Just Between Friends is WHERE?
Thursday, February 16, 2012 By: Mollie Eichman

Have you checked out the newest locations of Just Between Friends?  Maybe, just maybe, you may have a sale in your very own town!

Our Corporate Office just conducted the 1^st quarter training & are THRILLED to welcome aboard 2 new sales!  We now have a JBF sale in N.Austin/Pflugerville, TX & Olympia, WA!  And believe that these ladies will bring an amazing sale to their area!!

If you live in these areas, please make sure you go to our website & check out the event dates for each of these sales!  If you don’t live in these areas, make sure you check out the events page of our website to see other sales that will be happening all over the county.

If you currently do not have a sale in your area, but are interested in possibly starting one, please click here JBF Franchise.

From Left to Right:  Shannon Carter, Trainer; Kara Turner, N. Austin; Allison Daniel, N. Austin; Jenny Mavin, Olympia, WA; Tracey Gifford, Trainer

 

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New JBF Sales Popping Up Everywhere!
Sunday, January 01, 2012 By: Mollie Eichman

In November, we had the honor of adding several new JBF territories to our team.  For our 4th quarter training, we had 5 new owners attend our 4th quarter training in lovely San Diego, CA - where we held our annual conference.  These are some amazing women who, we have no doubt, will bring amazing JBF sales to their area!  Make sure you check them out if you live near them!  Happy Shopping!!

(From Left to Right:  Shannon LeDoux, Scottsdale, AZ; Bree McCaffrey, Irving/Coppell, TX; Michelle Wiginton, Trainer; Kathy Carroll, Waxahachie, TX; Christine Odom, Waxahachie, TX; Denise Klipsic, White Bear Lake, MN; Shannon Carter, Trainer; Shannon Wilburn, CEO & Co-Founder)

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We've Grown!
Friday, April 22, 2011 By: Leslie Meade

Just Between Friends has grown and so has our blog!  We invite you to visit us at www.JBFSaleBlog.com.  Discover parenting tips, recipes, JBF franchise news, product reviews, giveaways and more.

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Tips for Morning Sickness Relief
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 By: Shannon Wilburn

Hey everyone,
I wanted to share an article with you.  I have been traveling the country speaking at a national tour for emerging business owners.  I met two fabulous women in Los Angeles and quickly learned that they had something that I wanted to share with you.  It's been a very long time since I was pregnant myself, but with all of my pregnancies, I struggled with morning sickness for the first 5 months-definitely not a fun place to be.  When I heard about their product, I purchased one right away for a friend who has brain cancer to help with her nausea from chemo.  I also thought about all of my JBF peeps...many of whom are pregnant or will be soon.  :)  So, while this may sound like a commercial...I felt I simply HAD to share!  Leave a comment by Wednesday, April 27th and you will be entered into a drawing to win a set of PsiBands. These bands have been mentioned in O-magazine, the Rachel Ray show and a slew of other places (and now on the JBF website)  :)

Please email me with your contact information after you leave a comment.

Shannon Wilburn

TIPS FOR DRUG-FREE MORNING SICKNESS RELIEF

Psi Bands (www.psibands.com) were invented by two moms who were sick of the morning sickness they had to endure during their pregnancies. Many sources estimate that 80% of pregnant women experience the dreaded “morning sickness” --itself a misnomer, as anyone who has suffered through it can tell you that the nausea can last all day.

At Psi Bands we believe strongly in the use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea for the following reasons:
• Numerous scientific studies support the use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea.
• It’s easy to implement – simply place a Psi Band on each wrist.
• It is drug-free so it won’t harm your fetus or interfere with other medications.

Psi Bands are uniquely:
• fully adjustable around the wrist and at the acupressure point;
• waterproof – no more soggy wristbands so you can wear them in the shower; and
• fashionable – available in five fun different designs.

