WELCOME READERS & SHOPPERS

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Hello Everyone. My name is Maureen and this blog is an extention of my website Online Shopping Boutique. I will be sharing specials, cool websites and online stores, shopping tips, shopping resources, contests, giveaways and featuring work at home moms who offer resources for WAHM businesses.
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Online Shopping Mall
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Shopping at it's best. See you at The Mall!



Best Regards
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Online Shopping Boutique designed For Busy Work at Home Women and Moms

The Online Shopping Boutique was designed with women and moms in mind. Allow us to show you around.

If you’re a stay at home mom and are looking recipes, meal planning tips, and ways to optimize and manage your time and money, visit the Household Helper eBook Store.

If you’re a work at home mom and you’re looking to network and advertise your business, visit our Business Networking Resources, or check out the networking groups on the left side of our Homepage. Also looking for online business opportunities for little or no money down? Look at the business opportunities on the right side of the Homepage.

To support women owned businesses, visit the Small Business Directory.

If you just want to shop, there is something for everyone in our Boutiques:
For the bride, visit the Wedding Store, Xperience Days Store and the Diamond.com Store
For Mommy-to-be, visit the Motherhood Store
For Baby items, visit the Baby Store
For Kids toys, clothes, visit the Kid’s Korner
For Men and Groom gifts, visit Executive Gift Shoppe
For a unique shoppers’ club experience, visit My Powermall
For all your shopping needs, visit our Amazon Store at the Amazon Mall Store
For holiday gifts, visit the Holiday Garden & Gift Shoppe

Some of our specialty boutiques are: Spa Finder, Travel Store, BeautyChoice for beauty supplies, Classic Closeouts and Clothing Warehouse for clothes at great discounts, and much more to even list.

You will also find household items, stationery, collectibles, jewelry, perfume, shoes, flowers, home décor, travel and much more at our Boutiques.



Enjoy!
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Mom Cartoons

Shopaholic Corner

Read our February 3, 2009 post below featuring WAH stores and Valentine's Day Gift Guide.

Read our December 13, 2008 post below about Mom Spark's 2009 Gift Guide.

Read our December 11, 2008 post below about Holiday Garden & Gift Shoppe's scrumptuous gift baskets.

Work at Home Corner

Read our December 15, 2008 Special Feature below about Mompreneur Ann Tillage.

Work at Home Tips & News

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

What I Like about Moms In A Blog Bononza Giveaway-Don't Miss It!

I so enjoyed Moms in a Blog's New Years Bonanza Giveaway. After 9 days of getting really useful and wonderful gifts for me and my business, I just had to post again to let everyone know what I liked the best of all the giveaways. For me it has to be the Hot Mama Makeover and for my business, the 7 Ways to get Completely Free Traffic Report.

Thanks Moms In A blog for these great gifts of renewing of self. Check it all out here.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Give the Gift of Chocolate on Valentine's Day

Remember your love on Valentine's Day with the perfect gift of chocolate


Valentine’s chocolates at Hotel Chocolat


Enjoy! Maureen

Monday, January 19, 2009

Giveaways Just for Moms





You deserve it Mom.


Get your 9 days of freebies that will grow your business, earn more money, improve your relationships and more in 2009. Sign up TODAY and start your New Year off right at: http://momsinablog.com/4927/moms-new-years-bonanza-2009/


I Work from Home to be With My Kids But Work Keeps Getting in the Way!

by: Jennifer D. Hudson


Does this sound like you? Yep, me too. How can we bring in the extra income that our family needs, yet still be a full-time Mommy? There is a delicate balance that every work-at-home-parent has to find. Here are a few ideas that I have used – perhaps they will help you to find your own balance!


Invest in a timer – and use it!I’m talking about those old-fashioned ticking kind of timers with the loud, annoying bell. This timer can be used to give your kids a set amount of time to do a task you ask them to do, and it can be used to give yourself a set time to work.


I often will tell my girls “Mommy needs 10 more minutes of work time, then we can play. I need to finish (xyz) and it will take me this much time – IF you will not interrupt.” I have found that this works amazingly well – it keeps me on track with the time I tell my kids, and they know that when that bell rings, Mommy is fair game!


