary on twitter: @mauvemary

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a $34 bottle of "In Bloom" perfume by Reese Witherspoon from Avon! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until 12/06/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

~

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 10

2009-11-25T11:17:00.011-07:00

And the Winner is: lissaxolove

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Deborah LaPrade

with

Gold Canyon Candles!

Deborah's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Pumpkin Bread

2 1/2 C. sugar
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. butter
4 eggs
16oz. can of pumpkin
3 1/2 C flour
2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. groud cloves
1 C chopped nuts, if desired

Cream sugar, cream cheese& butter. Aggs eggs, one at a time. Blend in pumpkin, then add all dry ingredients. Pour into 2 greased&floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, or until done.

You may also top this with a light glaze if desired.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Deborah♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

We currently have 25 different tealight & votive fragrances available in our holiday catalog. We also have bookmarks, auto freshners & reed diffusers, all which would make "good stocking stuffers! :)

Our Holiday catalog is full of wonderful scents like Pumpkin Pie, Holiday Wreath & Butterscotch Caramel! YUM!

Top Picks:

Holiday Tidings Tealight & Votive Candle Holder
Like shiny ornaments for your table, these three holders help spread the holiday sentiments, Joy, Wish and Believe. Fits 5 oz. Heritage and tealights. 3 3/4" H x 3 1/4" D

You can check out all our products at www.mygccandle.com/deborahsfragrantmemories

How would you like to make extra money for the holidays? Join my Gold Canyon team for FREE! Use the contact form on my website above and ask me how!

Today's Giveway:

8oz Christmas scented candle. $11.98 value

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Check out Deborah's website and comment back here about a product you'd like to give or recieve as a gift this year! www.mygccandle.com/deborahsfragrantmemories

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a Gold Canyon Christmas Candle! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags

4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

Every mom who does this will 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 accepted until Sunday 11/29/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 9

2009-11-24T18:16:00.004-07:00

And the winner is: Darcie!

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Sherrill Yoder

with

Mary Kay!

Sherrill's favorite family Christmas Recipe

"One of our family's traditional Christmas recipes is Peppernuts or Pfeffernusse. These little German anise/spice cookies can be eaten by the handful! We gather as many family members as possible together and make double batches to share with family and friends. Even the little kids can help by rolling the ropes of dough and placing the miniature cookies on the trays. It is a long day but the aroma lasts in our house for days!"

Peppernuts

1 cup shortening

1 tsp. soda

4 cups brown sugar

2 T. hot water
4 eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
6 drops anise oil
1 tsp. cloves
6 2/3 cups flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cream of tartar

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Add oil and soda dissolved in water. Add flour, spices, & cream of tartar. Chill for an hour and then roll dough into long thin ropes. Chill again. Slice dough less than 1/4 inch thick. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 375 degrees for 8-10 min. Cool. Store in air-tight containers. Will keep for several months if well hidden.

Yields 1 1/2 gal.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Sherrill ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

I love to share my products year around but especially this time of year. Isn't it great to give and get unique gifts that not just everyone can buy at a store? I don't know about you, but I like to wear a different fragrance than every other woman around. With wonderful skin care products, anti-aging treatments, glamour items, and scented accessories, we have just the thing for women, teens, and men on your gift lists. All of our gifts are 100% guaranteed to please.

One of my favorites this season is our new sugar scrub with matching lotion and light fragrance spray. When you layer fragrance on your skin, it lingers without being overpowering. All 4 fragrances are so easy to wear. One or more is sure to fit the bill. Choose from Warm Amber, Exotic Passionfruit, Simply Cotton, or Sparkling Honeysuckle.

For your feet and legs especially after Christmas shopping or baking days, pamper your tired tootsies with mint bliss leg and foot treatment. For wonderful soft smooth hands try our Satin Hands set. (note from MariLee: I own the Mint Bliss lotion and it is my favorite! You will not be disappointed!)

You can check out all our products at www.marykay.com/syoder

Specials: If you do not have a Consultant working with you, you can order from my web site. Shipping is complementary and when your order is over $40 I will include a free sparkling Holiday lip gloss.

Thank you and have a glorious Christmas!

Today's Giveway:

A $20 Gift Certificate to use over at the Online Christmas Boutique on ReallyWorkingFromHome.com!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Follow Sherrill on twitter: @sherrillyoder
2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @mommybags Enter to win a $10 Christmas Shopping Gift Certificate! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/
3. Follow us on twitter: @mommybags
4. Find a MomBusiness on our site http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here
5. Follow this blog!
6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )
7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!! Gifts start at just $5 and shipping is INCLUDED!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/29/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 8

2009-11-23T11:49:00.002-07:00

And the winner is: queenoftheclick

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Chrissy French

with Pampered Chef

Chrissy's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Peppermint Fudge Cookie Sandwiches

"Sandwiching a creamy peppermint patty between warm brownie cookies creates an irresistible sweet treat."

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

¼ cup butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup white or semi-sweet chocolate morsels

2 candy canes or 8-10 peppermint hard candies (about ¼ cup crushed)
10-12 mini foil-wrapped peppermint patty candies, unwrapped

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line Large Sheet Pan with a 10-in. sheet of Parchment Paper. Combine chocolate morsels and butter in Classic Batter Bowl. Microwave on HIGH 40-60 seconds or until smooth, stirring after each 20-second interval using Classic Scraper. Add sugar and egg to batter bowl; mix until well blended. Add flour; mix just until flour is incorporated. Using Small Scoop, drop 20 level scoops of batter, 1 in. apart, onto pan. Bake 9-11 minutes or until edges are set. (Do not overbake.) Meanwhile, place candy canes into resealable plastic bag; crush using flat side of Meat Tenderizer and set aside. Place white chocolate morsels into Small Micro-Cooker®; microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30-60 seconds or until melted and smooth, stirring once. Set aside. Remove sheet pan from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack. Immediately turn over half of the cookies using Mini-Serving Spatula; top with peppermint patties and remaining cookies to form 10 sandwiches. Drizzle chocolate over cookies and immediately sprinkle with crushed candies. Transfer to platter. Line pan with additional parchment and scoop with remaining batter. Bake 9-10 minutes. Assemble as directed above.

(copyright 2008 The Pampered Chef)

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Chrissy ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

My top picks for the season are the snowman plates (set of 4 costs $21.50) and of course THE DEEP COVERED BAKER!! ($69.00) I love the deep covered baker!! You can make a whole chicken in the microwave in 30 Minutes!! It would make the best gift for moms on the go that do not have a lot of time to make dinner. Throw some stuff in it and throw it in the microwave. People that like the crockpot, Clean up of the deep covered baker in a fraction of the time that it takes to clean up the crockpot, (scrape it, rinse it, put it back!!)

Another top pick is the weekday dinners done recipe collection. A 2 week meal planner with 10 recipes, 2 grocery lists and a well stocked pantry check list. The entire weeks worth of food is 15 items or less, all of the recipes cost $2.00 a serving and take 25 minutes or less to prepare. ($6.50)

Another top pick is the Easy and Impressive Appetizers cookbook. ($7.50)

Also...there are so many things in the catalog that are $10.00 or less.

