Small Business Saturday Christmas Shopping Guide

Happy Small Business Saturday to you and yours!

Did you wake up at 3am on Friday to hit the mall? Me neither.

If you're like me, you like to avoid the long lines and buy BIG by supporting small businesses.

Small businesses are the cornerstone of this country; my parents are small business owners, I have several friends who are small business owners, and I even own my own small marketing company. I know first hand all of the hard work that goes into running a small business and am so excited and honored to be featuring dozens of fabulous women small business owners who more than deserve your business! 

Please grab a hot beverage of your choice, kick back, and enjoy this Small Business Saturday Christmas Shopping Guide!

**I have the businesses divided up into different categories but please know that these are mere suggestions and that basically every single business offers something for everyone on your list--visit their website to get a better idea of all they offer!

1.) Arbonne (by Mallory; her personal website is currently down so please email her to order) -- Arbonne invites you to live beautifully through botanically based beauty, health and wellness products offered through a knowledgeable global network of Independent Consultants. Our Swiss heritage guides our unwavering commitment to product quality and reliability, and we are dedicated to enriching lives through a rewarding business opportunity.

2.) Silpada -- Silpada offers a collection of the highest-quality, handcrafted .925 sterling silver jewelry complemented by natural materials, such as semiprecious stones, rich woods and leather. Silpada is committed to offering the highest quality jewelry. We offer a lifetime guarantee on our jewelry against manufacturing defects.

3.) Doterra Essential Oils -- dōTERRA provides therapeutic-grade essential oils and wellness products to people who care about improving their health and that of their loved ones.

4.) Jamberry Nails (by Emma) -- Jamberry nail wraps offer the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 300 different designs.

5.) The Blessed Branch -- One artsy gal, a very patient husband, a little bit of creativity and a whole lotta love is what The Blessed Branch is all about! 

 

1.) Beachbody (by Audrey) -- Beachbody is a Multichannel Marketer, with mobile, print, online, radio, and various other presences. Offering the most innovative, results-oriented programs and skilled, motivational trainers, Beachbody's core purpose is to help people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life.

2.) Norwex (by Jeanna) -- What started with a miraculous cloth, a little water and bugs on a windshield in 1994 has become one of the most respected cleaning and personal care companies in the world. From our humble beginnings in Norway, focused on “cleaning without chemicals” to our most recent launch of Norwex in Australia, we remain dedicated to our mission of improving quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes.

3.) The Pampered Chef (by Rita) -- At The Pampered Chef®, we have a vision that someday families all around the world will know the joy and rewards of gathering together in the tradition of family mealtimes. To help make this vision a reality, we specialize in high-quality tools that make cooking simple, easy and fun. 

4.) Herbalife -- Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people’s lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Independent Herbalife Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to addressing the global obesity epidemic by offering high-quality products, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Member and a community that inspires customers to live a healthy, active life.

5.) Back & Neck Care Clinic (and products) -- Dr. David Bowden offers fundamental Chiropractic Care and some Physical Therapy Services. Our goal is to get you out of pain and back to living. Call and schedule an appointment today. Dr. Bowden is a In-Network Provider for Medicare and Health Link and Official Distributor of Biofreeze, Solgar Vitamins, Foot Levelers Custom Orthotics, and Tens Units and supplies.

 1.) Beachbody (by Nikki) -- Beachbody is a Multichannel Marketer, with mobile, print, online, radio, and various other presences. Offering the most innovative, results-oriented programs and skilled, motivational trainers, Beachbody's core purpose is to help people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life.

2.) It Works! -- It Works! offers one-of-a-kind skin care and nutrition products that will change your life. Each of our products is formulated by leading scientists, herbalists, and researchers who integrate innovative technology and the finest in naturally based ingredients into their work. The end results? Amazing products designed to work together to tighten and tone, energize, and nourish your body!

3.) Radiantly You (by Erin) -- Radiantly You is a ground-floor network marketing opportunity that offers amazing, handcrafted natural and organic products at an affordable price! Detoxify the life you Live! 

4.) Arbonne (by Gloria) -- Arbonne invites you to live beautifully through botanically based beauty, health and wellness products offered through a knowledgeable global network of Independent Consultants. Our Swiss heritage guides our unwavering commitment to product quality and reliability, and we are dedicated to enriching lives through a rewarding business opportunity.

