This recipe is for all the Nutella fans. Today I have a very simple yet packed with flavor recipe for Nutella Cream Cheese Turnovers. It only takes a few ingredients and takes like it could come straight from a bakery. Nutella pairs amazingly well with tangy cream cheese in this delicious treat.

I was inspired to make this recipe when I saw a recipe over at the Country Cleaver. I tweaked the recipe a bit after trying the original.  I changed the filling ratio as well as making the turnovers a bit larger, as I found the first batch to be cut too small and my filling started spilling out when baked.  Many thanks to Country Cleaver for the inspiration for this recipe. Enjoy!

So, What Do You Do?

I cannot count or remember the number times my Grandma has asked me, “Now, what is it that you do again?” She isn’t the only one, either. I experience this question just about every time I (try to) explain my career to a new contact who is not in the social media space. It isn’t an easy task explaining my job, because it is really several jobs running simultaneously. I wear many, many hats.

Hat #1 – WIFE & MOTHER.

First and foremost, I am a stay-at-home/work-at-home wife and mother. I know, you already knew that. Still, I need to say it.

I clean (ahem, with some help), cook (*cough* though not as much as I should), shuttle the kids to and from school, offer countless hugs and boo-boo kisses, take care of the home finances….you get it. Wife and mom stuff. You know, the work that never ends, but the sweetest.

During my 11 years as a stay-at-home mom I have attempted several jobs that I could run from home. Home daycare (never again), selling Avon (man, I sucked at that), selling candles (wut?) and running an eBay business. (buying/reselling and making custom baby shower gifts) Although my eBay business did have some success and helped the family financially, the workload became too massive after having my second child, so I ditched it.

I discovered blogging shortly after.

Hat #2 – BLOGGER.

This, of course, is the most obvious hat that I wear (other than the mom hat), but even the word “blogger” confuses many, so let me elaborate on the definition. My definition, at least.

Basically, I write. I write for this blog, Mom Spark, and for Healthy Perspectives, a blog sponsored by Puritan’s Pride. I occasionally write blog posts for brand websites, too. For example, in a few weeks I’ll be sharing some original recipes on the Duncan Hines website, like the one below.

cake pops post for Duncan Hines

Although I do have three paid writers on Mom Spark, I still have a heavy workload each day with sponsored stories (brand-sponsored articles)/reviews, regular content posts (I have a theme each day of the week via an editorial calendar) and a TON of email correspondence. A. Ton. Of. Email.

While I *could* quickly throw a post together and publish within 10 minutes and have more “free time”, I don’t. Instead, I take the time to craft quality content and images. Each post can take anywhere from an hour to two hours, depending on the amount of images and length of content.

Why do I spend so much time on each post? To stand out and offer my readers quality content. It just so happens that brands like this worth ethic as well.

sponsored story for Silk

sponsored story for Suave Naturals

The better the quality of my images and content is, the more brands and readers there are that want to read and work with Mom Spark. As with any business, quality = cash & growth.

So, as a blogger, I write, photograph, and share and tell stories. That in itself is a full-time job for me, as I typically receive an average of 5-7 sponsored post a week, in addition to regular blog content and countless email correspondence.

Hat #3 – SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST AND COMMUNITY LEADER.

“Strategist” sounds fancy, but really it just means I help brands and PR firms come up with plans and ideas for their social media goals. Mom Spark Media specializes in connecting brands/PR with mom and dad bloggers (blogger outreach) for sponsored stories, brand ambassadorships, reviews, Twitter parties and the like, via a blogger community network of 400+ members that I have put together over the last three years. We also offer the community of bloggers blogging and social media course content, as well as support to enhance their individual career paths in this field.

A normal work week for Mom Spark Media consists of multiple phone call meetings with existing and new clients, writing proposals, signing contracts and reading/writing a TON of email correspondence. Then, there is the actual execution of each campaign, which is a beast, too, and the reason I have a wonderful Project Manager to help facilite it. She assists with daily email correspondence (people, this alone is hours of work), provides our bloggers with instructions and assistance for each campaign, follows up on blog post edits and deadlines, and engages with our members in the community.

Last year, Mom Spark Media paid bloggers and contractors over $50,000 in various work and campaigns, and we continue to grow each year. Some of our most successful campaigns include Lands’ End Quality Coat Challenge, Pop Secret Moms and Crocs Moms.

Hat #4 – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER.

Random, I know, but I have been playing the role of Executive Producer (thanks to my blogging/social media income) for the full-feature independent film Army of Frankensteins (directed by my husband) since August 2012.