The Pampered Chef makes a GREAT gift!! Everyone cooks whether they like it or not!! Why not make the kitchen an enjoyable place to be. My goal is to get families back at the dinner table and make dinner easy!! You want to buy from the Pampered Chef because you will get me as your personal consultant. I am here to make sure you love your products and make sure that they are making a difference in your kitchen!

Visit Chrissy's Pampered Chef Site: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/chrissyfrench

Today's Giveway:

Snowman appetizer plates (set of 4) and snowman platter. Value of $43.00!!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Add Chrissy Severance French as a friend on facebook and comment about it back here

2. Follow us on twitter: @marileeparrish

3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win Pampered Chef Holiday Dishes $43 value! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

4. Find your favorite tip from the "Ideas that Work" seciont on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/29/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m.

♪♫ Online Boutique~ 7 Days of Giveaways!!! ~Week in Review! ♪♫

2009-11-21T23:56:00.002-07:00

Many of this week's giveaways will end TODAY! Make sure to go back and enter for each one! Start checking items of your Christmas Shopping List FAST! :-)

♪ $10 Gift Certificate (to use w/ any of the Mom Businesses listed on ReallyWorkingFromHome.com )

♪ Isagenix Products ($28 value)

♪ Hot Cocoa & Pecan Pie Muffin Mix

♪ Uppercase Living Expression (Wall Art)

♪ 31 Family Devotions for Christmas Book

♪ Shaklee Beauty Products

♪ E-Mealz Giveaway & Holiday Meal Plan

♪♫ Don't forget to visit ReallyWorkingFromHome.com RIGHT NOW during our Online Christmas Boutique!

Do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Special Weekend E-Mealz Giveaway!

2009-11-21T21:30:00.014-07:00

3 Winners Will Be Chosen!

~And the FIRST winner is: Hannah!
~our SECOND winner is: charity/ccboobooy!
~our THIRD and final winner is: Marianna!

We will Choose ONE MORE WINNER!!

I am sooo very excited to announce that I have spoken with Judy, Marketing Director from E-Mealz (founded by her sisters, Jane and Jenny) and they are partnering with us to give away Meal Plans and Holiday Meal plans for the next 3 weekends during our Online Christmas Boutique!!!(click on the banner to go to the E-Mealz website)

If you haven't heard about E-Mealz.com before, this is a fantastic find for Moms on a budget! Dave Ramsey, founder of the "Financial Peace University" endorses E-Mealz and says this:

A friend gave me a subscription to E-Mealz for my birthday so I, personally, have been using E-Mealz for the last few weeks! It has been wonderful! E-Mealz plans out 5 dinners for each week and includes your entire shopping list and total grocery cost. Recipes are included for each day as well. You have MANY different meal plans to choose from: Meal plans for 2, Meal plans for large families, Meal plans for those on Weight Watchers, Low-Carb Meals, Low-Fat meals and MORE! The food is delicious, the grocery list makes things easy and the price list and total budget amount makes budgeting for meals a snap! It only costs $15 per 3 months of Meals and if you use the coupon code: Dave , you'll save even more!
Click on the E-Mealz banner above to check out the E-Mealz website!

Judy gave me permission to post one of the recipes that my family enjoyed recently:

Santa Fe Soup (low fat meal plan for 2-3 people)

3/4 pound extra lean ground beef, cooked

3 cans diced tomatoes

1 can pinto beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can whole kernel corn

1 pkt taco seasoning

1 pkt ranch party dip

In large soup pont, combine all ingredients. Do not drain cans. Heat thoroughly; then simmer 20 min. Garnish soup w/ sour cream. (copyright E-mealz.com 2009)

~We had family in town and this recipe was SOO easy and everyone just loved it! It is definitely a new family favorite!

The Giveaway:

1 (3-Month) Meal Plan Option and 1 Holiday Dinner Plan!

Weekly meal plans based on your grocery store sales...provided with a complete aisle-by-aisle grocery list. Just print and go! Each one of these plans represents hours of planning, shopping and recipe testing for only $5 a month! Choose which is best for you. All of these plans are designed with your whole family in mind, even the plans created for weight management! You choose the store... we provide the plan each week! ($15 for 3 months)

The Holiday Plan includes a traditional Thanksgiving feast for up to 12 people including dessert and all the trimmings! Shopping list and grand grocery total included!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Follow E-Mealz on twitter: @EMEALZ

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a 3 month E-Mealz plan: recipes & grocery list http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/ (@EMEALZ)

3. Find your favorite pattern from http://www.craftybearcrafts.com/ and comment about it back here!

4. Follow this blog!

5. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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.

3 Winners will be chosen!!! Entries will be accepted until Sunday 12/13/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winners will be announced and e-mailed by Monday 12/13/09

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 7

2009-11-21T20:16:00.004-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Michelle Opoien

with Arbonne

Michelle's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Monkey Bread

Here is my favorite recipe...its simple yet ooohhhh so good!

There are many different names and variations but I like the simple one....this is easy and quick for all those holiday gatherings and office pot lucks!

3/4 Cup Sugar & 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon....mix these two together in a separate bowl
4 cans of biscuits (small ones) cut each biscuit into 1/4

Roll the biscuits (I prefer to shake them in a container!) of the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Grease a bundt or angel food cake pan and put the coated biscuits in the pan.

BOIL: 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 Cup Butter
1/2 Cup Sugar 1/2 Tablespoon Cinnamon
Drizzle the boiled mixture over the biscuits.
Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes.
Immediately turn the pan upside and put cake on a plate to cool.
Enjoy!!

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Michelle ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Arbonne is a great holiday gift for anyone on your list. Why not give the special people in your life something that is good for them and useful?

Arbonne offers a large variety of products that are Pure...Safe & Beneficial. From baby care to anti-aging and nutrition....with over 450 products your holiday shopping could not be easier!

All of Arbonne's products are formulated in Switzerland and made in the USA.

The 2009 Holiday line is better than ever with some favorites back by popular demand and an entire line of new products for 2009.

My top gift recommendations:

Pampermint Foot Scrub Duo: This is an amazing set that smells like you are in a candy cane factory and will leave your feet feeling smooth and rejuvenated! Start off with a foot scrub and follow up with a soothing peppermint foot cream. Cozy up by the fireplace to snuggle with a soft pair of microfiber socks. All of this comes to you in a great gift box for only $44.

For Men:

SKY The Limit Men's Set: A simple, yet elegant gift for the men in your life. Set includes body wash, shave gel and after shave balm. Comes in a great carrying case for $61.20.

Stocking Stuffer Pick: Awaken Sea Salt Scrub: The exfoliating action of this sea salt scrub — enhanced with the Awaken Essential Oil Blend — sloughs away dead surface cells revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin Key Ingredients: Avocado and sweet almond extract. This is one of our most popular items and is $28.00.

Holiday Specials

Anyone who places a minimum $150 retail purchase will receive a preferred client membership for free! This is in addition to the gift you will receive as a new preferred client...nearly $100 to you...for FREE!

Be Her Hero: I have put together a great holiday package that can tailored for Hannukah or Christmas. We can even customize it for men or teens so just let me know and I will make it work for you! Wow and dazzle the special person in your life and get all your holiday shopping done at one time...I will even gift wrap everything for you and give your some fun directions and tips for giving the gifts each day!! Who wouldn't want to get an amazing gift everyday for 12 days??!!!

