School has started!

School has officially began! I'm so excited to finally be in the nail program and I can't wait to finish!

I'm excited to learn and excited to be able to do nails once I'm done. It has been a passion and a desire of mine since I was in high school!

It has taken some time to get going but I know it is going to pay off and be an amazing experience!

The first night of school was canceled due to the weather and then the 3rd day was as well. So out of 5 days I've only been able to go for 3. I hope the snow doesn't keep me from going any more!!

Managing work, school and family time has definitely been interesting. I know with more time and as I get further in the program it will be even more interesting.

My buddy (a nail student that has been there longer than myself) got me a few things to get started!

Take a look at all the glitter, acrylic brushes and nail art stuff!

The money is play money. It is what I can use at the school store to purchase more product, a higher score for a test, one on one time with an instructor and even services performed by instructors.

New Years Eve 2012

Well, it is the LAST Monday of the year! How crazy is that?! Time sure has flown by for me this year and I'm thinking that next year it might just do the same.

Yes, I'm aware that there is the same amount of time year to year. However, there are some years that for me seem to drag on, I can't be the only one, can I?! While other years just FLY on by!

I don't know exactly what makes it happen but it does. I think this year for me it was because of all the changes that took place in my life.

In April I moved with my two children from Oregon to Idaho and went from being a WAHM to a full time student.

June we moved out of my Aunt and Uncle's house and into our own house. At the end of the month my husband joined us after what seemed to be forever apart but was really only a few months.

August I finished school and in September I became a licensed esthetician. The beginning of October I started working outside of the home three days a week.

In November I became a certified medical laser technician and started doing laser services for clients. Of course there was Thanksgiving in there.

December, well its the last day!!! With the open house of the skin spa, continuing to work, figuring out Christmas and if I would start school in January after all, it didn't take long for it to be over!

Did 2012 fly by or drag on for you? Do you think 2013 will do the same?

I'm definitely looking forward to 2013 and all that is going to take place for myself and my family! I couldn't be more excited!!!

Happy New Year to you and yours. Hope you all are safe tonight and remember, don't drink and drive. It isn't worth it!

Juggling work, the kids and everything else!

How did you juggle everything?!

I'm finding this adjusting period a little exhausting and difficult. I've not yet found the "perfect" solution but am hoping with some time and patience it will be a smoother process soon!

I went from being a SAHM to basically a single parent and going to school. Then my husband joined the kids and I in Idaho. It made things a little easier.

I completed school and got my Esthetics license. Started work and am trying to juggle home life and working.

Recently I became a certified medical laser technician. So I'm now trying to juggle that with my Esthetics and everything going on at home.

I'm finding that the little time I had for myself is even less. I'm not sure if that's what is making it so exhausting or if it is that I'm not used to going out of the house 3-4 days a week. Yes, some times it is more than that, but not always.

I have used some great products in the last few months that I would love to share with you all, but there isn't time. I even did some freezer cooking and I took photos, but haven't had the time to upload. It could be a little bit of a time management issue, but for the most part, I don't think it really is that.

Vista Print savings!

Do you remember seeing this photo on my Facebook page?! 

I saved over $99.00 and only spent a little over $33.00! 

Would YOU like to know HOW?! Good, I'd be happy to tell you! 

Every once in a while (I'm not sure exactly how often), Vista Print puts out a Living Social advertisement. Its a FANTASTIC deal really! You pay $10 and get $50 worth of Vista Print materials. 

What makes it EVEN BETTER is that you are then given a personal link to share how you wish. It doesn't matter if you write it down and give it to someone, put it on your Facebook or even email it to people. 

If a total of 3 people purchase the same deal using YOUR link, yours is FREE! That's right, they'll refund your $10.00. You of course still get the $50.00 worth of materials. 

I shared my link and 3 people purchased from it. I had my initial investment refunded to me. I logged into my Vista Print account of course and went to selecting items I wanted and needed and customized them to how I wanted them to be. 

I noticed at the top of the page that there was some "writing" in red. It read something along the lines of, "Spend $25 over your $50 purchase and get FREE shipping.". Well, that was a no brainer for me! 

