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.”

2011 Featured Women in Business-- Dani Nir-McGrath

Full Name: Dani Nir-McGrath

Name of your Company: ViSalus and Dani Nir-McGrath, LLC

Position: Network Marketer and Home Business Consultant

Blog: www.danimcgrath.com

Website: www.ready4thechallenge.com

Facebook Page: www.fb.com/homebiztips

Year Founded: 2008

Tell us about yourself and your business: I’m a single mom of two toddlers, ages 1 and 3.  I’m a psychotherapist by trade and have always loved building relationships with people, a networker at heart.  Being a mother comes first and an entrepreneur second, and I love the title “mompreneur!” I happen to be a real Facebook junkie as well. J

As a network marketer, I’m promoting the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge.  Helping folks reach their health goals, lose weight, and get fit.  It’s really great watching people transform their lives!  (And I began with my own and am down 10 pounds so far!)

I also am a home business consultant, and have been helping new home business owners learn about this industry and get a quick start in their business.  I am currently focusing on providing trainings, seminars, and webinars to teams and groups on using social media, goal setting, mindset, leadership, and more.

What inspired you to start a business? I spent over ten years working my way up in the non-profit world.  I began as a psychotherapist helping children and families, then started managing programs, developing programs, and then training and implementing legislation for the same population.  With a baby on the way, I realized that I wanted to work from home.  I had no idea where to start!  Being new to network marketing and to the home business world, I saw my experience and training transferring over to a new industry despite being so inexperienced.  As my business grew, I determined that I wanted to not only run a home business and mentor those on my team, but to become a consultant and help other home business owners as well.  Building relationships, training and helping others are huge passions of mine!  I've been home with my two toddlers every day and have the joy of watching them grow and the flexibility and time freedom to enjoy it.

Share one business goal: To personally help more moms stay home with their children and earn a significant income.  So many families are really hurting right now in this economy and I’d love to introduce them to the world of home business and show them how this industry can help everyday people, like me, with little or no experience become successful network marketers.  

What would you say contributes to your success? There are definitely many ingredients!  Being a heart driven leader is first and foremost.  It’s allowed me to effectively lead my team.  Having the right mindset and attitude are key are well.  Treating my business at home as I would a business outside of the home has been critical too.  Meaning, sticking to appointments, timelines, and To Do lists, rather than allowing distractions to come up throughout the day! 

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?  You may change paths or seek guidance along the way, but never, ever give up on yourself!  You can be successful and achieve any goal you commit to and take action on.  Remember, success has more to do with attitude then aptitude!

Warm Regards,

LaTersa Blakely

http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com

Settling Down at The Right Place! Product Review of The Web Entrepreneur Backpack E-book!

Well, as you know over this past week I have been promoting my two new books and my upcoming events!  I have a confession to make!  It just hit me last night that I have been stressing out over all this work that I have consumed myself with.  For those of you who don't know me, I'm LaTersa Blakely, owner/ceo of Baby Diaper Cakes and Beyond, where I specialize in baby shower diaper cakes, baby shower favors, towel cakes and gift baskets.  I was up til 12a.m. this morning scratching my head with trying to figure out what am I doing wrong and coming to the realization that I have been going in circles, and all over the place.  See, my audience is moms, expecting moms, new moms with small children, but I have been traveling around and around in circles trying to figure out, where can I find new customers, while keep my old customers happy?  I'm dead serious about how not being in the right place at the right time can cause you to miss out on sales, leave money on the table, you name it, that's what has happened to me.  But, like I said, I had an aha moment today while reading the ecourse by LaShanda Henry, called "The Web Entrepreneur Backpack" and taking the "7 day challenge on how to find customers online". The entire bundle can be purchased in the Black Business Starter Kit!  I have learned so much from taking my time reading through the Black Business Starter Kit, I have a long ways to go, but that's one of the things that I like about these e-books, I can go at my own pace. If you are a new business owner like myself and you want to know the inside scoop as to how to make customers find you and you finding them, then this kit is for you?