Other than providing financing for the movie, I also manage the financial records, making sure the production stays within the allowed budget. As of today, we have roughly five days left of production, then it’s on to months of editing and finally releasing to the right film festivals.

This project has, by far, been the most difficult one my husband and I have ever tackled. Saying that, we already have a loyal cult following and truly believe this is a stepping stone for something amazing.

Hat #5 – EVERYTHING ELSE.

So, in addition to blogging, developing social media strategy and handling the finances of a movie, I handle a couple of other websites on the side:

• Mom Made That! – A subscription-based website I created in 2008 that promotes mom businesses. 
• My Party Swap – A subscription-based website where users can sell, buy or swap new or used party supplies.

Also, from time to time, I receive opportunities to shoot a videos for brands or make appearance in magazines. I travel (another passion of mine) occasionally for press events, conferences and business meetings, too.

How Did You Get Started?

This is another question I am asked often and is usually paired with, “How do I get started blogging, too?” There is so much packed into both answers that it is hard to know where to begin.

First, how I got started. As with most bloggers I know, blogging began as a hobby, then slowly (ever slowly…) grew as I started networking. I met brands, PR firms and bloggers at conferences (my first conference being BlogHer ’09) and quickly discovered that the more people I met who were in the same field as me, the more opportunities came my way. The first paid blog post I received was for $15 and I ECSTATIC. Not because it was $15 (’cause I mean, come on, $15) but because I was finally getting PAID. It inspired me to continue to grow my readers, social media followers, network and up the quality of my content. It worked.

at Mom 2.0 Summit 2010

As for the social media strategy side of my job, this came with the blogging territory. The more reps that asked me, “Who do you recommend for this campaign?” the more I realized, “I need to start charging for this.” So I did, and it exploded from there.

How do you get started earning an income blogging?

1. You have to love doing it. Like any small business, if you have the passion and love for it, the business will grow and flourish. The work never feels like work, and because of that, it continues to grow. Money can never be your motivator. You will never make a dime or a smart decision if it is.
2. Network. I cannot stress this enough. Networking, both online and in real life, has been huge for the success of my business. Conferences are a great start. Talk to as many people you can while you are there, too. Know your goals and voice, stick to that, and tell everyone about it. Listen, too. Take advice from those you meet and always surround yourself with positive role models and people who are more successful than you. You will learn a ton if you do. Also, know that networking with bloggers is just as important as with brands, if not more. Bloggers are more likely to recommend you to a brand when they ask.
3. Stand out, but not in a negative way. The best way to do this is to be your own unique self. Go the extra mile when you produce work for your clients. They will notice. Take the time to shoot beautiful photos and thoughtful content. Worry less about what other bloggers are doing and more on how you can improve YOU.

How Much Money Do You Make?

Ahhhh, the million dollar question. The most popular question I receive, by far. I rarely discuss money, unless I am bragging about how much I pay bloggers.

All I will say is that after five years of hard work developing this career, I am earning a healthy full-time income. Last year, I made a little more than my husband, which I thought would never happen with something that was little more than an idea a few years ago. I do not say this to gloat, but to share what is possible for you.

How Do You Manage It All?

I honestly don’t know. Balance doesn’t exist. It just doesn’t. I work in spurts when I get the chance. I squeeze in time while the kids are both in school or at night when my family is sleeping. It’s a challenge. Even with my writers and Project Manager, I still work 50-60 hours a week, sometimes more. This August, both of my children will be in school full-time, so I *think* I will finally be a healthy schedule. Sure, that.

Questions?

So, there it is. Everything. Now you know. Have questions or comments? Let’s hear it.

Here are a few ways to incorporate a bit of this condiment colour into your wardrobe!

Purses are always a fun way to flaunt a new favourite colour! Check out this vintage style bag via Uniquenstyle.

 This stunning yet simple number is made to order by Miz Blaz. I’m in love!

 Frank and Bella bring us these boho chic woodcut earrings. I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more wooden accessories this season — earrings, bracelets, rings & more.

Add a little something sweet to your hand from Lauren Blythe Designs.

 And lastly, this cute leather bracelet from Shop Adore is a great little pop of colour for any outfit!

What about you? How do you feel about mustard yellow? Do you have any pieces in your closet?

Disclosure: Thank you to Green Mountain Coffee and Technorati for being sponsors of this article. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What is your favorite part of the day?

For me, it is first thing in the morning, though I am NOT a morning person. Confused? Let me explain.

Yes, I am not one of those bright-eyed and bushy-tailed people when I wake up in the morning, but I LOVE the start of a new day.

