Chronicles of a SAHM, Lavender Fields Creations, Saving Money

Multiple Streams of Income

Sonja Hollis

For the last few weeks, my goal has been to acquire multiple streams of income.  I’ve already had my Lavender Fields Creations  store up and running for the last four years, which has brought me so much creative (and financial) joy.  To be able to create something that someone else not only likes, but wants to purchase, is incredible. However, I’d like to pay off my school loans within the next couple of years. My one income is not going to make that happen. 0D692A54-578A-464B-A51F-558FDBCB89AC

I began my journey looking for a “work from home” job.  I’ve taken numerous assessment tests and applied to just as many jobs – probably more.  I’m currently hired at three different companies doing jobs such as; a resourcer, a proofreader, and data entry clerk.  The only downside to being hired to those positions is that there are so many other people who have also gotten hired for those same positions.  Unless you have seniority at their company, it’s really hard to find regular work.  I told my husband that it’s like playing double dutch with my eyes closed – I never know when it is a good time to jump in.  For one company, I have to sit in a queue and wait for work to be assigned to me.  Then, I have only twenty seconds to approve it or it will be assigned to someone else.  For three days, I sat and waited for eight hours in front of this computer and was never assigned.  Thankfully, I have a large monitor so I was able to use my split screen to  continue doing other work while I waited.  I’m not so sure how that will work out, but I won’t quit.

For another job, I get an email nightly to let me know if work will be available for the next day.  I’m on day three with that and no luck.  I see that there are people whose seniority is definitely a benefit.  I get it.  I just need the opportunity to hone my skills by working and get my seniority.

So until something comes along,  I will continue making jewelry, blogging, and writing my book.  I’m even thinking about a YouTube channel for jewelry making.  In any case, I will keep the faith. God didn’t bring me this far to leave me.

Check out my jewelry store while you’re here.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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Chronicles of a SAHM, Thinking of Mom

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Sonja Hollis

As often as I can, I like to watch The Wendy Williams Show.  She is so entertaining.  Okayyy? “How you doin?”  Anyway, she always talks about how she keeps her skin from looking old and cracked (my words) but she recommends that women of a certain age need to always moisturize.

I’ve never been one to use anything other than Vaseline on my face, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.  My cleansing regimen was to splash water on my face, dry with a towel and slather Vaseline on it.  It had always worked for me. I’d never had acne, pimples, or dry skin – until now.  I’m not sure if it’s Lupus, my caffeine intake, or just my age but lately, the Vaseline has not be enough.

Fortunately, while I was on a girl’s trip last month, my bestie had brought along some of her moisturizer.  I’m always skeptical about putting anything on my face, because the few times that I used something other than water and Vaseline, my face broke out.

Anyway, I tried some of her Curel Hydrotherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer and now I’m sold. This is the best my skin has looked and felt in years.  When I touch my face, I can tell a difference – it’s softer.  I wish that I would’ve taken a before and after picture of my face.  I had no idea though.  I use it as directed – after a shower – and I tell you… amazing results.  Though I didn’t have itchy skin, which seems like the purpose of this moisturizer, I did have dry “seasoned” skin. LOL  It just looks and feels so much better. IMG-9202

Now I just use the Vaseline on my children’s skin.

Just wanted to share my find for the day.  If you have any tips or secrets for women over “a certain age,” please share!

Chronicles of a SAHM, Journaling, Lupus, organization

Sketch Notes

Sonja Hollis

I really love these sketch notes.  They allow me to be creative while writing my grocery lists, my to-do lists or just my every day thoughts.  Who knew that what we called doodling in school would become a “thing”?

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Credit to Dana Ladenburger, Twitter

Lupus sometimes creates what they call “brain fog.”  It’s when you have problems concentrating or remembering something. It can be frustrating because it happens at the most inconvenient time (as if there is a good time to forget or lose concentration). So, I’m constantly writing notes on sticky notes to remember stuff, but then misplace them…or my daughter decides they’re hers and writes on them.  I have what seems like a million note pads with letters and reminders to myself. However, since using this method introduced to me by my husband, it no longer feels like a chore when I have to write something down.  It allows me to use both sides of my brain. I can write down the necessary information in a logical fashion, but then I get to highlight them in pretty colors and make pictures to help remind me of the important points. Pretty cool.

We’ll see how long this method lasts.  I’m always up for new things, but then someone else shows me another “shiny object” and I get distracted.  Until the next time…

 

Chronicles of a SAHM, Journaling, organization

INSPIRED TO ORGANIZE

Sonja Hollis

 

So after watching a friend’s Youtube video, The Winey Budget  I was inspired to get organized.  That notion passed quickly though as I am a creature of chaos

I have purchased notebooks, planners, phone apps – all with the intent on getting organized.  I’ve watched videos, searched Pinterest for ideas and created calendars of every size …to no avail.  I doubt I will ever be as organized as I’d love to be, but until then, I’ll keep trying.

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This is just the right side of my desk!

