A Great Company To Work For!

So last week I made a really small order for Mary Kay.  Just a few things for my mother, sister, and her friend.  Since I wasn't going to see them until the weekend, I didn't open my package when it arrived.  Instead my unopened box sat on my desk for nearly a week.  On Saturday when I finally open the box and gave out everyones goodies I realized some things weren't shipped.  Great!!!! (in my sarcastic voice) Who is going to believe that I didn't loose the products myself or simple keep them if I called the company.  Well fast forward to Monday.  I call my branch, explain the situation, and a very friendly woman first apologizes then tells me my replacements will be shipped shortly.

I LOVE this company.  I've only had to call once before for a damaged item and it was quickly replaced.  No attitude or long wait.  You speak with a happy friendly person who is very understanding of the fussy 7  month old in the back ground.  It's instances like this, along with the fun I have doing one on one facials that keep me confidant I have made the right choice in my decision to sell Mary Kay.

Feel free to contact me if you've ever thought of joining or rejoining the pink bubble!

Finding Time for Skin Care

Last summer I was pregnant.  I didn't feel like moving let alone taking time to take care of me.  Then I decided to sell Mary Kay.  I thought a little extra money can't hurt, and I like those products anyway.  So I met with a very excited Mary Kay lady and signed up.  In a few days my starter kit arrived and I did what any warm blooded woman would do... I played with my stuff.

I started really looking at my face.  I could see the signs of a summer of no sun block, rarely removing make-up (if I even had any on).  I wasn't happy.  I already felt as big as a house, and blotchy, dry skin didn't help.  I started making sure that at least once a day, I'd give myself the royal treatment.  After my little munchkin went to sleep was my time.  I used my complete miracle set.  I immediately felt results.  My skin felt so much more smooth.  Then I started to notice the not so blotchy look, basically just healthier.  From then on, I've been hooked.

When I started really getting into doing facials for my friends and family the number one concern was when do you find the time to do this twice a day?  The following is a list of humble suggestions.   I realize everyones situation is different.  This is how I find the time.

In the mornings I've started using the facial cleansing bar. It's in the shower so it's like feeding two birds with one seed.  When I get out I use a my Timewise Age-Fighting Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15.  Simple and to the point.  I can start the day with clean, soft, skin.  I may or may not put on foundation and color, that depends on my mood and the moods of my two little ones.

I do my night time routine throughout my favorite TV shows.  I also use my travel roll up bag to keep things organized.  There are a lot of different products to use and it can be confusing remembering which order you're suppose to put everything on.  I have my bag organized into sections.
In the first section is my Oil Free Eye Make-Up Remover, 3-in-1 Timewise Cleanser, and Satin Lips Mask.  If I'm going to do satin lips, I put my Satin Lips mask on first (This saves time since you can rinse it off with your cleanser), If I have eye make-up on I remove that then wash my face (and rinse satin lips).  This can all be done during one commercial break.

The Next section has special treatments... masks, essences... ect.  The next commercial break is for applying any mask I may be doing (this probably only happens once or twice a week, I'm using the Even Complexion Mask now).  By the next commercial break it's time to rinse and apply any essence or replenishing serums.

The Third and Fourth Bags have my day/night solution, moisturizer, and eye creams.  Those are easy to apply during another commercial break, add my satin lips balm and I'm done.  If I feel like it I might also give myself a satin hands treatment.  Love, love, love it!!!!!!!!!

By the end of my show (Grey's Anatomy, Glee, ect...) My skin feels smooth and soft and I feel like a girl again.  I don't have to miss out on anything (I can't stand commercials) and since I'm awake watching TV, I can also be awake taking care of me.  It is immensely important to remember to take care of yourself.  As mother's we spend so much of our time taking care of everyone else, that we often forget about ourselves.  YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!!!!!

Now, I have to be honest.  Every once in a while, I have a particularly rough or tiring day and by the time I get my Munchkin and Little bear to bed,  I can barely make it to my own bed before passing out.  Or there was that one time after a wedding and open bar that well... let's just say I slept in my make-up that night.  No one is perfect!


I hope these little suggestions have been useful.  If you have any questions about skin care, or need help customizing the perfect routine for you visit me here!!!!

My Favorite Things!!

These are a few of my favorite things (In my Julie Andrews voice ; ).   The other day I was cleaning up around the house and I realized I was in love with certain products.  So of course I decided to share.  Keep in mind this only my very humble opinion.