A new day means another chance to spend time with my family. A new day to create a brilliant business idea. A new day to do something AMAZING. I love the mystery of the unknown as I encounter each new morning.

Typically, the first thing I mutter from my lips is “coffee” as I stumble towards my Keurig brewing system. Must. Have. Coffee. Coffee is the perfect pairing to an already beautiful morning. An enhancement, if you will.

Picking out the perfect coffee mug is important, too, as it sets the vibe for the day. I pick up a new mug in my travels and when thrift store shopping, so I have quite a vast variety to choose from. The mug featured above is one of my favorites for creative inspiration. It speaks to me.

There is nothing quite like that first sip. Something magical happens.

I become “Mother of the Year”. Esteemed business owner. Superhero. Unstoppable.

Coffee just makes an already fabulous day even better.

Green Mountain Coffee offers K-Cup products and flavors for the Keurig brewing system that can make your day even better, too. Green Mountain Coffee is great quality coffee and the best-selling brand for the Keurig brewing system. Exceptionally smooth and perfectly balanced for a harmonious blend of flavor, body and aroma.

Having K-Cups on hand just makes life that much easier. The simplicity of a K-Cup saves time and avoids messy cleanups, which this mama is grateful for. I can get started on my epic day quicker, too. It is the little things that make life so sweet.

Ready to brew a better day, too? Learn more about Green Mountain Coffee K-cup products and flavors by visiting greenmountaincoffee.com.

How does coffee make you feel? Is it a staple to your daily routine?

Even though my youngest son is 5 years-old now, I can remember potty training him like it was yesterday. The challenges, the achievements, the….messes.

You know, “Potty Maiming” (pot-ee meym-ing), aka Polka Dotty Potty or First Miss from the Clorox Ick-tionary. If you have boys, you understand completely.

So what can you do when target practice doesn’t go as planned? Grab a bottle of Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleanerand act like it never happened.

For more information on Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner and more Clorox products, visit www.icktionary.com.

Tell me about one of your life’s icky moments for a chance to win $250 to treat the mouth wiping, floor sweeping, counter cleaning mom in your life! Visit www.icktionary.com to learn the new language for ick and how Clorox® cleaning and laundry products can help you tackle the next icky situation in your home, play games and win coupons while supplies last!

 This post is brought to you by The Clorox Company.  I have partnered with them to spread the word about Clorox’s Ick-tionary program. To share Ick-tionary terms and real life messes, visit [www.icktionary.com].  All opinions and stories are my own. Official Sweepstakes Rules

DISCLOSURE – This post is sponsored by Oxygen. Thoughts are my own. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Last year, I shared with you Oxygen’s 6 episode docu-series, I’m Having Their Baby, which documented the world of adoption by telling the story that doesn’t get told – that of the birth mothers and their experience in making this difficult and emotional choice. Each episode followed two pregnant women who had made the choice to place their babies for adoption, and dealing with the life changing decisions that follow.

Season One was very powerful to watch. Not having any personal experience with unplanned pregnancy or adoption, I’m Having Their Baby really opened my eyes up to the emotions the mother, case worker and adoptive family go through throughout the process. The stories are honest and sometimes shocking, but important to share.

I’m Having Their Baby returns again this June for Season Two, diving deeper into the lives of birth mothers entering the adoption process, their family and friends affected by their decision and in some cases the potential adoptive couples.

Check out Season Two of I’m Having Their Baby Wednesday, June 12 10/9pm Central on Oxygen. Learn more by visiting Oxygen.com/baby, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ImHavingTheirBaby and Twitter at @Oxygen.

In the meantime, catch up on the full first season of the series, the web series, and get a sneak peek of season 2 at oxygen.com/baby. After watching, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Watch I’m Having Their Baby: Raising Nayamah here, a webisode from the webseries Oxygen has created to revisit families of I’m Having Their Baby‘s Season 1:

GIVEAWAY

We are giving away a $50 Visa Gift Card to one lucky winner!

To enter, watch the webisode and comment below on your favorite part or why you enjoyed the webisodes.

Giveaway ends May 29, 2013 at 12:01 Eastern.

DISCLOSURE – This post is sponsored by Oxygen. Thoughts are my own. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Shot using Instagram. Follow Mom Spark on Instagram at instagram.com/momspark.

Sometimes a little bit of simple art is all that you need to make a room come together. You can purchase art at a premium, frame printed replicas or create your own. Since I’m not terribly keen on reprints (I’d rather have a cheapie original than a reprint of a world famous reprint for some reason) I tend to make my own. But what if you’re not much of an artist?  There are lots of techniques that you can use to get fun, and impressive art without any drawing or painting skills.

