Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Vicki Derks Photography - Seattle


Being an Independent Business owner, I have had the pleasure of meeting some incredibly talented business women.  So, for my next few posts I would like recognize them and show off their artistic gifts.        


To get started, I would like to introduce an extraordinary photographer, Vicki Derks from Vicki Derks PhotographyVicki is well renowned here in the greater Seattle area having shared her beautiful photography with the community for many years.  I met Vicki at Red Cup Coffee, where my husband and I will occassionally visit before getting started on the more serious matters of the day.  While waiting in line one day Vicki and I started chatting and as I usually do, I was talking with my hands.  While doing so, one of my Scentsy business cards flew out of my pocket and landed at Vicki's feet.  So, if you are looking for a great way to meet new people, I highly recommend "accidentally" throwing your business cards around coffee shops.  You meet the greatest people.  :)  LOL


Vicki immediately started inquiring about Scentsy products and next thing I know her photography studio is enriched with the wonderful fragrances of Scentsy.  Vicki said she had heard that photgraphers use Scentsy fragrances to help "set the mood" during photo shoots, so she wanted to try for herself.  Vicki chose a few of the Fall/Winter Holiday Scentsy scents to help set the mood, such as Sugar Cookie, Rustic Lodge, Vanilla Walnut, just to name a few.  


I picked out a few of her photographs, to share with you.  I would like to think that Vicki's new Scentsy Scents helped in creating these beautiful holiday photo's.  







Beautiful work Vicki!

Friday, November 12, 2010

This Old House - Mommy Madness Friday Blog Hop




Our theme of the week is: 

Show Off Your House

It can be a picture of your house, a room or just a decoration you really like.

If you don't have a picture then just share a story.

(As a general rule, please follow everyone back that follows you)

Want to join in on the fun this week?

To Join Us -

1. Become a follower of the 3 hosts (first three listed) - Life with the Lebedas, Call Me Laura Jane and Mommy Moment and if you like, I would love it if you followed me as well. 

**We all follow back - just leave a comment so we know your following from the hop**

2. Grab our Mommy Madness button and add it to a blog post with your picture or story.

3. Link up to your blog and Start hoppin'!

(Blog link only - no giveaways or others, those will be deleted)

______________________________

I'm really excited about this weeks theme.  I have a strong passion for old houses and remodeling.  I watch "This Old House" and "HGTV" like a a soap addict.  In fact I have my daughter hooked.  We watch HGTV and boo and hiss the bad remodels and applaud the jobs well done.  The pictures below are of a home we spent over 5 years restoring back to its original luster.  This house contains a lot of our blood, sweat and tears.  Before we came along, it had been horribly neglected.  It had been through some frightening remodels, especially in the 60's and 70's.  It had been turned into a boarding house and had 10 bedrooms when we purchased it.  It sat on the market for years.  No one dared take on this project.  Call it vision or stupidity, but we saw the potential of this 1909 victorian.  Due to its neglect, almost everything is new, inside and out, but we did our best to keep the original charm.  During the remodels we found a lot of old newspapers in the walls.  We left a few and added our own time capsules before the finishing touches.  We have since sold this home, and moved on to another old house remodel, which I am also quite proud of.  The itch is starting again, so we'lll see what is in store for us next. 

  ~  Katie










_______________________________________________


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Scentsy Giveaways


As you gear up for the Holiday shopping season , why not participate in FREE Giveaways?  They are not only a lot of fun, but a great way to complete your shopping list.  You can't do much better than a price tag that reads FREE.  


Even better is when you can win FREE Scentsy.  Scentsy products are so wonderful you may not want to give them away, but everyone does love the gift of Scentsy.


Right now, you have the chance to win a FREE Scentsy Warmer and Scentsy Wax Bar of your choice or a popular new Scentsy Buddy.  They are so cute and a big hit amongst the kids this year.      




