Strawberry Monday - Brand Name Clothing Resale

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2011-11-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

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The Great Parenting Show / Review & Giveaway 10/7-10/14

2011-10-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Great Parenting Show (Review & Giveaway)

Today I was given the opportunity to listen to an interview on the www.GreatParentingShow.com , hosted by, Jacqueline Green, BA
Parenting Educator. The show is full of parenting advice from leading parenting experts on many different topics.

I listened in to an interview with Shelly Lefkoe, from the Lefkoe Institute , on the topic : How to Get Your Children to Cooperate Without Destroying their Self-Esteem. I fully enjoyed the interview and really like her teaching. Many things she said, I already try to do with my kiddos but I sure did learn a lot too!

Here are some highlights that I found important :

1. I like how Lefkoe said, “You are your child’s expert.”

2. Lefkoe was asked by Jacqueline, “What is the number one problem facing parents today?”
She said, “Technology.” They focused in on how it is an issue for the family as a whole. She talked about how parents need to model social behaviors for their children. Meaning, if your kids are talking to you and require your attention, stop texting , talking and get of the computer! I do agree with this and check myself once in a while that I do not behave this way—I am not perfect. Parents do need to stop being so distracted and pay attention.

3. Focus on how to help your children do things in a way the will empower them.

4. Don’t push your kids to do things that have nothing to do to with the value of their lives. For example, don’t just show up at soccer games and yell at your child if he/she doesn’t score a goal. This just shows a parents lack of confidence and is a bad reflection on yourself.

5. Celebrate failures in the way you celebrate success as if you do not fail a lot you will be mediocre. Leftkoe’s example was that her family celebrated a swim meet loss. Her daughter practiced and tried very hard but lost and that’s okay because she tried.

She said her husband said to her daughter, “you are valuable , important, good enough competent , and capable person who had a lost swim. Your worth in value is not how fast you go across the pool.” Wow…. That is AWESOME. I used this with my daughter and her failing Math grade and it made her perk up. The cool thing, is that it’s true.

6. Ask yourself , “what are my expectations of this child? As a parent or individual do I excel at everything I do?” Ummmm… No…

7. Don’t assume and ask good questions. For example, on a failing class : what is it about the class that is difficult? Are you bored? Are you challenged? Is something bothering you about the teacher or classmates?

I am very thankful to have had this opportunity as I got some great tips that I can use to make my family life better. :)

Jacqueline is offering a generous giveaway to Strawberry Monday :

One winner will receive a complimentary package of all the MP3 recordings and Transcripts of all the interviews with leading parenting experts.

I wish I could enter!

Here is how you can enter :

1.“Like” Strawberry Monday On Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did.
2.“Like” The Great Parenting Show On Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did.
3. Become a Strawberry Monday blog follower and leave a comment here saying you did.
4. Leave a comment regarding your thoughts.

How To Cash In On Your Unwanted Clothing

2011-09-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall!! It does not seem like fall in Arizona and I am so jealous of the cooling weather a lot of you are getting. Time to start switching wardrobes and getting rid of the things you don't wear anymore. We no longer do trade ins but there are several outlets that you can utilize to try to recoup some of your costs.

1. Resale Shops : Make sure your items are neatly placed in a bag or bin and clean. It will save time and make you more cash. Also, PLEASE do not turn in items coated with animal hair. Most stores will not even look at the items because most stores do not clean their items--that is what the funky smell is. At Strawberry Monday, we wash everything before it hits the shelves or the mail.

2. Consignment Sales : These sales take some time on your part but can be really profitable. Make sure to mark your items to sell. If they are marked too high you will be bringing them home and will not be happy :( .

3. Yard Sale : You can have a sale but from my experience people do not want to pay more than $2 for a clothing item. If you have things that you need more from then do the Consignment sales. Make sure to hang your items nice or have them on tables. Many people can not get down on the ground to dig --myself included--and will not even stop at your sale. If you invest some time to make it look nice you will make much more money.

4. Sell Online : Ebay is a great outlet but is very time consuming--I know! Also, the more you list the more business you will have. If you sell Online, make sure your pictures are nice and abundant. Invest in a half torso mannequin if you can--they are about $20. Also, outside is the best place for true light and make yourself a scene. It looks more professional if items are not laid on a floor or bed.

Also, Craigslist.com is a good outlet but be safe about it. Don't let people come to your home if you can help it. Generally, most people are honest and true but there are some that do not have good intentions. Just keep safe.

5. Switch With Your Pals :
Save your items and get together with your friends and switch. That can be really fun!

6. Donate : If you don't have time for any of this just donate. Many people will benefit from your kindness.

When I go through my closets I have 3 bins :
Donate - Yard Sale - Resale.
I resale, then yard sale, then donate. It works for me.

Regarding Strawberry Monday, we are fully Online now. It takes a lot of time so please be patient. I am almost done listing children's items and will be listing ladies' soon and as well as hair accessories. You will be able to purchase from our website, Ebay and Etsy stores. Or just call or email me directly.