Get up extra early Oy, this one is a tough one! I am a night owl, so getting up before my kids is often a chore. However, I have found that when I can pry my eyes open and the house is still quiet, I can sit and have a quiet time with the Lord, unload the dishwasher in preparation for the day, have a cup of coffee with my husband (does this EVER happen anymore?!?!) or any number of other short tasks… in peace!


Stay up extra late I much prefer this method! I have found that I need to be asleep before 10:29 pm or I will lay there awake for a couple of hours. Those couple of hours can be very useful! The house is quiet, there are no interruptions, and I can get some real WORK done! My brain can function like a normal adult’s should, and I don’t have to switch gears in the middle from savvy business-woman to Chief Boo-boo Kisser at a moment’s notice.


I recommend choosing one end of the candle or the other – don’t try to do both! We moms also need our rest – which brings me to the next tip


Take A Break! We all know how it is… we have a (usually self-imposed) deadline that we HAVE to meet, so we will work all hours of the day and night to meet it. When we finally finish the project, we find ourselves crumpled on the couch sipping hot tea and wondering where this cold suddenly came from…


I’ve been there too. Moms, we NEED to take breaks, if not for our own health and sanity, then for the sake of our kids! They need to have Mommy & Me time even more than we need the break, and, quite frankly, we are useless to the house with a cold! Remember that timer? Set it for 15 minutes & go do the dishes, read a book to your pre-schooler, play a game of tag outside on the lawn. Or take it a step further & schedule your family a morning (or day) off! Take the kids to the park, children’s museum, even McD’s will fit the bill! Get out of your PJ’s (I know you’re wearing them!) and out of your house!


For the dads that may be reading this… SEND YOUR WIFE to get a haircut, manicure, massage, a night off without the kids… something pampering! She is working her tail off to keep the house, raise the kids AND run a business. We start getting a little bit wiped out after a while and need something to re-charge our batteries. Trust me… she’ll thank you for it!


Find a Mom’s Networking group…There are so many wonderful networking groups out there that are made up of other work-at-home-moms (WAHM’s) that are facing (or have faced) the same issues you are. One of my personal favorites is MomPack.com. I have had the honor of making many new online friends there, and count it as a valued asset to my business and my life.


There are lots of others too – what business do you have? I’m sure there is a group out there! Are you a Christian? Try CWAHM.com, ChristianWAHM.com, or look online at RYZE.com to find many more! There are forums and groups for just about everything you can think of these days… just google your need followed by “forum” and you will be amazed at what you will find!


Schedule your kids time first Many WAHM’s also homeschool. How do they fit it all in? They schedule in school time first – before ANYTHING else can distract them from teaching their kids. Are your kids still too young for school? Not a problem! Set up a schedule for yourself that has time slots that are “Work Time” with lots of intermittent “Play Time” breaks. Your kids will be much easier to convince that you DO need to work if they know that they get Mommy on a regular schedule! In our home the day starts with breakfast – we roll out of bed & head down to the kitchen to decide what we are going to eat, then I fix it while my girls go get their hair combed & beds made. This works out just about right, as we usually have pancakes. Then we have family time around the table while we eat, and can schedule our day. After breakfast we clean up the dishes and get dressed for the day. Then it is time for school – reading and numbers are as far as we are for now! They get play time while I check emails, and then we have lunch and do a craft. Unfortunately, mine are past the afternoon nap stage, so they usually get to choose a movie to watch after craft time – School House Rock is now on DVD! Then it is time to start dinner (which they now help with), clean off & set the table, etc. Evenings are family time – NO WORK ALLOWED! We have story time and they go to bed around 8:30, which gives us “couple time” for about an hour or so.


Yes, there are days that doesn’t work like this, however I try to keep us on a schedule – the kids function SO much better, and I find that I get more done when I take it in small chunks of time – un-interrupted by kids every 3 seconds!


