"Coming together is a beginning; keeping it together is progress; working together is success." - Henry Ford
"Be careful what you ask for" is completely relevant in my life right now. In the last five years I have set to live my life with more intent. I take the time out to set daily, weekly, monthly, yearly goals for myself. And you'll never guess what has happened? EVERYTHING I ask for finds its way to me. Is it perfect? NOT AT ALL! But I ride the waves because I know in the end, I win!
My kids are growing and thriving and I feel we have finally felt our groove...who cares that they are now 5 and 7 years old and it's taken us this long. ;) Progress is progress and I'm enjoying it. Of course, now that I feel like we got it...things are changing. I have BOTH of my kids in elementary school. This means double parent meetings, double homework and double the activities! But I'm going to put it out into the Universe now that everything is working in my favor. All good things come to me and I will work this schedule like the best of all time! Please excuse my mid-blog pep talk. :)
So, I wrote this before school started in August but never published. I'm sure Mommy brain caused me to forget about the three half written blogs.
Fast forward to November 2014; life is still a crazy mix of kids, school, work, business building, relationship building, family time, holidays, and birthday parties and on and on and on and ON! Thankfully, I am finding the time to focus on the things that matter the most to me. I've learned so far that the main goal is to make sure I am 100% and then I can give 100%. I recognized this early on but did not always execute it successfully. Insert a few anxiety attacks and days of feeling truly overwhelmed....my therapist (yes, I live in LA area it's a pre-requisite) told me to ASK for help, say NO, and most importantly, take time out for myself.
Mommies let's do our best to give to our families and most importantly to ourselves!
Until Next Time,
JK
Monday, November 17, 2014
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Goodbye April!
It's the last day of April and I've made a collage of the pictures, quotes, and things that have stood out to me this month. Spring is a really good time, it gets you ready for summer! The weather is usually nice here in Southern California (knock on wood) this time of year. So what are favorite things about Spring?
Clockwise: Quote from David Wood, Miss Candy Collection by L'Oreal, ME, quote from Alice Walker
Left to right: New manicure for this week, daily vitamins, I Declare by Joel Osteen, flowers!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Marketing Training Programs: Learning and Sharing
I have been searching for ways to work from home since I had my oldest child in 2007. I used Google to search for Marketing Training Programs and there was not much content available online. The content and training that was available did not come cheap! And there was my problem; I was a newbie to the industry and expected it to be easy and FREE! But when I think about it, would I want the nurse to help me that had the free online education? Of course not!
In the past six years I have tried a few different products and programs, but I have not made more than $50 from working online. The most money I’ve made from an online business has been from my online jewelry store. And that was easier because there was an actual product to sale. However, I have not had the success that I hoped for because I am not able to reach the mass markets. Thus, reminding me that I did not have the marketing background to catapult me to the next level.
So here I am in 2013, with a different outlook on life and the benefits of positive thinking behind me. One day I am on Facebook and I notice a friend likes a picture of a woman standing next to her new Maserti! Now that isn’t completely out of the ordinary, but what was different about this woman was that she looked like me. She was young, African American, and apparently made enough money to buy herself a Maserti! So I clicked on her page and noticed she had tons of people congratulating her and telling her she deserved it for her all her hard work. I decided to Google this woman, Tracey Walker, to find out what she did and how I could do the same!
I found out that Tracey Walker was a badass Internet Marketing sensation who turned her life around after a few setbacks to become one of the top earners in the Empower Network. I made my way to her link and watched videos about Empower network and how it could help me. I was intrigued, so I signed up for the $25 product for training. Let me tell you that was the best $25 I have ever spent in my life! The creators of Empower Network, David Wood and David Sharpe, created a viral blogging system and affiliate marketing product that contains THE BEST marketing training programs I’ve ever heard about!
Let me put this into perspective for you. I have started a few different blogs over the years. I mostly have family, friends and Twitter friends that read my blogs and send comments. When I was a stay at home mom, I wanted to join the blogging Mommy community, but I didn’t have much success. Well, since joining Empower Network and learning different marketing strategies, marketing lingo and tips and tricks, the last five blogs I have written have made it to the Google search pages! You may not understand what that means but let me give you a little perspective. I write a blog post and try to search for it online and it doesn’t show up unless I put pretty much an entire paragraph into the search bar. Which means another Mom who could possibly benefit from my story wouldn’t be able to find it either. Well now after receiving the marketing training from the Empower Network, my blog posts go from unknown on Google to the 8th page in 24 hours. And now one blog post is on the 4th page after just a week!
