Our Quick Holiday Home Tour.

As you may already know, we relocated from Utah to Washington this year.  It has been a BIG, and sometimes challenging move for us, but we are looking forward to having Christmas together here in our new surroundings.  We are currently renting our home here, so it's nice to have our Christmas decor up.  It brings back many great memories... and helps us to feel at home!

Enjoy this quick holiday home tour!

I've had several people ask about this print of Buddy the Elf.  

You can download it free right here:

http://clawsondesigns.com/holidayproducts.html

Thanks for stopping by!  
Merry Christmas!

Morning Belly Rubs

This boy and his belly rubs.  And back rubs.  And hip rubs.  He lives for these things.

Lately life had been too crazy.  Not even really holiday related.  Just crazy.  Today I am choosing to enjoy the simple and sweet things.  Like belly rubs.

Business Feature... Heritage Makers!!

So excited to feature my friend, Candy May... and her company Heritage Makers on the blog today!  She's an amazing entrepreneur.  Take a looksie...

1. Tell us about your business. Include contact info, web address, how long you’ve been in business, how many employees you have, what your business does, etc.

The first storybook that I wrote about my grandpa, Nicholas Wozney

I’ve started my business journey in 2000 just after my first born’s 1st birthday and my best friend saw a copy of my grandfather’s book on my coffee table and suggested to my mind that we HAD to take the concept of “storybooking” to the world. So my best friend, mother, and I (three women with degrees in education) took that first storybook that I wrote about my grandpa and tried to see if there was a way that families could do it online and publish one copy. We were told by business experts and printers it couldn’t be done. They never said it was a bad idea, they all agreed it was a great idea but we had many doors close on us. I now have 4 children and have been involved in building Heritage Makers for 14 years and have discovered it can be done! We did it and it is affordable, fun and blessing the lives of families everywhere! A dream come true!

The first published book that started Heritage Makers was about my grandpa

My business is the best business in the world because as we all know everyone has a story. Heritage Makers coined the phrase “storybooking” which is the new “scrapbooking” only better as there is no mess, projects/photos are archived online, and we encourage the story to go with the precious photos. Heritage Makers products connects family by celebrating that which matters most in storybooks and other formats. Photos without story are memories lost and we solve that by publishing your products that turn into family heirlooms that will only gain in value over time as children and grandchildren read the books you create about them and other family members and special event.

A page spread from a book about my daughter

What story do you need to tell? I ask my clients. Tell it with the ease and creativity of Heritage Makes. Here is how it works:

Though I am a founder of the “storybooking” movement and the company Heritage Makers I chose, as a mother of four, to stay at home and be a rep or consultant for my own company. My website is http://www.heritagemakers.com/candymay and I am lucky enough to work with about 20 other women. Several of which have built large teams of women in Canada and the USA.

2. What sets your business apart from the competition? What do you do better (or differently)?

• We are a digital publishing company with the most digital art in the world! Over 100,000 pieces of digital art. It is like having a scrapbook store in a digital form. Nothing to download, all you need is an internet connection and you can work from any computer.
• You never have to pay for the use of art or templates, you only pay for publishing at a discount.
• We have competitive prices and an incredible “lay away” program where you pre-buy your publishing dollars at a discount of 25-33%. Consultants enjoy an additional 15% off all projects. Anyone can be a consultant for as little as $10.
• Consultants are the big reason that differentiates us from the competition. If you have a question or need some help you can talk to a person who cares! We attract the most amazing women and they represent us well.
• Unlike our competition you can earn your publishing for free as a consultant and sharing our product with others. Many consultants hold what we call “digi crops” in their homes or local area where clients bring a laptop and work together on projects like a modern day quilting bee.
• Our product quality is the highest. Many people convert over to Heritage Makers for the freedom of design and quality. We have an heirloom guarantee if you ruin you book you can replace it for half off. Your projects are stored in your completed file. I have projects in there that date back over 8 years that I can reprint if I wish.
• Our product makes people cry (in a good way).
• Just ask the hundreds of Creative Memories consultants who have recently joined us, Heritage Makers ROCKS for all the art, design, quality, affordability, convenience and flexibility.

