So much life has happened since March.  I have a daughter getting married, a son going in for surgery, and a family camping trip in June of this year.  In July another wedding out of town to go to and August holds a wedding for our last daughter! Whew.........

A few weeks ago I finished a great class  by the Merit Program housed at the Chemeketa building of Business and Industry in downtown Salem. It was, "Exploring and Defining Your Business".  I highly recommend it if you are wandering around in your head about ideas of what you might like to start as a small business.  It is just a start, but a great one for pertinent information and things to consider when contemplating a business. I had to decide if I wanted to go with "The Titus House" idea I have had for over 15 years  or "Mama's Extra Hand" model to focus on.  I chose "The Titus House" since it is my passion. 

My business concept for 

"The Titus House"

It is a non-profit business in my home focused on building up women and helping to train the next generation. There will be classes and workshops on various topics of the home and relationships.  

žSome class topics:

žWell stocked kitchen

žCooking from Scratch

žMenu Planning

žThinking outside the box

žKeys to your child’s heart

žPersonality types

žLearning styles

I will also be available to assist/mentor on an individual basis with specific needs in the home. 

The teaching would not only be taught by myself. The working concept of the Titus House is of women with various talents/skills coming together to share our collective knowledge. I have many ideas but the format would be one of collaboration and building a network of women.  There would also be avenues of building friendships in tea times and other unique and fun ways.  

This has been a challenging class for me, but I knew that it would. This concept dove tails right along with "Mama's Extra Hand" but that was more for trying to bring money into the home, unlike the non-profit "Titus House"; doing what I do well, along with passing on to others. 

Something that I want to try in the kitchen is making Green Tea Ice Cream with mango slices.  I had this in a wonderful dessert we had at Thia Dish restaurant in Silverton, OR. Absolutely light and yummy.  Heavenly. With our meal we had rice cooked in coconut milk. OH WOW! I want to try that too.


Love to read your comments.  Leave me one.  Just push on the comment word and a text box will open up.  Thanks. 'Til next time, I am on my journey............

Home schooling support...

Hello All,

I have been working on many angles of my business plan.  It sure is a lot to think about and consider. From business cards, which icon to put in the corner of it, what colors, a motto, researching the market pricing for different services that I offer, class ideas, ordering tools and the list goes on.  I will be going to a Merit Orientation class this next week in Independence, OR to help me solidify my small business.  I am really excited about this journey.  It should prove to be enlightening and of course challenging but I LOVE A CHALLENGE. Bring it on! If you are wanting to start a small business and just don't know where to start this orientation is free and offered in many locations in my area. Check it out at http://www.chemeketa.edu/busprofession/ccbi/sbdc/merit.html.  I have known about this for years and am thankful for the resource.

One of the things that I have been researching is homeschool support/consulting. There are a few out there and different ways that they provide their services.  I am curious to know, if you are a homeschooling parent, what areas you feel you need help in. Maybe you just can't seem to get on top of something, feeling guilty for not getting to them (subjects, tasks or children), wanting to delve into certain things but don't feel you have the energy, time, ideas or stamina to do it, meals, cleaning, chores, children's personalities or uniqueness,(maybe they hate certain subjects so sneaking subjects in without them recognizing, or coming at it from a different angle) and the list goes on.  I know for me, grading the papers , getting to the spelling tests, and the science lessons just was an overwhelming task.  Money was always tight for those homeschooling years, being on one income.  But one of the best things that I did one year (wish I could have done it more) was hired someone to come in and take over those tasks I just mentioned 2 times a week.  She was WONDERFUL and worth every penny. It did not give me more time in my day (because I was not getting to them anyway) but they got accomplished and the guilt was lifted (in that area).  She was my angel. Maybe you need an angel?  So could you do me a favor and leave me a comment as to what it would be that you would want help with? This will help me to tailor make the business to fit you. I appreciate it. Email me if I can help you. It would be an honor. Oh, and please vote on the poll. The question is: which of the services would you be interested in (you may pick more than one). Thanks.

                Just wanted to share a tatted flower girl basket I made for my daughter's  wedding.                                                              Enjoy!

Come visit me again. Go ahead and leave me a comment. Just click on the blue word comment and the box will pop up to write in.  Thanks.