Really? A Mom-Perfect & Legit Work-From-Home Opportunity!

If you could wish on a star, rub a magic genie vase, have a prayer answered, what would it be?

Maybe for you it is to have some exta money to help with bills or to go on vacation? Maybe it is to help a struggling relationship? Maybe it is to be able to spend more time with your family?

For me, it would be to be a stay-at-home mom and be able to spend time with my beautiful little girl! 

As you are well aware, our kids grow so fast and before we know it they will be graduating from high-school and college. We will look back and think where did the years go?

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my job in marking as a copywriter. However, only being able to spend about an hour and a half a day with my daughter truly makes my heart ache. I was determined to find a real opportunity where I could make some extra money which will maybe afford me the ability to one day stay home with her.

As mentioned on the Family Made Simple facebook page, for months, I researched different companies. I looked into the typical cosmetic, candle, book and personalized item distributor companies. Yes, they all had benefits but I wanted to find a company that sold something I truly wanted, a product that a customer could only get from me (meaning they could not buy it at the supermarket, drugstore or mall) and something that did what it promised.

A FMS fan let me try an Ultimate Body Applicator wrap for free. I was skeptical but tried it weeks after she sent it. To my huge surprise, it worked on my a-mess post-baby belly. I’m petite and under 5 feet tall. I had an almost 9 ½ baby. Nothing has worked on my belly but the wrap did! I toned, tightened and my stretch marks got a lot smoother. 

I was so impressed! I did some more research and listened to an interview with 4 moms like us that recently signed on as Distributors and are doing well. Click here to listen to the interview!

Soon thereafter, in the beginning of July, I signed on as a Distributor with It Works Global! It only cost $99 and with that I got 4 wraps (a $99 value) and my business kit.  I like that I don’t have to keep inventory and didn’t have to put a lot of money into it. Plus, there is NO contract, NO early termination fee so if I felt down the line this wasn't for me, I could stop. This took the risk out of it!

Ladies, these wraps are SO HOT! I have been getting emails left and right from fellow FMS moms as well as friends asking about them. In my first three days I  had sold over $500 in product! I’m so glad I chose It Works as a way to make some extra money.


Six months later, I’m making enough to cover my mortgage and car payment AND this is only working 5-10 hours a week in my spare time! I have moms on my team making an extra $200-$1,200 a month as well! 

Ladies, this is SO REAL!!!

It is so hard to find a legit opportunity. There are so many too good to be true work-at-home opps out there. This isn’t one of them. That I can assure you! I would never put my name on something, risk the credibility of FMS blog or mislead the Family Made Simple fans. I sold Avon and Market America in the past and only spent money. These opportunities, although financially beneficial for some, wasn't for me.

Well, I just had to share my story with you because maybe you are in my shoes and feel overwhelmed with all the work-from-home options. I'm here to tell you I found one that is not only legit, but is fun too. I'm connecting with other women and helping them feel more confident in their own skin!

If you have any questions or would like some no-pressure information on how you too can make some extra money to do with what YOU please, send me an email

 – Tessa familymadesimple@gmail.com

Visit my It Works! website for more information too! 

Label the Action, Not Your Child...

Last week, my two-year-old was being testy. And demanding. And all the fun things that go along with toddlerhood. At one particular moment, he had shoved my brother's arm aside in clear irritation. Okay, so maybe he had a right to be irritated (this is my brother we're talking about here), but my husband and I didn't want to encourage rude behavior. But as much as I want to call him out on his rudeness, I try to label his action, not him.

"That was rude," I pointed out. I could have easily said, "You're rude," but I didn't want him to think that he is inherently rude, just that his shoving someone aside was inappropriate.

Labeling applies to emotions as well. When he isn't exactly Mr. Chipper, I try not to say phrases like, "You're grumpy," or "You're sad." Instead, I aim for, "You're being grumpy," or "Do you feel sad?" That way, he won't think that he's a grumpy person, but rather a person having a grumpy day, or feeling sad at this particular moment.

Even positive labels are subject to mislabeling. Take, for instance, saying, "You're funny!" instead of "You're being funny!" Unlike negative labels, being funny or other positive traits probably don't do too much harm, but sometimes even positive labels might lead kids to assume these traits and actions are based on what others say, and not necessarily on how they see themselves. Or they may begin to feel like they are predominantly these traits—from funny to shy, from athletic to artistic—without room for much else, since "funny" is their "thing."

How the Spanish language relates to parenthood

In English, we have one way to define people: I am. The same word applies to permanent definitions like our roles as mothers (I am a mom) just as much as it applies to more fleeting emotions, circumstances and feelings (I am tired).

Spanish, on the other hand, draws a distinction between the two states of being with the verbs ser and estar. Ser is used for the more permanent and inherent descriptions such as I am a mom (Soy mamá) while estar applies to conditions and changeable states such as I am tired (estoy cansada).

Who knows whether Spanish evolved to reflect this distinction just so that we won't necessarily tie our actions to our selves, but I've found the difference a helpful reminder that, when it comes to parenting, we need to label the actions instead of our kids, particularly with misbehavior and discipline. We can reinforce that we may not always approve of what they do, but we'll always love them no matter what.

