Wellness - A New Prespective

This message is courtesy of Mocha Sheri BP.

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Money Class - Home Buying Series

A special message from our sponsor Wells Fargo:

Join the Mocha Moms, Inc. Wells Fargo Homeownership Three-Part Webinar Series!  

According to the Wells Fargo 2014 How America Views Homeownership Survey, 87 percent of people view homeownership as an achievement to be proud of and a dream come true.
 
We're pleased to host a three-part webinar series focusing on the information you need whether you're thinking about buying your first home, or you want to buy again but aren't sure of your options.   Each session will feature an experienced Wells Fargo Home Mortgage representative eager to help you become - and remain - a proud homeowner. 
 
January 20
Home financing basics - What type of expenses should you plan for? The costs of homeownership go beyond the monthly mortgage payments.  

February 17
Credit basics - Understand what a credit score is and how it may impact your loan pricing.

March 17
Loan application process - Understand the steps of the loan approval and funding process to help you avoid potential pitfalls along the way. 
 
REGISTER NOW for all three sessions of the Webinar Series: 

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/9068764573096763394

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.  Brought to you by GoToWebinar ® Webinars Made Easy ®  View System Requirements 
 
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and an Equal Housing Lender. NMLSR ID 399801.   

This has been prepared for informational purposes only. The accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Since each individual's financial situation is unique, you need to review your financial objectives to determine which approaches might work best for you.

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Wellness - Be BRAVE!

Good Morning Mochas! Happy Wednesday!

This week's Wellness Wednesday will channel our bravery! 

In addition to being bold, we must be brave! Being brave means doing something we are afraid to do. Similar to being bold, but truly enduring something that we thought would be painful or excruciating. Being brave means being a risk taker, courageous, fearless, and vulnerable all at the same time. 

What's that one thing you've been wanting to do, but you've been afraid to do it? Admit that you are afraid, make a goal and plan the steps to go through it even though you are afraid. Make the decision and do it! You will be brave for doing whatever it is that "you" choose to do!

Who is the bravest person you know? Who is that one person who you look up to and say, "wow," how do they do it? Or, how did they do that? I truly believe our children are the bravest little people. They go through this world everyday learning new things, suffering through life's many challenges and facing what's fearful to them every second of the day. They step out and try new things, they express themselves not caring what people think, and they lovingly give themselves whole heartedly! That is bravery! But, what is bravery to you? Recognizing what someone else has done and their experience can give us the strength we need to overcome a fear and be brave.

What are you no longer afraid of? What is something that you've done and said, "I did it!" And then said, "That wasn't so bad!" People forget mundane acts like moving to another state, getting married, or even having children!! How about telling the truth, speaking up, or just being yourself?

Lets take stock of our past acts of bravery and make it part of who we are. Then it will be easier to face something we thought would be intimidating. 

Conquer your fears and have fun doing it! Be brave and live your life well.

"Don't be afraid to be AMAZING!" ~Andy Offutt Irwin.

Xoxo

This post is courtesy of Mocha Tiffany K.

Click HERE for more Wellness Topics!

Fab Friday - New Year, New You!

It is the beginning of a new year, and if you are like me, you have probably just begun to struggle with your new year's resolutions (if you made any at all). In fact, I'm realizing a trend: I never keep my resolutions. Ever. And after thinking  about it, I think I've put my finger on the problem. Whenever I have made a resolution, it's always been very specific:  loose twenty pounds, keep a perfectly clean house, blah blah blah. Maybe I need something a little less structured, something that doesn't screech "failure!" in blinking red lights when I miss the mark. So this year, I am resolved to just be fabulous and do things that make me feel as such.

