Traveling on a budget doesn't always have to mean cutting back, or getting the best deals. It can also mean finding an innovative way to make the extra money you want for your passions.
Two Disney lovin' kids and their dad are doing just that. They've started a business chocolate lovers everywhere are going to love! By doing so, they're helping out the American Cancer Society, and supporting their passion for Walt Disney World.
Dean Packingham, of Duluth, Minnesota is a Disney kind of guy. In fact, most of his social media friends know him as 'Disney Dean'. (As indicated by his website) A few months ago, he was looking for some kind of project to involve himself with his kids, Mike and Jen.
About that time, the family found out that the kids grandfather had been diagnosed with cancer. According to Dean, "He's a wonderful, wonderful man, and it hit us so hard."
Combine this and the love of Mickey Mouse, and the seeds of a family venture started coming together, and Mike and Jen's Cocoa Mixes was born. The idea was to develop a high quality cocoa mix, with largely organic and fair trade ingredients. And the family agreed that they would split the proceeds, half to help make their periodic trips to Disney World possible, and half to the American Cancer Society, in honor of their grandfather.
But first, they needed a product! They knew they wouldn't put their names on any cocoa that wasn't the best. The cocoa mix had to be premium, and soon, ingredients were coming in from all over the world, including Italian cocoa, organic vanilla and two types of organic sugar. A few other products were added, and after a LOT of testing, they had a creamy cocoa mix, rich in chocolate and no chemicals. And no hydrogenated oils. And best of all... tasty!
In the meantime, they established their Facebook page, got their domain name, (mikeandjens.com) got their pricing together, and started work on their website. A graphic artist friend in Denmark provided the label which would represent their company.
With the formula finished, the threesome started mixing. And selling. And soon, orders were flying out the door all across America and even overseas. And if the early indications are correct, they're going to have a runaway best selling product!
Now that cocoa is going out and the money is coming in, Packingham says that once the ACS gets their share, the kid's portion is used to buy Disney gift cards which are placed into a one gallon sized Mason Jar for their future trips.
The success of the initial orders and volume sales have already allowed the company to lower prices, and you'll soon find multiple flavors on their website. They're also thinking to the long, hot days of summer and are working on products for those months as well.
If you'd like to take a look at what the Packingham's are up to, and maybe order some cocoa mix, visit their website Mike & Jen's Cocoa Mixes. You can also visit them on Facebook.
Click here to see my latest Examiner articles and register for updates on the Cruise Industry, Airlines, Budget Travel & Kentucky Travel. "The important to budget travel is to prepare ahead. When it occurs to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new spots we have never been before, the fact of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our thoughts. Arranging and expending our travel budget wisely is a concern for most families. Curbing consuming and expenses, while still savoring your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured accomplishment and fiscal obligation. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking behind economizing money while traveling is simple: Even if your personal budget is really tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, regardless of whether on a finances or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel expenses!..". Please forward any articles via Facebook, Twitter, G+, or other social media. Follow me on Twitter @BigBlueMan (personal), @TheCruisePaper (cruise news & info) or @ELOTravelInfo (travel updates & information).
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