What would it be like? Who would you tell? What if YOU won the Ecomom.com $75,000 Healthy Home Makeover. It is easy to enter. Even better invite your friends and family to join in the fun. This would be so wonderful to win. If you heard it from Helpfulsister make sure you let them know.
To all you bloggers out there, they have thrown in a special WIN WIN for us. You could win up to $3500 cash prize. You can win the $1000 random drawing by inviting people to enter the contest after you submit your entry. You can also add the Healthy Home Makeover widget to your blog. If someone enters the contest through you and mentions your blog, and they win the grand prize, you win $2500!
PLUS, A $1000 cash prize.
If you enter the contest, simply invite your friends to enter when you submit your entry. For every friends who enters this way, you will receive an additional entry to win a $1000 random cash giveaway.
Get to sharing, good luck and let me know if you WIN!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Art of Giving. 10 Questions
Giving to someone is one of the best feelings. You get a smile, a hug, you feel good, you most likely make that person's day. Everyone wins. Jocelyn Reading, with Phoenix Trading, has a great work at home job. She is an independent trader for Phoenix Trading, one of the top UK direct selling companies which provides all you need in the art of giving. Not only do you get products but there are many reasons to love this company. Top three in my book are:
1. What did you do before you had kids?
- Donates to charities every year.
- Uses over 80 talented artist for their products.
- Founded by three mothers in 1995 and has crossed over into Australia, France, New Zealand and the U.S.
1. What did you do before you had kids?
- I worked as an area sales manager for a big UK Building Society. I loved it, but with my daughter, the long hours, commutes and commitment didn't hold much appeal any more.
2. Describe your typical day.
- There's not really a typical day, which is one of the things I love about being an Independent Phoenix Trader. This week, for example, I've done a door to door brochure drop, I have a toddler group to go to on Friday with my cards, where I'll take my daughter for a play, too.
I'm making up a few baskets of cards, wrap and stationery to drop into workplaces for their staff to buy from, I'm planning a charity open house for next month, I've updated my website, Facebook page etc., and I'm expecting a stock delivery at the end of the week ready to bag up and drop to customers next week.
They're all different jobs, and can be done at times that suit me (often nap times & evenings in front of the TV!) I look after my daughter around this, so we'll also be at other toddler groups and visiting friends. The lovely thing is that the two merge really well. Some of my best customers are now friends, so another thing to thanks Phoenix for!
3. If you could listen to one song over and over, what would it be and why?
- Tricky one! I like loads of different types of music - old, current, cheesy and a little classier!, and veered towards Oasis' Whatever or perhaps The Beatles' Blackbird, but if it had to be just one, it'd be Elton John's 'Your Song'. I love the song and since my daughter was born, I've sung it to her to get her to sleep each night, so it always makes me think of her.
4. What lead you to begin with PT?
- I was looking for something that I could do from home, working flexibly around my daughter. Ideally, I wanted low set up costs, a company with a good reputation, the ability to get going straightaway, no targets so that I could go at my own pace, but with the potential to build a long term, challenging business. It also helps to be genuinely enthusiastic about the product you're selling, and that part's easy with Phoenix, so I signed up!
5. In three words describe your experience with Phoenix Trading.
- Flexible, Rewarding, Enjoyable
6. Tell us a little about Phoenix Trading.
I enjoyed meeting Jocelyn. It is always nice to have gifts, cards, gift wrap in your storage box so you don't have to run out at the last minute. Here are my top 3 products from Phoenix Trading (picking 3 was the hardest part of this feature)
1. Accessories: Organizer boxes, family organizer
2. Greeting cards, of course
3. Gift Wrap-unique and perfect for any occasion
There is just nothing like the gift of giving. Go ahead see what you can find!
- Taken from the website - 'As a direct selling, independent card publishing house, Phoenix Trading has sold in excess of 100 million cards. It donates a substantial amount of its profits to charity and has given over £1million to charities to date. Phoenix Trading does not sell its products through conventional retail outlets; instead it markets an exclusive range of cards and stationery through its international team of over 11,000 worldwide Independent Phoenix Traders. Its direct approach offers exceptional value for money without compromising on the quality of the product and design'
7. What is your personal favorite product from PT?
It's a gorgeous card, glittery with all the wings popping out, and has been used by my customers for engagements, get wells, anniversaries, as well as birthdays, so really versatile. It's also been one of Phoenix's most popular cards ever.
8. What's the best thing about your job?
- It's lovely to introduce Phoenix products to someone for the first time. They adore the designs, appreciate the quality and can't believe the price. It's nice to know it's genuine, too, when they start sending in their repeat orders!
