tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77832221471419679662024-02-02T11:41:52.076-08:00Mom's Online MallThe Daily musings of a WAHM as well as business log for Mom's Online Mall.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-13048416151473698162009-08-05T09:41:00.000-07:002009-08-05T09:46:01.300-07:00OOOH... Wacky Wednesday Time!I almost forgot today's Wacky Wednesday post! I've been saving this one... and almost forgot it...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50jSDfipay0UrC1ejk_EMf95V7gsdmmGPAm3Vw21SlVG-ge3DXOuOCQtKf4s0ddNR9_ByO9nKgsTV37Tnc3C5jtprxkPUtpC2mUun32ecPLpHtFbd5ItsmS9Oro-OE_x8er7gQrEMBhY/s1600-h/fail-owned-halloween-seasonal-fail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50jSDfipay0UrC1ejk_EMf95V7gsdmmGPAm3Vw21SlVG-ge3DXOuOCQtKf4s0ddNR9_ByO9nKgsTV37Tnc3C5jtprxkPUtpC2mUun32ecPLpHtFbd5ItsmS9Oro-OE_x8er7gQrEMBhY/s320/fail-owned-halloween-seasonal-fail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366521689209497282" border="0" /></a>Sadly, we all know that once "Back to School" is over in the stores, signs like this will be popping up all over the place!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-23828416163251512342009-08-05T09:24:00.001-07:002009-08-05T09:40:13.437-07:00Anti-Social ~ Social NetworkingHere is a question I pose to myself today. Anyone reading can feel free to post a comment in response...<br /><br />Can a person who is anti-social by nature really succeed in Social Networking? <br /><br />Its odd, because in most circumstances, I would consider myself anti-social. Life has made me that way, sadly. I moved around a lot as a child, 5 states in my first 18 years. Heck, halfway through my senior year it came time to move again so I started school after Christmas break in a whole new state/school. It wasn't easy, and has had both positive and negative effects on me. I am fiercely independent and can handle most anything life hands me on my own... but part of me longs for the human contact of friends, etc that I shelter myself from even to this day.<br /><br />So here we get back to the question. How does being anti-social affect both being a WAHM and Social Networking? It seems that social networking is a huge part of the WAHM culture, and has been for a long time. Being relatively anti-social has made that aspect of "relationship marketing" and social networking difficult for me. I don't have anything to talk about in the forums, I don't seem to "fit in" most of the time. I join social networks (like Ning) but after a short time the "networking" aspect becomes more like work to me and I just stop. I usually don't even get to the point where people get to know the "real" me at all. <br /><br />So how does being anti-social work with social networking? So far, not so good.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-48138305771042752072009-07-31T10:51:00.001-07:002009-07-31T11:40:47.652-07:00Experiments....Well.. I need to follow up on how the 2 experiments have been going for me. First, the more successful one...<br /><br />I found that using the index cards to keep myself on task worked well, for the most part. But as any WAHM knows, life can't always be planned out. I had some distractions and some additional tasks thrown in there, but for the most part my day went smoothly and by the end of the week most of the cards were ending up in the "completed" pile. Of course some of the "One time only" jobs (like sorting through all the school clothes to see what fits and who gets what) didn't get done, but I DID get ALL of my laundry done, a monumental task with 7 kids. All in all, I consider it a success... and when my older 3 kids come home from their dad's on Sunday and I have some help, things should go even better.<br /><br />Now for the experiment that was not so successful. Or maybe it was, depending on how you look at it. Avoiding negativity is NOT easy. There were so many things that tripped me up, not much on gossip, but the overall negative emotions and thoughts. I have noticed that when I first started, I felt more bliss, and after a day where I felt bad and complained a lot I had a less positive outlook. So starting over and trying again. I do know that when I focus on the good things I have, I feel great... so back to that.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-23497798444817604972009-07-24T13:43:00.001-07:002009-07-24T13:52:31.077-07:00Oooh... Check this out!One of the Ning groups I am in, Mompreneur Cafe, is hosting a great giveaway...<br /><br />Slimpressions are body sculpers that help contain the bulge. Helps you LOOK thinner while you are trying to BECOME thinner - or even just to look amazing in that special outfit.