"Fabulous", I'm discovering, is a state of mind. It has less to do with price points, labels, and hot spots and more to do with an attitude.  You may not be aware that you feel fab, but you know when you don't. For instance, I have been feeling very run down lately. Not fabulous. And part of the reason is a very persistent and worsening hip pain. Last week, my hips were so achy they felt nearly locked. I had an idea: I was going to soak in Epsom salt.  I started with getting the routine end of night stuff out of the way. Then I go in the bathroom and realize the tub is filthy. So, at 10:00 at night, with an aching back swollen feet and nearly broken hips after a day of work and wifedom, I bend over and begin to scrub.   Then I run the water and go to grab the salts when I realize we have none. No worries, I'll just soak in a bubble bath...wait, where is the bubble bath?  Turns out we don't have that either.  Refusing to be deterred I yelled downstairs for my husband to bring me the Dawn dish soap. If it's good enough to clean animals after an oil spill, it's good enough for me. So, after all of that, I slid my achy swollen body down into that water, and among those Dawn bubbles I had a revelation.  Baths feel good!  Downright luxurious!  I couldn't remember the last time I had luxuriated in a bathtub for thirty minutes. It was warm, quiet, and peaceful. Why hadn't I done this sooner?  It required no money, and yet I felt...fabulous!

And that, my friends, is my point. I am on a quest to reinvigorate my "me" and I invite you to join me.  Each week, I will offer you a suggestion to cultivate your fabulous self. This week, I encourage you to start small, with your ablutions. Use soaps and salts that don't just clean you but stimulate yours senses like  Aveda's Energizing Body Wash (http://www.aveda.com/index.tmpl) or take advantage of The Body Shop's amazing sale (http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/index.aspx) and pick up a couple of scrubs (my fav is the African Spa Ximena Salt Scrub) and lotions for an amazing price. Whatever it is, wind down this week by pampering your skin and yourself. I promise, you'll feel better for it!

Stay Fabulous!
Otise

This post is courtesy of Mocha Otise

See all of our Fab Friday Topics HERE.

Wellness - Creating Comfort!

My real life

Baby it's cold outside!!

My preferred life

All I want to do is curl up in my bed!

What follows are my best tips for maintaining sanity during these cold winter months.

Tip #1  Make Your Bed Warm and Cozy
I know you don't think I was going to say "make your bed as in 'MAKE' your bed."  No ma'am!  Whether you're a bed maker or not (I'm not) make your bed super cozy!  I like LOTS of pillows, my down comforter (a MUST HAVE) and jersey knit sheets.

My favorite spot in ALL THE WORLD!

We have a queen size bed, but I always buy a King Size Comforter and Duvet.  My hubby is a cover hog, PLUS the extra fabric is so Cuddlelicious!

Jersey Knit Sheets feel like soft t-shirts

These days fancy hotels have Pillow Menus.  I like a good pillow, but really, what I need is a sheet menu!  I'll choose Jersey Knit every time!  Sweet baby Jesus, it's like sleeping in the clouds!

From your comfortable nest you're ready to reign over your comfort kingdom!

Relaxing in my comfort kingdom!

Tip #2 Surround Yourself with Positive Vibes
That's so vague and hippy, dippy but stay with me - I'll explain.  Bring into your space all the things that make you happy.

Kid Art makes my happy.

Interior design courtesy of  Destin

My middle son decorated our media closet with a trio of homemade Angry Birds.  The birds might be angry, but his art makes me smile.

Vintage family pix warm my heart.  Years ago an elderly relative told me that I should surround myself with pictures of my husband as a child.  She theorized that seeing him as a little boy would help me remember his innocence 

My husband circa 1978

Our home is filled with 70's era pix of my hubby and family.  

Tip #3 Share Your Space With a Trusted Friend!

I'm a busy working mom so I have to make time to relax!  After the kids go to bed I cuddle up with Wendy Williams (on DVR).  No I don't know Wendy personally -  she's a friend in my head.  We kee-kee about the Real Housewives and all the latest celebrity gossip.  

My girlfriend Wendy and I hang out every night!

I relax with Rachel Ray (Magazine), plan the weeks menus or just enjoy the pictures of food.  

Rachel Ray and Me

Sometime I share my space with Miss Daisy our little Yorkie poo!

Daisy is a bed hog!

Tip #3 Plan for Tomorrow

This is a tip that I've had to learn over time.  It doesn't do me any good to relax tonight if I'm going to be crazy in the morning.  I've learned to plan for the next day!

This little valet saves my sanity EVERY SINGLE MORNING!

Found this valet for $6 at GoodWill

My valet lives in our bathroom.  I dress her each night.  She holds tomorrow's outfit including socks and undies!

Ready for tomorrow

Organize yourself!

