Susan Compton - Party Gals

*18 and over

Susan Compton showed us how to bring out our sensuality this holiday season with Party Gals. Let Susan show you how to turn stress into pleasure.

Create a wish list for your sweetheart.

You may have missed the Cyber Monday Holiday Fair but certainly not the fun.

Visit Susan and Party Gals this holiday season.

http://www.dundalkdiva.com


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Earl Spangler and Susan Compton- Tastefully Simple

Earl and Susan showed us how to create a great meal in a snap with Tastefully Simple. From meals to entertaining they shared with us how easy and tasty this can be.

Visit Earl and Susan at Tastefully Simple for delicious mixes.

Contact Earl and Susan so they can create a wonderful gift assortment for this holiday season.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Jodi Lara - Herbalife

Jodi Lara with Herbalife just showed us how to shed that holiday weight this season.

Take advantage of the same after her party by visiting Jodi at http://www.shopherbalife.com/jlara1

Today only! Receive a free sample pack with your order!

Don't need to lose weight? They have a fabulous personal care line! Who knew!?


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Jennifer Clifton - Mia Bella

Jennifer Clifton Mia Bella Independent Distributor just shared with us some amazing candles!

Just because you missed her party at the Cyber Monday Holiday Fair does not mean you have to miss out. Visit Jennifer and her Mia Bella candles and get yours. Order by December 14th for wonderful Christmas gifts.

Today only get a free candle or assorted melts with every order!*

http://www.ScentsibleGifts.org

*Offer available through Jennifer Clifton Mia Bella Independent Distributor


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Have a customer or 2 who order the same items over and over? Keep them in stock. Next time they need their product they won't need to wait. Keep a detailed log of what customers purchase and when. You will see a pattern and can buy ahead anticipating their purchase.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Thank you - Jennifer Metzenbauer of Barefoot Books

Jennifer came out to share her wonderful books and specials at the Black Friday Holiday Fair hosted by So Chic Bag Boutique.

If you didn't make it you don't have to miss out. Receive 20% off your order through November 30. Enter "FESTIVE" at checkout.

For orders $35 or more receive FREE shipping!

Visit Jennifer's Barefoot books website at http://Jennifer-Metzenbauer.barefootbooks.com


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Clothespin Game

As each guest arrives, hand him or her a clothespin. Tell them to attach it to themselves in an obvious spot, and each time they "catch" another guest crossing, uncrossing their legs, or a special word chosen for your event, they can "steal" that guest’s clothespin(s). This definitely keeps the party from getting too "formal". Whoever has collected the most clothespins at the end of your presentation gets a gift! This can be a simple keychain, candle (LunaWolfs Mystical Essence has a wonderful assortment of soy candles), giveaway bag (A mompack is a wonderful gift), or even a Gift Certificate.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

May your day be full of wonderful memories to be thankful for.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

LunaWolfs Mystical Essence

One of my favorite sights during the Christmas season is the luminarias lining the paths of homes leading from the street to the door. My other favorite is the smell of Christmas- evergreen, turkey, ham, cinnamon, gingerbread, and so much more.

Why not combine the 2?

LunaWolfs Mystical Essence can provide you with the wonderful scents of Christmas in the form of a votive for this years luminarias.

What is a Luminaria?
Luminarias are made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle.

LunaWolfs Mystical Essence handpours some fabulous soy candles which are non-toxic, biodegradable, and natural.

Choose a wonderful scent such as Pumpkin Pie Paradise, Christmas Tree, Christmas Memories, Cinnabun, Gingerbread, or Candy Cane. Every 3-5 luminarias place a scented candle for a wonderful scent. You can even request unscented soy votives.

Don't forget this Christmas table centerpieces. Soy candles burn cooler and slower making these a great way to illuminate your Christmas feast.

Place your LunaWolfs Mystical Essence order by December 15th to receive your soy candles just in time for a Christmas Day gathering or even gift giving.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

The Highest Of Distinctions Is Service To Others

The truly successful person doesn't use others, other people use them.

If you can contribute to others, no matter how small your talent, you too can become successful. The measure of anyone is the number of people that they serve.

Service to others is the essence of success. No one achieves success without being of service. All great men and women became successful because they gave some talent or ability in the service of others.

Everybody has to be somebody to somebody to be anybody.

© 2009 YourDailyMotivation.com


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

With the holidays around the corner, men often find shopping a drag. Make it men friendly by having a men's holiday shopping party. Offer products on cash and carry individually and in premade sets, gift wrapping service, even delivery. Make available dinner such as a BBQ spread to be more inviting. This is a great way to bring in men as customers even with a woman's company. Men will thank you.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday Fair

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday Fair
12pm-8pm EST
So Chic Bag Boutique Party Room

You could win a gift certificate from So Chic Bag Boutique!