Denver Area Specials:
Anyone in the Denver area who hosts a party in November or December will be showered with gifts and have the opportunity to purchase products at 80% off! For hosting I will give you the Pampermint Foot Care Duo set as a token of my appreciation to you. This is a limited time holiday item and is such a great treat to pamper yourself with!

www.arbonne.com

Please contact Michelle via email Michelle.Opoien@gmail.com

Click HERE for today's giveaway

~

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 6~ Contest Closed!

2009-11-20T07:40:00.002-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured

Christian Mom is

Dawn Oliphant

with Shaklee

Dawn's favorite family Christmas Recipe

Lovie’s Potato Casserole

2 LB Frozen Hash Browns
½ Cup margarine, melted
¼ TSP, pepper
1 TSP salt
¼ Cup Chopped Onion
1 Can cream of chicken soup

Mix all in a bowl ADD:
1 Cup sour cream
3-4 Cups grated cheese

Mix Well and put in greased 13x9x2 pan

Topping: 2 Cups crushed cornflakes

¼ cup melted butter
Mix these two together and spread over top of casserole

Bake 45-60 minutes at 350 degrees

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Dawn ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Shaklee makes wonderful Christmas gifts, because not only is everyone looking for a healthier green alternative, but getting those choices at a reasonable price! Shaklee provides quality at a great price.

Top pick for the season besides the business is the hand and body lotion - everyone uses lotion -

Enfuselle® Hand & Body Lotion:

Nourish your skin with this lightweight, non-greasy yet intensely moisturizing lotion. Clinically proven to provide an instant moisture surge and continued release for up to six hours.

Patented Vital-Repair+® helps reverse UV-induced signs of aging, while pro-vitamin B5 strengthens nails. Added bonus: a botanical prebiotic that creates a healthy environment on the skin to strengthen its natural protective system. Paraben Free

Visit Dawn's site: http://www.living4greenhealth.com/

Today's Giveway:

A Beauty care sample pack from Shaklee valued at $8
(samples of the pictured products will be given)

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Visit Dawn's website and comment about something you'd like to recieve as a gift this year. http://www.living4greenhealth.com/

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win Shaklee Products http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

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

4. Follow this blog!

5. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 5~ Contest CLOSED

2009-11-19T12:01:00.003-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list! You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers. And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is

Roxanne Cash

with Lia Sophia Jewlery

Roxanne's favorite family Christmas Recipe

French Toast Casserole

1/2 cup butter or margarine

12 slices white bread
1 cup brown sugar (*You may wish to reduce the amount of sugar used to 2/3 cup.)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5-6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk

Directions
Melt margarine in a 9 x 13 baking pan.
Break up 6 slices of bread in bottom of pan.
In a bowl mix 1 cup brown sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.
Sprinkle 1/2 of this sugar mixture over bread.
Add another layer of 6 broken up slices of bread.
In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk until well blended.
Pour over bread layers.
Sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake covered at 350F 30 minutes.
Uncover and continue baking 15 minutes or until set and browned.
Serve with Syrup

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Roxanne ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Giving someone jewelry shows them how much you love them. You can never go wrong with jewelry :-) Lia Sophia has many different styles to choose from.

Mix favorite picks for Christmas: Reflection Necklace, Love Dust Bracelet and Necklace, Cinnabar Necklace

Specials:

November Special Buy 2 Reg Price get 1 half off plus add up to 3 Necklaces half off Most Expensives are Half Off

December Special Buy 2 Reg Price Get up to any 4 half off ( Most Expensives half off) 5. Anyone who puts in an order will be put into a drawing for a piece of jewelry under $100 for FREE!! I will be picking 2 winners on Dec13th. All jewelry needs to be purchased by Dec 13th to be received for Xmas!!

Today's Giveway:

1 Copy of "31 Family Devotions for Christmas" By MariLee Parrish

"Create lasting family memories this holiday season. Whether it's shopping, decorating, baking, or celebrating, there are lots of reasons why our schedules are full in December. 31 Family Devotions for Christmas offers daily readings designed to help your family spend special moments together. From fun activities and traditions to recipes and scripture, this book encourages families to make time-even just a few minutes-with each other every day to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas."

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Check out Roxanne's website at www.liasophia.com/roxannecash comment back here about an item you'd like to find in your own Stocking this Christmas!
2. Follow MariLee on twitter: @marileeparrish
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Win "31 Family Devotions for Christmas" Tips,ideas & holiday recipes 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 this blog!
6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )
7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 4~ Contest CLOSED

2009-11-18T08:20:00.002-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is

Laura Scholle

with

The Gourmet Cupboard

Laura says this:
"The Gourmet Cupboard is a good place to shop for 2 reasons: 1) we offer gifts as well as food so you can gift us or use us for you holiday menu's. 2) We have a wide variety to chose from and are always here to help you out."

Laura has several items on special over at the Online Christmas Boutique...so make sure the check them out!

Laura's favorite family Christmas Recipe:

Caramel Turtle Cookies

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
Water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 to 3 cups pecan halves
8 vanilla caramels, each cut into fourths

Chocolate Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
Water
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

With mixer, beat brown sugar, butter, 2 tablespoons water and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in flour and salt until dough holds together. (If dough is dry, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons water, as necessary.)

For each cookie: On ungreased cookie sheet, arrange 3 to 5 pecan halves to resemble head and feet of a turtle. Using a teaspoonful of dough, shape dough around a piece of caramel; press firmly onto center of arranged pecan halves.
Bake in a 350 degree F oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until dough is set but not brown. Carefully transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

For chocolate glaze: Beat powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon water, melted chocolate and vanilla until smooth. If necessary stir in more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until glaze is of desire consistency.

Dip tops of cooled cookies into glaze.

Yield: 32 cookies.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Laura ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

The mixes make fantastic stocking stuffers and gift basket fillers. Laura can also build a special gift basket just for you, too! Contact Laura here: scholle4@live.com and visit the main website at www.thegourmetcupboard.com

Today's Giveway:

1 hot chocolate mix
AND
1 pecan pie muffin mix.
$ 10.00 value

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Follow Laura on twitter: @laurascholle

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win Gourmet Desserts! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

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

4. Follow this blog!

5. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♫ ♪ Online Christmas Boutique ♫ ♪ ~Day 3 ~ Contest Closed

2009-11-17T07:54:00.010-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today, we're featuring

Donna Sanford

with Uppercase Living!

Donna's favorite family Christmas Recipe:

(She bakes it in six small loaf pans to give to friends as gifts.)

Mississippi Mud Cake

2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
Pinch salt
1 3/4 c. strong coffee
1/2 c. bourbon

5 oz. bitter chocolate

1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together flour, soda and salt. Heat coffee and bourbon in top of double boiler for 5 minutes. Add chocolate and butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, stir in sugar and cool for 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Add flour mixture to chocolate 1/2 cup at a time. Continue to beat for 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until smooth. Butter 9 x 3 1/2 inch tube pan, dust with cocoa. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour 30 minutes. Serve with whipped cream. Serves 12.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Donna ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

"The Art of Self Expression

Make your space a reflection of the unique individual you are. Whether you identify with a deeply motivational thought, a beautiful embellishment, a bold image, or a combination of these, Uppercase Living® expressions let you be who you are and let you express that uniqueness in your surroundings. We call this the art of self expression." (taken from the website)

UL makes great gifts as they are an inexpensive & easy way to decorate your home!

