 First of all, I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in the Labor Day Blog Party! Thanks to all the great businesses that donated products and offered their insight to being a mom entrpreneur! Also, thanks to all of our great fans and readers who took the time to play along and enter to win! It was a great week! I had a lot of fun, and I hope everyone else did as well! Below is a list of winners {by first name}. The extra credit really paid off for some of you!! Everyone mentioned will also be getting an e-mail, as will the product donors. Questions? E-mail me! So, without further ado .......
Sterling Silver Starfish necklace from Yomili:: Mena #1:: Deb #2:: Nicole #3:: Shannon Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag from PJ Quilts:: Deirdre Book, So You Want to be a Work-At-Home Mom and 1 year classified advertising from CWAHM.com:: JoDitt 1 Year Classified Advertising from CWAHM.com #2:: Mena #3:: Deni #4:: Leilani #5:: Angela #6:: Gail #7:: Jana #8:: Candy #9:: Roxy #10:: Deidre
Who:: Jill @ CWAHM
Business Established:: 2000
What they do:: Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com and the co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom (Beacon Hill Press, 2009). She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children. Jill’s articles have been featured on websites like DrLaura.com, ClubMom.com, and she is an expert author on EzineArticles.com. She is also a contributing author in four books. Jill is the host of the podcast, Christian Work at Home Moment and co-host of the LIVE internet radio show, The CWAHM Network. 
How she finds balance:: Balancing work and family in a constant struggle. I still have a preschooler home with me full-time and I have to be careful that I'm spending quality time with him. There are many days that I have to force myself away from work, away from the computer and find something creative to do with him. That may mean leaving the house all together and taking a trip to the park, or it may just mean reading together or playing a game. The balancing act does get easier over time and the more proactive we are, the better off our kids and our businesses will be in the long run.
Her best advice:: My number one tip is to find other mom business owners to work together with. As work-at-home moms it can be easy to get in our rut and just do our own thing. Working together not only gives us needed social interaction, it's also a win-win business situation. The more we work together, the farther our businesses can go.
What they are giving away:: One Copy of So You Want To Be A Work-At-Home Mom, 10 {yes, 10 winners will get::} 1-Year Classified Ads on CWAHM.com
Play and win:: Name two media outlets where CWAHM has been featured.
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
 Who:: Paula @ PJ QuiltsBusiness Established:: January 2009
What they do:: PJ Quilts mainly features girl’s dresses. 
How she finds balance:: I have two older daughters that help me a lot. Most of my children are grown but other than a little bit of help, I do most on my own. Sometimes the shop does come before housework, which is Ok!!!
Her best advice:: Have good help!!
Save Now:: FREE SHIP – put that code in the message to seller and Paula will refund your shipping costs via PayPal.
What they are giving away:: A four-pack of bookmark belts
Play and win:: What is your favorite item listed in PJ Quilts?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
 Who:: Dawn @ Market Mommy
Business Established:: June 2009
What they do:: We offer free marketing advice and tips aimed at mom entrepreneurs! Market Mommy shows mom business owners how and where to market their companies. In addition to a free blog and free marketing e-newsletter, we also offer low-cost marketing services, such as ad design, press release writing and more!
How she finds balance:: It’s hard! When I’m working I think I should be with my kids and when I’m with my kids I’m thinking about all the work I have to do!
Her best advice:: Set aside time for work and play! I have planned time for each. That way, if I’m working, I’m concentrating on that. And, if I’m spending time with the kids, I’m concentrating on them.
Save Now:: BOGO!! E-mail me for instructions on how to get one free {of equal or lesser value} when you purchase ANYTHING from Market Mommy!
What they are giving away:: A $35 gift certificate … enough for a one month button ad on our website!
Play and win:: Name two things that are considered marketing materials.
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
Who:: Andrea @ You-Niquely Created 
Business Established:: 2006
What they do:: Andrea has been a crafter all her life, but more recently has had some original ideas. Things that could solve problems, not necessarily save the world but useful in their own right. As a stay at home mother for 12 years, and just this year her baby is going into first grade, she is now ready to put her heart and soul into her creations and live her dream of being a business person.
How she finds balance:: Honestly I don’t do a very good job balancing. I mostly do my work at night and weekends, because I am a full time stay at home mother. But I look forward to putting more time into it this fall because my youngest is going into first grade.
