Making Money Blogging From Home
If you are like me,then you are hardworking, caring, and an over-achiever. You have a degree from a great school, you excel at your job, and you are underpaid for your achievement. Yes, I said it: underpaid. At the fortune 500 company I work for now, they have me doing all types of extra work for upper-upper-upper management, and keep moving me up the ladder "laterally," which means more responsibility, more work, and more possible repercussions if you mess up. The thing is, the term "laterally" is used as a corporate term meaning: "We are not going to pay you more, even though you are doing more."
I want to work from home. I want to watch my daughter and work hard. I have googled "work from home" several times, and keep getting all of these faulty advertisements and spam pop ups, and nothing has really come out of it yet.
I ask you, my readers, to support my efforts and join me in my quest to find real answers and solutions to the work from home mystery. Let's solve it together. If you have any thoughts, or ideas, or have things that have worked for you, please leave a comment about this post so that you can share your knowledge with working moms everywhere.
Follow my journey with me!
Step one: Create a blog. I started this blog after watching a woman talk to Oprah about going through post-partem depression and blogging about it. Her way of dealing with her depression was to write about what she thought and was going through. Now, she makes $40,000 a month from blogging. That is not a typo, she makes $40,000 a month from blogging. I will be happy if I had a job with a base salary of $40,000 a year! Unfortunately in this economy, a bachelors degree and a masters cannot even get you that if you don't know the right people. So back to step 1: create a blog.
I started this blog on blogger.com with the hopes that google adsense and other money generating tools would be useful to me. Yesterday I made $00.18. That is a
small number, I admit, but it is something. It means that someone out there is reading what I have to write, and if they are, that means that I have a chance. My goal everyday is to beat the amount generated the day before. That means, quality posts and blog marketing. It means finding sponsors and supporters who are willing to support my cause, and it means not giving up. So I will not give up. I will prevail. I will research. And I will share my journey with you so you can too!
Money is made in blogging when traffic visits your site and people click on the ads that are provided by your sponsors. It is a numbers game. If enough people visit my blog and are interested in my sponsors then I will make money. so let us begin this journey together.
Thank you for your dedication and support for mothers everywhere, looking to make a difference and a change.
I look forward to your feedback, advice, comments, and questions!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Getting a 1 Year Old to Sleep All Night: Co-Sleeping Transition
Getting a newborn to sleep through the night is impossible, if not dangerous, because newborns need to be fed every 2 hours to sustain them. But getting a 1 year old to sleep throught the night should be easy...or is it? We used the co-sleeping method from birth to recently, and now, I want my bed back. It is time to make a transition.
As many of you know, I have been struggling to get my 1 year old to sleep through the night. My husband can't stand to hear her cry. My little genius has picked up on this little tidbit, and now has taken to wimpering (in her sweetest voice) "Da-Da. Da-da. Daaaa-da." Immediately, he jumps out of bed and runs to her, takes her out of the crib, and lets her cuddle with us. This wouldn't be so bad if she didn't jab me in the stomache with her foot and pull my hair all night. And since I have to be up at 5:30am for a long day of work, this is no longer an option for me. I have taken some of your advice and it seems to be working, so here is what I have been doing to get my 1 year old on track to sleep through the night:
Co-sleeping Transition Schedule
5:30pm: Dinner
6:00pm - 7:30pm: Play
7:30pm - 8:00 pm: Bath with Lavendar Soaps
8:00pm - 8:30pm: Baby Einstein Video, then short book
8:30/8:45pm: Sing baby a song, say prayers, and lay baby down to bed. I know you aren't supposed to give the baby a bottle, but I do. I am slowly diluting the formula out so that she will be drinking water, and then I will switch it out for her sippy cup, and then eventually nothing. One step at a time.
12:00am: Baby wakes up and cries out. I tell her "Shhh, lay down. You're ok, mommy loves you." I do this several times, but I do not rush over to her. She wimpered a little bit, but no big tears, screams or cries, so I didn't go over to her. Right before her daddy is about to rush over to her, she lays down. I say, "good girl." the whole interaction was less than 2 minutes.