Donna's top picks for the Holidays:

1) Photo Memories Kit #80010 $44.95

Pictured as "Believe in the Magic of the Season" The green board comes already painted, making it easy to complete the kit. You just apply the expression desired. I recommend using the alternate expression "Family, Always & Forever" as you can keep this up even after the holidays.

2) Photo Prints

Uppercase Living can enlarge your favorite photo placing it on removable & reusable vinyl!

Donna is offering $5 off any order of $50 or more!

Also, Get a FREE Value Pack with the Purchase of a Photo Print
Now you can express what’s uniquely you in your small spaces, too! Beginning
November 16 at noon (mt) until December 8 at noon (mt), you’ll receive a FREE Value Pack
(regularly a $14.95 value) with the purchase of a 4' x 4' or larger Contour-Cut Photo Print.*

Find out more about Uppercase Living: http://inspirationalliving.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m

Today's Giveway:

7.5 x 4 inch Expression that says: Believe
(looks alot like the picture, but says "Belive" instead)

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Check out Donna's website: http://inspirationalliving.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m and comment about your favorite product.

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win an Uppercase Living Expression! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

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

4. Follow this blog!

5. Become a fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 2~ Contest CLOSED

2009-11-16T00:01:00.062-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is Jen Malcom with Isagenix

Jen's Holiday Recipes:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark

- 1 bag of chocolate chips
- 1 bag of peanut butter chips
- 12 oz. of cocktail (party) peanuts
- 2 cups of crushed pretzels
- 2 tbsp. of peanut butter
Melt together the chips and the peanut butter - you can do this either in the microwave or on the stove. Then add the pretzels and peanuts, stir together. Spread onto a cookie sheet and put in the fridge. Once it has set break it apart into smaller pieces.

Mini Pumpkin Cakes

1 box of pumpkin quick bread
2 eggs
3 tbsp oil
1 cup of Apple cider or water

Preheat oven to 375; grease mini bundt pans or you can use a muffin pan. Fill in half way with the batter as they will rise; bake for 12-14 minutes. Enjoy!

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Jen ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Why would Isagenix be a great Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one?

- With the new year quickly approaching and wellness/weight loss being the #1 resolution that people make every year - order a 9-day or a 30-day program and be ready to take control of your health! OR ...

- Try our remarkable skincare line. Combining nature's most powerful anti-aging ingredients with highly advanced skincare technologies, IsaDermix infuses skin with supportive antioxidants, highly effective peptides and potent age-reforming hydrators.

About the products ...

We have several, but what you can expect from a couple of our key products:

- Whole body cleanse that aids the body's natural ability to remove impurities that you're exposed to on a daily basis. With Nutritional Cleansing, you can transform your health, boost your energy and lose extra pounds and inches.

- Our healthy meal alternative is a balance of the highest quality undenatured whey protein from New Zealand, with active enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients and building lean muscle.

Why do people love the products ...

- It's nutritionally-complete "super food"!

- Convenient!

- Tastes amazing!

- Keeps you looking and feeling great!

**Want more information? Visit: http://www.jenmalcolm.isagenix.com/

Today's Giveway:

1- 45 serving canister of Want More Energy, Citrus flavor ($28 value)

Get the nutrients you need for peak mental and physical performance

Want More Energy?® is a refreshing drink powder loaded with electrolytes and nutrients that replenish essentials that are lost during stress and exercise. The B vitamins and ionic trace minerals safely charge your body with natural, caffeine-free energy to support peak mental and physical performance.

Benefits:

Natural energy boost from premium B vitamins and minerals

Improved physical and mental endurance*

Pinpoint focus and clarity*

Replace nutrients lost during exercise or stress

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.
(please note: for whatever reason....blogger has a glitch when adding comments every once in a while. If you have trouble leaving your comment, just keep hitting "submit" until your comment is accepted. Sometimes it takes 3-4 times! Sorry about this!)

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Follow Jen on twitter: @jenmalcolm

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a canister of Isagenix, "Want More Energy" http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

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

4. Follow this blog!

5. Become a fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 1~

2009-11-15T00:01:00.065-07:00

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is Arlene Gianelli with Discovery Toys

Arlene's favorite family Christmas Recipe:

Maraschino Cherry Bread

This is one I found in a magazine 28 years ago (still have the magazine) I make this every year, and give it as gifts. One year I even entered it into our county fair.

1 jar (16 oz) maraschino cherries
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Dice cherries and reserve cherry juice. Beat sugar and eggs together and add cherries, coconut and nuts. Combine flour, baking powder and salt and add flour mixture and cherry juice alternately to egg mixture. Pour into two greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pans . Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Makes two loaves.

♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Arlene ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

As we enter into the season of the year when we do most of the toy shopping for our children, there are a few things to keep in mind as we shop. Most of us feel our kids have too many toys. In most cases this is partly true. If we take a good look at what our kids own, a lot of it can be eliminated by doing a good toy sort. After removing broken toys, games with missing pieces, toys that have been outgrown, or are not age appropriate, it is time to look at what is left. Organize toys in ways that make clean up time easier. Children are more apt to put things in their place if everything has a place.
Once you have sorted through all the toys and kept only the ones that are age appropriate and that your child still plays with and enjoys, you may discover that what is left does not provide a healthy play diet. Just as a healthy body needs foods from all food groups, a child needs toys from several learning pathways. Make sure to include books, toys that promote active play, thinking/problem solving toys, creative/imagination toys, games, puzzles& pattern toys, and sensory/exploration toys.
You may discover that you have specific areas that are not being met. It is much easier to shop for toys with specific needs in mind, than to be drawn to catchy box designs or advertising. Here are a few tips for when you are shopping for toys:

How to make a carefully selected purchase for your child

One carefully selected toy, book, or game can create learning moments that last a lifetime. The right item brings joy, raises your child’s self-esteem and helps create a learning environment that is as positive as it is priceless.

When making your choices, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Can my child play with this toy in several different ways?

2) Is the toy powered by my child’s imagination?

3) Will my child be engaged for more than just a few minutes?

4) Does this product offer genuine learning opportunities?

5) Will this product grow with my child’s developmental stages?

6) Is this product safe, fun, durable and attractive?

In these economic times, it is more important than ever to make sure that our toy dollars are spent wisely. Eliminating the clutter, assessing what is left, and then purchasing toys that will last through several developmental stages is a great way to save money this holiday season.

Be sure to check out Discovery Toys. We offer the highest quality books, toys, and games available that engage children in the love of learning. Multiple layers of play are crafted into each toy we develop. www.discoverytoyslink.com/arlenegianelli

Today's Giveway:

A $10 Gift Certificate to use with ANY of the Mom Businesses on ReallyWorkingFromHome.com!

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Add Arlene Gianelli as a friend on facebook and comment about it back here

2. Follow Arlene on twitter: @Toymommy2001

3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a $10 Christmas Shopping Gift Certificate! 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 this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!

Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button 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 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 accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Friday Favorites Giveaway~Featuring Missie Shealey, children's book author ~Contest Closed~

2009-11-12T22:16:00.002-07:00

And the winner is: Candie L

Today's Featured

ChristianMom is

Missie Shealey

Creator & Author of

Pookie Lookie

A Children's Book!

About Missie:

How long have you been a Christian & share a little about your faith: I've been strong in my faith all my life. I BELIEVE THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD WHEN YOU ARE DEVOTED TO PRAYING , LOVING YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND LIVING A PROPER LIFESTYLE.

What are your hobbies? I love to read self improvement books, dance, and cook exotic, healthy dishes and creating positive affirmation products for friends and family.

How has your faith in God inspired and helped grow your business?My faith helps to keep me focused and encouraged.

How has GOD blessed you? I'm blessed everyday that I can get out of the bed in good health and see my beautiful and healthy daughter and her smiling face. Im blessed to be able to hear her soft voice and feel her warm and cozy good morning hugs!

What is Pookie Lookie about: Pookie Lookie is a wonderful story that teaches children about love, self esteem and self acceptance. Its a story about a Pink- Spotted Panda Bear named Pookie Lookie who doesnt realize that shes different until she introduces herself to her panda peers at the Panda Pow-WowParty. Her peers laugh and make fun of her. She gets comfort from her mom who suggests that she get her peers to look passed her differences. Pookie Lookie decides to sing her song, WE ARE ALL PERFECT PANDAS on her panda piano. They all come back together in the end.

What special offers will you offer to moms visiting from ReallyWorkingFromHome.com? The retail price is $12.95 but I can offer it for 10.00 through January 1st, 2010. Purchase the book here: http://www.pookielookie.com/

More About Pookie Lookie:

Pookie lookie, The Pink Spotted Panda Bear

.*Pookie Lookie will give your child comfort and direction

*The Pookie Lookie song We are all Perfect Pandas will give your child courage

*Pookie Lookie will help parents, teachers, and family talk to their children about bullies and how to deal with bad situations.

www.pookielookie.com

The Giveaway!

1 Copy of the children's book: Pookie Lookie

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a Pookie Lookie: A Children's Book http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

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

3. Follow this blog!

4. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

5. Sign up for the Pookie Lookie newsletter and comment about it back here: http://www.cafepress.com/pookielookie

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 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 11/15/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

The Countdown Begins! 4 More Days Until the Online Christmas Boutique!

2009-11-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

November 15th-December 15th!

Get a TON of your Christmas Shopping out of the way.

Find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and Stocking Stuffers. Shipping is INCLUDED in all prices!

Make sure to check back every day during the boutique for a special Christmas feature, recipes, giveaways and more! ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ "It's begining to look a lot like Christmas...." ♪ ♫ ♪♫

Saving $$ on Groceries!

2009-11-10T21:04:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine recently sent me a gift certificate for E-Mealz and it is absolutely awesome...so I wanted to share it with you!

It costs $15 for 3 MONTHS OF MEAL PLANS!! Saving you time and money! They even have low-fat meal plans, low-carb meal plans and weight watchers meal plans! They are family and kid-friendly foods....and I hope you'll take a minute to try it out!

Dave Ramsey (founder of Financial Peace University) endorses them, AND as an added bonus, if you use the coupon code:Dave, you'll get an extra discount!

Monday's Mommy Minute~The Homemaking Cottage~

2009-11-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Extravaganza

The Homemaking Cottage

Have you ever visited The Homemaking Cottage?

Right now they are hosting a Christmas Extravaganza with tons of holiday tips, ideas and recipes....featuring quite a few recipes from MariLee!

Shiloah Baker is the owner and founder of this site. She has 7 children and one more on the way! How does she get it all done? Check out her site! This is what she has to say about The Homemaking Cottage: "We encourage, teach and support all homemakers and housewives! How do we do this? With recipes, crafts, and other inspirational articles, eBooks, and our exclusive Deluxe Edition . This website is updated regularly. We invited you to visit often for the latest articles.

The women featured here are women just like you- who run homes. We learn new things daily and share them in our articles. Don't forget to join our Deluxe Edition and enjoy original, longer, and more detailed homemaking articles exclusive to this website.

Relax, spend time reading, learning, and being inspired by homemakers just like you!

Friday Favorites Giveaway! Win a Country Christmas Pillar Gift Set from Prim 'n Purdy ~Contest Closed~

2009-11-05T22:08:00.005-07:00

~And the Winner is: beautywithmary!~

Today's Featured Christian Mom is
Lori Homeyer
Founder and Owner of
Prim 'N Purdy, Inc.

About Prim 'n Purdy:
Prim 'n Purdy - "The Country Shoppe filled with Handmade Treasures". You will LOVE our Back to Basics Style with a Cherish your MOMents Attitude. We promise to inspire your creativity and arouse your curiosity with our classic country and primitive items. Find all your decorating and personal body care needs to fill your home or to pamper yourself. We are your Home Decor and Gift Boutique! Prim 'n Purdy products will give you a "CHERISH Your Happy MOMents" experience; an experience that will keep you coming back.We work hard to bring you unique products at a price that "Inspires your style, Not your budget".

About Lori:

How long have you been in business? I have been in business since 1997, but here's an interesting fact. I have been a sah/wah mom for 20+ years. I am also a homeschooling mom.

How long have you been a Christian & share a little about your faith: I believe that when God gives us a vision or a dream, it is up to us to follow in His path and Never Give Up! I believe that God will always provide or show you a way to do whatever needs to be done. "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

How has your faith in God inspired and helped grow your business? "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. God is always inspiring me. I have chosen to listen to what God's plan for my life is. It is a walk in faith...sometimes climbing the mountain and other times, reaching the top of the mountain. Faith is like driving in the fog; you don't always know what's around the next corner, but you still keep on going. When I first started my business, I had a wonderful Christian friend tell me that I was going to be great as a direct sales company. Hmmm, no, not really - no way! She continued to pray that I would "listen" to God and glorify Him. After many tests and almost quitting my business, God showed me the way and YES, we are a direct sales company now. Still learning and following in His path. Every day is a walk through faith. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

What advice do you have for other moms thinking about starting their own business? Listen to your heart. Start everyday with God, let Him guide you and lead you. He will show you the way and provide you with all the answers that you are seeking providing that you are doing His will. Never, ever give up! Learn from other business women, even those that may seem like "your competition". Make mistakes, this is how you will learn and grow. Do not be afraid to fail...just keep trying! If something doesn't work one way, try another and keep pushing forward.

What special offers will you offer to moms visiting from ReallyWorkingFromHome.com?
I would love to give you 10% off any order from Prim 'n Purdy...let me know that you found me here.
Can moms from ReallyWorkingFromHome.com contact you for advice about starting their own business? You bet...I am always willing to support and help other moms.

Lori's Website:
www.primnpurdy.com

The Giveaway!

The Country Christmas Pillar Gift Set
~A 3 x 3 Pillar candle in our NaturaLites wax, small bag of fixins and a candle plate. It will come to you packaged as shown in our gift bag. This is a limited edition item!
The candle is scented in Eggnog (candle color is white/beige) and the fixins are also scented in Eggnog. Eggnog is A rich, creamy holiday scent with a touch of spiced rum!

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

7 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Add Lori as a friend on facebook http://www.facebook.com/lorihomeyer and comment about it back here

2. Follow Lori on twitter: @primnpurdy

3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a Country Christmas Pillar Gift Set 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 this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Become a fan of Prim 'n Purdy - http://www.facebook.com/primnpurdy

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 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 11/08/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

November Digital Magazine for Mom Partners

2009-11-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

The November 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.

