Nov 20 2008
if you can’t buy handmade…
…then why not buy from a mom-owned business?
Whether you’re a party freak like my dear friend Jenni (who sucks me in every time) or avoid them like the plague, home party businesses have come a long way from Tupperware parties in the 50’s. Most let you order online and ship directly to you, so you don’t have to host a party at your house, or even GO to a party if you don’t want to. I’ve found that the customer service is usually outstanding because the consultant really wants you to be happy with whatever you order (and the company will usually fix any problems you have, which is an unusual feeling, let me tell you) And, since so many consultants are moms, you’re supporting a mama-owned business.
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite mama-owned businesses. You can order online from each one, so think about picking a little something up for yourself too.
Pampered Chef. Ah, the old standby. They come out with new products twice a year, but I’m still stuck on my Deep Covered Baker. This magical piece of stoneware cooks a whole chicken in the microwave in 30 minutes. No joke. And the chicken is moist, tender and flat-out amazing, unlike the chicken my mother attempted to cook in the microwave in the 1980’s. (got one of these for my mom last year for Christmas, so that old nasty microwave chicken is truly gone forever)
Tupperware. The mother of all home parties. But, seriously, have you checked them out lately? I still have fond memories of my mom’s avocado green Tupperware (which she still has) and am proud to say that they have updated their colors. Their Christmas containers are pretty darn cute.
Creative Memories. Back when I went to my first Creative Memories party, it was all about making a scrapbook, which was great IF you made scrapbooks. I still think their scrapbooks are the best you can buy, but in my life as a mama, I love their new quick & easy photo album solutions. Stick photos in, do a little journaling on 4×6 paper (which they sell, of course) and you’ve got a scrapbook/photo album that’s DONE. Another favorite: mini albums made for wallet photos. How easy is it to collect all the wallet-sized professional photos of your kiddos and pop them in an album for grandparents?? LOVE IT.
Uppercase Living. My new obsession. Vinyl decals that stick to pretty much anything and come off if you need them to. Browsing the catalog is like going to that creative friend’s house, except that you can actually DO every project that you see (they provide instructions!). You can shop from the catalog or design a custom saying. I love EVERYTHING I have purchased from Uppercase Living. Everything. (fair warning: once you start, you want to do more, more, more) My current favorite: this awesome “Create” decal. Where oh where should I put it??
Happy shopping!
