Work At Home Mom Choices - WAH Choices

Quote For The Day

2012-01-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

A true leader is a servant who feeds the talents of his followers.

Quote of The Day

2011-07-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us.
Francois Rabelais

Live Life

2010-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Is learning to live, laugh & love.Today is here and tomorrow isn't promised so live everyday and every minute to the fullest while you still have life to do it!

Mondays

2010-07-12T07:38:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Monday. The start of a new week, however remember this. Opinions are just that, opinions. They are not to judge who is right or wrong. Difference in opinions is what makes us individuals with minds.

Closer Than You Know.

2010-07-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

You are already far closer than you know to the life that you want to be living,to the happiness that can be yours.

Only habits of thought stand between you and the person you long to be or the life you long to create.

Any changes you desire are almost certainly a matter of degree only. They might include :

To be kinder to yourself and other people.

To ''mind'' less if others criticize you.

To worry less and laugh more.

To accept as well as give encouragement and appreciation.

To trust your capacity to be creative.

To forgive yourself as well as others for past failings and hurts.

To be able to enjoy your success and not talk them down.

To feel that you have time in your life.

To be able to say what you mean.

To stand up for what you care about.To know what matters.

To behave in ways that express your highest values.

To trust -and love-YOURSELF.

Seeds of Happiness

2010-04-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

Seeds of Happiness

Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame -- or one that is conducive to loving-kindness

Craft of the Day

2009-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

This turkey centerpiece was made from three linen napkins -- two for the fan of tail feathers and one for the head and breast (which is stiffened with aluminum foil). The discernible beak results from the white napkin's red border.

Fancy or otherwise, napkins did not appear in Europe until the seventeenth century; in the Middle Ages, a long cloth known in French as a longiere was attached to the side of the tablecloth for communal use.

Turkey How-To
1. Fold a napkin in half diagonally, and press; press all folds as you go. Open napkin. Fold in the top two sides to meet at center crease. To make the turkey's breast and head, shape a folded piece of aluminum foil into a triangle; fit it into napkin as shown. The height of the foil triangle should allow for a bend at the bottom to keep napkin upright (about 3/4 length of napkin measured diagonally between opposite corners). This elegantly simple fold looks appropriate at either an informal meal or a formal one.

Craft of the Day

2009-11-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

Make handwritten notes even more special with cards you create yourself. Print our clip-art deer designs onto card stock, apply glue using a fine-tipped bottle, and cover with glitter. Use a limited palette to yield an elegant look.

Sources
24-piece Essential Colors glitter set, by Martha Stewart Crafts, available at marthastewartcrafts.com and Michaels

Glittering glue (craft glue) with fine-tip applicator, by Martha Stewart Crafts, from Michaels

Baking cups (to hold glue), from wilton.com

Dust-off XL disposable duster, by Falcon, from Staples

Matte cover card stock, from paperpresentation.com

Personal Growth Quote of the Day

2009-11-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Know that there's enough room for everyone to be passionate, creative, and successful. In fact, there's more than room for everyone; there's a need for everyone.

Marianne Williamson

I Run For Life - Pinktober Hardrock

2009-10-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

Hardrock and Pinktober

Melissa Etheridge on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Oct 14 & 16)
Melissa will be a phone-in guest on two SIRIUS Satellite Radio shows: Tune in on Wed, Oct 14 at 1:00pm ET to Dr Radio: Oncology Show

Updated Pink Page - Photos, videos & more info on recent Pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness events.

I Run For Life

http://www.hardrock.com/promo/pinktober09/
http://www.melissaetheridge.com/pink/

Followers

2009-10-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you followers.

I'm always so excited when someone follows me. As a "thank you", please print these forms to keep track of your websites,passwords for Facebook, Twitter and blogs. http://jannierebusinesssolutions.com/forms.aspx

Learn Friendship

2009-10-05T17:31:00.001-07:00

Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.

Muhammad Ali

Friendship

2009-10-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents every so often - just to save it from drying out completely.

Pam Brown

Life Friendship

2009-10-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

Thomas Jefferson

Eunice Kennedy Schriver - Special Olympics

2009-08-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

When Eunice Shriver was growing up — the middle child in her famous family — she developed a passion for competition and sports.

"I was always trying to find my brothers, not my sisters," she says. "I wanted to play football, and I was very good. I was always the quarterback."

Those football-playing brothers included Jack and Bobby Kennedy. Shriver's love of sports led her to later start the Special Olympics, which gave people with mental retardation the opportunity for athletic competition.

We must say Thank You Eunice! Your efforts made a difference!

Work At Home Moms Choices - WAHM Choices

Holiday Crafts

2009-07-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

Festive Patriotic Crafts
Show off your stars and stripes spirit with this easy crop of crafts

By Woman's Day Posted June 12, 2009 from WomansDay.com

Uncle Sam Vase
Celebrate the holiday in style with this festive flower vase.

Add some florals to your 4th of July holiday decor with this extra tall flower vase boasting America's famous stars and stripes!

Supplies

4" x 5 1/2" coffee can
5"-diam terra-cotta flowerpot and saucer
6 wooden stars (3 each 1" and 13/4" by Walnut Hollow)
1 1/2 yd 20-gauge florist’s wire
Acrylic paints for metal (Delta No Primer Metal Colors Red, White, Bright Blue)
Acrylic paints (Ceramcoat Medium Flesh, White, Persimmon, Bright Yellow, Black)
Fine sandpaper; 3/4"-wide masking tape
Clear finish
Glue gun; GOOP adhesive
1" stencil brush
Flat paintbrushes

Directions

1. SAND outside of can. Wash and dry. PAINT can white. Let dry. With tape mask 3/4"-wide vertical stripes spaced 3/4" apart. Paint stripes red, letting each coat dry.

2. PAINT saucer blue. Paint flowerpot flesh color with white rim. Let dry. With pot upside down, lightly outline face in pencil. Paint black-dot eyes. Paint round persimmon cheeks with stencil brush. When dry, paint white brows, mustache, eye highlights (with tip of handle) and pink mouth. Paint wooden stars yellow. Let paint dry.

3. GLUE saucer upside down to bottom of flowerpot (top of head) using Goop. Glue can right side up to saucer. Let dry.

4. APPLY 2 coats finish, letting each dry.

5. COIL wire around a pencil. Stretch to fit around can and form hooks at ends. Hot-glue stars to wire; hook wire around can.