Whether you decide to keep your winnings for yourself or give it to that special someone, here are a few Scentsy Giveaways going on right now:


An Island Life Scentsy Giveaway - Ends November 22nd

Praying for Parker Scentsy Raffle - Ends November 15th 



Have Fun and Good Luck! 

~  Katie 

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Receive a FREE Scentsy Gift when you help Raise Awareness for Parker's Raffle!

Calling All Blogger, Facebook and Twitter Friends!

Please help us in raising awareness for Parker's Scentsy Raffle and I will personally send you a FREE Scentsy Scent Circle!  All proceeds from this Scentsy Raffle are being donated directly to Parker's Medical Fund. 



Parker is only 6 years old and his medical bills have already totalled more than a lot of people make in a lifetime.  Just to keep Parker alive, his monthly medical bills total over $2,000.  When you are raising a family, especially one with special needs, this can bankrupt a lot of people.

You know the theory of  "Paying it Forward?"  You help 3 people and they help 3 people...  well if you Tweet, Share this on Facebook or create a Post on your Blog, think of all the people we could reach.

So, any help you could provide by Re-Tweeting, Sharing the following link on Facebook, or creating a Post on your Blog, would be greatly appreciated.  (Make sure you leave a comment, so I can send you a FREE Scentsy gift and a big THANK YOU!)

Here is the link to share: 


Thank you in advance for helping raise awareness for such a great cause and here's hoping the good Karma will come right back at ya! 

Friday, November 5, 2010

It's Time for Another Friday Blog Hop!

I love Blog Hops!  It's feels like a big party!  What a fun way to meet and help promote one another's site. 








Our theme of the week is
Show Off Your Children.

That means you can show a picture or tell a story - anything about your children!

Want to join in on the fun this week?


To Join Us -

1. Become a follower of the 3 hosts (first three listed) - Life with the Lebedas, Call Me Laura Jane and Mommy Moment and it would be appreciate if you follow my blog too, Wickless in Seattle.

**We follow back - just leave a comment so we know your following from the hop**

2. Grab our Mommy Madness button and add it to a blog post with your showoff picture or story.

3. Link up to your blog and Start hoppin'!

(Blog link only - no giveaways or others, those will be deleted)

4. As a general rule, please follow everyone back that follows you.

Leave a comment on their blog. 

Have Fun! 

_____________________________________________

The picture below was taken a few years ago as I attempted take a picture showing off my kids in a nice Christmas card.  Ater 45 minutes of frustration amongst all of us, this was the only picure where they all had their eyes open at the same time.  Oh, how I wish I knew more about photo shop.  I think we need a professional photographer next time, but they still look cute.








Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A Visit from the Kids...

Enjoying a day at Pike's Place Market
I have enjoyed our move to Seattle and the opportunity for a new adventure.  Previously my husband worked for the airlines, so we had the luxury of traveling a lot, but we had never been to the Pacific Northwest.  I'm sure Seattle being at the northeastern tip on the map had something to do with it, but I was always curious about this part of the country.  Having moved from the desert country of Salt Lake City, it has been a fun change living within walking distance to a lighthouse, ferries, a lot of marine life, especially the seals and whales, although I do miss the Utah snow, at times.  Almost every time we visit the beach it involves a seal sighting.  As much as I am enjoying Seattle, the hardest part of the move has been leaving my older kids and family behind.  My older kids are in college with extremely busy schedules, so it probably doesn't affect them as much, but I miss them terribly.  So, when I had a chance to have both of them out recently for a visit, needless to say I was in heaven and savored every minute of it.




Could spend hours watching the ships pass through the Lochs

No Seattle Trip is complete without a visit to see the Troll

 
Every family needs a bike like this!

Love to wave and watch the cruise ships embark

Seattle's City Line - Beautiful, especially at night
 

This band was really good.  Hope they get discovered soon.


Thankful for good brakes on the Ferry rides

A taste of our Danish Heritage in Poulsbo



Making their MaMa Proud










Looking forward to our next visit!

