Business Tips For Self-Employed Moms

The idea of working from your own home is always wonderful; sadly, sometimes the reality doesn’t necessarily live up to the dream.

Organization
Most moms choose to work from home so that they can spend more quality time with their kids - also how many people really like commuting to a corporate office on a daily basis.  Obviously, the type of work or careers that can be pursued from the home base might be limited, but with a little imagination, then working from home can, in fact become a practical solution for many.

One of the first tasks is to realize that working from home necessitates good organizational skills.  The home worker is responsible for his or her own bookkeeping, timekeeping and tax.  For some moms the easiest option is to use an umbrella company.  These companies take the hardship out of accounting and also will help prepare the correct paperwork for the IRS.  The companies will claim a small commission percentage but the home worker can also have peace of mind that their tax affairs will be in order.

Expenses
Major corporations all claim allowable tax expenses and any freelance worker can do the same.  Once you’ve decided to work from home then a trip to the local IRS office might be a good idea in order to discover which working expenses can be offset against tax.  A small notebook or software program is essential in order to mark down how much has been spent on work computers, work related ‘phone calls and other necessities.  Remember to keep all receipts for expenses as they are the proof that not all payment received is profit and that some has been spent to further the business.  The umbrella company of choice will be able to help detail your bookkeeping and will also be able to offer advice.

Childcare
The US government publication IRS 503 lists the different claims that can be made by self-employed moms and it’s a good idea to try and read this publication in order to see whether working from home is a financially viable option.  Some of the same rules that apply to childcare can also relate to ‘dependent relatives’ so if mom or dad need care then these expenses may also be tax deductible.  One of the bonuses of using an umbrella company is that they can advise the working mom about all of these issues so that the mom can concentrate on her fledgling business.

Planning
The key to working from home is to make sure that the planning of the proposed business has been worked out in advance.  Make a business plan where the details of target income and projected expenditure can be mapped.  Ensure that the business has a separate business account and even if online banking is preferable, ensure that you receive paper copies of everything.  Set up separate lines of communication that will be used solely for business purposes rather than by the rest of the family.

All of this hard work will reap dividends and will allow the self-employed mom to sit back in the future and enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Milk Unleashed Shelf-Stable Milk Giveaway Package

What would we do without milk each day? My boys absolutely love milk and drink it every single day. I have to admit I even have cravings for a delicious bowl of cereal pretty much every day, too. As most families, we are on the go quite often and I always bring along drinks for the kids. Usually we don't bring along milk, but did you know Milk Unleashed provides milk that can be taken on the go all the time AND you don't have to bring along the refrigerator with you! That's right! You can purchase a variety of milks that are shelf-stable, which means refrigeration is not needed!Many are also organic, such as Horizon milk, our favorite.

Milk Unleashed is here to help with single-serve shelf-stable milk, so there is no need to ever run out. No additives or preservatives are used and the shelf-stable milk is packaged in Tetra Pak, an earth-friendly packaging method made from harvested, regrown trees. It is also recyclable, which we love!

You don't have to worry about milk going bad anymore! You can take Milk Unleashed to the park, pack in lunch, take it on road trips and much more. I know I have not packed milk in Josiah's lunchbox in the past because I was scared it would spoil, but now I don't have to worry anymore!

Check out the Milk Unleashed Blog App below for fun games, snack ideas, quizes and much more!

With school back in session, this is the perfect time to give Milk Unleashed a try! Thanks to Milk Unleashed, we have an awesome giveaway!!

One Winner Will Win a Variety Pack Consisting of Four Shelf-Safe Milks (White & Chocolate) from:

• Hershey's
• LaLa
• Horizon
• Organic Valley

The winner will also receive an adorable cow stress ball!

The Best US Cities For Child Education

Any parents looking to relocate that have young children, be it for work, family or other reasons, want to know that the education options in their chosen city will be the best possible. A good education from a young age is crucial to children getting the right start in life, so educational establishments that have a strong academic ethos, together with varied options for sporting and other recreational activities, are an attractive draw for young families.

Parents look for a well-rounded education for their children, but are also keen that any special talents their young ones may have are spotted and developed as early as possible. Excellent teaching, good staff to student ratios and a range of arts and sporting facilities make a school attractive.