Her best advice:: Just go for it, if you are passionate, you can make it work. I had been waiting until I had time to make everything perfect then I got on the Mom Entrepreneur support group and decided it was time to take off the life jacket and jump in.
What they are giving away:: A four-pack of bookmark belts
Play and win:: Who said this? “Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.”
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
Who:: Britanee @ Bibs & Tuckers
Business Established:: 2009 
What they do:: Bibs & Tuckers is mainly a baby line with a few kid and adult items featured. Everything is handmade with care by Britanee. She does a few things different-like a blanket stitch around appliqué onesies instead a satin stitch. She likes fun, bright fabrics and loves to pair a few of them together for a fun effect.
How she finds balance:: I usually work on the items I sell when my baby girl is sleeping. It helps me relax and gives me a little break during the day.
What they are giving away:: Star onesie, size 3-6 month.
Play and win:: What is your favorite Bibs & Tuckers product?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
  Who:: Dawn @ Generations in Style
Business Established:: September 2006
What they do:: Generations in Style specializes in custom made crib/toddler bedding, baby slings, hip mom diaper bags and accessories. They also make bibs, hats, rag quilts and dresses. Generations in Style was created after having no success finding modern, tailored, and truly unique bedding for their daughter's nursery. They wanted her room to maintain the same decorating style that was throughout the rest of the home. After endless browsing, they decided that the only way to get what they wanted was to make it themselves. This was the beginning of a three-generation mother-daughter company.
What they are giving away:: Choice of bib 
Play and win:: Which is your favorite baby sling listed in Generations in Style?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
Who:: Candi @ Care4Hire
Business Established:: 2007
What they do:: Care4hire.com is an online database for families and caregivers to search babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous service. A free preview of available caregivers is available to families. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours to a few days, you will find it at Care4hire.com. Once you are a registered member, you will be given immediate access to caregiver through email and phone.
How she finds balance:: I balance family life and work by hiring a nanny. With running three businesses I find great success with my nanny being an extra set of hands. Besides childcare, she also helps with laundry, grocery shopping, homework and meal preparation. I can't imagine my life without a nanny. When I return home after work, the house is in order, the meal is in the oven, the homework is done and I can spend more time with the children.
Her best advice:: When things in business don't go the way they should; don't give up and stay positive.
What they are giving away:: A gift certificate for a free month of membership
Play and win:: What type of care would you like to find through Care4Hire?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
Who:: Stacey @ Cedar Valley Publishing 
Business Established:: June 2004
What they do:: Stacey Kannenberg was a mom who was trying to get her own children ready for that first day of school and couldn’t find exactly what she wanted, so she created a book to help:: Cedar Valley Publishing’s Let’s Get Ready Series with Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! & Let’s Get Ready For First Grade! Today her book line has sold over 60,000 copies, been reviewed by over 700 mom bloggers and are used in over 400 school districts nationwide!
How she finds balance:: My family is involved into the process. I mean who better to help me write Let’s Get Ready For Second Grade! than my own daughters who just finished Second and Fourth Grade?!! Empower your family into your business and work around their schedules.
Her best advice:: Network, network, network to build a huge support system for your business and home life! Surround yourself with other go-getters who will help elevate your platform and bring more exposure to you and your business!
What they are giving away:: A set of books.
Play and win:: What is your favorite post on Stacey’s blog?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
Who:: Jane @ Yomili
Business Established:: New site!
What they do:: Yomili.com is a shopping comparison website that compares prices across the web on over 1,000,00 products and 5,000 brands. If you sign up for a free membership on Yomili you will be granted access to the following features:
a. Question Corner - Members can post questions to the community. They can ask what product they should buy and then choose up to three products to add to their question. Even if you are not a member you can still vote on questions.
b. Price Alerts - You can set specific price targets on products and you will be alerted via email if your target is reached.
c. Wish Lists - You can create multiple wish lists of products you would like and then email your list to friends, family, etc.
d. Save Products - You can save up to five products you like so they can easily be retrieved later.
How she finds balance:: I have three little boys 7,9, and 10 and life is always a little complicated, but we make it work. It's important to have a supportive husband and it is important to realize your time is valuable and not to work for too little money.
Her best advice:: Work hard but make sure your family is benefiting.
What they are giving away:: A sterling silver starfish necklace.
