Workshop Tools INC ~ A Special Family Ran Business & My First BlogFeatured on Another Site :)

   I am very excited to share because yesterday my blog was featured on the website of a company I hold dear to my heart! They are the perfect example of everything our economy is reliant upon and stands for; the small business, free enterprise, iniative, love for our countries greatness while making every effort to maintain its quality roots, and a family willing to work to make things successful! I have had the honor of having their family in my life and being a part of their wonderful business for more than 10 years now.

   I am excited to find they enjoyed a DIY project blog I put together for their website and they posted it which was so nice! :) 

   I wanted to be sure to link to their site because they are a great company and group of people to shop with. I hope you take a moment to check out their blog and website!!

   If you are looking for a great selection of hand tools, power tools by an array of brand names, accessories, and a staff that can answer your questions then I hope you will visit

www.WorkshopTools.com

A Gift You Cannot Buy

   In the past year I have stumbled across and thoroughly enjoy now regularly following Kirk Cameron's Facebook and blog posts. It's wonderfully encouraging to see families thriving in Christ and not changing their values for anyone. 

   I always feel blessed by these articles and I wanted to share. 

   How can you give the gift of Gods word to your children? A gift you cannot buy...

http://kirkcameron.com/gift-buy/

Improving Your Credit Score ~ Steps and Guidance based on our PersonalExperiences

   Do you have a credit score that is less than satisfactory? Do you have financial choices you made when you were young (and maybe not so wise) still haunting your financial freedom? Most of us do or have and let me tell you do not let a low score discourage your family though!! There are so many opportunities out there now that are free and very useful resources guiding you each step of the way as you work to increase your credit score. 

   My husband and I, like so many others, have been working long and hard to fix ours and there are so many options to help you that I want to share as others have shared with me. 

    On a side note, back not terribly long ago credit scores were not released to us very easily. You had to jump through hoops it felt like to even know where you stood vaguely. So many things have changed and the opportunity to stay in tune with your score and who is reporting on it is so much more accessible these days as it should have always been! It's important to remember with these changes in rules comes opportunity to regularly review and effect change on your credit history and in your life. 

SITES TO HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR SCORE

1) Credit Karma 

   is a well known FREE service that allows you to get regular updates on your score and advice as to how to constantly improve it. You can simulate alterations of your current finances to estimate impact on your score long term as well. Great tool!! There are even apps available for your phone that allow you access and updates on the go as well. The site has more detailed information and guidance than the app, but both are excellent and I use this site all of the time. 

2) AnnualCreditReport.com 

   is the standard once a year free (LEGITIMATE) site that will offer you full detail and accessibility to your credit history on all three credit bureaus once every year. You can download these in PDF form and save for review and records. The site also offers links to easily help you dispute inaccurate information effecting you negatively on your report as well. There are a lot of sites out there that claim to offer this, but this one is legitimate and FREE. 

   

3) iQualier.com

    is another credit improvement site that you pay a fee of $24 a month for their service which I'm not to crazy about however I did use it for a few months and gained some good advice and guidance. If you want to spend a little this site is a good one because it updates details every month showing how you are improving your score and what you need to do next to make the largest and most positive impact on your score. Again this site also has a credit score simulator, but this site offers more detailed suggestions which I learned a lot from. I again paid for this service for a few months and learned a lot, but then discontued the service. I don't see the need for a long term investment here as you are looking to learn and it teaches a lot right off the bat. So if you want to spend a little join this site and just download all of the advice and suggestions for future reference then cancel after a couple months of gained knowledge. 

NOTES FROM OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES 

1) Review your score regularly. Not only is this information you need to know, but it also reflects positively on your credit score details to show you review your own information regularly. (Once a year in annualcreditreport.com)

2) Set small, but steady goals. 

3) Don't get discouraged. :D 

4) Be consistent in your efforts to show positive and regular behavior in your credit details. 

    We've been working slowly on certain accounts for years. Our big primary accounts were kept in good order (car loans, student loans, and things of that sort that report to the credit bureaus), but there were medical bills and a few of my student loan accounts I just handled very inefficiently in past years and so my history there really hurt me. Therefore those were more a matter of time and effort to call and make them right. I called my student loans and BAM small improvements on my score in 30 days! 