Great sales! Great companies! Great prizes!

Vendor slots still open. Reserve yours before they are gone! Visit the So Chic Bag Boutique Party Room for more information.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Blogging Tips

I have come across some amazing blogs and I applaud those people for such great care and effort. I am always amazed at what is chosen as a topic and even more amazed at the facts presented for the education of their readers.

While I have come across some that are great, I thought I would offer a few helpful tips to those who are new and need a place to start.

1. Give readers a way to follow easily. Adding Google Friend Connect allows readers to stay abreast on the latest posts. While subscriptions and RSS feeds can help, you want to understand why you would use these.

• RSS: This is a type of subscription that is used with a feed reader allowing readers to view all updates on various sites in one place (not exclusive to blogs)
  
• Email Subscription: Sends notifications of new blog posts to subscribers email address.
  
• Google Friend Connect: Allows readers to use Google Reader or Blogger dashboard to read latest blogs
  
• Bookmark: This bookmarks a page for the reader to visit at their will
  
• Networked Blogs: Allows readers on Facebook to follow blogs and receive Facebook updates on new blog posts. This tool is for Facebook only.
  
• Social Networks: Some social networks allow you to connect your blog to your profile to update readers on current blog postings. This is usually an RSS feed.
  

2. Frequently add posts. At minimum post 3 times a week. Blogs that are not maintained can lose their readers.

3. Keep away from building a blog that is just one long ad. While you may be trying to sell a product you need to use your blog platform as a teaching tool. Blogs that are viewed as ads are not enticing and send readers away.

4. Proof read those posts. A simple slip happens but frequent spelling and grammar mistakes can be a turn off.

5. Find your niche. If you want to write about movies, pick types of movies such as family or romance. You can even get more specific from there.

6. Keep your blog clean and uncluttered. To many things going on at once makes it hard to read.

7. Customize your template. Using a free template provided by your blog host is not as attractive and does not set you apart from others. Do a search for templates such as "blogger templates". You can purchase a template or create your own.

These are just a few tips to get you started.

Happy Blogging!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Purse ABC's

Bring a bag of candy with you to the party (Hershey Kisses, etc.).

Tell guests not to eat the candy during the game. Call a letter of the alphabet, and the first person to SHOW an item from their purse representing that letter wins a candy.

Each person who wins, gets a piece of candy; the person with the most candy at the end of the game is the winner.

Only use about 8-10 letters or so, then stop the game and do your party demonstration.

You can play the second half of the game (the remaining letters) at the end of the demonstration, but this time the guests must ask you questions about your career and company to earn a piece of candy. Imagination counts. It could be a description of an item, the brand name, color, etc.

You'll notice that the same things can be called different names, but they all work for this game. It's a lot of fun to see what people think of when you call a letter. Sure to bring you lots of laughs


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Always Be Prepared For Success

There is no shortage of opportunity. Everyday you are presented with countless chances to be, or do whatever you desire.

Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. Don't miss out on an opportunity because you're not prepared.

Your preparation is absolutely essential. To achieve success, you must have self discipline. You must increase your knowledge and develop your skills.

You're always in the right place at the right time when you're prepared.

© 2009 YourDailyMotivation.com


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Get Organized

Like many WAHMs out there, you are doing your best to bring in a consistent and valuable income. The trend in the WAHM world of consultant and affiliate programs is an overwhelming amount of memberships to companies. The more you join, the more versatile your product offering, the more people visit your businesses, and the more money you will bring in right? While affiliate marketing (signing up for several affiliate programs) and/or starting several part-time consultant programs sound like the right path, this can spell your demise if you are not careful.

The most common thing we do is take all of our affiliate/consultant programs and place those banners all on a free website. After all placing these all on one website gives us a one stop shop that customers will love. They can find all they need in one place. That's why you joined so many right?

We join or start a business for many reasons but the main goal is money. Whether full-time or part-time you are in it for the money. Now you may be thinking how can signing up for so many spell my demise? Ask yourself this, do you place your links on a website and send out text ads and links to that site for people to view? What is on that site that will make people want to buy? You are ultimately sending them to a site that will redirect them away from your site. You are telling them go elsewhere to purchase. Does this make sense? This is network marketing and without a full knowledge and understand of this you will fail.

The idea behind joining several consultant and/or affiliate programs is great but many times you end becoming overwhelmed. You never give your businesses the right amount of attention which in turn never gives them a chance to grown and blossom into a fruitful venture.