Play and win:: What do you like most about Yomili.com?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
 Who:: Sharon @ ProActive Parenting
Business Established:: 1993
What they do:: Dedicated to Helping Parents Raise Children, Not Just Correct Behavior. Sharon Silver is a mom, an educator, and a powerful speaker. Her sense of humor and teaching style make her easy to listen to and creates a trustworthy environment for learning. Her mission has always been to create programs that help parents focus on what else can be done instead of going straight to punishment. ProActive ParentingTM is the result of that mission. With an education in Parenting and Early Childhood Development, four certifications as a Parent Educator, and practical experience as the mother of two young adults, there’s very little she hasn’t seen.  She offers her Seminars By Topic at this website and does Live In-Person seminars at schools, corporations, universities and mom’s groups. She does telephone-seminars for working parents during the lunch break, gives speeches for service organizations, and travels to different cities around the country giving seminars. Over the last 17 years, parents, public and private school teachers, day-care directors and providers, corporations and service groups have all benefited from the programs she teaches about how to use a balanced, real-life approach when disciplining and teaching children.
How she finds balance:: I have one large master board to keep things straight for business and family. Being a Mom Entrepreneur allows me to set my schedule or cancel things if my family needs me, like when my father had a heart attack and I had to cancel a class to be there for his surgery. I build in time for exercise or take a day off to play, both very important to my sanity.
Her best advice:: If you work from home like I do create boundaries for your business or you'll be eaten alive. I have a teenage ring tone on our family phone. It has a different phone number and a double ring yet I'm only billed once for the line. This allows me to really enforce that the "office" is closed.
What they are giving away:: The choice of a downloadable audio parenting seminar to listen to on the computer or on an iPod.
Play and win:: Which seminar topic would be most beneficial in your house?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
 Who:: Brittany @ Scrappy Notes
Business Established:: 2002
What they do:: Scrappy Notes began in 2002 at my kitchen table with some paints, paper and a lot of creativity. With a desire to help supplement our income, I started designing notepads, cards, stationery and more for friends and family to buy. My ideas and artwork continued to expand as requests for more products and graphics poured in. Much to my surprise, in less than a year Scrappy Notes was born. 
How she finds balance:: Working from home while raising four little (getting bigger by the moment) little boys has forced me to organize my time MUCH more efficiently. When I'm doing activities with my boys I try really hard to be present with them, vice versa when it comes to work. I have found combining the two can sometimes work great if I employ them by having them stuff envelopes, sticker, fold, count etc. They love the involvement, extra money, and to be busy.
Her best advice:: My advice would be to learn as you go and not get overwhelmed, just take it a little bit at a time and things will happen. With children, they HAVE to come first and you can adjust as they grow and their schedule changes - that's the beauty of having your own business!
Save Now:: Save 15% with coupon code MMBP15
What they are giving away:: Notes From the Mom of Bow Notepad
Play and win:: Which is your favorite custom stamp at Scrappy Notes?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
 Who:: Sherri-Lee @ Mail4Kids
Business Established:: October 2008
What they do:: Mail4Kids is an educational, collector's card service for kids. Each month we send out a custom designed collector's card of an image from one of our categories on the front and educational and fun information on the back. Each card comes with an activity sheet that continues the theme of the card. The yearly subscription (12 mailings) is $40 and the deluxe starter kit is option and is $25.00. The starter kit includes a personalized collector's box, index cards with the categories on them, four cards to start the collection and a special gift to welcome them to the club. 
How she finds balance:: I'll admit I am not great at it... I tend to go in spurts and fits... hours on the business and then hours with the kids... I have a hard time leaving any job not done so it is hard to do a little bit here and a little bit there...but I am working on finding more balance and less extremes.
Her best advice:: Love what you do I think is the most important thing... be passionate about it and don't listen to anyone who doesn't support your dream. Include your kids if you can, they will benefit from it and so will you.
What they are giving away:: A $25 Starter Kit
Play and win:: Name three Mail4Kids categories.
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post.
 Who:: Dawn @ Announcements Galore 
Business Established:: 2007
What they do:: Custom photo cards, collages and magnets for any occasion! We offer great, personalized designs and top-notch customer service. Also, custom orders are done at no extra charge!
How she finds balance:: I have very limited, uninterrupted time with my children. So, when they are awake they are my focus. The majority of my work is done late in the evenings after they are asleep.
Her best advice:: Don’t ever give up, be persistent! 
Save Now:: Get FREE shipping on any order with code FREESHIP
What they are giving away:: $35 gift certificate to Announcements Galore.
Play and win:: At which school is Melanie Sue attending her first day of kindergarten?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post!