1:00am: Baby wakes up and cries out. I tell her "Shhh, lay down. You're ok, mommy loves you." She lays down. I say, "good girl." This takes about 1 minute.
5:30am: I wake up for work. Baby's still asleep. daddy says she has been sleeping until 8:30am.
this has been going on for the last 2 nights. So hopefully, we can wean out the 2 night wakings, but this is what we have to do to get her accustomed to sleeping in her crib. Co-sleeping was great when she was tiny, but she is big and wiggly now, and momma is not on maternity leave anymore.
As many of you know, I have been struggling to get my 1 year old to sleep through the night. My husband can't stand to hear her cry. My little genius has picked up on this little tidbit, and now has taken to wimpering (in her sweetest voice) "Da-Da. Da-da. Daaaa-da." Immediately, he jumps out of bed and runs to her, takes her out of the crib, and lets her cuddle with us. This wouldn't be so bad if she didn't jab me in the stomache with her foot and pull my hair all night. And since I have to be up at 5:30am for a long day of work, this is no longer an option for me. I have taken some of your advice and it seems to be working, so here is what I have been doing to get my 1 year old on track to sleep through the night:
Co-sleeping Transition Schedule
5:30pm: Dinner
6:00pm - 7:30pm: Play
7:30pm - 8:00 pm: Bath with Lavendar Soaps
8:00pm - 8:30pm: Baby Einstein Video, then short book
8:30/8:45pm: Sing baby a song, say prayers, and lay baby down to bed. I know you aren't supposed to give the baby a bottle, but I do. I am slowly diluting the formula out so that she will be drinking water, and then I will switch it out for her sippy cup, and then eventually nothing. One step at a time.
12:00am: Baby wakes up and cries out. I tell her "Shhh, lay down. You're ok, mommy loves you." I do this several times, but I do not rush over to her. She wimpered a little bit, but no big tears, screams or cries, so I didn't go over to her. Right before her daddy is about to rush over to her, she lays down. I say, "good girl." the whole interaction was less than 2 minutes.
1:00am: Baby wakes up and cries out. I tell her "Shhh, lay down. You're ok, mommy loves you." She lays down. I say, "good girl." This takes about 1 minute.
5:30am: I wake up for work. Baby's still asleep. daddy says she has been sleeping until 8:30am.
this has been going on for the last 2 nights. So hopefully, we can wean out the 2 night wakings, but this is what we have to do to get her accustomed to sleeping in her crib. Co-sleeping was great when she was tiny, but she is big and wiggly now, and momma is not on maternity leave anymore.
Ways to Make Money at Home
There are many busy moms out there who have the desire to stay home and care for their children, but their financial situation doesn't allow them to. Some of these moms work just because it is an absolute necessity, and are looking for that perfect work from home job to make extra money to pay the bills:
Ways to Make Extra Money at Home:
1. Blog: If you are patient and consistent, you will eventually earn extra income from blogging. The key is to advertise! Google AdSense is a great tool, and there are others as well. You will start off slow, but some of the best bloggers make thousands of dollars a month.
2. Turn your hobby into cash: I am a photographer on the side, but recently have been using my photography skills to earn some extra income. Vistaprint will host a website for $4.99 a month (its very user friendly) where you can showcase your work. Place an ad in Craig's List and order some business cards with the website listed, and you are in business. I know a mom who also did this and she shoots about 2-3 weddings a month now, for about $1-2k a pop!
3. Add another kid. No, I don't mean make another baby and pray for a tax break. If you are able to, offer childcare services to another mom who may not be so lucky as you to stay home. Just make sure you comply with your state's laws about the number of children you are allowed to watch.
4. Start a home-based business, and sell your products to local specialty stores. I know a mom who makes specialized and personalized hair bows, and sells them to her friends and family. It was expanded to local stores, and she is on her way to a successful business. Do you make the best cookies in the world? Try selling them to local bakeries or restaurants. Every woman has a talent, you just have to search for yours.
