Friday Four: Small Biz Saturday

So how was that Black Friday Shopping today?

You know, I still wonder what compels people to leave their families early to open up stores at ungodly hours. And yes, it’s comically hypocritical to give thanks on one day, only to max out the credit card a day later.

Did you shop ANY small business? I know they would LOVE your business. It would help them with tools, classes, groceries, and other living expenses. Don’t you want your local  small business to stay in business? I know that I do.

I want my favorite small business to thrive. This Small Business Saturday go out and shop your favorite small business. It’s the best way to tell them that you like what they do AND want them to stay in business AND because it’s good for the shops and it’s good for the community.

My top four small business to patronize are:

1. A New Vision CDC

2. Kidtastic Getaway

3. Lil Dream Girls Pampered Spa Parties

4. Oneaka Dance Company

BONUS– Emma Southern Cake Queen

I’ll be adding more to the list on QC Supermom Facebook Page.

Here are a few ways to have a safe and successful online shopping experience:

Shop with credit: Credit cards carry anti-fraud protections, making shopping and even returning online safer.

Minimize information: Use a unique password to shop on Cyber Monday that you don’t use for other accounts and provide the least information possible when placing an order. Unless it is a website you frequent, check out as a guest instead of registering. Use a special “shopping” email address to receive confirmations, receipts.

Good things come in small packages. Butwhen the recent recession hit, small businesses were boxed out big time. In fact, their failure rate jumped a whopping 40 percent from 2007 to 2010.~ American Express

Get organized: Make sure you’ve searched for the best price of the items you want using price comparison tools. Find coupon codes or cash back offers before you start shopping. And know the requirements for free shipping so you to don’t get stuck at checkout paying more than you intended. My daughter purchase came out to $2.00, but Shipping charges equaled $8.00. Go figure!

 Shop Securely: Update your software to make sure you have the latest protections and features. Shop at home (or at work) where you know the Internet connection is secure.

 

 

 

 

 

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First observed on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which featurebig box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small andlocal.

Wednesday Wow: Gobble till you Wobble!

The big day is almost here. ThanksGiving 2013.

Who cares that folks think it’s tied to that crazy man thinking he made an discovery whilst folks were already here. I am looking forward to getting my “feast”on! Although we haven’t planned out a menu yet, I got a feeling it’s going to be delicious! The girls are very excited to be doing the bulk of the cooking. I hear them planning and brainstorming between the two of them. 

Recipe: Classic (Whole Wheat) Bread Stuffing

15 Conversation Topics to Avoid at Thanksgiving Dinner

Lemon-shortbread cookies – yum! by Common Sense Homesteading

I do know our dinner mission is to eat Clean, go Green and burn Mean.

Chasing Supermom
Here’s another delicious alternative to pumpkin pie!

Thanksgiving Stuffing Poppers with a Cranberry Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Here’s a note from No Excuses Just results.

‘Tis the season to be healthy!  Use these tips to make your Thanksgiving just a little healthier.

• Don’t starve yourself the morning of Thanksgiving just so you can eat everything in sight.  Eat your meals like you normally would.  This will help prevent overeating during dinner.
• Eat a small snack or appetizer about 1-2 hours prior to your Thanksgiving meal.  Try some fruit or a salad.  Again, this helps prevent overeating.
• Use smaller plates.
• Use alternative seasonings/ingredients (i.e. olive oil spray instead of solid butter, lemon juice instead of salt, turkey instead of pork, 2% instead of whole milk).
• For casseroles, use reduced fat condensed soups (i.e. cream of mushroom/chicken/celery).
• Avoid adding salts or sugars after your food is prepared.  Adding seasoning after the food is cooked doesn’t allow them to fully dissolve, so you actually end up consuming more salt or sugar than necessary.
• Don’t try to eat every item that’s on the menu.  More than likely, there will be leftovers, so save it for the next day.  However, if you must have everything, fix small portions of each item.
• Take a walk after eating.
• Drink more water instead of sugary drinks.
• Try mashed sweet potatoes instead of mashed white potatoes.  Sweet potatoes have more fiber.
• Introduce more colorful vegetables like sweet peppers, tomatoes, red cabbage, etc.
• Do your workout first thing in the morning to avoid delays and interruption.
• Stretch while watching the football games.  With a full day of football, you can burn a lot of calories by doing some light stretching throughout the entire day.

See I only shared the good stuff! 🙂 I hope this gives you some ideas for a happier and healthier Thanksgiving.  We wish you and your loved ones the best during this holiday season.  Enjoy!

“One should eat to live, not live to eat” -Benjamin Franklin

(ooook, I’ll try my friend.)