Coupons and deals will be offered to our Facebook fans so please like us! :)

What's in the lunchbox?

2011-08-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have been volunteering at my child's school during the Kindergarten lunch period, and it is quite an entertaining and interesting time. :) When I volunteer, I help the kiddos open their food items, such as milk, animal crackers, and jello and have seen some really funky things in their boxes...

One child asked me to open his thermos for water for his soup - that he was going to dip his cold pizza into...yuck! Another child had two Capri Suns with a big ol' burrito packed in a gallon baggie (it would not have fit in a sandwich size). He said he was not going to eat the burrito--I would not have either. Then another little one pulled out a baggie of at least three cut-up, cold hot dogs...EW!!! One more child had a wooden kabob skewer he used to dangle a banana piece in front of another kid's face. Okay...

Anyway, my point is that many of the kids' lunches were kind of gross, and I felt bad for them. Maybe they like cold pizza and hot dogs but they can expire during the day, so it's better to save them for home if possible.

I realize we can't make super tasty and awesome lunches everyday, but try to keep in mind that if you won't eat something, maybe your kids won't either. Save the funky stuff for the hubby's lunch--Ha Ha!! I am kind of kidding as my hubby will eat almost anything, within reason.

A lot of the little kiddos can't open their items and not all schools have volunteer programs to help during lunch so maybe try to keep that in mind when packing the little lunches. You can even open items and replace the packaging. This gives them more time to eat (not waiting for someone to open it) and maybe puts more in their tummies.

When I was little, I begged and begged my mom to let me take my lunch (cuz my friends did), but she had me eat school food everyday.

Aside from moldy stuff you forgot to clean out, what is the grossest item you have ever found in your lunch box?

(Review & Giveaway) The Peaceful Housewife by Jenny Deramo

2011-08-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

First , I LOVE this title. I want to be a Peaceful Housewife! I do try to be :)

The Peaceful Housewife is a neat website filled with inspiration. It is run by Jenny Deramo and she has written an e-book filled with environmentally-friendly household cleaning recipes.

Many of the recipes call for items you probably already have in your cupboard like vinegar and baking soda. Making your own products will save money and be more environmentally safe for your family.

I tried out a make-up brush cleaner recipe and it worked very well! Don’t you wish you knew what the recipe was??

Jenny is giving away two copies of her e-book to us.

Here are different ways to enter (you can do them all) :

1. Like The Peaceful Housewife on FaceBook (leave a comment here that you did).

2. Like Strawberry Monday on FaceBook (leave a comment here that you did).

3. Follow the Strawberry Monday blog (leave a comment here that you did).

4. Leave a comment here and tell me what being a "Peaceful Housewife" means to you.

5. Go to The Peaceful Housewife website and leave a comment here and tell me which scent you would have your products scented with. I like "Birthday Cake."

A winner will randomly be selected on 8/23. Good luck!!

Nicole

Summer Is Almost Over...

2011-08-10T20:48:00.001-07:00

Well, I sadly say that it is back to school time. Happy that the kids will have something to do, but sad for me that I have my youngest going to Kindergarten. Not sure why I am so sad because I will be able to have some needed Me time. Apparently, a lot of moms feel this way as at the school they have a "Tea & Tissues" group for crying moms..... I think that is pretty cool.

Here are a few helpful hints that I found for us criers :) :

1. Volunteer at the school to get to know the parents and staff.

2. Volunteer other places , work or just keep busy with activities to deal with the separation anxiety--(this must be my problem).

3. Recognize and appreciate their milestone as it is a beginning for them.

Happy Summer

2011-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am melting already and my kids are stir crazy - how about you? Whew! Just what is there to do in AZ Summer? I guess, go to Flagstaff and Payson to cool off. Or just plain leave :)
Check out Active Mom's Magazine for a mega list of local activities.

BTW: I am STILL organizing!!!! What was I thinking giving myself 3 weeks.. More like 3 years.. Boo!!! :)

Spring Cleaning & Organizing The House

2011-04-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

As you know , I moved out of my brick and mortar shop but you did not know that everything had to move to my home....OMGosh..There has been stuff everywhere!! The backyard, garage and living room were FULL. My poor family has been very patient.

It is amazing how much stuff builds up in our homes. The toys, paperwork, clothing and etc. When my home is cluttered my mind is cluttered and I find myself walking around in circles not knowing where to start. I am trying very hard to be focused.

So, over the past two months I have been moving , selling and organizing store stuff - hence the very small amount of product listed Online. Now that I can see the floor and the backyard again I have given myself 3 weeks to gut and organize my home.