<br /><br />Slimpressions is giving away the product of YOUR choice to one lucky winner! Check it out at<br /><a href="http://www.mompreneurcafe.com/profiles/blogs/slimpressions-review-discount">http://www.mompreneurcafe.com/profiles/blogs/slimpressions-review-discount</a> .<br /><br />Slimpressions have even been on What Not to Wear! Such an exciting giveaway - can't keep it to yourself!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-76543357931093967002009-07-24T12:11:00.000-07:002009-07-24T12:22:24.762-07:00Experiment (or 2)Trying a couple of new things this week. Both stared today. <br /><br />First is my new "organizational system". I took 2 small envelopes, tucked the seal inside and then several 3x5 cards. I have a few that are set up Morning, Mid Day, Afternoon, Evening that have the things I do multiple times a day (like check e-mail and do loads of laundry) and others with basic things I should do every day. I made a card for each of my sites, with a list of the specific pages that need work as well. The first envelope, that they start the day in, is "To Do" and the other, of course, is completed. It is keeping me on track, but by being individual cards I can re-prioritize and put things at the end of the day, etc if it is low priority. So far its working. I am staying on task and getting cards moved to the "Done" envelope. Will keep updating how it is in a few days.<br /><br />Second thing came from an e-mail from Shelby Collinge. It was a challenge/experiment for 21 days, to avoid gossip (including reading it or watching it on tv) complaining and anything negative. She said the first few days it would seem impossible, but after you get working with it more it becomes easier AND it opens your mind for more positive thoughts and therefore more positive responses from the world around you. Can't hurt, so I'm gonna give it a try. I know that I am the one standing in my way most of the time, hoping this helps me get out of that type of mindset.<br /><br />The Mall rework is coming along great! I am so excited to see how it looks. Just need a few more pages done, and (of course) a response on exclusivity of a graphic I want to buy and it will be up! Going to start the re-work on the network next. Since I really didn't use any front page fancies on there, it should be much easier to work with... we'll see.<br /><br />Have a fantastic weekend!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-71066401516828432982009-07-22T11:48:00.000-07:002009-07-22T11:53:52.753-07:00Wacky WednesdayJust a few of the hysterical pics I got in e-mail the other day. Saving some for next week. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ROFBhsBvz7ZN3Pg1BYX7QuongdQ9dqmPzMqliXbPFPW6zXd4xeaJHfIeIpBvMelG3_2ZGap9YN6uYKzJTYpakYLdiHRpG0LLcj-wXlIm8nrqVT5pyb4d8I2asBL5hz49Ot_KHmQ32PA/s1600-h/guns.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ROFBhsBvz7ZN3Pg1BYX7QuongdQ9dqmPzMqliXbPFPW6zXd4xeaJHfIeIpBvMelG3_2ZGap9YN6uYKzJTYpakYLdiHRpG0LLcj-wXlIm8nrqVT5pyb4d8I2asBL5hz49Ot_KHmQ32PA/s320/guns.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361358857426790610" border="0" /></a>Wow... Really? A gun shop has weapons? What a weird thing to find there.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1tN4dSMGBE8q97qTIsTk6aI3q8wcQaylk8fonXRG9H8Gdn0LzfWA4QIpHaNH-8xpSclK6PbI0uJjIFwy1PX-XcSZ-Rb5ey14gMvlyvSWOOCmQIW78ux3mLJlFQcNHevU_pBu8evIsmY/s1600-h/skull+used+once.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1tN4dSMGBE8q97qTIsTk6aI3q8wcQaylk8fonXRG9H8Gdn0LzfWA4QIpHaNH-8xpSclK6PbI0uJjIFwy1PX-XcSZ-Rb5ey14gMvlyvSWOOCmQIW78ux3mLJlFQcNHevU_pBu8evIsmY/s320/skull+used+once.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361358846126041554" border="0" /></a>I think if the human skull had been used more than once I would be more scared.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLXrlQQ3DHe8Z1DV3b75_O9cTpWLkGo_Fm5vjACMLQdZgZ9SP_m0GM_zz-c-EipAnTAgGPiHsRzCukxQ3j94fZq7eDs6qUl7eUXoAyvzGcKtQpnaezP_2ypG0KvtPXaK2I3DjiOZunpA/s1600-h/half+off.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLXrlQQ3DHe8Z1DV3b75_O9cTpWLkGo_Fm5vjACMLQdZgZ9SP_m0GM_zz-c-EipAnTAgGPiHsRzCukxQ3j94fZq7eDs6qUl7eUXoAyvzGcKtQpnaezP_2ypG0KvtPXaK2I3DjiOZunpA/s320/half+off.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361358843383703570" border="0" /></a>And this sale... I gotta go. 50% off is great - but HALF PRICE?! What a bargain!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you smiled ~ enjoy your day. <br /></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-35124402673932100532009-07-21T09:39:00.000-07:002009-07-21T09:42:51.018-07:00New Week, New BreakthruI think I have the mall ready for content to be added. I like the way it looks and aside from playing with a new header, etc I should be ready to go. I am amazed at what a little bit of looking around at templates for sale can do for inspiration. Now just to buy the graphic I want and I'm ready to go. Very exciting. I love the new look and I hope everyone else does too.