3. What has been your greatest success (or joy) in business?

As a Heritage Makers consultant you LOVE when people experience the “magical” moment when their book arrives and they realize why Heritage Makers is so wonderful. One of the BEST experiences we had as a business was when this “magical moment” happened to Oprah Winfrey and she listed Heritage Makers storybooks as one of her ALL-TIME favorite gift for under $100! In Nov. 2008 O Magazine.  I was so excited it was like a dream come true after years of struggle. It is all because of a consultant named Brenda Cruise who wrote a book for Oprah about her pet that died. Oprah called Brenda and thanked her and said, “Everyone has a story.”

This is the magazine where Heritage Makers was listed as one of Oprah’s All-Time Favorite Gifts for under $100

One of Oprah’s All-Time Favorite Gifts as shown on the the Early Show

4. What has been your biggest challenge, and what has helped you to overcome it?

I love what I do so much but my first goal in life is to be a good mother and wife. My little family means more to me than anything else. My challenge has always been balance. I have been driven to work. I have always loved working on my company and I figured out a way to have it all. I am glad to say that it is possible. All the hard work has paid off and been a blessing to my family in these difficult financial times as I am able to contribute significantly to our family income. When I wanted to give up, when things seemed too hard I would ponder what to do and my gut always told me to keep going. Listen to your gut is my advice and never give up if it’s something you feel good about even if things aren’t going perfectly.

I made a goal to buy my husband his “dream” car in 2011

5. What is your most successful marketing tool? How has it helped your business to grow?

Inviting people to join me in the business and being excited about my product. If I look at my team I notice that they are all people who are friends! Personal contact and talking to people about Heritage Makers has produced many great clients and consultants. Before Heritage Makers was retail and we were in some big stores such as FAO Schwarz, Babies-R-Us, Deseret Book, and Saks Fifth Avenue! The way we got into those stores is the same thing that makes us successful as consultants: Share with passion. People will respond when you are the one who is most sold on your product. I am totally sold on this product as I have seen my father-in-law, husband, and many others in tears when they have received heart-felt Heritage Makers gifts. I have found my best clients and consultants in a running partner, having people over for non-work reasons, at the park or working out. Just open my mouth and be excited about what you have.

Some of our awesome team members (these ladies are from Canada and they rock)

6. What tips can you share with other business owners, who are trying to balance work and family time?

Do what feels right and be patient with yourself. Sometimes you are going to work harder than others but there are a few things I schedule in the week or month that I always do consistently such as team calls, digi crops, a few one-on-one mentor calls, recognition and connecting with clients. I could always do more or do better. I can be hard on myself. I know what I am capable of and I always want to be my best at everything. However I have learned that I need to learn to forgive myself for falling short sometimes knowing there is a  season for everything. Right now I have three kids in school and a four-year-old at home, soon I will have more freedom to work more when he goes of to school so I am patient with myself and listen to my gut and prioritize based on what matters most. You have to be creative, stick to your goals, and somehow make it work… it will pay off eventually. It has for me!

Finding balance is a struggle sometimes but you can find way to make it work if you are creative and believe in what you are doing!

Join the fun at http://www.heritagemakers.com/candymay. I will help connect you with someone awesome from my  team in your area or help you open up your area if we don’t have a consultant there yet.

What's for Dinner? Creamy Vegetable Soup

This recipe was given to me by a good friend a several years ago... and it continues to be a family favorite around here!  We especially love it on a cold Sunday night, with homemade bread.

3 to 4 cubed potatoes

1 large onion, diced

1 stalk broccoli chopped

1 large carrot, grated or chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cups water

3 to 4 chicken bullion cubes 

2 cups grated cheese

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup flour

1 qt milk

Put vegetables, water, and bullion in a stockpot.  Simmer until tender.  Put butter in a bowl and melt in the microwave.  Whisk in flour, and microwave 2 minutes until it bubbles.  Add milk slowly.  Continue cooking and stirring one minute at a time, until mixture thickens.  Add milk mixture to vegetables and simmer 10 minutes.  Add cheese, salt, and pepper.  Simmer until cheese is melted and serve.

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Avengers Assemble!! Party Time!!

It's not quite my little guys birthday... but we celebrated with friends last night. We had a fun Avengers party complete with masks, cupcakes, and a few games. He even invited his favorite 14 year old "girlfriend" from church. We had a blast... and when I asked him what his favorite part was he answered, "ALL OF IT!!" Can't beat that! Happy birthday big boy!!

Office Space of the Week

Loving this beautiful office found here: http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/05/jenna-sue-design-co-studio-reveal.html

Gorgeous light... and great organization.  Everyone should work in a pretty spot, right??