 Who:: Jewel @ Mad Genius Designs
Business Established:: January 2009 after scrapbooking for 11 years.
What they do:: Jewel Goodwin is a digital scrapbooking designer, designing under the name Mad Genius Designs.
How she finds balance:: This is a struggle, as I am sure any mom knows. I try my best to meet the family’s needs first, and the business second, but it's not always possible when I have deadlines. Having a supportive husband and extended family helps a lot. I also find I am up late working long after the kids are in bed, since I can't get much done while they are up.
Her best advice:: If there is any way to get the kids involved, go for it. My boys love to draw doodles for me (even if I don't use them they love to contribute that way). They also love to see what I am working on. I am always photographing bizarre things for textures and other design work, and my kids love to help me find things when we are out on family trips. They know what I do, and they are proud of it. My son recently asked if I was photographing the ground for scrapbooking, and when I nodded he smiled and said. 'That's my mom!’
What they are giving away:: Back To School digital scrapbooking bundle, including a kit, pre-designed brag book pages, and a gift certificate to the store!
Play and win:: Name one Mad Genius kit you love and why.
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post!
 Who:: Nicole @ Wild About Beads
Business Established:: July 25, 2005
What they do:: Wild about Beads is a home-craft business located in Uxbridge, Ontario that specializes in mom and baby fashion products. In just two years, we have expanded our line to include a full range of baby, toddler, mama-2-b and grown-up mom fashion products running the gamut from Swarovski-studded t-shirts and baby shoes to personalized jewelry creations for moms and daughters alike. Our goal is to provide unique, high-quality and affordable baby, toddler, Mommy and Daddy gear, and our greatest satisfaction comes from creating distinct and personal items for our clients! Nicole said her inspiration comes from her five daughters under the age of nine 
How she finds balance:: A very STRONG support system from family and friends of course!
Her best advice:: Dream Big!
What they are giving away:: Personalized Water Bottle Koozie
Play and win:: What is your favorite ‘flavor’ of hair candy?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post!
  Who:: Ashlee @ Rose Marie’s Bijourterie
Business Established:: May 2009. She had been making jewelry for a year or so prior, but her business really took off once she opened an Etsy shop.
What they do:: Rose Marie’s sells jewelry aimed for all the women in your life, young and old. Pieces are made mostly of silver plated chain, freshwater pearls, Czech glass beads, vintage beats and trendy charms and pendants. Ashlee’s two stepdaughters are her inspiration and give final approval on all items. Prices are also set low and reasonable for those on a budget.
How she finds balance:: Balancing work and life has always been a constant struggle for me! I am such a workaholic that I never want to stop, but then I remember that I really do have laundry to do, dinner to make, and a family to take care of. I think it's all about sorting your priorities. I'm lucky enough that our girls like to sit with me and make their own jewelry and that it keeps them entertained for hours.
Her best advice:: My only advice is to love what you do! Either way, it will make your life so much easier. From working, to family life, to your overall character - LOVE WHAT YOU DO!
What they are giving away:: 3 separate winners will receive a 17-inch Poolside necklace made of five green turquoise gemstone rondelles.
Play and win:: Visit Rose Marie’s Bijourterie and leave a comment here with your favorite necklace.
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! You can earn extra credit by answering the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post!
 Who:: Michelle @ Cupcake Swirl 
Business Established:: July 2008
What they do:: Cupcake Swirl is a sweet, chick and unique online boutique. It is owned and operated by Michelle, a suburban wife and mother, and inspired by her love of nostalgia, baking cupcakes and planning parties.
How she finds balance:: I try and keep a regular 40 hour work week schedule and remind friends and family that I am working.
Her best advice:: Join a score program (counselors to small business) in your state and get a mentor. It’s free!
What they are giving away:: Frosted cupcake apron
Play and win:: Leave a comment here telling us three of your favorite products sold at Cupcake Swirl.
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! For extra credit, answer the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post!
Who:: Melissa @ Pigtail Pals
Business Established:: May 6, 2009 … after 2.5 years of planning, research and raising two babies.
What they do:: Pigtail Pals is a t-shirt company for girls with the motto to ‘Redefine Girly.’ The company is socially responsible and offers distinctive designs on stylish, premium tees. For more information, click here.
How she finds balance:: Snapshot: Me sitting at computer desk, bouncing toddler on knee & reading board book, playing "I Spy" with preschooler from other room, rubbing dog with foot under computer desk...all the while answering emails, making phone calls (impossible), and networking and marketing online.