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-27647962367122283212009-07-17T08:25:00.000-07:002009-07-17T08:55:11.977-07:00Slowly but surelyRe-doing the websites from almost scratch isn't easy, and it is pretty time consuming. But at the same time it is giving me the opportunity to re-think things I did a year ago and change some things around. Plus I am learning new things and developing my own solutions. It really has been fun so far, I can't wait to share it with everyone.<br /><br />I am so excited that people seem to be taking notice of my work. On twitter I had been posting questions, etc and not getting any answers. But all of a sudden I am seeing more mentions, more re-tweets, and more responses. <br /><br />See what a little "hardship" can do for you? <br /><br />I wouldn't wish this rollercoaster of a week on anyone, but since I get to ride I might as well enjoy it.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-16356407075092595352009-07-15T13:20:00.000-07:002009-07-15T13:34:58.415-07:00OK.. Here's todays REAL postWhat a rollercoaster week we've had this week. <br /><br />Sunday we downloaded Windows 7 Beta during some routine maintenance with the system. Monday, some of the old XP files went on strike against Win7 and rendered the computer virtually useless. By evening we had it back up and running again, so I prepared to "teach" Win7 where all my files were on Tues. Well, Tuesday comes, and I'm working on some of my files, managed to get a Office 2007 and Expression Web up and running. I still couldn't get it to access my webdisk like XP did, but I can use ftp too, so no big deal... (or so I thought)<br /><br />So today I download the pages from my sites so I had the most up to date things on the computer. FTP worked perfectly and I got all the pages from all my sites without a hassle. Awesome! I realize that the sites I made before I really knew what I was doing didn't have the images in an image folder so I set out to get more organized. I take the first page and hit "edit" ... simple enough. Who ever said that Expression Web is simply an upgrade to Front Page was an idiot. There are so many changes and useful functions now gone that it is worthless. Themes are totally gone, so is their instant Navigation. I can't edit the pages the way they were and actually fix them in Expression Web. <br /><br />Now I am faced with a forced re-design. It is going to be a great thing, just going to take a lot of work. At least the sites that are on the servers are ok and working, so I won't have the downtime. It looks like it is going to be better to start from scratch rather than try to "fix" what I had... and that is where I need help. Please, take a look at my sites... <a href="http://www.momsonlinemall.com">Mom's Online Mall</a>, <a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com">M.O.M. Network</a>, <a href="http://www.beyondpregnancy.com">Beyond Pregnancy</a>, <a href="http://www.teammom.ws">TeamMOM</a> ... and tell me what you think. What should I do differently, what do YOU want to see? <br /><br />Please, feel free to e-mail me at mary@momnetworksite.com and let me know what you think. <br /><br />Change is a little scary at first, but its going to be an amazing opportunity, I'm sure!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-21383492370556704922009-07-15T13:00:00.001-07:002009-07-15T13:20:23.364-07:00Wacky WednesdayGonna start off today with my Wacky Wednesday pic. A friend sent it to me and everyone I have shown it to has laughed hysterically! I just have to share it here!<br /><br />Warning... the picture is a little graphic. <br /><br />It involves a boating "accident" and shows a man on the brink of death.<br /><br />Only one last warning... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY5or6In45XXB91ppQINdUeIfbxTCa8qISuCoSgwLzpPITNJOhKD43BCZmG2OuKYZ4hmMzvtj8oa5BuuIcN0g-o26dKPAlXKefa9ALMnLYa2iNikNf_QiKlmD4qOBnUo0lyJ2KN5yxaE/s1600-h/boating+accident.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY5or6In45XXB91ppQINdUeIfbxTCa8qISuCoSgwLzpPITNJOhKD43BCZmG2OuKYZ4hmMzvtj8oa5BuuIcN0g-o26dKPAlXKefa9ALMnLYa2iNikNf_QiKlmD4qOBnUo0lyJ2KN5yxaE/s320/boating+accident.