In addition to wrist acupressure to quell the queasies, following are some complementary drug-free tips we have come across:
• Try ginger. It can be found as a powder in a capsule, grated fresh into hot water for tea, in syrup, or even as a sucking candy.
• Cold fluids and solids like ice chips, popsicles, frozen grapes, etc. may provide relief and help take away the metallic taste in the mouth.
• Try not to eat too much at a time, but also avoid an empty stomach. Eat several small meals every day instead of large meals and try to incorporate protein into every meal.
• For morning nausea, keep a small snack (like crackers) right next to your bed and eat a bit before rising. Allow a few minutes for the snack to digest, then get out of bed slowly.
• Stay hydrated. Try a sports hydration drink, as well as water, broth, or juice.
• Get lots of rest. Stress and fatigue can make morning sickness worse.

We are not medical professionals, so contact your health professional if symptoms persist.

source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/managing-morning-sickness

Where to Buy and Newsletter sign up: http://www.psibands.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/psibands
Twitter: @psibands
 

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Top 5 Tips for Successful Children's Consignment
Friday, April 15, 2011 By: Shannon Wilburn

Top Five Tips For Successful Children’s Consignment
by Michelle Wiginton

1. As soon as your kids have outgrown or are no longer using items, resell them. Like everything else, clothes, toys, equipment, etc. lose their value over time.
    
2. Learn how to get out stains. Magic Erasers are great for plastic toys. Goo-Gone is super for stains. Tide Stain Pens are handy for your purse or diaper bag.
    
3. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to tagging. Everyone is busy, but moms who tag throughout the year are the ones who receive consignor checks for hundreds if not thousands of dollars each season.
    
4. Look for great deals and share those with other local moms. A bargain is a bargain. If you find an excellent garage or clearance sale, purchase items for resale and you’ll earn some extra money for just being in the right place at the right time.
    
5. Talk about saving money with other moms. Moms are smart. Talk to your friends and neighbors about ways you’ve found to save/make money and learn what they are doing to help increase their family’s bottom line.

 

 

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Welcome New Franchisees!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 By: Leslie Meade

Our new franchisees are going through training this week!!  What a great group of business owners!!!

Front Row:  Andrea DiSalvatore (Hartfort, CT), Aleisha Gurrie (Dane County, WI), Shannon Rowe (McKinney, TX), Frank Post (Owasso, OK, Southwest Tulsa, OK, & Lee Summit, MO)

Back Row:  Kim Colburn (Trainer) (Fresno, CA & Visalia, CA) Dawn Pfannenstiel (Trainer) (North Indianapolis, IN) Leslie Meade (Director of Training)

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5 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
Friday, March 25, 2011 By: Shannon Wilburn

Top 5 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
by Sarah Roe, Money Saving Queen

"Just Between Friends is all about helping families save money.  We have asked our friend, Sarah Roe, Money Saving Queen to give you some tips about saving money on your groceries"-Shannon Wilburn

Everyone is searching for the best way to save especially with rising gas prices and pay cuts. Did you know by learning the strategy of couponing, you can literally cut your grocery bill by 50% or more? It’s easy and it does not take hours and hours of work. Here are my top 5 ways to cut your grocery bill in half:

1. Get Coupons: Companies send out billions of dollars in coupons every single year, you just have to find them. Pick up your Sunday newspaper, visit MoneySavingQueen.com and print coupons online. You can also log onto your favorite manufacturers website and sign up for newsletters full of coupons. One of my favorite ways to get coupons for products I actually use is to call the company directly. Let them know you appreciate them and are looking for a way to save money.

2. Timing: It’s all about timing. Rather than rushing out the day you find the coupons to grab the products, wait for them to go on sale and then use your coupon. Combining a coupon with a sale will always land you the best price.

3. Shop Around: Don’t assume the store you shop at every week is the best store for deals, even if they tell you it is. Remember, every store wants you to shop there, and they will pull out their best marketing tactics to get you in the door. Did you know many stores double or even triple coupons? Many stores now offer store coupons as well. Do your research and find out the coupon policies of the stores in your area.

4. Stockpile: When you get your items for the lowest price possible-maybe even free-that is the time to stock up! That doesn’t mean you have to purchase enough for the next 10 years, simply stock up until it goes on sale again. This also means you will need to have multiple sets of coupons, so pick up an extra paper or visit MoneySavingQueen.com and learn how to purchase coupons online.

5. Organize: Take time each week to organize your coupons and sales ads, and plan your trip. In less than one hour a week, you may save $100 or more! Plan your menu each week around coupons, sales and your stockpile.

