{create your own 5 pack}

Yes, on lobotoME.com you can get a 5 pack of our best selling note pads, but what if you want something different? Wish you could get the Fit ME to help you get into shape? Maybe you don't travel so you'd give up the Pack ME... Or maybe you just want to throw in a Bite ME or two for your Obsessive Cullen Disorder?

Now, and until the end of the year, you can make your own 5 pack! Use code MY5PACK at checkout when you purchase 5 note pads for a 20% discount!! Mix and match to get the pads you want. OR pick 5 for stocking stuffers.

Maybe Aunt Sally & Aunt Patti would love the Feed ME, but mom needs the Fit ME to motivate her to hit the gym. And your cousin loves to travel so Pack ME would be perfect... Then throw in a ME pad for yourself! Perfect!

Whether your shopping Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday, you can't go wrong with lobotoME!

{ cha cha changes... part two }

Love all of the inquiries I'm getting about the sale of LobotoME...I feel very loved and also feel strongly that there is an amazing woman or family that will end up running this show and taking it above & beyond anything I dreamed possible. In the meantime, thank you all for your support!

I ran across this quote the other day and it fit perfectly... “If you are not relishing it, release it.” This speaks to exactly what we are trying to do. Trying to make the tough decision on whether to give up something you previously felt so passionately about is a pretty common thing I presume. But it doesn't make it easy to pull the trigger.

When you own your own small business you do EVERYTHING on your own. I am the designer, marketing manager, and head of PR. I am the website designer and google ad words expert. I am the bookkeeper, accountant, and tax-filer. I am the head of customer service. I am the director of sales. I am the shipping person and warehouse manager. All in about 15 hrs a week when I had daycare. And sometimes I am the CEO of BURNOUT because let’s face it, doing it all yourself is tiring. And doing it times THREE with three businesses and TWO kids equals quadruple burnout.

I’ve always been reluctant to ask for help in the physical world, and now I realize I’ve also been reluctant to ask for help from the spiritual world. But the reality is, I have big dreams for my family that are impossible to achieve without a little help from beyond. So this time I see an opportunity for satya - grace + freedom. This time I’m ready to ask for help. I'm asking for a great woman or family who wants a stay at home business opportunity to find ME. I'm asking for peace in releasing what I built and worked so hard on and poured my soul into. I'm asking for peace and serenity moving forward. And I'm seeking freedom for new adventures for me and my family.

print via here

{ we did it }

Woo-hoo!! My team, The Iron Maidens, finished the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic this past weekend! We had so much fun (especially at the finish line eating well-deserved cupcakes & drinking beer). We started as a team and finished as a team and I don't think I could have slogged over that last mountain pass without them! The 50 mile/half-century race started in downtown in downtown Durango at 6,500 ft and climbed to Purgatory Ski Area at 8,879 feet and then onto Coal Bank Pass (10,660 feet) and then summit Molas Divide Pas at 10,899 feet then a fast descent down into Silverton finishing at 9,318 feet. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining with clear blue skies. It was impossible to not be smiling while riding our bikes over the San Juan Mountains. And my teammates were there for me when I bonked part way up the last & final pass. I kept saying to myself I can do this, we can do this. We are almost there. I am almost to the top. And we did it! note to self: a bit more training would have helped. ;-)

So what is it that YOU'VE been wanting to do but think you can't or think its too hard? Just do it. Sign up for it with some friends. Schedule it in. It's go time people. We aren't getting any younger and life isn't getting any longer. GO!

{ cha cha changes }

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. As you simplify life the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau

We've been figuring some LIFE stuff out lately...or attempting to at least. The one thing we have concluded is that 2 kids + 3 businesses + 2 rental properties + 2 work from home parents = chaos. With that said, and without going into the whole long story...we have decided to start the process of selling LobotoME. We hope to be able to have it sold by early 2012. We've had some interest in the past but I wasn't ready to part with it, but now I am. It's been a great four years...our products have been in Real Simple Magazine, on E!News and in The Container Stores nationwide. It grew far wider & larger than I ever dreamed possible. I hope I've helped many of you find systems to help you & your families stay fit, healthy, organized + sane... But its time for me to move on. I've spent four years cultivating something that needs my constant attention. And I'm ready to put that attention elsewhere.

Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that some changes will likely be in store for LobotoME and also see if perhaps any of you stay at home or work at home mama's might be interested in taking over the reins of this eco-friendly paper goods company... email me if you are interested (serious inquiries only please at least until I have my broker lined out then you can bug him all you want). Bottom line is this will allow me to focus more on our main business, my health and my family...I'm grateful for all of your past & continued support & enthusiasm...And don't worry I'm not totally disappearing, I'm just putting this sale of the business out to the universe right now and seeing what happens. Whatever happens, LobotoME will continue with or without moi.

We also decided to put one of our rental properties on the market...anyone interested in a condo in beautiful, sunny Moab, Utah? The other property in Durango will go up for sale next spring we think. Dealing with renters isn't all that it is cracked up to be. I'll leave it at that. And we've listed our beloved Airstream (upon hearing about this plan, Samme said that it is "unacceptable" to sell it) that we don't have very much time to use during the summer...Oh and we're selling our piano that the kids don't play on and have no interest in. We are getting rid of all of the things that are weighing us down.

We are making some massive changes to our lives...all of which will allow us to spend more time together, to travel more, to work less and play more...

xoxo~

{ the iron maidens }

So, you know the big bike ride {the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic} I'm doing this spring with the girls to raise money for cancer research...? We have custom short sleeve biking jerseys in the works for our team {the Iron Maidens} with the LobotoME mantra image on them! You can own one too! They are $98 including s/h (and won't be ready to ship for ~ 6-8 weeks). You need to order by Monday, March 14th. Send payment via paypal to info @ LobotoME.com and add a note with the size you want. Please note the size chart & measurements below as the sizing is a bit funky. Happy riding!

{ ME }

Hi gang! Just back from LA where we went to the NAPO Awards Ceremony...as you may recall LobotoME was nominated for a green, eco-friendly product of the year award....we didn't win (boo hoo) but it was a great event to be at and we enjoyed everyone we met (especially Peter Walsh...yes, THE Peter Walsh...who is just as charming and friendly as he appears on television). Here are a few cute photos from the Office Max photo booth at the party.

ps. Two days of 75 degrees + sun + bike rides along the Pacific Coast beach path was pure bliss and just what this tired mama needed.

ps - I've got a sweet schwag back full of goodies from the event (Peter Walsh's new book; office max goodies, organizational products, a journal from The Container Store, LobotoME goods & more to give to one of you who voted for me! I've got the list and will announce a winner later this week. Thanks for your support! { Jana Wilcox, of California is the winner!) Thanks for you votes everyone.

{ give the gift of sanity this holiday season}

Use coupon code: FIVEBUCKS for $5 off your order until Monday! Ready, set, shop!
ps. 15 days until Christmas! :)
ps. Did you know we have a Facebook page now? Join us over there for more sanity saving tips!

{ on my mind + menu }

1. I love people doing such important work. Like this new endeavor, The Advenure Project. I am buying coal for all of the parents/grandparents in the family this year. And things like this are such excellent reminders of how lucky we are. I honestly have never thought about not having a stove. A stove that I lovingly bake meals, Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas cookies for my family in and on. But there are so many people that don't have a stove. Can't cook their family food. Can't boil water. So, when we are all out & about buzzing around this holiday season, think about those people and do something to help. Even a little something is better than nothing...

2. This message.

3. Thinking about making this and these for holiday gifts.

4. I get asked about this chore chart all the time...Finally found it again!

5. Later this week, some sanity saving holiday tips...do you need them?

6. I'm going to bust a move this week and work off some of that apple pie I ate last week.

7. And last, but not least....I've extended the $5 off a notepad deal through Friday...use couponcode: FRIENDS5.

{ ready, set, shop! }

$5 OFF Coupon for a notepad of your choice at LobotoME.com. Enter: HOLIDAY5 at checkout. Valid 11/26-11/30/10 only at LobotoME.com

Give the gift of sanity this holiday season with LobotoME's Smart Notepads! The notepads make great gifts for teachers, co-workers, hostess gifts, family & friends! Happy Shopping!