   The next step we made was applying for a small basic credit card. Now remember cards are dangerous so do not let yourself get sucked in! I have made that mistake and you just have to train yourself to not use that card unless you have to actual money to back the purchase. Now, back to my point, this card wasn't anything awesome. The limit was small, there was an annual small fee, high interest, and minimal perks, but they approved me! Being approved was the first battle won! Then from there we chose to put small gas purchases only on there and to pay it every month to avoid interest and penalties. Two months later and my credit score jumped 14 points just from this type of positive activity and improved credit utilization (those last words are specifically what it said)!! 

   Moving into another option was debt consolidation... I don't mean paying one of the agencies to help you, I mean (if and this is dependent upon each of your personal situations) if this is an option you may prefer and be able to obtain without a heavy loan or risk then investigate small loans to consolidate some of those problem bills. In our case we had a slew of mismanaged medical bills... There just doesn't seem to be enough money to cover it all, but the key is don't just ignore it... Make an effort, any effort, and many times just the effort no matter how small is welcomed from the billing company and thereby avoids you being sent to collections or reported to the credit bureaus. I was able to get a small loan and consolidate most of the remaining debt regarding my medical bills thereby removing several accounts that were in bad standing on my credit report! Yippee!!!!!! 

   Tip: when calling medical bills keep in mind they offer settlements. They are taking a cut off these balances they bill you for either when your is insurance company pays them or when they make an agreement with you. REMEMBER they are more flexible than you think. I knew this vaguely, but then a very kind man that worked at a collection agency (a blessing for sharing his knowledge was what he was for my family) shared with me that often the best way to approach companies is to tell them how much you have to offer them. Meaning I have $200 that I have to put towards this bill. Will you allow this to settle the account balance? He said often companies will take .45 cents on the dollar to close these accounts. I dealt with a company that took $600.00 for a balance of over $1600.00. So just be honest and not intimidated by the figures you see on paper and ask. The worse that can be said is you are denied or receive a counter offer which is fine too because it's less than you would have owed before. If you can do it then take the ofer and if you cannot know they will work with you if you are firm and reliable! 

   I hope this article was encouraging and enlightening enough to help someone out there smile under there's circumstances and also know that there are options and they can improve their finances and credit score. My husband and I were able to improve my credit score by 75 points in six months with the above processes and efforts and I just hope the same for anyone else in this situation! 

   Do any of you have input or suggestions that have helped you in cases like this??? Please speak up and share and I pray this article and any comments left are a blessing to someone situation! 

Smile and know you are not alone! I'll be posting again soon and hope to hear about your experiences and successes!!! :) 

~~Momma Mia~~

Flowers & Foliage DIY !!

   Flowers and foliage that you can make! So excited about these finds and eager to use in an array of situations and events!! 

   Think about weddings, baby showers, general home decor additions, parties of any sort, events, store front decor, bouquets for all sorts of occasions, and a million other uses that only your imagination limits!

   I have come across so many different beautiful ideas and I just have to share. 

~~ Paper Ranunculus

http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1032021/diy-paper-ranunculus-flowers

Gorgeous and in season all year long! 

~~ More Floral DIY Links

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/231065/how-make-crepe-paper-flowers/@center/272429/diy-weddings#ad2

~~ Another :) 

There are just so many and they are gorgeous!!! I'll continue to update and share all of these lovely finds as I go along!!! 

Thanks for stopping in and reading about these finds! 

Momma Mia ~~ :D 

DIY Wonderful Baby Gifts !!!

   Absolutely love when there is a new addition on the way!! I have my little one and friends all around me expecting others! It's a lot of fun to shop and find gifts perfect for each of them, but the problem is I don't want to run out and buy something that maybe several others have already bought them so I think these DIY projects are the way to go! They are personalized and made with love by you for them.... Perfect! :)

A handmade wet bag tutorial:

http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/09/wet-bag-tutorial.html

Free pacifier pocket pattern:

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/07/pacifier-pocket-tutorial-plus-free-pattern-pieces.html

Portable growth chart:

http://adventuresindecoratinganddesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/ruler-growth-chart.html?m=1

   Take a look at each of the attached blog links for other awesome ideas!! I hope you enjoy these finds as much as I have. I know some sweet expectant mommies and new little babies in my life that will be receiving these. :)

~~Mia~~ :D 

Out of the Box Extra Income Ideas for You and Your Family

   As a mommy and an individual just wanting to improve their family's well being I have set out on a mission to find ways and options to make additional income out of the home and in other less traditional environments! I am working constantly to find, research, and make sure my finds are legitimate so that I can provide for my family and share with your family so that it may bless you too! 