Saving money is easy-especially when you shop smart! Taking the time to gather coupons, plan your trip for the right time, and shop at the right store will save you hundreds of dollars a month! And it doesn’t take you away from your family. Get the kids on board with savings too, you will find smart shopping is an exciting way to keep your money in your pocket!

You can find Sarah Roe, Money Saving Queen, on MoneySavingQueen.com. MoneySavingQueen.com offers daily hot deals, coupon matchups to area stores, money saving forums and much more. Sarah Roe is also the author of The Power of Coupons: 13 Ways to Save.

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Mom Lingerie
Monday, February 14, 2011 By: Shannon Wilburn

Mom Lingerie

So...I'm not sure if I should tell this story or not as I don't have permission from my hubby. Maybe he will not mind that I am telling the world these things (that's my hope anyway).  Also hoping the Elders at our church don't mind that I talk about these things either...since today he is gainfully employed as the Senior Minister at Park Plaza church of Christ...and I would like it to stay that way.

So..if you follow this blog at all..you know that I have been married for 20 years.  I have to say that my husband is a romantic.  I have no idea what we are doing tonight, but since it's Valentines...I know that he has plans.  All I know is that I am supposed to be ready to go out at 6:45 tonight.  He wants me to be surprised...(I hope it's sushi!)

Mitch has been, since we dated, a great note writer.  He is a great communicator in person and in writing.  He just makes you feel special when he writes you a note. On any given no frills day, I might find a note propped up on the bathroom mirror when I wake up...just a note to start my day right.

He is also great with surprises.  One Valentines day (years ago) I came home to a house with no kids and he had rose petals all over the house and had even done some chocolate covered strawberries on his own. 

Now that you know what he is good at...I'm going to tell you one place where he could use some help.  Lingerie shopping!

For years, I had told him that I would love love love it if he would pick out something for me at Victoria's Secret.  Any time we would be at the mall together and I would say..."I need to run in VS to grab something" he would conveniently need to go book shopping or sock shopping in another store.  He absolutely hates going in VS.  I guess since he is a minister...he feels very awkward being in a lingerie store...he is afraid someone might see him.  :)  If I am lucky....I get a Victoria's Secret Gift Certificate so I can go shopping on my own.

A couple of weeks before Christmas, several years ago, Mitch walked in the door with a big pink VS Bag!  I was stunned.  I went on and on about how proud I was of him actually purchasing something in the store! (in hopes that this might become a habit)  He had a big smile on his face.  Another thing about Mitch is that he doesn't like to wait.  When he has a surprise...he really wants you to guess what it is....or asks if you want it early as he enjoys the giving as much as I enjoy the getting!  LOL.

This occassion was no different.  He wanted me to open it that night.  So...we sat down together, me...oozing with excitement as I opened the pink box to see what treasure lie inside.  What I found inside was the biggest -  white -  terry cloth - robe that you have ever seen!  Not some slinky something....not some barely there item....but the complete opposite!

He looked at me and explained with nervous excitement..."Shannon...I went in there and the VS sales lady came up to me and asked if she could help me and I said yes...her next question was...what size is she?  And I didn't have a clue!  So I just looked over and saw those robes and thought....I want to get the thing that will cover you the most and doesn't have to be size specific!"

I couldn't stop laughing as I pictured him in there nervously trying to find me something....LOL.  It still makes me smile!

So, ladies..on this Valentines Day..here is my advice:  Send your men with sizes.  I'm hoping for something in my size tonight-and not big, white and terry cloth!

Happy Valentines Day,

Shannon

PS. I would love to hear some comments on what you hope to get or something you have received in years past for V-Day!

