Spring means new photos!

 Spring is peeking out. I'm excited because this is my favorite time to update my modeling portfolio. I know some awesome photographers that I found when we were all just getting started in this industry. Now they've gone on to being very successful. So much so that they are too busy to "test" (work for trade i.e. free) which is understandable. Paying customers always take precedence over non-paying associates. So, I'm on the hunt for new go-to photographers. I'm posing for a photography group next week. The photographers range from novice to expert so it will be interesting how many good shots I will get. But I don't feel pressure like when I'm preparing for a paid shoot. I need to shop for new wardrobe and accessories for all the shoots for spring but this opportunity presented unexpectedly so it gave me the inspiration to begins shopping. I used my old faithful endless.com for shoes. You can't beat free shipping (even on returns!) and no-hassle returns up to ONE YEAR after your purchase. That's takes the fear out of shopping online. And I did return a pair of boots from my order last fall months after they arrived. It took me that long to find an outfit to wear with them and when I thought I did they were too high of a heel for me. I had the refund within a week. These are the three shoes I picked. I'm planning to wear the yellow shoes with a fitted black and white dress. And I have a green satin dress to try with the other two. What do you think?





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I am the featured Venture Mom!

As a solopreneur, I constantly need inspiration. Nothing is more inspirational than hearing the story of other people who have started their own successful business. Its even better when they are women and I can relate even more when those women are moms. As working moms and wives, there's is not much time left in our pies (think pie chart) for much else, especially running a business. So when I stumbled upon a website called Venture Mom a few months back I sighed in relief. "I'm not alone" I thought to myself. People (usually customers) ask me how I came up with the idea for Gumdrop Swap. So, after reading a few of the stories about Featured VentureMoms I decided to submit my story. I heard back from Holly (woman behind the site) and she interviewed me for a future feature. Which you can read here. Her site also allows you to submit your business in her online directory of Mom Ventures for FREE! I highly recommend that you sign-up for her newsletter. That way you'll never miss a featured VentureMom. She also shares tips and advice for those who are just thinking about starting a venture of their own. Holly can be hired for speaking engagements. She is based in my state of Connecticut but willing to travel and inspire!

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Dusting Off the Old Stilettos

Being a curvy woman, I've never mastered the art of walking in stilettos. I prefer a more comfy shoe seeing that I spend a lot of time on my feet. But www.stilettowoman.com has nothing to do with thin-heeled shoes and everything to do with celebrating being a woman and facing the world with your chest out and shoulders back (the posture that wearing stilettos demands). If you are a business woman, you NEED to visit this site get a copy of the magazine (in print and in PDF version). The website is professionally designed, easy to navigate and full of inspiring stories, articles and so much more.

I submitted my business to be featured and (surprise!) I was accepted. So, here it is my interview http://www.stilettowoman.com/2011/02/stilettology-meet-gabby-fludd-gumdrop.html
I won't hog all the limelight. There is a link to submit your business for consideration. I was also interviewed by Stiletto Woman's founder, Karlena Wallace in a podcast for The Women's Information Network.

 

She was such and gracious host (although she didn't get too many words in between my babblings). I felt comfortable like I was chatting with an old friend. Her tips read like advice from you best gal pal and I love that! I would love to hear your comments!

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Kids in the Kitchen Recipe: Mexican Pizza

My toddler loves to help in the kitchen. She loves to pour and stir and of course lick the utensils when we're done. She's been helping since she turned two years old and is getting more and more comfortable in the kitchen. She really takes pride in the tasks I give her now. So I am always trying to think of meals she can help me with. This is an easy one that she found fun to assemble.

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings):

• Corn tortillas (8)
• 1 can of refried beans, black beans OR I used Glory brand red beans & rice which you should be able to find in the International food aisle with Caribbean canned goods
• grilled chicken (about 1 1/2 chicken breasts)
• shredded cheddar cheese or blend (about 1 cup)
• 2 chopped green onions (scallions)
• (optional) sour cream and salsa

Directions: 

1.  Heat oven to 425 degrees
2. Grill your chicken and chop into small pieces
3. Spray non-stick spray on a cookie sheet
4. Place 4 of the tortillas on sheet (good job for the toddler)
5. Spoon a large spoonful of your canned beans of choice and spread out evenly (good job for the toddler) 
6. Top with another tortilla (good job for the toddler) 
7. Place chicken on top 
8. Sprinkle scallions and cheese (good job for the toddler)
9. Cook in oven for 10 min top with your favorite condiments

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