Here it is: Body More Simply! *READ this!*

It Works! is a line of  natural botanically based weight loss, detox, and nutritional supplements as as well body contouring wrap applicators (with all natural active ingredients!) that detoxify and shrink your fat cells while tightening and toning your skin (not a diuretic wrap), and also a line of natural skin care products. The company began in 2001 and is debt free, as well as having been named in 2011 on Inc. Magazine's "prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list as one of the 50 fastest-growing companies in its category."  Word of mouth marketing is the entirety of how people are learning about these products, and just from that, the company has grown 400% since JUST this last January. A new plant is being opened for wrap manufacturing (their most popular product), and plans are in the works to begin growing all of their own organic ingredients so that the cost can remain affordable for all of us!

Did you know?
It Works! Chief Science Officer, Don VerHulst, M.D., is doctor that embraces the naturopathic philosophy of health from a Christian perspective. His life's mission is to "share God's simple health plan with as many people as possible." He lectures all over the world and is dedicated to designing natural products that WORK so we can live our lives as God intended! While Dr. Oz is NOT affiliated with the company, you will also find that many things in the product line have the key ingredients that Dr. Oz is talking about these days, like raspberry ketones and NeOpuntia.


We are building a community
Body More Simply is the new branch of Life More Simply. We are a team of people who have real lives and are choosing to live as naturally as possible and bring hope to those around us. Our goal is simple:

1. To provide the opportunity to use the It Works! products to others at affordable prices.
2. To educate others through posting on Life More Simply and other venues about naturopathic health related topics
3. To strengthen our own families by releasing ourselves from our financial burdens, having more time to invest in our family relationships, and by being physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

We are going to accomplish this by:

1. Having a strong team for support, insight, help, and leadership. This includes an already established knowledge of small business practice, direct word of mouth marketing, health, medicine, and social media networking.
2. Having the resources needed. For free. Training, materials, and expert friends. ;-)
3. Remembering that we are blessed, and acting accordingly.

Haven't been able to see their products first hand yet?
I know that many of you live in areas of the country where It Works! hasn't been introduced yet, so you haven't been able to see results first hand. I was in the same place as you, and so I spent weeks researching all of this and meeting people online before I decided to introduce this to Life More Simply. Because of that, I want to give you a chance to join my Body More Simply team, get these products into your life and community, and do so without taking any risk for yourself or your family. It's a burden of mine that people are able to live healthy lives, be financially free, and be able to minister and help those around them regardless of our work, family, or other life situations. 

I will help you...
Until the end of this month (today and tomorrow), It Works! is allowing new distributors to sign for $99 instead of the normal $199. Included in your package with be four body wraps which you can sell for $25/piece. The business aspect is very easy, and I will explain everything to you. You do NOT need to file for a business--you will get a 1099 in the mail at the end of the year. I want you to have the peace of mind that you will not lose anything if you haven't been able to try these products before!

Not interested in joining our team, but want to use the products?
You do not have to be a distributor to get the wholesale pricing on these products. You can sign up as a "loyal customer" for free and get wholesale pricing for yourself, plus a bunch of other benefits. Visit here for information.  I'm not sure right now if I will include Loyal Customers in the Body More Simply "team", just because I really want the team members to be able to use Life More Simply as a way to increase their own business and support their families from home. If you are interested in being a team member without the business aspect though, let me know.

Every person has value, but it's hard for us to see that in ourselves when we don't feel good and weigh more than we want to. This is going to give you control over your body again, and if you choose to work the business aspect, can absolutely give you control of your finances again, too. Please get a hold of me today. The distributor sign on deal ends on July 1st, and you and your family deserve to not have to wait. Email me.

Learn More

• Visit my website at http://BodyMoreSimply.itworks.net 
• Visit (and "like!") our NEW Facebook page at http://facebook.com/BodyMoreSimply 
• Listen to Dani Johnson's free online training videos at http://www.DaniJohnson.com. She is not affiliated with It Works!, but is this amazing Christian woman who went from homeless to millionaire when she was in her early twenties, and is now helping others be successful in their lives (not just financially--great motivation for all of life!)
• Get into Dave Ramsey's stuff at http://DaveRamsey.com. He is the financial freedom guru. I took his class last year and it was EXCELLENT!

