BlissDom 2013 is finally here. Or maybe, I am finally here. Whichever it is – hallelujah! I had a lot of things to take care of before I could leave this morning, and leaving my princess is always super hard, but I honestly believe that we need a break from time to time, especially if you are mom/wife every minute of every day. A chance to be Jaima and not just mom/wife is much needed so that I can be the best mom I can be.

So here’s some fun announcements of some BIG upcoming things I am working on.

First thing, on Tuesday night (March 26) at 9:00p central time, I will be hosting a free call for anyone who is interested in partnering with me and working with my Brand Partner. You all know how much I love Shaklee, and honestly I kind of owe them my life. If you don’t know my story, I will be sharing the whole thing – how we went from absolute tragedy and going an additional $450 a month in debt to paying off every bit of our debt (sans mortgage) in 12 short months. How I went from not wanting to get out of bed in the morning to living our dreams… But you won’t just hear my story, you’ll hear from several of my teammates who are also turning their lives around. I will share all the details about who/what Shaklee is and what this entails (you can also see this series I wrote last year). Whether you are a full time stay at home mom, or a full time employee, if you are interested in a healthier, wealthier life for you or your family then you need to be there Tuesday night.

REGISTER HERE

Later this Spring, I will be hosting a four-week program for anyone out there who is interested in social marketing – and how to make blogging and social media work for you. If you are a seasoned blogger who is looking to monetize your blog, a rookie just starting out and want to know how to get your blog rolling, or just someone interested in learning something new: I will be sharing all of my secrets and how I started my blog from scratch and reached over 40,000 subscribers and an average of 500,000 views/month in less than 15 months. All of the details will be coming soon, but this program will include how / why I got started, how to set up an attractive blog and my favorite tools, how to effectively use facebook and other social media options to grow your business/blog, how to monetize your blog, and many other things including private one-on-one coaching.

SIGN UP NOW FOR MORE DETAILS

I am also excited to share with you two fun eBooks I am currently writing and will be releasing later this year… Stay tuned, I am pretty ecstatic about these, and hope that they change your life and open your eyes the way the things in them have mine…

Now, I’m off to celebrate this weekend in Dallas for BlissDom ‘13! I am stoked to learn new things, meet new people, and share my story with the world… Oh, and maybe sneak in a little party time with my girls. Be sure you follow me on instagram to keep up I am {jaima_ratr. Or on facebook…

Wanted to do a quick recap and share the most viewed posts of 2012! I am super excited for 2013. I have a fun editorial calendar for you this year! Less flying by the seat of my pants.

Over 1.5 million of you viewed my first ever freezer cooking post last year. That is INSANE to me! I never ever dreamed that so many people would love that post. And even more incredible are the daily emails I receive telling me how much the recipes have changed your lives! Don’t miss the other 5 freezer cooking posts…  They were each in the top, too!

This anniversary gift made its’ way around Pinterest!

This post on creating balance was a big hit, too. Be looking for many more posts on this topic in 2013!

Homemade stuffed Gorilla Bread – AHHHMAZING!

Many of you liked this teacher gift!

Fall is definitely over, but I am still making these banana pumpkin muffins! Just made a batch last night, actually.

Believe it or not, it’s almost time for Spring Cleaning again!! This Spring Cleaning Series was a huge hit this year! I will be revamping it slightly this year, but it will mostly stay the same!

This quinoa salad recipe is on our menu plan for this week, too. I was honestly kind of surprised it ranked above some of the others, but it is definitely a keeper.

We cannot wait for Spring to be here so we can play on the back deck and start swinging again! But these homemade sensory tables are perfect for inside too!

I’m happy you all loved The Shed on Wheels: where all the magic happens! I still have to show you the inside! It’s on my editorial calendar! Be on the look-out for it!

One of my favorite days of 2012 was Elizabeth’s 2nd birthday party. We had a Minnie Mouse picnic party and Elizabeth LOVED it!

This is one of my newest posts, so it surprised me to see my super shower saver pop up in the top posts of the year.

I had lots of Christmas baking posts to publish this week, but like everyone else, I just can’t get Newtown out of my mind. I have cried on and off all day since Friday. I just keep wondering, WHY Newtown? How could something like this happen there?

You see, if it was Waterbury or Bridgeport, I could wrap my head around that, perhaps. But Newtown? When folks would call into our office, I use to have to explain to people where Newtown was – how to get there. And Sandy Hook? A teeny tiny part of Newtown, even less people knew about that.

If you read any of the obituaries, you probably noticed that a lot of the babies hadn’t lived in Newtown their whole life. One was born in England, and others were from all across the country. You see, Newtown is the type of place that children come for summer camp and their parents fall in love with it and decide that’s where they want to plant their family. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. A lot of residents actually work and commute to NYC every day, but choose Newtown as “home”. Why? Because it’s Newtown.

The town with a 100 foot flagpole dead in the middle of Main Street. It’s been there since 1876. It replaced wooden ones that use to stand there. THE Pole, as it’s known, is all that Newtown use to be known for. Until last Friday.

It’s a quiet town. Everyone knows everyone, especially the natives. They meet at the parks and ice cream shop, or out on the river, where we spent most of our time away from work at.

Like most of Connecticut, it’s known for it’s old homes and amazing New England churches.

Where the community gathers at the “meeting house”, adorned with Newtown’s emblem: The Rooster.

Where weddings are held and photos are taken at Ram Pasture.

Where you can still purchase sandwiches at the General Store.

Where there’s no chain restaurants and in their place stand authentic Mexican, where she will begin to recognize you and know your order when she sees your face.

Where you can still catch $2.00 movies at the Town Hall.

THAT is Newtown… But now, it is known all over the globe for the most horrific shooting in US History. And it’s December grounds are covered in media and memorials. My best friend went to add angels to the 26 trees someone donated and sent me these pictures yesterday. I can’t quit looking at them – wanted to share.

(under that right tree it says, “sleep in Heavenly peace”… and I cry every time I catch it”

It just makes me sick… BUT, Newtown is STRONG!!!! They are a true community! This will NOT define them. The good things that are coming from this already are absolutely incredible.

For instance, “We Are Newtown” shared this last night

They are challenging everyone to JUST BE KIND!!! Are YOU in?

Don’t forget, you can help give to the survivors here!

I wanted to share this, too…. Jaima, a writer for Simple Homeschooling wrote this article about Newtown, where she also resides.

Also, here is today’s Special Edition of the Newtown Bee, one of the oldest newspapers in the state…

Some of you know this, and some I have shared with over the past week, but Newtown was a very special part of mine and Andrew’s life. We own a home 10 minutes away, and it’s where we worked (together) for 5 years. We still own our home there, but moved to Tennessee almost 3 years ago after our own tragedy. Sandy Hook is obviously very near and dear to our heart, and it is UNBELIEVABLE that something like this could happen there. We have friends with children that attend Sandy Hook Elementary, so to say it hits “too close to home” couldn’t be more true.

One of Andrew’s best friends was, bless his heart, one of the first six officers in the building last Friday. I cannot fathom what that must have been like. I know what he saw, and the only thing that makes it worse is to think of all the other little innocent eyes and ears that had to witness it.

And as with any tragedy, comes nightmares.

I want to provide 620 night lights to the remaining students of Sandy Hook Elementary.

I would love it if we can have them all before January 5, so that they can have them when school resumes at the new location. I know things are busy, but I also know you’re doing a lot of shopping and making trips to the post office!Feel free to print off a flier for your churches, work, or other community groups to get involved.

Why this? Why not just sent money? Well, Newtown is a very economically strong and financially stable town. Plus, everyone is sending money. While I’m sure some of the families could use monetary relief, I think this is something that could directly help the kids make it through each frightening night.

I will receive all the night lights, and if I am unable to make a trip to deliver them directly, I already have hands and hearts lined up who are willing to receive them from me and deliver. You may attach a note to each light if you wish.

Additionally, I usually give 10% of all of my earnings to a local charity, but until Feb 1, any money I make from my blog or my Shaklee site I will donate 70% to help Sandy Hook. I am focusing on a memorial for the victims in the local Fairfield Hills property (which is an 185 acre development and park area in town). Any money earned off my blog includes any sponsorship, affiliate links, ad space, or Shaklee purchase.

I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving! We sure did! It was probably the best one I’ve had since 2007, when Andrew & I drove home and surprised my mom and dad around 1am! Yesterday was incredible. Definitely created lots of new memories, and got to watch old ones on old home videos. As always, there was so much delicious food! The men showed off their new toys, and the kids chased each other all day! My aunt and cousin and I ventured out last night to one store… it was a mad house, but it was actually pretty funny! We had a great time!