When you have time on a weekend, make yourself some kind of jewelry organizer.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  I made mine from stuff I had around the house.  It's just one more little thing to help you feel organized.

Here's another super simple necklace holder

Tip #4 Get a Good Night's Sleep!   

Imagine how great you'd feel if you gave yourself the gift of a good nights sleep each night.  I have to work at it!  Sometimes it works out - sometimes not.  When I can, I do my best to snuggle up and sleep well each night.  I turn off the TV, put the phones downstairs to charge and kill the lights.  I try to get to bed at a descent hour to I allow myself to unwind.  

I have a full time time, house, husband, dog and 3 kids at home.  Trust me when I tell you uninterrupted sleep can be tricky to come by.  I do my best though!

Bedtime companion #1

My cute hubby is a great sleep aid, but 1/2 a sleeping pill helps too!  I don't have trouble falling asleep, I have trouble staying asleep, so a little pill (sometime herbal, sometimes not) really does the trick.

Bedtime companion #2

It doesn't matter how I get there - I just need to get to sleep! (No- simply sleep is not paying my to plug their product.)    

Tip #5 - Remember - It's Not Forever!

No matter how much it feels like it now, winter won't last forever!  Before you know it you'll be dancing around in cute dresses and strappy sandals!  Just for today- get cozy and enjoy some much needed down time!

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy.

Check HERE for more Wellness Topics!

Wellness - Be BOLD!

Bold 

/bōld/ adjective

1. (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.

As part of our 2015, we are becoming bolder women and mothers! If you weren't afraid of anything, what would you do? What would you say? What would you try new? We support each other for all the things we are choosing this year to step out and do! 

Being BOLD means:

• Having courage even if you are afraid.
• Not worrying unduly about mistakes you will make and failures you will have.
• Taking good calculated risks.
• Stepping out, being visible and notable.
• Saying what’s on your mind. 

Boldness is the opposite of hesitation. Whenever you're feeling hesitant in interactions with others, or in making a decision for yourself, learn to swallow your pride, don't over think it and just go for it! We can be bold without being negative or aggressive, but by simply being truly who we are with a few unexpected twists ;-)

Here are a variety of ways to be BOLD!:

1. Make the first move- Call a friend first to get together or initiate a date night. 

2. Do something unpredictable- What could you do that would completely surprise the people you know? Wear high heels, red lipstick, put on a wig, or cut your hair!?

3. Try something you've never done- Get a bikini wax, finish a book, a new sex position! 

4. Wear color- Switch things up and pop your usual outfit with a small dose of color. 

5. Travel- Make the plans, save and book that trip you've been talking about.

6. Say no! It's okay- Saying "No" will reinvigorate your individuality and help you to feel bold. 

7. Ask for what you want- Remember that old saying, "a closed mouth doesn't get fed"? 

8. Speak your mind & express yourself- Proclaim it and say what ever it is that you positively want to say, "I love you," "that hurt me," or "I appreciate you."

9. Embrace a bold act- Invest in a cause, make amends with someone, keep your promises, or walk away from an argument.

10. Accept yourself, your flaws & get over yourself- Stop complaining, apologize when you need to, change something if you're not happy, life is more than just us...

11. Converse face to face- Forget email, texting, or calling. Relationships are so much richer when you spend physical time together. 

12. Make a change- Big changes can be to quit your job, get a new job, change careers, or move. Small changes can be to join a gym, start juicing, or take a class.

Bold action doesn’t need to be epic. You don’t need to climb mountains, travel around the world or learn three languages. Although these do sound amazing! By all means, if you can, do it! Ultimately, boldness has to do with coming from your center, enacting what you believe. It is not always about what you do, it is about who you are. Start really appreciating your uniqueness. And be ok with that! You never know...stepping out with confidence and trying something different may help you rediscover who you really are.

Be BOLD! It'll make us mentally and physically feel better, feel stronger and feel confident in ourselves! 

Have a beautiful day and be well....xoxo

This post is courtesy of Mocha Tiffany K.

Explore our other Wellness Topics HERE!

Gift Card Exchange

Gift Card Exchange Time!

This post should start with a disclaimer:  Nobody is paying me to post this information.  This entire blog is unsponsored.  The information offered here is all my own opinion and experience.