Shipping on the items I had chosen for my $50 was around $25. So why not spend the money on something rather than spending it on shipping?! I mean these items don't expire, they don't go bad and I could always use them. 

So that's exactly what I did. I went and added more items to my cart, which is how I got my order total to the $33.92 and FREE shipping was automatically put in place. 

In case you can't see exactly what the photo shows:

                       Original price                                 You pay

Product total:                                         115.93                                          33.92

Shipping & Handling (14 days):            17.32                                            FREE

Total:                                                    133.25                                           33.92

I love saving money, even more so when I save MORE than what I spent! Thank you Vista Print and Living Social! And thank you to those that ordered from my link! 

Halloween 2012

What a night!

A few days before Halloween we helped some friends of ours move from one side of town to the other. While driving between the houses, I remember seeing a sign that said something about a Halloween Festival. I knew nothing else other than what the sign showed, which I had to read quickly as I was driving down the road at the time.

Fast forward a few days and Halloween is here! Kids are all dressed up as is my husband and myself. We were off to go trick or treating for a little bit and check out the festival to see what it was about.

We went to my Aunt Gwen's house first as we weren't sure how long we would be elsewhere and my cousin Stacie wanted to see the kids before she went out to a Halloween party. The kids of course went for the king sized candy that was in the candy bucket. HAHA

Off we went to the festival to check it out. It was FREE. I was surprised. There was horses, inflatable bounce houses, food, treats, and more. It was fabulous to see something like that where you could go as a family and have a good time. The kids had a blast and they even rode the horses. It was their FIRST time ever riding a horse.

We were there for a little bit and then decided to go trick or treating down Harrison Blvd. OMGOSH, let me tell you, it was CRAZY. If you've seen the movies/shows that have thousands of people, that's what it was like. I'm not kidding. There were lines down the sidewalk up to the doors of the houses. It was like rush hour traffic, stop and go, stop and go.

Once we went up the street a couple blocks we headed back down to the car. It was about 7:45pm when we had arrived and almost 9pm when we left due to how many people were there. The kids had a blast though, they enjoyed it. One house had 130 pumpkins, CARVED, on their front porch. I wish we had my phone or camera at the time, but due to the mass amount of people and not having a purse, I opted not to take either.

Our final stop was at our friend's house. The ones that we helped move a few days prior. They only had two trick or treaters... so the kids made out like bandits. They got so much candy from Rik and Gillian, they were so happy. Little do they know, there's a candy tax for us taking them out. HAHA

This year's Halloween was by far one of the best Halloween's ever! I think if they continue the festival we'll go year after year and we'll most likely go to Harrison Blvd. again as well.

Our little Vampire and Simba the Lion. 

This was Boo @ the Zoo! 

Halloween: First stop Aunt Gwen's. 

The whole family! 

Record Keeping...

I know how to balance a checkbook. I'm kind of clueless on the "easiest" and "best" way of keeping record of my finances when it comes to my business.

I have several items I have to purchase and there is no set time frame of reorders on those products like a restaurant may have.

I have several places that I get those items as I've shopped around to find the best price.

I accept several forms of payment; check, electronic and cash.



How do you keep track of the money you have coming in and the money you have going out?

Do you use a spreadsheet? A program? Maybe you keep a handwritten ledger?

What kind of work do you do? What categories do you have for where your money goes when going out?

Do you do an overview weekly? monthly?


If you have any tips or tricks on how you keep track that you would not mind sharing, I would be grateful and appreciate them all.

Didn't start school as planned!

For those that know and those that don't... I was supposed to start school on October 8th for the nail tech program.

I showed up at school all ready to go, walked in and was the only one there. I thought it was odd and wondered if I was late, though I was sure I was early.

FUNNY story... I wasn't late, I was in fact EARLY. Yup, I was early by approximately a month! HAHA

I didn't know that though. I had gone in on the 25th of September to fill out paperwork and that showed the start date of the 8th of October.

Little did I know and the person that was doing the admissions paperwork that they moved the class start date to November 5th. SURPRISE!