Another Blogger Giveaway Opportunity!

Ok, I won't keep posting these forever, but I know that some of you are really interested in building up your own blogs and doing reviews...well, this is a GREAT way to increase your Facebook/Twitter/etc. fans and get started on the review process! Check it out. :)

http://www.momtobedby8.com/2012/06/bloggers-wanted-dyson.html

How To Get Products To Review On Your Blog: Part 1

…finally, the most requested and coveted part of my “Building a Better Blog” series! No joke about it, receiving products in exchange for PR has been a huge part of my blogging career. It is, in fact, why I began blogging in the first place. I had heard of other people getting “free” products to review, and I knew that I needed the next size up in cloth diapers for my daughter but that I couldn’t afford them. Thus, my blog was truly born.

The first big step in Life More Simply’s history was our Cloth Diaper Extravaganza. What began as an entire month of cloth diaper related product reviews and giveaways led to thousands of dollars worth of merchandise that I have been fortunate enough to receive over the last two years. While it’s no easy task to review and giveaway products (think it’s a breeze? Think again!), it has been a huge blessing to my family as this has been my primary source of procuring birthday and Christmas gifts for my children, “green” cleaning supplies for my home, and those “want but not need” items for myself, plus a LOT more “fun” stuff that I randomly review (like wine, chocolate, and music).

It is absolutely possible for you to do the same thing for your family, and even more, if you develop your blog further so that it is an actual source of income. Before you leave your day job, though, consider the following:

1)      A review/giveaway will take an average of 3 hours. You will have to find a company who wants to work with you, arrange the review, use the product, take photos, upload everything, write about your experience, run a giveaway, market the giveaway, and then contact the winner and follow up with the company. Whew!

2)      Your blog needs to be focused. Whatever sort of products you want to review, that’s what your blog needs to be about. If you write a blog about golf, don’t expect to receive the newest Haba doll for your child.

3)      You have to be honest, even if it’s uncomfortable. Let’s face it, you are going to get items that don’t meet your standards and some that are downright awful. However, there is going to often be a name and story behind the item you tried, and it’s going to be very awkward to contact that work-at-home-mom and tell her that the dog-lasso she sent you was ugly, didn’t work, and looked unprofessional. You will need to be able to be honest in your reviews and tactful in your communications if you want to be a blogger who still has a heart at the end of the day!

4)      It’s addictive. Yes, I said it. Getting “free” stuff (even if it really isn’t “free” when you consider your time and blogging costs) is addictive, and you must have a checks and balance system in place or it has the potential to take over your family life. Nothing is worth sacrificing your relationships, spouse, children, and family for.

Still want to do reviews? The next post will explain the process, so while you are waiting, here is homework for you:

1)      Describe your blog (and link it below!). This should be one or two sentences long and clearly state your purpose. My description is this: “Life More Simply is a blog written by a working mother about natural living and parenting in the real world.” Keep it simple!

2)      Write down your plan for doing reviews. How long will you spend on it each week, and when will that time be? For me: 1 hour contacting companies/researching products at home and 1 hour writing articles during my “down” time at work. My goal is to write one blog entry in 20 minutes. Yeah, I’m on a tight time budget. :-\

3)      Sign up with “Blog with Integrity” –you will be agreeing to keep your blogging, and thus product reviews, honest! http://www.blogwithintegrity.com/

4)      Review what Word of Mouth Marketing is so that you can be knowledgeable when speaking with companies. http://lifemoresimply.blogspot.com/2009/05/marketing-inquiries.html

5)      Review the other segments of “Building A Better Blog”. Nothing is worse than ruining your chance to work with someone because your blog isn’t up to par! (toward the bottom of the page) http://lifemoresimply.blogspot.com/p/best-of-writings.html 

Call for bloggers - Backyard Grill Giveaway

Want an easy and free way to boost your facebook or twitter fans? Sign up for the $198 backyard dual gas and charcoal grill giveaway over at Go Momma Coupons. It's free to join and only $1 to get an additional link.

