Your Plan B

So after almost a year of being laid off, my husband got called back to work last week. With him being an electrician in the union, we know that when he's working he makes good money, but when there's no work (or in his case, an excessive amount of workers), the layoff comes with some pretty fretful times, not just in his profession but in most. We don't know how long this job will last but we are certainly grateful to have it.

After having my daughter in 2009 I knew three things: 1. I didn't want to deal with my commute anymore, 2. I did not want to put her into daycare and 3. I wanted to have the option of working from home either in my profession as a graphic designer or something else. So when I left my job, we took the risk of living on just one income, and with my husband's line of work, the possibility that he could be out of work too. Which happened immediately! For the last 2 years he has been laid off at least three times.

We have struggled and are still trying to get back on our feet but I have to say we have God's help. Most people in our situation would panic instantly. But we were able to put food on our table and pay most of our bills on time (unfortunately using a 401K). And we both have work from home businesses that has brought in some income.

Working from home in any career field takes discipline, so it's not for everyone. And it has it's pros and cons. But if you're serious about finding your "plan b" check out this youtube video. It shows the reality of the instability of the workforce and the stock market but you have the opportunity to take matters into your own hands. Remember, just start with something you're passionate about.

Contact me if you have any questions or if you're looking for a way to supplement your income and I'll direct you to a couple of resources. Have a blessed day!

Franchise Friday!

Sorry folks! I couldn't think of a clever title. =D

Anyway, I went to Menlo Park Mall yesterday for their franchise fair. I just wanted to check out what types of businesses offer this option to making money and being your own boss. To name a few stores exhibiting were: Nestle, Haagen-Dazs, The Little Gym, and Cartridge World. Nestle was kind enough to have some chocolate chip cookies so I made a bee-line for their table!

Franchises require a lot of money: startup (the right to use their name); legal fees (to make sure everything is in order); build-out costs (furniture, equipment, fixtures for your location/s); inventory; supplies; and finally working capital (day to day cash available). For more detailed info you can visit about.com or Wikipedia.

If you're looking to see what are the best and up and coming franchises you can get your foot into, check out these articles:

Entrepreneur Magazine's 2011 Low Cost Franchises
Inc. Magazine's 10 Promising Franchises for 2011
Forbes Magazine's Top Franchises For the Money

The sites are endless but here are a few where you can find a complete list of franchises and more info on how to buy/start one visit:

http://www.franchise.com/
http://www.franchise.org/
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

Lupus Foundation @ Somerset Patriots

Hi everyone,

The Lupus Foundation of America, NJ Chapter is hosting Lupus Awareness Night at The Somerset Patriots on July 2. Tickets are only $8 and there will be a Fireworks Show after the game. Please come out and support this wonderful foundation who I have been supporting for the last 2 years. For more information call 973-379-3226 or visit their website and click on the Patriots logo.

Down to Earth Fashion

I was just browsing the web and came across this article about first lady Michelle Obama wearing a $29 Gap dress. I thought it was really neat that she's so down to earth when it comes to fashion. There really is no need to spend $500 or more on an item of clothing when you can find something just as nice for less.

So this prompted me to find more articles on celebrities shopping at stores I can find in my own neighborhood. Check out what I came across:

- Seventeen Magazine compiled a slide show of celebrities shopping at their favorite stores.
- The Looking Fly on a Dime blog posts celebrities wearing chic styles you can find anywhere.
- The Thread on Yahoo shows how and where you can shop for your favorite celebrity style.

Happy Shopping!

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog! Here I hope to motivate and inspire people to their fullest potential. I am an entrepreneur by heart and believe in taking charge of your life rather than just "getting by" with what the world throws at you. I try to live my life in humble adoration and service to the Lord Jesus Christ. I realize this may turn some people away but I hope it does not.

A little more about me: I'm a stay/work at home mom to a 2 year old girl and wife to the best man God has ever placed in my life. I'm a graphic designer (mostly for print) and I love to write. Stories, poems, articles, etc... I also love to travel and used to blog about it. Visit my old blog listed at right.

So right now, I am building my sterling silver jewelry business from home and work on various freelance design projects that come my way. In between, I am always looking for fun free/cheap things to do with my family, especially now that summer is here.

Thanks again for visiting and I hope you enjoy my blog!