Nina is the owner of the blog Sleeping Should Be Easy, where she writes thought-provoking topics and useful parenting tips. She is a mom to a two-year-old and would love it if you checked out her blog and Facebook page.

8 Simple Tips for Preparing for a Stress Free Back-to-School Season!

Before you know it, the fall will be here. You can be sure this back to school season is stress free by following these 8 simple tips. 

Start preparing now to get your child organized. You may say, “It’s July, I don’t want to think about it now”.  Do not wait until the last week in August. 

Prepare now, even if you put a plan on paper and put it into motion later.

8 Simple Tips for a Stress-Free Back-to-School Season:

• Get them in the habit now of organizing their clothes. Keeping like items together, color code, keep tops together, pants together, etc.  This tip will save you money because you know exactly what is in their closet and you won’t buy duplicate items. Go through their entire closet when the seasons change.

• Be sure your child has an area designated in the home to do their homework. Give them a space in their bedroom or in another area of the home, preferably not the kitchen table. Give them a space that is their own space.

• Buy them a small desk with drawers and bookshelves.

• Hang a bulletin cork board for them to display reminders or favorite pictures from school. Contain the cork board to one area near the desk.

• Organize the area keeping notebooks, books, writing utensils, and gadgets contained.

• Work with your child to organize and develop their space.

• Be sure to give them a calendar to keep on their desk that they can refer to for important project deadlines and activities.

• Give them the tools and containers to store and organize loose papers.

Teaching your children to be organized at an early age will prepare them for the future in their personal lives and their careers. Organized people are more efficient, more productive, they save time and money. People will have more confidence in you if you are organized. Give your child the tools now to become organized.  

It is never too early to start!

Guest Blog Post: by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae. Kristin is a professional organizer and owner of Organizing In RI, LLC.  Kristin is  a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.  She specializes in organizing businesses, residential, and life. Check out and LIKE her Facebook page too!

FMS Fan Recipe for Honey-Dijon Chicken and Spinich Wraps

Fellow Family Made Simple fan, Don, shared this  yummy Honey-Dijon Chicken & Spinach wrap recipe on our facebook wall. Thanks Don!

Hope you don't mind me sharing, but Just wanted to share a recipe I found and tried. The recipe is quick and easy to make and a great summer meal. It's called:

Honey-Dijon Chicken and Spinach Wraps

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Honey-Dijon mustard
2Tablespoons milk
2 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup halved red seedless grapes
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
4 whole wheat tortillas
Baby Spinach

Directions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonaisse, honey-dijon mustard and milk. Then stir in chicken, grapes, celery and walnuts.
• (I refrigerated my mixture for about an hour to chill)
• Wrap 4 tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds
• Scatter the baby spinich over each tortilla and spoon the chicken mixture down the center.
• Roll up tightly and cut diagonally in half.
• I served some fresh zucchini as a side. What a refreshing meal.

This recipe is definately a keeper for me. I was going to have the left-overs for lunch tomorrow, but my wife decided she was taking it for lunch...oh well!!

Enjoy!

NOTE: I really love when FMS fans share recipes, helpful tips and ask questions they want answered by other parents. Don't be shy. If you don't want to post on the wall, message or email me! ~ Tessa

Simple Tips for a Tidy House from a Professional Organizer!

Keeping a Clutter Free and Kid Friendly Kitchen!

The meals are planned, prepped and served. Lunches are packed and the kids know just where to look for their favorite treats. Our fridges hold the leftovers from the weeks end, invitations to birthday parties and our children’s beautiful works of art. Where else but in the kitchen can you create so many memories, meals and….a mess! Being the center of the household the kitchen can quite honestly become the dumping ground for anything from backpacks to sneakers to mail. Keeping your kitchen clutter free is possible by simply creating zones and boundaries for its use! Here are some simple quick tips to help your kitchen stay de-cluttered from the first meal of the day to the last glass of juice just before bedtime.

Information Central- Creating a Task Center

The kitchen is typically our first stop of the day. Utilize a dry erase board on the fridge, put up a cork board or magnetic calendar and list daily appointments and reminders. This is a great way to stay on track of the week and a great reference point to how busy your week will be. Get the kids involved by having them place stickers on certain activities they are looking forward to, or use the boards as a chore chart. Keeping your board updated is also a great tool to allow children to learn the importance of organization and create a sense of accomplishment once their tasks are completed.

Zones  

A counter full of clutter and a kitchen table piled high with schoolwork will result in time lost cleaning and searching for things. Create zones throughout your home so that items do not always land in the kitchen. Use the entryway for backpacks and jackets. Have an incoming and outgoing mail zone. Create a storage bin for your child’s school work and have them place their favorites within each folder. By taking the time to place items within their zones and designated areas you will find it to be a big time saver over the course of the week!  

Keep the Fridge and Pantry Tidy

Draw separators, containers and bins work wonders in the fridge and pantry! The idea that you can find items in your kitchen quickly and easily doesn’t have to be a dream. Use an over the door organizer to store anything from bottles to dry goods. To free up space in the cupboards create a snack drawer for the kids and stack canned goods in a magazine file! Use labels where you can as a reminder of the designated spot for items. Always take stock and purge kitchen utensils you may not need!