2) Tired of going in circles!  I have been all over the place, and it has led me to a week of NO sales!  It's o.k. to be in a couple of groups for support and exposure, but if you are not in your niche group where you can find people that are potential clients, then you will end up just like me, going around and round in circles, where she stops, nobody knows.

3) Not making any money?  If you are not making money, then chances are, you don't have any customers, or if you have customers, they are not returning.  This Black Business Starter Kit will be a God sent.  I guarantee you, you will be like me, going to the bathroom and reading the book while on the toilet, or better yet, soaking in the tub, reading this book.  When you get great information, it's hard to put it down.

4) Need help with marketing your products or services?  The material in this e-guide has helped me in ways that I can't begin to tell you.  It's like where has Lashanda Henry been all my life!  I don't just read the material, I use the information right away and incorporate it into my business that which applies.  I'm still learning how to market my diaper cakes and other gifts.  I'm using my information that I have learned and being creative to learn better ways to sell and market my products.  Don't give up because things seem not be going like you planned it!  I'm re-evaluating my current situation this weekend, and making some adjustments. So that is what I'm encouraging you to do, whatever's not working for your your business or personal life, please don't be afraid to CHANGE it!

5) Need to know where the low-cost and free tools are?  OMG, when I tell you my head has increased in size tremendously due to all of the resources that I've been searching for, I have found in this starter kit.  Don't worry about the price, or don't say, I'm not paying this much for some e-books.  Bad Idea! Wrong Answer, I promise you, this will help you in so many ways!  So, enough of me going off at the mouth, Go Get Yours Today, Not tomorrow, Not next month, but TODAY!

I really hope you take what I'm giving you today and run with it!  This will help you keep it moving toward your plans and goals for your business.

Best Wishes,

LaTersa Blakely

Get Your Copy of The Black Business Starter Kit Today!--Click here!

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3 Things I love about the Black Business Starter Kit: BBWO

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I'm here today to share with you a review of a great product. The Black Business Starter Kit is a wonderful resources for those of you that are either starting a new business or just expanding an old one. I recently purchase the Black Business starter kit and I have not been able to put it down yet! I purchased it over two weeks ago, and I have been taking notes in my tablets none stop. Now, don't get me wrong, I have been putting those tips to great use. But, let's get to the meat of why I love this product so much.

1)It's easy to follow! You know how sometimes you buy a new product or you are reading a new book, and you say to yourself, what the heck is this book or product all about. Well, you won't have to do this with this product, it is exactly what it is. I could relate and understand everything Lashanda was explaining in these e-book guides. I started with the ones that I really need right now and be sure to keep a highlighter near by, so that you will be able to find all the great things that pertain to you and your business.

2) She uses real-life examples. She explains everything pretty much so that a kindergarten could understand it if you were to explain it to them.

3) You get your money's worth. The material and knowledge that she shares in this package can be used with any kind of business.  I got my moneys worth and then some.

So, I'm encouraging you to purchase this product ASAP, because there is information in this package that all new business owners have, great tips on how to sell your products and services online, and also how to make extra income.  Don't wait until tomorrow, this evening, or even next year to purchase this awesome product, you need to get your very own Black Business Starter Kit Today!--Click here.

I want to hear from you on how much you love this product,  so don't delay your successful business any longer, purchase yours today! I promise you, you will not regret this!

Warm Regards,

LaTersa Blakely

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5 Reasons Why I feel on Top of The World!

Hello all,

I am so thankful for my family and friends who have supported me with my business from day one.  I always count my many blessings for the things we often take for granted.  I want to share with you five things that make me feel on top of the world.

1) My life.  A lot of people take it for granted that they will be here tomorrow.  Well, of the thirty-three years that I have been on this earth, I must say that I have learn to give thanks for my life on a daily basis.  Being able to wake up every morning in good health and  to see my beautiful babies and of course, my husband, puts a big smile on my face.