If you’re not shopping today, save up for the first week of December when I host my first annual Christmas Bazzar! I am very excited about it!! I have over TWENTY vendors who are offering you exclusive discounts! Don’t fight the crowds, stress over parking, or hunt for that one special thing! Instead, support your work from home moms this week and shop from the comfort of your home and warm pajamas! 

Now on to the giveaways! I know there were lots of ads last week, some weeks it just happens like that! But I am very excited to have an editorial calendar now for 2013! And I think you will really enjoy it, too!

The winner of the Home Depot gift card was Thomas Murphy who said, “I would repurpose my back steps”!!!

Congratulations, Thomas! For being probably my only male reader and for your chance to get those steps the way you want them!!!

The OshKosh B’gosh gift card winner was Emily, who said, “I subscribed to the newsletter! ”!

Thanks, Emily! I’m sure this will help you with your holiday shopping!

I am soooo excited to offer my first annual Christmas Bazaar! A weeklong shopping even full of discounts, free shipping, and great prizes EXCLUSIVELY for Ring Around the Rosies readers!!!

Subscribe to my newsletter to get the daily discounts and updates before they’re posted!

You all know I LOVE supporting other mom’s! If you have a shop that you would like to be featured (it is free advertising for you to participate)! I have several other bloggers lined up to help promote this event, so EMAIL ME SOON to get a spot!

Today is your last chance to register for my free call tonight at 9:00 (central)!

I will be sharing my story and how I was able to go from absolute tragedy to finally living life again. Not merely surviving, but living! If you are looking to create a healthier, wealthier life, or maybe you’re just looking for that "more", then do NOT miss this call! I don’t plan on hosting another call until the new year! Why wait ’til the new year to start fresh, begin now!

It has been such an amazing year for my family, that I can hardly wait to help you make the positive changes you need!

Find out more here: www.ringaroundtherosies.net/homebusiness

Yes! It definitely matters!

Next week, I will be launching this series for you, so be on the look out!

I will be addressing a few questions/comments I get a lot, like:
"It’s too expensive”, “It’s just not convenient”, “does it really matter”, and my favorite, “but every thing causes cancer”!

I would love to know what your concerns or questions are and what your tips you would like to share with our readers! Please leave them in the comments below!

In the meantime, we have a lot of new sponsors this month, so be sure to check them all out on the sidebar!

I hope you’re having a great week! Things are pretty busy here on the home front and the weather is starting to change!

I hope you all have a great weekend! We officially crossed 10,000 members in our facebook community so there will be giveaways next week! There’s still time to get your information to us if you’re interested in donating. Email advertise@ringaroundtherosies.net for details!!!

Now here’s the 4th part of Baby Steps to a Better You:

Chrissy here again for another Baby Step for everyone.

First off, let’s discuss you’re level of commitment. If you are first starting out, and skeptical of working out and seeing progress, then I don’t think going out and buying P90X to start with is going to be a good move for you. Let me just tell you, no matter what you choose, you WILL see results if you stick with it and commit to change. You need to dig deep and be honest with yourself and determine how much of your time and energy you are going to commit to exercising each week. How many hours a week will you dedicate to working out? What types of distractions will you allow or not allow to derail your level of commitment? Now some of you may be thinking that this is silly, how can you foresee the circumstances that may arise. My point is, if you are SERIOUS about losing the weight and gaining a new you, then you have to put the work in. If it’s your workout day, and the kids have been crazy, dinner was two hours later than normal, your Mom calls just as you’re tying your sneakers up, will you still do your workout, or cave to the distractions?

I’ll get a little personal with you for a minute. I used to cave faster than I would like to admit all the time. I was the whiney runner complaining about cramps… “Ow! My side! Ow! My legs!” “I HATE running!” But then I realized that once you push yourself and stick to it, eventually you’ll be chugging along and have that Aha! moment where you realize you’ve ran for 10 minutes and aren’t winded! Or those push-ups you dread, now you can actually do them, and toss in a few more!

I have a little assignment for you all. I want you to COMMIT to it, what-ever your level is that you choose for yourself, write up a contract and sign it. Sound silly? Maybe? Just try it. Write up your goals, and your little mission statement to yourself and put it somewhere you will see everyday. If your slip up, have a consequence, nothing major… maybe an extra 10 minutes to your next work out, or a money jar. Design a reward system for yourself too, and we’re not talking food, you are not a dog. This is up to you and your imagination.

Keep us posted! Let us know what your progress is so far and if you have any questions.