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise in more ways than one. It has allowed me time to get used to working and get familiar with how things are going to be when I start school. It has also made it possible for me to do Boo at the Zoo with my children and go Trick or Treating on Halloween with them too. SUPER WIN!

I'm so excited to be able to do both of those things this year. We've never done Boo at the Zoo as we've not been close enough to a zoo to participate before. We're in a new neighborhood this year for Trick or Treating so I'm anxious to see how it will go. I am pretty sure the kids will have a good time. They both know how to say, "Trick or Treat"!

Good things are happening and I couldn't be happier!

"Finger Painting with Water Colors"

Yes, that's what I'm calling polishing my nails water marble style!

So, I learned about this way of polishing your nails a few weeks ago. Watched some videos on how to do it as I was so intrigued.

I'm happy to say that I actually took the time to do it for myself last night! They're not perfect by any means but they are pretty cool!

I used a greyish/white color, with a shade of green and black! Turns out those colors together almost look like camo!

I did my right hand first as I'm right handed. I realized after doing my right hand that I left out an important step which helped me with doing my left hand! I forgot the tape, tape is necessary for easier clean up!

Here are just a few photos of my adventures of "finger painting with water colors"! haha!


Colors I used:

A photo of before:

My right hand:

My left hand:

Holy gas mileage!

So, the family and I recently took a trip back home to Oregon. We left Boise Friday in the early morning (around 2am) and went back to Bend for the weekend.

We stopped in Caldwell at the Flying J (exit 29) and filled up with gas. We didn't make any stops for gas again until Sunday evening.

Going the speed limit is fabulous for your gas mileage. I read a tip on saving money from Pinterest and was a bit skeptical on it. It appears as though it is pretty accurate though.

Considering I speed a little (approximately 5mph over the speed limit in town (some times) and a little more on the highway/freeway, and normally don't see 400 miles to a tank of gas. I'd say there is a lot of truth in going the speed limit does save you money!

I can't believe the kind of gas mileage my car got! I haven't seen over 411 miles to a tank that I can remember, EVER. Not even in someone else's car.

My husband calculated the mileage that we got for the trip. It was approximately 31 miles to the gallon! Crazy right?!

Before filling up on Sunday I was wanting to go around the block a few times to see just how many miles I could get to the tank before my low fuel light came on. However, we didn't have time to do so. So the last record I have before getting more gas is 446.9 miles.

Here is a photo that I recently posted to my personal Facebook page. A friend of mine asked what kind of a car I have, while another asked how many gallons my gas tank held. My car is a 2007 Kia Spectra and the manual states it is 14.5 gallons for the tank.

As you can see there is 400.5 miles on the tripometer and about a 1/4 of a tank left to go. 

The next photo is the last one I took right before pulling up to the gas station. Notice the numbers and the fact that the low mileage light is NOT on :)

Crockpot...Dinner & Dessert!

Yes, that's right, the other day I made dinner AND dessert at the same time in the crockpot! No, it wasn't the same crockpot, I had two that I used.

It was great though. I did the prep on dinner and got that in the crockpot and then I did the prep on dessert and got it into the other crockpot.

Once that was all done I was able to go and study like I needed...well, aside from the interruptions from the kids of course. HAHA

I made a pretty tasty homemade macaroni and cheese and a delicious baked apples dessert. I will definitely be making both again, and most likely.... SOON!

I want to thank Pinterest for existing, A Whisk and a Prayer for the macaroni and cheese, and Skinny Chef for the dessert. Thank you to those that also pinned the recipes so that I was able to see them!

While my photos may not be as good as the ones you'll see on Pinterest or the actual site they came from, I still took my own.

The ONLY suggestions that I would make are for the macaroni and cheese. I don't recall seeing it written, and I'm not going to go check, so if it isn't there, make sure you are able to stir it every once in a while so the noodles on the bottom of the crockpot and the sides do NOT burn!

Oh and I had some ice cream with my apple... absolutely amazing! It was the Blue Bunny, Peanut Butter and Brownie Sensation...  YUM!!! 