9. If someone lives in the US, how do they find out a little more about joining your team?
- The best thing to do is drop me an email at joloreading@gmail.com or contact me via my website here with any and all questions! I'll email all the information over to you and you can decide what to do from there.
10. How do customers purchase if they live in the U.S?
- Phoenix Trading's website is here where you can find a local trader - happy shopping!
I enjoyed meeting Jocelyn. It is always nice to have gifts, cards, gift wrap in your storage box so you don't have to run out at the last minute. Here are my top 3 products from Phoenix Trading (picking 3 was the hardest part of this feature)
1. Accessories: Organizer boxes, family organizer
2. Greeting cards, of course
3. Gift Wrap-unique and perfect for any occasion
There is just nothing like the gift of giving. Go ahead see what you can find!
~The Helpful Sister
Art of Giving. 10 Questions

Labels:
baby showers,
birthdays,
greeting cards,
kids,
parties,
UK,
WAHM
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The be all to end all
This Helpful Sister has been slacking on blog posts. I do have two wonderful excuses however. Today I am breaking through to the other side. I am going to let you in on a product that is a must have when nursing! Many have seen The Boppy nursing pillow. It seems many have tried to duplicate it as well. When I was first registering for things I thought I would need when #1 came, I did some research and found a nursing pillow that was different than all others. I found the Hazel Wood Children Nursing pillow.
This pillow is made here, in the US. It is beautifully made and easy to take care of. This amazing pillow has a very unique shape, not anything The Boppy. The pillow is filled with organic buckwheat hull. Why is this important? Well, it molds how you want it too, which is so great when you are learning to breastfeed. You can allow the baby to figure out what works but and have a pillow that works with you. It is sooo supportive and soft.
The washable cover is 100% organic velour. What have I used it for other than breastfeeding? Well, my now 4 month old uses it to sit up, while before he was able to lay on it, practicing strengthening his neck and tummy. I have used it many nights as a pillow. What I love is I was having a hard time getting comfortable nursing in our rocker. I got out my Hazel Wood nursing pillow and it contoured to me and my little man.
I highly recommend adding this to your registry or splurging and getting it for yourself. Take a look at how it is made, the desire behind the making of it and how you are able to become a nursing pillow magician, using it for everything under the sun, years after nursing ends. Learn more about this amazing pillow and the family behind it here.
Enjoy your journey!
The Helpful Sister
This pillow is made here, in the US. It is beautifully made and easy to take care of. This amazing pillow has a very unique shape, not anything The Boppy. The pillow is filled with organic buckwheat hull. Why is this important? Well, it molds how you want it too, which is so great when you are learning to breastfeed. You can allow the baby to figure out what works but and have a pillow that works with you. It is sooo supportive and soft.
The washable cover is 100% organic velour. What have I used it for other than breastfeeding? Well, my now 4 month old uses it to sit up, while before he was able to lay on it, practicing strengthening his neck and tummy. I have used it many nights as a pillow. What I love is I was having a hard time getting comfortable nursing in our rocker. I got out my Hazel Wood nursing pillow and it contoured to me and my little man.
I highly recommend adding this to your registry or splurging and getting it for yourself. Take a look at how it is made, the desire behind the making of it and how you are able to become a nursing pillow magician, using it for everything under the sun, years after nursing ends. Learn more about this amazing pillow and the family behind it here.
Enjoy your journey!
The Helpful Sister
The be all to end all

Thursday, December 02, 2010
A few of my favorite things
It is that time of year again, have you noticed? Time to make your wish lists, and get the kids Santa List's to the North Pole so the elves could get fast to work. In honor of holiday lists everywhere, here are a few of my favorite things and the sites to get them at. There are so many great sites out there. This Internet thing really has taken off.
TINY SPROUTS: This website hosts some adorable pieces and the hand embroidery is perfect. Check out the Holiday Ornament which has your own custom hand print of your child. I want one please... http://tinysprouts.com/
FAT BRAIN: Been to this site before? Easy to maneuver through and easy to find great toys for all the kids on your list. They have over 66K in product reviews. FB stocks almost every product they sell and you can see how many are in stock (HUGE!!!) http://www.fatbraintoys.com/
UNCOMMON GOODS: This site is GOOD. Find some unique gifts. Don't fret, just because they are unique your recipient will LOVE it. Got choices? Yes you do: home & garden, kids, office, leisure, jewelry and also a gift finder. Go off the beaten path of gift giving this year. Here are just a few of their ideas. http://www.uncommongoods.com/
SANDBOX THREADS: You can never have enough shirts, onesies. I mean things get stained, torn, or are just your kids favorite. Find a new favorite here at http://sandboxthreads.com/
Just a few clicks away to find a cute, funny, perfect gift for your little one or maybe a relative who is just hard to buy for. Look below, then go search for yourself. Enjoy the sandbox, no dirt required.