5.) Norwex (by Becky) -- What started with a miraculous cloth, a little water and bugs on a windshield in 1994 has become one of the most respected cleaning and personal care companies in the world. From our humble beginnings in Norway, focused on “cleaning without chemicals” to our most recent launch of Norwex in Australia, we remain dedicated to our mission of improving quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes.

1.) Jamberry Nails (by Rebecca) -- Jamberry nail wraps offer the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 300 different designs.

2.) Radiantly You (by Angela)-- Radiantly You is a ground-floor network marketing opportunity that offers amazing, handcrafted natural and organic products at an affordable price! Detoxify the life you Live!

3.) Thirty One -- Thirty-One is more than just a company. We are people who believe in celebrating, encouraging and rewarding women for who they are. Through God's strength, we've built a family of individuals who feel women deserve to treat themselves to something special. Our commitment is to provide women with a fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding experience.

4.) Little Sanctuary Gifts -- Handmade gifts for the Christian home.

5.) Podesta Imaging Fine Art Photography -- Professional photography at affordable prices.

1.) Usbourne Books -- Books for children of all ages. Discover fiction and non-fiction, award-winning titles that will stir the imagination and make children say, "Read it again, please!".

2.) Jamberry Nails (by Lisa) -- Jamberry nail wraps offer the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 300 different designs.

3.) Saintly Stitches, LLC -- I provide a variety of personalized embroidered clothing and accessories as well as unique, one-of-a-kind outfits for children made to order.  

4.) That's Sew Mommy -- We’re a pair of mommies dedicated to our families and helping others have some of what made our lives a little easier. 

5.) Elopillow -- elo™ is a mom-created, kid-loved, doctor-endorsed, bedtime system that promotes healthy sleep and a more enjoyable bedtime. 

1.) Scentsy -- Scentsy began with a simple idea—a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles—and quickly grew into one of the most successful direct selling companies in the industry. It all started with decorative warmers and scented wax. Scentsy Fragrance quickly grew and expanded its product line to include all kinds of wonderful products to fill your life with fabulous fragrance! Visit our website to learn more!

2.) Signs & Sentiments -- What began as the brilliant answer to that age-old question, "What do I get my loved ones for Christmas?" has developed into a most fulfilling and joyful adventure, trumped only by the ever-surprising antics of raising 7 children! That "answer" was a crafty wooden sign, (actually eighteen of them!) lovingly hand-cut by my husband and pain-stakingly painted by yours truly.

3.) Pampered Chef (by Karmen) -- At The Pampered Chef®, we have a vision that someday families all around the world will know the joy and rewards of gathering together in the tradition of family mealtimes. To help make this vision a reality, we specialize in high-quality tools that make cooking simple, easy and fun.

4.) Jamberry Nails (by Lindsey) -- Jamberry nail wraps offer the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 300 different designs. SPECIAL SBS DEAL: BUY 3, GET 1 FREE!

Special Services

Mrs. Sandman's Dream Marketing Solutions, LLC -- How Do You Think Mr. Sandman Got To Be So Famous?

Beyond Lovely Designs -- We’ve created a collection of carefully coded, thoughtfully designed website templates, logos, business cards, social media graphics – everything you need to create a beautiful, powerful brand identity. But it doesn’t stop there. Beyond Lovely designs are ready-made starting points that our designers customize for you based on your input. We handle all the design work – adjusting the type, applying the right colors, and uploading web content – so you can focus on running your business. SPECIAL SBS DEAL: Enter SMALLBIZSAT14 to receive $150 off your final website payment.

Caritas FertilityCare -- Caritas FertilityCare™ provides women and couples in the DC area with a thorough understanding of their fertility using the Creighton Model System.

Candila Energy -- "Energy 5-2-6" is the building block of the Ambit Energy Opportunity. This simple, proven formula has already helped thousands of Ambit Energy Consultants earn residual income just by helping others save money on their energy bills.

 Beachbody (by Sarah) -- Beachbody is a Multichannel Marketer, with mobile, print, online, radio, and various other presences. Offering the most innovative, results-oriented programs and skilled, motivational trainers, Beachbody's core purpose is to help people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life.

I had a few more lovely small business owners ask to participate after I'd finished the graphics (sorry ladies!), so don't forget to check out:

Martina Bohnslav Photography -- (Okay, seriously--how adorable is this picture and this baby?!) 

