Ishop@home Blog

Awesome Christmas Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:27:00 +0000

How good can it get! Free Christmas Tree! Well, not exactly...

My family have always used real Christmas Tree. Sometimes we get so adventurous and decides to take the family out to the tree farm to look for the tree of our dreams. But when laziness overcome our Christmas spirit, we normally just grab one from the Christmas tree truck park at the major intersection near our house.

This week, we were planning on going back to the tree farm but I found this great deal I can't pass up.

Buy a Christmas tree for $20 dollars at Ikea and they give you a $20.00 coupon to be used later in the store. Not only that, the tree is Balsam Fir and it's the best. How good is that!

Here's another great deal.

Marks Works Warehouse is giving $10.00 coupon. I usually don't bother much because they usually require you to buy $40.00 or more. Well this time, you only need to buy $10.00 or more! Sweet!

Print this coupon and take it to the store nearest you. Don't let the sales lady talk you into having to purchase $40.00, the coupon is clear.

The Joy of Christmas is not in Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:12:00 +0000

We have about 28 sleeps before Christmas and already, people at the mall are rushing like the world is running out of stuff to buy.

Gone were the days when doing the mall thing with friends were enjoyable. When the food court is not so busy you can actually buy your food and eat it too within an hour without fighting with someone who cut in on the food stand line up pretending not to notice you.

Why are people so rude! What is the big deal if they don't find what they are looking for. Just pick another one.

Avoiding the mall is my mantra this shopping season. I have already ordered my kids toys online and just need a few more.

Great finds can be had with superior service when dealing with moms business owners. I love supporting small and home based moms businesses. Here are some great finds.

I also found great deals online at these major stores:

www.sears.ca check their clearance section

Toys deals can be found at www.toysrus.ca, again, check their sales section.

If you are looking for beauty stuff, try the www.thebodyshop.ca.

The majority of online stores offer a flat rate shipping. Just make sure you choose Canadian base stores. But be wary, some online stores ships their products from the US and you can be hit with custom charges.

Best to deal with a store you know.

Happy Shopping!

September Ishopathome Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Calling all moms and mompreneurs. If you are looking for some back to school essentials and want to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Here's the contest you don't want to miss.

Ishopathome.ca just launched the Learn N Earn Contest!

This is a great time to start getting some stuff for free while you learn a few things about working from home and marketing your home based business.

To participate, just visit our ishopathome.ca site.

Good luck!

Back To School Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:36:00 +0000

It’s been awhile since my last update, that’s because I’ve been enjoying the summer and avoiding shopping

But with back to school, I am force to get back into shopping mode.

I’ve been surfing the internet and here’s some great finds:

Get 20% off at Home Depot if you order online. Online exclusive is good till Sept. 1. Purchase over 99 dollars and you get free shipping.

Did you know you can buy from sears outlet online? I didn’t know that myself until someone told me. The best part is you can pay for it with your Sears Credit Card. Check it out Sears and click on the “sears outlet” button.

If you are looking for some unique products on sale, check out our ishopathome sales specials.

The Stress Of Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:09:00 +0000

First of all I didn't realize it’s graduation time. While it’s obvious because we are in the month of June, I was so busy with my work that the correlation between the month of June and teenage dress up time was not realized until my son actually yelled at me "mom I need a dress shirt!". This woke me up from my deep frenzied work state and said "okay, let's go out shopping".

First we picked my nephew up who wanted to come along shopping. Either my son needed his cousin’s opinion on what kind of shirt to buy or the other way around, but apparently they needed each other for this. So off we went to the mall close to our home. After going around in circle for half an hour, we decided the mall didn't have the shirt they were looking for. Everyone got back to the car and we drove 4 miles to the next big mall. An hour later and after trying on so many shirts, the boys decided they didn't have the "right stuff". They tried some shirt which came close to what they are looking for but not good enough.

My 9 year old daughter was already complaining about her tired feet. I realized while listening to the kids argue how I came to dislike shopping after the kids were born. It is no longer a pleasant experience. The malls have gotten bigger and halls became longer, and the crowd have increased by 100% it seems which made me claustrophobic. I then regretted my decision to "go out shopping". I should have investigated what kind of dress shirts they were looking for and checked it online - ahead of time. But now, it's pointless trying to find anything online, their graduation is this coming Friday. “Too little too late” came the phrase in my head.

After walking for what seems like a lifetime, I decided to take charge. No more trailing behind the boys while they go in and out of stores. I told them we are going to specific stores. We drove another 2 miles to a different mall and finally settled on a red shirt for my nephew and a black shirt for my son. Luckily, that was all they needed but gosh! We spent almost the entire day just shopping for these shirts!

