How the time flies when .....

.....You're havin' fun! Or at least that is how the saying goes, right?

It has been a very busy past few weeks for me. I have been working my handmade biz and having the best time creating.

I would like to share with you a couple of new items I now have:

You can check these out and more at www.MeToYouTreasures.artfire.com

Your feedback is much appreciated, let me know what you think of the newest items!

You said you wanted proof.........

I know that many things can be chalked up to "HYPE" to get sales. I for one have always been skeptic...Today I am swallowing my pride so that people can take me seriously and see for themselves that I speak the truth....
When I started my weight loss journey I didnt know how far I would get or how well it would work for me. Well here is a side by side pic so that you can actually see the difference that 2 months can make.
The hardest part is seeing it for my self. I am BIG on not letting people see a pic of me. To the point that I would man the camera.

Now the sad thing about it is, that YOU see me , but I didnt want to see me. Pictures hold a lot of power over the self conscious person. We dont want to see it because we would have to deal with the reality of it.

Here is the before and after shot of me. Just 2 months of taking Diet Magic and I had to SEE the pictures to believe how big of a difference it had made rather than just feeling the difference.

These pics are not photo shopped.....I dont even have that program lol. One thing I must say is  LOOK!!!!! The butt and belly are well....LOOK! lol.
For the past 6 years I have been taking meds for hypothyroidism....Not Anymore!....My last blood test had shown that I didnt need them any more. For those that dont know what that is, it is a thyroid condition, that had me plateaued at 315lbs for the last few years...Couldnt lose weight to save my life....literally!
I am so ecstatic at the weight loss and inches lost, that I want to shout it to the world, but well this is the closest I shall get for a while lol.
The After pic was taken a couple of weeks ago. I know there are some that have been following my weight loss journey (thank you btw, thats great motivation!) And I last posted my weight at this. I had to take some time off due to a pregnancy that had resulted in a miscarriage (due to cervical incompetence not the pills, I was off of them during that time)...Anyway, I wanted to make sure my body had heeled before I jumped back in. And HERE I AM!
So  now there is picture proof that this is working for me. I would love to help you get started on your journey. If you have questions please feel free to contact me at dietmagiclady (at) gmail (dot) com. <---sorry to spell it out, but had to many spam emails.

You can visit the "About ~ Diet Magic" page here on the blog or visit my affiliate site www.thedietmagiclady.com to learn more about this product and other great products as well.

So we are now back on track. I have put myself up there in front of you, for the world to see. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Please feel free to leave a comment. Also subscribe to the blog on the top right, to make sure you dont miss the updates!

Take care of yourself, there is only one of you!

~ Mary

Whats up with this!?

 You know I am usually a very calm, understanding person, that it a lot to rile me up. This last week has just put more in my "frustration zone". Yep, I too have one of those! 

I try to look at things objectively and think about how I would handle things if it were a customer coming to me with a frustration. Nah, it doesnt work that well, because I KNOW I would treat them better.

So, the story is this......A little over a week ago (1/11/2001) I place supply orders with a couple of different vendors. The first one was one that I had ordered from before. That transaction went well, just a small delay, but then who didnt have delays from all the snow storms here recently. The second vendor I ordered supplies from is a totally different story! I ordered on the same day, within minutes of each other. I paid for the order and waited. Took 4 days to get notification (1/15/2011) and that was from pay pal saying that the order had been shipped......now it really hadn't been shipped, what actually happened was that the owner of this shop had did the shipping from home to be picked up by USPS.......here it is 6 days later(at the time of writing this), from when I received the notice, the notification/tracking still says it has received the electronic shipping info. The package still hasnt been scheduled for pick up or processed and shipped.......I have emailed the owner on several occasions, just trying to get some sort of communication, ANYTHING! But NO she wont respond.....she has internet connection, because it shows that she has visited her site..(the one I purchased from)....I emailed her twice personally, asking very politely if there was a problem with the shipping of my package....I have sent a message via her contact form twice on the store site.....NOTHING.....even sent an email yesterday telling her that unless I received some notification from her that I would have to send a complain to Artfire  (the site in which her store is on that I ordered from) and that was a bust so far....will elaborate more on that in a moment..... I also said that I would do a dispute with pay pal, in which  I had paid her through........STILL nothing.......

Okay breathing....so I waited......Then I contacted Artfire...well that was a JOKE! If you call they ask if you are a buyer or seller....if you say buyer they tell you to CONTACT THE SELLER! UM>>>>>> Thats the problem I am having!!! I went to Artfire because I didnt want to go through all the stuff with Etsy with having to have an account just to purchase from someone. Im a customer do they want my money? There are several that I would love to contact off the site, but no email addy in their bio info to do so.....I know a lot of great people that use that platform and that is great.....but that was the reason I didnt go their first and should have. Anywho, I then went to paypal to do a dispute, now I have to wait, and wait, and wait I am sure.....So it will be a month or so before I get my funds back....The sad thing is this person has had lots of sales from their store....I am refraining from mentioning the persons name and store name....I am hoping that she contacts me...I am hoping that it was a huge mistake.....I dont know how with 5 emails later and a dispute......