   My drive is that I want to be with my babies and I want to provide for them in the best way my husband and I can. I know I am among many who feel this same way and I am hoping to be able to research and share things that will give us all an informed direction needed to make progress in these hopes. 

   If anyone reading this post or reading posts to follow related to this topic has options and suggestions that they are willing to share what a wonderful blessing that would be as well! 

   I am in the middle of studying many different possibilities so you will hear from me again soon as I continue to study and pray to be lead to opportunities that are blessings for my family and your families!! Excited about this project!!

A few things I have found so far:

1) Blogging

   What I am doing right now can provide extra income for your family! Blogging! If you enjoy writing and expressing your thoughts in a way that others can share, learn from, or maybe even just giggle at then this might be an option for you! Share your day to day activities, knowledge, ideas that inspire, mommy advice, event planning concepts, photos, travel experiences, recipes, and any other special thing unique to you that you are passionate about! Your passion shines through in your words and will inspire others as well. That alone is a big personal reward and source of enjoyment. 

   The energy you emit will not go unnoticed and will be viewed, shared, and repeat! You will gain a following and they will create a traffic and following for your blog. What is more wonderful than doing something you love that discuses things you hold dear to your heart and will help take care of your loved ones while doing it?!! WONDERFUL!!  

   Once you've established a blog you can apply for and activate accounts that advertise small and tasteful ads on your website. These ads generate income based on views, clicks, and other activity. As your traffic increases your income will increase. Blog consistently, make It quality content, and you cannot go wrong. There are many free hosted sites you can join to blog and establish ads with: Blogger, Word Press, HubPages to name a few. 

   Give it a shot! There is no reason not to right? :) 

2) Rental Car Customer Service Telecommute Jobs 

   Rental car companies, such as Enterprise and Hertz for examples, will outsource various jobs such as customer service positions to people with at home offices to work from. Example: a friend just became employed for one of these type companies at an hourly wage of $13.00 per hour. It's a customer service position with Monday-Friday hours! What a blessing. This was not a rare occurrence either. Upon finding out about this I wanted to know more! It turns out this is a common and possible job to have a chance at so check this out in your area. 

 

3) Web Based Self-Employed Business 

   If you have a talent or a passion and you are willing to invest the time to market it you can build your own business in the comfort of your home via a personalized website. This is an incredibly realistic and affordable way to build a business. There are many sites that offer already made or easily editable website layouts if you are not comfortable in this area. My only warning is to watch for those sites that offer layouts and then once you establish a website with them they own it and will never let you move it to another service for hosting. Your domain should be yours. 

   Go Daddy is an example of a site with layouts available and the option to purchase a domain name through them. You still have the flexibility to take you domain name to anyone else you want as well. 

4) Etsy, EBay, Amazon

   These sites all offer options to set up a business storefront with a grouping of products your company sells. There are fees, but you can control them and your audience is immediately all over the world! 

5) Local Sales 

   Don't forget free opportunities for extra income on a local level such as Craiglist, regular yards sales, and community gatherings. All of these are free possibilities to bring a talent to your local community and generate income. 

6) Large Companies Turn to Telecommute Jobs 

   Many companies are outsourcing for various positions including customer service, admin assistants, data entry, medical transcription, and personal assistants. Keep your eyes open and continually scan Craigslist and other job posting sites for possibilities! 

   I plan to research more, but hope this article gives some thoughts and possible direction to anyone looking for options and lost as to where to start!!! You will hear from again as I learn more and again if you have suggestions to share please comment and we all will help each other! 

Thank you for stopping in to read my posts!!

~~Momma Mia

DIY Pintuck Duvet

   I found this DIY bedding tutorial and fell in love. Please visit the below link for all details and steps. Great blog and great DIY! Beautiful!!!

http://www.viewalongtheway.com/2013/06/diy-pintuck-duvet/