All for now. More to come. If you have a favorite let me know. It might already be a fav or could become one.
Happy Holidays
TINY SPROUTS: This website hosts some adorable pieces and the hand embroidery is perfect. Check out the Holiday Ornament which has your own custom hand print of your child. I want one please... http://tinysprouts.com/
FAT BRAIN: Been to this site before? Easy to maneuver through and easy to find great toys for all the kids on your list. They have over 66K in product reviews. FB stocks almost every product they sell and you can see how many are in stock (HUGE!!!) http://www.fatbraintoys.com/
UNCOMMON GOODS: This site is GOOD. Find some unique gifts. Don't fret, just because they are unique your recipient will LOVE it. Got choices? Yes you do: home & garden, kids, office, leisure, jewelry and also a gift finder. Go off the beaten path of gift giving this year. Here are just a few of their ideas. http://www.uncommongoods.com/
SANDBOX THREADS: You can never have enough shirts, onesies. I mean things get stained, torn, or are just your kids favorite. Find a new favorite here at http://sandboxthreads.com/
Just a few clicks away to find a cute, funny, perfect gift for your little one or maybe a relative who is just hard to buy for. Look below, then go search for yourself. Enjoy the sandbox, no dirt required.
All for now. More to come. If you have a favorite let me know. It might already be a fav or could become one.
Happy Holidays
A few of my favorite things

Thursday, November 18, 2010
The low down on high chairs
So...2 months into having two kids under the age of 2 and I am finally able to get a post up. This is huge.
My 16 month old has been using a high chair for some time, but we have recently moved and finally were able to have a dining table. At our other home, our dining area became his play area. Now that our home actually fits a table and we finally found one, we have been using more and more of the high chair. This whole high chair thing is not for me. Why? Well, if you have children or know kids, you know that when they eat they like to put food EVERYWHERE! My little guy would have food on the back of the chair, side of the padding. He was done and get food on the top of the padding, above his head. If these chairs came with an extra pad then maybe I would consider them again, but mine didn't. I seem to have to wash mine almost 3 times a week, maybe more. Maybe if I could do it again I would try something like the chairs at Baby Earth. The chair below, Stokke Tripp Trapp - Classic Collection is pricey $249 and had great reviews. However, seems a little hard on the rear end and not that comfortable.
After a little searching online I found a great Booster chair which I love. It is called the Fisher Price Deluxe Booster chair. I found mine on Diapers.com for $26.99. What I love is that the base is adjustable! It will grow with your child or change depending the table you eat at. Portable even. It comes with a strap that hides away and which you can use when you go out or to a friends home. Brilliant. The price is perfect too! There are two trays as well. My son found out how to take off the detachable one so we only use the one that clips. The tray that clips also adjusts! I believe I have found the chair to use for both my kids. I can wipe it off, even spray it down. Perfectly perfect. If you have friends that are expecting, fill them in on this secret of the high chair world. Save space, save money, and save time. Three things any parent can appreciate.
My 16 month old has been using a high chair for some time, but we have recently moved and finally were able to have a dining table. At our other home, our dining area became his play area. Now that our home actually fits a table and we finally found one, we have been using more and more of the high chair. This whole high chair thing is not for me. Why? Well, if you have children or know kids, you know that when they eat they like to put food EVERYWHERE! My little guy would have food on the back of the chair, side of the padding. He was done and get food on the top of the padding, above his head. If these chairs came with an extra pad then maybe I would consider them again, but mine didn't. I seem to have to wash mine almost 3 times a week, maybe more. Maybe if I could do it again I would try something like the chairs at Baby Earth. The chair below, Stokke Tripp Trapp - Classic Collection is pricey $249 and had great reviews. However, seems a little hard on the rear end and not that comfortable.
After a little searching online I found a great Booster chair which I love. It is called the Fisher Price Deluxe Booster chair. I found mine on Diapers.com for $26.99. What I love is that the base is adjustable! It will grow with your child or change depending the table you eat at. Portable even. It comes with a strap that hides away and which you can use when you go out or to a friends home. Brilliant. The price is perfect too! There are two trays as well. My son found out how to take off the detachable one so we only use the one that clips. The tray that clips also adjusts! I believe I have found the chair to use for both my kids. I can wipe it off, even spray it down. Perfectly perfect. If you have friends that are expecting, fill them in on this secret of the high chair world. Save space, save money, and save time. Three things any parent can appreciate.
The low down on high chairs

Labels:
baby,
baby food,
baby shower,
babysitter,
gifts,
kids,
lunch,
shop,
toddler
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