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358784275757728898" /></a>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-67057140699936785182009-07-14T08:18:00.001-07:002009-07-14T08:27:37.975-07:00Oh the Joys!I am so thankful that we have multiple computers here. Hubby installed Windows 7 (beta) on the desktop I usually use, and now I have to show it where all of my files are. That means no Office, no Front Page. I can't even get it to access the my websites through "my network files" like I could before. And to top it off... Windows 7 is saying it isn't compatible with Office 2003, so I am not sure what I am doing. <br /><br />So, "work" is put off for some time. Which is most annoying because I made a huge list of errors and changes that I need to get fixed on pretty much all of the sites. I had some re-write ideas for articles and a few other tweaks too, and now they have to wait. <br /><br />There ARE some more great things coming, its just gonna take me a bit.<br /><br />In the mean time, have you taken the surveys from my last post??Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-57550805583870844892009-07-08T10:45:00.001-07:002009-07-08T10:47:34.964-07:00Wacky WednesdayWell, since I posted that it was Tuesday today, I decided I needed a fail pic for Wacky Wednesday today. Then I got lost on Failblog.com and well... spent some good time giggling. <br /><br />Here is just one of the things that made me laugh today! Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ3kvHNvow3TzLJqcI5SPFKo8SHAKchFLgcyiOlwQMIA4Q1uvRw8MEGkl-7CGpHFGQEAOij2cAegP20yxeho_4yJH8jvR460HcViFPamSgBu0Xi4ejMc28k-S1n1277vGeaacOuVDyhw/s1600-h/dont-fold-coins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ3kvHNvow3TzLJqcI5SPFKo8SHAKchFLgcyiOlwQMIA4Q1uvRw8MEGkl-7CGpHFGQEAOij2cAegP20yxeho_4yJH8jvR460HcViFPamSgBu0Xi4ejMc28k-S1n1277vGeaacOuVDyhw/s320/dont-fold-coins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356147200217602146" /></a><br /><br />But.. but... but I WANT to fold my coins!!!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-436135140272144042009-07-08T08:29:00.000-07:002009-07-08T08:37:19.293-07:00Terriffic Tuesday!!Its a great day today! I have a renewed energy and spirit. It really is amazing what changing some colors on the screen has done today. Instead of using a maroon or black font while doing some writing on MS Word, I tried a black background with yellow words. I still feel tired, physically, but mentally I'm alert and excited for the day. Its a great feeling and I'll have to play with colors more often.<br /><br />I have also come up with a new survey to help me with the <a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com">network site</a>. I was so excited to see the responses on my other survey, I knew this was a great way to get some feedback. You can check out my <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ql2jAydARim2ceJ_2fkKxSAg_3d_3d">Network Survey here</a>, or visit the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ykHzFiCZMQVWWczLJ_2fupaw_3d_3d">Traffic Exchange survey here</a>. Feel free to answer one or both of the surveys. <br /><br />Wow... where has the week gone... I just realized it is Wednesday, not Tuesday! LOL... Guess this makes it a Wacky Wednesday after all!!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-4045765622601449772009-07-05T12:12:00.000-07:002009-07-05T12:20:45.356-07:00KITTENS!We have a cat who decided she wanted to be an outside cat. When she came to us a little more than a year ago she was a tiny, sickly kitten who didn't seem like she was even old enough to be away from her mother. But we took care of her, got rid of the flea infestation that threatened her life, and nursed her back to health. She stayed in for a while, but the "call of the wild" got the best of her. She still comes in every day to eat, but she spends most of her time outside. She had been getting fatter, so we knew she was pregnant, but then one day about 2 weeks ago she came up to eat and she was MUCH skinnier. She was obviously hungry because she ate a full can of cat food PLUS some of her dry. Childbirth can wear you out, yanno.<br /><br />This morning we got a special treat. She brought her kittens up to live on the porch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCtTTc_dKwWdBnGZuNpMIPbuqEm21W2qaTomIpPUhDEI5mEyYqISxUJ_g5PP0bTSQQT9AWQZWktyv1q5m3XtVoYetEYPCRHrcAoNWKBPAtuRDud3GyghLmO_RId6wyvDeCjft9qJs7dA/s1600-h/100_1880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCtTTc_dKwWdBnGZuNpMIPbuqEm21W2qaTomIpPUhDEI5mEyYqISxUJ_g5PP0bTSQQT9AWQZWktyv1q5m3XtVoYetEYPCRHrcAoNWKBPAtuRDud3GyghLmO_RId6wyvDeCjft9qJs7dA/s320/100_1880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355057145217194226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6Og6fIRpCKSCZ2Mk52Cq00gfGQJ_xoschGr2D6bynd0bWG-bMNbpkg0CFcV6hgTc-EkeKfB4cbOnMrOVQh9jLfmr-BDo2cuyRnNvuu0HZHuHQ3Kw18nFGEmvUEVYcdpyaDgQGVJsEmg/s1600-h/100_1882.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6Og6fIRpCKSCZ2Mk52Cq00gfGQJ_xoschGr2D6bynd0bWG-bMNbpkg0CFcV6hgTc-EkeKfB4cbOnMrOVQh9jLfmr-BDo2cuyRnNvuu0HZHuHQ3Kw18nFGEmvUEVYcdpyaDgQGVJsEmg/s320/100_1882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355057145553448162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Three little kittens have joined our family. The kids are ecstatic.