A New Business, a Festival, and Summer Fun

July has been packed with so many of my favorite summer events. I’ve also been busy writing up lesson plans for Teddy and my co-op class. And since Fulton just turned 18 I got to enjoy a two+ hour conversation with the Social Security Administration amidst all the fun. Lastly, I’m starting a new business venture, because 1. The extra money would be great. 2. I had a couple extra minutes of free time so I decided to try taking on hours of work.

I’m going to start by telling you about the business venture even though I know you want to read about the fun stuff because I’m trying to put myself out there and writing about it on my blog is a lot easier than reaching out directly to people and asking them to work with me.

I’m taking my years of blogging, writing, teaching, speaking, planning, organizing, marketing, and designing and using it to help other content creators and solopreneurs who need help growing their business while managing real life. I make slow and steady progress on lots of projects because I have systems and routines. Even when life gets insane, I know where to pick back up to keep moving forward. Now, I’m able to plug AI into the systems I’ve already set up to save more time. But I realized not everyone has my knack for planning and organization. And trying to throw AI at a disorganized mess, won’t yield great results or efficiency, just more frustration.

I’ll help you move from overwhelmed and underperforming, to focused and successful.

I’m offering a one on one program where I identify what’s blocking your business growth, decide what you need to stop doing, and I will create a practical 90-day plan around the few actions and systems most likely to move your business forward based around a detailed intake form and 60 minute consultation. You can check out my new site to become one of my first clients and take advantage of my founding clients rate. Or read more about the systems and automations I use to mange my blog, ministry, and other businesses on my Substack.

“But Kelly, what about the four year plan and the goal to become a professor???” I haven’t forgotten, or given up, but a Master’s degree takes $$$. And you know what else takes money? Big kids getting married. Also, helping big kids with school debt and down payments for houses. Tony and I had a lot of help getting started and we want to pay it forward. The four year plan is also obviously, something for down the road, it doesn’t help us financially right now. So I’m trying to take the knowledge and skills I have to help people now, while still homeschooling and keeping up with things at home. If you have questions, or want more info, feel free to leave a comment or contact me.

151st Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival

We arrived back from Cleveland and had a few days to recover before it was festival week. And honestly, I needed those days. I was exhausted and couldn’t figure out why, but in talking with other moms whose kids have married, I learned the post-wedding crash is a real thing.

The festivities started with the running of the sandwiches! It’s a recent addition to the festival lineup but it’s fun to watch. The sandwiches (red roast beef, meatball, sausage and peppers, and pork with broccoli rabe) take their time jogging up and back, while posing for pictures and goofing off. This year, the blueberry mascot from a local farm crashed the race.

We enjoyed plenty of food, drinks, and live music. Tony and I even enjoyed the cigar store that set up a stand and smoking area. On the 16th, the boys and I attended the Italian Mass and then later we all watched the procession. Next year, maybe we’ll all walk with a statue.

Byron and his girlfriend arrived in town late Friday to enjoy the beach and the festival Saturday, and family time Sunday. Storms moved through on Saturday, so the closing fireworks were cancelled, but we still managed to head down and get some funnel cakes and ice cream one last time.

Finally, OCNJ

My mom came to visit for a week and we went to Ocean City for the day. The weather was perfect and we took the opportunity to enjoy pizza, candy, and the arcade as well as the sea air. We also went bowling later in the week which had been on the boys’ summer bucket list (because of the bowling alley’s great food).

Zoo

This week we wrapped up July with a trip to the Cape May Zoo. Even for teens and young adults, I find the zoo is a fun place to go and walk around for the day. Because it’s close, and free, we just spend as much, or as little, time as we want and then head home. I was excited to see the new capybara baby, and leopard, but sad that the otter exhibit was closed. I knew one of the long time otters had died this summer, but I was hoping to still see the rest swimming around. Fulton and Teddy always enjoy the reptile house, and the African Savannah animals.

I can’t believe we’re already starting August. We’re not resuming school until after Labor Day and I’m going to try check off every item on our summer bucket list by then! I hope July was filled with family fun for you! Let me know what you’ve been doing!