Friday Favorites Giveaway: Win Free Mary Kay! ~contest closed! ~

2009-10-29T21:44:00.003-06:00

Today's FeaturedChristian Mom
in Direct Sales
is Sherrill Yoder

More about Sherrill:

How long have you been with company: September 1979!

Short Description of Company: Our cosmetic company is about enriching women's lives by teaching them how to look and feel their best. It is a career opportunity unparalleled to others. My company was founded in 1963 in Dallas, Texas with a "try before you buy" philosphy that continues today.

A little about you: I have lived all my life in the Midwest growing up on a farm. I have been married 20 years and have a 16 year old son and a 10 year old daughter. My education is in social work but most of my life, I have been self-employed.

How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith: Jesus Christ has always been in my life as I was raised in a Christian home. I attended our church high school and college. Daily family devotions, church involvement, and adult Bible study are priorities. My continuing challenge is to rely solely on God rather than others.

Why would someone want to join your particular team? Our founder taught us to put God first in our lives, family second, and our career third. We have fun pampering others and learning more about ourselves. The income can be fantastic too!

What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) The Starter kit is only $100 plus tax and shipping which depends on where you live.This kit has over $300 of product and supplies.

What is the required purchase to stay active? Active level is ordering 200 wholesale within a 3 month time period.

Find out more here: www.marykay.com/syoder

The Giveaway!

Satin Lips® Set (Mask and Balm) an $18 value.

The two-step system gently exfoliates and moisturizes the lips for smooth, soft satin lips! The balm can be used daily to moisturize up to 6 hours!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Add Sherrill Yoder as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here
2. Follow Sherrill on twitter: @sherrillyoder
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win free Mary Kay! 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 this 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 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 11/01/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Friday Favorites Giveaway~closed~

2009-10-22T21:18:00.002-06:00

And the Winner is: Shelley Dixon!

Today's Featured
Christian Mom

is Abbey Fatica of

Living My MoMent

Interview with Abbey

Tell us about your business: Living My MoMent is a great place for MoMs to come and support other MoMs who run their own businesses. We also provide FREE advertising for the small businesses, do reviews and giveaways for them as well. I also blog about my life as a MoM with a toddler (and one on the way)

How long have you been in business? April 2009

How long have you been a Christian & share a little about your faith: I have been a Christian my whole life but recently I haven't been as involved in church as I would like. I still do have a strong faith in GOD. I know that He is always there in my life and guiding me on the path to greatness.

What Advice can you give to other moms thinking about starting their own business? Be Passionate about what you do and use God to inspire you and guide you to do what you love. There will be hard times but persevere through them and it will all turned out for the best.

What special offers will you offer to moms visiting from ReallyWorkingFromHome.com? We do FREE advertising, reviews, and giveaways for any MoM business or blog that would like more exposure for their site.

Can moms from ReallyWorkingFromHome.com contact you for advice about starting their own business? I would love for other moms to contact me. I find it is very important for all moms to support one another and give each other the guidance that we deserve.

The Giveaway:

Abbey is offering the winner 1 Month + 1 month free of being a momfeature on Living My MoMent. (a $20 Value).

Click HERE for more details.

Now that LivingMyMoMent has close to 400 businesses listed on our site, wouldn’t it be great to have better real estate on the site so that everyone can see your product? It’s all about Location, Location, Location!

For this option, your post will contain all the parts of the Basic Package with some extra perks. Your page will be featured on our front page, you will get weekly emails from us asking about new specials, deals, or anything that is essential for your company at that time, so that we will be able to update the readers. We will also tweet, retweet and facebook any of your news on a weekly basis or more if you have special events coming up.

If there is anything else that would want on your page, we can work with you so that you are getting the best bang for your buck. So, if you want to have that prime spot that will have all eyes on you, then you need to upgrade your package to be a featured MoMbusiness on LivingMyMoMent.

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog telling us what your Mom Business is about.

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Become a fan of Living My MoMent on Facebook and comment about it back here
2. Subscribe to Living My Moment's Newsletter: http://livingmymoment.com/
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a free feature for your Mom Business! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/
4. Follow @livingmymoment on twitter
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 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 10/25/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Gearing up for Christmas!

2009-10-21T09:44:00.005-06:00

I am so excited about the Christmas season! I love love LOVE Christmas! :-) I wrote all about how I feel about this special season in my very first book: "31 Family Devotions for Christmas"

Here is an excerpt from the inside cover:

"Dear Friends,

As many of you do, I love Christmas! From the Thanksgiving Day Parade all the way to New Year’s Day, I love everything about the
Christmas season! To me, Christmas isn’t just one day to prepare for, and it certainly isn’t just for children, as we so often hear. Christmas is an entire season of hope and love and joy! As Christians, we should be living out the spirit of Christmas every day of the year. However, we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and before you know it, Christmas is over and we end up stressed and tired with a pile of bills hanging over our heads. Many of us are guilty of trying too hard to plan the perfect Christmas. This year, why not strive to spend more time together as a family, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas rather than worrying over organizing a flawless holiday? "
You can purchase this book of devotions, recipes & stress-free tips on my website: www.reallyworkingfromhome.com

So, starting on November 15th, this blog will be dedicated to helping you reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this season!
We'll aslo have recipes, stress-free tips, holiday ideas and our Online Christmas Boutique featuring $5, $10, $20 gifts and stocking stuffers (shipping is INCLUDED in all prices!!)

My mission is to help Moms save and make money from home and I'll be working overtime to help you look forward to the holiday season with joy in your heart and a little extra cash in your pocket!

Be sure to join us everyday starting November 15th!!

Also, my friend Shiloah over at "The Homemaking Cottage" is having a Christmas Extravaganza beginning November 1st! I've written an article for her and sent many of my original recipes for her Christmas features! It's going to be wonderful! Don't forget to check it out beginning Sunday November, 1st!!

Monday's Mommy Minute ~Win 6 Free Months of Selling on LoobaLee!~

2009-10-19T14:50:00.001-06:00

For today's Mommy Minute, we will be featuring LoobaLee! Have you ever heard of them? They are definitely worth checking out if you are looking to buy or sell infant's or children's clothing!

If you have tons of good-looking baby or children's clothes, then this is definitely the place for you to make some extra cash! And yes...I've researched and believe that selling on LoobaLee beats selling (and buying) children's clothes on Ebay any day! I will be adding them as an ebay alternative to my main site asap. Read on for more info...

The Giveaway

Enter Our LoobaLee Subscription Giveaway!

Win 6 Free Months of Selling on LoobaLee!
LoobaLee is a new site for buying and selling children's designer clothing and accessories. It's exclusively designed to be custom to the kids clothing market, as well as be fun and easy for busy Moms too! LoobaLee promotes an "outfit your kids for virtually free" philosophy, and blogs about how to "Buy Right, Care Right, and Sell Right" to help dress your kids in quality designer clothing for less!
Hurry! This opportunity closes on Oct 31, 2009

Note: Currently open to U.S. Residents only

To Enter:

Step 1. Visit LoobaLee, and Register for a free Member account.

Being a Member on LoobaLee unlocks additional shopping features such as a Watch List, saving favorite searches, and the ability to exclusively hold items in your cart for up to 3 hours!

Step 2: Comment on this blog post with your LoobaLee User Name

**************************************************

About LoobaLee

We are a new consume-to-consumer (i.e. Mom-to-Mom) exchange site customized for the resale of designer children's clothing & accessories. We've also recently picked up the interest of Designers and Boutiques for the sale of samples of overstocks.