I found another vendor on Artfire that I would like to use, this time I will contact them prior to and make sure they do contact me back......before I purchase....sometime I would so much rather just purchase from those big companies, but I believe in buying from small business owners and handmade when possible.

The worst of this is during all of this I have let my own customers down and its totally MY fault for not being stocked up more on my supplies, I didn't anticipate a lot of sales and thought that with ordering supplies early enough that I wouldn't have this issue and not have them come in in time.....Snow storms is one thing, but this is unacceptable. Now I have to contact these customers and tell them hey because I didnt get my shipment, it will be that much longer before you get the order you placed so would you like a refund!.....yeah thats the frustration poking its ugly head out....I wouldnt word it like that, but I must contact them, because I personally understand what it feels like to be on that end of the deal.

I have more supplies on order that should be here any day......but in the mean time I got my self a special kit (see below)

All Joking aside, this has been a very frustrating week. You may ask why I would get worked up over just that, well......its not just that.....

See like most I have been trying to sell products to make money to pay bills that I cant do if I dont have supplies....And then there is the life of being a mom and a wife and having those responsibility piling up, as well as my other business's needing to be worked......

Now that I got it out of my system.....for the most part, we shall see how this week goes. I will for sure do an update should anything come of doing the dispute....But figured hey what the heck, Im going to share this with my readers.....I believe in customer service, I know that there are many out there that sell what I do...there are others that have a higher quality of product than I make and some have better prices, but if you give great customer service, they are more willing to work with you!

As a good friend has told me....everyone is entitled to have a day when they are off their mark....I think I took several of them and complied a not so great vacation of them....Now that I am out of self pitty days, I shall jump back on the wagon and get my self back in gear.......
Another friend, in the past, has told me that sometimes you just have to reach around there and yank that back bone back in place....So here I go....may have to work out a few kinks but will be back in the game in no time.....

Do I even think about looking for another vendor for another aspect of my biz?....Nah, I think Ill take a nap and think on it first lol!

Thank you for letting me vent it out....and as always I do appreciate your comments, please do so, 

it may help my disposition! 

Have an awesome day in spite of me, lol I would love to hear stories from your "Frustration Zone"

Until next time,

~ Mary

Changes to come......

As we roll through the holidays, and the New Year is around the corner, I have decided to bring a few changes to the blog. You will see most of them as we go, some will be subtle and others well....you get it.

I would love your suggestions on the type of things that interest you most. Please feel free to post in the comment section about your ideas or email me at maryreid121@yahoo.com. I so look forward to your thoughts!

Whats in Diet Magic?

Some have wondered what is in Diet Magic. There are a lot of great ingredients that make up this "magic diet pill"!

Below you will find the ingredient list as well as the historical uses of these ingredients. If you have any questions please feel to contact me at dietmagiclady@gmail.com.

Percent Dally Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
** Daily value not established

Other Ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Gelatin Capsule. Aquamin is a registered trademark of Marigot Group Ltd.

HISTORICAL USES FOR DIET MAGIC™ INGREDIENTS

Vitamin B6 may aid in the formation of several neurotransmitters and is therefore an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly mood.

Calcium Calcium may help to increase bone density, strengthen teeth and helps with osteoporosis. It is a natural dietary supplement that contains dozens of natural minerals and vitamins that the human body requires for good health, including Vitamin D and magnesium, two essential elements that work well with calcium. Having sufficient calcium in the body can prevent muscle and bone pain, high blood pressure caused by stress and cramping of the muscles, as well as bone diseases.

Magnesium may help us to build energy which control blood pressure in our body and is associated with potassium and calcium.

Note: Some experts feel that by adding Calcium and Magnesium to Energy and Weight Loss Formulas that most people experience a smoother energy level and have a more balanced PH.

Chromium (as Polynicotinate) said to have greater biological activity than other forms of Chromium, including sources from picolinate. CP helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and can be critical to the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and proteins. Chromium polynicotinate consists of pure niacin-bound chromium, identified by United States Government researchers as the active component of true GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor). GTF is responsible for binding insulin to cell membrane receptor sites. Chromium polynicotinate has been shown to possess greater biological activity than other chromium picolinate weight loss supplements.

Dark Chocolate Powder may have the ability to elevate the metabolism and perhaps even increase satiety (fullness). For instance, is the chemical responsible for that "chocolate high" some people experience when eating... uh... chocolate.

Geranium Flower(GeranaX) as a nutrition supplement has been used to stimulate weight loss. Also used as a nasal decongestant, some say they seem to breathe better after taking this supplement.

Green Tea Extract powerful antioxidant and Increases Metabolism, May Aid in Weight Loss

Phenylethlamine HCL (Trace Mineral Blend) Referred to as “PEA” Researchers believe that our body releases phenylethylamine as if when we are in love, thus producing the uplifted mood associated with love. It is rumored that chocolate produces the same feelings because of the phenylethylamine it contains. Have you ever tried eating dinner after eating chocolate? Same goes with phenylethylamine you just are not hungry, loss of appetite.