Next time, I am sticking to online shopping. I just have to think ahead next time!

Is Catalogue Shopping Dead?

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:50:00 +0000

So is Catalogue shopping dead? I know Canadian Tire stopped sending their catalogues. I didn't get my usual spring catalogue and when I did a search online, I found out they are no longer being produced.

But Sears catalogue are still available in print and online. Others such as Avon, Regal, and Tupperware are also available from your local representatives. Ishopathome receives catalogue request from people on a daily basis so I know catalogue shopping both printed and online is going strong. Especially now that the gas prices hit the all time high of 1.29 per liter.

I personally don't see why more people don't shop online considering that shipping and handling is really low.

Online Shopping Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:54:00 +0000

I just found some great deals online and I can't wait to share them with you. Spring is always the best time to shop for winter clearance and stock up for this years fall/winter necessities. It's almost too late to find great deals on major stores but there are still some great deals online.

If you have kids, check out Please Mum. This boutique inspired kids clothing store have great stuff for kids. Free shipping if you order over $100.00 but otherwise, it's a $5.95

Get out and enjoy the sun, but make sure you get some sun protection. I found this Age Defying Sunscreen by Caren. It helps protect and preserve your healthy skin, while gradually reducing existing age spots and sun discolouration. Moisturizes, conditions and protects you from UVA and UVB rays (spf 15). Please note: It does not give you that regular "sunsreen" whitish look and doesn’t feel yucky. I absolutely hate sunscreen on my face! But because the SPF is lower than 30, it is not for going out to the beach. I recommend it for a day to day protection, not full sun exposure protection. If you plan on being out all day, re-apply every 2-3 hours. I use it under my foundation and its perfect. Reg: $19.98 Sale: $15.98

What Can We Do For Earth Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Watching and reading all the coverage on Earth Day makes me think of ways to contribute to Earth Day. So my family and I will be joining the tree planting crowd tomorrow, April 27. We will contribute to the goal of planting 10,000.00 trees. Check out their site.

I also stopped buying bottled water after learning the enormous amount of water bottle waste being generated by us. David Zuzuki - a prominent Environmentalist said that "buying water bottle is wrong". I agree. So I went online to purchase a good quality water bottle. The best deal found at this store online at www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=159"> With these prices, I could afford to purchase an eco-friendly water bottle for each of my kids. Remember the old “canteen water bottle long time ago? You can find them online. Of course if you want the stylist on trend type, then go to http://www.northern-spirit.ca/

So besides doing the above - saving energy and buying recycled products, I also realized that shopping online and working from home can also make a huge impact on reducing waste and saving energy. It took me a while to realize this. Let's see, shopping online saves us gas, mileage and pollution. Working from home saves us gas, mileage, pollution, coffee money, pantyhose cost and working clothes, and the wear and tear of our shoes.

Wow! That's quite a contribution to Earth Day:)

WOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:24:00 +0000

I just returned home from our National Conference - and all I can say is WOW!

I have written before about my A-Ha moment... about how I had issues about how people percieve Party Plan reps. Let me tell you, some things that were said to me at our conference definitely helped me out with this. We as Independent Reps for Party Plan companies have the ability to CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES!

Myself, I can help someones lives by showing them how to make the chore of cooking more tasteful, faster and healthier. I can also change peoples lives by giving them the gift of becoming a rep for our company!

I have never thought of it this way, but I don't know who may be yearning to pay off an extra bill every month - who may be wanting to save for a trip - or just wanting to get out of the house every once in a while and make a little bit of spending cash in the process! I don't know who is worried because their full time company is closing down, I don't know who just wants to feel needed as part of a team!!!! I've always had my own goals and dreams but I've never stopped to think about what other people's may be!

We in this industry are blessed! WE determine our own destiny, not anyone else!!!!!!!

Quickly learned one of the advantages....

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Before heading to our companies National Conference at the beginning of April, I caught a NASTY case of the stomache flu! Yes, it's that season - but our family had been doing so well with not getting sick this year. Anyhow - while lying on the couch (or hanging out in the bathroom) I realized just how nice it is to NOT have a boss to have to explain it all to - and hope that they understand - just why you can not work that day!

It's so wonderful working for myself - I work when I want to (and in this case, when I can!!!). Also, it's perfect that I choose how to make up those hours if I need to!

The A-Ha Moment.....

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:14:00 +0000

I started my home based business to earn a little bit of extra money, to get out of the house once in a while, basically to feel like I wasn't ONLY put on this earth to clean house and change diapers!