Macaroni and cheese before it was cooked

Macaroni and cheese complete, I had stirred it at this point

Apples before being cooked, 2 filled and 2 not

Apple baked with the ice cream I had it with

If you haven't already please like my SAHM turned WAHM on Facebook!

Spa Services by Honie

I'm in the process of getting my website up for my new adventure! I have been doing it myself and it has been a bit overwhelming since I'm not too savvy when it comes to websites.

I'm hoping that it is available for you all to get a glance at in the next 24 hours or so. I finished the steps late last night, so it may be a little longer as the customer service guy told me that it can take up to 48 hours.

I was kind of disappointed to hear that since I saw "1 hour" next to the information I changed. I assumed it would be changed within the hour, guess that's what I get for a$$uming. HAHA

Please keep in mind if you check out my website that it is not fully completed at this time. I'm still in the process of getting the template exactly as I would like, and all the information listed on the pages. I'm hoping to have it completed in the next week or so!

Be sure to check it often for specials that are available!

www.spaservicesbyhonie.com

Turning a blog into a website?!

How about having a website with the blog capability?


I have seen a few blogs that look like websites, even have website addresses instead of the normal blog address.

Let me just clarify, I'm not sure if they're websites with the blog capabilities or blogs turned into websites so to speak. I just know that they look like a website to me but have some blog characteristics and I like that it has a web address just for it!

I like some of the aspects on the following and would like to transform my blog but am NOT sure how to go about doing it!


http://www.misschievous.tv/

http://madamedeals.com/


http://www.kinsleyriverdesigns.com/

I'm not super computer savvy and even less website/hosting savvy. Simple and detailed instructions are best if you have ideas and ways to help me out!

Any assistance would be appreciated! Thank you!

Crush Mini Flat Iron deal!

While I was on Facebook earlier this evening I found what a Groupon deal that I peaked my interest!
A blog site that I have liked on Facebook that lists deals for a variety of items had it posted.

Thank you Madame Deals, Inc for sharing about the Crush Mini Flat Iron on Groupon. I have one ordered in Raspberry and can't wait to get it and try it out.

I'm not only excited that I saved almost half of what it normally costs, but I'm excited to see how it works with curling my hair. Its normally $30, however, I got it for just over $15.00 shipped due to tax with being in Idaho.

I have a flat iron already but it is a bit wider than the Crush Mini and I've been envious of those girls that I've seen with the 1" flat irons that use it to curl their hair!

***Image courtesy of Madame Deals, Inc's blog!

My SCENTSY order arrived!

I placed an order on Friday I think (might have been Saturday) and I got it today! Well, technically yesterday due to the time!

I posted a video on YouTube to show what I received. Tells a little about the SAVINGS I took advantage of!

For the month of August you can take advantage of 10% off most of the items Scentsy has!

After you check out my video, check out Tosha's Facebook page and let her know that SAHM turned WAHM sent you on over!

For those that don't know, you can click the words that are a different color than most of the post and it'll take you directly to those pages!

Thank you for your support!
SAHM turned WAHM

Eyelash extensions!

A couple weeks ago we had a previous instructor from the school I'm attending come in and demonstrate eyelash extensions. She even allowed those of us who were interested in practicing putting them on the model she brought in and then we practiced on each other.

I'm excited about them! So excited that I have purchased the supplies that I need to be able to apply full sets and fills to those clients that are interested in having them! 

They take a bit of time to apply of course, but it is totally worth it in my opinion. When those who have them wake up in the morning there is no need to apply mascara on your top eyelashes! You can wake up and go if that's all that you apply in the morning or when you go out! 

For the first 5 models there will be a $20 charge. The next set of 5 models will have a $40 charge. The $20 is more for supplies as they will be helping me with getting acquainted with the process and supplies. The $40 charge will be to help offset supplies and also help compensate a little bit for the time it takes. 

This cost is for FULL SETS of eyelash extensions. Which if you were to go to a spa in the area would cost $150+! 

My supplies should be here by the middle of September and I should be able to get started by the 25th depending on my model's schedules. I'm so excited that I can hardly contain myself! 

Here is a before/after photo of eyelash extensions. I did NOT apply those eyelash extensions nor did I take the photo. I do not know the model in the photo as it came from a search I did on Google.com. It is only for visual purposes! 