Last night, my husband gave me a bullet journal that I told him that I had seen on Pinterest. I’ve actually started using it – not because I know what I’m doing, but because I know he will ask me about it later.   My husband is also responsible for setting up my office in my basement.  AND OF COURSE my monitor size is ridiculous – a man set it up! (You should see the TV in the family room!)

Anyway, I’m trying to juggle this thing called stay-at-home mom’ing that people think is such an easy task.  Well, I’ve worked from the time that I was fifteen up until the time that I retired and let’s just say this stay-at-home stuff is way harder. Before I retired, I worked 8-10 hours in a scout car, went home, cooked, ate and went to bed.  Now, I have to schedule one day to myself every month just to decompress from the ridiculousness of my unorganized life. So, I need to get my stuff together.  I mean, I saw it on TV!  Moms cleaning, cooking, doing laundry while wearing high heels and mascara, taking kids to their activities, then coming home and being “wife”… and they did all of this with a smile. What the heck am I doing wrong?

I’m supposed to be retired. Yet, here I am doing all of the abovementioned activities, being a girl scout mom, a dance mom, a swim mom and a small business owner. So yeah, I’m a work in progress. Follow me on my adventure as I get my life in order or die trying. LOL

Thinking of Mom

Missing You

Sonja Hollis

January 27, 2015 is the day that my mom passed.  She had glioblastoma multiforme aka brain cancer.  Every year, around this time, I celebrate her memory by posting something on Facebook or Instagram.  It never seems to be enough though.  I write small paragraphs to try to get out my feelings and it never seems sufficient.

This year, she’s been on my mind so heavy that I thought maybe today is the day that I finally listen to one the many voice messages that she left me and that I saved. I hadn’t been able to listen in all this time.  It’s just been too hard.

As I stood in the shower tonight, I broke down because I just really needed my mom; to hear her, to feel her…to just be around her.  So, I opened up one of the files to listen to her voice.

This was the hardest thing I’ve had to do since she left me.  The message was her telling me that she was worried that she hadn’t heard from me.  She was hoping that I was okay and to please call her.

I’m calling now, mom.  Can you hear me?  I miss you too. Just give me a call when you get this message.  I love you with all my heart.

One day, I’ll be able to share these messages with my kids without falling apart.  They’ll be able to hear your voice asking how they were and how much you loved them.  I don’t want them to ever forget you. I love you. Thank you for everything you gave me and sacrificed for me. Thank you for loving me.

Sonja

 

 

Chronicles of a SAHM

I Need a Better Hiding Place

Sonja Hollis

Stay-at-Home-Moms (SAHMs) typically look forward to the end of the day, when every one and every thing is quiet. That’s when we go to our hiding place. My hiding place happens to be my bathroom. I can close the door and think, or dream, or beautify, or just sit quietly and meditate.

Recently however, my hiding place has become no longer that. It has been compromised. This is what has been happening lately:

As I’m sitting on my vanity chair, I hear from a distance, “Mommm.” It’s my five year old daughter. She should be sleep, but has decided that finding out my location is a top priority- as I had not received clearance from her to disappear. I know she’s coming, so I sit as still and stay as quiet as I can.

“Mommmm. Dad, where’s mom?” I listen for his response, because of course, he’s got my back – I am he, he is me. We are one. And of course, he knows it’s after her bedtime and he needs to direct her to go back to her room and go to bed. But no. He tells her my exact location. “She’s in the bathroom.”

Snitch.

So, now I hear footsteps coming closer to the door. “Mom, are you in there?”

No response from me…I’m hiding.

“Mom, are you in there?”

“Yes. What do you want?”

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing. What do you want?”

“Are you on the potty?”

“Sure. What do you want?”

“Did you have to boo boo?”

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

“Are you mad?”

Face palm. “Omg. What do you want? I’m in the bathroom. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Can you put on my band-aid?”

“SERIOUSLY? GO ASK YOUR DAD!”

Now, I’m rushing through the shower just so I can place my hands around my husband’s neck. He heard all of this, but didn’t rush to help me (or her for that matter). I love my kids with my entire heart, but I definitely need a new hiding place.

Chronicles of a SAHM, Lupus, Saving Money

Lupus said “Chill”

Sonja Hollis

So, I had every intention on blogging Saturday but I had a lupus flare and it completely zapped my energy.  After grocery shopping and hanging out with my sisters,  I was supposed to come home and brag about how much I saved at the store, but I crashed and burned.  I think I was asleep before my head touched the pillow.  I had that “I’m so angry that if I don’t go to bed NOW, somebody is going to get hurt” type of sleepiness.

Then, at 2:30am, I woke up in pain in my side, in my back and I had a migraine. I didn’t even get sleepy until a half hour before I had to take my daughter to swim class – ten hours later. I couldn’t take any meds because they just make me sleepy or woozy and I never like feeling like that.  Sure, my body would’ve felt better, but it’s like walking in a fog. I decided to just drink some coffee.  LOL Yes, I have tea and I know that would’ve been a better choice, but I have a serious coffee addiction.  Thankfully, it doesn’t keep me awake. It totally relaxes me.