Friday, October 22, 2010

It's Another Giveaway - Just in Time for the Holidays!



While participating in a Blog Hop, I made a friend over at Super Mommy To the Rescue.

After sending her some Scentsy goodies, we partnered up and she offered a review and a Scentsy Giveaway on her blog.  If you are interested in winning the beautiful "Give Thanks" Scentsy Warmer and a Scentsy Bar of your choice, head on over to Super Mommy to the Rescue.   

Also, feel free to leave a comment and "Like" my Facebook page.  I would be happy to repay the favor. 


Don't wait too long, a winner will be picked on November 1st. 


Good Luck! 

It's Another Blog Hop - Have Fun!

I'm happy to help promote the 2 different Blog Hops below!   




1.  To particpate in Aloha Friday click the button above and it will take you the host which is An Island Life. It’s really easy to join in. You create a blog post with a question and you go to her page and link up. Then you start visiting other participants.

Question - What will you be for Halloween? 

(Leave a comment below with your answer) 

2.  Now back to the Blog Hop below.  Here are the rules:

a.   Become a follower of the 3 hosts (first three listed) – Life with the Lebedas, Call Me Laura Jane and Crunchy Cupcakes.  They all follow back – just leave them a comment so they  know your following from the hop**

b.   Grab my Button and link it to your blog to help spread the word and leave a comment. 

c.   Link up to your blog and Start hoppin’!  (Blog link only – no giveaways or others, those will be deleted)

d.   As a general rule, please follow everyone back that follows you.  Leave a comment on their blog so they know that you have stopped by and are following now.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

A Scentsy Raffle for Parker's Medical Fund!

Parker

A little over a year ago I was introduced to a heroic Mom enduring a challenge, most of us can only imagine. Her pride and joy, Parker, was born 6 weeks early with pulmonary hypertension, chronic lung disease, a tethered spinal cord, an imperforate anus (he wore a colostomy bag until 2 years ago) and has had to undergo many many surgeries and procedures in his short (almost) 6 years, with another OR date scheduled the first week of October.  

Parker is traced, is fed via a g-tube and requires oxygen 24/7 as well as a vent to breathe when he sleeps. He also requires several medications many times during the day. Parker also proudly carries an extra chromosome, which is better known as Down syndrome. That has never mattered, nor will it ever be an issue for his family. They just want to keep their Brave Hero alive. While Parker does have private insurance, his private insurance company can’t wait to throw their Brave Hero off their rolls. Many on the state legislature not only want to refuse any and all federal funding of Medicaid and Medicaid waivers, but last year’s budget cuts resulted in throwing trached kids off the Travis C. Waiver……for the first time ever. 

Budget cuts in the state of Utah are affecting his coverage that already doesn't pay for many of Parker's needs such as his $2,000 dollar a month drug for pulmonary hypertension. Parker's family is terrified as to what the future will bring regarding their ability to provide Parker with the medical care he needs. Also, the appointments with many specialists is over an hour each way to meet with each specialist and attend testing procedures.

If the emotional challenge wasn't enough, it breaks my heart, and angers me at the same time, that any family would have to endure such financial challenges just to get the basic medical attention their child needs to stay alive.

Last year we had a Fundaiser that helped make a small dent in Parkers Medical Fund.  Since everyone loves Scentsy, why not use this wonderful product to help make a difference again this holiday season. 

So, you ask... "How Can I Help?" 

You can help in one of two ways:    
Win the Popular Jack O Lantern Warmer

1.  Visit www.PrayingforParker.com and make at least a $5.00 donation to Parker's Tip Jar.  For each $5.00 you contribute, you will be entered into the drawing to win the popular Scentsy Jack O Lantern Warmer, just in time for Halloween.  For example, if you contribute $10.00 your name will be entered twice. 