We aim to be the premier channel for the resale of children's designer clothing. We've designed our site to be custom to this market, with the underlying principles of being easy, minimally time-consuming for busy Moms, and fun too!

We also promote an "outfit your kids for virtually free" philosphy, and blog about how to "Buy right, Care right, and Sell right' to reduce your overall spend on kids clothing, while dressing them in quality designer clothing at the same time.

We offer a subscription based selling service. For just $3.99 per mo., or as low as $2.50 a month (for an annual subscription), Sellers can put up unlimited listings w/o any additional fees -- no 'premium' listings fees, no end of sale commissions, etc.
Also, here's a link to some recent press we received that may give you some ideas: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2005770/loobaleecom_launch_offers_parents_a.html?cat=46

Benefits of Buying & Selling on LoobaLee
Our hope for LoobaLee is to be the premier site for buying and selling designer children's clothing and be a premier resource to help Moms make their shopping decisions.
Unlimited listings for low, flat fee - There are no end of sale commissions or "premium" listing fees. Sellers can feel free to list as much as they want for a small subscription fee. Full service ranges between only $2.50 and $3.99 per month.

Simple Listings & Listing Management - Listings are simple and menu-driven. There's no need for fancy templates or sales language. We even offer a standard Return Policy that Sellers can elect to use or, if they wish, define a custom policy. Since we are not an auction site, Sellers indicate the price they want for their item. Listings are active for 30 days, and items can either be set to Clearance or easily relisted if they don't sell.

Authentic Search Results - Since our listings are menu-driven, so is our Search. It is virtually impossible to pull up non-authentic search results. Buyers can spend their precious time viewing items available on the site without sifting through spam listings based on key words.
Quality, Designer Listings Only - Additionally, our custom menus facilitate the listing of designer brands only. We currently have over 750 designer brands represented on the site, with more being added each week. We also offer detailed Condition definitions that assist Buyers and Sellers and that avoid low fair/poor condition listings.

Unique Shopping Experience - Buyers can shop as visitors (similar to retail) or join as members to obtain additional shopping features (such as the ability to exclusively hold items in your cart for up to 3 hours, saving and shopping Favorite Searches, and maintaining a watch list).

Reduced Feedback Anxiety - We have a Community Code of ethics and a new approach to leaving and calculating feedback that facilitates objective and fair feedback.

Revamped Shipping Buyers always know their shipping before they checkout. Our custom shipping calculator facilitates Delivery Confirmation and close-to-actual shipping charges on all orders, even orders for multiple items

(Giveaway Closed) Friday Favorites Giveaway: Starbucks, ToysRUs, or DVD... Your choice!

2009-10-16T10:43:00.005-06:00

And the winner is: Shelbie Johnston

Today's Featured
Christian Mom
in Direct Sales
is Valerie Eddy!

More about Valerie and her company: Beach Body!

How long have you been with company: September 2009

Short Description of Company: 1) Get healthy. 2) Help others get healthy. 3) Earn an income. Decide. Committ. Succeed

A little about you: There was a time in my life where "corporate america" and it's "ladder" meant everything to me. I quickly traded up to Mayor of "Tonka Town" 2-1/2 years ago when my first son was born. Now I am a mom of two wonderful little boys and although my days are anything but typical I can't imagine them being any different. I have accepted God's power in my life and what plans he has for me and my family. I live each day as it was meant to be "a gift" that is why it is the "Present". I have a new outlook on life and I thank God for the blessings he has given me EVERYDAY!

How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith: I was born & raised Catholic . As an adult I have great respect's for God's creation. I live simply & love generously.My Faith is more of a spiritual venture. I believe God as provided each of us with gifts and it is up to us as individuals to choose how we use them. I choose to take the gifts He has offered and extend their peace & harmony to family & friends often. I have faith that God will continue to provide opportunities for friendships to grow, love to expand, and laughter to be heard throughout the universe
.
Why would someone want to join your particular team? This is about a journey of choices. What you choose today reflects tomorrow. I'm not looking for numbers to fill a matrix line. I am here for those who are seeking guidance; together we will walk the path you choose.

What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) To be a coach it's $43.45(to work the business)

Club Membership is $38.87 quarterly (To get products discounts) You can enroll in one without the other.
What is the required purchase to stay active? 50 Personal Volume points - but this does not have to from you directly; sales made on your website count towards your personal volume.

Find out more here: http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/TonkaMom

The Giveaway!
Your Choice:
$10 Gift Certificate to Toys R US
$10 Gift Certificate to Starbucks
OR...

A Children's Workout DVD

Tony and the Kids!

Get your kids excited about exercise with this fun and entertaining workout. With trainer Tony Horton.
Give your kids something to jump about!

It's Tony & the Kids!, the fun and stimulating exercise program created just for kids (young and old!) by Tony Horton with Judi Williams.

There's never been a better way to get your kids excited about exercise and give them a fun way to burn off that excess energy!

Tony makes fitness fun

If you've seen Tony Horton in Power 90® or Power Half Hour™, you know just how entertaining and wacky he can be. He's the perfect "big kid" to motivate and lead your little kids through an array of fun and simple routines that anyone can do.

They will love every stretch, hop, jump, kick, and twist as they laugh their way through such routines as:

The Wild Horsey Ride
The Tony Shuffle
Wacky Jacks
Ride the Wave
and many more!

SPECIAL BONUS!

After your kids experience the benefits of balance, coordination, and flexibility, a special "chat with Tony" will teach them the advantages of:

Eating right
Staying active
Making healthy choices

Recommended for kids age 5 to 12 (and parents who act like kids!). Share a healthy habit that will give them a lifetime of rewards.

A portion of the proceeds goes to Friends of El Faro, a group that gives support to the El Faro Orphanage.

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog letting us know which prize you'd like to win along w/ a way for us to contact you.

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Add Valerie Eddy as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here
2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win your choice: $10 Starbucks, ToysRUs or DVD http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/
3. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here
4. Follow our blog!
5. 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 10/18/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Monday's Mommy Minute

2009-10-12T13:23:00.002-06:00

And the Winner is: Chris Carroll!

Well, for today's Mommy Minute I'm going to feature...myself! :-)
(sounds conceited, I know...but the truth is, I have been so busy getting everything together for the big Holiday Show I was a part of this past weekend that I haven't had time to get this info together from anyone else!)

So, I thought I would post a few of my favorite columns that I wrote from Moms of Faith. My column is called "Faith & Business 101" and has ideas, tips and encouragement for any Mom in any kind of business situation, at home or at the office:

Accountability
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/faith-and-business-101/accountability/

Priorities & Planning
http://momsoffaith.com/blog/priorities-planning/

Be Real & Be Up Front!
http://momsoffaith.com/blog/faith-and-business-101-be-real-and-be-upfront/

AND I'll even host a giveaway for you all this week!

The Giveaway:

$10 Gift Certificate to use with any of the businesses listed on our site at http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ (Click on Small Business Owners on the Home Page and select from ANY of our Mom Partners!) Tupperware, Mary Kay, Gourmet Food, Candles, Toys...you name it, we've got it!! :-)

To Enter:
Leave a Comment on this blog
(please note: if you receive an error, try submitting your comment again until it goes through. There's a kink in it occasionally for some reason!)

