Make a Difference Mondays - Give 5 Solid Minutes to a Child

Sound simple enough.  But in our busy lives of schedules, demands and just pure chaos, it is difficult some days to take a few minutes and just listen to a child. It could be your child, it could be a neighbor's child, or a niece or nephew.  Even if you have to call someone, I challenge you to LISTEN to a child today.

You'd be amazed at the fun conversations you can have with even a 2 year old.  My daughter and I had one of my most memorable conversations in the restroom at church yesterday.  She was asking all sorts of questions about the toilet paper, the color of the wall, etc. And then this little gem...."Mom, why does Jesus have THESE pottys at his house?"   Cuteness overload.

I often find myself present but not engaged with my children.  I'm in the same room, but not talking to them or playing with them.  Yes, a lot can be attributed to the fact that I play with 3 year olds all day long, but the most important kids in my life are mine, and it needs to be a priority.

So find a kid and spend some time.  It will improve your mood, I guarantee!  And what's more, it will make a positive impact on that child's self esteem. Which in this world of bullies and low self-worth, is of utmost importance.

UPDATE:  My kids were holy terrors last night.  I went home with the intention of spending some quality time with each of them.  The oldest left her backpack at Girl Scouts and proceeded to throw the mother of all temper tantrums because I wouldn't do the hour long round trip to retrieve it.  My youngest whined about every little thing and refused to eat her dinner.

Lesson learned.  With kids, you gotta roll with it.  Last night was not a good day to spend "quality time" with them.  They are little people too and sometimes we all just need to vent or be left alone. I'll try again today!

MIA

Yep, I've been a little absent lately. Sorry about that! Unfortunately there is not much to report except my house has been full of sickly little coughers, sneezers and whiners. Seems like the little ones are on the mend, but now the hubby has caught the ickies.  Hopefully the doc will give him some antibiotics today and kick the yuck right out of him.

My designer uncle has now bowed out of the project so on to designer #2.  My husband knows someone from his previous job so we will give it a whirl!  Can't wait to finally get some things rolling.

Business Cards

They're here! They're here!  Just one more step towards me feeling "official."

Of course, the web address listed is just a web address right now, but we'll be fixing that soon. I'm hoping to get my business license within the next couple of weeks and praying my designer is a little closer to finishing my characters.  Once I have that, it's go time! Gotta get a move on things!

My husband has now thrown a little kink in the wrench. He has taken a job that will require him to travel more. With my full-time job, and the two little kiddos at home, it's going to be even harder to get the things done I need to in order to get this business up and running. But I'm up for the challenge. I got this!

Make a Difference Mondays - Fed By Threads

Being an aspiring Social Entrepreneur, I look to those around me who already have successful businesses that influence and change the world.  Places like TOMS Shoes & Eyewear or Charity:Water have been an inspiration to me.  One such company happens to be in my hometown of Tucson, Arizona and I would love to highlight them today.

Fed By Threads sells hand sewn, made in America, sustainable fabrics that are produced in small batches.  The beautifully made clothes are in itself helping others, but beyond that, for every item sold, 12 emergency meals are provided to "food-insecure" Americans.

They ARE they change they want to see in the world. If you are in the market for some new clothes (and who isn't) please check them out and support a business that is more than just a business....they are a world changer.

Inside the designer's brain

Why oh why did I not go to school for graphic design. This business venture that I am dreaming up would be so much easier if I were able to take the ideas in my head and put them on paper.

I spoke with my designer tonight about the characters I would like developed for my brand. Although he said he was impressed with how I was able to artistically interpret and express my concept, I am still weary that he may not get the full extent of my design concept. I guess that's what second drafts are for...and third, and fourth...

Make a Difference Mondays - Kiva.org

I love to work with charities that my kids can get involved with. A friend of mine turned me on to Kiva a couple of years ago by giving me a gift card for my birthday.  Basically you get to peruse the website, find someone you connect with, and give them a  micro-loans to help their business start or grow.  What could be better than empowering people in third world countries to make a living based off a skill set or trade that they prefer to work with?  

It's a great teaching tool with children. You are able to talk about money, how loans work, and of course that not everyone is as fortunate as we are.  There are pictures and stories about the people, and Kiva gives you updates as to how the person you are helping is doing.  Eventually the person you loan money too should pay back their debt, and you are encouraged to help someone else out.  It's amazing how far $25 in birthday money can go!

So next time you have some cash laying around (ha!) consider making a loan to someone. You might just change their life, and make a difference in yours in the process.

Trademarks

I just want to say, I am glad I am not a lawyer. I read about 2 paragraphs of the USPTO.gov website and I needed to go grab a cup of coffee to keep myself from drifting off to sleep.  This kind of work will by far be my least favorite part of opening a business. My mind does not enjoy the wordiness of trademarks and patents.

Then there is the difficulty of knowing which avenue to take.  File through USPTO, or another company like LegalZoom?  And then comes the filing of the Business licence, and other legal junk.  Enough to make my little artistic head explode.

I know it's all important, but I would much rather work on the fun stuff.  The vision, mission, logo, etc.

But it's all in the game, right?