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Spring Cleaning
Monday, February 14, 2011 By: Shannon Wilburn

Smart Moms Use Snow and Cold Days to do Spring Cleaning
Originally published on ConsignmentMommies.com

      Hundreds of thousands of American moms across the United States are using this cold weather and unexpected snow days to clean out, organize and prepare their gently-used, outgrown and unused maternity and children’s items so they can cash in at an upcoming spring children’s consignment sales event. From strollers to Sketchers, from Gymboree to Johnny Jump-Ups, and from Little Tikes to Little People, children’s consignment events’ offer families the opportunity to buy and sell what their children need for next warmer weather. (and we could all use some sunny thoughts right now)
      “Children’s consignment sales events bring moms together under one roof and give them the opportunity to sell their items and make great money for their family, while providing a venue where they can also shop for what they need for the next season,” said Michelle Wiginton, event coordinator for five Just Between Friends semi-annual community sales events in Missouri. “I have consignors who use their checks to buy the next season’s wardrobe, help pay the mortgage and even one mom who is funding a family trip to Disney World this summer on what she has made selling at our events.”
      What’s great about consignment is that you can prepare and tag your items year round. This makes winter storms almost enjoyable because moms know they will make great money on their items that sell in spring. A few hours spent in preparation of their items will mean hundreds of dollars during the next sale.
      “Our consignors know that we inspect all items, so we don’t waste their time on things that won’t sell and we don’t waste the time of our shoppers, who do not want to sort through stained and outdated clothing or dig through broken toys or games with missing pieces,” said Michelle Wiginton, who is also a Certified Meeting Planner, as well as being certified in Change Management and Business Process Reorganization. “Consignors say they save their “best stuff” for consignment because they can make more money than at a garage sale or traditional consignment store, they love to shop early and they don’t have to pick-up any items that don’t sell when they donate to a local children’s charity. We make it easy for smart moms to make money, save money, make new friends and have a ton of fun in the process.”
      Spring will be here before you know it (even if it doesn’t feel like it under a foot of snow and ice) and the kids will need new bathing suits, shorts and outdoor play equipment. Cleanout closets, toy boxes, shelves and those bins in the garage. Consider selling DVDs, booster seats, books, toys, crib sheets, nursery décor, bunk beds, hair bows and anything else that has to do with raising a child that you no longer use or need.
      “A mom’s first consignment sale experience can sometimes be the most overwhelming (and most financially rewarding), simply because they might have a ton of stuff to tag and bring from a couple of years,” said Wiginton. “After their first full year of events, including a spring/summer and then fall/winter sale, they will then just be prepping and tagging items for one season. Moms will still get a nice check, but have a lot less to store and try to keep up with. I hear all the time how great it is to have money for the items that were just taking up space in someone’s home and garage AND get great money for it, too.”

Snow Day Consignment Game
Make your first consignment experience a game! (you know, it really should be fun!)

1. Get your kids to help if they are old enough or have some fun while they are napping, if they are too young to help. Have them go through their own things…and bring you shoes that pinch their toes, tops that show their tummy and toys that only babies would play with.
2. Go through your home and gather all of the things you know are outgrown or unused and take them someplace in your home where you can sit down and sort (like a basement, living room or guest bedroom).
3. Next you are going to create three piles: Trash (for broken and anything beyond repair or reuse), Donate/Garage Sale (more than gently-worn clothing, toys that might be missing a couple of pieces but someone might purchase to compliment a set they already have, shoes that are scuffed, etc.) and Consignment (this is where all the really good stuff goes)!
4. Go through each item, talk with your kids about Halloween costumes and laugh about your items…these are your memories, enjoy them! Send your little ones off to find missing Little People, missing shoes and that cute matching hat and belt to last year’s Easter dress. Include your children so they learn that taking care of things is important and talk to them about the other kids who are going to enjoy their things next and what they might want you to look for at the sale to bring home for them.
5. Once you have your trash pile, set it out for Mr. Sanitation Engineer to pick up. Then, box/bag up your garage sale/donate items because those will be your second priority. Focus on your consignment items because that is where you will recoup your most investment in your children. Check all clothing items for broken snaps, buttons and zippers. Any stains? Head to the utility room.
6. Don’t worry if you don’t have fresh batteries, hangers, cardstock, safety pins, etc. You can prepare your items by cleaning them up, getting them all together and entering your items into the computer. Do as much as you can now. Then, when the sun clears the roadway, you’ll be half-way to a big, fat juicy consignor check.
TIP: If you can, invest in a couple of inexpensive plastic tubs and mark them “warm” and “cold” for your clothing. When your kiddos grow out of something, launder it and then just toss it into the bin, so it will be ready for tagging when you are! Remember, have fun. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some family time, earn some extra income and then shop with your friends!

