How to Prepare for Christmas when your a BUSY MOM on a BUDGET!

Christmas is my favorite and most crazy time of year, it's full of joy, warmth, family and of course chaos. Preparing and getting everything done can be a stressful and daunting task that can take away from the enjoyment of the holiday. The last few years I've found a few things that have helped me get things done, and make the process of gift buying and preparation easier, so I can be present and enjoy the season. 

1. START A LIST. 

Even now. Its the end of September and I started a list of everyone I'm getting a gift for, and I start brainstorming what I would want to get them. Keep the list either in your notes in your phone or a book that you have with you, this way when you think of something you can jot it down. Knowing what your getting ahead of time saves so much stress trying to last minute pick something for someone. there's always some people you just have no idea what to get for, ask other family members for ideas then write it down! I don't know how many times I would get a brilliant gift idea then completely forget it.

2. DECIDE ON A BUDGET. 

Having a budget for Christmas shopping helps so you can plan out what extra money you need to account for the holiday, and can make it less stressful. Go through and figure out roughly your budget for each person. Gift buying can get out of hand fast, and overspending is a real issue so just keep your list in mind and add to it when you make a purchase so you can remember for who and what you've already bought, so you don't go over budget. For myself when things are tight finance wise, I get creative. There's so many amazing DIY gift ideas you can do, you can bake, or get the kids involved! I encourage My daughter to paint or make gifts for people. Not only do I feel this teaches her the value of compassion and giving, its a meaningful gift that people always love. They don't need to be complicated either, simple crafts that are simple and inexpensive.

Comment below if you'd like my list of DIY craft ideas for the holidays :)

3. START BUYING EARLY. 

I make it a task starting September/October that I set aside and extra $20-$50, for my Bi-Weekly grocery shop to get at least one gift every shop. This eliminates the need to go out and do a massive shop right before the holidays when the stores are packed, and isn't as hard on the budget.

4. SHOP LOCAL/HANDMADE.

I personally love receiving handmade items and I appreciate the love and value that comes with it. There are so many craft and vendor shows that pop up everywhere in the fall/winter months. Take a day and go look around, you can find so many amazing custom gifts. Not only that but rather then supporting a big chain store, your supporting another hardworking person and helping them provide for their family this season. 

5. WRAP AS YOU BUY.

You got your list to help you remember what you've bought, so each night before bed, take a couple mins and wrap a couple gifts. My husband thought I was crazy doing this, but it saved me so much time and stress closer too. It was one less thing I had to worry about. (Plus he doesn't wrap them anyway so its not his concern
LOL)

These are the things I've been doing now for a few years and It's made the entire experience more enjoyable when I feel more organized and not last minute rushing. I can be present with my family and children and love every loud, wonderful moment.
Hope this helps you take back some control this season and fully embrace your Christmas holidays!

Much Love, Teesha. 

5 Lessons I Learned Becoming a Mom

1. Everything you thought you knew, you really didn't. 
You can read all the books, blogs, and information you want but nothing fully prepares you for becoming a parent. The sheer fact that your now responsible for another human can knock you on your ass. Really.
I was feeling so confident until they placed that little baby in my arms and reality hit me like a brick wall. Do I even know how to take care of myself? Let alone this precious little baby that's totally reliant on me?
You can never be fully prepared for that reality check, but its also something that has to be experienced and you learn as you go. Next thing you know you'll be getting things figured out and feeling confident again, until boom, your child hits another milestone, learns something new, or starts testing you in new ways. This leads me into lesson 2.

2. Parenting is a constant learning curve.

You have to be adaptable. Every day those little sponges learn something new and challenge you in new ways. Things that work one week, may not work the next. It keeps you on your toes and continually challenges you. As difficult as it can be its an amazing experience that develops your own coping, and adaptability skills, and in general as a person. I've never been overly patient person, but that's one thing that having kids has helped me improve. (Can we all agree that watching them try to zip their own jacket can be torture though???)

3. Let go of certain expectations.
The house is not going to stay clean. Your not going to be able to feed them a "perfect" balanced healthy meal every day. You'll prob cave and use the T.V to entertain them so you can get a minute of peace.
These things will happen.
Don't beat yourself up. There's such a high level of expectations we have as mom's, and the guilt and the pressure associated can make some days unbearable.
Ever had that bad day when just everything that can go wrong does? Dinner is not made, house is a disaster, everyone screaming or crying, and your sitting there beating yourself up for not being better? I've been there, and its sucks. I think its learning to take the good days with the bad. Some days will be hell, but other days will be incredible and you'll feel like supermom. It's all about balance so we need to stop being so hard on ourselves.