2) My health.  I have been blessed to be among the healthy people. I might not be at the size I want, or I might have a few mishaps, but overall, my health is in pretty good condition.  When I was a bit younger, I use to take for granted that I would  always be a certain size, and be able to maintain a certain figure or weight, but like many other things, my body started to change over the years, and  especially when I became a mother. Those more to love pounds began to settle in for an extra long vacation.  "I'm still trying to figure out when they are going to leave" But, until I figure that out, I'm going to drink plenty of water, do some form of  exercise.  I'm beginning to embrace my body, health, and mind; because if I don't take care of me, how can I be of service to anyone else.

3) My family.  I can't shut up about this subject because I have a very, very supportive husband. Whenever, I want to start wining or complaining about something, he always remind me of the positive side of the situation and vice versa.  If I have a new idea or new book that I want to pursue, he's my number one fan in encouraging me to be all that I can be and to give it 110%.  My beautiful children who we both love and adore, keeps a smile on my face daily.  Just being able to teach them about real life and how to always keep God first, has been and still is such a joy to hear them ask questions. I also enjoy being able to be involved in my children's school activities.  My all time favorite is having movie night. We rent movies from the Red Box. Not to forget about my loving parents who instilled in me the right principles that would help me to be a survivor in this world.  My brothers who have always supported me in my endeavors.

I really hope this inspires you to be thankful in all you do!

LaTersa Blakely
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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and redbox blogging program, for a $25 Walmart gift card from redbox. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://redboxluck.socialmoms.com/about)

10 Tips for a new mom

Calling all the new moms!

I wanted to stop by to let all the new moms know that there's no need to panic. Just relax, take a deep breath and prepare for your new bundle of joy's arrival one step at a time.  I'm here to help you get ready with my 10 tips for all the new mothers out there.

1) Clean house. What I mean by that is get all the pine sol and natural cleaning supplies out that you have.  Babies are very sensitive to scents and fragrances.  Wash down walls, door knobs, drapes, blinds, linens, and etc. 

2) Get your house baby friendly.  Keep all harmful items out of reach of baby and any other children around the house.  Get cabinet locks for your toddlers, and keep all cleaning supplies out of baby and other siblings reach.

3) Purchase the proper nursery furniture and have it all set up before bringing new baby home. Have your furniture organized they way you want it before the new baby comes home.  You will need all of your time devoted to the baby.

4) Be sure to check all linen to make sure that its 100% cotton or for the organic mothers, make sure everything is organic friendly.  By the way, for all those new organic mothers that are looking to have a baby shower soon. Check out my line of Eco-friendly diaper cakes.

5) Stock up! Diapers, Diapers, Diapers, and more diapers. Please do not buy a lot of new born diapers because babies are in new born diapers for such a short period.  My two little ones, were out of new born diapers before they were a month old. I would suggest buying sizes 1-2.

6) Stock up! Formula, Formula, and more formula; But for those mothers that will be breast feeding, make sure you have the proper breast pump and the correct size. Also, when breast feeding, you want to make sure that you keep your breast pump and all of its components clean and store and a safe area. One thing you do not want to do is start pumping your milk out into an unclean pumping tube. That is really bad for the baby and you.

7) Make sure you have enough clothes for the new baby; (onsies, lafayette, and pajama outfits) For the first few months of baby's life, they will be strictly in the house, so you want to make sure baby is comfortable.

8) Now, that you have baby all squared away! Now its time for you to take care of yourself. Yes, I said it and thats not being selfish. I had to learn this the hard way.  But, one thing is for sure, if mommy's not feeling well, than she is no good for her baby.

9) Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help so that you can get some rest.  Your body will shut down if you don't get the proper rest that your body needs.  With the new baby here, you are not going to have one set schedule because trust you me, babies have a mind of their own. Whenever, they feel hungry, they cry or do whatever they have to  in order to get your attention.

10) Finally, enjoy your new life with your baby. Play little pitty patty games and watch how your baby responds. Get to know that little person that God has blessed you with and DON"T STRESS. Take little baby steps.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”