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-20592957632963898802009-07-03T15:04:00.000-07:002009-07-03T17:19:26.053-07:00FridayWell, another Friday has arrived. Been playing with the new site all week. So many issues to correct. But basically its back up. Check out <a href="http://www.wahmcoffeeclub.com/">WAHM Coffee Club</a> and tell me what you think. *I* think it still needs a lot of work, but I am never satisfied with my own work.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com">M.O.M. Network</a> is coming along nicely. Working on a page of resources that all businesses need with low-cost and free options. I am including links to WAHM owned options whenever I can.<br /><br />I do really want to make the M.O.M. Network the "One Stop WAHM resource" so if my readers have any suggestions of resources or WAHM businesses that should be included, please let me know.<br /><br />Also, as I am getting ready to launch the sites and really get them out there, I am looking for nominees for our very first "WAHM of the Week." The M.O.M. Network has spots for Site, Shop, Blog and WAHM of the week. So send me your nominations!<br /><br />Have a great holiday weekend and be careful out there. (Especially if you live in or around Dupage county IL... some idiot stole 5000 pounds of commercial fireworks and will probably kill all his friends and family putting on a show in his backyard.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DnhtDsa7F_SjiHOPEbC5Vw1Nxd2do3ECMctedUGYfc5kiPnxEQBGxLPvQCXO8uCihprQjDu1BL8uSDkceeWEw1Hih7X3K2SxsmrdnNd_LmtVLjbTAq3JXXmPbP4zXZ1GMpGP52f-ucM/s1600-h/july4.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DnhtDsa7F_SjiHOPEbC5Vw1Nxd2do3ECMctedUGYfc5kiPnxEQBGxLPvQCXO8uCihprQjDu1BL8uSDkceeWEw1Hih7X3K2SxsmrdnNd_LmtVLjbTAq3JXXmPbP4zXZ1GMpGP52f-ucM/s320/july4.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354392582340914338" border="0" /></a>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-82654123713787515702009-06-29T05:42:00.000-07:002009-06-29T06:03:17.809-07:00SlackingWow, I've really been slacking on adding to the blog. I really need to get it worked into my schedule so it is something I do automatically.<br /><br />I must say that there has been a lot going on around here, between real life and the <a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com">new site</a>. I have gathered a lot more resources that are great for home business owners, and while they're not owned or run by WAHMs I really think that these links are some services that many small/home business owners really want. This site has also been helping me clear up my hard drive, because I have, over the past few years, downloaded a ton of e-books and business building products that I have resale or giveaway rights to. So I am working on getting those added to the site as well. Busy busy busy.<br /><br />To top it off, I have just purchased an existing website that I think will fit in well with the network. I am not sure about the way the site is currently set up, it seems that it is 2 different sites meshed together, but that is something I will be working on. The <a href="http://www.wahmcoffeeclub.com">main site</a>, and the domain name that goes with it, will be the social hub of the network. There is a forum set up as well as a place for contests/games and chats. Its pretty exciting how things are just seeming to fall into place.<br /><br />I would really love to hear from anyone who is reading this blog. Please, whether you have a business that can benefit WAHMs or you just have some good links, send them my way. What is your favorite WAHM resource? Who do you recommend when a WAHM is looking for a place to advertise or wants to learn something? E-mail it to me at mary@momnetworksite.com. All submissions will be entered to win a mini-basket with special gifts inside and a free spot in the banner rotation.<br /><br />Well, back to work :)Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-32257183259603087972009-06-15T11:50:00.000-07:002009-06-15T12:02:24.618-07:00Marvelous MondayIt really is a marvelous Monday! Hubby is done working out of town for now, kids are all home and actually got their playroom clean, and I've gotten some more work done on my <a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com/">new site</a>. Plus I created a yahoo group for the members ~ partially as a newsletter, and partially to promote member to member networking. There will be "Members Only" specials I post there, and I would also like to see member to member specials, barter & trades, and just general chatting. Might even do some shopping spree type things and bonus giveaways there too. <br /><br />I am almost ready to