Stella & Dot -- We are a boutique-style accessories company offering flexible entrepreneurship for women. Shop our jewelry, host a trunk show, or join the revolution! 

 Charlie & Co. Photography -- My goal is for the pictures I take of you to be the best you’ve ever had, and I’ll work closely with you to assure you’re totally thrilled with the finished product! Have a look around my site and feel free to contact me if you’re interested in booking a session or if you have any questions!

Thirty-One -- Thirty-One is more than just a company. We are people who believe in celebrating, encouraging and rewarding women for who they are. Through God's strength, we've built a family of individuals who feel women deserve to treat themselves to something special. Our commitment is to provide women with a fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Happy Shopping!

Arbonne's skincare products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 and are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality, safety, value, benefits and results! - See more at: http://www.arbonne.com/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=arb%2FPage%2FBasicDetail&pagename=arb_Wrapper&cid=1343069793709#sthash.ky9Y9Eh4.dpuf

Arbonne's skincare products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 and are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality, safety, value, benefits and results! - See more at: http://www.arbonne.com/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=arb%2FPage%2FBasicDetail&pagename=arb_Wrapper&cid=1343069793709#sthash.ky9Y9Eh4.dpuf

Arbonne's skincare products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 and are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality, safety, value, benefits and results! - See more at: http://www.arbonne.com/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=arb%2FPage%2FBasicDetail&pagename=arb_Wrapper&cid=1343069793709#sthash.ky9Y9Eh4.dpuf

Jackson's 11 Month Update

This is it, folks..

My baby becomes a toddler in less than a month (though he's been acting like one for awhile now).. Why God, why?! We had a deal!! Name that show. Anyway, the invites have been sent, I've started baking (and freezing) birthday treats, and most of the decor has been purchased so I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be for my little guy to turn the big O-N-E.

It's amazing to see just how much Jackson has learned and changed this month.. he is such a smart, outgoing (as long as mommy is nearby), sweet, and funny little guy and I can't wait to see what the coming months--and years--will bring!

Here's what we've been up to this month:

This lasted a whole .5 seconds before he was up and moving around again.. *sigh* (also, ignore the pink eyes :/)

We're going to have to find a new pose/background for pictures after this month.

 Weight: 18 lbs

Length: 29 inches

Nicknames: Jax, Bubbas, Baby, Jacksie, Stinker

Wearing: Some 9 month still fit but mostly 12 month; size 3 diapers

Sleep: Still co-sleeping.. BUT he's been acting like he doesn't like being held by me during the night anymore (which I take as a sign of him being ready to sleep on his own--I'm just not sure if I'm ready!).

Jax likes: Brushing his teeth, kitties, his cousins, Nana, Grammy & Grandpa, Aunt Britney, "talking", Family Feud, peek-a-boo, big boy baths, interacting with others, dancing, going for long walks, Elmo, eating big boy foods, cuddling with mommy, when daddy comes home from work, animals, pushing buttons, pulling himself up onto things, clapping, screaming at the top of his lungs, helping dad around the house, drinking water from his sippy cup, playing outside

Jax dislikes: Being sick, strangers, grape flavored Pedialyte, being in the car for too long

Food: Jax is still a really good eater and will eat just about anything we put in front of him (except for overly sweet things.. is he really my child?!); his current favorites are yogurt, snap pea crisps, breads, carrots, Pumpkin O's, black beans, fries, green beans, chocolate, broccoli, and Belvita Breakfast Biscuits.

Mom & Dad's Favorite Things: Watching him learn & try new things, his adorable little laugh, and his sweet hugs and kisses!

Teeth: Still the same four (and the fourth is still just peeking out).. I keep thinking more are coming because he drools like it's his job!

Happenings: Finished shooting House Hunters; first Halloween; visits from Nana, Aunt Britney, and his cousins; lots of playing outside; Grandpa's 51st birthday; and being sick :(.

~Jackson had such a blast when his cousins, Auntie, Uncle, and Nana came to visit! He and his cousin Sara played the entire weekend--Jackson so loved trying to keep up with his older cousins and his cousins were so sweet and patient with him! It was a very fun weekend!