Caffeine (from coffee beans) energy boost from a natural source. Equivalent to 8 oz cup of regular coffee.

Vanadium (chelate) has a significant effect on lowering blood glucose levels


Wow, I agree that is a lot of great information! BUT there is more to be had by visiting my site at www.thedietmagiclady.com

Have a Healthy and Blessed day!
~ Mary

What Do You Do?

We are just shy of a month from Christmas! woohoo! And now that we have hunted for all the candy and stuffed our selves with delicious turkey and fixin's now we are rushing about to find the perfect gifts! Well at least those of us that always wait 'til the last moment to shop, that is. Every year I say I am going to start early....yeah, that doesnt happen, nope not ever,lol.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to start our own "tradition" on the gift giving for when it come to shopping for ourselves and our child. As people in general we tend to go over board with the presents thinking more is better. With all the sales going on, its not hard to do. With the economy the way it has been for the last couple of years, the "wallet" strings have gotten tighter, so do we buy more less expensive things or a few higher quality or expensive items? Since Christmas is a Christian holiday and surrounding the birth of Christ we came up with the idea.....Our child only receives 3 gifts from us at Christmas. Baby Jesus received 3 gifts from the 3 wise men so I think its only appropriate. We wanted to keep the holiday in perspective and teach her it wasn't all about how many awesome toys/gifts you can get. Then we took it a step further, she doesnt receive just any 3 gifts. She gets one clothing gift, one educational gift and one "want or toy" gift. This allows us to afford to give her a good Christmas but as she grows older, it doesnt break the bank so to speak. As for my husband and I. We only do 2 gifts one from each other and one from our child. We didnt want the holiday to be all about the gifts and what you can "get".

We hope that as the years go, that we can instill in her that it is better to give than to receive. We want to teach her that there is more joy and satisfaction in giving than the getting. Sometimes its just a good meal with friends and family, enjoying time together and well you understand.

This year, I am just thankful that my little family has a place to call home, that we are where we can work and bring money into our home, which was scarce back home. We are all healthy and happy. That is a gift in itself.

The other day, I entertained the idea, of writing down a list of all that I wanted for christmas. After I did that, I went back through my list and realized, my wants were more needs than anything, funny how that happens as we get older and have families. Of course this is just my opinion.

My list consisted of things like a new vacuum cleaner, an ironing board, curtains, serving bowls, towels....things you would get at a house warming party or house hold needs list.
I couldnt think of anything that was just a pure want. So I thought about it some more. I came up with another list, I wanted more material, yarn, ribbons....to make more things for the home and others. YIKES, what is wrong with me lol. I mark it down to being that I was raised that way lol. Im okay with that!

What I would love to hear is what is on your list, is it a want or need, is it for you or for the benefit for others? How do you decide how and what you are buying as gifts for your loved ones.
Do you have a tradition as well?

Please share your thoughts, I think it would be interesting to see how alike or different we all are. May even give each other some new ideas for the holiday season.

I wish you all the happiest of Holidays!!!!!

~ Mary

To think that it took a year to figure this out.... &

So what have I been up to here lately? Well, with holidays all around us there is much to do, throw in some school activities, home life, yard work and a gallon of coffee and I'd say we are off to a good start!

Here lately I have been "re-organizing" everything. After a year of "seeing where things go". I have been going back over all that has happened, where my business has gone in this amount of time, and looking at the different things I need to improve on. I want to make sure that my family life isnt pushed to the way side. I want to make sure that I am giving my business the time and dedication it deserves as well. So re-organizing is the solution to the problem at this stage of the game.

I have recently dropped some opportunities that I thought would be great ideas....the pros just dont out weight the cons. I figured that I would look at what was most important and would be more beneficial in the long run. So, all the "side job" opps have/had to go.

I decided that for my family, I needed to concentrate on what I know works, benefits the family, doesnt take away from the family, and something I enjoy.

So here you have it. I am only working on and with these two companies. SoyLicious.com and Symmetry ~ Diet Magic.

Both of these companies, offer great benefits, they are all natural, I can stand behind them 100% with no doubts, they dont "take over" my time for my family and well, I love them!!!

I am spending more time being a mom too. Little bit is growing up so fast and I dont want to miss it. I mean what the heck is the point in working for yourself so that you can have the schedule you want if you dont utilize it??? Right?

I am going to do something for the first time this year.......Im sending out Christmas cards....aaaccckkkk....I know, but hey at least Im finally getting round to it...now where are those cards I got a few years ago! They must be in one of these boxes, yike!

Thanksgiving and Christmas will be hard this year, not having family around, but we will mutter through it just fine Im sure. (yes I meant Mutter,lol, we are good at that,lol) We have made some great friends, more of an extended family, to enjoy the holidays with. Praises be, for that.

I have plans for the new year, getting ready to put them into action. A few things in the works is creating my weight loss journey blog, yes I can post them here, but I need a central place so that the support I have been getting doesnt get lost in the shuffle and when things get rough, well you get the point, not that I wont post about it here though. I am working on a better more organized way of leading my team in my business efforts. I am planning on more one on one time with little bit & hubby. I am also sneaking in a bit more ME time as well.