launch. I just want to put some finishing touches on the Learning Center. If anyone reading this blog would like to have an article placed, along with their own ads/graphics on that page, e-mail me at <a href="mailto:mary@momnetworksite.com">mary@momnetworksite.com</a>. <br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com/directories/index.htm">Directories</a> and send me your listings, while we're at it. These listings are a first come, first served basis (with priority placement for those with linkbacks) and I am gradually opening the site to collect these links. First priority will be anyone who reads it here. Then I will offer it to people in the Ning groups that I am in, yahoo groups and finally twitter ~ before opening it up completely to the internet.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-81242565216636799862009-06-05T11:15:00.001-07:002009-06-05T11:30:11.180-07:00ExcitingSo much has been going on that I can not even begin to go through it all in this blog.<br /><br />With the decision to start working on my new project I have been immersed in it for the past week, at least. You can see what I have started <a href="http://www.momnetworksite.com">here</a>. Please, keep in mind that as of this posting it is not ready to be promoted and released. There are some rough edges and a lot more things to come.<br /><br />The other night I had a dream where I met Neale Donald Walsch, an inspirational author/speaker I heard on the Healing with the Masters series. There wasn't much conversation, but when I woke I had a new attitude and feeling towards things. I knew in my heart things that I had been working on were going well. I knew that bigger things are headed my way. I had such excitement when I woke up that I worked non-stop most of the day. (Well, as non-stop as a mom with kids at home can work, anyway.) Every day since then I have had this wonderful feeling of anticipation. Good things are coming! I love it!<br /><br />Earlier this week, I contacted <a href="http://www.kustombykris.com">Kustom by Kris</a>, the woman who did the banners for the mall for me, and asked about creating some new banners for my project. My only real request was that they coordinate with the other ones she did for me, and that the Traffic Exchange have a car on it... that was it. The next morning she sent me proofs of what she made me and all I can say is WOW! These really are amazing. A great way to get me even more hyped up for this project. I will be using her for all of the graphics I need from now on.<br /><br />I need to get back to work.... Have an amazing day.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-73719899560295443432009-05-29T07:07:00.000-07:002009-05-29T07:30:27.026-07:00A shift in thoughtToday, this blog will make a shift. I can't say for how long, but for today I will actually talk about me. The personal side of me.<br /><br />I have been doing some reading, after listening to some of the speakers on Healing with the Masters series, on manifestation. At first my goals were to find a way to make it work. Upstream, as Abraham-Hicks would say. I wanted to find the method, the words, the way to manipulate things to get what I want.<br /><br />And then my eyes were opened. I can't even say what the moment was, or the trigger was. I just know that at the end of my day, I was in pure bliss. Not wanting for anything, just reveling in the beauty and joy of the abundance that I already have.<br /><br />After all, I have an amazing husband who worked 17 hours yesterday, out of town, so that we can have things that we need. But that isn't all. He really is a thoughtful, considerate (most of the time), loving, caring person. Sure we have had our struggles, but I have to say that 90% of those have been caused by outside influences.<br /><br />I also have some great kids. I hear from friends that their kids are in trouble with the police, getting caught drinking or stealing, or even drugs - and they are the same age as mine. My kids are all healthy, happy, well adjusted and all around good kids. I am thankful for that as well.<br /><br />We have the money to pay the bills, we have a beautiful house to live in, we have what we need. Life really is good. <br /><br />So what would I like to see manifested now? I want some extras. And I want my business to grow and develop so that *I* am the one contributing these extras. The first treat I want for my family is the weekend getaway to Renfaire this summer. Next will be the trip to Las Vegas for a honeymoon. I even know I want to stay at the Luxor and that we will go Oct 23-25. Then, probably over spring break or next summer we are going to DisneyLand and the LA area. Got that trip planned out pretty much too. <br /><br />While the costs of these things seemed to be more of a concern to me before, now it feels like I just know. I can't describe it, other than just a wonderful feeling of knowing. There is no "what if" or "but" just knowing. <br /><br />Life is beautiful. Just take a moment to look around at all you have, instead of what you do not.