Little Passports- Exploring Landmarks

Emily just received her second package in the mail from Max, Mia, and Toby of Little Passports.  The three amigos traveled around the world to some famous landmarks and wrote to Emily about their adventures.  Emily loved the activities and learning about landmarks like The Eiffel Tower, The Taj Majal, and The Great Wall of China.  Little Passports makes learning exciting and engaging for little ones.  I highly recommend checking out Little Passports for their innovative subscriptions for kids.  With a subscription you will receive a suitcase, a world map, a luggage tag, and activity book the first month and a new theme each month with a new activity book, souvenirs, and more.  Some of the monthly themes include landmarks, music, animals, food, art, oceans, and space.  Click on the banner below to check out their website!
Also check out my previous post on Little Passports.

Emily had to wear her California shirt while learning about Geography.  It's the cutest thing she now says, "I'm Emily Grace Foreman from Fresno, CA, United States of America."  This adorable tee is from Little Hunks Little Chicks. To read more about their shop check out my post HERE.

Introducing Little Hunks Little Chicks

I can't get enough of graphic or personalized tees for my girls. So I'm very excited to share with you Little Hunks Little Chicks which not only offers graphic tees but also bowties, bandanas, and stylish yet affordable clothing. It's even more exciting for me when I get to work with mom-prenuers and get to share their companies with you. I am always inspired by women who are full-time moms and still running their own business from home. I know from experience working from home is the hardest job there is! You can learn more about Mindy the founder of Little Hunks Little Chicks below.

Great news for you, Little Hunks Little Chicks is offering you 20% off right now if you use the promo code HOUSEWIFE20. Get shopping now!!!

Connect:

Follow Little Hunks Little Chicks on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Shop:

Check out Little Hunks Little Chicks' website to shop all their apparel for little ones.

The following photos are adapted from Little Hunks Little Chicks...

Meet:

Please tell us a little bit about your company and how you got started:

I got started with my company when a friend of mine was having a baby and wanted something and I ended up making it for her and my idea for little hunks was born. I wanted to add a girl section because I have a daughter who is almost 2 and I feel its better to have the variety. I am right now doing most of the business from my home. I have a few people that do some things such as helping me make bowties and such but for the most part I still am doing it by myself. My goal is to offer people affordable boutique children's clothing.

What has been your greatest lesson in running your own business?

The greatest lesson I have had in running my own business it time management. I am a full time mother as well as a business owner. This is difficult at time because I'm usually working while taking care of my almost 2 year old who keeps me hopping. I do get an occasional babysitter but mostly I do my business around my daughter and husbands schedule.

What’s your greatest tip for entrepreneurs?

I think my greatest tip is to just go for whatever you want to do. I am learning everyday new things. Its a lot of work but I love being able to spend the time I have with my family while also having income.

What does your normal day look like?

My normal day is busy, I usually try and wake up by around 7 so that I can get some work done without having my daughter around its so much easier to get things done when she is sleeping. I then work on orders, go through emails, work on marketing and try to get as much done as I can. She usually wakes up around 10. We then make her breakfast and spend some quality time together. In the afternoon I usually let her play while I continue working on things. She has quiet time in her room for a hour a day. no naps. then usually I spend more time with her till my husband gets home and then back to work I go. This is when I can get most of my stuff done.

Who inspires you?

I would say that my husband inspires me. He sometimes get the grunt of me after a long day but he is very supportive. It has been a crazy year for us I had some health issues but hes always there cheering me on and keeping me going.

Featured in the Fresno Bee-Meal Planning

I was recently interviewed by Bob Rodriguez of the Fresno Bee for an article about meal planning.  I am a planner by nature and since I was dreading dinner prep every night I thought I better give meal planning a shot.  Well the planner in me loves it.  It saves me so much time and grief.  I'm not guessing every night what to make, I spend less time preparing meals, and I make less trips to the grocery store.  It also saves us money because I know exactly what I need to buy at the store. I've blogged about my meal planning before and you can check out my ideas here and here.  

Thank you Bob for including me in your article. Check out the article HERE

Here's an example of my monthly meal plan:

Rocco Santino Rossini

I've suffered loss in my life and some of it very deep but I think this last weekend was one of the hardest times in my life.  My nephew passed away January 1st from injuries sustained in an ATV accident and I am still in shock.  I think of my sadness and can't even pretend to comprehend the pain my sister, brother-in-law, nieces and their families are feeling.  I was honored to be a part of this past weekend and join in celebrating Rocco's life.  My sister asked me to do a reading during the funeral which I was completely honored to do yet very nervous.  The services were absolutely perfect and a beautiful tribute to Rockstar. The family that spoke about Rocco whether it was telling a poem, reading a letter, or giving the Eulogy were so wonderful!  He was only 9 years old but larger than life.  Dozens of times over the past week I've heard Rocco referred to as full throttle, larger than life, competitive, kind, compassionate, and passionate.  He touched so many lives as was evidenced by his services this weekend.  The church was overflowing for the funeral and his elementary school auditorium was standing room only during the Celebration of Life.  I wanted to share about Rocco for several reasons but one of the most important is to keep his legacy alive.  As I've stated Rocco had the biggest personality and impacted so many people.  To continue impacting people a scholarship fund was set up in Rocco's name.  

Rocco Santino Rossini Scholarship Fund

You can also watch a segment about Rocco from ABC 30.

ABC 30 Segment

Rocco's Obituary

July 27, 2006- January 1, 2016

It's very sad that it takes such tragedy to change your perspective.  I've held my girls tighter than ever this week and I've tried to relish in the little things.  I'm also hoping that I can help remind myself and others to find joy in picking up toys 504 times a day, in wiping tears and snot, and in having headaches from the constant noise.  These things drive us parents nuts but I'm sure my sister would kill to pick up one more army guy left on the floor.

God has a perfect plan and our time on earth is only temporary.  I'm certain that Rocco was sent to Earth as a gift to everyone he touched.  He now will be our guardian angel keeping us safe but also making sure we have laughter in our lives.

We will always miss Rockstar but hopefully always remember he was a true gift!

"Daddy please don't look so sad, 

Mommy please don't cry.

I am in the arms of Jesus

and He sings me lullabies.

Please do not try

to question God,

don't think He is unkind.

Don't think He sent

to you and that

He changed His mind.

You see, I am special

and I'm needed up above.

I'll always be there with you.

So watch the sky at night.

Find the brightest

star that's gleaming.

That's my Halo's brilliant light.

So Daddy please

don't look so sad.

Mommy please don't cry.

I am in the arms of Jesus.

And He sings my lullabies."