Michelle Wiginton is a hard-working wife of a retired OK State Trooper and mom to three sons and is also the current Franchise of the Year for Just Between Friends, the nation’s largest maternity and children’s consignment sales event franchise. www.jbfsale.com She has a BA and Master’s Degree in International Human Relations and has worked with both ABC News and Good Morning America. Michelle coordinates five JBF semi-annual community children’s consignment sales events in Missouri and firmly believes you can have fun, laugh, serve others and get your work done at the same time.
 

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Getting my Spark & Hustle
Monday, February 07, 2011 By: Shannon Wilburn

Getting my Spark & Hustle

So, I have to admit, after being in business since 1997, I thought I had a pretty good idea of most things "business".  However, after attending the first of 8 nationwide Spark & Hustle Conferences in Los Angeles this past week...I found out that I wasn't all that smart.  I was overwhelmed with all the real world knowledge and tactics that I learned to take Just Between Friends to more communities and families across the nation.

I wanted to share some of my insights from last week and hope that it will encourage you to, as Tory Johnson says, "get busy DOing and ACTing, not just the planning."

First off...the line up of speakers was amazing...not sure how I got to be a part, but I am amazed at these smart women (and a couple of men) and how they have turned their passions into profit.

Secondly, kudos to Tory Johnson for putting on this amazing event.  You are one awesome woman and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for empowering women across America! 

I am hoping that our 300,000+ customers across the JBF sisterhood will be able to take some of this advice and apply it to their life somehow!  Enjoy!

Jessica Herrin, founder of Stella & Dot (StellaDot.com), is a serial entrepreneur and is currently leading a 100 million dollar company (that she hopes will be a billion dollar company). 

     Make sure that what you are doing generates sales-everything else is procrastination

     Hobbies-you spend money: Business-You make money

     Stay Curious-listen to your customers

     Listen to Critics-listening to people who compliment you does you no good

     Envision Yourself with your "Best Case Scenario"

     Word of Mouth Advertising is created by two things: Being Irresistable and Delivering Value (GO JBF)

Jess Weiner, this generation's Go to Girl for self esteem and a Dove Real Beauty Ambassador. www.jessweiner.com

     One door closes and another opens

     Rejection is "NOT NOW"-not "NEVER"

     We are all pefectly IMPERFECT-we can have grace in accepting that

Marley Majcher, (ThePartyGoddess.com) helped us learn how to Price for Profit

     Activities need to produce specific results

     Ditch the dogs (lame activities) and replace with something that generates $$

     Watch those "forget me not" expenses (shipping, mileage, lunches, cell phone, parking)

     Track your time

Jack and Julie Nadel-65 successful years in business-This guy had a lot to say and I couldn't write fast enough. www.ideasthatmeanbusiness.com

     Business today is all about the three R's.  Relationships, Results and Rewards

     Trick to Negotiating-Find a way to give it to them (No one wins when attorneys get involved)

     Stress for Success-Look for the rainbow

Stacie Krajchir-Tom, founder www.TheBungalowpr.com, worked as a TV producer for 12 years (NBC, Extra and Style Network) and now empowers small businesses to gain national exposure.

     Show me what you are selling

     Where do you WANT to be featured?

     Understand your editor and the publication-spin the topic to that editor's section

     Follow up phone calls with an email

     Go regional before you go national

Honestly, each of the 20+ speakers had awesome insight, experience and tactics to put all of this great advice to work for you.  I loved every minute of it and feel like I have lots of new friends who will help Just Between Friends be the best that it can be for our customers. 

If YOU want to attend a Spark & Hustle event, visit www.sparkandhustle.com for dates and details, along with information on how to apply now for scholarship assistance. See more photos and feedback from the Los Angeles event at Facebook.com/Tory.

I loved this amazing event and wish that all my friends could attend.  If this has you thinking..."hmmmm....sounds like something that I would like", then please take a minute to check it out.  I have the privilege of getting to be at all of the upcoming conferences and I would love, love, love to meet you!

Tulsa, New York, Dallas, Boston, Orlando, Chicago, Atlanta- I'll see YOU there!

Here's to YOUR success!

Hugs, Shannon

 

 

 

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