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Sunday, February 16, 2014

Can You Pay My Bills?

Can you pay my telephone bills, can you pay my automo-bills... I've got the Destiny's Child song "Bills, Bills, Bills" stuck in my head this morning :-)

We are trying to minimize our monthly payments for our cell phone bill right now. My 2 year contract is coming up at the end of the month. I'm thinking about cancelling and heading on over to Virgin Mobile or StraightTalk. Since I am at home most days with the kids, we can get the MagicJack or something similar so I can have a house phone.

We just can't keep paying almost $170 a month for 2 phones with 700 minutes, unlimited messaging, and unlimited data! Especially since there are so many other plans on the market right now that have NO contract and unlimited everything. I'm sure there's a "catch" somewhere in there, I'll have to read the fine print to find out! 

What have you done to get your bills down? I would love to hear your ideas! 

-Laura 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Oh, Hi There!

I guess it would be safe to say I have been so busy that I forgot about my blog! Forgive me? Please? K, thanks! 

Our family has been doing well, just really busy! I am still trying to get on a decent schedule that accommodates both kids nap times and their routines. I have not yet been successful. Hopefully they will start consistently taking naps at the same time! This momma would certainly appreciate it :-)

We are loving our new home! We are slowly but surely making it our own. Updating paint colors, rearranging and purchasing furniture... It's a slow process but I love the outcome so far.

Joey has hit "Terrible 2's" at full force. He goes from happy to meltdown mode in a matter of half a second. He has done great potty training, learning his ABC's, numbers, colors, shapes, and other pre-K stuff. We are very proud of him!

Hayley is a little peanut! Luckily her pediatrician is not concerned with her weight. Last time she was weighed was at 9 months and she came in at a hefty 13 pounds 2 ounces. When I say tiny, I really mean tiny! She is in the third percentile compared to other girls her age. She eats everything in sight! I don't see how it's possible that she doesn't put on more weight. I have been breastfeeding her now. Going strong for almost 11 months!

We are so excited for Spring here. We actually got a lot of snow 2 weeks ago, about 6 inches! Joey LOVED playing in the snow! His favorite part was sledding with the neighbors. We all had a blast! Even mommy got in on the action! I wish I had taken some pictures but we were having too much fun to stop.

Talk Soon!
-Laura

Create and Admire

I have been so busy with life in general lately, but one thing I have maintained is sewing! I love to create new things, especially for my little lovies. And my house.
I am very fortunate to have repeat customers. I have really enjoyed having a physical location to sell, but it just did not work out financially. The boutique was just taken over by new owners and I think they are going to do a fabulous job, but the time isn't right for me right now, and neither is the money.

Things that I've made around the house

You know you love sewing when you get a new picture of snaps in and have to take a picture of how pretty they are! These go on the bibs that I make. 

My set up I had at Unique Boutiques and Marketplace. I LOVE that store! If you are in or near Clayton, NC, I highly recommend you stop in there. They have a lot of unique items that are perfect for treating yourself or giving as gifts. 


Crayon roll and tote bag

There are just a few things I have made recently. Some for our family, some for friends, and some for online customers. 

If you have anything you are interested in, let me know! I accept custom orders and can make a wide variety of things. 

-Laura


Laura Pitt, Thirty-One Independent Consultant

Yup, you read that right! I decided to start selling Thirty-One after I fell in LOVE with their products and company! Thanks a lot, Michelle :-P There are many things that I love about Thirty-One. Consultant support, connecting with other women, partying, and their products! Seriously, they're awesome. 

I love the support they offer that is available to all consultants. There is a ton of training material and resources you will need to have a successful business. I have also been able to meet a few other consultants in my area and seem to all be lovely ladies! I can't wait to spend more time with them while we all grow our businesses together! 

The products are wonderful. They solve so many common organizational issues that people have. Whether it be for your car, pantry, bathroom, office, etc. They have a solution for EVERYTHING! They truly make things easier for busy women.  

I have had 2 in home parties hosted by close friends that did SO well. They were able to get some great stuff for FREE, half price, and items that are only offered when you host a party. 

I have made back the enrollment kit fee ($99), and earned a couple hundred dollars in commission. Only having 2 parties and a few online sales here and there, I am really happy about that accomplishment! 

The BEST thing Thirty-One has done for me is giving me time for myself. It isn't work to me. This is fun, allows me to socialize, and gets me out of the house. Being a stay at home mom, it is really hard to find time away for myself, and this gives me the perfect "excuse"! It has done so much for my morale and self worth. It seems silly, but I really needed something like this for myself. 

If you have been thinking about joining Thirty-One, I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have! I was a skeptic at first, but after researching the company and hearing so many success stories, I was without a doubt ready to join. 

Here are just a few of the products that I have been lucky enough to get my hands on! If you want more info on a particular item, just leave a comment! 
My enrollment kit! I was stalking the UPS man that day. It felt like Christmas when it finally came! 

The Your Way Rectangle bins work great under Joey's activity table! They hold all of his small cars,trucks, and construction trucks really well. I love that he's able to look through the windows on the front to see what's in them. 


We recently went on a trip to New Jersey for a wedding. I was trying to figure out how to transport toys and keep them together while we were there so there wouldn't be toys throughout the house! The Deluxe Utility Tote with the Cinch Top Lid worked fabulously! It was easy to travel with and made an excellent toy bin while we were away. And YES, everything pictured beside the bag is what was inside!
Inside view.

Everything is put away nicely and conveniently in the Deluxe Utility Bundle. 
The new Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote is probably my favorite product. I use it everyday as my purse and diaper bag. The pockets on the outside are great to hold cups, bottles of water, snacks, hand sanitizer, toys, you get the idea. This particular tote is being used as my Office on the go! It fits the Fold N' File perfectly inside. Pens, brochures, and other small items fit perfect in the pockets and make them easy to locate. 


My table set up at my very first party! I love how it turned out. I had a blast! 



Left to Right: Flip Top Organizing Bin, Littles Carry All Caddy, and Keyfob all in Citrus Medallion. I love have the Flip Top Organizing Bin in my car. It is a great storage solution for all the toys that Joey wants to bring with him! The lid is able to come off which he could use as a lap tray for food and toys. It snaps on so you won't have to worry about the lid getting lost. The BEST thing about this bin is that it safely attaches to the seat belt, so you won't have to worry about it going flying if you were to get into an accident! 

Fresh Market Thermal in Navy Wave with Orange monogram. My sister ordered this and I LOVE how it turned out! I need to get one of these bad boys for myself. Can you imagine how much easier it would be to go grocery shopping? This bag fits SO much. You could fit all of your cold items inside and only have to carry this bag into the house! It's also thermal, so you wouldn't have to worry if your food is cold by the time you get home. 



I hope you enjoyed this post and the pictures!! 

-Laura