It was brought to my attention the there is a mom in the QC with four children. They are living in a hotel. In the family is ADD, ADHD, ODD, social depression and other insecurities. My goal is to find them a house by the 25th of next month. Call me crazy, but even after loosing my own young  daughter, I believe in miracles.

This is not my family. We could never pose for a picture like that. Bless their hearts!

~pulling up my shirt sleeves

Thankful 365

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 28 2013

This year has been amazing. With so many ups, downs and opportunities, there is so much to be thankful for. And yes, I’m talking about more than what you may or may not be cooking on next Thursday. Although that is just as important.

Thankfulness

I am thankful for many things. These are my top 4:

1. My health. I know that if I am in total health, I can get just about everything I need.I’m so thankful for knowing better and the will to do better. Now if I can just get off this couch to exercise!

2.My family and friends.Everyone is here. Meaning we haven’t lost anyone from last year. We have been blessed with a group of strong, progressive, sweet spirits too! We are down to one automobile,but still no complaints here. As the car auctions is cleverly disguise as dates, I am certain we’ll come up with something when the time is right.

Serena, former consultant & 9 month pregnant Kelle, QC Supermom

3. Nature. I love it all. The cold, hot and everything in between.It has been raining here pretty heavy. Guess what, I laid in bed and listened to the natural soothing sounds….. with 4 little handsome boys right beside me. (I guess they said, if you refuse to get up, we’ll come lay with you.)

4. My challenges.If not for them, how would I be able to value the pleasant things? There is a lesson in everything. As they say, no rain, no rainbow. Everything has not worked out as I would have like, but I choose to count it all joy. And so should you. There is someone out there praying for your issues, Be thankful!

Let’s Catch a bird! ~QC Supermom

Friday Four: 4 Secrets Debt Collectors Hate

Earlier on Facebook, I shared a really big secret about debt collectors.

Wanna tell the debt collector that you’ll pay them when pigs fly?

You maybe able to do just that.

I shared that some debt may become stale/ noncollectable. The debit gets really old and based on the state that you are in, after say, 4-7 years, you are no longer bond to pay it. HOWEVER, if you voluntarily offer a payment on a stale debt, that action can revive the debt and make it legally collectible, Before I go any further, let’s be clear, there should never be a point in your life that you should choose to create bills that you have no intention to pay. This list is for those that need a hand up, not a hand out.

Here are a few more tips that will free up the stress level and funds to use wisely at your favorite small business this holiday season. 

1.Collectors will always try to create a false sense of urgency by imposing a series of deadlines, after which ‘this deal will no longer be available.’ The reality is that settlement or workout offers tend to improve over the course of a typical 3-month collection assignment.

2. If you can’t pay the collector the amount he is demanding, or refuse to give your bank account or debit card number to make the payment, the debt collector may threaten to “put you down for ‘refusal to pay.’ ” But that’s “a meaningless phrase in the debt collection world.

3. You aren’t responsible for the debts of relatives who died unless you were a co-signer.

4.The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is very clear that once you tell a debt collector your employer doesn’t allow you to talk with her while you are at work, she must stop calling you there.By continuing to contact consumers at work under these circumstances, debt collectors may put them in jeopardy of losing their jobs,

Now, you have some powerful tools. Use them to get out of debt. But don’t recklessly create more. More tips coming next Friday! Stay tuned!

Spend well ~QC Supermom

Wednesday WoW: Disney’s FROZEN (review)

Last night was another wonderful night in the books for QC Supermom, QC SAHM’s, friends, and many movie lovers!

While I won’t mess up the experience of actually going to the movie “FROZEN” by Disney. I will tell you it was a great family movie. I was grateful for the opportunity to disburse over 120 passes and more so watching smiles on the faces of a few deserving children and their moms face.

QC SAHM’s (these moms are back at work though)

The movie was great! You shouldn’t  watch the movie w/o the 3D glasses. If you did, you would miss half of the in your face action. I can easily say that it is the best one this year by Disney.

My favorite line: “That’s no blizzard. That’s my sister!“

Some parts were predictable . But the surprises were authentic surprises. The messages my kids got from watching was that animals with four legs run very, very fast, their mom sure knows a lot of people and LOVE is a VERY powerful thing!

The official synopsis, “Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.”

See it in theaters Frozen to theaters in 3D November 27th. This Thanksgiving weekend!

Trailer for Frozen

P.S. Take all of the children. Siblings, young and old. Those with family feuds and those that live together as adults. It is a must see! 

~Above all things is love, QC Supermom

Disney’s “FROZEN “

First off, let me tell you that the 4th annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair was a hit!