Gevalia coffee maker & 4 boxes of coffee for $9.99

Yes, you read the title correctly.

I received a 12 cup programmable coffee maker from Gevalia and 4 boxes of my choice of Gevalia coffee all for $9.99!

I made a video to show what I received and it gives credit to Coupon cousins too as that's where I heard about the fabulous deal.

Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycgutEXt9Xg&feature=youtu.be

First Impressions

Had school today as I have for the last almost 6 months. One thing different with today was the "First Impressions" class that we had this morning.

It was only a couple hours long but I learned quite a bit in that time. I have been thinking about everything that we went over all day long.

Talk about lasting impression... I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Not that I want to. Its definitely something that I need to take the time to think about more.

One thing that is for certain... You only get ONE first impression. There is no second chance, you don't get a "re-do". You can't take back what has been said or done.

You may not think much about how you dress when running a quick errand or your body language while running that errand. However, you should put a little more thought into both as EVERYONE that you come in contact with, no matter where you are, could be a potential career contact.

NETWORKING is important and a big part of achieving any goals you may have set for yourself.

Eek! What happen?!

I've been away from the blogging world for far too long, that's for sure. I apologize for that, however, it was not in my control.

With moving out of state with the kids and without my husband, moving in with family, starting school and everything else that was going on, it was quite hard to find the time, especially without having my own computer set up.

But really, what happen to the look of blogspot?! It is going to take me some time to get used to, that's for sure. Not sure I like it, but then again normally when there is change, I'm a little apprehensive at first and then over time I get used to it. I guess I'm not too different than others?! haha

I will try to do a short quick update on the bigger things that have taken place over the last couple months in the next week or so.

Most important right now.... 

Kids are well and we all are excited for Daddy to be here in a mere 5 days!!! No more going back to Oregon alone for him, which means no more tears for us!!!

School is going well. I'm about halfway through!

The new house is in a nice neighborhood and the kids have their own rooms.

I'm around some of my family and Travis and I have had a couple of our friends move to the area. There is quite a bit more to do here as well, which makes it nice!

WWYD?! More people than seat belts?!

To the best of your knowledge what do you think you would do?!

Lets say you see an adult pull up to a store in a 5 seat car. You see not 1, 2 or 3 children get out of the car but SIX (6). Two of them are MAYBE a year old and the other 4 are approximately 4 years old to 8 years old.

Would you
a) have to pick your mouth up off the ground from shock?
b) shake your head in disgust?
c) tell the adult just what you think?
d) call the authorities and report the adult?
e) ALL of the above?


Would it matter what store you were at? How old the adult was? How old the children were?

Does it make it less worse in your opinion that the two youngest DID have carseats? Keep in mind that in this situation even though there were 2 carseats you didn't physically see the 2 children, or any children for that matter IN the seats with your own eyes.

School: Week 1

If you don't know, I started the Esthetics program at Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology on the 17th. Originally the plan was to start on June 25th, but some things changed and my husband and I agreed starting earlier was better for us.

The program is approximately 6 months long as it is 600 hours. The end date is around the 24th of September but there is the chance I could finish a little sooner if I go in extra days or go in early/stay late type of thing.

This first week focused on the basics of sterilization, sanitation, disinfecting and setting up the facial room. We went over what supplies, products and equipment are needed.

For our hands on learning we practiced facials and massage on mannequins and each other. The facials were on mannequins while the hand/arm massage was on each other. OMGOSH, can you say RELAXING?! It was horrible when it was after lunch because we all wanted to nap! haha

Tuesday we are going to be practicing facials on each other and Friday we get to bring in models to practice on them. I'm excited to receive a facial and kind of nervous about giving one. I'm sure that with time it'll be one of those things that is second nature.

From the sounds of things we'll start learning about waxing next week. Which is pretty exciting! I think I might be sporting some shorts and/or capris this summer!!! I don't like shaving, it isn't something that I have a lot of time for because of the kids and everything so I normally don't do it often. Waxing will help make it so that it isn't a big deal. :)