Just fill out the form here and put Life More Simply down as your referral!

Looking For Moms Who Want To Lose Weight!

Alright everyone, I have very exciting news...Life More Simply is expanding! Focused on being healthy, fit, and having the body you want, Body More Simply is going to offer reviews, information, and even a product line. On top of that, it will offer you the ability to get natural weight loss, detoxification, and skin care products at wholesale prices, free, or to even earn money yourself!

I'm just starting out in this venture and am extremely excited about what it is to come. Two babies in two years while working as a paramedic has taken quite a toll on my body and I'm ready to claim it back! Well, actually, I've been ready. I did Beach Body's INSANITY program, have done some of Hip Hop Abs and Brazil Butt Lift (ok, maybe I only did two or three sessions of BBL--that guy is a little annoying). I even spent a month doing an 800 calorie medically supervised diet program...Have had my thyroid and metabolism tested...yeah, I guess I've done the whole works. Breastfeeding didn't even help me shed the 10lbs left over from each of my kids (per child, I might add)!

It's been very frustrating, to say the least, which is why I am near giddy about Body More Simply. I've spent a lot of time looking at different products, companies, and ideas. The problem, is that they MUST have the following criteria for me:

1) Active ingredients must be natural

2) Must be able to achieve the body I want while still living in the "real" world (i.e., I can't spend all day working out and I don't have the money to eat all organic and vegan).

The particular company I'm working with has products that are a-m-a-z-i-n-g, and has a huge compensation plan (does a $10,000 bonus sound good to anyone else?! A $600 monthly car allowance? Residual income? Yes, it's like MaryKay, but the market is fresh and the products are affordable). Aside from meeting my criteria listed above, the two factors that have pushed me into doing this are:

1) Dave Ramsey's (you know, the Financial Peace University guy. If you haven't already taken his class, DO IT! http://www.daveramsey.com)  lecture on having "multiple streams" of income. This way, you are building your own financial freedom while not putting all of your eggs in one basket. And the way the economy is, this seems like a better idea every day!

2) My annual woman check up last week. I discussed this weight, water retention, varicose vein problem (yup, now you realize I'm not perfect! Shocking, right?) ;-) with my wonderful midwife who starting talking to me about Raspberry Ketones. Without getting into the entire thing, she told me that the research journals are supporting this stuff because it changes how insulin works with your fat cells, etc.. Anyway, the product line that I am 100% jumping on board with uses the Raspberry Ketones and a whole BUNCH of other natural things that I'd done research on years ago that help with all of the miserable things that ail me!

I'm planning to "launch" this branch of Life More Simply about a week from now, but am looking for 5 people to join me before that! If you want to lose weight, tone up, detox, get free products, and earn money while doing all of this, contact me today! We have a great team and will support you every step of the way! Plus, I'll be helping you--Critical Care NYS Paramedic, B.S. in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation, and a certificate in Small Business Development under my belt here! 

Email me at lifemoresimply@yahoo.com or send me a message on Facebook so you can look at everything before I release it next week. Please pass this on to anyone else who you know that might be interested! (oh, and ps-you don't actually have to be a mom to do this).

Let's take back our bodies, our finances, and do it naturally and while still having the time and energy to focus on our families!

Summer Patio Retreat Giveaway Event!

How would you like to transform your backyard into an outdoor living space that's comfortable and chic? The day is finally here...the Summer Patio Retreat Giveaway has begun! You can enter here to win a 4-Piece Outdoor Strathwood Brentwood Furniture Set to get your summer of to a great start. Keep watching Life More Simply for more giveaways to help make your summer a GREAT one!

Welcome to the Summer Patio Retreat Giveaway Event brought to you by  Mom to Bed by 8 the Iowa-Mom, Powered By Mom and  Mommy and Baby Reviews and Giveaways!

We would like to thank our special co-hosts Another Cent Saved,  Giveaway Bandit,  To Sew With Love and Opinions of a Moody Mama for joining us for this special event.