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-4936675703859173352009-05-27T17:58:00.001-07:002009-05-27T18:03:58.501-07:00Amazing New Company<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1wcDUrwum1n9NokeM9TWXWKk2qJh23NMDJCN_U_KfbJwCWeyGa07rWSQ6QMtHUdv0_VnRqfqfm8Yb78EDyeNS7NXkbvcHloa220AuzYG1QEHwSa0jlr6Tn0NS1EHACOOgPeGkNgx6KU/s1600-h/yellowflower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1wcDUrwum1n9NokeM9TWXWKk2qJh23NMDJCN_U_KfbJwCWeyGa07rWSQ6QMtHUdv0_VnRqfqfm8Yb78EDyeNS7NXkbvcHloa220AuzYG1QEHwSa0jlr6Tn0NS1EHACOOgPeGkNgx6KU/s320/yellowflower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340673238022759362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Whether you’re looking for a new business, or just want to take a peek at some of the cutest new products to hit the market – you have to check these out…<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUbDjwIkONu7FyUcBrHV2i389ip8geOC-PRWabqLyvh-dkDCfOZJ81h_M-vbCMZPmgYrxB_-NWKjYSP4aBbeTVDUbiyHN-w1Eke0FJI9bkrOjOKm-tSqaIb6tyBzhzYGQ_90JA9Qc9lI/s1600-h/6pack+basic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUbDjwIkONu7FyUcBrHV2i389ip8geOC-PRWabqLyvh-dkDCfOZJ81h_M-vbCMZPmgYrxB_-NWKjYSP4aBbeTVDUbiyHN-w1Eke0FJI9bkrOjOKm-tSqaIb6tyBzhzYGQ_90JA9Qc9lI/s320/6pack+basic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340673066700329122" border="0" /></a><br />Iggly Biggly has pre-launch spots still available for only $20 registration.<br /><a target="_blank" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.igglybigglysales.com/?id=Shmonkey">http://www.igglybigglysales.com/?id=Shmonkey</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HNUhI7T1PVx7Hy24Qnc-gkT4sFLJ_0BM7PJwIfdwACny0inEMhf__OT_Qf1b9LIPzQaymRuqjWCjt8MXa_-b0MgCdPbX_EH2Hx6S0SxTi4_le12svl6Oc7Kw5bbWObzwRau7u0PIifI/s1600-h/IBlogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HNUhI7T1PVx7Hy24Qnc-gkT4sFLJ_0BM7PJwIfdwACny0inEMhf__OT_Qf1b9LIPzQaymRuqjWCjt8MXa_-b0MgCdPbX_EH2Hx6S0SxTi4_le12svl6Oc7Kw5bbWObzwRau7u0PIifI/s320/IBlogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340673376571006546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Who doesn’t love flip-flops? Iggly Biggly has such adorable styles you’ll want one of each!<br /><br />For more info on this great product and amazing opportunity e-mail me at mary@momsonlinemall.com or go to <a target="_blank" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.igglybigglysales.com/?id=Shmonkey">Iggly Biggly</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-50728042445667560232009-05-21T08:46:00.000-07:002009-05-21T09:01:11.566-07:00Thought for ThursdayWhen something is supposed to happen, everything that is required for it to happen will come. Everything falls right into place as the need arises. <br /><br />Just like the M.O.M. Network. The flood of ideas of what it has started with. The ideas move toward the site needs like hosting, etc so I investigated some WAHM centered hosting companies, and found the one I want to go with. As I keep going I see the expenses that the new project requires and I know that the funding to cover them will be here when the time is right to move to that step.<br /><br />I think the biggest thing keeping me from getting all of this done and ready is me. I really have to learn to get out of my own way and let things come in.<br /><br />Great things are coming!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-89267052128332008492009-05-19T05:56:00.000-07:002009-05-19T06:18:42.948-07:00Magnificent Monday!I did have a Magnificent Monday! I had so much fun at "work" that I hardly got the chance to do the "fun" things I had planned. So much fun that I didnt' even get a chance to post to the blog. <br /><br />There are so many new changes coming, developing new "M.O.M. Network" sites and looking at hosting options, etc. You can go to <a href="http://www.momsonlinemall.com/momnetwork.htm">www.momsonlinemall.com/momnetwork.htm</a> to see what I've got so far, but it is far from ready. Big changes, lotsa re-arranging coming. <br /><br />I must say that the "dream" (literally) came after listening to some coaching calls I had taped and ACCEPTING where I was in life at this moment. All of a sudden the floodgate opened. I started to get frazzled about the new ideas swimming in my head, and "How am I gonna...." and seeing some friends kinda fall out of the picture. So I listened to the Thursday night <a href="http://wwww.healingwiththemasters.com">Healing with the Masters</a> call. I got on the call late, but just in time to hear Jennifer say something along the lines of, "If things are a little disjointed right now, be happy. That means that what you have asked for is rushing toward you in a new way and pushing everything that doesn't fit in with it out of the way." At that point I knew exactly where I was going, what I needed to do. <br /><br />Each day is a learning experience. Just because something doesn't work out the way you think it should doesn't mean it won't work out - better than you originally hoped. We should all remember to stop getting in our own way!