If you decide to take on a few companies, get organized. This is essential to your growing businesses. First thing you need to do is create a schedule. Know how much time you are willing to give your businesses each day. This is important. You need to give your attention to your businesses 5 days a week. The term make your own hours does not mean just whenever you feel like it or when you decide you have time. You need to make time. Make a list of all that needs to be done everyday and get on that schedule. Find a minimum of 2 hours a day Monday through Friday for 1 business, 1 hour for each business after. These time suggestions are just minimum suggestions. Your real time requirements can be far more. Avoid the trap of 30 minutes here and there. When you do this it is very easy to push it off and even skip it. Find solid time. Make the time. You can't build a successful business if you don't give your business time.

Create a folder on your computer desktop labeled "My Business". On your desktop is the best place because this is always in view when you sit down and easily accessible. In your main folder create a sub folder for each business labeled with the business name. This is where you will store all pertinent information about each business including files. In each business sub folder create folders for customer lists, product info, account info, business templates (business cards, flyers, etc). Next make a list of all your businesses and store in your main folder. Note any requirements for each business as well. I suggest an excel file (if you are in need of a template, contact me for information). This gives you a quick reference guide.

If you are a WAHM with more than 5 businesses a strict schedule will be crucial to your success. You will need a daily outline of duties. While you may have decided to become a WAHM for the flexible schedule this does not mean you will be without one. Each day dedicate time to each business. A minimum of 1 hour a day per business. This is more than just advertising. This may be researching, learning about the products, planning a party, etc. If you have too many businesses to dedicate 1 hour a day, it is time to weed out the businesses that do not work for you. Stick to 2-3 at most.

Create a work space. This is important. Using the kitchen table is not a work space. Ideally an extra room is best so you can close the door after working hours. At minimum you need a corner of a room with your desk, computer, business supplies, and file cabinet. This is the only place you do work and this space is used for nothing else.

Take time to create a budget. Know your business needs and how to promote your business. How much can you spend each month without commissions. Know how you plan to spend that budget. Break it down per business and stick to it. Keep a tally on all expenses made with each business during the calendar month to stay on top of expenses.

Each week look over your previous weeks work and be sure you are staying organized. Clean your desk area to keep it from getting out of control.

Take a the extra steps to get organized and stay organized will help keep things running smoothly. Staying organized allows you a place to refocus when you get off track.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

WAHM Tip of the Week

Many cell phone companies are beginning to offer navigation applications for your cell phone. These are very useful when getting directions to host parties, deliver product, or even find your way to the vendor fair. Not only will you get directions but you can calculate distance for mileage cost (tax purposes) and time estimates to ensure you will arrive in a timely manner. Check with your cell phone company and add this to your plan.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Take Some "Me" Time

As a WAHM its hard to separate work from personal. You are always on the go taking care of everything. At times you can and do forget about you. Its important to take some "me" time.

At minimum take one day a month dedicated to you. Do a little shopping, get a pedicure, visit a coffee shop and read a book, take in a dinner and movie with friends. Pamper yourself. Just do something that is about you.

Leave the kids at home. If dad can't take care of them, hire a babysitter. Having a me day with the kids is not taking "me" time. That is quality family time. Its not the same.

Don't feel selfish. You have to take care of you before you can take care of everyone else. The world will not fall apart because you took time out for you once in awhile.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

There are no short cuts

Where the rumor started doesn't matter but the reality is there is no short cuts in business. Whether you are a consultant or business owner you have to work and build a business. There is no fast money.

Don't rush a business into making money quickly. Most times you will fail in some aspect such as customer service, product viability, and ultimately sales. Take your time to get organized.

Before you begin your business have a plan. Why are you selling what you are? What is your goal in selling your product or service? What are you goals in 5 yrs for your business? How do you plan to price your product or service? Is your pricing competitive? What is your target? How do you plan to advertise?

Starting a business is tough but with the right planning it can and will be fruitful. Don't cut corners. Do it right and do it right the first time. You will save yourself a lot of trouble from the start.

Pass the Gift

Games are a must at a party and what better way than to start off with a gift!

Use an inexpensive gift, such what ever your business can offer to the guest, (under $5 or $10)

Start by giving the gift to the hostess or person in the middle of the group and the game begins!


1. Take this gift and with out a sigh look around and give it to a person with brown eyes.

2.Yes, you are the lucky one for the moment, but let us all share in the fun! Please look around with eyes discreet and give it to the one with the smallest feet.

3. Your feet are tiny and oh so small, now hand it to someone very tall.

4. Please take your time and don't be harried. Give it to the one who is longest married.

5. You must be proud of your life, now please pass this to the newest wife.

6. Of this parcel you are bereft, give it to the one on your left.

7. The largest earrings I'm looking for now, if you are wearing them, step up and bow.

8. Now to the person with buttons... big or small, any kind, the most you can find, gets the gift this time.

9. Now don't get cross and please don't fight, but pass it to the person 3rd on your right.

10. We should stop now, don't you agree?This gift is yours to keep with glee!!!!

This is a great ice-breaker and really sets the tone for a party.

