Happy New Years To All Of you!

Hello and Happy New Years To You All,

I hope you are leaving 2011 out with a bang and stepping into your greatness in 2012.  I want to invite you to my website blog at http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com/blog. Once you are there sign up and join in on all the fun1

Love you all

Fun ways to play outside with your family!

Did you know that September 24, is the official day of play? It's a day set a side to encourage and enlighten families to spend time with their children playing and having fun outdoors.

I can remember as a little girl, I loved going outside to build sand castles, play kickball with my brothers and making mud pies.  I would sit it a deep ditch just muddy and messy, but loving it all at the same time.  I want to share with you some ways that my family and i enjoy playing outdoors.  Now, that i have children of my own, we have created our own little fun in the sun.


1. We love spraying each other with the water gun.  We get about five or six water guns from the dollar tree.  On days that my kids have behaved greatly and completed all their chores.  I grab a chair from the kitchen and fill up the water guns and let the fun began.  We spray each other so much that by the time we go inside, we are soaked.  The kids love it and to be honest with you, it brings out the big kid in me and my hubby as well.

2.  Another one of our fun filled days include going to the local park.  This is where we get on slides and i push my babies on the swings. Sometimes, I pack sack lunches and we have a little family picknic.  We run around that park for  a couple of hours or at least until that get tired.

3. During the summer, we enjoy going to the local festivals. This is where we get a chance to get snow cones, nachos, and other fun snacks.  We play the fun games and just enjoy seeing all the great booths.  The last festival that we attended, they had something like the american idol, so that was fun watching the participants sing their individual songs.

4. Lastly, we like to go jogging.  Well, I actually use that as a way for us to get out the house and get some fresh air.  Now, with my little ones, i can't run too fast, so i slow jog and boy you should see their little legs go.  It's kinda keeps me motivated because they will always remind me, that mommy you didn't go exercise today.  So, they are like my accountability partners.  Also, if it's raining or cold outside, we each run up and down the stairs.

These are just a few of the fun-filled ways my family and I enjoy the goodness of the fresh air.  It gives us a time to bond as a family and share out thoughts about our day.  I'm looking forward to the Clorox2 day of fun! Will you be joining in on all the fun? Find out more information about this at http://clorox2play2day.com/

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox2® blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link tohttp://clorox2.socialmoms.com/about)
 

Blog moved to website blog

Hello everyone, I know you are probably wondering when is she going to post regularly again.  Well, I now have a blog within my website, and I would love for you to keep receiving all the updates and new articles.  And what is new with Baby Diaper Cakes & Beyond by LaTersa.  So I want to personally invite you to join my google friend connect at my website.

You can find it at
http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com/blog

P.S. I look forward to you joining me!
LaTersa Blakely

10 Ways to make your life easier

Since I became a mother, I have come to realize that planning ahead and time management skills are two of the most important things that I live by most on a daily basis.  Before, when I was single, I was use to just getting up going whenever and where ever I wanted to go without having to answer to anyone.  Well, that has all changed now.  So, I want to share with you ten tips on things you can do on a daily basis to make your life a little less complicated and stressful.

1) Pray: Pray about everything; When things are going great, and even when things are not so great. It does not matter how long or how short your prayer is, just as long as it's sincere to God.  I find myself sometimes praying unconsciously. Sometimes, I have so much on my mind and great ideas flowing through my head, that I have to tell someone.

2) Make a daily To-Do-List:  I can not stress enough of how this one little thing helps me out tremendously.  I feel good everyday, that I wake up knowing that I have specific things lined up for that particular day.  Every night before I go to bed, I write down my to-do-list of what I need to accomplish for the next day.  As the day arrives, as I complete a task, I strike through it.  My list is categorized into three parts: Personal, Family, and Business.  Under each category, I list the most important chores first.

3) Do laundry by the loads:  With my household, we have two little ones, so I have to make sure I'm on top of my game.  I usually do two loads every other day. This will keep me from having 10 or 12 loads by the weekend.  I also have to fold them right out of the dryer, because if I leave them in the basket, we will be living out of the basket all week.

4) Cook Meals by the quantity.  Now this is one that I struggle with because certain foods, I don't like to eat leftovers.  I usually cook my meals at least 3 times per week with each day cooking enough for two days.  I have to make sure we all have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and of course snacks throughout the day.

5) Plan ahead.  If you know you have to be out of town for a couple of days, plan for it.  Make sure the kids, hubby, or whomever is well taken care of.  By the way, if you are a mom entrepreneur like myself, you will definitely want to hire some help or get things in order before you go on vacation.