5. Some companies have work from home/alternate work options. Look into the policies of your company to see if this is an option for you.
Ways to Make Extra Money at Home:
1. Blog: If you are patient and consistent, you will eventually earn extra income from blogging. The key is to advertise! Google AdSense is a great tool, and there are others as well. You will start off slow, but some of the best bloggers make thousands of dollars a month.
2. Turn your hobby into cash: I am a photographer on the side, but recently have been using my photography skills to earn some extra income. Vistaprint will host a website for $4.99 a month (its very user friendly) where you can showcase your work. Place an ad in Craig's List and order some business cards with the website listed, and you are in business. I know a mom who also did this and she shoots about 2-3 weddings a month now, for about $1-2k a pop!
3. Add another kid. No, I don't mean make another baby and pray for a tax break. If you are able to, offer childcare services to another mom who may not be so lucky as you to stay home. Just make sure you comply with your state's laws about the number of children you are allowed to watch.
4. Start a home-based business, and sell your products to local specialty stores. I know a mom who makes specialized and personalized hair bows, and sells them to her friends and family. It was expanded to local stores, and she is on her way to a successful business. Do you make the best cookies in the world? Try selling them to local bakeries or restaurants. Every woman has a talent, you just have to search for yours.
5. Some companies have work from home/alternate work options. Look into the policies of your company to see if this is an option for you.
Should I Go Back to Work?
Q: Should I go back to work or be a stay at home parent?
A: This is one of the biggest questions that new moms face. On one hand, staying at home with the baby provides a great way to bond with your child, and raise them yourself. On the other, working means you have more money (which ALWAYS helps when you have a baby), and it provides you with the freedom and independence that being a stay at home mom does not. You also connect socially with other people on a whole other level. the choice is ultimately up to you. You should make a list of the pros and cons of each, cross out what cancels out on your list, and you will be left with your answer. Are you working just to pay for a sitter? Maybe you should consider staying at home. I did work with a woman, however, who made $25.00 a month after she paid the babysitter for all of her kids. She said she was working because she was going crazy at home and needed the mental break. If it were me personally, I would rather be at home with my daughter and take the mental break from work. Every woman is different, and there is no wrong answer. You also have to assess whether or not you can financially afford to take time off of work and be a stay at home mom. That being said, there are lots of ways to make money as a stay at some mom. I will have a follow-up post on the ways that stay at home moms can earn some extra income. Also, if you are married, you need to have a deep conversation with your spouse or significant other about staying at home to raise the baby. a lot of spouses do not realize how much work it is to raise a child and care for a home, and it is important that they do not feel like they are doing all of the work while you vacation at home. If anyone knows anything, it is that being a mom is NOT a vacation. Moms are caretakers, secretaries, organizers, cooks, housekeepers, accountants, nurses, psychologists...all in one day, and I could go on. There is no 9-5 job as a mom! Check back for a follow up post of ways to earn extra income as a stay at home mom.
A: This is one of the biggest questions that new moms face. On one hand, staying at home with the baby provides a great way to bond with your child, and raise them yourself. On the other, working means you have more money (which ALWAYS helps when you have a baby), and it provides you with the freedom and independence that being a stay at home mom does not. You also connect socially with other people on a whole other level. the choice is ultimately up to you. You should make a list of the pros and cons of each, cross out what cancels out on your list, and you will be left with your answer. Are you working just to pay for a sitter? Maybe you should consider staying at home. I did work with a woman, however, who made $25.00 a month after she paid the babysitter for all of her kids. She said she was working because she was going crazy at home and needed the mental break. If it were me personally, I would rather be at home with my daughter and take the mental break from work. Every woman is different, and there is no wrong answer. You also have to assess whether or not you can financially afford to take time off of work and be a stay at home mom. That being said, there are lots of ways to make money as a stay at some mom. I will have a follow-up post on the ways that stay at home moms can earn some extra income. Also, if you are married, you need to have a deep conversation with your spouse or significant other about staying at home to raise the baby. a lot of spouses do not realize how much work it is to raise a child and care for a home, and it is important that they do not feel like they are doing all of the work while you vacation at home. If anyone knows anything, it is that being a mom is NOT a vacation. Moms are caretakers, secretaries, organizers, cooks, housekeepers, accountants, nurses, psychologists...all in one day, and I could go on. There is no 9-5 job as a mom! Check back for a follow up post of ways to earn extra income as a stay at home mom.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Top Baby Registry Must Haves
I have scoured the internet, forums, and websites, compiling a list of the top Baby Registry Must Haves! Here it goes:
Cloth diapers: These can be dyed any color, and come in handy for spit-ups, drooling, and Emergency diapers! cloth diapers are a baby must have secret of our previous generation, and are making a HUGE comeback!