~Jackson had his 3rd haircut a few weeks ago.. I cannot believe how much hair that kid has (and how envious I am of him for it, ha)! Jax wasn't a happy camper about having a stranger so close to him with a razor but all was forgiven when he got a lollipop (his first ever) afterward. 

 

~ The polar vortex left us trapped inside several days this month but we managed to make do by reading, playing lots of games, and building mommy's new office bookcase. I sure do love our pajama cuddles (ignore the messy bedroom in the background)! 

~My poor baby has been fighting a cold the past couple of weeks (my theory is that he got it from MOPS--those babies love to share drool covered toys!). I finally took him to the Dr. yesterday because his cough was starting to settle in his chest and no amount of steam, liquids, or kisses was helping; it turns out he has a sinus infection and pink eye AGAIN so he's now on antibiotics for both. 

~It's so amazing to watch Jackson grow and learn! This month, he learned how to crawl on his hands and knees (he's been army crawling like a champ for a few months now), sound out a few words (I SWEAR he's saying "hi" when he sees people), new dance moves, and walking while holding onto something for support.

How to Host (Your First) Thanksgiving

As a participant in the Walmart Grocery to Go program, I’ve received a personal invite and payment for my time and efforts in creating this post. As always, all opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by Social Chorus or Walmart.

2014 has been a pretty big year for the Sandmeiers with new jobs, an out-of-state move, buying a house, starting a business, filming House Hunters, traveling, etc., but that is all nothing compared to what I'm taking on next week.. That's right, folks; I'm hosting Thanksgiving for the first time (*cue gasps*)!

Brandon has to work his normal 11-7pm on Thanksgiving Day (before you start feeling too bad for him, know that his company is amazing and caters a Thanksgiving feast for it's employees--he's actually looking forward to working that day!) which means most of the food preparations are going to up to yours truly. Since this is Mr. Jax's first Thanksgiving and since I'll be hosting friends and family, I want the day to be perfect, which is why I've created this step-by-step fool proof guide to hosting Thanksgiving.

1.) Set the Scene
If your home is like ours, you don't have a whole lot of Thanksgiving decor (and maybe a little too much Christmas decor..). If this sounds like you, there's still time to make a change! Here are some adorable DIY Thanksgiving decor ideas that you can make this weekend:

How perfect are these FREE printables from The TomKat Studio?

These festive jars that I found on Craft River are so pretty (and inexpensive to make)!

A unique (and adorable) way to hold utensils from Baby Mama Juice

2.) Create the Menu

Before setting out on your grocery shopping adventures this weekend, try to sit down and prepare a menu; this will make life MUCH easier in the long run! Scour the internet for recipe ideas and unique sides, desserts, and appetizers to add a little pizzazz to your meal. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

Roast Turkey with Spice Rub

Ginger Pumpkin Cookies

Spinach, Strawberry, & Feta Salad

3.) Grocery Shop Until You Drop!

Ah yes, here comes the part we all love the most: wasting precious gas while looking for a parking spot, fighting our way through crowds at the grocery store, and waiting in line for hours on end (okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration.. but you get my point!). 

As the mamma of an almost 11-month-old who isn't the biggest fan of grocery shopping (once his free cookie is eaten or dropped, he's over it), this is something that I dread. Instead of dealing with the headache of shopping/standing around comparing prices/entertaining the babe, I decided make a cup of hot chocolate, sit back, relax, and grocery shop from my phone. 

'Say what?!' you ask?

Thanks to Walmart Grocery To Go, I was able to make my list (and check it twice.. oops, wrong holiday!), browse the aisles of our local Walmart from my phone, and order everything I needed for our Thanksgiving feast.

Easy? Yes.

Fast? Mmm hmm.

Money saving? Umm, yeah!!

After selecting the items I needed (including a turkey, stuffing, fresh milk, dessert ingredients, etc.), I chose a time that worked best for me and submitted my order. That was it! The extremely friendly and helpful delivery drivers (Noah and another gentleman whose name escapes me.. sorry!) couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating.

I can definitely get used to this!

Okay, so we probably won't be needing the Hawaiian pizza for Thanksgiving but I'm showing y'all a few other great things I was able to buy!

I cannot recommend Walmart Grocery To Go enough! If you're looking for a less stressful Thanksgiving, I highly recommend you giving them a try. Register with Walmart Grocery To Go use my link to get $15 off your first order (that's ON TOP of Walmart's already unbeatable prices)!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, you silly goose (err.. turkey?).. what are you waiting for??