Now that the holiday season is over it's time to sort through those gift cards you received.  If you're like me there may be one or two that you already know you're not going to use.  Don't worry about it - I'm here to help.

Yes you can trade those gift cards for cash and it's fast and easy to do.  This post is offered to you as a guide on how best to ditch those unwanted, unusable gift cards.

First Things First

What are you willing to give up?
You can ditch the old gift cards but make no mistake about it you're giving something up!  You'll sacrifice time or money or convenience.

The Sacrifice:
Time:  Getting the most money for your gift cards take a little time.  So say you have a $100 gift card.  You can sell that card for $97.00 but it's going to take you a week or more to complete the transaction.

Money:  You can have cash in hand very quickly but it'll cost you.  With certain vendors you can trade a $100 for $60 cash on the spot.

Convenience:  Some card exchanges are fairly quick (within 24 hours) and offer a descent trade in value, but you're limited on what you get in return.  For example, a $100 Target gift card traded in at Walmart will get you $96.60 in Walmart store credit.  That's a GREAT and easy outcome but only if you want to shop at Walmart or Sam's Club.

Ways to Trade

Trade Website: Sites like Card Hub, Card Cash, Card Pool and Gift Card Granny (to name a few) allow users to buy and sell cards.  Use these sites to purchase cards at a discount or sell your unwanted cards.

Pro:  This method is relatively easy

Con:  You'll need to wait for your card to sell.  You may need to  mail in the card and wait for a check. 

Payment Method:  Check in the mail.

eBay:  Before this year I used to sell my cards on ebay.  I already have an ebay account so getting started was super easy for me.  Ebay typically offers a good value for the cards (I'd commonly get $95-$97 for a $100 card).  

Pro: Easy if you already have an eBay account.  This method works best for popular cards.  You can sell a card in any amount. 

Cons: If you have a gift card from a smaller store your card may take longer to sell or you might not get as good of a return.  Since you are paid through paypal the payment method could be a pro or a con.  You will incur fees from both paypal and ebay.

Payment Method:  Paypal   

CoinStar:  This method was new to me.  I tried it for the first time this year and it's GREAT but there are significant downsides!  Use the coinstar website to find the special CoinStar Gift Card Exchange machine near you.  You CAN NOT exchange cards at the regular coin star machine.  Card Exchange machines are yellow (the regular machines are green).  

Pro: This is the fastest, easiest process BY FAR!  You receive cash on the spot.

Cons: Very poor return.  For a $100 gift card I received only $60.  There is a $20 minimum on cards. You need to have a valid driver's license or state ID plus a credit card.

Payment Method:  Cash 

CoinStar Gift Card Machine

Walmart Card Cash:  I used the Walmart Card Cash system for the first time this year and I liked the process A LOT! 

Card Cash is a card trade website that has partnered with Walmart.  You go online and enter your gift card information to receive a quote.  If you accept the quote you enter the gift card number and gift card PIN.  Once processed, you receive an e-Gift Card for the store.  DO NOT use the regular Card Cash site for Walmart/United trades.  Here is the link to the site for WalMart exchanges.

I had a gift card from last year with $9.89 left on it.  I was able to trade that card in for $8.62.

My Statement from WalMart/CardCash

Pros: Fast, easy, widely available.  Partial gift cards are fine.

Cons: The Walmart program is only available online and you have to have email to receive the gift card.  

Payment Method: Store credit 

   

Pro Tips: 
Shop Around-  Smart shoppers know that it pays to shop around.  Visit lots of card exchange websites and see who will give you the greatest return on your gift cards.

Be Smart- You'll need to enter the card vendor (Target, Starbucks, etc) and card value to get a quote  for your cards.  NEVER disclose the card number and PIN unless you're ready to sell the card.  Be careful of fraudsters!  The Card Number and PIN are all the information anybody needs to swipe the value on your cards.  Keep that information safe!

READ THE FINE PRINT!- Every card trade site has lots of fine print.  READ IT!  You don't want to lose part or all of your cards value  because you didn't read careful.

Check your Junk Mail - My Walmart eCard certificate came in to my junk mail folder.  Make sure you check there if you're waiting on information from one of these companies!

Good luck and Happy Trading!

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy W.

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