{ on my mind + menu }

1. Thanksgiving week...so much to be thankful for...our family, our home, our health (which btw, my recent bloodwork (post-cancer quarterly screening) came back and it was AWESOME). Green juice rules.
2. We are going to do some of these & these adorable Thanksgiving projects.
3. Christmas planning...1st up - this year's family photo. Fortunately, we get to spend Thanksgiving with my talented brother in law.
4. Advent calendar list compiled & family activities ready to go.
5. Love this post via Tara at Ink+Wit about quality vs. quantity...an important thing to keep in mind as we go into the holiday season.
6. On the menu... veggie this, an organic turkey, our famous cranberry jello recipe, roasted veggies, big salads with pomegrantes, apples and walnuts and pomegrante mojitos...for thanksgiving. yum.

More soon on sanity saving holiday tips, simple Christmas ways, and more ways to stay healthy + sane during the busy holiday season... In the meantime, happy thanksgiving my friends.

{ brain buzz + breathe }

The MEpad listed as a great co-worker gift in Breathe Magazine's cute gift guide.... LobotoME’s notepads come in a variety of sanity saving themes, from FeedME (meal planner) to PackME (travel planning). For the free thinker, we love their MEpad for all of your daily lists and to-do’s. There’s a pad for every personality in your office, all made with recycled paper and soy-based inks.

{ brain buzz }

Christmas came early over at our office when we woke up (and while running late to get the kids ready for school) saw that the MEpad had made it to the big leagues on Gizmodo...the tech site of all tech sites. Then, later that day it appeared on Trendhunter and a few other tech sites. I've never had so many MALES shopping on my site. :) Anyway, once we get caught up on shipping I'll be back to post about some sanity-saving holiday tips, Thanksgiving day ideas + more. Peace.

{ bite ME }

Bite ME notepads are 50% off for a limited time! Stock up for holiday gifts & stocking stuffers today! Use coupon code: BITEME50 at checkout (valid 11/15-11/30 only).

And speaking of Twilight...did you catch a glimpse of the house they are using for filming the Brazilian LOVE scenes...? Wow.

{ give the gift of sanity }

The new LobotoME website is LIVE! Let me know what you think!

{ NAPO Awards }

Got word this morning that LobotoME notepads are a finalist in the eco-friendly organizing product category for the National Association of Professional Organizers 2011 Awards!

As you know, we produce our notepads using a local, family-run printing company and all products are printed on FSC recycled materials and soy-based inks. So, they are as good for your sanity as they are for the planet!

But we need your votes...it only took 30 seconds! Click here today to vote! Thank you for your support!

ps- Leave a comment that you voted or send me an email and you'll be entered into a drawing for a 10 pack of LobotoME notepads!

{ brain buzz }

LobotoME goods in my college alumni newsletter's holiday gift guide...Go 'Gate!

{ who needs an ipad when you can have a MEpad? }

{ find ME }

Find ME on facebook here.

{ organize ME }

For sure one of the craftiest ways I've seen to hang up our weekly planners!

LobotoME goods shown on adorable wall via Karen of Karina Ink fame available here!

{ ME pad }

Who needs an ipadTM when you can have a MEpad? Introducing LobotoME's newest notepad...

The MEpad is always connected, the battery never dies and all you need is a lead-filled stylus to operate it. Space for notes & to do's, people to call and errands to run! As always, printed on 100% recycled materials using soy based inks and made in the USA. Makes a perfect gift for family members, friends and co-workers! Don't you think it would be a hit during the holidays? Available now here.

Here is Karen's all filled out...doesn't she have the best handwriting ever?


The quote at the bottom of the MEpad reads: "I like my new telephone, my computer works just fine, my calculator is perfect, but Lord, I miss my mind!" - Author Unknown