Good luck and Happy Organizing!

Lauren Silveira resides in Providence, RI with her husband Kevin and 11 year old step daughter Jenna. She currently owns and operates Organized for Life, where she is able to fulfill her passion of allowing others to become organized within all areas of their lives. Check out Lauren’s Organized for Life Facebook Page too!

Our Visit to Story Land Recap & Ticket GIVEAWAY!

My daughter recently turned four! Before her birthday, we kept throwing around different celebration ideas and party themes. Should we have a cookout in our yard and have a kiddie pool, jumpie house etc? Do we hold off-site at a  type of kiddie playland? All great options… options we’ve done for previous parties.

This year we wanted to do something a little different. Since she had been asking to go on vacation or as she calls it, “Bacation”, we decided to go on a long-weekend getaway to celebrate her birthday. But, where do we go?

We have been told by many that she is a little too young to truly enjoy Disney. We needed to find a fun-filled, spot that was geared to little ones. We decided on Story Land in Glen, New Hampshire. Story Land is a family-friendly park geared for families with kiddos ranging in ages from 2-12. 

Last year, we went to another well-known theme park in Pennsylvania but unfortunately had an awful experience. We swore to never go back. 

By contrast, our visit to Story Land was truly magical from the moment we got there until we left, seven hours later! I honestly can say that everything from conscientious park attendants, cleanliness to the variety of rides and attractions received a positive check.

We arrived right when the park opened at 9 a.m. Since it was my daughter’s birthday, she was given a special birthday sticker at the entrance desk. Each ride attendant would comment and wish her a Happy Birthday. The Old Lady in the Shoe even gave her extra stickers which made her day!

Speaking of park attendants and characters, they were all very helpful, never rushed us and truly seemed happy to be working there.

As you may have been able to tell by some of my facebook posts, I’m somewhat of a neat freak. I can happily tell you that Story Land met my high expectations and was extremely clean. Another check in the positive column!

Another plus, having a preschooler that seems to have the need to “go potty” every half hour, it was great that there were so many restrooms around the park. We never had to walk very far to get to one.

As mentioned above, we were looking for a park that was age appropriate for our preschooler but also one that my husband and I would enjoy as well. Story Land fit the bill.

We walked around the nursery rhyme themed area, drove the antique cars, rode up in Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach to Cinderella’s castle (the highlight of the day for my princess-loving daughter), rode through the park on the train, swirled in the tea-cups, relaxed on the Swan Boat ride and soared through the air on the flying fish. We also sat under the “big tent” to watch the Story Land circus which was cute and again, fun for all.

Our last stop was to the kiddie water park, the Ocean’s of Fun. It basically was an area with ocean-themed sprinklers. It was a nice area for the little ones to run around and cool off but not get totally soaked. There was no need to change into a bathing suit but I would recommend water-safe shoes like crocs because there are tiny puddles around that you know they will want to jump in.

All in all, Story Land was an absolutely perfect vacation and way to celebrate our little one’s 4th birthday. We were sad to leave and are already planning next year’s visit! I really cannot say enough about it and highly recommend it.

So this being said, thanks to Story Land, we are able to giveaway 3 tickets to one lucky Family Made Simple fan!

ENTER the Story Land GIVEAWAY 

(you must follow all entry steps):

1. You must be a FMS fan, If not LIKE our page
2. LIKE Story Land’s Facebook page and tell them FMS sent you!
3. Comment below as to why you'd like to go to Story Land (make sure to include your email address so we may contact you if you are the winner!)

 Good Luck!

Homemade Slow-Cooker Red Bean & Beef Sloppy Joes

In the summer months, we, um I should say my husband, does a lot of grilling. There is nothing better than grilled chicken, hot dogs and sausage but sometimes we just want something different. Lately, I have been preparing a crock-pot meal in the beginning of the week that will work for two different meals.

This week, I made homemade, gluten-free red bean & beef sloppy joes.

Day 1 we will have traditional sloppy joe sandwiches with corn on the cob and salad.  

Day 2 I will mix the leftover meat with whole wheat pasta.

 Gluten-Free Red Bean & Beef Sloppy Joes

• 2lbs Ground Beef
• 1 lg can of small Red Beans
• 1 lg onion
• 1 green pepper
• 1 ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup water
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Ttbsp soy sauce (we used gluten-free)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (optional)

Chop onion, garlic and green pepper in medium size pieces. If you chop too small they will disintegrate in the crock-pot. Rinse beans under cold water. Mix onion, pepper, beans, garlic in a bowl. Add hamburger to the slow-cooker. Add chopped veggies and beans. Add ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and garlic and onion powder. Cook on low for 6 hours. If the sauce is too thin for your liking, add 1-2 tbsp of corn starch and mix well.  

I think it is better the second day so I made it on Sunday night to have on Monday and Tuesday. Either way, it tastes delicious and is so much better than the store-bought canned sloppy joe mix.

Enjoy!