I went to a training weekend a while back and during that weekend it hit me! Having a home based business does not have to be "something that housewives do for fun".... There IS good money to be made. You CAN be proud of yourself, your accomplishments, YOUR business! I sat talking to some women who have done the business for a while and make REALLY good money, a LOT more than I used to make full time at a well paying J.O.B. Imagine, making a 6 figure salary, working on your own terms, your chosen times, AND being there for your family? Wow - that really motivated me! It IS possible and I WILL do it!

Blog Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Welcome!

It's Friday night and we are partying here at ishopathome.ca! so join me. This is my first time joining the party. The kids are partying too! its pizza and movie night. Extra special coz my baby won a friendship award. Check my earlier post today.

Anyhooo... please grab a glass of vintage Canadian Ice Wine and join us:)

Working from Home and its Rewards...

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:15:00 +0000

My daughter handed me a sealed envelope today. Inside was an invitation from her teacher that said "It is with great pleasure that I am writing to inform you that your child will be receiving the Friendship award at our assembly this Friday March 7th."

Needless to say, it made my day. I am very proud of my girl!.

So I went to the school this afternoon to see my daughter accept the award. Although I was very thrilled and proud, I was a bit sad to see that only a handful of parents were able to come for this. It's Friday afternoon, so most working parents are at work, probably hurting for not being there for their kids.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to work from home and enjoy the rewards it brings.

The Winter Blahs!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:28:00 +0000

As an independent consultant for a Home Party Plan, I truly find this time of year to be draining. We've been through months and months of winter weather - and find that no one wants to have any sort of get together/party come Jan/Feb/Mar. Occasionally, there are people who WANT to have parties, but then the same issues happen with their guests - weather and winter blahs make attendance less than ideal.

So what can we, as consultants or hostesses do about this?

What about offering a "Lets Pretend its Summer" party? Or how about using this awful weather as a REASON for the get-together! (Remember - shop from your seat instead of your feet!) Perhaps daytime parties would work well while the weather is still iffy... people prefer to drive in the daytime rather than the dark cold wintery evenings.

Is it possible to get hostess benefits without having a party? 99% of the time the answer for that will be SURE! Most Home Party companies will also offer the choice of doing a silent (book) party. As the hostess, you can show the catalog to your friends/family/co-workers - get orders and as long as the orders reach the party minimum (talk to your consultant to find out what that minimum is) you are still entitled to their hostess benefits!

So you see, when the weather outside is frightful - your shopping can still be delightful! Explore your options and still reap the benefits!!!!

Work at home Scams

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 02:35:00 +0000

I was browsing through different blogs today and came across this blog about scam. I think the author did a good job explaining how anyone can become an easy prey for scam.

If you are searching for a "work at home job" then check this out. You'll be glad you did.

Personal Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:11:00 +0000

Once upon a time, a long time ago - personal shopping was a luxury that only the rich could afford. One could sit back, relax and enjoy having someone bring the "shopping mall" to their home for them to choose from. This luxury is no longer reserved for the well-to-do folk!

These days there are home party plans in almost any type of product that you can imagine! Home Parties offer the same basic ideas as having a personal shopper!!! You will get a face to face consultation with a representative who has great knowledge on the type of product he/she is promoting. Your consultant will not only tell you about their products but will also show them to you, explain the uses and benefits, and then allow you to shop if you desire to do so!

Having (or going to) a Home Party is not only beneficial in terms of being able to shop from your own home - generally it will also be a bit of a learning experience. For example, consultants for candle companies may tell you a secret or two about burning candles - or what different scents may offer you. Cooking types of Home Parties may teach you a new recipe or a new use for an old cooking tool! Clothing or make up Home Party reps may assist you on figuring out a style/colour/etc. that works best on you.

What makes this new type of personal shopping even better is the fact that most times you get to enjoy it with a group of your friends/family - making it not only beneficial and easy, but also turns it into a social event... and tell me, who doesn't enjoy a good party?

Promoting Your Home Based Business

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:27:00 +0000

Promote your business by writing about it!

How Do You Write About Your Business and Their Products?

As a woman in the direct sales business, I am amazed when I see blurbs written by other reps about their products that are boring and unattractive. I myself am in love with the products that I promote and therefore want to promote them in the most enticing way possible. USE those descriptive words ladies! I sell spices and herb blends for the most part and always think to myself - would I rather have a "jar of spices" or a "fragrant, mouthwatering carefully crafted blend of herbs and spices"

When writing, remember what it is about your products that make them special or unique. For example, do you sell candles? There are a few direct sales candle companies out there - the competition can be fierce so you want your products to stand out. Make the customers NEED the products, not just want them! Make Up? A lipstick is a lipstick is a lipstick. However, the freshly kissed shade of "insert product colour here" offered ONLY by "insert company here" which will make your lips feel soft and smooth while lasting all day long is the lipstick that I NEED to own!