6) Take time out for yourself:  I had to learn this one the hard way.  I am most of the time always making sure everyone else is taken care of, but I skip the one most important person of all: ME.  I have to take time out for me on a daily basis to help keep my love giving, caring, helping, and creative juices flowing.  If I don't take care of me, then I will be no help to anyone else.

7) Have family times:  I know this seems obvious, but some people really are just workaholics.  They work from sun up to sun down. Now, I'm a hard worker myself, but I have to shut it down at some point to watch movies with my kids, read stories, and etc.  Then I have to spend time with hubby, so it's all about balance.

8) Learn to balance family and work:  With this one, it can be a struggle, especially for mom entrepreneurs, because majority of the time, all of our work is snaring us in the face all day long.  So, you have to find balance or else something or someone will get neglected.

9) Time Management Skills:  In order to keep it all together, you have to know how to manage your time well.  You need to set aside specific times throughout the day when you achieve the goals you set for your everyday life. When you master the art of time management, you will be well on your way to a stress free life.

10) Help someone along the way!  I say this all the time.  When you take the focus off of yourself and put it on someone who is in need of your expertise, encouraging words, or just motivation, it tends to make you feel on top of the world.  I know for myself, I love encouraging, inspiring, and motivating others to be their best self.  One more thing, Smile, Smile, and continue to smile; this will surely make your life a whole lot better, because when you smile, the world smiles right back at you.

I really hope this blog post has been a blessing to you, and feel free to spread the good news about making your life better.

Warm Regards,
LaTersa Blakely

Need a Great Baby Gift?--Click here

 wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

10 Reasons why I would love to visit Virginia Beach

I lived in Virginia for two and half years, and one of my most memorable memories were when I spent time in Virginia Beach.  I loved taking my babies there to relax and enjoy the view and just let my kids enjoy the parks. I also enjoyed looking at the beautiful homes on the beach.  I want to share with you my top ten reasons why I would want to go back to the beach.

1) They have a lot of amusement parks that are family oriented.  I was like a kid in the candy store because of all the wonderful parks that available for you to choose from.  I enjoyed taking my children there to play and have picnics.  I would pack lunches and extra set of clothes and we would play until we could hardly walk.

2) Some beautiful boutiques. I am a shopaholic when it comes to various boutiques.  As strange as it sounds, but when you have children, the baby boutiques and consignment stores become one of your favorite places to shop for gently used clothes for your babies. Also, I enjoy finding unique and cute items for myself as well.

3) A larger variety of Restaurant. I tried a new restaurant every time we visited. To me, when you go to the same restaurants all the time, it's like a breathe of fresh air when you can find a different one to visit.

4) A variety of salons.  I loved getting my hair done in Virginia Beach because they did not take all day to complete my hair.  Once I went to a braid shop to get some kinky twist, and boy did i love getting out of their in a couple of hours.  It was actually three people on my head at one time, but i was not complaining. If it was just one person, it would have taken about 7-8 hours.  My patients is not that long anymore since I was young. I use to sit for about 15 hours straight to get braids.

5) Nice Place to Vacation. I could see my husband and I going to Virginia Beach for a nice getaway with our without our babies.  It could be a nice  family getaway which involves the babies as well.  I think we would really enjoy ourselves.

6) Attend some nice and fun festivals.  Virginia Beach is where a lot of festivals and concerts take place.  I would love to go to another festival with my kids now that they are older.  my kids were baby babies when I first attended.

7) A nice place to have a honeymoon. I would say virginia beach is a very beautiful place. It just have that love in the air atmosphere to it.  I could use that honeymoon that we never had to go to virginia beach and have a blast.

8) Great for history.  If you are one of those people that get excited about learning about your culture and history, then this place will definately keep you up to date. Learning new things is always a plus in my book.

9) Love going to the beach. I can't swim but just lying their on the beach looking at the pretty view, puts a big smile on my face.  I would go to the beach just to be cute, and if you catch me on one of my days where i'm feeling brave, I would splash in the water.

10) There are so many cool things to do in virginia beach, that you can not do them all in one visit.  I really enjoyed my stay their and someday I would like to return back for a nice vacation.  I would love to hear your stories of how you loved Virginia Beach!