Snowy, Small Town Date Night

As I mentioned yesterday, we visited my parents last weekend to celebrate my dad's birthday! We had a blast spending time with family, eating our weight in junk food, and playing cards, but one of the highlights for me was getting to go on a little date with Brandon.

Brandon and I don't get to go on dates as often as we used to (can you guess why?) so we jump at the chance whenever the opportunity presents itself.. and it presented itself on Saturday night. At around 5pm, we kissed our sweet Jackson goodbye, bid my parents adieu, and headed out into the frigid cold for date night.

For those of you who don't know, I'm from a town of about 2,000 people (and graduated from a "large" class of 40) so there aren't too many places to go or things to do on a date.. BUT, when you're married and desperate for a little alone time with your spouse, any place that is at least 1/18th of a mile away from your dear little one is considered a perfect date.

Our perfect date took place 1 1/2 miles from my parents house at a restaurant and bar.

The outside temperature is displayed above the steering wheel so you'll have to believe me when I say that it was only 5 degrees outside (brrrrrrrrrr!).

My handsome (manly bearded) date with his prime rib and beer.

Yours truly with my usual (chicken nachos)--not pictured: my whiskey & Diet Coke (Fun Fact: I hadn't had any hard alcohol since before getting pregnant with Jax.. it. hit. me. HARD).

It was so refreshing to get away with my husband for a few hours. Our date may not look like anything special, but it was--having those few precious hours away with my husband without any interruptions (and without having to entertain/cut up food for a babe) was just what my tired mamma's heart needed.

Here's to (our next) date night!

ICYMI: Here's my dad and Jax eating birthday ice cream cake.. I don't think Jax missed us too much (but I have to admit, I sure missed him)!

Area 51

I think it's safe to say that my dad had a wonderful 51st birthday weekend.

Jackson and I came to my parents on Thursday afternoon and helped kick off birthday weekend with gifts and candy (fun fact: we gave my dad 2 pounds of fun size chocolate bars, my brother gave him a bag of fun size Snickers, and my mom gave him two half pound Reese's PB Cups--wonder where I get my sweet tooth?). On Friday, Jackson and I met with my boss for a quick morning meeting, drove with my mom to my dad's hometown for a birthday dinner with family, and came home shortly before Brandon arrived (he came out after work). Saturday was cold and snowy and mostly consisted of relaxing, overeating, card games, and a little alone time with my hubs. 

Despite having a bad cold, Jackson had a good time too helping his grandpa celebrate, playing* with Grammy's cat, and getting lots of attention from everyone!

Jax is obsessed with his Uncle Joey--it's so funny!! He loves sitting with him and giving him lots of kisses!

Poor sick baby :(

Happy Birthday, Dad!! We love you!

*Playing=crawling after at fast speeds, yelling at, and overall tormenting poor Smokey.

Oh What Fun, My Dad is 51!

Today is my dad's birthday!!

If you know my dad, you know that he is one of the kindest, funniest, hardest working people you have ever met. I'm pretty sure I said this in last year's birthday post, but he is seriously the only person I know who doesn't have an enemy in the world.

Dad: Everyone who knows you loves you and everyone who meets you is a better person because of it. Thank you for being the wonderful, selfless man you are and for being the best dad, father-in-law, and grandpa that we could have ever asked for! We love you very, very much and can't wait to help you celebrate this weekend.

Thrifty Thursday

Today's Thrifty Thursday has a bit of a twist..

..it isn't about clothes!

*gasp*

Yes, you read that right. Today's thrifty find is a toy I found for Jackson last week at Mile High Thrift Store in Northglenn.

Our new horsey friend originally cost $7.95 but since it was 50% off white tag day, I snagged him for a little under $4! He was pretty beat up and dirty but with a little elbow grease and a lot of bleach/Lysol, I was able to get him cleaned up and looking fairly decent again!

Jackson loves to rock on his new friend!

In other thrifty news, I accidentally picked up an original Tickle Me Elmo for $1.95 (I say accidentally because I thought he was just a regular stuffed animal until I got home, realized there was a voice box when I went to wash it, pushed the button, and the box started moving and saying "that tickles!").. Jax's eyes get huge every time he sees his new Elmo though so I guess it was worth it?