Favorite Cleaning Agent

 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.  I must have five of these all around my house.  I love them.  They work wonderfully and once they get gross, you just toss them out.  One day while I was nursing my little bear, my munchkin was eating his lunch quietly in the kitchen (Yes, I know... there is no such thing as quietly for a 20 month old).  If only I had turned my head 90 degrees I'd have seen what he was really doing so quietly.... COLORING! No, not on the paper we have, but all over the wall stretching from his little table to where I was sitting.  Beautiful black scribbles, from the baseboards to as high as his little 2 1/2 foot self could reach.  After telling him how pretty his art was, then reminding him to color on paper,  I ran to get my Magic Eraser (lol... ok maybe thats not exactly how it went down).  Anyway, just as I thought it would, it came off, and didn't ruin the paint.  Since then I have only bought washable crayons which come off with water, and I make sure I always have a Magic Eraser close by. 

Favorite Facial Cleanser

Mary Kay Timewise 3 in 1 Cleanser.  Yes yes, perhaps I am a bit biased, as I am a Mary Kay Consultant, but it was my favorite way before I started selling Mary Kay.  I've tried so many different scrubs, cleansers,  and toners.  None have made my skin feel as soft or look as healthy as my Mary Kay Timewise 3 in 1.  I feel like I give myself a treat at the end of each day with my night time pampering.  I use the entire miracle set, and rotate between satin lips, even complexion power pair, and now my microdermabrasion set.  Yes there are some nights when I am too tired to even think about a miracle set... but I always use my 3 in 1 if nothing else.  My night time routine helps me feel feminine again. 

Favorite Appliance 

Cuisinart Prep Plus II .  Now I have to admit this was a tough one.   I like all my appliances, but this one allows me to grate cheese in seconds, slice and dice veggies, as well as make the perfect soups.  I used to watch the Food Network in envy as the pro chefs would throw things in their processors for quick salsa, pesto, and countless other cool munchies.  Now I am apart of that food processing elite (okay, that's a bit of a stretch since I haven't made pesto yet).  The only draw back is all the pieces, but since they are dish washer safe... it's all good!

Favorite Baby Gadget

Baby Touch Digital Color Video Monitor by Summer.  Hands DOWN!! For my first son my husband and I had a hand me down black and white video monitor (which we are still very grateful for).  Hubby and I both thought this was the coolest thing ever.  Enter Baby Touch.  The only reason we decided to purchase another is because the first died on us.  My husband is a research fiend and found this online.   I love this monitor.  It has a touch screen color monitor, remote camera, and my favorite feature - baby talk.   The feature baby talk is actually pointless for an infant, but for a two year old it is not only perfect... it's hilarious too.  When I put Munchkin down for his nap, like most tots he's up and out with in minutes.  With this feature I can sit in the office and blog, and with the touch of a button remind him (ever so nicely) to LAY DOWN!! ; ) 

So those are a few of my favorite things.  However, please know that when I say favorite things,  I should add favorite material things.  My favorite things of course are my family and friends,  they are truly who I could not live with out.

My Week in the Five O'clock Club!

I've often heard people wish there was just a little more time in the day.  Sometimes it seems that 24 hours is simply not enough time.  Well, Mary Kay Ash figured out a solution to this problem.  You see, she figured that it's not that there isn't enough time in the day, it's that we aren't awake for enough of those hours.  Her solution is a simple one (or is it?), wake up at 5 am.  She'd wake up at 5 am and get finished with the chores she couldn't do while the kids were awake.  In this way, when the kids did wake up, she could devote her attention to them instead of other less important tasks.  Mary Kay encouraged all consultants to join what she called "The Five O'clock Club".

After reading Mary Kay's biography, I was inspired to try this myself, at least for a week.

Sunday: I actually slept pretty well, but when my alarm went off at 5 am my brain said "you're kidding right?" So back to sleep I went (until little bear woke up 20 minutes later).  By the time I was done with my little guy, there was a two year old calling me (think Stewie from the Family Guy).  Oh well, there's always tomorrow!

Monday: Little Bear was up at 1 am and back down at 2:30, then Munchkin was up at 2:38.  Bear was back up at 3:30 am.  Needless to say at 5 am I hit the snooze button, and slept until Little Bear was up again 30 minutes later! YAWN!

Tuesday: Just like Monday minus Munchkin.  At 5 am I hit the snooze again!