I hope that some of these ideas will help you find that balance between working at home and the reasons that you chose this path. If we all take it day-by-day, we may find the time to enjoy more of those moments we chose to be at home for!


-----------------------------


About the Author: Jennifer D. Hudson is a work-at-home-mom of two, and the owner of mimsi-bags.com - an online boutique offering custom designed handbags, scarves, flower pins and more!. She has been balancing being a mom, wife and business go-to girl in Washington State since Spring 2003.

YUM-O Giveaway



I love Rachael Ray—I was a fan of her way before her TV show. I love the way she talks, the way she cooks, love her laugh, love just about everything about her. All Rachael Ray’s fans know how much she loves animals, especially dogs.



Well Rachael is giving away free samples of her new dog food Nutrish for Pets. For you dog lovers, who want to give your dog the best, grab your free sample here. Or buy now and support mistreated and abused animals. All proceeds from the purchase of Rachael’s dog food Nutrish goes to support organizations like the ASPCA, North Shore Animal League and Bad Rap. So buy Nutrish today and help rescue our animals. You just know Nutrish dog food will be just deeee-lish!

Go to this Walmart page to get your free sample.


Sunday, January 18, 2009

Social & Business Networks for Work at Home Moms and Business Owners




Here is a list of social and business networks that I highly recommend. Each network is unique and offer both support and resources for work at home moms and some welcome work at home dads also. Visit each one and join the ones that are right for you. Be sure to say I referred you.


Black Business Women Online Black Women Network. A Black Business Space for Minority Women in Business, Women Entrepreneurs and Work at Home Moms. http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/


Free Home Business Post. Small Business Owners supporting and networking with each other to support, refer and grow their business. http://freehomebusinesspost.ning.com/




iEmporium. Where Shoppers and Merchants meet. http://iemporium.ning.com/


Less Than Traditional Moms. We are Moms. We Like to talk about things, that aren't always considered "appropriate". We Love to chat and share experiences, ideas, and advice. We Never Judge you. We love that Moms are Unique! We Support you in All you Do! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LTTM/


Mom2Mom. We are dedicated to supporting WAH Mommas and Women in business we provide a safe place for all WAH Moms and Women to get resources, tips, advice and much more! Visit us http://mom2momwahideas.ning.com/


Mom Pack. OUR MISSION: To support our mutual goals of success through an innovative, free advertising partnership. http://mompack.com/


Moms United in Business. National networking organization open to wahms and all women in business. http://momsunitedinbusiness.com/


Online Shopping Mall. The gathering place for merchants and shoppers. If you love shopping online, you've come to the right place. We've provided the perfect environment for you to find everything you want to buy under one roof. http://onlineshoppingmall.ning.com/


Our Milk Money. OUR MISSION: Our Milk Money is a national search directory that lists ONLY self-employed parents. We are also a community resource dedicated to helping parents who want to stay at home find financial opportunities and support. http://ourmilkmoney.com/


Savvy Business Women. This free networking group was founded so that Savvy Business Women (which includes Work At Home Moms) can come together and support each other! http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/savvybusinesswomen/


Sugar & Spice Magazine. The premier women's lifestyle publication that celebrates women & their unique lifestyle & personalities. http://sugarandspicemagazine.ning.com/


The Bakers Dozen. A group of businesses in the Wedding Industry that work together in networking and referring. http://weddingprofessionalnetwork.ning.com/


The Diva Within Small Business. Online Vendors - Business Men and Women shopping for the perfect gift for that someone! http://www.diva-within.com/


WAHM Addicts. Shoppers and Work from Home businesses, unite here for great discounts, products & excellent customer service, or business tips & resources. http://wahmaddictssocial.ning.com/


WAHMs of Color. Uniting Moms All Around the Globe- A place for Moms to come together to inspire, encourage and support one another. http://wahmsofcolor.ning.com/


Wedding Vendors. Wedding Vendors networking with each other! http://desiredweddings.ning.com/


These are all wonderful networking and resource groups that will help your business grow in 2009. If you do join any of these groups, be sure to mention that I sent you their way.

Live Your Dream!

Best Regards,


Maureen




Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Get Sales For Your Business! How? It's All in the Box!



