Helpful Items for WAHMs

As a mom, a business owner, a bargain hunter, and a very resourceful researcher, I find all kinds of cool things at great prices to help me in my part-time home based businesses. I know lots of work-at-home-moms (WAHMs) or part-time direct sellers and do my best to pass on the helpful knowledge I come accross that I know they'd appreciate. I may soon make this section of my blog it's own resource page, but for now it is just a mere post.

In my Miche Bag business, I am an inventory rep, so I have to carry large amounts of inventory with me to every show. I had to find a way fast to make this easier on me (and my back especially), so I did some research on the best ways to transport my items. I buy the 18 gallon Sterilite bins from Walmart to store my items, and it has been working well for me. Other options are the file crates, which come in a stackable option too.

To transport them, I now use a foldable rolling crate, or hand truck aka platfrom truck. Below is a link to the one I recommend, the Magna Cart MCX. It is affordable (about $25), durable, and gets the job done well. It will carry up to 150 lbs. I found it on Amazon and you can check the link below for all the great reviews, and even watch a demo video.



For slightly larger and/or heavier items, I recommend the Magna Cart MC2 (200 lb capacity).

I would also recommend getting a few bungee cords to secure larger items, or valueable items, like photography equipment. I use and recommend Master Lock bungee cords. They are very good quality cords and keep their tension, not like the bargain ones that lose their stretch and begin to thread. I use the ones pictured below. They come in a pack of two for about $5. They measure 40 inches long when slack and stretch to over 60 inches.

I Discovered Miche!

If you've never heard of Miche Bags, you are in for a treat!

Don't you hate it when you have to remove all the contents of your purse to switch to another purse because the colors don't go with what you are wearing, or it's not the right color for the season or event, or you just want to try a new look. Imagine being able to change your purse any time you'd like--multiple times a day if you wanted to--and NEVER have to even open it! If I told you you could change your purse out--move ALL the contents from one bag to another--in less than 10 seconds, would you be interested in how?

That is the idea behind Miche Bag. It's so clever that it begs the question, “Why didn't I think of this?”!

Now, I understand some people have seen these bags on TV, but I had never heard of them. The company is only a few years old and was started by one frustrated woman who, like most of us, hated having to make that switch every time she wanted to wear a different purse. You can read her story here. I was introduced to Miche Bags by a good friend who attended a home party. Now before you get all worked up about the idea of "home parties", please read my position on them in my blog, One of "Those" Parties. I never liked them either, but once I saw these bags in person and in action, I was hooked. And so was everyone at the party. This is why I believe home shows are a great way to get to know this particular product and appreciate its value. There were about 20 women in attendance (even a few husbands) and the total amount spent on Miche Bag items was over $2,000!!! In this economy, are you kidding??? Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks this is a fantastic product.

So, if you haven't guessed it already, I joined the company as an Inventory Rep. I’m so excited and will be hosting my Launch Party at the end of the month.

Below are links to my web site, and a video of how nifty these bags are. Yes, that is me in the video. Feel free to leave a comment. Visit my site to learn more and check out my inventory.

My Miche web site: www.SacramentoPurses.com
[I am re-editing the video and will repost soon.]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Pads

Wow, they really do live up the name--magic!

All you do is add a little water to the pad and you can effortlessly remove crayon marks from walls, grease and grime from stovetops, water stains on faucets and sinks, and even permanent marker from furniture.

Below are some before and after picture I took after cleaning my kids' art table. Prepare to be amazed (and all I used was one eraser pad and little bit of plain water).









Pros
Cleans many surfaces in the home, that other cleaners can't.
Requires very little effort.
Works with water only; no other chemicals needed.

Cons
Pads disintegrate quickly.
May take paint off the walls, especially water based paints, so use with caution.

For those who've never heard of or seen Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, they are white foam-like pads that measure 4.6 x 2.4 inches and are 1 inch thick, that are made with a special material that penetrates hard-to-clean surfaces and grooves. Just wet the pad with a little bit of water, enough so that it's moist but not dripping wet. Squeeze out any excess and gently wipe away messes. I use mine mostly for cleaning the water stains and sopa scum on my faucets, sinks, and shower heads, and for crayon marks and scuff marks on the floor (tile and/or linoleum). They also work great in the kitchen, espcially for cooked on stains and grease on the stove. I just used them last weekend to clean out the inside of my fridge.

You can find Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Pads at most stores, like Wal-mart, Target, or your local supermarket, but I highly recommend buying them in bulk for much cheaper. Amazon sells them in value packs of 2 to 4 boxes with either 4 or 8 pads per box.

I'd like to add that although most times I'm all for the generic brand which is cheaper, the store brand versions of these pads have always disappointed me. Buy the actual Mr. Clean Magic Magic Eraser Pads. You will LOVE them!

New Zodiac Signs

Ok, so this is a little off topic, but I've been reading about it over the past couple days and find it blog-worthy.

What I have found is that everyone is listing the new Zodiac signs with their new dates, but no new descriptions, if there even are any. If so, I will be adding them here as soon as I find them. What I'd like to offer in the meantime is a side-by-side comparison of the old signs vs the new ones. This way you can see you who has changed. Most people know their own sign, but do we know all of our friends' and family members' signs? Have they changed? Is anyone now an Ophiuchus, pronounced "oh-fee-uh-kus"? All you need to know is their birth date.



One thing I'd like to point out that seems to be a bit confusing is that there are two zodiacs in conflict--the one the astronomers use, and the one the astrologers use.

Astrologers use the tropical zodiac based on the Spring Equinox, usings "signs". It has not changed, and my guess is the descriptions have not changed either. Astronomers use the sidereal zodiac, based on constellations. It has always included Ophiuchus.

In my opinion, it's not as big of a deal as it's being made out to be, but I'm no astrologer or astronomer, so we shall wait and see.

All Brushes Are HALF OFF!

Use code BCGRTB and get all brushes at half off, many for just 50 cents!

Click here to start browsing. Discount will be taken at checkout when you enter code BCGRTB.

My favorite perfume

My perfume, Hanae Mori, came in yesterday from Amazon.com so I was inspired to make a blog entry because I just LOVE it so much! Though it has been around since 1995, I only discovered this amazing scent about 4 years ago. I received a sample bottle from Sephora at checkout. The first time I used it I received so many compliments, and to this day still get them whenever I where it. It's nice to hear that you smell good, isn't it?

It's a very pleasant smell. It smells floral and sweet at first, like vanilla, but there is no vanilla in it. It then gives off a musky, sexy scent, yet still sweet, that I just can't describe. The fragrance notes patchouli and sandalwood. It's very soft and light, and nothing like any other fragrance I've tried. I love it because it's very different from anything else I've smelled. It's great all year round too. In the spring and summer it's like walking by a bush of blossoming gardenias. In the fall and winter it's like a vanilla latte. I used the latte analogy because a co-worker actually said that to me when I first started wearing it--that I smell like a vanilla latte...delicious!

I was hesitant about writing this review because I feel (for selfish reasons) that the less people that know about this gem, the better for me. On the other hand, it's one of my most favorite products I own, so how could I not include it here?

Pros: Smells FANTASTIC! Be prepared to receive numerous compliments and questions about what you are wearing. Light yet long lasting. Can be worn all year long.

Cons: Hard to find and a bit pricey. Sephora no longer carries it, neither does Ulta or Macy's, which are all stores I shop at often. Nordstrom's carries it but for between $80 and $100. Luckily, you can find it on Amazon for between $30 and $40 for the 1.7 oz eau de parfum spray.

My Review of Shine Eraser

e.l.f. Essentials Shine Eraser

Review submitted by moneli on e.l.f. Cosmetics

These amazing little sheets instantly absorb oil, minimize pores and mattify shiny skin. Woven texture eradicates shine and keeps skin matte for hours. Green Tea Extract helps re-texturize skin, masking facial imperfections. Travel pack fits neatly in purse for on-the-go touch-ups. Contains: 50 she...

e.l.f. Essentials Shine Eraser

These things are great!

By moneli from Sacramento, CA on 1/6/2011

5out of 5

Pros: Easy To Use, Functional

Best Uses: Travel, Going Out, Everyday

Describe Yourself: Trendy Style

I was amazed at how well these worked the first time I tried them. I am back to order a bunch more!

(legalese)