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)
1. Add me as a friend on Facebook: MariLee W Parrish and comment about it back here

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a $10 Gift Certificate http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

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

4. Follow our blog!

5. 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 Thursday 10/15/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Friday a.m

Friday Favorites Giveaway~Contest Closed~

2009-10-09T08:47:00.003-06:00

And the Winner is:
Mary Bertsch!

Today's Featured

Christian Mom
in Direct Sales
is Trista Duncan!

More about Trista

Short Description of Company: Jewelry line inspired by eclectic, current and natural trends. All pieces are priced from $14 - $48... no need to spend a lot to look your best. Host a party at your home, hold a catalog show or order from me directly. There is no better way to keep your style fresh. If you buy anything this season, make sure it's jewelry from me!

A little about you: I am a Christian stay at home wife and mother. I've been married to a wonderful man for 9 years who works hard to allow me to stay home with our children. We have two adorable daughters, ages 6 and 4 who are the joy of my days. Working from home keeps me close to my family, allows me to have a creative outlet without punching a time clock and lets me have social fun with my friends. I truly am blessed!

How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith: I have been a born-again Christian since 1983 (26 years - WOW!). I believe in God as the author of the Bible, all of the Bible, and in His Son Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8) My belief and faith in Jesus Christ is my Salvation and eternity in Heaven with God. (John 3:16) God has blessed me abundantly! I am working my hardest at becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. I am thankful for God, His promises, His Son and the blessings I experience because of Him!

Why would someone want to join your particular team? Being an indepent consultant with my jewelry company is a self-paced career that is fun and rewarding! You make your own schedule, enjoy earnings based on the lastest jewelry trends and wear your own jewelry at a discount. Make new friends and socialize in a low pressure environment. Make your business work in a way that fits your lifestyle!

What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) Anywhere from $160.00 up to $635.00 depending on the kit you choose.

What is the required purchase to stay active? Only $300 A YEAR!

Find out more here: http://www.cookielee.biz/tristaduncan

The Giveaway!

Cookie Lee Earrings!

The value is $20.00 they are pierced, shepherd's hook earrings with black & hematite colored silver metal, dangly and cute and measure 3 1/2" long.

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog.

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Add Trista Duncan as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here
2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win Cookie Lee Jewelry http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/
3. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here
4. Follow our blog!
5. 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 10/11/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Monday's Mommy Minute ~Sort of!~

2009-10-05T14:31:00.003-06:00

~AND THE WINNER'S ARE: Nicole & Liberty!!!~

In lieu of today's regularly scheduled Mommy Minute...I want to spot-light the artistry of a friend of mine. My good friends Joe & Deb Jenkins (Deb's a mom...so that counts, right?) have recently moved to Moab, Utah and have started their own business. Read on....

In Joe's own words:

What Is Symbols on Stone?
"Native Americans used a pecking system to leave messages for future generations on the rocks in the areas they lived, hunted and traveled. These writings are called petroglyphs. Even today, the meanings of many of these symbols are not understood.

Having recently moved to Moab, Utah, I have become intrigued by these writings for many reasons. My desire is to share these symbols with others who are mesmerized by the Native American culture and the southwest area in general.

These “symbols” are each hand made beginning with the sawing of the rock into small pieces. These pieces are then hand etched, sanded, drilled and polished. Each pendant is then placed on a leather strap and can be worn as a necklace.

Each pendant is unique in many ways. The color of each pipestone rock is distinct. No two pieces of rock have been cut exactly the same: length, width, and edges are all different. As a result of the many differences in the rock and the creation process each pendant is a one-of-a-kind work of art."

These retail for $20 a piece. Discounts are given for multiple orders.

(this is my personal favorite!)

For more information, contact Joe at: mrjman1957@gmail.com

Here is a picture of Joe & Deb along w/ their son & my son! :-)

The Giveaway:
Joe sent me 6 of these a while back. 2 as a gift (which are absolutely gorgeous by the way. My husband & I love them!) and 4 to distribute to possible vendors. I still have 2 left & I will giveaway 1 of these necklaces to 2 lucky winners!

To Enter:
Just leave a comment

More Chances to Win:
(leave a separate comment for each)

1. Follow this blog
2. Become a fan of our facebook page: "ReallyWorkingFromHome.com"
3. Tweet this on Twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Symbols on Stone Necklace Giveaway 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.

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 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 Thursday 10/08/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Friday a.m

Friday Favorites Giveaway! ~Contest is Closed! ~

2009-10-01T20:52:00.002-06:00

And the Winner Is: Jinxy and Me

Today's Featured
Christian Mom
in Direct Sales
is Arlene Gianelli!

More About Arlene:

My name is Arlene Gianelli and I am an Educational Consultant. I've been with the company for almost 14 years, ever since my oldest daughter was 9 months old.

Short Description of Company: For 30 years, Discovery Toys has been providing the highest quality books, toys and games available, each backed with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee. The quality and safety of our toys is as important to us as the layers of learning crafted into each toy we develop.

A little about you: My husband and I have been married for 27 years, and we have two daughters who are now 14 and 10. I am the typical SAHM, who spends more time behind the wheel of the car than actually at home. Wouldn't trade it for the world, though.

How long have you been a Christian and a little about your faith: As a cradle Catholic, I have been a Christian all my life. During some very difficult periods in my life, it was my faith that sustained me. My faith is part of who I am, and is the basis of how I conduct my life.

Why would someone want to join your particular team? When you join my team, you can count on having an upline who is ethical and cares about your success. I will help you every step of the way. I won't leave you floundering in your business.

What is the start-up costs (in entirety. taxes and everything) The Success Start kit includes 18 of our best selling toys, and business supplies to get your business started. It also includes a Free personal website for 3 full months. Cost for the success kit is $125 and $33 UPS fee. Sales tax is based on your delivery zip code. The kit can be ordered with a $35 credit card deposit, with 2 subsequent monthly payments on your credit card. With our Success Start program, you can also earn a refund of your kit price, as well as other bonuses.

What is the required purchase to stay active? Placing orders totaling $150 in a month keeps a consultant active for 3 months. Then a consultant would go to inactive status, where she can remain for 9 months until she is dropped. Placing orders totaling $150 in a month would start the active status again at any point.
Find out more here: www.discoverytoyslink.com/arlenegianelli

The Giveaway!

Discovery Toys 'Measure Up' Cups

Stack, sort, count, and nest cups of different sizes and colors
$12.50 value

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog.

6 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

1. Add Arlene Gianelli as a friend on Facebook and comment about it back here
2. Follow Arlene on twitter: @Toymommy2001
3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win FREE DISCOVERY TOYS 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 10/04/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Digital Magazine for the Mom Partners

2009-09-29T21:47:00.001-06:00

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

2009-09-28T11:02:00.003-06:00

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!

2009-09-28T10:15:00.001-06:00

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

2009-09-27T18:01:00.002-06:00

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! ~

2009-09-25T07:49:00.003-06:00

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

2009-09-23T09:51:00.003-06:00

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

2009-09-21T13:27:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-09-17T21:19:00.010-06:00

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!

2009-09-16T10:16:00.003-06:00

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

2009-09-14T09:59:00.008-06:00

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!

2009-09-11T22:19:00.003-06:00

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.