I try to be a present and engaged mom during the day, only taking an hour or so in the morning and then again in the afternoon to work. I get the bulk of my work done from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., then go to bed for four {yes, four} quick hours only to get up at 7 a.m. and do it all over again. My husband is extremely supportive and gives me help with the kids and around the house on evenings and weekends. Somehow, we manage, and do so with smiles on our faces.  Her best advice:: I've only been doing this for three months, but I've been told I'm doing it well, so my advice is such: Create a solid product {or service}. Research, research, and then do a little more research. Create a business plan, and get your numbers squared away. Go buy lots of coffee. Try to go into it prepared, knowing you'll have to change the game plan on the road to success. And finally, surround yourself with good people, get rid of toxic people. Oh, and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
What they are giving away:: One Pigtail Pal t-shirt {any size, any design} Save Now:: Save 10% with coupon code girlfriends
Play and win:: Go to Pigtail Pals now and answer this question in a comment: What type of role models did founder Melissa, want for her daughter?
Don’t forget to visit the official party post here to register for the party and read all the rules and details!! For extra credit, answer the play and win question above in a comment on THIS post!
 Welcome to the first-ever Labor Day Blog Party at Market Mommy:: The Blog! We are so happy that you have stopped by! This week is going to be a TON of fun, so I encourage you to stick around. You will meet some great mom entrepreneurs, hopefully learn a little something from them, and have a chance to win their great products!
This the official party post, and referred to in all future party posts as such :-D. You MUST, and I repeat MUST, leave a comment here to be registered for any prize. Every comment on any post after this is just extra credit.
And, this is what you must include in your comment here {It is a party after all, let’s get social!}::
1. First name {introduce yourself!}
2. Link to your blog or business if applicable {this is a free, bonus way to promote yourself, make sure you take advantage of it!!} Anyone is eligible to enter, it isn't necessary to own a business!
3. In order of preference, your top 5 picks for prizes {prizes are listed here & below}
4. Tell us either why you are attending the party, or what you enjoy most about Market Mommy.
That’s it, and you’re registered. Glad to have you along! There will be more chances to register all week by commenting on the individual business features. So, stay tuned for some great stuff. Thanks also to all of you who pre-registered! The party will officially end at 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 12.
In addition to your first comment and official entry, you may earn extra credit {each day through Saturday} by doing the following::
1. Join the Market Mommy mailing list and leave a comment telling me you did, or that you are already signed up!
2. Follow this blog and leave a comment saying you do!
3. Become a fan of Market Mommy on Facebook, be sure to leave a comment here to tell me you're a fan!
4. Follow Market Mommy on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway {you still need to leave a comment here with your twitter id}
5. Blog about this giveaway or grab our button, be sure to leave a comment with a link!
As always, please leave an e-mail address or a way to contact you! There will also be more extra credit opportunities tagged on to each post this week. So, be sure to check them ALL out for details!
PRIZE LISTStar onesie from Bibs & Tuckers A four-pack of bookmark belts from You-Niquely CreatedOne Pigtail Pals T-shirt, any design, any sizeA $35 gift certificate to Announcements GaloreDigital scrapbooking bundle from Mad Genius DesignsPersonalized water bottle koozie from Wild About BeadsStarter Kit from Mail4KidsSterling Silver Starfish necklace from YomiliFree month membership to Care4Hire Cedar Valley Publishing’s Let’s Get Ready Series with Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten!3 (Yes 3 separate winners will win) a Poolside Necklace from Rose Marie's BijouterieFrosted Cupcake Apron from Cupcake SwirlNotes from Mom notepad from Scrappy NotesA bib of your choice from Generations in Style$35 gift certificate to Market MommyDownloadable Audio Parenting Seminar from ProActive ParentingHalloween Trick-or-Treat bag from PJ QuiltsBook, So You Want to be a Work-At-Home Mom and advertising from CWAHM.com
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First of all, I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in the Labor Day Blog Party! Thanks to all the great businesses that donated products and offered their insight to being a mom entrpreneur! Also, thanks to all of our great fans and readers who took the time to play along and enter to win! It was a great week! I had a lot of fun, and I hope everyone else did as well! Below is a list of winners {by first name}. The extra credit really paid off for some of you!! Everyone mentioned will also be getting an e-mail, as will the product donors. Questions? E-mail me! So, without further ado .......