2.  Buy Scentsy Products via my online Praying for Parker Fundraiser and I will personally contribute my commission, from this fundraising event, to Parkers Medical Fund.  Simply visit www.Addicted2scents.com and click on the Praying for Parker Fundraising link and then start shopping.  Its that simple.  (Make sure you visit the "Praying for Parker Fundraising" link, which is a separate event specifically set up for the event.)  Your Scentsy order will be delivered to your specified address within 10 business days. Why not contribute to a great cause while giving the gift of Scentsy?  Everyone loves the gift of Scentsy!    

3.  Also, starting October 15th, there will be another special FREE Scentsy offer.  Stay tuned for more exciting information coming soon.

Thank you for your generosity!

Katie Jones

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What I Learned from Sally Brigg and Vemma - Network Marketing

I have met a few people by visiting other blogs, but one in particular person, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting has been Sally Brigg.  Her positive attitude and outlook on life, instantly grabbed my attention.

Although Sally lives in Australia, our similar interests and passion for the the two different companies we represent, has kept us in touch.  As you know, I am a SuperStar Director for Scentsy and Sally is a top leader with a company called Vemma which claims to be the world's most powerful liquid antioxidant.   

Sally was kind enough to send me a month supply of Vemma.  I have only been taking Vemma for a few days, so I don't have a lot to tell about the product yet, except that I love the way it tastes.  But what I wanted to share with you is what I have learned from her, thus far. 

Along with the Vemma product, Sally enclosed a CD by Rich Dad Poor Dad author, Robert Kiyosaki.  Robert started the CD by talking about the new business of the 21st Century, so I wanted to hear more.   This is what I learned, (in his words)...

He is looking forward to these tough times.  He claims that it is in tough times that people succeed.   

One of the reasons he believes we are in the biggest financial crisis in the history of the world, even more so than the great depression, is because we are now competing for jobs with people all over the world, such as India, China, Eastern Europe, etc.  This is also coupled with technology replacing a lot of jobs.  This means that people with great educations, can no longer make $80 an hour.  People are not just being downsized, they are being let go.  Why would someone pay an accountant $100 per hour when they can hire someone in India or another country, who is familiar with the US laws, for $25 an hour.  As far as technology, why would you hire someone to do a job that a computer can do?   The idea of a safe secure job for life, is an obsolete idea.

He then went on to talk about people's different mind sets:   

  • E = Employee
  • SSmall Business, Specialist or Solo employee.   (Doctors, Lawyers, etc.)  Usually people with good educations and do very well in school.  Not everyone does well in school. 
  • B = Big Business Owner (very few people make this quadrant)
  • I = Investors, (not everyone has money to invest) may make a lot of money, but pay high taxes, inflation, etc.  May make money during inflation, such as investing in oil, etc. 
He believes that 80-95% of people have the E and S side of thinking.  To get out of this rut, you will need to shift your mind set.  Most people think that big business and investors are born, not made.  One type of business that stood out to him, was a business opportunity that required little money upfront, little overhead and can be worked part time so you can make the money to transition out of your full time job.  This great business opportunity is called Network Marketing.

The unique thing about entrepreneurs is that they make things happen, take control of their lives and don't let other people's small minds stop them.  The beauty of a network business is to be supported by an organization to go through your fears, to change your  friends and not care what others say or think about you.  If you can do this, if you can handle what others say about you, you will grow up to be a great entrepeneur and you will go far.  If you are more concerned about what others think if you, you will not only not do well in Network Marketing, you won't do well at anything.  It's up to you to gain the confidence, mindset, skillset, guts and determination to not care what others say about you.  If you can do this, you will do very well in all aspects of your life, especially in network marketing. 

A few reasons Network Marketing is the new recommended business of the 21st century.  It is about developing people and building them up, not pushing them down.  Build them up so they can take better control of their lives without worrrying about being fired or downsized.  Network marketing is about turning people from employees to big business and entrepneuers.  It is a fabulous way to grow personally and help others to grow and realize their full potential in life.