Public and private school systems

The majority of children attend public schools, some 90%, and these schools are subsidized by the taxpayer, with policies, curricula and other matters determined by school boards locally. There are three school education levels: elementary, middle (sometimes known as junior high) and high. The other 10% of children attend private schools, and these are not subsidized, with fees being paid by parents, guardians or others. Most private schools offer scholarships or bursaries to help children from lower income families to have the opportunity to attend.

Top 5 cities

San Francisco

One of the world’s greatest cities with a vibrant and diverse economy, San Francisco’s Unified School District ranks amongst the top-performing large city districts in California and the nation as a whole. With half of the USD schools ranking above the state average it is in the top 40 per cent nationwide. Newsweek has named four of its high schools as being among the best in the country.

Portland

Portland prides itself as a progressive city, and though the climate may not suit all (with plenty of rain) it has community-based alternative education programs to go with its 85 public schools, and a number of special services programs too, allowing lots of choice. Major companies, such as Nike, are based there, and the arts and music scene prove a huge draw for families, as well as proximity to the great outdoors.

Tampa

Florida’s warm year-round climate is an attractive reason for moving, and Florida property is more affordable than many may think. Tampa offers over 243 schools and dozens of alternative education options, such as magnet and charter schools, coupled with early childhood learning centers. Museums and galleries are an additional attraction for families, as are the professional sports teams.

Honolulu

With small teacher-student ratios, Honolulu is part of Hawaii Public Schools District and, apart from the added personal attention students get, it has one of the top-performing high schools in the nation and several excellent elementary schools. The cost of living is high, but the quality of education and opportunities for sun, sand and surf make for a top place to bring up children.

Raleigh

North Carolina’s capital city offers great choices for children’s education with over 150 schools available, from elementary through to high. Choices include a healthy magnet program and various charter schools as well as traditional approaches. The city is culturally diverse, and over 90% of students expect to go on to some type of higher education.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Hi, everyone! Okay, Fall doesn't officially begin until September 22nd, but it sure felt like Fall this morning! I woke to some super chilly weather this morning and it hit me that summer is finally over here in the mountains. I am so excited because this means many things for our little town, including apple picking, fall festivals, including our very own Apple Festival, which is the biggest festival of the year around here. This also means Halloween, one of our favorite holidays, Liam's birthday and much, much more.

In addition, we have decided to add 2 guest reviewers to Children Teaching Mama. It seems a homeschooling SAHM of 2 can only do so much at once, though I like to think I am superwoman. :) I have emailed the 2 bloggers chosen as guest reviewers and will let you know once they agree to the enormous task of putting up with me. This will be a good thing for readers, though... more reviews, more giveaways and less waiting a week for giveaways to pop up.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and continue to enjoy your week of cool, fall-like weather!

Goodbye, Summer!

Maternity Clothes- What to Wear This Fall & Winter Season

A few years ago, when you were an expectant mom maternity clothes consisted of oversized t-shirts and extra-stretchy leggings – not a particularly flattering look! Nowadays, you don’t have to compromise your style when you’re pregnant – maternity fashion has come on leaps and bounds. As we see the fall/winter trends hit the shops, there are some great trends out there for all you mom’s to be! 

Berry colors

Berry colors are a huge trend this autumn, and it’s a color that is so versatile. It suits every different skin tone, and is great for both day and evening wear. These colors will definitely help you feel festive! 

Shirts        

Shirts are still a big trend this fall/winter, and you can wear them virtually anywhere – in the office, on date night, or on a family day out. They are really flattering to your growing bump, whilst still looking sophisticated.

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Colored trousers

If you want to be a bit daring but still comfortable, colored jeans are a great compromise. This trend isn’t going anywhere so jump on board so bring a pop of color to fall. 

These styles are great ways to flatter your changing body during your pregnancy, whilst still feeling fashionable and on-trend. With so much great maternity fashion around, experiment with these different trends to find your perfect mom-to-be outfit!

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Lazoo App & Bookbag Review PLUS Outfit Giveaway

A few years ago, my mother-in-law bought some adorable shirts on sale at Toys R Us for my son, Josiah. The shirts had games on them and hidden graphics behind pieces of cloth. As you can imagine, these shirts quickly became his favorites. I recently came to learn that the shirts were made by Lazoo and they have an entire line of ridiculously adorable outfits for boys and girls, coloring books and much more! They also have a new iPad App called Squiggles!, based on their best-selling coloring book, that is so much fun for kids and helps bring out their creativity and imagination, which is what Lazoo is all about! You can also get the Squiggles! app on iPhone, too!