4th annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair

Here’s what a friend said about me:” I realize yesterday during the Children’s Wellness Fair my friend Kelle is a Supermom – She collaborated with so many sponsors to make the Fair a success while nursing her 18month son, homeschooling 5 kids and running her own home businesses. Thank you Kelle for allowing me to be part of your 1 our your many projects.  “

I told her Yeah, I get along with a little help from my friends.”

Can’t wait till next year! My husband is happy that it’s over. I’m so thankful for him. The house has been packed with boxes, props other peoples kids and he hasn’t flipped his lid more than 4 times (Yes, I counted)  Now that everything is back to normal, I can deep clean our home and get back to the normal swing of things.

This is not Disney’s image. I found it on Tumbler.

I’ll be starting with my newest promo assignment by Disney’s newest film; “Frozen.” It’s a American 3D computer animated musical fantasy-comedy film. (I heard the music is amazing) Fearless optimist Anna, sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Here’s a look at the cute clip below.

Directed by:	Chris Buck Jennifer Lee
Produced by:	John Lasseter Peter Del Vecho
Music by:	Robert Lopez Kristen Anderson-Lopez
Studio:	Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributed by:	Walt Disney Pictures
Release Date(s):	November 27, 2013
Running time:	108 minutes

My boys are sooooo ready for Wednesday. We’ll be going to pre screening of the movie at the AMC Pavilion.

An oldie, but goodie!

 I just found this link. It has loads of movie related things here, including color pages, gallery views, art studio, and more -right here- . You may even view a trailer there. Look for the movie to hit theaters on Nov. 27,2013.

Ok, well, time to play catch up with the kiddos! Talk to you later. ~QC Supermom

Wednesday WoW: Find The Greatness Within

The 4th annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair is THIS Saturday. Will you be there?

A New vision CDC & Queen City SAHM 2013 TCWF

 

 

 

The more I look at the flyer, the more I prop back and think to myself, “Girl, this is one excellent line up! ” The children will walk away from the fair empowered with total children wellness intellect. Talk about an Easy-Peasy Day for parents!

  I already know what will be tweeked for next year Yes, I’m nervous, but yeah, a girl gotta put those nerves on the back burner and enjoy the ride. Sure my eyes are strawberry red, but It’s so worth it. It’s great to know that you are part of the solution.

 

A few weeks ago I ran into a lady that worked for a nonprofit agency that helps people get a better focus in life. I actually was a client of hers some 10 years ago. She shocked me when she told me how much her co workers thought of me. They told her that I was smart, and that I was going to help alot of people!” I had other memories of them, which included fussing and occasional smiles. Our chats always ended with a supportive tight hug.

Ms Workman and Mrs Clara from Charlotte Area Fund are both gone now. But I sit here tonight thinking of all the times they encouraged me to crawl, cry, claw my way onto my goals. For that, I am grateful and humbled.

Today, there is a team of people that believe in my brand, QC SuperMom so much that they are taking time, money & other resources to join me in the 4th Total Children’s Wellness Fair . That is INCREDIBLE!!!

 

Bilo, The Charlotte MCFVC loaned us a few friends!

Someone spoke a word of encouragement to me. I put the work in myself.  I am the mother of 9. We lost a 11yr old daughter in ’05. Then my mom in ’06. We were displaced for 6 months. I was told in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to stop BFing my son. I home-school. I work from home,I’m married to a 1st born, older veteran, who is very traditional. Our income is not that impressive. We share a car. I could go on and on.

Instead I’ll say this, stay in your lane. Never compare your chapter 15 to someones else. As long as you are trying and steady moving you’ll be just fine.. You’ll get there if you want to. See you Saturday! Haven’t RSVP’d yet? Click HERE! 

 

Street Promotion #2. The kids are enjoying learning the marketing ropes.

The kids in the board room making decisions about the Total Children’s Fair

 

This is shameful, but I’ve been living of unsweetened Jasmine Tea and Dove chocolates. SssSH!

 

Don’t EVER allow ANYONE to speak negative into your spirit! There is great in YOU but it’s YOU that have to work on maximizing it! #noexcuses

Cruise tips anyone?

I’ve mentioned this before and I mean it. My family need a cruise. I’ve placed this mission on our

Families Bucket List : 1. Family Cruise by 2015

A throw back. This picture if really old. But I think it’s super cute and had to share. It represents just a small percentage of our family.

From what I hear, It is an amazing experience.  I wouldn’t want to go with just myself and my husband, but I wish to create this special memory with them. Just thinking of us all walking up the port and customs is getting me excited. So I am chatting with agents now.