The plan is to go room by room and I am starting with the kid's rooms and toys since they are the biggest culprit. I mean who needs 100 Barbies? :)

I challenge you to do this with me so you can free your home and mind of clutter :)

To start you will need 4 bins marked : KEEP - YARD SALE -GOODWILL- TRASH (these are what mine say). The trick with the stuff you are getting rid of is to immediately donate or hide it so things do not start magically disappearing. You can even code name the bins with "Mom's Clothing" or something boring to keep bin pickers out :)

Let me know if you have some tips too!

Week 1 : Working On Now : Kids Rooms & Toys Throughout The House
http://www.squidoo.com/ways-to-organize-kids-bedrooms

http://organizedhome.com/get-organized/tips-organize-kids-rooms

Week 2 :Kids Stuff
Week 3 :STILL kids stuff!! Taking break.. Working on Garage.
Week 4 : Had the garage sale. Now donating all leftover unwanted store clothing to local orphanage and the rest to Goodwill. STILL working on house...Not enough time in the day to be mom , wife, home organizer, business woman and etc... Small increments people :)

Custom Boutique Lollipop Hair Flowers

2011-04-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

It only took me a year, but I finally figured out how to make these sweet things :)
They are $4.49 Each

CA Tropic Photo Shoot

2011-03-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to work with three awesome companies on a photo shoot for the Strawberry Monday website.

California Tropic sent in models, Bounce Productions did the photography and Kim Carter shot the video for our commercial. These three companies were AMAZING to work with and we have produced an awesome product together. I can hardly contain myself with my excitement!!!

The kids were so fun to work with and being on location was a blast.

People do not understand how much preparation and work a photo shoot entails unless you get an opportunity to be there. It's crazy!

Big Shot Machine--Lovin' it!

2011-02-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hi :) So, for Valentine's day my hubby bought me the Big Shot die cutter. I am obsessed with it. LOVE IT!!!! LOVE IT!!!! Did I say I love it ?) :) Who knew that it could be so useful in mass producing exactly what I need (pieces for my hair accessories)? Does anyone else use it? What do you make with it? What are your favorite dies?

Life After The Mall

2011-02-20T21:14:00.000-08:00

So, we moved out of the mall today and I kind of feel relived but sad too. Sad that all the time and energy spent there is left there and because all is uncertain.

Relieved because I no longer have drowning over-head,the mistress (time sucking schedule) is gone and I do not have to be stuck to my phone most waking hours in case of issues. Whew!! Hello work at home mom! I promise myself I will still wear makeup.

I admit I am a little nervous coming home full time again but really SCARED of all the stuff I brought with me!! I just moved a home into a home, if you will. Like yard sales? I will be having a HUGE one soon..

Home Office Strategies

2011-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's crazy being a work at home mom!! People do not realize how hard it can be especially if you have preschoolers. The constant demand is well, constant. It's the home phone, cell phone, email, neighbors, and etc..And, then all over again! I get asked a lot about how I take time for myself and honestly, I usually don't. It makes the life we want as moms and momprenuers hard to balance but there has to be a trick to it.
So, here are some things I found that make it a little easier.

1. Create a schedule and stick with it--time management is a habit like anything else, so commit yourself to the idea of following a detailed schedule for two weeks and see how you do. Include one on one time with the kiddos and out of the house time.

2. Hire a mom's helper if possible or try to set boundaries for your kiddos in your home. Offer them certain areas and activities they can do while you work.It helps to have a special set of toys that they can only play with while you work.

3. Keep your work place organized to avoid the clutter trap--which also hampers productivity because you are running around in circles all day looking for things!

4.Make Open & Closed signs so you are not tempted to work when you shut down--20 times :)

5.Get dressed for work or just fix yourself up so you are not in pjs all day everyday.

6. Avoid cabin fever and get out a bit--leave at the same time each day.

Would love to hear some of your ideas too :)

Thank You

2011-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

So, I want to say thank you to all who have supported my brick and mortar shop.I have gotten to work with some very talented women business owners as well as make some awesome new friends. I will miss the loyal ladies who come to shop and chat each week :( But, we are still in Mesa and still open--just Online. Come out for some great deals! The last day is Feb 19th.

Brick & Mortar or Online?

2011-01-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

A lot of my long standing customers and fellow business "Mamas" ask me which I like better..
Well, I have a love hate relationship with them both.

Brick & Mortar:
Love :
All my inventory is displayed permanently.
Face to face interaction with adult human beings.
When guests say how much they love the store.

Hate :
That the mall dictates my hours.
High overhead costs (supplies, gas, electricity, & etc).
Not enough "me" to go around.

Online :
Love :
I can work any hours I want to. Very flexible schedule.
Global opportunity.

Hate :
The stigma that "an online store is not a real store". Yes it is!
No face to face interaction.
Inventory stored.

There are so many benefits and pitfalls to each option but you have to figure out what option will be the most beneficial for you. Depending on the type of products that you carry maybe even both options work for you. :)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-07-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

~ Welcome To The Strawberry Monday Blog ~

Here we will do our best to help you through the perils of momprenuership.
www.StrawberryMonday.com