About Lazoo

Lazoo is a quality-conscious lifestyle children's brand emphasizing award-winning design, creativity, and play. It was founded by two New York City dads, with eight kids between them. Inspired by an internationally best-selling series of Japanese children's books, our unique products embody the same core mission: to foster a child's creative process, encourage self-expression and empower the imagination!

 My Thoughts

We received the Hoshi backpack from Lazoo. It is quite possibly the cutest backpack I've ever seen and Liam immediately claimed it as his own. The backpack is so soft and cuddly, just like a stuffed animal, which also adds to its appeal. The inside is not terribly big, but has enough room for some toys or an outfit to take along for an overnight trip. Liam loves filling it up with toys when going to Grandma’s house.

We also received a long-sleeved t-shirt to wear when the weather gets cooler. We have the short-sleeve version of this t-shirt already, which is what Liam is wearing in the picture above. As you can see, the shirt looks like new. Would you believe the shirt is over 3 years old and has been worn by both of my children? Lazoo has so many cute clothes that I would love to buy for my children and they are all reasonably priced, too.

 Would you love to win something from Lazoo? 

Thanks to Lazoo, One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Win A Cute Outfit For Their Little Girl Or Boy (Sizes 6-9 months up to 5T)!

Taking A Cruise As A Family For The First Time!

Traveling is a passion of mine that will always be important to me. When I was younger, I was able to travel to many different countries, including England, Italy and the Czech Republic. I also studied in Germany for a semester. Now that I have a family, traveling is a little trickier and also more expensive. That's why my husband and I have looked for a less expensive way to travel as a family. We have taken small road trips in the past, but now that the kids are getting older, we've decided to purchase a cruise from Cruise Kings.

Cruises provide a fun way to travel and see beautiful places around the world! I have been on several cruises in the past and Cruise Kings has a variety of cruises at amazing prices. You can take a world cruise, cruise one way and stay in an exotic location and travel via luxury cruise liners. There are so many options that you can really make your trip just the way you want it.When the kids are on their own, my husband and I will definitely take a world cruise.

I know from experience that once you go on a cruise, you will definitely want to go again and again. These prices allow families on a budget to see and visit places only imagined! I recommend paying a little extra for your own balcony. It's such a wonderful feeling to open your door, sit outside in the moonlight watching the waves crash all around you.

My husband has never been on a cruise before and didn't even have a passport until recently, so I wanted to make this trip special for him. I found some great Late Deals with discounted prices, which would allow us to go on an 11-day cruise. I cannot wait for him to see Venice and the Greek Isles for the first time. Greece will be a first for me, too, and somewhere I've always wanted to visit.

Have you been on a cruise before? If not, where would you love to go?

Children's Place Clothing Review & $50 Gift Card Giveaway

When we lived in Macon, Georgia, our apartment was near the mall. I probably strolled around that mall more than I did as a teenager, but this time with a baby who longed to be out and about! We didn't go into many shops, but one I never failed to enter was The Children's Place and it still ranks as one of my favorites.

The Children's Place has such a great variety of infant, baby and children's clothing for girls and boys. When living in Macon, we were on quite a small budget and I noticed right away that The Children's Place was the most affordable store around the area with children's clothes. Not to mention, the clothes were and are absolutely adorable.

We were so excited to work with The Children's Place on a review of their clothing. Josiah helped me pick out an outfit for him and decided on a pair of straight-legged jeans and a collared shirt just like his Papa's. He loves dressing like a big boy and I have to admit, I love seeing him look so grown up every now and again. Plus, The Children's Place clothes are made for play, so they last for a long time. All of the clothes we bought for Josiah when he was younger are still in great shape for his brother to wear.

With school just around the corner for many and children already back in school here in Georgia, The Children's Place has a great sale going on and some cute outfits from which to choose in-store and online. Now that we don't live near a store I shop at the online store and always find some great deals. Many of the jeans right now are only $10 and there is always a clearance section, too! With fall nearing, there are some adorable outfits to keep your kids warm while playing outside.

 Until September 10th, shoppers can earn $20 off of their next purchase for every $40 spent! That is such a great deal that we had to take advantage of it and purchase some new clothes for the boys. Would you like to go shopping, too? Get your 15% off coupon here before shopping!

Thanks to The Children's Place, Children Teaching Mama is giving away a $50 Gift Card For A Shopping Spree!

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