Have fun!


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

You Make Your Own Opportunities

Your destiny isn't a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice.
It's not something you wait for, but rather something you pursue.

Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities.
Seize common occasions and make them great.

Opportunities sometimes come disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat.

Start where you are.
You're at this moment standing right in the middle of opportunity.

Act on your dreams and you can have them.

© 2009 Your Daily Motivation


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Veterans Day

Thank you to all of those who have served and currently serving our country faithfully.

Thank you for our service and sacrifices.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Plan for Success

You need a plan to find success. Wanting success isn't sufficient enough to get it. You have to create a plan of action of work towards success. Ask yourself, "What are you going to do to get the things you want."

Before you begin, what is your definition of success? Maybe it is having a big house. Maybe it means making a million dollars. Maybe it is selling 5 products a month. Success is different for everyone so define success for you.

Know what it is you want. Write it down. Once you have a direction you need to create a path. That path is what you are going to do to obtain the success you desire.

The obstacle you must overcome is to bridge the gap which exists between where you are now and where you want to be. This is where your plan of action comes in. You can't avoid having a plan. Trying to "wing it" will only hold you down.

Your plan of action should be a step by step plan. You cannot fail with a definite step by step plan. Each step you take will carry you along to the next step. All you need is the plan, the path to follow, and the courage to move forward towards your goals.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Create an office space. This should be strictly for work and not a combined place of use. You want this space dedicated to work so it is not overrun with family life. This can be a corner of a room or an entire room. Do all your work in this space and make it clear this is your work space.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Recruiting Game

The Recruiting Game

This game is designed to help you identify hot prospects. My belief is that any game you play should not only be an ice-breaker, but also designed to point you to potential recruits.

The first step is to assemble three Opportunity Gift Bags. To assemble the gift bags gather all the information you have on your opportunity, then add some special touches, including a gift. The gift can be anything that has visual appeal – a bar of chocolate, a fun gift you found at a dollar store or sale, or one of your own products purchased on special (do not over-spend on these bags. Presentation is the key.) Make sure you use fun gift bags so they have strong visual appeal and display them up front with you. This has two benefits. First, they will remind you that you have to find three people to give the gift bags to, and second, they will generate curiosity and a desire to ‘win’ one.

Next, introduce the game at the beginning of your party. Show the gift bags and tell guests that you are going to play a game. The winner will receive one of the gift bags.

Guests are invited to award themselves points as you call out the following categories:

* One point for each party you have been to in the last two years
* Two points for each party you have been to in the last six months
* Five points if you have ever hosted a party
* Double those points if you hosted a party in the last six months
* Five points if anyone has ever approached you about joining the business
* Ten points if you seriously considered it
* Ten points if you have ever been a Consultant or Representatives for a direct selling company

As you read out statements, guests award themselves points for party attendance, hosting a party etc. This exposes the best prospects to give your business opportunity gift bag to, because those who attend parties and host parties are by far your best prospects. They have basically qualified themselves.

You can make up the points as you go, depending on the group (you want to find a winner so you have to adapt to your audience). But here is a guide:

The guest with the most points wins. Be sure you have that guest’s information so you can follow up in a few days.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

You Are What Your Repeatedly Do

First you make your habits, and then your habits make you.
You become a slave to your constantly repeated acts.
What at first you chose, at last compels.

Your thoughts lead you to a purpose.
Your purpose moves you to take action.
Your actions form your habits.
Your habits determine your character, and your character fixes your destiny.

Your habits are either the best of servants or the worst of masters.

Once in motion, a pattern tends to stay in motion.


© 2009 Your Daily Motivation


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Liv's WAHM Blog WAHM Award

Starting in November Liv's WAHM Blog will begin awarding the WAHM Award to deserving WAHM Blogs.

Recipients of the award will be given by nomination.

The Liv's WAHM Blog WAHM Award will be given to WAHM blogs that represent WAHMs and the WAHM community in an outstanding way.

To win you do nothing! Of course if you have a WAHM Blog you feel is deserving we hope you pass that along to us as a nomination. No matter what, you earn the reward for outstanding representation of being a WAHM.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Establish consistent office hours. This might be difficult in the beginning. Its tough for family to understand that just because you are at home you are still working. Your office hours should be the same time every day. Even when you feel ill you still need to be at work. If you must, create a sign that clearly indicates you are in fact working and even post your office hours.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com