Having said all of that, I didn’t save a lot of money. I did okay, but I recognize that I needed more help with couponing.  I’ve signed up to a few of the Facebook couponing groups to get tips and tricks.  I’ll go tomorrow to see how well I do on buying school supplies at Target using their ideas.  Either I need more coupons or I need to make a list and travel to different stores instead of getting everything at one.  I did end up going to Kroger to get my free eggs and free Ragu pasta sauce using the coupons they sent me though.  Love those!   Here are my savings: IMG-6003.JPG

I’ll post my savings from Target tomorrow – God willing. Good night!

Chronicles of a SAHM, organization, Saving Money

Saving Money…by any means necessary!

Sonja Hollis

Today, I woke up on a mission to save more money.  I’ve already been clipping coupons, using my store rewards and shopping apps. So, I decided to go to the website of some of my favorite brands, such as Snuggle, Ziploc, Proctor & Gamble and Kelloggs to see if they have any additional savings.  I recognized that I spend more money on these brands than anything else.

What I found were pretty good coupons on Kelloggs (plus points),  P&G and Ziploc – very nice!! I didn’t find any coupons on Snuggle, but I did join the Snuggle Bear Den, so hopefully they will send some soon! It’s also really convenient to be able to link my store cards so that the savings go right onto the rewards.  I don’t have to fumble through so many coupons when I’m shopping when I’m able to do that.

I’ll post my total savings tomorrow!! Here are the links:  www.ziploc.com www.pgeveryday.com, www.snuggle.com, and www.kelloggsfamilyreward.com

Chronicles of a SAHM, Journaling, organization

SAHM Planning Day 4

Sonja Hollis

Day 4 of my new Journaling Journey and I am still enjoying the process.  I’ve realized that from writing down my goals for the day, that sometimes I set the bar too high.  For example, yesterday I wrote that I would take my daughter to school, work out for an hour, then come home clean for an hour and then go back to pick up my daughter from school, cook dinner, wash dishes, etc.

Ok, so this is what really happened: I dropped her off, I worked out, then I came home and passed out for an hour.  I had to put off cleaning until after my daughter got home and had lunch.  I got it done though – house cleaned from top to bottom and I’d worked out.  I had accomplished what I didn’t think I could do in a relatively short period of time.

Also, the fact that my meals are all planned out, removes the stress of trying to think of something last minute or ordering take out.  I also learned to write on my dry erase board that’s attached to the fridge – a menu for the day. There are no changes either – no additions or deletions.  Stress free. I’m loving it so far.

Chronicles of a SAHM, Journaling, organization, Saving Money

Stay-at-Home-Mom (SAHM) Stuff

Sonja Hollis

So… my husband purchased a “Life & Apples” growth planner and I’ve decided that today would be the day to start logging in my affirmations, tasks and goals for my life.   I actually started brainstorming and writing small notes a week prior so that when I opened my planner, I would be ready…hopefully.

What I soon realized however, is that what I thought were just small, attainable goals actually required many steps to achieve.  For example, under the “Career and Finances” category – I wrote that I wanted to stop using my credit cards as much as I have been in the last three months.  To do that, requires me to cut down on spending.  Therefore, I checked my bank and credit card accounts to see where the bulk of my spending was and it was *insert drum roll* grocery shopping.  Ridiculous!  I used to coupon and check the weekly ads for sales, but I’d stopped that and just started shopping every week all willy nilly. (It doesn’t help that I live within five miles of Target, two Meijer stores, Walmart and Kroger) – so my spending has definitely increased.  I realized that I would have to become more organized with my shopping lists and spending habits.

I started by writing down and numbering every meal that I like to make for the family complete with sides. I wrote down the corresponding numbers to days of the week.

Monday – #1 – Meatballs with gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday – #5 – Tacos, etc…

Then, I wrote down all the necessary ingredients that I would need for each meal.

On a separate sheet of paper, I began writing down the items that I didn’t have available in my fridge or pantry and I started clipping coupons.  I then went to my Ibotta app and my Checkout 51 app to see what would be eligible for rebates later and wrote that down.    My next step was to go to each store’s website to see what was on sale, clip my rewards and go shopping.  I decided on Meijer for this shopping trip. (I also use the Shopkick app while in the store which is why I can’t shop with my kids – I need to concentrate). It seems like a lot of work but gets easier over time.   I ended up saving over $50 – with an additional $7.50 in eligible rebates!

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At least now I can start the week off with savings!  I knocked off a couple of tasks in pursuit of the goal of cutting down on my spending and that felt great.  I’m also going to look around to find out other ways to save today.

I think this planner is the way to go!  I can look at my goals at the beginning of the week and see much I’ve achieved at the end.  I just have to be consistent…in everything.  Wish me luck!