Graco Quattro Tour Travel System Stroller: Doubles as a car seat, baby carrier, and stroller, all in one system. This is rate 5/5 by moms!
Do it Yourself Belly Cast: For mommies who want to preserve that baby belly in a special way!
Pampers Swaddlers: Get size 1, because the baby will be out of the newborn size in no time. These are great because there is a cutout area for the umbilical cord, so it doesn't irritate it.
Baby Bjorn Infant Carrier: This SAVED MY LIFE! The only time my hands were free was when I carried my daughter in her infant carrier. it mimicks the womb, and brings mommy and baby close together, while preserving mommy's sanity!
The Happiest Baby on the Block Book: I can't say enough about this book. another lifesaver. I give one to every new mommy!
Sassy Me in the Mirror: this attaches to the infant carrier, and allows the baby to look at themselves. Another lifesaver. I'm an advocate of anything that gives mommy 5 minutes of breathing room!
The First Year;s American Red Cross Grooming Kit: Has everything that you need for baby, and the price is nice too!
Any Baby Bouncer: Great for multiples! Baby bouncers create an in-the womb sensation for baby. Combine this with swaddling and you're guaranteed at least an hour's worth of happy baby! Crucial!
Playtex Drop In System: Forget washing the inside of bottles all the time- these are disposable inserts, and my daughter loved them. They alse compress to get the air out (to prevent upset stomache), and are easy on mom too! They also come with a great pump and storage system for breastfeeding moms as well.
Safety 1st High Definition Digital Baby Monitor: This isn't as pricy as the video monitors, and you can turn down the volume and watch for it to light up if the baby is crying as well. this is good for colicky babies; when the mommy wants to make sure the baby is ok, but can't stand the screaming! You can still monitor the baby without the price of video and the migrane!
Diaper Genie: This works to take the stink away from baby diapers, and is disposable and almost air tight. A great investment, and alternative to running to the garage trash can every 10 minutes.
Fisher Price Aquarium Bathtub: This is great because it is convertible from newborn to toddler, and comes with cute baby toys to go with it. My daughter loves hers!
Boppy Einstein Me Play Gym: Has lots for baby to do, and provides lots of fun and entertainment. My daughter used to fall asleep after playing! Always a bonus!
Onesies: These are always good, but I recommend getting size 12 months, because most moms end up getting too much 0-3 clothing, and baby quickly grows out of it before even getting the chance to wear it!
Baby Slings: Like Infant carriers, these keep baby content for long periods of time. Most moms in other countries carry their babies throughout infancy, and these are extremely helpful!
Baby Einstein Stationery Baby Entertainment Center: Another lifesaver. It's great in the kitchen while you're trying to cook a meal and want to make sure the baby is safe and happy.
Skip these:
Baby Shoes/Sandals: These are cute, but not practical, and a baby under 6 months probably won't keep them on anyway. I recommend not buying any shoe size smaller than size 3.
Pre-made Baby Swaddlers: These don't swaddle the baby tight enough to achieve the benefit of swaddling. Instead, opt for nursery blankets.
