Monday, April 8, 2013

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!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

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!

Monday, March 18, 2013

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.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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...

Monday, March 11, 2013

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.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

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?

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

The World We Live In

Working with kids all day and having two of my own, I am pretty scared about the state of the world we live in.  Just this past week in my hometown, a friend of mine's brother was shot to death in a senseless "road-rage" shooting and two girl scout troops were robbed while selling cookies at local establishments.  It's enough to make you want to move to some remote island and raise your kids away from all the crazies.

But instead of letting things like this get me down, I've resolved to be the change I want to see.  This is part of my vision, my goal for my future business. It will teach, inspire, and change things for the positive.  What this world needs now are people who care. People who won't give up on those around them...who know that for all the evil that roams, there is so much more good.  <<steps off soap box>>

Sorry, I digress.

As the ideas float around in my head as to what direction to take my business, one thing is clear....  My business will strive to improve the state of the world, one day at a time, one child at a time.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Make a Difference Mondays - Color a Smile

I'm sure many of you have seen this before, but it is one of my favorite "simple, yet effective" ways to get my kids involved in a charity.  What kid doesn't like to color? My 6 year old can go through a coloring book in a day.  The thing is, those sheets just get thrown away (hopefully recycled).  Why not have the kiddos color a page and bring a smile to a stranger's face in the process.

Here's how it works.

1) Go to Color A Smile
2) Either download one of their coloring pages, or follow the directions to make one of your own.
3) Send in your masterpiece.

These pictures go to Nursing Homes, Meals On Wheels programs, and other individuals that have requested a "smile."

A fun and easy on-going project for the kidderoos.  For the price of a piece of paper, an envelope and a stamp, you take a kid's throw-away project and pass on the love.

Michelle

Friday, March 1, 2013

Waiting...

One of the most frustrating things so far about starting my own business has been working off of everyone else's time schedules. So much is dependent on others time and talents, and of course their not nearly as motivated as I am to get things rolling!

On the other hand, today my husband and I are going with my oldest daughter on a field trip to Sabino Canyon so I can't complain too much. Maybe this will allow for a much needed breather. Some reflection time on how great my life is and the amazing planet we live on.  Nah, who am I kidding. We are going with a group of 14 kindergarteners. It will be loud and crazy.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Unless

My 2 year old is obsessed with the movie "The Lorax."  For those of you with kids, you know that when a child gets hooked on a movie you watch it multiple times in a day....over many days.

Could be much worse. It's a kid's movie that has humor that adults can relate to, which is nice.  The graphics are great.  But the part I like is the message. I have always been a fan of the book, and the original movie as well.  I was happy to see it updated and with the message intact.

Today I thought I'd share a little quote from the book/movie that has always inspired me.


This is what I am trying to do!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

LOGOS! LOGOS! LOGOS!

That's where I'm at.  Picking a logo.  Who would have thought it would be so hard to finalize which one you like best.  Thankfully I work in a Daycare and my little kideroos can help me decide!  It also doesn't hurt that my uncle is a world famous designer. No really. Check him out at Line Design.  The man has an impressive resume.  Back in the day he even designed some pretty famous movie posters, that is if you think "Jaws" and "Superman" were impressive.  Now he designs for mostly environmental companies since he can be choosy and work with who he wants to.

He also lives in Vegas...I see a totally necessary business trip in my future.

But I think I have it. The design that is. I can't show you of course because it is not finalized and definitely not trademarked yet.  Can't show my goods all over the internet until they are secure!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Make a Difference Mondays


Here's the plan. On Mondays I will post about making a difference in our world. Could be a small act of kindness, a social-forward business or some other idea floating around in my head. The only criteria is that by participating in said idea, someone or something will benefit.

I woke up around 2:00AM thinking about this one.  So simple, yet effective.

Have you ever worked in some sort of service industry?  Somewhere that you deal with the public on a daily basis?  If you haven't, you should.  Just to gain some much needed perspective.  It's a tough job  no matter what you are doing if you are dealing with people.  In my life I have had desk jobs, but I have also worked as a barista, hostess, sales rep and a retail manager.  I've been yelled at and talked down to.  When I was in retail management one man actually refused to talk to me and wanted to talk to a man.  

Now on to my idea.  Why not celebrate those that work in these demanding jobs with a little note of kindness?  Carry around a few thank you cards that you can pick up at your neighborhood store.  Maybe order some small business cards that say "Thank you for making me smile today."  A small gesture can go a long way to make someone feel special and turn their day around.  I think my kids would really get on board with this one.  We may get some business cards made...it is so cheap to do online.

We are all in this together! Why not try to improve someone's day with a little kindness?

Sunday, February 24, 2013

The beginning...

Ok, it's official. I'm a blogger.

Technically I have been a member since 2008, but that's not the point.  

Where have I been since then?  I've been busy! But really, no excuses.  I just never made the time.  But now, I've got purpose. This is my year.  Why not take some friends along on the adventure right?

So buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. This is the year I will try to open my own business.  A business that I have been dreaming of starting for years. I business that I know can make an impact on our youth and on the world.  Sounds lofty, but it's my dream.  

This blog will be my outlet. My place to dream big.  To cry tears of joy for my successes and tears of pain for my losses.  I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me.