I have one passion I had set aside, due to time constraints and technology...yup Im picking up the pen and paper again. I remember what it was like to get a handwritten letter in the mail, it always made me feel better and well, its what I like to do, so for the various people out there, watch the mail box tehehehe.

I am finding that other than to post to my blog occasionally, or pal around on FB I am rarely using my social networks like I use to. Maybe this is for the better at this time, who knows, but doesnt mean I dont miss everyone, I do, but just needed more real life time so to speak. Ill be back, just needing to (heres that word again) "re-organize".

I'll never get to where I need to go, If I cant figure out which road to travel. The only way to do that is learn to read the road signs. And at times I will need to ask for directions, so for that...thank you for being there!

Just so its not mistaken....this isn't an early New Year's resolution.....its a life change. yup, that sounded hillbillyish, but that is me. I want a better life, I want my child and husband to have a better life. I want to enjoy the years...not pass them by trying to catch up with the rest of the world.

Okay thats enough rambling....so lets see where it goes from here!

As the saying goes...Take life by the horns, and enjoy the ride,
~ Mary

The Sassy Sampler (sassy sampler box) ~ Review

I recently purchased a Sassy Sampler Box, and very excited that I did!

I visited The Sassy Sampler and selected the small sample box. The order process was pretty simple and smooth. I received my package about a week later.

I am, normally, giddy like a kid at Christmas and rarely make it out of the post office before I am opening packages to see what I got! This time, I knew there were several different items in the package and made my self wait until I got home, which took all of 5 minutes! That was pretty disheartening to my post lady, she enjoys package days as much as I do and enjoys seeing all the great things that come my way. I promised her I would bring the items down to let her see the next day. BTW, she took several of the business cards and coupons to pass out and a few just for herself ,lol. I was okay with that, because I had already gotten the information off of them!

So back to the box, I received 11 sample products and several special offer business cards & coupons. I must say I was pleasantly surprised to see that people were putting in samples that were enough to actually sample, to try and several full size items to boot! That is a huge plus to me!

As I mentioned, there were several items in the box. Each box may be different, each company submits the samples and offers of their choice. They may also choose to contribute several different months and different items, so it truly is a surprise, never know what your going to find inside!

Now here is the part you have been waiting for! This is what I received in MY box:

Tea Light Candle ~ Leticia Torres ~ Gold Canyon

Chocolate Covered Cherry ~ scented wax melt~ Paulina Buncic ~ Anam Cara Candles

Charm Key Chain ~ Debbi Anderson ~ Charms N Things

Immunergy Sample ~ Evelyn Leon ~ J.R. Watkins

Clothespin Magnet ~ Kathy Salazar & Kim Gachnang ~ Tootsie's Tidbits

Thank You Cards ~ Ann Rinkenberger ~ Harvest Moon by Hand

Reusable Face Scrubbie ~ Brie D. ~ BKD Signature

Alice In Wonderland Pendent ~ Linda Reynolds ~ Bella Linda

Enchanted Sleep Kit for Insomnia ~ Laurie Bernhard ~ Under The New Moon

Mineral Makeup Samples ~ Jenn Brockman ~ Painted Laydies Mineral Makeup

Beaded Ribbon Book Mark ~ Trudy J. Miller ~ Momma Goddess Treasures

Along with actual samples I received Special Offer Coupons & Business Cards from:

Brown Bag Party ~ Christina Strickland (adult site)

Naughty and Nice Lingerie ~ Brenda Gonzalez-Kennedy

The Knead To Relax ~ Debbi Anderson

Mommy's Sunshine Designs ~ Christina Strickland

Discovery Toys ~ Cara Retz

Faery Charming ~ Jewelry and Vintage

SoyLicious.com ~ Christina Strickland

B's Purses ~ Amanda Shepherd

I was very impressed with the items that I received. IF I hadn't purchased this box, I may not have known about these great companies and what they have to offer. Most definitely will be visiting these shops/sites!!

So when you check out these fabulous sites, let them know you heard about there from Satisfy Your Senses! ( I don't receive a kick back for it, just so they know where you found them,lol)

If you would like to learn more about how you can get your products into a Sassy Sampler, please {Click Here} and you will be taken to their page with all the information you need, btw...Its FREE, no fee to add to the box!

Now the only thing I can say that is less than Exemplary about the items in the box is the packaging of samples. (which The Sassy Sampler has no control over, it is the business owners/consultants that submit samples responsibility) Everything was packaged great, Im just a sucker for the "cute"! I too like a really nicely dressed package, shows me that the business cares about me as the customer.

I like to throw extra little things in to my customer orders before I deliver or ship out. If I come across great samplers/fillers that are cute or dressed up (and ones Im not hogging to myself, of course) I toss them in to the bags for my customers too. Who doesn't need the added exposure?!

So if you are looking for great products to dress up your samples/items, you can find some by {clicking here}!

So over all I believe you will be pleasantly surprised as well when you receive YOUR Sassy Sampler Box!