Work At Home Moms Choices - Patrioctic Crafts, Holiday Crafts

Stars and Stripes Cap

Celebrate the holiday with this fun and easy craft decorationBy Woman's Day Posted June 12, 2009 from WomansDay.com Photo: © Woman's Day

Craft this stars and stripes cap to celebrate the coming holiday!

Supplies:

White cotton baseball cap
Large potato, washed and dried
Fabric paints (Delta Brush-On True Red, Dark Blue); 1/2"–1" flat paintbrush
Masking tape (optional); sharp knife
Paper towel; tracing paper

Directions:

1. THIN red paint with a few drops of water. Starting at center, outline with pencil (and tape if desired) red stripes 1" apart lengthwise on top of cap brim; paint. Let dry. Continue stripes on underside of brim. Let dry. Paint crown button red.

2. DRAW small blue stars

3. CUT potato in half. Draw star on flesh, then cut away surrounding potato at least 1/4" deep. Blot with paper towel.

4. BRUSH a thin, even coat of blue paint onto star stamp. With one hand inside cap, press stamp on outside and hand from inside to help paint adhere. Lift stamp. Repeat until crown is covered with stars. Touch up if needed. Let dry 24 hours. Set paint as directed on label.

Work At Home Moms Choices - Patrioctic Crafts, Holiday Crafts

Let Freedom Ring Towel
This star-spangled craft is simple enough for kids to make

Ring in the holiday with this fun and festive towel--perfect for the post-pool dip.

Supplies

Palm-size star stickers on self-stick paper
Sponge brush
Red fabric paint
Blue fabric paint
Plain white towel

Directions

1. CUT out palm-sized stars from self-stick paper and place all over a plain white towel.

2. NEXT, use a sponge brush to apply blue fabric paint to one of your child’s hands, and red paint to the other.

3. STAMP painted palms over self-stick stars, pressing down firmly to make handprints.

4. REPEATuntil all stars are covered, reapplying paint as needed.

5. DRY overnight, then peel off self-stick paper.

Work At Home Moms Choices - Patrioctic Crafts, Holiday Crafts

Leaf Bottles Bring The OutDoors In

2009-07-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Leaf Bottles
Turn nature into art

Materials:
Leaves
Newspaper
3M Super 77 spray adhesive
Glass bottles
Scissors
White tissue paper
1" foam brush
Mod Podge Decoupage Medium

Instructions:
1. Working in a well-ventilated area, place leaves on newspaper and apply spray adhesive to their backs. Lift leaves off newspaper. Position onto bottles and press into place with fingertips.

2. Cut tissue paper into small rectangles large enough to cover leaves. Apply a light coat of decoupage medium. Place coated side down over leaf on bottle. With fingertips, smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.

Kids Craft Ideas

2009-07-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

Summer Crafts

Make Your Own Fern Stencil and Painting
Learn how to create beautiful nature-inspired artwork

By Woman's Day Staff Posted

March 16, 2009 from Woman's Day; April 14, 2009
Photo: © Dan Duchars

Bring the outdoors in with artwork inspired by nature. Follow these easy how-to steps for creating fern leaf paintings.

Supplies
Newspaper
Stretched Canvas
Clear Acetate, large enough to cover the canvas
Several sheets of plain paper, large enough to cover the canvas
Pencil
Black Sharpie Marker
X-acto Knife with a new, sharp blade
3M Spray Mount Artist's Adhesive
Protective backing (Either a self-healing board or a piece of wood)
Stencil Paint
Stencil Brush
Paper Plate
Masking Tape

Instructions
1. Set up a work area on a flat surface and cover it with newspaper.
2. Using a pencil, practice drawing a fern on a piece of plain paper.
3. When satisfied with the drawing, tape the clear acetate on top. Then, trace the fern drawing on to the acetate with your Sharpie.
4. Tape this new drawing to your protective surface, and carefully cut the fern shape out using an X-acto knife.
5. In a well-ventilated room (or outside), spray the back of your stencil with spray adhesive. Make sure to hold the can 10-12 inches away from the surface, or else it will get too wet.
6. Allow the adhesive to dry for a few minutes, then, carefully place it on the blank canvas.
7. Pour some stencil paint on your paper plate.
8. Working from the inside out, use a tapping motion to paint on the first coat.
9. Let dry for a half hour, then, add a second coat.
10. Allow the paint to fully dry. Then, carefully remove the stencil to reveal your fern painting.

Work At Home Moms Choices Kids Crafts and Summer Crafts

Tough Love

2009-07-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Tough Love and the Strength to Do it

Author: Marcia Chumbley

Tough love and the strength to do it can be hard. As a parent or grandparent raising teens today, it can be difficult to know when to hold on tightly and when to let go and allow them to make their own mistakes. Tough love has been a hot topic in the media lately – the idea of loving your children, but allowing them to make their mistakes and learn from them, without bailing them out or saving them from the consequences. The idea behind this is that saving your teenager from the consequences of his or her actions only encourages further bad behavior in the future.

Tough love is not a path for everyone. It requires strength and determination on the part of the caregiver – a commitment on the part of all parties involved that the teen will have to deal with the consequences of their behavior. That means that if he gets arrested, he may have to spend a night in jail. If she gets pregnant, she’ll have to learn how to be a mom and go to school at the same time. You will have to stand by and watch as your child struggles to learn new skills. It truly is a lesson from the school of hard knocks, but for some individuals, tough love is the only way to learn.

As a caregiver or parent, you can provide advice, encouragement, and support while loving your teen through their poor choices – tough love is not about abandonment. It is, however, about not giving in, and not bailing them out. They have made their choices in life, and now they are dealing with their actions. Tough love is not an easy path for the caregiver or the teen, and is often chosen as a last resort, after many other possibilities have been tried and failed. You must be strong, and stand your ground.

If your teen is involved in drugs or alcohol, this path may be especially difficult. You will have to refrain from giving them money, as it may be used to buy drugs. Tough love is often harder on the caregiver than it is on the child, as they are constantly put on the spot. You will constantly be the “bad guy”, and have to refuse your child’s demands.