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-29378257515227735572009-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:002009-05-14T10:48:35.217-07:00Yummy!I just got a link exchange request for <a href="http://www.momsonlinemall.com/">Mom's Online Mall</a> from another blog... and when I checked it out I knew what was for dinner tomorrow! (would have been tonight, but I don't have all the ingredients on hand)<br /><br />Check out the Mom On a Budget blog! You'll be glad you did!<br /><br /><a href="http://momscheapmenus.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://www.momsonlinemall.com/blogbannermom.jpg" width="468" border="0" height="60" /></a></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-88692573998079098522009-05-14T06:43:00.000-07:002009-05-14T11:23:20.603-07:00defeatWell, so much for the manifesting and 10 miracles. Got my final kick in the teeth last night when I got the "congrats" email about the new owner of the site I wanted. <br /><br />I've been beaten. Sure - when one door closes another opens somewhere... but by the time I find it, it will close on me too. <br /><br />This door has to come find me. <br /><br />Crappy attitude? Sure. Reality bites.<br /><br />So I guess you gotta take a day off sometimes. Gonna listen to some motivational recordings and start all over tomorrow.<br /><br />Plus the season finale of Hell's Kitchen is on tonight :).Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783222147141967966.post-69772312016018177672009-05-12T11:58:00.000-07:002009-05-12T12:01:37.351-07:00What the heck is up with Twitter?I am not sure if this should be a blog post, an open discussion on the forum, or a discussion in a twitter group, but here goes…<br /><br />What the heck is twitter for? Obviously I am missing something here. Everyone I have chosen to follow is someone that I want to hear what they have to say. Most of them are because I believe I can learn something from them. Heck, one of them tweeted something about her wholesale program and her products are something I have been looking for to add to my site, so I am gathering an order together and working out ideas for labeling.<br /><br />And then there are the few that I am ready to unfollow. Sadly, one of them is/was a good friend. Her tweets have gone from what her kids had for lunch (PB&J most days) to blatant advertising. She is a friend on Facebook too, and sends her tweets both places. In a 3 hour period there were 17 friend updates on my Facebook wall… 11 of them were blatant ads by this one person. She claims that she enjoys the conversations with all 1000 of her Twitter followers, but I wonder how many of those followers are enjoying them. And to top it off, it seems as though Twitter is a competition to her. She found some lists of the top people to follow that will follow you back, to grow your follower list – and followed each and every one of them. How many of her followers are truly interested in what she has to say, and how many are just gathering followers themselves, I have to wonder.<br /><br />One of the others I am tempted to unfollow seems to have a schedule of tweets, and every day it is the same thing. I don’t mean “good morning” and such, I mean EXACTLY the same tweet, in exactly the same order, every day. Since that person is a motivator, and the morning reminders that the one thing that makes today different is that I am creating it as I go are nice… so far. But that is because I have only been following them for 3 days. <br /><br />So seriously, what is the point of Twitter? It started out as a way to keep friends updated, and now it looks like a competition to have the most followers, whether they listen to what you are saying or not. And it seems highly egotistical to think that the whole world (or 1000 followers) is hanging on your every word/ad.<br /><br />Please, don’t follow me on Twitter, unless you like what I have to say or want to interact with me. And certainly don’t follow me if you want to collect followers or sell me something. <br /><br />Still want to follow me - @momsonlinemallMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12929044604237015891noreply@blogger.com0