So if you are a business owner, mommy blogger, or a stay at home parent that would like to find out how to make a legitimate income from home, send me a message or join my newsletter to the right of this page to get the details on how to learn and earn from one of the most badass marketing training programs in the market!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Creating a vision board: Life Changing!
I have been creating a vision board for at least the last five years after reading “The Secret”. I’m sure you have heard of it, the book on the law of attraction? Well, for me, faith is my law of attraction. I try to live by the “faith the size of a mustard seed”. So reading “The Secret” was an excellent reminder for me, that my mindset and faith rule my life. Ask and I shall receive!
There is no magical way to creating a vision board, but I will share my creative process that gets the job done. A glass of wine, quiet space and music helps me unwind and have my mind free to think about what I want to accomplish in the year ahead. I usually spread out on my bed with magazines and pictures of words/quotes that I’ve printed. I like to focus on personal development, education, life goals, family goals, and a few items that have tickled my fancy.
Now don’t get me wrong, creating a vision board will not magically bring things to you and completely change your life. However, it will help you focus on making those items, quotes and feelings your reality! Having your goals up where you can see them will guide you in the direction you want your life to go in. Thus, creating your own reality! For instance, I like to focus on giving back. So I pasted quotes such as “Give Back” on my vision board. It’s a reminder for me to not get so caught up in my own life and material things. I also want to expand my jewelry business. So I posted photos of the direction I’d like my business to go in. And obviously, that takes work on my part. No matter how much I think about something, that isn’t going to bring it to me without doing the work. Well, not always, sometimes that does happen, and that’s a completely different subject and post!
Here are a few pictures of my vision board and few things that I have added…Enjoy!
So bring out your magazines, have your favorite drink on hand, turn on some music and *cheers* to creating your own vision board!
There is no magical way to creating a vision board, but I will share my creative process that gets the job done. A glass of wine, quiet space and music helps me unwind and have my mind free to think about what I want to accomplish in the year ahead. I usually spread out on my bed with magazines and pictures of words/quotes that I’ve printed. I like to focus on personal development, education, life goals, family goals, and a few items that have tickled my fancy.
Now don’t get me wrong, creating a vision board will not magically bring things to you and completely change your life. However, it will help you focus on making those items, quotes and feelings your reality! Having your goals up where you can see them will guide you in the direction you want your life to go in. Thus, creating your own reality! For instance, I like to focus on giving back. So I pasted quotes such as “Give Back” on my vision board. It’s a reminder for me to not get so caught up in my own life and material things. I also want to expand my jewelry business. So I posted photos of the direction I’d like my business to go in. And obviously, that takes work on my part. No matter how much I think about something, that isn’t going to bring it to me without doing the work. Well, not always, sometimes that does happen, and that’s a completely different subject and post!
Here are a few pictures of my vision board and few things that I have added…Enjoy!
So bring out your magazines, have your favorite drink on hand, turn on some music and *cheers* to creating your own vision board!
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| My 2012 vision board |
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| PERFECT! |
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| New ride! ;) |
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| Empower Network! |
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| ALL EN!!!! |
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Benefits of Positive Thinking in My Life!
The list is immeasurable of all the benefits positive thinking has had in my life. Just two years ago I was a stay at home mom ready to join the corporate world again. I had two boys ages 1 and 3 years old and I was at the point where I missed working, but I still wanted to be there for my children. I thought about putting them in daycare for half the day, but the weekly cost was outrageous! Then life happened, and I found myself becoming a single mom to two boys who NEEDED to work. I was nervous, sad, and worried about my future. But one day something changed in me, I decided that I was going to overcome my circumstances and change my life completely.
First up, I needed to find a place to live. I had two months to do so and I was lucky to have money in my savings account to pay for a new place to live. But who on Earth is going to rent to a woman with no job and two children?! I didn’t let those little details bother my search. I made a list of my must have’s….yes, I am being choosy with no job. My list: Two bedrooms, at least one bath, full size washer/dryer hookup, parking, and not more than $1200 a month. I should also mention, that I decided to move 120 miles from my hometown. Away from the life I’d known and away from family and friends. I was 30 years old and ready to step out on a limb. I took two trips to the area I wanted to move and looked at maybe 5 different rentals. I found my favorite of them all and I submitted my application and put down a deposit. I had to wait a few days to hear back, but I was content, knowing that even without a job, I would move into the place. I took out a piece of paper with my list of must-haves and I wrote my full name with the address of the new place. And I didn’t look at another place. Because I knew, if I had faith the answer was yes, then I wouldn’t need to look any further. However, I was PUMPED when two days later the property manager called to say they decided to give me the place even though I had no employment at the time. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!
