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! 

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Featured Video of the Week

My Daughter and I were talking how it would be fun during the summer months to have her bring to you, her featured video of the week.  After finding Salmon heads on the beach the other day, she would like to bring you, "Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Rolly Polly Fish Heads."  This should give you some insight to our families sense of humor.  How many of you remember this one? 

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Washington Tulip Festival



Now That's Tulip Passion!

After a cold rainy winter it was candy to the eyes to witness the Tulip Festival here in Washington.  I have always admired pictures from Holland with fields of color and beauty.  I have always had a passion for gardening, so this was a good day for the soul.  The only thing missing was my gardening buddy, Tina Edwards and her daughter Ashley Edwards.   

After leaving the festival , I passed by the 4 die hard Tulip Festival goers, above.  I chuckled and admired their devotion and kept walking.  I was thinking about how I couldn't wait to tell everyone, but then I stopped.  I thought how I could try and explain this, but how a picture would be worth a thousand words.  So I politely asked for a picture, which they were happy to oblige.  They said I was one of many requesting a picture so they wondered if there picture would end up on the internet.  Well, here it is!  I didn't get any names so I hope they are able to find this.  If you are one of the die hard tulip goers above, please leave a comment, we would love to hear from you.  


Enjoy Mother Nature's beauty!  







Now that's one cute kid! 

For more information about the Skagit County Tulip Festival visit www.Tulips.com 

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunshine Award - My first Award!



Wow! I'm speechless. I was just nominated for my first blog award.  I feel like I'm at the Oscars.  :)

Many thanks to Skirts and Wellies for this lovely Sunshine Award.

I would like to pay it forward by nominating:

1.  Groovy Inclinations

2.  Terina's Picture's

3.  Sally Brigg

4.  Mom's Best Bets

5.  Praying for Parker

6.  Vintage Girl at Heart

7.  Muddling Along Mommy

8.  The Roark Family

9.  Brandy Deming

10.  Andersen Activities

11.  Scentsy

If you're link is above enjoy your Sunshine Award! Copy the pic and post some of your favourites for a Sunshine award. Don't forget to let them know they've been nominated. Have a great day.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Seattle's Music Scene

Now that we live in Seattle we decided to combine my daughters musical talent with the Seattle music scene.  She often sits at the piano playing songs by ear, and plays the violin in her school orchestra.  She is too good to let this musical talent go to waste.   

She is now playing keyboards for a Seattle band.  Much to my pleasure her band is helping me relive my 90's era by learning the song Teen Spirit by Nirvana.  Little did I know when I was listening to this song over and over again 15 years ago, I would be living in the city where it all began.  Even better, I get to watch my daughter relive this part of Seattle's music history. 

Sunday, February 7, 2010

My Scentaholic Team

Little did I know when I joined Scentsy a little over 2 years ago, how my life would be changing for the better, both financially and personally.  What started as my fun hobby has turned into a successful business.  I had the honor of being being one of the first 19 Scentsy Consultants to be a Founding Member.  Each year I have earned annual sales and mentor awards and monthly recognition awards.  I have also had the pleasure of winning incentive trips to Hawaii, Banff Canada, The Broadmoor, and an Alaskan Cruise.  On these trips I have met the most amazing people that have inspired me in so many ways.


Among the people who have inspired me the most, is my Scentsy team.  I could not be where I'm at today without the wonderful help of my downline "The Scentaholics" and their amazing motivation and inspiration.  I have the best people on my team and I feel so blessed to rub shoulders with them.  I learn so much from them and they lift me and inspire me to be better.  It has been such a joy to watch them use their unique talents to create their own flourishing Scentsy businesses and watch their lives change for the better too.


In today's economy with people losing their jobs and homes I am watching my teams businesses thrive.  While most people are taking pay freezes and paycuts I watch my teams income grow far more than working for someone else.  It is so much fun. 


Our Scentaholic Team has grown to over 300 + members in almost every region where Scentsy is available, including Puerto Rico, Guam and Canada.

Thank you everyone on our Scentaholic Team for making us all shine a little brighter.