Ads don't need to be long to be effective, but they DO need to hit home. If you plan to spend time and money advertising your product - make sure that you make the bang worth your buck!

Kelly Dash - Independent Rep for Epicure Selections

519-943-1391

PS. Speaking of advertising, get your FREE business cards from our source.

Women's Businesses Online

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:24:00 +0000

Since starting my online business in 2003, I've met quite a few women who are building their business through the use of the internet. Few weeks ago, I stumbled upon Wednesday Woman; an online magazine filled with interesting articles about life in general - of women of course.

Another interesting and very useful website for those of us in the sales business is Sales Divas. I wish I found them earlier in my sales career. I was listening to a podcast from themompreneaur.com(an online magazine) about the Sales Divas and I have to tell you, she is good! I've been to at least a dozen seminars and have taken half a dozen sales courses over the years and I can tell you, what she is talking about is pure diamond! If you can learn a few things from her, I can almost guarantee you will increase your sales.

Beauty Products On Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:23:00 +0000

Stock up on your favorite beauty products! The Body Shop is having a sale of up to 50% off your favourite items. Love the body butter... yummy stuff! Check them out. www.thebodyshop.ca, they can ship the items right to your doorstep.

I am also excited to hear that The Body Shop At Home Canada is coming back this year. I can't wait for that to happen. The Body Shop At Home is the direct selling arm of the company. It allows women and men to work from home selling these wonderful products. We'll give you more info as we hear more about it.

There are also great products on sale at www.avon.ca If you love ANEW products from Avon, they are on sale. Stock up now. ANEW is one of the few products I love from Avon. Also try their mineral make up, it's light and has a reflector which is great for the evening I use it over my liquid mineral make up . If you have acne prone skin, the mineral make is great for your skin type. But if you are normal to dry skin, your skin might appear dryer. Mineral make up is one of the biggest trend in the beauty industry. It is natural and is gentle on the skin. There are expensive brand out there and I've tried several including the professional lines. Some are not worth the price. Avon mineral is one of the few that are ok. Help several women who are working from home by ordering through their websites at www.ishopathome.ca order over $55.00 and receive a gift.

New Years Resolution Time

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:19:00 +0000

It's that time of year again when the majority of people on earth resolve to improve many aspects of their lives such as their health, business and family. I never make any new years resolution because I always thought its a waste of time. But after a rocky 2007, I decided that 2008 will be different. I figured in order to make some changes in my life, I would have to start now so it might as well be a "new year's resolution". Join the crowd sort of speak.

My New Years RESOLUTIONS:

1. Improve myself. Work on my own enhancement to be better at what I do. Attend educational seminars and business networking. I use to do it when I was in the financial business it was very rewarding.

2. Stop procrastinating. This is my biggest weakness. I would put things off as much as possible until its too late. A tough one but I have to do it.

3. Exercise or start a running routine. It always make me feel good and productive when I do it. The trick is, I have to stick to it.

4. Set goals. I always set goals but the follow through is hard. So I resolve to establish a routine whereby I work on the goals on a daily and weekly basis.

I already started this morning. I woke up, read the paper with my coffee, went for a short run, took a shower, and headed to my home office. It felt good!

Boxing Day

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:08:00 +0000

Is it worth braving the crowds for Boxing Day sales?

There was an article in the Toronto Star on boxing day asking this question. Apparently, an online survey was conducted and 86% said NO! and only 14% said YES!

I am one of those that said no. I can't see the logic in getting up so early on boxing day to line up outside in freezing cold to save a few dollars. Okay, maybe $50 dollars or maybe even $100.00. But logic tells me that the majority of the merchandise will be on sale anyway after the Christmas season. So I think I'll wait and instead spend the rest of the week resting and drinking left over egg noggs...

And If I really want to buy something on boxing day and take advantage of the deep discounts, I can always buy it online.

I guess that is because I am lazy, but I think I am getting wiser. I rather spend my time sipping coffee and doing my work than doing the mall thing.

Give A Bear For Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Imelda) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:27:00 +0000

If you are thinking of giving a nice bear to that special child this Christmas, think of personalized bear. The one that they can make themselves. But the best part is that you don't have to go in a long line up at the mall for this one.

More info...