Next up, I need to find a J-O-B! My savings would only carry me for 3-4 months if I didn’t splurge on any extras. I moved into my new apartment in mid-February 2011. It was liberating and a bit intimidating at the same time, I cannot tell a lie about that. But I didn’t let those thoughts consume me or get into the universe. Because I believe it’s true what they say, “what you put out, you will receive.” I had a series of interviews with an Urgent Care office to be the Office Manager of their new facility. I’d had three interviews and I was pretty confident I had the job. It was just a few miles from my apartment and the people were very nice. Imagine my surprise when they’d decided to give the position to someone else! This was a time I could have lost my positive momentum. But, I wouldn’t let that get me down. When I told family and friends I didn’t get the job, I told them in a matter of fact tone. I remember telling some I was not worried because there was a better position waiting for me. I’m sure they all thought I was NUTS! LOL!
I’d been living in my new city for about three weeks and I had two other interviews with companies, but neither of them was exactly the right fit. They were both more a part time basis and with children, it would cost me money to work there. So I had to decline both positions. Bold, I know! In the third week a family friend said she would send out an email to her friends to see if anyone was hiring. I thought that was cool and didn’t expect much from it. Well, let me tell you! Within an hour, I had 60 NEW EMAILS from the email she mailed out! All kinds of job positions, searching tips, company links, and intern offers! I felt so blessed and thankful to have such people in my life. But one email stood out. It was a position that was farther than I wanted to drive and it was only for four months while a woman went on maternity leave. My thought was, the money is great for me and that will give me time to make money and find a full time position. I interviewed for the position and got the job in the same day! And two years later, I still work for the company as a full time employee. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!
And now I am embarking into the next chapter of my life. I have continued to make strides in this life of mine and I do not let fear or doubt get in my way. I make a vision board every year to document my goals and progress. Obviously, I have minor setbacks just like everyone else, but the difference is I do not change my mind set. I keep on with positive thinking knowing there is a reason for everything. And sometimes bad things have to happen to make you appreciative of all the good things you have, big or small. The benefits of positive thinking will turn your life around!
First up, I needed to find a place to live. I had two months to do so and I was lucky to have money in my savings account to pay for a new place to live. But who on Earth is going to rent to a woman with no job and two children?! I didn’t let those little details bother my search. I made a list of my must have’s….yes, I am being choosy with no job. My list: Two bedrooms, at least one bath, full size washer/dryer hookup, parking, and not more than $1200 a month. I should also mention, that I decided to move 120 miles from my hometown. Away from the life I’d known and away from family and friends. I was 30 years old and ready to step out on a limb. I took two trips to the area I wanted to move and looked at maybe 5 different rentals. I found my favorite of them all and I submitted my application and put down a deposit. I had to wait a few days to hear back, but I was content, knowing that even without a job, I would move into the place. I took out a piece of paper with my list of must-haves and I wrote my full name with the address of the new place. And I didn’t look at another place. Because I knew, if I had faith the answer was yes, then I wouldn’t need to look any further. However, I was PUMPED when two days later the property manager called to say they decided to give me the place even though I had no employment at the time. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!
Next up, I need to find a J-O-B! My savings would only carry me for 3-4 months if I didn’t splurge on any extras. I moved into my new apartment in mid-February 2011. It was liberating and a bit intimidating at the same time, I cannot tell a lie about that. But I didn’t let those thoughts consume me or get into the universe. Because I believe it’s true what they say, “what you put out, you will receive.” I had a series of interviews with an Urgent Care office to be the Office Manager of their new facility. I’d had three interviews and I was pretty confident I had the job. It was just a few miles from my apartment and the people were very nice. Imagine my surprise when they’d decided to give the position to someone else! This was a time I could have lost my positive momentum. But, I wouldn’t let that get me down. When I told family and friends I didn’t get the job, I told them in a matter of fact tone. I remember telling some I was not worried because there was a better position waiting for me. I’m sure they all thought I was NUTS! LOL!
I’d been living in my new city for about three weeks and I had two other interviews with companies, but neither of them was exactly the right fit. They were both more a part time basis and with children, it would cost me money to work there. So I had to decline both positions. Bold, I know! In the third week a family friend said she would send out an email to her friends to see if anyone was hiring. I thought that was cool and didn’t expect much from it. Well, let me tell you! Within an hour, I had 60 NEW EMAILS from the email she mailed out! All kinds of job positions, searching tips, company links, and intern offers! I felt so blessed and thankful to have such people in my life. But one email stood out. It was a position that was farther than I wanted to drive and it was only for four months while a woman went on maternity leave. My thought was, the money is great for me and that will give me time to make money and find a full time position. I interviewed for the position and got the job in the same day! And two years later, I still work for the company as a full time employee. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!
And now I am embarking into the next chapter of my life. I have continued to make strides in this life of mine and I do not let fear or doubt get in my way. I make a vision board every year to document my goals and progress. Obviously, I have minor setbacks just like everyone else, but the difference is I do not change my mind set. I keep on with positive thinking knowing there is a reason for everything. And sometimes bad things have to happen to make you appreciative of all the good things you have, big or small. The benefits of positive thinking will turn your life around!
The Life of a Single Mom!
Wake up at 6am. Stretch, check on kids, and shower. Set up ironing board; turn lights on in kids’ bedroom. 7am wake up sleepyhead kids. Between 7am and 7:40am is the mad dash. I must get three people dressed and presentable for the world. Make sure they’ve have breakfast and make sure all homework has been completed. Whew…the life of a single mom!
For the last two years I commuted to and from work eighty miles a day! Thankfully, I have moved much closer and that part of my day is no longer a strain. If you’ve ever experienced Los Angeles traffic, hug yourself or anyone that drives in it every day. It’s a war zone!
I work for a bank in Southern California and my job is different every day and I never know what I am going to come across. It definitely keeps my day moving along. In between that I enjoy time with other adults and sharing stories that don’t involve much of the 4-6 year old conversation I have at home.
6pm….quitting time! I listen to music before I pick up the kids because as soon as they see me, I’M ON! My oldest son is in kindergarten and has a flurry of stories to tell me and tell me the things he’s learned during the day. My younger son is in pre-school and has equally entertaining stories to tell. Bugs, boys and girls, new friends, mini fights, yucky lunches, bathroom jokes, sports stories, new library books, and the list goes on!
We are home by 7pm and my second job begins. Kids complete any homework and reading assignments; they eat dinner, take a bath, and bed time! I can honestly say I do not know how I get thru the whirlwind from 7-8:45pm. It’s one of those perks in the life of a single mom that you just master. Now I am not saying I have it all down to a science, but I’ve definitely found my groove.
Now you may ask yourself, when do you have time for yourself?! Well this is the time, my friends….when the kids go to bed! Mommy can read books and magazines, paint my nails, talk on the phone, or enjoy one of the kids’ snacks!
It can definitely take its toll on a person to be the sole parent in the household. In any given day you are Mommy, Daddy, Friend, Nurse, Dentist, Police, Judge, Jury, and anything else children may need at any given time. It helps to have family support and the other parents support as well. Unfortunately, not everyone has those to help them. I find it most important to find time to decompress my mind and have a good balance in life. I make sure my children have me when they need me but I also make sure I make time for myself. Because I cannot be the best Mommy to them if I am stressed out and overworked!
Okay, my free time is over….back to the wonderful life of a single mom! Thanks for reading!
For the last two years I commuted to and from work eighty miles a day! Thankfully, I have moved much closer and that part of my day is no longer a strain. If you’ve ever experienced Los Angeles traffic, hug yourself or anyone that drives in it every day. It’s a war zone!
I work for a bank in Southern California and my job is different every day and I never know what I am going to come across. It definitely keeps my day moving along. In between that I enjoy time with other adults and sharing stories that don’t involve much of the 4-6 year old conversation I have at home.
6pm….quitting time! I listen to music before I pick up the kids because as soon as they see me, I’M ON! My oldest son is in kindergarten and has a flurry of stories to tell me and tell me the things he’s learned during the day. My younger son is in pre-school and has equally entertaining stories to tell. Bugs, boys and girls, new friends, mini fights, yucky lunches, bathroom jokes, sports stories, new library books, and the list goes on!
We are home by 7pm and my second job begins. Kids complete any homework and reading assignments; they eat dinner, take a bath, and bed time! I can honestly say I do not know how I get thru the whirlwind from 7-8:45pm. It’s one of those perks in the life of a single mom that you just master. Now I am not saying I have it all down to a science, but I’ve definitely found my groove.
Now you may ask yourself, when do you have time for yourself?! Well this is the time, my friends….when the kids go to bed! Mommy can read books and magazines, paint my nails, talk on the phone, or enjoy one of the kids’ snacks!
It can definitely take its toll on a person to be the sole parent in the household. In any given day you are Mommy, Daddy, Friend, Nurse, Dentist, Police, Judge, Jury, and anything else children may need at any given time. It helps to have family support and the other parents support as well. Unfortunately, not everyone has those to help them. I find it most important to find time to decompress my mind and have a good balance in life. I make sure my children have me when they need me but I also make sure I make time for myself. Because I cannot be the best Mommy to them if I am stressed out and overworked!
Okay, my free time is over….back to the wonderful life of a single mom! Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Working Mom Blog: My Story
The Working Mom Blog, this is my story. Where do I begin? Let’s see, I am a thirty something single mom of two boys. I love all things fashion related, mommy related, I love to write and blog, I have the heart and mind of an entrepreneur, and I am a huge football fan. All of those things are equally exciting to me and I try to fit them all in the best I can. The only problem, you ask? I work outside the home and there are only 24 hours in the day!
But I’m determined to get into my blogging groove and share my stories, favorite things, trials, tribulations, and triumphs! This year has been extremely busy for me. I’ve been a single, working mom for the last two years and I feel like I am JUST finding my place in the world. My kids and I have our system and some routines that work for us and that make my life just a teeny bit easier.
I live in SoCal and thankfully the sun is starting to emerge! This means I can shop for dresses, wedges, and spring-y colors! This gets me one step closer to my favorite season, summer! I feel like my style is changing into my happy place. I’m not dressing like a teenager or like my Mother; I’m in that happy medium. I’m a huge fan of the “skinny jean”, wedges, peplum tops, cool mani/pedi’s, top knots, and maxi dresses. I’m a huge fan of mixing all brands together to create the look for me. I shop anywhere from Nordstrom, Forever21, to the Goodwill to find cool vintage pieces that work in my wardrobe.
I’d love to speak for us working mom bloggers. We kind of get pushed to the side at times. But we have fun stories to share about our kiddies, we love to give our opinion on new products, and we are still MOMs! I have two boys who are almost 4 and 6 years old. They keep me busy and they remind me to slow down to see the little things in this world. I was at home with them full time until two years ago when I decided to enter back in the working outside the home world. I say that, because I was a stay at home mom and that was MUCH harder at times than my life now. It’s a job that oftentimes goes with no recognition because people assume that you are home all day living the life. But in actuality, you are in charge of EVERYTHING in your household, with no vacation days, no sick pay, and no catered lunches!
Thanks for reading….life is moving faster than I can make my next move bigger than the last, but I am up for the challenge. The weekend is near and the kids will be with Nana! This means I will make time to get a massage, finish some DIY projects around the house, and spend some time with my Ace! To my working Mom bloggers…what are some of your challenges day to day?
But I’m determined to get into my blogging groove and share my stories, favorite things, trials, tribulations, and triumphs! This year has been extremely busy for me. I’ve been a single, working mom for the last two years and I feel like I am JUST finding my place in the world. My kids and I have our system and some routines that work for us and that make my life just a teeny bit easier.
I live in SoCal and thankfully the sun is starting to emerge! This means I can shop for dresses, wedges, and spring-y colors! This gets me one step closer to my favorite season, summer! I feel like my style is changing into my happy place. I’m not dressing like a teenager or like my Mother; I’m in that happy medium. I’m a huge fan of the “skinny jean”, wedges, peplum tops, cool mani/pedi’s, top knots, and maxi dresses. I’m a huge fan of mixing all brands together to create the look for me. I shop anywhere from Nordstrom, Forever21, to the Goodwill to find cool vintage pieces that work in my wardrobe.
I’d love to speak for us working mom bloggers. We kind of get pushed to the side at times. But we have fun stories to share about our kiddies, we love to give our opinion on new products, and we are still MOMs! I have two boys who are almost 4 and 6 years old. They keep me busy and they remind me to slow down to see the little things in this world. I was at home with them full time until two years ago when I decided to enter back in the working outside the home world. I say that, because I was a stay at home mom and that was MUCH harder at times than my life now. It’s a job that oftentimes goes with no recognition because people assume that you are home all day living the life. But in actuality, you are in charge of EVERYTHING in your household, with no vacation days, no sick pay, and no catered lunches!
Thanks for reading….life is moving faster than I can make my next move bigger than the last, but I am up for the challenge. The weekend is near and the kids will be with Nana! This means I will make time to get a massage, finish some DIY projects around the house, and spend some time with my Ace! To my working Mom bloggers…what are some of your challenges day to day?
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