There's help for small business owners! GIVEAWAY!!!

If you've been working to grow your business for a while now and things aren't happening as fast as you want, then I'd like to help you create a MAJOR business BREAKTHROUGH.

Here's the scoop. . .

I've heard from a lot of small businesses that are having an especially difficult time getting their businesses to grow fast these days. After hearing about so many people's struggles, I decided to do something about it!

** NEW, For a Limited Time **

I'd like to invite you to take advantage of a special, "Business Breakthrough" coaching session where we'll work together to:

-- Create a crystal clear vision for your "ultimate business success" and the "perfect lifestyle" you'd like your business to provide
-- Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging the growth of your business and keeping you working too many hours
-- Leave this session renewed, re-energized, and inspired to turn your business into a highly profitable, revenue-generating machine that practically runs itself. . .

GIVEAWAY!!
If you'd like to take advantage of this very special, very limited, and totally FREE 30 minute "Business Breakthrough" phone coaching session, respond today. Just cut and paste... and answer these questions. . .

1. How long have you had your business?
2. What kind of product/service do you provide?
3. What are your revenue goals for the next 12 months?
4. What was your business revenue over the last 12 months? (ballpark)
5. What do you see as the major challenges holding you and your business back from growing at the pace you want?
6. On a scale of 0-10, how important is it for you to overcome your challenges and achieve your goals today?
7. Full Name
8. Email Address
9. Phone #
10. Website

Check off the areas you'd most like to work on. . .
__ Marketing
__ Sales Process
__ Turning Your Team Into High Performers
__ Cash Flow Strategies
__ Customer Service
__ Systemizing & Streamlining Processes
__ Leadership & Delegation
__ Other

Since I'm making this offer for the first time right now and I don't know how intense the response will be, we can't guarantee a coaching session for everyone. I'll take as many people as I can and then start a waiting list. You can expect to get contacted by my team to schedule your session within the next 3 business days. If you don't hear from us, it means we've received more requests than we can handle right now and if something opens up we'll get in touch with you at a later time.

Again, to take advantage of this offer, simply copy and paste (and answer) the questions listed above into your email. The sooner you respond... the better your chances of getting a spot. Email today. shaunalcrandall@gmail.com

What's your customer experience?

So, I'm writing today about something that has been really bothering me over the last couple of weeks. And it has to do with PORK... among other things.

You see, when we moved to Spokane, WA from Utah six months ago I was dreading not having a Cafe Rio nearby. How would I survive? But then... I realized there was a location in Coeur d'Alene Idaho! Woohoo! Only 25 minutes away, and totally worth it... RIGHT??



Nope. Sadly, I haven't loved the customer experience at this location. And it's bugging me apparently.

Here's the problem. Ahem. Problems.

The first thing I noticed is the lack of yelling. And there's just not a feeling of hustle in the place either. Weird, right? There's rarely a "FREE MEAL!" or "EXTRA MEAT!" heard. Last time I redeemed my free meal card, I said "free meal!!" under my breath, and the cashier looked at me like I was crazy. The atmosphere just isn't the same.

That being said, here's the real kicker for me. A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I drove out to the Cafe Rio. I NEEDED my pork tostada. So I order. And they are OUT of Creamy Tomatillo DRESSING. Wait. What??!! That's not possible. It's 12:45 on a weekday. The day is young.

Okay, so I'll have to go with my back up. The pork burrito. Enchilada style. Mild Sauce. Um... they're out of that too. Now I'm baffled. Out of the dressing and mild sauce before the lunch rush is even over. How does this happen? These are STAR items people!

A couple of days later, a friend of mine mentions on facebook that she was in for lunch, and they were out of PORK! Whaaaaaaat???!! Might as well close the doors. Glad I didn't show up that day!

Well, after expressing my concerns to the cute little lady bussing tables, she promptly brought us out a yummy dessert to compensate for our trouble. I really appreciated it, but I just hope they can get things together. It makes my sad that its just not as good as the Utah counterparts.

Now a Cafe Rio is coming to the same parking lot as my husband's store this month. I'm SO excited. And SO hopeful it lives up to my high Utah expectations! :)

After thinking about this (way too much obviously) over the last couple of weeks, I've come up with a few little lessons that many business owners can benefit from!1. Keep whatever your "STAR" service or product is, keep it available at the important and busy times. Plan ahead for busy times. Make things easy and accessible for your customers. This keeps people HAPPY!