Warm Wishes,

LaTersa Blakely

Baby Diaper Cakes & Beyond by LaTersa

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

2011 Featured Women in Business-- Eva Asmar

Full Name: Eva Asmar

Name of your Company: Bionee Organic Certified MaternitySkin Care

Position: Founder

Website Address: www.bionee.com

Year Founded: 2010

Tell us about yourself and your business:

My name is Eva Asmar; I was born in Poland, grew up as a German citizen and graduated from the Sorbonne and the ESSEC Business School in Paris. When I finished school, I felt totally inspired by the French beauty industry, so I quickly established myself as a cosmetics industry leader with posts at Yves Rocher, L’Oreal US and most recently as Global Product Manager at The Body Shop in the UK.  At The Body Shop, I was responsible for over 150 products sold worldwide. It was here that I focused on organic ingredients and rigorous manufacturing processes.

A few years later, I moved to the US with my husband, where he was pursuing an MBA at Wharton School of Business. It was here at Wharton that the concept for Bionée was truly conceived: I was pregnant and unsatisfied with the products available in the maternity market. I knew that there was much more I could offer the world. Thus the seed of Bionée was planted. I decided to use my knowledge to create the products from only the most efficient formulas, green concepts and the safest ingredients.

What inspired you to start a business?

I believe that what inspired me the most was my pregnancy and my experience in product development for international cosmetics companies. Over the years I was managing international and leading natural beauty brands in France, UK and the US. My creativity and sense for beauty care are reflected in the various well-known cosmetics creations on the global market.

I also lived in many countries, and I had different cultural exchanges and observations of women and their beauty habits all over the world and I wanted to combine the best of each culture and develop products that speak to the needs of women as myself.

During my pregnancy living and breathing beauty care, I trusted my idealistic convictions and created Bionée, a brand that incorporates “wonder ingredients” from all over the world fused with certified organic and natural modern science.

Share one business goal:

I would like Bionée to become a destination brand for women who want to share their family life with their professional life. Each woman can become an entrepreneur and raise her kids while working and making a living. This is what I wished for myself and this is what I want to offer all the moms out there. Bionée is becoming a player in the direct selling industry where playdates become opportunities for sharing the knowledge about healthy beauty care and Bionée’s products!

What would you say contributes to your success?

The balance between work and family helped me a lot. The flexible schedule and the fact that I can work from home when my baby is napping, and then enjoyed him really helped me!                       But most importantly I believe that every successful entrepreneur has to be an expert in his/hers domain as well as a good business person. My past experience in the beauty industry was key for the success of Bionée.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

Go for it! Don’t be afraid of taking risks, be self-confident; follow your passion and convictions! Don’t be afraid of doing something that you love!  At Bionée we say “Become who you are” and do not force yourself into roles imposed by others.

Be sure to know the market you are entering well, inform yourself and evaluate issues that your products may face, be prepared!

Anything else you want to mention about your business?

Bionée Certified Organic Maternity Skin Care, is all I could wish for my baby and myself: safe, efficient and indulgent, supporting fair trade and the environment!

5 great summer vacations for you and your family

It is summer time and the sun is shining and the kids are almost out of school.  So, I know you are wondering what can we do with the kids this summer to keep them entertained during their summer break.  A lot of families like to travel during the summer breaks to see other relatives or take various fun trips to the museum.  I want to share with you five great summer vacation ideas for you and your family.

One: Take the kids to see or visit their grandparents.  This can give you and your spouse some time alone away from the kids.  Also, this will give the kids some time to get spoiled by their grandparents.  In my case, my parents are so far away and they both still work, so this wouldn't be ideal for our babies.  But, I am making plans for my parents to come visit us for a week full of fun with their grandkids.  This will also give us some time to just be together as a couple without our little ones.

Two: Take a trip to Disney World. Now, this is a trip that I have been dying to go since I was a child.  The entire family will definitely enjoy this trip.  I would say pack your bags, pack sack lunches and head to your nearest airport, or your car if you are driving.  With a trip like this, it is best to get your tickets in advance and book your hotel rooms in advance as well for the great discounts.

Three: Travel to your local zoo.  This would be something very interesting and fun for the little ones.  Not, only will they have fun, but it will be educational as well.  There are always some great deals in your local newspaper or community about admission. We plan to take our children to the local zoo sometime during this summer.

Four: Take them to a local carnival. Check your local papers or news station for events that are happening in your community.  Depending on your particular states, and which holiday is coming up, you should be able to find out what's going on in your community.  As a kid, that was something I looked forward to doing every year.  We enjoyed the various rides and all types of foods.

Five:  Visit a local amusement park and have a family picnic.  This will be something that each of you can participate in.  You can pack lunches and drinks.  Also, you can enjoy watching your kids have the time of their life.

I really hope this can give you a few ideas as to what you and your family can do this summer to have a great time.  I also look forward to hearing from you about your plans of what you plan to do with your family this summer.  For more great tips, feel free to subscribe to my blog!

Happy Summer,

LaTersa Blakely

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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”