4. Don't compare yourself to other mom's

You are doing the very best for yourself and your family. Everyone's situation is different and every child is different. What works for you may not work for someone else. Trying to always keep up with the Jones will be the death of you. Don't get me wrong I know a few moms who in my mind look picture perfect, the kids are clean, the house is clean, well behaved, organic everything blah blah blah. But guaranteed there's stuff that we don't see. No one is perfect and every kid has shit their pants, so lets face it, we need to stop comparing and judging each other.


5. Children can be our teachers

My girls have taught me so much about myself, who I want to be, how to be present, how to be patient, how to have fun again, and so much more. Children are free. Children are honest. They will strait up tell you how they see things. I really think watching and paying attention is an incredible experience and opportunity for us as adults to remember and learn. My girls have made me a better person. They make me want to do better and be better and to live a live that provides them with all the joy that we can. Be open to learning and looking at life through the eyes of a child can be refreshing.

 Much Love, Teesha

Overcoming Anxiety

Anxiety is a constant sink hole.
Anxiety is daily battles within your own mind, a flow of irrational and fearful thoughts.
Anxiety is worrying for days before having to drive somewhere.
Anxiety is cancelling plans with your friends cause being in a crowd when your feeling anxious is just TOO much.
Anxiety is having a panic attack from thinking about walking into a room already filled with people.
Anxiety is constant overthinking.
Anxiety is feeling like everyone hates you.

Anxiety can pull you down and make you less of what your capable of. It can take someone with BIG dreams and make them too fearful to act. It can make being a parent (which is already a freaking hard task) seem impossible. 

I've struggled with anxiety for as long as I remember and I've had to look deep within myself, and had to take time to work on many things.  I can now  recognize which thoughts are my anxiety and work through them. It doesn't just go away. Its not an easy "switch" ON and OFF. It's something I will forever have to live with. I now have the ability to recognize it, and I now have the strength to move with it.

I know my potential, I know what I want to do/create/accomplish but every damn day I have to shush that inner critic, that paranoid voice that always tries to tell me I'm not enough. 

There are so many moments in my life where there was something I wanted to do so badly. Things like joining the choir, auditioning for the school play, applying for that job I really wanted, and putting myself out there for great things, that I NEVER did. I let the fear and anxiety control me for so long, it made me regret choices, it made me sink down and stay comfortable.  Nothing great comes from just staying comfortable. 

First step to learning to push past your Anxiety is recognizing it. When you feel anxious, or negative, make a conscious effort to think and ask yourself, "is this rational" "is this my anxiety" and thinking "regardless of how i'm feeling, what makes sense in this situation." "how can I help myself in this situation".

Sometimes after recognizing it. It can be small changes that may help you cope. Things like taking a break, having a few breaths. Maybe if your going somewhere plan to go early so it eliminates the stress of showing up after everyone's there. Make small adaptations to make things easier for yourself, but still DO the things your wanting to do. 

Being a mother has increased my anxiety like crazy. My children are my whole world and now I not only have fears and thoughts whirring around in my head about myself. Now there are constant worries and thoughts about my children, their safety, if I did enough for them, are loved enough, did I yell too much, did I say the right thing, etc. It goes on and on and amplifies mom guilt 10x. 

It crushed me when I noticed, my own anxiety holding them back from doing things, from having fun. Things like jumping on a trampoline without a net as the first example that comes too mind. Everyone else seemed laid back and comfortable, but I was watching my 4 year old jump with two other kids and I couldn't even breathe. I could picture so vividly her falling, I kept saying "be careful" where she replied for the 5th time "I am mom." 

I know that there's this title of "helicopter" mom. ( I hate labeling moms. period.) I don't do this intentionally. I just physically and mentally cant cope some days. It's the most uncomfortable feeling. I fight this feeling, because I recognize it's all MY fears and that chances are she will be fine. Its not fair for my fears to scare her or stop her from experiencing things and having fun. So I let her, and I can't watch. I send my husband over (even though he thinks its unnecessary) This helps me because I feel better knowing someones watching, but shes still having a good time. It literally took all my strength to walk away and let her jump. 

Having 3 kids has made these situations easier, because I'm facing them daily. 

The only thing that's made it easier to push past it. Is to keep doing it. 

Start small.