Strathwood Brentwood 4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Set

Gather friends, family, and refreshments and a enjoy a little patio retreat fully furnished with this four-piece set from Strathwood. The Brentwood collection includes two arm chairs, a coffee table, and a loveseat. Designed to withstand the elements, the furniture's frames are constructed of powder-coated steel in an attractive black with bronze flecks. Powder coating gives the furniture great protection against rust. Comfortable, durable seat cushions are upholstered in a polyester fabric designed for outdoors.

Cushion Care and Cleaning: Gently brush off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric and wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Gently spot clean only with mild soap and cool water using a sponge or soft brush, then air dry cushions in a sunny location. Bring cushions indoors during inclement weather and store in a dry place when not in use.

Strathwood furniture has quality, ease of use, and casual elegance at its core. Each piece is rigorously tested for durability, and assembly instructions have been standardized for simplicity from start to finish. Strathwood furniture is sleekly designed, handsomely finished, and built to last. This classic style and reliable craftsmanship will weather ever-changing trends and regular use for years to come.

Free Father's Day Printables

 Wondering what you can create that is unique, affordable, and semi DIY for this Father's Day? I've done the research for you, and here is a list below of some of the best FREE printable Father's Day stuff available! Be sure to "pin" this page so you can refer back for inspiration!

Photo Booth style Printables:

complete with glasses, bow ties, and beards from Paper Coterie  

Father's Day Party Tie Printables: 

includes cupcake toppers, banners, bottle tags, etc. Plus really cute photos on using the products!

Lots of different free printable cards, food wrappers, tags, etc.: 

unfortunately, the photo I put above is not free. I used it though because I thought it was a great idea!

Retro Father's Day ClipArt  :

with photos of using it on a neat Dad-themed food package!

DIY Superhero Father's Day Themed printables:

for a "super" fun food package

Four cards
 ...and the QR code one will even bring your special dad to a page that reads "I love you Daddy" when he scans it!

10 places for free downloadable, printable cards for Father's Day :

 Check these out, they have some really nice ones!

How I Became A Single Mother

I was just reading through old posts I had written, and I realized how much my mother's heart was shared with all of you throughout my journey of being a work-out-of-home mother and then continuing that with my second child being born 20 months after my oldest. I remember how cathartic it was to write these things, and to know that other people are going through the same things as well. And maybe more than anything, it was a wonderful reminder to me that there is hope for all of us in uncomfortable or even difficult situations...So tonight, I thought, instead of showering you with a brilliant idea or an inspirational piece of literature, I will be vulnerable. I will take a moment, again, to let you know where I have been at, so that you can be comforted if my story is not so unlike your own.

In February, 2011, I became a single mother. My marriage had gotten to the point where I had no choice but to pack up my then 6-month-old and barely 2-year-old and leave. The abuse had been there since dating, and it had only gotten increasingly worse over the years. The life had slowly been sucked out of me. I realized the night before I left that my marriage was done, and that the only way I could keep myself and my children safe anymore was to go. And this is coming from a woman who doesn't believe in divorce. As you can imagine, it was a terrifying event. I slept on a futon with my babies and lived out of two laundry baskets for the next two weeks or so. But we were safe, and I slowly began to feel alive again as I realized I could breathe and as I saw my children become peaceful.

It's been a long journey. I haven't written a lot about it on Life More Simply because I didn't think all of the details fit the purpose of LMS, and also because I used http://OctobersHeart.blogspot.com to journal much of my emotions during this time. But here I am, and I wanted you to know. And if you want me to start sharing more about single motherhood, domestic violence, remarriage, blended families, etc., on Life More Simply, you just let me know! I imagine that there are more of us than just myself out there who have been touched by these things.

Today, my daughter is 3-years-old, and my son will be 2-years-old on July 3rd. And...they have a new Papa, too. Eight weeks ago tomorrow, Ben and I eloped. We're planning a wedding for September 15th, and I will definitely be writing about that. I don't know if I really expected for God to bring a man into our life who fit us perfectly, but He did. Our family has never been so complete, and it's beautiful. This man has been a father to my children right from day one, and I have never experienced such a love as this.

So I want you to know, however desperate your situation is, there is hope. There is always hope. And if any of you want to travel to Upstate NY for my wedding, just let me know. ;-)

Love,
Rachel