Baby Walkers: These can be dangerous, especially is a stairway is accidentally left open. Opt for a stationery entertainment center.
Stretchmark Cream: Most of these do not work. I used pure olive oil after a shower, and throughout my pregnancy and was able to escape stretchmarks, even though my mother had them pretty bad. I swear by constant olive oil application.
If you have any other mommy must haves please share!
Cloth diapers: These can be dyed any color, and come in handy for spit-ups, drooling, and Emergency diapers! cloth diapers are a baby must have secret of our previous generation, and are making a HUGE comeback!
Graco Quattro Tour Travel System Stroller: Doubles as a car seat, baby carrier, and stroller, all in one system. This is rate 5/5 by moms!
Do it Yourself Belly Cast: For mommies who want to preserve that baby belly in a special way!
Pampers Swaddlers: Get size 1, because the baby will be out of the newborn size in no time. These are great because there is a cutout area for the umbilical cord, so it doesn't irritate it.
Baby Bjorn Infant Carrier: This SAVED MY LIFE! The only time my hands were free was when I carried my daughter in her infant carrier. it mimicks the womb, and brings mommy and baby close together, while preserving mommy's sanity!
The Happiest Baby on the Block Book: I can't say enough about this book. another lifesaver. I give one to every new mommy!
Sassy Me in the Mirror: this attaches to the infant carrier, and allows the baby to look at themselves. Another lifesaver. I'm an advocate of anything that gives mommy 5 minutes of breathing room!
The First Year;s American Red Cross Grooming Kit: Has everything that you need for baby, and the price is nice too!
Any Baby Bouncer: Great for multiples! Baby bouncers create an in-the womb sensation for baby. Combine this with swaddling and you're guaranteed at least an hour's worth of happy baby! Crucial!
Playtex Drop In System: Forget washing the inside of bottles all the time- these are disposable inserts, and my daughter loved them. They alse compress to get the air out (to prevent upset stomache), and are easy on mom too! They also come with a great pump and storage system for breastfeeding moms as well.
Safety 1st High Definition Digital Baby Monitor: This isn't as pricy as the video monitors, and you can turn down the volume and watch for it to light up if the baby is crying as well. this is good for colicky babies; when the mommy wants to make sure the baby is ok, but can't stand the screaming! You can still monitor the baby without the price of video and the migrane!
Diaper Genie: This works to take the stink away from baby diapers, and is disposable and almost air tight. A great investment, and alternative to running to the garage trash can every 10 minutes.
Fisher Price Aquarium Bathtub: This is great because it is convertible from newborn to toddler, and comes with cute baby toys to go with it. My daughter loves hers!
Boppy Einstein Me Play Gym: Has lots for baby to do, and provides lots of fun and entertainment. My daughter used to fall asleep after playing! Always a bonus!
Onesies: These are always good, but I recommend getting size 12 months, because most moms end up getting too much 0-3 clothing, and baby quickly grows out of it before even getting the chance to wear it!
Baby Slings: Like Infant carriers, these keep baby content for long periods of time. Most moms in other countries carry their babies throughout infancy, and these are extremely helpful!
Baby Einstein Stationery Baby Entertainment Center: Another lifesaver. It's great in the kitchen while you're trying to cook a meal and want to make sure the baby is safe and happy.
Skip these:
Baby Shoes/Sandals: These are cute, but not practical, and a baby under 6 months probably won't keep them on anyway. I recommend not buying any shoe size smaller than size 3.
Pre-made Baby Swaddlers: These don't swaddle the baby tight enough to achieve the benefit of swaddling. Instead, opt for nursery blankets.
Baby Walkers: These can be dangerous, especially is a stairway is accidentally left open. Opt for a stationery entertainment center.
Stretchmark Cream: Most of these do not work. I used pure olive oil after a shower, and throughout my pregnancy and was able to escape stretchmarks, even though my mother had them pretty bad. I swear by constant olive oil application.
If you have any other mommy must haves please share!
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