Mission: Save as much money as possible for a family of 10 for a wonderful themed cruise. Absolute Budget: $2000.Duration: 5-7 days

So far the feedback has been all across the board. From “You want to take ALL of the kids with you?” to “Your budget is what?” Guess what? None of that matters. I’m keeping my eyes on the prize. We’re going on that cruise and we will do it affordably. Time to work my blogger/ product reviewing magic.

So far, I’ve learned these strategies should be used while in pursuit of the best cruise prices:

• Be a little flexible on the departure date and itinerary. Cruising at any time offers terrific value, but there are benefits to being able to travel on fairly short notice or to shifting your departure date or itinerary to take advantage of a great offer.
• Register with a company that is authorized to offer deals on these unsold cabins (signing up is completely free of charge, by the way). Vacations To Go, the world’s largest seller of cruises is one of the more popular websites handling these kinds of bookings.

This link should make my husband proud. It’s a cheat sheet for frugal cruise vacationers.

This is a good one too!

We are willing to invest time searching and since we home-school most of the kids, we are flexible on travel dates,we should get a dreamy cruise for a song. Keep your Fingers Crossed Tight! Bon voyage!~QCSupermom

Here are more pics from last Night at Golden Corral during Veterans Day dinner.

This was from last night, Veterans Day dinner at Golden Corral.

Friday Four: The Total Children’s Wellness Fair ’13 Line up

This years Total Children’s Wellness Fair is almost here!

November, 16th 2013 500 W. 32nd St.
Charlotte NC 11-2pm

Can you believe it? The fair is THIS WEEKEND!!!

So who is coming to Charlotte’s ORIGINAL, 4th Annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair THIS Saturday? Here’s a partial list.  There are a few I want to leave as a surprise!

Sassy FIT Balance Consulting
Monkey Joe’s Park Road

Oneaka Dance Company
Paparazzi

Earth Girl Products by Asha
Baby Signing w/ Tracy

NC Herbal Group
Re-Fashion Show Wellness Ridge
Gracie Barra Charlotte – (Jiu-jitsu)

Kidtastic Getaway
MomsRising

Sugar Bear Skincare
JamBerry

Stand & Deliver Communications
Cooking W/Kids

Earth Fare

Credible Cravings

Avon w/ Felicia
It Works Scentsy
Exodus Chiropractic

South Hill Designs
Heartsavers ( CPR)

Credible Cravings
Muslim M.o.m.s.

Melaleuca
KinderMourn

FINANCIAL Workshop W/ Hope
Chef Michael v/s Chef David

Delta Zeta Pearlettes
QC Stay At Home Moms

Sai The Violinist
Charlotte Babywearers

Diaper Cakes By Joanna Z.

Green Sprouts

Mecklenburg County Fruit and Veggie Coalition

Citi Side

Bilo
STILL LOADING………

Th

Special Edition: Veterans Day 2013 Best of the Goodies

I am a Veterans wife and I love the perks of affiliation. Everything from our USAA coverage to the discount at Healthy Home Market.

On November 11th, 2013 we will be celebrating servicemen and women again. If you are one THANK YOU! If you are lucky enough to have one for the day, treat them to one or more of these wonderful free offers!

Use it as a healthy* and fun way to “Thank you, My Hero!” (For it to be “BOGO” it needs to be just you and your Veteran)

• Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military receive a free signature entrée on Monday, November 11th, 2013.
• Golden Corral: Golden Corral’s annual Military Appreciation Dinner is Monday, November 11th, 2013, from 4pm to 9pm.
• Car Wash: Veterans and service personnel get a free car wash November 11th. Many participating locations in Charlotte, include 7-Eleven.
• Chili’s: Choose from eight entrees or a lunch combo November 11th.
• Red Robin: Red Robin is giving away one free Tavern Double Burger to each veteran or active duty guest on Monday, November 11th, 2013.
• National Parks: From November 9th to November 11th, 2013, National Parks are free for everyone, so this might be a good time for a road trip.
• Hooters: Veterans and active duty military get a free meal Monday, November 11th, 2013.
• Olive Garden: Veterans and active duty military get a free meal on Monday, November 11th. Family dining with them will get 10% off.
• TGI Fridays: Free lunch for veterans on November 11th
• Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and coffee for veterans November 11th.
• Einstein Bagels: Free bagel and “schmear” of cream cheese between 5:30am and 5pm
• O’Charley’s: Free meal from $9.99er menu
• Fatz just sent out an email that they are serving a free meal up to $15 on Monday, Nov. 11

Enjoy yourself and share! (let me know if I left anything off!)
Again, these offers are just for the servicemen and women. Thank you for your service & Enjoy!

~ QC Supermom