Most importantly, tough love is a learning experience. After teens or young adults have failed to learn through instruction, praise, reinforcement, or punishment while growing up, tough love allows them to learn from the most difficult instructor – life itself. Allowing your children or grandchildren to make their own choices and then requiring them to stick with those choices will make them strong, independent people. It will also test your strength, patience, and endurance. They don’t call it “tough” love for nothing! It’s emotionally demanding, and incredibly difficult for all parties involved. However, if this is the path you’ve chosen, stick with it! The rewards will be well worth the investment, in the end.

About the Author:

Marcia Chumbley is a work at home mom and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a Christian Work From Home Moms and Grandparents web site at http://www.faithfulgrannies.com and Work At Home Moms and Divas Online http://www.workathomedivasonline.com. Bringing generations of Christian Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents, Boomers and Families together while providing FREE Advertising Networking and Resources, while balancing the work at home experience.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tough Love and the Strength to Do it

Tough Love

2009-07-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Tough Love and the Strength to Do it

Author: Marcia Chumbley

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tough Love and the Strength to Do it

What Cancer Cannot Do

2009-07-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

Cancer is so limited . . .
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.
It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.

Work At Home Moms Choicecs WAHM Choices

Resession More Moms Go Back To School

2009-07-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Recession Inspiring More Mothers to Go Back to School

– Earning a degree has long been a dream of many working mothers. While it might seem the recession would put that dream even further out of reach for most, many working and single mothers are actually drawing inspiration from the economy to pursue their dream of getting a higher education.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of women returning to school,” says Adena E. Johnston, campus dean of DeVry University’s Philadelphia campus. “Degree completion programs are very popular for those who have not finished their education, but we’re also seeing more questions about the bachelor’s programs with an entrepreneurship specialty. Women seem to want to learn more about starting their own businesses or having more flexibility and control over their movement in and out of the workforce.”

There’s no arguing that an advanced degree can help mothers improve their employment situation, judging by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The higher an individual’s level of education, the less likely she or he is to be unemployed, according to the bureau. The unemployment rate in 2007 (the latest year for which data is available) for women 25 and older lacking a high school diploma was 8.2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. For those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the unemployment rate drops to about 2 percent.

Many working mothers, it seems, now perceive a return to school as not just a dream but a necessity. In an increasingly competitive job market, they recognize they can no longer afford to remain in low-paying jobs, or to be the only competitors in the field without a degree.

“In 1968, my father advised me I didn’t need a college education. He said all I needed was to get married and take up homemaking,” says Chris Dulaigh-Bates, a 56-year-old medical transcriptionist and mother of two. “I have worked out of my home for the last 17 years, but over the course of the last five years, technology and world trade have eroded away the job security I once enjoyed.”

“My future needs a new ending,” she says. “I’m going to school to help rewrite the ending to my story.”

Dulaigh-Bates is a DeVry University student who was awarded a full-ride scholarship in 2008 through a special “Project Working Mom” scholarship program for working mothers who wanted to return to school through an online program. For many working mothers, the online nature of the scholarship means they will be able to better fit their education into their busy lives, which already revolve around their children, family and jobs.

The flexibility of online learning may be contributing to the growing interest among mothers to return to pursuing higher education, Johnston points out. The ability to fit online class schedules into already busy lives means many mothers will be able to better balance work, family and educational obligations.

“Online education is the best route for me because sometimes my children with disabilities or special conditions require extensive involvement,” says Sandy Decker, a home daycare provider who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting from DeVry University. “This ability to attend school online will prove critical to my success as a student and allow me the flexibility I need as a mother.”

Johnston says schools are seeing an increase in the number of women seeking information, scholarships and degrees in areas deemed recession-proof, like accounting. “Accounting concentrations for undergrad and graduate students are popular as more and more want to be able to have portable skills,” she says.

“Working mothers looking to earn a degree should begin to identify their transferable skills, or those skills they bring with them as older adults who have significant life experience,” Johnston advises. “These students are usually motivated and just need encouragement as they move forward with their education.”

To learn more about DeVry University and its online degree programs that can help mothers achieve their educational goals while still fulfilling personal and work obligations, visit www.DeVry.edu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Challange For This Weekend

2009-07-10T18:30:00.001-07:00

WAHMChoices Have a great weekend. Make it memorable to someone & make a difference in someones life. I Challange Everyone to a Ramdon Act of Kindness!

Baby Memories at Every Milestone

2009-06-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Capture precious baby memories at every milestone

- As a proud new parent, you want to make sure that you capture every precious moment of your new baby’s life. It’s tempting to hit the nearest photography studio for a quick professional session, but in these tough times, that can be costly and time-consuming. For families on a budget, learning how to take great photography at home can be easy and fun.

“Taking beautiful pictures of your new baby is a great way to preserve life-long memories. By following a few simple steps, anyone can learn to take baby photos that they can be proud of,” says Jodie Otte, the photographer behind the Similac Advance EarlyShield advertising campaign.

Here, Otte reveals her tips on how to take and archive the best shots of your newborn and protect your memories.

* Get natural: When taking a picture of your newborn, you want the “soft glow” to emanate. The best way to achieve that is through natural lighting. Place your baby in a spot that is exposed to a lot of bright, indirect light void of shadows. Do not use a flash and raise your ISO speed to about 400.

* Practice patience: Infants are fueled by curiosity. Everything captures their attention. Try to get them to focus on one object throughout the shoot. Also, it’s a great idea to take a few test shots to ensure you have the perfect light and that your baby is comfortable. Once you have the best shot possible, snap away.

* Go black and white: Although color prints are vibrant and fun, make sure to print an array of photos in black and white. Not only are these photos classic and timeless, but they’re also the best option when trying to attain that professional look.

* Sharing is caring: Once you have the perfect shot of your new tot, make sure to share with friends and family. Cutting and pasting baby photos into an album is a thing of the past. To save time and cash, upload photos to free Web sites such as Shutterfly.com and create a personalized baby photo book. Need to add more photos? No problem -- simply insert another page in your virtual baby book.

* Store safely: After countless captured memories, be sure to have hard copies as well and archive photos with care. Choose albums that are acid- and lignin-free in order to prevent photos from yellowing or becoming damaged. Look for plain pages without adhesives and always make sure to use page protectors and pocket corners. Store photo albums in a cool, dry, dark place that does not have dramatic temperature fluctuations.

Learning how to take professional baby photos has never been easier with these simple steps. Make sure you don’t miss another opportunity to capture a memory with your baby. For more baby tips and information, visit www.earlyshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Work At Home Moms Choices WAHM Choices

2009-05-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

Succes Is Yours

2009-05-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

You feel like success is yours.

Well, then, start right now to dress up for success, walk like a successful person , shake hands with confidence, smile like some one that had their first big success: from cheek to cheek.
And success will come your way.

Work At Home Moms Choices - WAHM Choices.com

Sharpened Your Axe

2009-05-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Have You Sharpened Your Axe Lately?
By Suzanne Richardson

"I just can't make the training seminar tomorrow," Amy announced to the team during a recent meeting. "I'm so busy, it's going to kill my productivity this week!"

Amy expected Charlie to excuse her from the seminar. Instead, Charlie asked, "Have you heard that old allegory about the two lumberjacks?"

"Lumberjack A never takes time to sharpen his axe because he's so busy chopping down trees. But Lumberjack B sharpens his axe every week, no matter what. Guess who cuts down more trees? Lumberjack B with his super-sharp axe."

If you're like most folks, you are constantly busy. There are a hundred things on your low-priority to-do list that you just never get to. So why would you take time you don't have to go to seminars on marketing... or workshops about growing your contact list... or the May Launch?

Charlie's allegory says it all: Taking time to "sharpen your axe" can actually save you time

Are you stressed?

2009-05-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

Stressed?

What are your excuses for not doing something about your stress?

What IF you don't have the time? We're all busy and as long as we believe stress reduction requires time, we continue to reserve it for Saturday morning in the garden or 9:00 pm in the bath tub or late August in Maui! The truth is stress doesn't wait until you have time to 'manage' it. You need something that works 24/7, QUICK! It takes less than a minute to stop the stressful feeling with HeartMath's basic Quick Coherence® technique: Heart focus; heart breathing; heart feeling. Five times a day takes less than five minutes!

AND nothing's going to change anyway. Don't expect life to suddenly transform around you every time you shift into coherence. Do it for your own sake. Don’t ignore the impact you can have on others when you are more balanced or calm.

YEAH BUT it's not working. Be patient. Like learning any new skill, this takes practice. And simply thinking about it won't have the same benefit. You need to focus on and engage the heart; shift how you feel.

Anytime you learn something new, the least line of resistance has the tendency to win out. The time it takes to find an excuse can be better spent to:
Recharge your batteries. Make a shift before you feel stressed. Pause for 15-30 seconds and find something in your life to appreciate. Each time you do this, you boost your whole system.

Have fun with your practice. If you approach your practice too seriously, it will feel like a chore and create even more stress. Find ways to build coherence into your daily routines.

Finally, recognize your stressful feelings one more time today than you did yesterday and then do something about it. Just one extra shift to coherence a day can save wear and tear on your body.

It's time to get a handle on your stress, once and for all.

Source: Work at Home Moms Choices -WAHMChoices.com

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land. Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.Marcia is the founder and publisher of " Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents" web site, Faithful Grannies.com "Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, www.workathomedivasonline.com and Work At Home Moms Choices www.wahmchoices.com She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.

Mothers

2009-05-02T02:26:00.000-07:00

Love You Mother

I Love You Mother
You are so special and kind
And I love you so
You helped to build my mind
And I want you to know.
The thought of you by me
Just makes me smile.
We are so close
Forever and not just a while.
I appreciate you mother
And I love all your style.

by Nicole Ruddock

May Day

2009-04-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

Dancing around the Maypole, the pageantry, the floral wish...
strange are the celebrations of May Day. But how did they come to stay with us?
And what do they mean?

May Day is a time to celebrate the onset of May, the month that sees the Earth reaching
itself ready to burgeon to its maximum capacity. Since the ancient days in England there prevailed a custom of "bringing in the May" on MayDay. This was why people would go to the woods in the early dawn. There they picked flowers and lopped off tender branches to bring them in and decorate the houses.

May Day and flowers:
It has always been strongly associated with flowers. Partly may be because of their availability in abundance. But that is not all. There are other reasons as well. For instance, the May Garland and beggar girls.

Making garland is one of those ancient May Day customs that has survived still today. May garlands, is meant for the coming of summer. May garlands were also used while begging by the kids from door to door. At other times of the year begging would have been an offence. But if it was done at May time with a garland. This is why groups of small girls, crowned with leaves and flowers, went from door to door singing and begging.

Maypole dance:
On the first day of May, English villagers woke up at daybreak to roam the countryside gathering blossoming flowers and branches. A towering maypole was set up on the village green. This pole, usually made of the trunk of a tall birch tree, was decorated with bright field flowers. The villagers then danced and sang around the maypole, accompanied by a piper.
May Queen:
Also part of the celebration was the crowning of a May Queen. When the sun rose, the maypole was decked with leaves, flowers and ribbons while dancing and singing went on around it. The Queen was chosen from the pretty girls of the village to reign over the May Day festivities. Crowned on a flower-covered throne, she was drawn in a decorated cart by young men or her maids of honor to the village green. She would be crowned there right on the green spot. She was set in an arbor of flowers and often the dancing was performed around her, rather than around the Maypole.

Morris Dance:
Another colorful feature of the this celebration was the energetic Morris dance. Groups of men dance together in costumes of traditional characters, often animal-men, in ceremonial folk dances. The central figure of the dances, usually an animal-man, varies considerably in importance. The name Morris is also associated with the horn dance held each year at Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, England. This dance-procession includes six animal-men bearing deer antlers, three white and three black sets; a man-woman, or Maid Marian, and a fool.
These dances are still performed in England. And also survive in various parts of Europe, Asia, and, America. One such comparable surviving animal custom is the May Day procession of a man-horse, notably at Padstow, Cornwall. There, the central figure, "Oss Oss," is a witch doctor disguised as a horse and wearing a medicine mask. The dancers are attendants who sing the May Day song, beat drums, and in turn act the horse or dance in attendance. The name Morris is also associated with groups of mummers who act, rather than dance, the death-and-survival rite at the turn of the year.

Throughout history, the Morris seems to have been common. It was imported from village festivities into popular entertainment after the invention of the court masque by Henry VIII. The word Morris apparently derived from "morisco," meaning "Moorish." Cecil Sharp, whose collecting of Morris dances preserved many from extinction, suggested that it might have arisen from the dancers' blacking their faces as part of the necessary ritual disguise. The name Morris dance is sometimes loosely applied to sword dances in which a group of men weave their swords into intricate patterns.

Facewashing in May Dew:
Washing the face with May dew was yet another custom. There was a belief among the women in Great Britain and other parts of Europe those days that May Day dew has the power to restore beauty. This why in the Ozark Mountains, a cradle of American folklore, girls used to nurture a belief that having their faces washed with the early dawn dews on the May Day would help to be married to the man of her choice.

How to be the best in your field

2009-04-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

To make this year the year you successfully start a profitable business (or make the business you have already started more profitable than ever), resolve to be the smartest person you know about the business you are in.

It’s a bold objective, but it is possible. Here’s how to do it:

1. Read the business press voraciously but efficiently. You don’t need to spend more than 30 minutes a day on this. Be selective about your reading. Focus on books, articles, and essays that pertain to your industry - primarily the “how-to” pieces. Give preference to authors who’ve done it themselves as opposed to academics and/or journalists.

2. Supplement your reading by going to seminars and attending conferences. Person-to-person contact is invaluable.

3. Take meaningful correspondence courses. When you find a good home-study program that pertains to your field, don’t hesitate to invest some time and money in it.

4. Seek the advice of experts in your business.

5. Study the people and groups that are growing. If someone is doing well, you can assume he knows at least one important thing about your business that you don’t. Do whatever it takes to learn his secret.

6. Network. The more people you know, the better chance you will have to find someone to solve every one of your problems. A big network is also a steady source of opportunity.

7. Be generous with your colleagues and your competitors. When people learn that they do well whenever they work with you, they will be more willing to come to you with opportunities.

There is no limit to the number of new businesses the Internet, with its worldwide reach, can absorb. If you have a product or service that is needed (or simply wanted), you can be successful - and you will be successful if you commit yourself to learning.

Source: www.WAHMChoices.com

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land. Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.Marcia is the founder and publisher of " Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents" web site, Faithful Grannies.com "Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, www.workathomedivasonline.com and Work At Home Moms Choices www.wahmchoices.com She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.

WAHM and SAHM of The Month for 2009

2009-04-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

Great honor. I was chossen Mom of the 1st quarter of 2009 by Stay At Home Moms Online. You may read more at WAHM and SAHM Online.

http://stayathomemomsonline.com/momofmonth.html

Resurrection

2009-04-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. ~Robert Flatt

Easter Sugar Cookie Cutouts

2009-03-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Makes: about 42
Prep: 45 minutes
Bake: 7 minutes

1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash salt
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Milk
Desired food coloring
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter or margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened. Add about half of the flour. Then add the granulated sugar, egg, milk, baking powder, the 1 teaspoon vanilla, and salt.

2. Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in the remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Using 2-1/2-inch cutters, cut dough into desired shapes.

3. Place 1-inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 7 to 8 minutes or until the bottoms are very lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Remove cookies and cool on wire racks. If desired, decorate cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing. In a small mixing bowl stir together sifted powdered sugar,1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk (about 1 tablespoon) to make a drizzling or piping consistency. If desired, color with food coloring. Makes about 42.

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe about 42 Calories 62, Total Fat (g) 3, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 5, Sodium (mg) 28, Carbohydrate (g) 8, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Quote For TheDay

2008-07-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

They say dreams are the windows of the soul--take a peek and you can see the inner workings, the nuts and bolts.
Henry Bromel,

Need to Occupy the Kids this Summer? Get Them Involved in the Community

2008-07-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Need to Occupy the Kids this Summer? Get Them Involved in the Community

School is out and across the country many families now face the perennial seasonal dilemma: What should the kids do with themselves this summer? For a growing number of community-minded youngsters, the answer is: “Make a difference.”

“Summer is all about fun in the sun and taking a break from the rigors of school,” says Liz Scott of Wynnewood, Pa. “But kids really benefit from doing something more with their summer, like getting involved in the community or raising funds for a cause they believe in. Not only do they stay occupied, engaged and excited throughout the summer, they gain a real sense of their own strength and worth.”

Scott should know. Her daughter, Alexandra, gained national attention for her efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research by holding lemonade stands. What started as a simple but passionate idea inspired a worldwide grassroots fundraising effort. Sadly, Alex passed away Aug. 1, 2004. Parents Liz and Jay continue promoting Alex’s cause and raising money for pediatric cancer research through their foundation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), which has raised more than $19 million to date.

“Numerous studies show that volunteering holds many physical and mental health benefits for volunteers, regardless of their age,” says Pam Edwards of Volvo Cars of North America. To commemorate the life of Alex Scott, Volvo created the Alexandra Scott Butterfly Award to recognize exceptional child heroes.

Zach Bonner was named the 2008 Butterfly Award winner. To help victims of Hurricane Katrina Zach, 10, collected 27 truckloads of sundry items, raised $600 in donations for the Red Cross post-Katrina efforts and secured $7,000 worth of new toys and sporting equipment for homeless children living in Red Cross shelters. He also recently founded the Little Red Wagon Foundation, Inc., which collects and donates backpacks filled with food, school items and other supplies to disadvantaged children nationwide.

Getting kids involved can be as simple – or grand – as the children and parents wish. The efforts of past Butterfly Award winners can provide a roadmap for getting started:

* Look to the Internet.

“The Web is a great resource for finding a charity or volunteer opportunity that fits your child’s needs and personality,” Edwards says. For example, this year www.lemonadestandforlife.com, hosted by Volvo, gives visitors the chance to support ALSF. By visiting the site, you can make a direct donation by purchasing a cups of virtual lemonade for just $1. You can then share those cups via e-mail with others asking them to also visit and support the site’s mission.

* Look to current events.

News accounts of the need caused by Katrina inspired Zach Bonner to get involved. When Congress designated November National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Zach launched a marathon walk from Tampa, Fla., to the state capital 250 miles away in Tallahassee. He and his team raised money and awareness for the nation’s estimated 1.3 million homeless children.

* Draw inspiration from your own life.

Alex Scott founded her lemonade stand as she was recovering from cancer treatment. Grace Farnan, 14, of South Hamilton, Mass., decided to become involved in hospice care after her grandmother peacefully passed away in hospice care. Her work with the Hospice of the North Shore has included collecting hundreds of new picture frames for patients to keep photos of loved ones close at hand, and the creation of more than 500 guest books in which visitors, family and staff can write encouragement for patients. Grace was recognized as the 2006 Butterfly Award winner.

* Don’t be afraid to reach far.

In addition to efforts to help Florida’s hurricane-affected residents, Samita Mohanasundaram, 16, of Nashua, N.H., also helps disadvantaged children in India. When she was just 7, she visited a small, impoverished village in southern India and was moved by the local school’s need for books, supplies and materials. Upon returning home, she launched a book drive that drew support from all over New England. In 2007, Samita became the third child to win the Butterfly Award.

To learn more about the Butterfly Awards and to help raise funds to fight pediatric cancer, visit www.lemonadestandforlife.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dance While You Can...

2008-07-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

I will not stand to the side and allow the music in my heart to fade away and die.

I will dance to my own life song.

Cost-Saving Strategies for 2008 Back-to-School Shopping

2008-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Cost-Saving Strategies for 2008 Back-to-School Shopping

Rising gas and food prices are putting the economic squeeze on most American households, and it’s already time to begin back-to-school shopping. Families with school-age children are expected to spend over $500 on back-to-school merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation.

They’ll also likely spend many days driving from store to store to get all the right items. It’s no wonder parents are looking for creative ways to save money and limit their time in the car.

“The kids may look forward to some new sneakers or the most stylish new backpack as a welcome silver lining to going back to school, but for parents finding a bargain and saving time becomes vital at this time of year,” says Theresa Boldrini-Laird, shopping expert for NearbyNow.com. “Planning, preparation and patience can help parents save money and limit the amount of time spent in the car.”

Here are some easy ways to save time and money when seeking back-to-school bargains this year:

* Remember that saving time is just as important as saving money. While online shopping may seem like an easy way to save time, many shoppers – including parents – are turning to a new shopping strategy that capitalizes on the Internet’s information-gathering power and the unbeatable immediacy of buying in a store.

NearbyNow, a California-based Web site, allows consumers to log on and search for specific merchandise at more than 200 local shopping malls across the country (go to http://www.nearbynow.com/ to find a mall near you). As a bonus, some shoppers who put items on hold may even get it for free thanks to the HOLD IT. WIN IT.(TM) for Back to School promotion.

Using the Internet or a mobile phone, parents can check the in-store availability of a much-needed item in 10 minutes or less, and if desired, put the item on hold for pick-up at a nearby store in the mall. Shoppers receive an e-mail or text message claim check to remind them where and when to pick up the item, and the claim check may also have other special offers from nearby stores. The NearbyNow service eliminates both hours and gas spent traveling to and from multiple store locations, shipping costs and time spent waiting for online orders to arrive.

* Make your list and check it twice. “It may sound so simple, but making a list is a great organizing tactic that too many people overlook,” Boldrini-Laird says. To draw up your list, first take stock of what your kids already have, and remember to think beyond just notebooks and pens. Do they need new Converse sneakers or will the pair you bought at the beginning of summer do just fine? Can they reuse last year’s backpacks, or can they use a new style with wheels? Does your teen desperately “need” a new cell phone – you know, the one that everyone has. Or does your college-bound child require a laptop? Be sure you know what you really need to buy.

* Decide on a budget and stick to it. Your budget should be generous enough to cover all the necessities and a few “extras” to make your kid feel cool at school. Get kids involved in budgeting; it’s a great way to teach them how to manage money. Plus, if everyone knows up front how much can be spent – and on what – you’ll possibly head off a few arguments.

* Shop smart. Take advantage of back-to-school sales, and visit retailers’ Web sites to print out coupons. Many offer online-only coupons to reward committed deal-hunters. As much as possible, avoid using credit cards to fund back-to-school purchases of short-lived items like schoolroom supplies, backpacks, clothes or sneakers.

To save money on gas, consider doing your back-to-school shopping in a single trip and carpool with other parents also tackling seasonal shopping.

“Smart shopping strategies may never really ease some kids’ desire to avoid going back to school and extend summer fun forever,” Boldrini-Laird says. “But they can definitely make the back-to-school experience more cost-effective, time-friendly and stress-free for parents.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fireworks Safety - Happy 4th of July

2008-06-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

As July 4th approaches, your kids are probably thinking about sitting out on the lawn with family and neighbors, eating snacks, and watching beautiful fireworks bursting in the night sky. Summer celebrations can be a lot of fun. But what's the best way to ensure that your kids have both a fun and a safe July 4th this summer?

Fireworks, often the centerpiece of summer celebrations, can actually be very dangerous. According to Prevent Blindness America, from 1980-1994 fireworks accounted for 29 fires, 65 explosions, and 114 deaths. And, almost half of the injured are children ages 19 years old and under.

Sparklers are perhaps even more dangerous because many people think of them as harmless fireworks that children can use. But sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks-related injuries requiring trips to the emergency room. Sparklers can potentially catch clothes or hair on fire, and they can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (hot enough to melt gold).

Home for the Summer: Ten Happy, Healthy Ideas for Kids

2008-06-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

That last school bell has rung and the kids are back home, enjoying all the pleasures that summer vacation offers. But there’s got to be more to life than sleeping until noon and sipping lemonade by the pool. Here are some more ideas to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this summer.

1. Block the sun. Sunlight is great; but too much exposure can be dangerous. Cover the kids with generous amounts of waterproof sunscreen -- SPF of 30 or greater -- 30 minutes prior to any sun exposure. Be sure to reapply it every 30 minutes for maximum protection.

2. Take a hometown vacation. With gas prices soaring, summer vacations may need to be spent a little closer to home. Check out your hometown’s restaurants, museums or parks together as a family and pretend you’re tourists for a few days.

3. Keep active. Keep the kids up and moving with some fun games such as badminton, swimming or soccer. And, of course, never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned game of hide and seek or catching fireflies at dusk.

4. Pick some produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are aplenty during the summer months. Gather the kids to visit a local farm or check out the local farmers market. With so many delicious choices this summer, your kids may actually eat their vegetables!

5. Stay hydrated. Enjoying the summer heat can sometimes lead to dehydration. Be sure to keep plenty of filtered water on tap and instead of letting the kids grab for sodas, enjoy some healthier treats such as juice spritzers or frozen fruit juice popsicles.

6. Start a reading club. Don’t let those brain cells get lazy during the summer. Reading is a great way to keep your kids’ minds active. Gather some of your children’s friends for meetings to discuss fun summer reads. If food is involved, turnout will be much higher -- guaranteed.

7. Record some memories. Make this a summer to remember. Arm the kids with a video camera to make family movies. Or, take still pictures and create an online scrapbook that you can share with friends and family.

8. Breathe easy. Hot, summer weather forces us to keep our doors and windows shut tight, trapping allergens and airborne molecules in our homes and in our lungs. Keep your home’s indoor air healthy by installing a whole-home air filtration system, such as AccuClean from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning.

9. Go around the world. Take a trip around the world without leaving your own home. Pick a different country or culture each week. Read books and create maps of the area. Wrap up your week of study by creating and enjoying a traditional meal from the region.

10. Have fun. Don’t over schedule your summer. Instead, use summer vacation to lighten your family’s load, kick back, and enjoy these long, golden days. Memories are created, not scheduled, so start creating some today.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

While I Still Can Dance...

2008-05-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

I will take pleasure in the smiles that warm me
and in the hugs that always say "I Love You."

Dance While You Can....

2008-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

I will take time for God,
to read His Word,
to seek His direction for my life......

He is the Lord of the Dance.

Neck and throat facial exercises

2008-05-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

Facial exercises should be done once a day, and this regimen can be continued for your entire life, or you could scale down to three times a week, after completing a month of daily exercises.Some people report that minor spots or blemishes appear after starting facial exercises, and yes, it is normal.

Neck and throat facial exercises.

# 1 A great exercise is to sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling while keeping your lips closed and then start a chewing movement. You will feel the muscles working in your neck and throat area - and will be truly amazed at the results. Repeat 20 times.

# 2 Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Start puckering your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax, bring your head back to its normal position and repeat 5 times.

# 3 Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Open your lips and stick your tongue out as if you were trying to touch your chin with the tip of your tongue. Keep your tongue out in this position for 10 counts, and then return your tongue and head to its normal position.

# 4 Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Next move your lower lip over your top lip as far as possible and keep it there for a count of 5. Relax and repeat 5 times.

# 5 Lie on your bed, with your head hanging down over the edge. Slowly bring your head up towards your torso and keep it there for 10 counts. Relax and lower your head towards the floor again - repeat 5 times.

# 6 Sit upright and face forward and while keeping your lips together, separate your teeth by dropping your jaw and then push your jaw forward, keep for a count of 10, bring back to starting position and repeat 5 times

Exercise For the Boomer Women Who Hate It

2008-05-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Exercise For the Boomer Women Who Hate It

Going to the gym is all very well for the women who can get to one easily, and enjoy exercising in front of other people and who look good in a leotard. As women for the boomer generation many of our body parts do not stay in the same shape compared to our college days. Exercise equipment at home is fine if you have the room to store the machine when you are not using it, and the self motivation and will power to pull it out from the closet or under the bed everyday. For many of us exercise screams of torture, pain, and unpleasantness, and it doesn’t have to be that way.

Boomers or better know as peri-menopause can be a really exciting time in your life because you are finally empty nesters freeing yourselves from child rearing and family duties. Yes our commitment to the family, is still very strong, doesn’t (or shouldn’t) require you to spend all your time and energies devoted to them. Boomers is the start of the ‘ME-years’, and can be the start of a whole new adventure in your life. Take the time to take care of yourself first for a change since the nest is empty and we are now in control of ME first the Boomer generation.

Take the time at least 3 – 4 times a week to do something that you enjoy or a hobby that can give you great pleasure and get a bit of exercise at the same time. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Walking Activities – walking is one of the best types of activities you can do and the cheapest. Power walk in one way then stroll back home on the return trip. Look for collectables (flowers, rocks, shells, leaves) for creative work. Take your dog with you or a friend. If you are an urban dweller then take advantage of the early morning or evening to window shop- you won’t be tempted to shop because the shops won’t be open but you can keep yourself updated on what is going on in your area. Become a mall walker for others, as you never have to worry about the outdoor eliminate. For those readers that are near the water actually wading along the edge of a lake, stream or beach can be a pleasant way of increasing the exercise for your legs.

Swimming - Find the quietest times at your local pool or beach and enjoy a leisurely swim combined with some underwater exercises such as leg extensions and squats. My favorite is the same movement as Cross County skiing in water it gives the resistance to the areas we all need the most arms and legs while holding the tummy muscles in.

Dance around your house – add a touch of zest to the dusting or when vacuuming – turn the music up loud and dance to it as you work. Grab the dust mops and pertain it is your partner. Push and pull the mop handle. What ever you do get the pulse racing and make yourself feel good at the same time. This is another one of my favorites. It brings back my dance days in school which is good for the memory.

What ever you choose to do take a hobby or project you enjoy and get your heart pumping – that is all that is truly needed in exercise – have fun and enjoy it.
Marcia Chumbley is a work at home mom and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a Christian Work from Home Moms and Grandparents web site at http://www.faithfulgrannies.com/. Bringing generations of Christian Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents, Boomers and Families together while providing resources, inspiration and affordable advertising while balancing the work at home experience.
Article Source: http://www.faithfulgrannies.com

Quotable Quote

2008-04-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

Attitude

In today's climate we often find ourselves searching for good news, and lately it's been hard to come by. And although we can't control what goes on in the world, here's a little good news...we can still control our attitudes. As Lincoln once said, "I've come to realize that people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
How is your attitude today?

Making and Taking Time To Make A Difference.

2008-04-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

Making and Taking Time To Make A Difference.

Would you like to make the world a better place to live in? Are you trying to see what you can do to make the world a better place? As time passes, are you worried about the planet? Are you interested in recycling or green living? Or maybe you would rather spend your time volunteering for something that you enjoy doing?

If you are interested in recycling your products from your house, you would first need to find a place to take your recycling to. Your town might have curb side pick up, which is where there is a separate bin to place anything that can be recycled in. You fill this bin up and place it with the garbage on the curb and there is a separate truck that comes through and picks it up. Most of the time with curbside pick up, you do not have to separate your items into different categories.

If your city does not offer curbside pick up, you can ask them if there are drop of locations in the city or town for recycling. If there are, then you are responsible for keeping items separate in your home before taking them to the center. When you start taking your recycling to the center, you might ask them and see if there has been any interest expressed in local curbside pick up in your area. If they say no, let them know that you are interested. See if you can get others in your neighborhood interested.

Making environmentally sound decisions doesn't have to be difficult. If you swap out disposable items in your household to things that can be reused, you're well on your way. Swapping out paper towels for cloth napkins, swapping out tissues for handkerchiefs, and using cloth rags to clean with are all great changes to make. If you are thinking that you will spend the same amount now in water that you did before on the disposable products, think again! There is a slight increase in water, but only by a few cents. Just think of all the money that you will be saving from not having to buy these products every time that you go to the store.

If you would like to spend some of your time volunteering for other people, this is another great way to make the world a better place. Volunteering gives you something to do and allows you to give back to your community at the same time. Call your local city hall for a list of all the different places that you can volunteer. A few options might be a local soup kitchen, a local nursing home, a battered women’s shelter, a local library, or even a local hospital. Most all places love to have volunteers and some places are completely run by volunteer workers. Many places appreciate their volunteers because it gives them extra help that they otherwise might not be able to afford.

Improving the world you live in doesn't have to be difficult or costly. You can make the world a better place by volunteering, making environmentally sound choices, and recycling. Your children and grandchildren will appreciate the effort you put into the planet.

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.
Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.
Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.
Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.

Color Coding and Organization

2008-04-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Color Coding and Organization

As we enter the New Year, our thoughts often turn towards organization of home and office. The key to developing an organized home is to develop a series of systems that work within your home, making it easier to find the things you need. Color coding is one great way to streamline your home and make it easier to access items quickly.

There are many areas of your home that can be color coded. Adding a touch of color can help you organize papers, laundry, clothing, and so much more. Here are a few simple tips to get you started on the right track to organization.

Papers
Paper clutter is one of the worst offenders – it seems to breed when you look away. Mail, bills, letters, and papers to be filed pile up in the office, on the front table, and beside the reading chair. Corral the paper clutter once and for all by developing an organized, color coded filing system.

Pick a basket that will hold file folders, and place it near where you open your mail. Now, add colored folders for each type of mail you receive – To Read, To Pay, To Do, and To File. Keep a small trash can in this area, as well. As you open the mail, place each item in the appropriate folder, or throw it away if its junk. Your mail is organized, ready for the next time you file or pay bills – all you have to do is grab the appropriate folder!

Laundry
Whether you live in a home with children, or an empty nest, laundry is a major obstacle to overcome. Color coded bins can be a huge help, as even the smallest child (or the most housework impaired spouse) can recognize a bin by color.

Pick a color for each member of the family, and place it in the area where they change clothes. On laundry day, have them bring their bins to the laundry room. As clothes are washed, dried, and folded, place them in the bin of the owner, to be returned to their room and put away. This system allows you to sort clothing as you fold, eliminating an extra step in the laundry process.

Clothing
In homes with children or adults of similar sizes, color coding can help keep clothing sorted by owner. Use the same colors that you've put into place for the laundry system, and simply mark a colored dot on the tag of each item of clothing. Use the dots to determine whose pants are whose, saving time and energy tracking down each person individually.

Holiday Decorations
Tired of spending time before each holiday sorting through a sea of poorly labeled boxes? Color coding to the rescue, again! After each holiday this year, take time to purchase brightly colored plastic totes. These totes are often available in seasonal colors – red and green for Christmas, orange for Fall holidays. Store your decorations accordingly, and you'll never again have to sort through the Easter decorations looking for your Christmas angel.

Color coding is a quick and easy way to add organization to your daily life. By making small changes, you can be well on your way to a simpler, less stressful life. Take the time to add some color coded organizational tools to your home today – you'll be amazed at the difference that they make.

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.
Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.

Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.

Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.

Quotable Quote

2008-04-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison

Christian Topic of The Day

2008-04-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

Topic for Today: Discipline

God has no pleasure in afflicting us, but He will not keep back even the most painful chastisement if He can but thereby guide His beloved child to come home and abide in the beloved Son.
Murray, Andrew

Meal Time - A Family Affair for Many Generations

2008-03-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

Meal Time - A Family Affair for Many Generations

Meal time is a family affair for many generations. In today's society of hustle and bustle and being always on the go, it is easy to overlook family mealtimes. In the past, it was traditional that at all three mealtimes, breakfast, lunch and dinner, the family would all gather round the dinner table to eat. Someone - usually one of the children - would set the table, Mom or Grandma (or both!) would prepare a healthy, delicious meal which would be laid out on the table. Dishes would be passed around the table, a prayer would be said, and clean-up would take place before any children could play.

While that probably reminds you of your own childhood, how often does it take place in your own home? Having a family mealtime can afford you with a lot more benefits than you might think. Sure it takes longer, and sure, everyone has to bend their ever-so-busy schedules to it, but just imagine some of the wonderful benefits of a family mealtime!

A family mealtime can enable you to be able to teach your children how to cook - properly! Many children today simply can't cook anything out of a microwave, and don't know how to follow a basic recipe. Using family mealtimes as instructional times can be a wonderful opportunity for you to teach your children how to cook good, healthy meals. Showing your children and grandchildren the basics, such as how to time cooking many dishes at once, food preparation and substitutions, the mathematics involved in cutting a recipe in half or doubling it, and many other cooking lessons can be invaluable later in life. Passing on of family recipes from one generation to another generation.

Having a family meal also allows you to bring your family closer together as a family unit and to involve the entire family with an activity all at once. In today's world, how often does your entire family get to sit down with one another at the same time? Use this fantastic time as a way to start conversations between members of your family. Discuss the high points and low points of each family member's day. Learn how your children are doing in school and extra-curricular activities (if they are not home schooled). Most of all this provides an environment where your family can talk to each other and listen in an open forum. Grandparents offer discussion of history and family traditions.

This can also bring your family closer together in other ways. You can have each family member plan one meal for the week, or have your family plan meals together. Use this as a time to think about the nutritional value of each meal, to incorporate all of the food groups, and to also make sure that everyone has a chance to eat their favorite foods! The ideas are limitless, and it will encourage an atmosphere of sharing, kindness and caring.

Let each member of your family take part in mealtime, from setting the table to taking turns doing the dishes afterwards. It is all about family participation and sharing. Include every member of your family and be sure to be absolutely firm about this aspect of your lives. Many times schedules and appointments can interfere with family dinners, but this is a very important part of your family life, and it should be treated as such by all members of the family.
Meal time isn't simply the time for us to eat, it is a time for us to come together as a family unit and to strengthen our bonds together. Whether you can eat one meal together a day or three, it is important to set aside at least one meal a day as a "family meal". Your family will thank you for it!

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.

Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.

Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.

Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.

2008-03-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

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