I took my sis with me (she was a great mule help as she ended up carrying most of my things for the day) which was also a special treat. We started at the Homestead with introductions and then a stop at the basket-making factory where we got to make our own baskets. I went with a “winter” theme: blue’s with snow flakes and snowmen. Our personal assistant, Kristie, helped a lot but we got to make a basket of our own which was so cool.

Next we went on a tour of the facility and learned all about what they do, how they do it, why they do it, and much more. Here are the 4 big take away messages I left with that day:

1. It’s all about the employees

From the basket making helpers to the tour guide, you could tell these people loved their job. For all of them it was more than a job it was family. I didn’t meet anyone who hadn’t worked for the company for less than 14 years. In fact, my basket weaving teacher had worked at Longaberger for 16 years and had met her husband there. They married 14 years ago and have two children.

All of them emphasized the employee input that was given on a regular basis. They also had a lot of pride in talking about how employee contributions, ideas, and craftsmanship have contributed to new methods of production and increased effectiveness. There was a tremendous amount of pride and employee buy-in.

2. Renew, reuse and recycle

I can’t count the number of times we were shown process’ that included creating the least amount of waste. From the wood that is bought to the way it is cut, to the scraps that are reused or recut so that they can be used again. There are very few steps in the start to finish process of making a basket that allow for “waste”. There is a lot of pride in not letting our earth’s resources go to waste.

3. Hand crafted not mass produced

Each Longaberger basket is hand made by a basket weaver. No assembly lines here. A basket weaver gets to choose the type of basket that they will make in a 3 day period and for 3 days they work on making those types of baskets. What baskets they make are contingent on what orders are coming in. Sounds like a great plan for not getting bored. At least you know if there is a basket that you don’t really like making, you only have to make it for 3 days before moving on to something else.

Employees also seem to take a lot of pride in the making of each basket. They initial each one and there is a quality control system as well. If there is a problem with a basket? No problem. The employee signs their basket so you know exactly who to go to. The basket weavers also get paid by the basket they produce which gives them extra incentive to do it well.

4. Made in America

There was also great pride that every Longaberger product is completely crafted from American produced materials and parts. From the machinery to the raw materials. This company has prided itself on finding resources it can use withing the United States.

In addition to all of these great principles, the Longaberger Basket Homestead is a great place to visit with your family. They have a gift shop (that is more like the size of a small mall) with all of their products displayed for you to try out. They have several restaurants. They have an opportunity to schedule a basket-making experience and tour just like we took. They also have a factory outlet if you really like their stuff and want to find some discounted items.

If you are in the Ohio area (east of Columbus) consider making a stop over at the Homestead. Your kids will love it too!

Here are some other great pictures from the day:

Mmmm, Subway!

Andrea thought it would be a good idea for us all to get together this summer for a nice fun Subway “eat fresh” lunch and frolic at Winton Woods. (Subs donated of course, thanks Subway!) It was a great time and a good excuse to get all our kiddos together for a end of summer blast!

We had some great Subway subs, Frito Lay chips, fruit, and various “homemade” desserts. Then we took all of the kids to the spray ground for some entertainment. Pretty sure I ended up more wet than my son and he was the one wearing a swimsuit.

This picture cracks me up because I look like I am concentrated on my sandwich (I am preggo) while Amy is taking care of my kid.

It was a great time and so much fun to see everyone. (Although those poor girls – only three of them).

The other fabulous moms who were there:

• Amy – Amy In Ohio
• Andrea – Mommy Snacks
• Becky – What’s new with the Dell’s
• Carrie – Money Saving Methods
• Cortney – Evan Has Landed
• Jenny – Mommin’ It Up
• Marianne – Writer Mommy

This about sums it up. Dude, wish I could have done that!

The “Big Deal Moms” started on our crazy ride back from the Nashville BlissDom’09 Conference. Six women in one minivan, there is bound to be some craziness going on. At any rate, I had the privilege of spending the weekend with the first four blogs listed here (Cortney and I are in the van and you obviously read our site).

About the same time that we went to BlissDom’09 there was a discovery that there were A LOT of Ohio Mom Bloggers. So many that it would be a sin (I am sure Moses just forgot this one) if we didn’t get together periodically to hang with others that “get” us. It is a GREAT time. Here are the women whom I have met thus far at these meet-ups.

1. Mommy Snacks (Andrea)- focusing on saving money, finding a good deal, fighting the bulg and so much more. She is kinda’ a big deal so you might want to claim that you are a follower of hers.

2. $5 Dinners (Erin) – Erin started a blog to document her cooking in the kitchen to adjust to her children’s dietary needs while still staying on a budget. She cooks up a meal each and every night for her family of four for $5 or less.

3. Stretching a Buck (Marcy) – Marcy will also save you tons of money through watching deals, bringing you freebies, and giving you great ideas on meeting your budgetary needs.

4. Money Saving Methods (Carrie) – Carrie has an amazing savings site that focuses on all kinds of ways to earn money outside of working full time. She is super sweet and very helpful in getting started with things like secret shoppers, surveys and more.

5. Amy in Ohio (Amy) – Amy’s site chronicles her life and views on this crazy world that we live in. Amy is a great friend to all that she knows and even some that she doesn’t know. If you are going to fight a battle you will want Amy on your side! She has a super cute daughter and a funny outlook on life. (She is also a religious OAMM follower).

6. Mommy Bits (Shannon) – Shannon’s site talks about her life with boys and all that entails. She also is a founding member of Cincinnati Women Bloggers; and a member of Cincinnati Losers -a weight loss blog made up of seven Cincinnati women trying to get healthy together. (She is also a convert to OAMM through Amy in Ohio).

7. Mommin It Up (Jenny & Emily) – I know they were on the list last week but I can’t help it if they are also a BIG DEAL! Go to their site already!

8. Writer Mommy (Marianne) – writes about her life as a mommy.

9. Deal Seeking Mom (Tara) – Tara writes about finding good deals for yourself and your family. From money saving coupons, store sales, freebies and more.

Okay, I hope I didn’t forget anyone. I know there are a few more suppose to join us this week so hopefully I can tell you all about hem soon too!