I know with this great selection of companies, you are sure to find Something to Satisfy Your Senses!

What type of products do you like to get samples of? What are some things that you dont care for when you get samples from companies? Whats the best thing you got in a sampler before? Cant wait to hear your responses!! Please leave your comments below!

~ Mary

~~~~~*********~~~~~~~~~~~************~~~~~~~~~

At no time was I paid, or received any kind of kick back to do this review on the sassy sampler. I honestly like to share information on great companies as I come across them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are interested in having me do a review on your products, I would be more than happy to give my honest opinion. My blog feeds to my Personal Face Book Page as well as my Business Page, & Twitter. And I comment about my blog on Plurk and various ning groups and social networks. Contact me at soysuccess@gmail.com.

I cant do candle wax product reviews, to be fair, it would be a conflict of interest. I am an affiliate with SoyLicious.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have a GREAT Day!!

Did you Know...................?

Have you wondered how soy candles came about?

I am always looking for information to pass on to you about how soy wax came about. One of my team members, Dave Dobbs, came across this information and I wanted to share it with you!

In 1991, Michael Richards, was looking for an alternative for beeswax, that is when he developed soy wax. There was a big demand for natural wax candles, but beeswax was about 10 times more expensive than paraffin. As Michael entered the candle industry with beeswax products he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles. He tested different natural plant waxes and finally ended up with a vegetable wax which was made with partially hydrogenated soy oil, coconut oil and palm oil. He also blended beeswax with soy wax to make an economical natural wax candle. Then in 1995, the Body Shop, a national chain of stores, was the first to offer soy candles to the general public. The first natural wax candles which were delivered to the Body Shop were a mixture of beeswax and almond oil. Later on the almond oil was completely replaced with soy wax. Michael Richards succeeded in replacing the expensive beeswax with soy wax in 1996. The soy wax producer Candleworks negotiated in 1997 a research project with the University of Iowa which resulted in the study: "Increasing the Use of Soybeans in the Manufacturing of Candles". And in 1998 The Indiana Soybean Board unveiled at the Farm Progress Show special patented soy wax, Harvest Lights, which was developed by a farmer-funded group. A lot of research was done to proof the benefits of soy wax. Leading to 2 scientific publications: •Rezaei, K, T. Wang, and L.A. Johnson. Combustion characteristics of candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 79: 803-808 (2002). •Rezaei, K., T. Wang, and L. A. Johnson. Hydrogenated vegetable oils as candle wax. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 79: 1241-1247 (2002).

Thank you, Dave, for doing the research and sharing this with us!

Satisfy Your Senses today!

~ Mary

I Dabble.................

Just recently I have been having the urges to create something. I have made things from handmade soaps, fabric memo board, soap cozys for example, but this time I decided to create jewelry.

I want to share a few of those creations today. I asked around to several jewelry ladies in my Sassy Sisters In Sales group, about the different things, from how to "connect the dots" so to speak. I must say there is a lot of talent in that group! When I asked what went over best for them in their shops, the most common response was "things that come from the heart".

So, I purchased materials that pulled to me, or caught my eye, if you will. Brought them home and put them out in front of me and started putting them together, but not "connecting" them, I wanted to be sure they looked right. This is what I came up with:

"Pink Flower Power"

Flower Power at its best! This really cute bracelet is made up of pink and white mother of pearl beads, silver chain and claw clasp. Measures approx 7 1/2". $7.00 (reg. $10)

"Mystical Flight"

This is a beautiful dark green and black gemstone necklace, enhanced with silver butterflies. Elegance with a touch of fun! It also has a toggle clasp for closure.
Necklace measures approx 20", Pendent measures approx 1 1/2", Earrings measure approx 2" from ear loop down. $20.00 (reg. $25)

"Blue Reflections"

This is a fun chunky necklace. Made of glass, glass w/foil, and metal beads, a toggle clasp for closure. The pendent has a reflective quality to it. Measures approx 22" $15.00 (reg. $20)

"Me To You Treasures" is the name of my hand made business. Although I currently don't have a store set up for online purchases, these pieces are for sale. I have this listed lower than normal price. You can purchase any of these at the discounted price by sending me an email (soysuccess@gmail.com) to tell me which one(s) you want and I will send you a secure email invoice through ProPay. Packages are mailed as soon as payment is submitted. I do not receive your card numbers or information from you submitting the invoice.

Shipping is $1!

Please put Blog Purchase in the subject line so that you receive your item at the discounted price!

Thank you for letting me share with you, a bit of my creativity!

I cant wait to share more with you soon, I wish you the best, have a great day!!!

Do something special for yourself today, Satisfy Your Senses!

~ Mary

Then & Now...WOW!

We talk about how time flies. We know our kids are growing, but until we look at old pictures or go through their closets to weed out the clothes (and shoes) that they grow out of way too quickly, we just don't SEE it.

That is what happened to me, although it wasn't my child that grew......

I was looking back at old posts and found a pic of my daughter and her puppy Bo (short for Bocephus, yup just like Hank Williams Jr.) Anyway, this pic was taken on our Thanksgiving "holiday" while we were visiting my brother in Texas. We had just received him, he was only 8 weeks old at the time and Kaitie was 4yrs old.

November of 2009

Bo is a very loving, playful pup. Like any other dog, he likes to run, play, sleep, and eat. Recently, I started noticing how much more he ate, how much louder his bark was. I was sitting here the other night and giggled when i heard him howl for Kaitie, which he does quite often if he hears her in the house and he thinks he can get her attention. To which he would generally receive a doggy bone/cookie for his efforts.