WA Biz Box It's all in the Box! http://www.wabizbox.com/

WA Biz Boxes is YOUR Ticket to Success! Grab One or Ten, The Price is Right, and Begin Your New Year With a Bang!

GET SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS!


You can put your trust in WA Biz Box. We provide an extraordinary service for small businesses and work at home businesses.


Are you limited on time? Would you rather not go from door to door to get your name out there in front of the public? Do you want to increase your business and your sales?


We have the answer for you! Generate leads for your small business or work at home business by simply placing one of our lead Biz Boxes, where given permission to do so!


Go back in a week or two and you have a whole box full of desirable leads!


These leads are the best kind due to the fact, that people who insert their leads are expressing their interest in your business, and what you have to offer by signing up for your promotion! Just imagine picking up YOUR BOX FULL OF LEADS!


Why a WA Biz Box?
Why a Biz Box? We are different from other lead boxes! How so you may ask?
1. We offer a box that is inexpensive!
2. Can be used over and over!
3. Can be customized with your own 8 1/2 x 11 graphic page for your company!
4. You can replace the page at anytime and cover it with a new one! Making a very economical choice! If your business changes or your promotion, you can change it in a snap!
5. You can put your business cards or entry forms right in the side pocket!
6. You can attach a sticky pen and know it will not go anywhere. On plastic you can not do that!
7. You can decorate your box making it completely unique to your business! Do you sell sea shells by the seashore? Glue shells all over your box! Make it your own!
8. With a full page header your box is sure to get noticed!
9. Generate more leads!
10.Build your business without a ton of time or effort!
11. Make the customers come to you!


THINKING OUT OF THE BOX, OR LITERALLY IN IT!


If you are like us, you pay attention to other businesses when you are running your errands. We are always looking to see if there are unique concepts out there to use in our organization to improve performance. It pays to pay attention to the other patrons and the associated consumer trends. Lead boxes, while not a totally new concept still has its rewards! With very little effort you can pick up your lead box with leads in them, and if you want to get just a tad creative you can decorate your boxes and make it completely unique to your business! As always presentation makes the sale! In this case presentation can play an important part in enticing someone to look at your unique box. Whether it is the header you will use or a decorated box, or both, they will still look, and when they look those are potential leads for you!


The concept of a lead box is great; it creates relationships with other business owners, and individuals alike that will have residual benefits, it also aids in branding your business and of course it generates leads.


So what are you waiting for? Get your lead boxes now, this very moment, and start generating those leads that are so very crucial to the success of you business! Before check out mention Maureen Daniels referred you and include your email address and get a free WA Biz Box marketing eBook. Order today, click here.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Support The Cause To Fight Animal Cruelty

Our social network, Online Shopping Mall, gathering place for merchants with online stores and shoppers, today announced its first quarterly fundraiser to benefit the ASPCA. Prizes for the fundraiser are donated by the mall’s members. Stop by and show your support for a worthy cause. Click on the banner below for the details.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Free You Deserve a Break Report for Moms

Being a great mom doesn't mean being a super mom. Every mom needs and deserves a break now and then. She needs time on her own to unwind, have fun and explore her own interests. In fact, moms are just like every other human being on the planet.

If you find it hard to get the break you deserve, here is a free guide that might help. It includes 15 practical solutions to fitting a little me time into your day. It doesn't matter how busy you are, you can always find more time for you.

Click here to download your free printable guide (PDF Format)*

Monday, January 5, 2009

Our Giveway This Month

Every month Online Shopping Boutique will give away a free eBook to our subscribers. This month the ebook we're giving away features the Secrets to Successful Blogging. So if you are a blogger, want to be a blogger, or know a blogger, head on over and sign up for our free eBook giveaway at http://theonlineshoppingboutique.webnode.com

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Try it Free - Scrap Book Max digital scrapbooking software

Using pictures of my family and kids during the holiday season I had so much fun with this software. If you love digital scrapbooking as much as I do, you'll really love Scrap Book Max.

Download your free trial now and see how much fun you'll have: