Richmond.com article on me from 2007

Here's the whole article from the previous post (didn't realize the WAHM Business blog only had a partial posting).  I'll take it all though!  (Click here to view it in it's entirety).

WAHM Business blog post

Here's a link to some press from last year.  Click here!

e.l.f. - The most amazing makeup website ever!

Vote for Fat Cookie!

Please vote for me through Friday, October 31st, 2008.

The Grocery Game

We just started using a new website called The Grocery Game. I have never been a coupon clipper but after coming across this site, I decided to give it a whirl. We invested in an 8 week subscription to the Sunday paper so we could get all the coupons.

The Grocery Game gives you a 4 week trial for $1.00. (I was happy for the trial period because by the time we got enough coupons and got our paper coming, we were in week 3). You pick a store from your area and you download a SUPER organized list with all the deals the store is offering and how you can better use your coupons.

Andy and I made grocery shopping our date last night. I know that sounds lame but we are very simple folk and being able to shop in absolute peace was just pure bliss. We followed the list and bought only what we needed (not extras "because you have a coupon" syndrome) and we got out of the store with a buggy full of meals to last no less than two weeks for our family of 5.

Our total bill: $96.75.

Guess how much we saved?

$89.87!!!

We were like kids, so excited and giggling in disbelief. I am a believer now and am loving The Grocery Game for making the art of saving money a realistic and exciting event!

Please check them out: THE GROCERY GAME

Marshmallows and Funerals

You should never take hard candy in a noisy wrapper to a funeral. It is inevitable you or better yet, your kids will need that candy at the exact moment that the church goes silent. And it will be terrible when you try to unwrap that loud candy wrapper while the family is listening to the story of their lost ones life. It will be even worse when they crunch it instead of letting it dissolve in their mouth quietly.

Marshmallows. Life's wonderful little snack to keep kids quiet and busy during important moments.

Grandpa's Message.

We just got back from Andy's Grandpa's funeral.  It was an unexpected death and very emotional.  We scrambled when we heard the news and found friends to take in each of the kids -  thank goodness for wonderful, wonderful people in our lives.  The kids were able to stay in school and enjoy a sort of vacation from mom and dad for four days.  A huge effort on our friends part and we are just so grateful.

Andy and I drove the 12 hours to Detroit and picked up family at the airport as everyone arrived.  We spent the next day getting Grandpa's things from the care facility he had been living at for the past 9 months and after lunch we headed to the church.  My adrenaline was very high and knees a bit wobbly but I suppose it's that way for most people since you don't ever "get used" to death.  We cried a lot and hugged and held hands tight.  We laughed when the preacher read tidbits of his life and funny things he did.  And I think we all came away from the service with a huge appreciation of "life".  I know I did.  

Things that I had been upset about in earlier months seemed very trivial and with the message that Grandpa left "A relationship with God, more time spent with family, and an investment in friends", really hit home.  I have a simple relationship with God and am trying to pass that onto my kids as they grow and learn about life.  But it was the "more time spent with family and investment in friends" message that I realized I was lacking.  I have spent the last two years very devoted to the cookie business and have struggled to maintain a balance between family life and business life.  And even when the physical demands of the business have gone up and down, the mental part has remained at a constant high speed.  I'll be doing things with the family, but my mind is not fully engaged in the activity.  I'll go to Bunco with the girlfriends and I'm still thinking about the emails I need to answer.  I don't volunteer in the kids classrooms as much as I'd like, I don't offer to watch people's babies, I don't go to Target and just walk around.  I never just grab a coffee with a pal or spend Sunday morning reading the paper.  I'm too busy "thinking" about all the stuff I need to get done.  I knew I needed a change and am grateful to Grandpa for the much needed message to shake me up.  I could be gone tomorrow and heaven forbid I'm in the middle of emails instead of playing with my kids when that happens.

Of course I know there is a reality of the business.  I mean, I have to get stuff done.  I definitely know that some days will be easier and more organized than others.  But as a whole, as a complete lifestyle in making time for it all, I have come to realize, I need to get more organized with my schedule and STICK TO IT.  That means making time to have fun.  It means making time to think about the business.  It means scheduling around the kids and carving out smaller chunks to get everything done.  Instead of doing all the washing over two days, it's better for our chaos to do a load a day.  And instead of trying to work in orders during naptime, it's better to do them after kids go to bed.  I am completely focused then and I won't get frustrated if naptime doesn't work out that day (I can play with baby instead of being upset that she wouldn't go down).

So I am looking forward to the next few weeks as I try to figure out a better way to "do it all".   I really believe it can happen and I am going to re-focus my energies so my crazy circle is a little less chaotic and much more happy.  I know it will be fluid and things can change from day to day as I figure out the right balance.  But I know coming away from the funeral, I heard Grandpa's message loud and clear and if I don't do something now, I will never be wholly in the minute whether it's a "cookie minute" or an "I love you mommy" minute.  And I can't lose that.