So, what is network marketing?  It is the best form of marketing which is word of mouth, instead of paying big ad agencies.  It is not so much about selling it is about building a network of people which builds an asset for you and your family.

Direct Marketing requires a change in mindset.  It is exactly opposite of what most people are conditioned to believe.  Once you see you don't need a steady paycheck and you don't need to work hard for yourself, your mind starts to shift.  Then it requires learning new skills. It is not necessarily easy and can be difficult for some people to make this change with their mindset.  You have to learn how to have money and have people work for you, instead of working and making money for other people.  You need to learn how to become a leader.  It is also called business education.  Direct Sales is a great way to get real life business education.

When deciding on the right direct sales company for you, go to a meeting.  Pay attention and see if the leaders are really interested in you and your welfare.  Most of the time you will find the answer to be yes, especially in Scentsy and Vemma.  You will find this to be the exact opposite of most corporations.  They aren't interested in you, they are usualy more interested in making money for the shareholders, not you.

The beauty of network marketing is that the leaders cannot be successful unless you are successful.  Which is the exact opposite of corporate America.

The beauty of Direct Marketing is that they want to pull you up.  If you are willing to show up and go through their training programs, they will work with you, they won't fire you.  They will give you time to develop into the person you are.  After you are successful, your job will be to assist others do to the same.  It is a humane way of doing business.  It is heart to heart and people helping people.

Not everyone succeeds from the start.  But each time you fail, you learn how to rebuild your business and become bigger than your problem.  You become smarter with each failure you encounter.

This helps create personal development, which is becoming bigger than the problem.  Most people give into their problems and let them swallow you and that is when life stops for you.

Direct Marketing is a personal development program.  It won't allow you to become rich next week.  You need to give it at least 5 year commitment.  (However, I have personally witnessed many Scentsy Consultants makes 6 figure incomes in 2 years or less).    Quitters never win.  Most people, when they going get toughs or their problems seem insurmountable they quit.  That is why they will never be successful in life.  That is network marketing is a support group for those who want the best for you.  But you have to give your best also.

To be successful in Direct Marketing, you have to be a great leader.  Our world lacks great leaders.  Direct marketing will help you develop leadership skills.  You need to learn how to be a role model and good example.  If you lack courage, people won't follow you.

There are 4 basic types of people:

 
1.  People who must be right.
2.  Those who must be comfortable.
3.  Person who must be liked.  (If your survival is based upon people liking you, you won't succeed.)
4.  People who must win.  (These are the type of people who do well in Direct Marketing.  Winners set big goals.)

Difference between wealth and money, wealth is measured in time.  For example if I have $1,000 in savings and my expenses are $1,000 in one month, my wealth is one month.  If I have $12,000 in savings and expenses are $1,000 a month my wealth is 12 months.  By building a network marketing business, that wealth becomes infinite.  Especially if it is well built, you can earn money for the rest of your life. That is real wealth.

A big mistake people make when looking at a Directing Marketing business is the product.  Of course, the product is important but you need look at who your leaders are.  How good is the training program, do they have your best interest at heart.  Will they assist you in coming out of your shell, not being afraid of rejection and assist you to become a great  leader.    Once you find your great leader and the company, see if the leaders are going to assist you.  Look at the leaders and the training.   

It doesn't take a higher education.  You don't have to be great in sales.  Your company will train you.  You don't need to quit your job, you can work part time.  However, it does require coming out of your comfort zone, willing to learn, study, perservere and most importantly, having a great attitude.

It is not a get rich quick businesss, it is about buidling an assett.  It takes time.  It takes at least 10,000 hours to become successful at anything.  Also, don't think, act.  The people who act, succeed.

Network Marketing is the business model of the future.  It is the new era, after the industrial age.  Network Marketing businesses are going to explode as unemployment increases, and wages come down.  Direct Marketing is set up for everyone to win.   It is a path to success and bringing out financial freedom. 