Facing smaller fears and keep working up. If you stop, you'll sink back down. Keep fighting. You are STRONG and BRAVE and you are meant for great things, your anxiety is just that thing in your way. 

In the last few years along my business journey as well as becoming a mother, I was pushed past that comfort zone and I can honestly say I have never once regretted it. Its an incredible feeling after facing your fears, the adrenaline, the self confidence, the excitement. Its not an easy mountain to climb but man, its the most rewarding feeling afterward. YOU DID IT!

Lastly, Be open about it. More and more people are coming forward and expressing themselves. Its crazy just how many people struggle, being open not only helps people understand you, but it can help someone else who's struggling in silence.

Only good can come from being open, I also think sharing your struggles gives you a certain strength, knowing your not alone, and you are NOT weak because of this. Anxiety is a mental illness and its a struggle, but its not impossible. Its just unfortunately something you need to adapt with to live that happy, fulfilled life you desire. But its very possible. You GOT THIS.

Thanks, much love: Teesha.

Quit Waiting For People To Fail In Their Home Based Business

With more and more people starting up home based business's you would think that it would be supported and welcomed with encouragement. This is rarely the case.

There's often a negative stigma around Direct Sales and Network marketing/ MLM companies. This is because of bad experiences in the 80's with illegal and scammy companies which left a bad taste in peoples mouth's. Since then though, many things have changed and there are many legitimate companies that are professional, have legal and worthy compensation plans, and incredible products/services.

There are things to look for in a legitimate company:
1.Legitimate MLMs don't have large start up costs.
2.Legitimate companies will offer buy back on unused inventory. (even a % back)
3. Legitimate companies care about product qualities and keeping happy customers.
4.Legitimate companies want to sell product and get customers. If they are pushing recruitment more, Run.

 Like anything there's good and bad. Point being, education is key.

Overall I personally feel that being involved in a home based business is extremely beneficial. Not only does it give you a positive sense of being, its enlightening, empowering, and the personal growth involved is life changing. The community of people working together is such an incredible thing to experience, I don't know many other "workplaces" where people lift each other up like in a MLM company. I've learnt and grown so much in my journey.

One thing that I struggle with is like I mentioned, the negative stigma and peoples fears about the industry without being educated on the topic.

Facts aside. Your family member just started a business. This was, more often then not, a scary decision, they are full of excitement and hope to work towards a better future. This should be met with encouragement and support, but often is met with criticism and doubt. Often someone starts a business because they weren't happy, needed a change, want to help people or want to create a  future for themselves and their family.

Do you really think your sister, brother, aunt, daughter, uncle etc. would join a company for the sheer plan to be scammed, or scam you and take your money? ha.

I guess I cant speak for everyone, but in most cases its someone with drive, vision, and energy who wants to work towards creating something incredible, not screw anyone over.

To be clear, I'm not saying you should join the company or buy the products your approached with in any way. But maybe, just be supportive of them in their life and decisions. Perhaps even give them the time to hear about what they are excited and passionate about. If it was a traditional home based business (They start making clothing or something) chances are you'd be far more supportive, this shouldn't be different. More often then not they will have absolutely no hard feelings if your not "into" it but will respect you honesty.

A MLM or Direct sales company is actually a very productive, pay it forward way of business. It has low start up costs, you don't have to worry about product development, website design, or any of the detailed business stuff. You just use the products and share what you love. For someone like myself, who's a stay at home mom who wants to be able to contribute to my family financially, this was the perfect choice for me so i can be both at home with my girls, and earn an income.

That being said, its a simple business, but its not "easy". it requires work like anything else. But I

think it would be easier to be successful without all the negativity. It takes a tough skin to be passionate despite what some may think, but its so worth it. We have to beat the odds.

Its sad to say that only 50% of people who start a home based business continue past a year. Maybe that's because they expected results over night? Maybe because they had people waiting for them to fail? Maybe because they aren't required to invest a lot its easy to walk away from? . That being said, Only 44% of traditional small businesses survive a year. So I guess the odds aren't great either direction.


 It takes hard work, and dedication! people wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't possible to be successful. People who persevere can earn a substantial passive residual income that requires far less time then a traditional business. In addition, it grows you as a person, which is more valuable then any income.

Whether your working a home based business or a side hustle, or your working in a traditional workplace. Point is that we all have different journey's, and as long as someone is happy with the best intentions, we need to meet them will love and respect. I think we can all be more successful in life this way.

Much love, Teesha.