Now, This is a pic of Kaitie and Bo only a few months (3 months) later.........!

February of 2010

After putting these two photos together, I just couldn't believe how much he had grown in that short of time. And thus, lends to me wanting to share this with you.

Kaitie and Bo are pretty much inseparable. I know that in the very near future I will need a horse lead to even take him to the park,lol! Cant even imagine what he will be like when he turns a year old this September!

Thank you for letting me share a bit of my family life! I hope you enjoyed this "peek" into the lives of my "children", I will be sure to update as they both grow! Have a great day and remember, don't take the small things for granted, they are quick to bring new meaning to "making a mountain out of a mole hill"! Or in this case a "Horse out of a puppy".

Grab hold of life and Satisfy Your Senses!

~ Mary

Guess what I heard ~ Brown Bag Parties w/ Christina

Have you ever heard of Brown Bag Parties?

If not then you are missing out on a LOT! Check what Christina has to say about Brown Bag Parties ~

Hosting a Brown Bag Party

I have been told time and time again that nothing in life is free.

WELL, that is not entirely true!



Hosting a Brown Bag Party is FREE!
That's right! Book your Brown Bag Party and invite your friends over for a fun night in.


Not only do you get a night of FREE fun with friends, you also earn 20% of your party's sales in FREE product! That is double the industry standard! Brown Bag Party really appreciates about our hostesses and we want you to know it! Also take advantage of the monthly Hostess Exclusive Packages available.

Christina has more to tell you on the subject! To read more on what she has to say and offer visit {HERE} I hear there are some great deals for May Hostess!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please stop by her blog (it is age restricted, she has children herself and doesnt want underage children to "happen" upon her site, I can respect that!) ~ Leave a comment on her most recent post and I will give you a 10% discount on your next order with SoyLicious.com! Just email me with your order to (soysuccess@gmail.com) and you will receive 10% off plus a deal on shipping!

With many wonderful items to choose from, you are sure to find Something, to Satisfy Your Senses!

~ Mary

I Learned how to do something new!

I have just recently got brave and decided to try "Scribd" and wow this is really an awesome feature. So for the first document I wanted to share my flier on all the Electric & PlugIn Tart Melters that we carry.

Electric & Plug in Melter Flier

I really Like how this turned out! So this being said if you have any questions please feel free to ask away and I will be happy to answer them! Have an awesome day! I am very excited to have learned something new today! This has given me a great idea on how to do training documents for my team!

~ Go out today and learn oto do something new! You will be glad you did!~

~ Mary

Urine or You're Out!

Like most folks in this country, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I

pay my taxes & the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.

In order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am required to pass a

random urine test (with which I have no problem).

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people

who don't have to pass a urine test. So, here is my question: Shouldn't

one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to

pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with

helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a

problem with helping someone sitting on their BUTT----doing drugs while

I work.... AND buying drugs with my Tax Money???

Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to

pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? I guess we could

call the program "URINE OR YOU'RE OUT"! Pass this along if you agree or

simply delete if you don't. Hope you all will pass it along, though.

Something has to change in this country - AND SOON! THAT is a CHANGE We

WANT

P.S. Just a thought, all politicians should have to pass a urine test

too!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This was sent to me in an email, and quite frankly I agree. I believe in help others, there are so many people that need help at one time or another, unable to help the circumstances that surround them. Sometimes that one instance of help is what gives them a second chance, I mean, we're human right?!?

So, I think that if some one is going to get free assistance from my tax dollars then I feel they should undergo the same test I have to to get the job that pays for it. Just sayin.............

And yes I know it costs us to do the tests, but the cost is incomparable to the amount of assistance that is given. If they fail they should be required to wait 3 months before reapplying. Just my random thoughts on the subject. ~ Mary

I would enjoy to see your comments on the subject...........

Clay Balls........

This was shared with us on FB, by a really great person. It really does bring back the reminder of not judging a book by its cover.

Clay Balls

by: Jennifer Patterson

A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.

He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure.. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.

Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.

We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with you.. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.

~ Mary

I Need Your Help............

This year is hard for most everyone I know. Finances are just not there to provide the Christmas presents that we have in the past. So, this year I am teaching my 4yr old daughter a hard lesson in the most kindest way I can.


I want to teach her that Christmas isn't all about getting gifts. I want her to know that it is the thought that counts. That knowing someone is thinking of her is more precious than receiving "toys". Shes a very smart little girl and most all "little things" seem to delight her to no end.
I need your help to make her Christmas THOUGHTFUL. Please help me in doing this by sending her a Christmas Card Snail mail style. She has received two cards already from family members and she really cherishes them.
If you are interested in helping me please send your cards to:

Kaitie Reid
PO Box 127
Morrow, Ark 72749



Random acts of Kindness dont have to be gifts of high dollar value. The best are the simple ones. Paying for someones meal when you stop in to have breakfast or lunch. Buying a stranger a cup of coffee, sending a letter or card just to say im thinking of you, calling your neighbor and offering to pick something up for them while you are at the grocery store, stacking a bit of wood for those that use wood heat, offering to watch someones kids so they can have a few hours to themselves, donating your unwanted items to a shelter for those in need, so many ways to show kindness without expecting anything in return. These are truly the best gifts and are cherished more than you would think.

I really look forward to taking her to the post office each day to see what Thoughts are sent her way! Thank you all so much for helping me make this the best!

~ Mary

Winner of the 2009 Woman Owned Business Grant.....

Investing In Women is a great site with lots of information on all sorts of resources to help you grow your business. At IIW they believe in investing in women through education and appreciation.
I love what this site is doing to help women everywhere! At IIW you will find Articles, Grants, Resources, Networking, Events and more!

I am proud to announce the winner of the 2009 Woman Owned Business Grant!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IIWOMEN AWARDS THE 2009 WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS GRANT

Investing In Women has awarded a $500 “stimulus package” to a woman owned business, The Underground Railroad To Success. The URS was started by Tanisha Cunningham to teach independence to foster children. This grant will give the non-profit a chance to market their business.

Montclair NJ, November 9, 2009- Investing In Women has awarded their first grant to a woman owned business in the USA. The recipient of the award is Tanisha Cunningham, founder of The Underground Railroad to Success (www.railroad2success.com). The URS is a non-profit that provides a service to foster children aging out of the system to live independently as adults while becoming an integral part of society. This is great for foster children and also has a positive affect on our society as a whole.

“Aging out” is the term used for children who go into foster care, but are never returned to their families of origin or adopted by others. They stay in the system until they turn 18, or graduate from high school, and for the most part, are left to fend for themselves as best they can.

Tanisha Cunningham started URS in January of 2009. A child of foster care herself, she saw the need for foster kids to have additional support when they were no longer eligible for state run services. Soon after her foster care ended, she began a career in child welfare “I wanted to stay there because my passion had always been to give back, because I knew the struggles of living in foster care, and the fear of leaving unprepared, not having a place to go or having the skills to obtain a job.”

Investing In Women (www.iiWomen.com) is a free business resource site, grant program and marketing venue for entrepreneurs. The organization plans to offer several micro grants in 2010, including grants that are not awarded based on gender.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please take a moment to read the inspiring interview with Tanisha Cunningham, by visiting Investing In Women today!

~ Mary

Beauty in the Weeds

Have you found yourself "weeding" lately?

This has different meanings for each of us. For some this is literally pulling weeds in the garden, others this means they are weeding through photos, products, even all the clutter on their desks. And on the other hand some would say that their social lives need a bit of weeding.

Through the years I have come in contact with many people. Some have remained friends or acquaintances for many of those years and others have come and gone for different reasons. I have found my self thinking about my connections, that of personal and professional. I ask myself are these friends that I have stayed in close contact with or have I drifted away from them.

I catch myself thinking back at the "good times" and remembering fun moments. Often asked why I had a smile on my face or what I was laughing about. Those are memories I cherish.

I have, on another occasion, been told that if I want to change my life or grow my business in a different direction, that I should surround myself with those that are of like mind. Well, let me tell you, I have been very blessed with the friends and acquaintances that I have in my life.
To all of you, I say thank you for allowing me to be part of Your life.

My thought for today is that as you are "weeding" through the gardens in your life, that you stop to appreciate the beauty in which that particular weed has to offer. You might find that, that "weed" is the most beautiful flower in your garden after all.

*******
Be kind to yourself and do something good to Satisfy Your Senses!
~ Mary

Getting Connected ~ Social Networking Tutorial

I have this awesome friend who wrote up this tutorial to help us get connected! I find that I spend a lot of time trying to update ALL my social networks. My friend Andrea Baker wrote this up to help cut back on the amount of time and places we go to update. I love that she also includes how to update your blog to twitter. I have been trying to find other ways to get my blog out there and this was the perfect way to do just that! So if you have a blog that you would like to update automatically to twitter, then be sure to read through the tutorial for the instructions!! I found this extremely helpful and hope that you do as well. Thank you Andrea for doing this to help the rest of us!

Making Connections with Twitter & Facebook

06.19.09

Networking is important. People purchase from who they know and they want to know you. Let’s get some of your social networks connected so your sure to have several of them update with the same information.

For example, they way my social networks work is this: When I post a new blog, post a new photo to flickr, and even when I list a new item in my etsy shop a post is sent to my twitter. That twitter post in turn is sent to FaceBook.
This helps me cut down on time spent trying to be sure that when I blog, post to flickr, or update my etsy shop I don’t have to run around trying to get it posted to twitter and facebook.
How did I do this? I’m assuming you have twitter, facebook, a blog, and anything else with an RSS feed.

To hook up your twitter so that it updates your facebook follow these steps:

Install the twitter application on facebook. Visit the following link application for facebook http://apps.facebook.com/twitter/
go to application;
click allow;
login to twitter with twitter login,
then it will look like a FBized twitter page - at the top hit “allow twitter to update FB…” and should be done.

Test it out. Post a snazzy update on your twitter page and then check your facebook. YAY!!

Okay now on to setting it so that your blog, flickr, any place that has an RSS feed for you will update twitter.

http://twitterfeed.com/ Visit this link and sign up. Be sure to note your password and user name.

Now you might want to have several tabs open with your places you want to list here. Blog, Flickr, Etsy Shop, Artfire Shop, any place that has an RSS feed for you.

Now you want to create a new feed. Follow these steps
You want to authenticate at twitter. This will make sure you have connected correctly.

Give your Feed a name.

You want to go to your blog (or where ever you’re snagging your feed from) and snag your RSS link. Use your feedburner link if you can. Right click and save link target. You want to copy that link. Now you just past that link over at twitter feed.

I have noticed that some blogger templates remove the subscribe to posts link at the bottom of the posts section. If this happens then test out the following with your blogger link.

http://YOURBLOGGERLINK HERE.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Once this is done you can edit your settings. For mine I add a little prefix {blog} or {flickr} or {etsy} what ever you want to do. You set it how you want it.

When you’re done hit update.

Rinse and Repeat as needed.

Type a post, upload a photo, list something in your etsy shop and wait to check it out on twitter and then facebook.

See any errors in the info above? Contact me and let me know.

(you can contact her by clicking on the "Making connections......" title above, this will go directly to her blog and you can message her from there.)

~ Mary

Thoughts for Thursday.....

I have been thinking a bit here lately on ways to "de-stress". There is so much stress floating around these days due to our jobs, home life, health, bills etc.
When I stress out, I find later that most of the time it was for no good reason, because it all worked out in the end and I had wasted time stressing that I could have been relaxing, working on another project, having family time, or what ever I wanted.
Stress and worry go hand in hand. And as I was growing up at home, my dad would tell me that worrying doesnt fix anything! Can you fix it? If so then fix it, if not then give it to God and move on. For so long I would look at my dad and say yeah right whatever, it doesn't work out that way, then he would pull out the bible and tell just how it was.
Later in years I found he was right. IF you can fix a problem then fix it, don't fixate on something you have no control over. Things do have a way of working out even if they are not what we expect. But we make the best of what does come our way.
There are several things that help me put things in perspective. One way is working out. I have been told, by several people, that when you work out, it helps clear your mind and lets you focus on what is at hand. I made a vow that I was going to work out more. Not just for my sanity, but my health as well, (killing 2 birds with one stone there).
I found this blog post to be of great help. It lists several ways to relax.
http://thesassysistersinsales.blogspot.com/2009/05/take-time-out-thursday-top-10-ways-to.html
These posts have been very helpful and informative. If you get a chance check out all the "Take Time Out Thursday" posts, its well worth the time!

More on Exercise... Sometimes we get to the point where we really dont want to hear about another "work out" program, or see another perfect body picture posted. But what I have found that if the program is actually about someone that is doing the exercising and sharing their progress, ups & downs, and tips, that I am more motivated to do so myself! Here is a blog about a lady who is using her blog as a way to tell her story as it unfolds. She tells us about her excersie routines, she shares tips, ideas and even hardships that she worked through anyway. In do this for the public to read it is a way to have accountability to others to maintain that motivation. I commend her for doing this. She has kept me wanting to be in motion to actually get off my butt and do something. Check out her blog http://debstransformation.blogspot.com/
She also has another blog where she is doing a fantastic Giveaway! It is centered around Marriage. You can enter it here http://debsgiftboutique.blogspot.com/2009/09/amazing-weekend-and-giveaway.html

I have found those who swear by yoga! Though I have yet to try it, I have heard great things! While I was "surfing the net" I came across this great site all about yoga. The benefits, poses, instructions, health, and more. http://www.yogajournal.com/ This is a great resource that I will be checking more into and passing on!

Now for those out there that are looking for a less physical way to relax, you might try reading. Reading has helped in the past as well. I find that I delve into a book and leave worries and stress behind. When i am finished reading, I feel that I am ready to tackle the issues. Writing has been another favorite tool for me as well. I take out the note pad and just start writing out everything that I am stressing over or worrying about, Not looking for perfect grammar just writing all that come to mind. I come to a stop and put it down, walk away from it. When I come back to it and as I am reading what I wrote, I am amazed at all the stuff I am stressing about. It helps put them in perspective and then I narrow down what I really need to work on and what can wait etc.

Situations are not the same for everyone. We all have different ways of getting through the day. Just remember there are different ways to deal with those situations, if what you are currently doing, isn't working then try something else. Things have a way of working out, why beat yourself up (mind & body) over something you cant control!

Now that I have exhausted my ramblings, I am going to go relax! Do something good for yourself today and Satisfy Your Senses!

~ Mary