Today we’re covering Spirograph art. You may have had a lovely little kit that kept you and your friends or siblings busy for hours. Take that same thing and utilize colors that work with your decor and frame them, and well you have some simple, modern and fun new art my friends.

For this project you will need a Spirograph kit. Kits are sold online and in book stores and maybe even in bigger toy stores. I used The Art of Science and Spirals by Victor Dorff. The set was a gift my Aunt Lisa received and didn’t want so she sent it my way. The set is small but I was able to get a few decent Spirographs out of it. BUT if you’re purchasing a new set I would NOT recommend this one. The parts are lightweight and I had a hard time making four without mistakes (in fact two of mine have some fairly obvious ones).

I’m only mentioning this set in hopes that you do not purchase only to be disappointed. The original Kenner Spirograph kits from the 60s can still be purchased on Ebay for around $30 and are much coveted. I’m considering buying a new set to replace my current because I really enjoyed this project. I’m personally looking at one of the Spirograph kits by Kahootz (they have excellent reviews).

You’ll also need either really sharp colored pencils or some good quality colored ink pens, paper (I used drawing paper from an artist’s pad) and cardboard or foam core board to pin your wheels onto. If framing you’ll need the frames and either a paper cutter or a ruler and cutting blade like an X-acto knife. Let’s get started.

I first practiced on some scrap paper. I took the gears and wheels and played with them to see exactly what kind of an effect I could produce. While I most often used inspiration from the booklet that came in my kit, I also used these sheets to pair up the different effects to make my own custom designs.

Take your wheel and use pins (should be included with your kit) down to your paper and onto a piece of cardboard or foam core board to hold nice and steady.

Draw your first shape.

And continue to add to it. You can use the gears on both the inside and the outside of the wheel.

Continue until you’re happy with the effect.

Next I took the cardboard from my frame and traced the shape onto a Spirograph lightly with a pencil.

Cut the shape out… and turn the piece over. Patch the tiny holes with a little piece of the original paper you are working with and a smidge of tape. This will help keep our holes from being too terribly obvious.

and frame. I used these cheapie 5×7 frames I found at Dollar General for a BUCK a piece! I LOVE them for this project. They are simple, sleek and modern and I think they pair perfectly.

Make as many as you need to for your set.  I’ve made four and they’ll be adorning my master bathroom for an upcoming redecoration project in there! I’m not sure how I will pair them. Maybe in the square shape, maybe in a straight line. But either way, I’m sure that I’ll be very happy with them when they are officially hung!

This is also a great project for kids and they can easily decorate their own rooms with fun Spirograph art. I’m taking my kit, or more than likely a newer, better model, down to my nephews. They just might create some awesome artwork that I will use to replace my own creations!

I’m so love with coffee that I wrote a poem. About coffee. And Silk. Enjoy.

An Ode to Coffee

Oh java, oh beans,

I hope you will celebrate coffee with me, too, by trying Silk’s new delicious Soymilk and Iced Lattes. We have some $1 coupons available below as well so that you can #TasteSilk!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

Some mornings she’s dedicated to making meals for everyone — wooden toast and butter, a cookie, or a felt pancake sandwich and a coffee for mom. Perfect! Sometimes she bakes treats, other times she’s teaching her toys to stir up concoctions and wash dishes. It’s always a delight to watch her create.

If you’re looking to add a fun play kitchen set to your home, Etsy definitely had a wealth of shops featuring handmade wooden stoves, crocheted food, and more! Just some of my favourites are below. Enjoy!

This beauty, created by Chokecherry Lane, would make a gorgeous addition to any play space.

I love the built-in shelving in this play set, made by Re-wood Toys. (And for my fellow Canucks, they’re located in Kingston, Ontario!)

Feeling handy? Iron Timber makes the plans for this fantastic number available in their shop. I think I might want a yellow kitchen myself! (And how adorable is the bead board back splash? So charming.)

To get the cooking started, pick up some smooth, wooden eggs from Almost Crunchy.

For dessert, of course! I adore these cute Popsicles by BYOI. The colours are fantastic. (And I’m currently craving a Creamsicle!)

Tea time? I think I should snatch up a few of these pretty little teabags for my little one. She knows mama loves her tea! This set was made by Tabitha & Hugo.

And once more, if you’re a crafty mama, pick up a pattern for these super fun veggies by Fluff and Fuzz!

Tell about your child’s favourite open-ended toys and games. We’d love to hear what gets their imaginative juices flowing!