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

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

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 6~ Contest Closed!

♪♫ 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

♪♫ 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

♪♫ 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

♪♫ 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

♪♫ 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~

♪♫ 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

Gearing up for Christmas!

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!!

Making Some Extra Cash for the Holidays!

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

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

2. Start an Etsy Shop

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

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





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