Network marketing is an equal opportunity business.  It is not about education, race, gender.  If you have determination, drive more discipline, you win over people who don't.   Network marketing is set up to help everyone succeed.  It is a path to personal success. It is about bringing out the greatness that lies inside you and about personal development, creating financial freedom and more.   ~ 


I am so impressed by what I have just learned.  Thank you Sally!  If Vemma has already brought so much insight into my life, in such a short amount of time, I can't wait to see what the product itself has in store for me.  

To be continued....

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Charlie the Unicorn - The Banana King

Each week this summer my daughter is choosing a different video for your enjoyment.  This week I hope you enjoy this very "unique" video, for lack of a better word.  Her siblings introduced her to Charlie the Unicorn and now they all have me singing "put a banana in your ear, watch all your troubles disappear."  If it were only that easy.  Although I was a bit reluctant to watch this video in its entirety at first, its starting to grow on me.  I'm not sure if that is good or bad.  You'll have to let me know what you think.  Until next week! 

Friday, June 25, 2010

The Mukilteo Farmer's Market is Here!


Now that we are finally seeing sunlight again, combined with the Farmer's Market season, it is offically my favorite time of the year.   It signifies that summer is here to stay and it helps feeds my passion for gardening.  Also, being an Independent Business person myself for Scentsy Products, I like to support our local vendors and enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

The weather couldn't have been any better for the Mukilteo's Farmer Market yesterday.  After only seeing the sun a handful of times the past few months, the weather was heavenly.  One of the good thing about living in the Pacific Northwest, it makes you appreciate those sunny days.  After a long hiatus from the sun, you head to the beach and join the masses.  When the Farmer's Market is going on, it makes it even better. 

We arrived at the Farmer's Market very hungry yesterday, so the first booths we visted was the food vendors.  Last year our two most visited food vendors were Mr. Mobley's and Pioneer Farms.  Mr. Mobely's Tahini dressing always left me craving more, but unfortunately he wasn't there this year.  So, I had to contact him directly and find out how to purchase his amazing Tahini Dressing locally.  His yummy Tahini Dressing goes with many dishes, but my personal favorite is brown rice, cabbage or broccoli slaw.  He contacted me today and told me of a local store who is now carrying his dressing, so I feel a little more relieved but I missed visiting with him.



Our other favorite food vendor is Pioneer Farms.  We love to get a good old fashioned organic hamburger with grass fed beef.  I had the pleasure of chatting with the owner of the farm, Judy Pedersen.  Being Danish myself, I instantly recognized her Danish name.  What also fascinated me about Judy was the dilemna she faced 20 years ago.  She had the tough decision of quiting her teaching position or taking over the family farm, which has  been around since 1889.  If she didn't take over the family farm it was going to be sold, so as you guessed, she chose to keep the family business going.  She now farms over 500 acres and is one of the very few women farmers in America.  Very impressive woman.


To feed my passion for gardening I always have to take a stroll by the beautiful flowers.  I am still amazed at the minimal cost of fresh cut flowers in this area.  It must be all the wonderful rain.  :) 



After thinking of all the beef, chips and lemonade I consumed, I had to make my way over to the fruit and vegetable vendors to rid myself of the guilt.  

   

My first vegetable stop was more like dessert.  The Sugar Snap Peas were so good, they didn't even make it home. 



I had to start getting a little more serious about my vegetable intake so I found myself at Millingwood Organics.  The owners were a delight to chat with and I loved the Kale I had in my morning vegetable juice.  What made it even better was knowing it was locally grown and organic.  My husband also enjoyed the organic mixed greens with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing.  Since the mixed greens weren't your ordinary mixed greens, they suggested I try the mixed greens in a stir fry, so that will be next.  Their mixed greens consists of a combination of broccoli leaves, callard greens, kale, mustard greens, just to name a few.  If you can't find your suggested vegetable intake in this combination, it doesn't exist.  

Another delight of the Farmers Market is the view.  Not many places you get a dinner view like this. 

  




   








Until next week!