2. Create a business with "CULTURE". Know what the feeling of the business should be. It should have a personality, and a memorable experience for all who walk in the doors. Educate your employees on the culture and keep it alive!

3. Take care of your customers. When a problem can't be immediately resolved, offer something to them. Keep them happy so they can come back and have a great experience next time!

4. Keep it consistent. If you have multiple locations, ensure that systems are in place to make the customer experience consistent at EVERY location.

Oh Cafe Rio. I love you and miss the real you. Bring your A game to Spokane Valley, or I will have to drive to Utah. That's just far.

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.

- Abraham Lincoln

Remember

Thanks to the talented Persnickety Prints for today's inspiration. 

My 5 Top Homepage MUST-Haves!

In order for your website to be an effective marketing tool for your business, it must do 2 things:

1.  LOAD FAST and
2.  SELL.

Your website is not there just to dispense information.  You want it to be effective in persuading visitors to buy whatever it is you are selling, be it products or services.

So... here's a list of my TOP 5 Homepage Must-Haves!

1.  Contact Info.  Don't hide your contact info on its own special page somewhere in the deep abyss of your website.  If you want customers to reach you, you will have to make this info incredibly easy to access.

My best decision making advice in business.



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Yummy... Easy... Ice Box Cake!

I have four kids.  Life is BUSY.  I love food that is yummy... and easy.

This recipe is one of the easiest I know.  And it tastes SOOOOOO good!  I took this cake to a party recently, and all the kids were chanting: CAKE!  CAKE! CAKE!  So, it must be a winner!

Are you  ready??  This cake has only THREE ingredients:

EASY ICE BOX CAKE
2 Pints Heavy Whipping Cream
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Box of Chocolate Wafers (Nabisco)
PS... I can't find these at Walmart or Winco.  I usually have to go to one of those "fancy" grocery stores to get them!

Okay, whip up the whipping cream (add sugar as you normally would) until it is really thick.  I love my Kitchen Aid for this... it is done in no time!

Put about half a cup of the whipped cream on a plate and spread it out into a circle.  Place 5 or six cookies evenly on top of the cream.  Continue layering cream and cookies until you run out of ingredients.  And... that's it!!

Place your masterpiece in the fridge for at least 2 hours.  The cookies will get soft.  When you cut and serve it, you will have these beautiful black and white layers.  And it tastes SO good.  Like one big cookies and cream extravaganza!!

Make and enjoy!!  Your kids will thank you!!

Business Feature: Start At Home

1. Tell us about your business. What do you do? How long have you been in business?

I have the wonderful opportunity of running my Blog Start at Home, refinishing furniture remodeling our home and creating home decor.  I am a thrifty frugal mom that loves to shop garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, thrift stores and a few antique stores here and there.  I love to find old furniture and gadgets I can bring back to life.  I have been refinishing furniture for just over a year and I am loving every minute of it!

2. What has been your biggest challenge in running your business? How have you overcome challenges?

My biggest challenge has been finding the right balance.  There are so many roles a mother plays and to add running a blog and business can be tricky at times.  I am sure this will always be a challenge, I don't have a clear cut answer of how to overcome this, as I haven't found the perfect solution for myself.  I just try to keep my priorities straight and make sure the things that are most important, my family, comes first!

3. What has been your proudest moment in business?

My proudest moment....hmmm....there have been a few but my favorite is probably when I sold my very first refinished table.  I never started out with the intensions of creating a small business.  We were remodeling our house and I tried refinishing a few of our pieces we didn't like so much anymore and I LOVED doing it, so naturally I started refinishing everything and before I knew it I had too many pieces.  I posted my first table for sale and to much of my surprise it sold in 20 minutes.  Orders started coming in people started asking me to refinish their pieces and well here we are!

4. What makes you stand out from other businesses that provide similar products or services?

I would have to say what stands out is my style.  With refinishing/repurposing everyone has a specific style or technic they like to use.  Customers who contact me have seen my work somewhere and have a similar style.

5. What tips can you share with other business owners who are juggling business and raising a family?

As I said earlier this is defiantly my greatest challenge.  The thing that has work the best for me is really making sure I am organized and my day is planned.  Someone once said, "time is the one thing we all wish we had more of and the one thing we waste the most of."  By structuring my day I feel I can maximize my time and set my priorities!  

Thank you Shauna for letting me take over your blog!  I have defiantly enjoyed my stay.  

Brooke 

startathome.blogspot.com

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