Wednesday: Little Bear was up at 2:30, then again at 4:55.  After feeding and changing Little Bear I laid him back down.  At 5:45, I walked and fed the dogs.  Then came back in had a cup of coffee.  Just as I sat down to relax (oops, isn't this chore time?) and pat myself on the back for actually getting something done, Munchkin was up.  SIGH!

Thursday: Very similar night to Wednesday.  At 5 am when the alarm went off, I was already up.  After caring for Bear,  I took the dogs out, came back inside and... went back to sleep.

Friday: Little bear was up at 1:55, then back up at 5 with my alarm.  After his feeding and changing, I took the dogs out, then made my husband breakfast (yeah, I know!).  Then gathered my pumping equipment.  When Little Bear woke up, I'd already expressed milk and had my morning cup of joe. PASS!

My assessment: On the days when I actually accomplished at least one task before my little ones woke, I felt great.  I had a much less rushed morning and was able to eat breakfast with my son.  This 5 O'clock club is definitely attainable, but perhaps more so for women with no infant.  I've learned that sleep is sooo important.  With out it I am no good to my babies,  and I may accidentally put my Timewise 3-in-1 cleanser on my tooth brush (that's a whole other story).  Oh well, moving forward I will continue to take things day by day.  Today I am an active member of the 5 O'clock Club, tomorrow, chances are my card will be revoked! ; )

Pink Lemonade

Peace and quiet.  I've earned it after a very hectic morning, and two late nights.  With the help of Yo Gabba Gabba, the best kids show since Barney (nick jr. can send me my check cause I'm about to do a commercial)  I love Yo Gabba Gabba, it offers me 20 minutes of quiet, of peace, of alone time.  My son loves it for all the reasons a 22 month old loves things.  It's bright, loud, and silly.  As a bonus it reinforces the colors and numbers I've been teaching my munchkin.  My husband and I must have about 20 episodes on the DVR.  My peace is usually over after 20 minutes, I actually have a physical reaction when DJ Lance Rock says "Yo!.. It's almost time to go!"  All the little characters say "Oh No" and so do all of the mommies and daddies.

Oh well, I'm off to have another cup of pink lemonade.  I have about a half gallon left over from an unsuccessful open house.  Life actually gave me lemons and I literally have been drinking lemonade : ).  I've had it hot with honey (very good), hot with a cinnamon candy cane melting inside (pretty good too), and ice cold with a lemon slice (very good, but more suited for summer).

My open house didn't go as planned, but I'm still pressing on! I completed another facial.  It went very well.  The more I do, the better I get.  I suppose that's a rule of life.  I still love selling Mary Kay.  I've promised myself I won't turn into the crazy Mary Kay lady that folks avoid, and so far I haven't.  I've had a lot of fun with friends and family, and I've made some new friends.   I especially love playing in my samples.  I feel like a little girl playing in mommy's make-up.

Well, until next time.

Live your dreams!

Pineapple Cake, Chicken Pot Pie, and Turkey!

Wow.  What a holiday! Thanksgiving was... wonderful, typical, messy, loud, exciting, juicy, delicious, tiring, quite the learning experience and basically indescribable.  It's been about a week and a half since my last post.  I've hosted two major events, cleaned my house top to bottom (twice), changed countless diapers, made some winner recipes, and of course some losers.  Oh and BTW, the chicken pot pie was delish!!!

Let's start with my new favorite comfort food: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie.  Gone are the days of me hating chicken pot pie.  No more will I cringe when someone mentions them, and slowly the memories of the frozen ones will fade.  I decided to start with roasted chicken instead of boiled.

For the veggies I added carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and chopped onions & garlic.  After sauteing my onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes I sprinkled them with flour and added the milk.  To give it more flavor I threw in fresh minced sage and thyme.

Mmmmm the smell was to die for.  After I had a nice sauce going on I added a healthy amount of sharp white cheddar cheese.  Please note, when I say healthy, I mean it in the same way people refer to a plump woman.  To finish off my chicken sauce I added some fresh nutmeg (Yes the choir is singing).  I poured my mixture into a frozen pie shell, and topped it with another.  Before I put it in the oven I sprinkled cheddar cheese on top.  I actually ate it standing up, right out of the pie plate.  My husband was on his way back for thirds, when he stopped short and said I was trying to sabotage his diet.  Needless to say it was comforting, warm, and delicious.

Two days after my comforting chicken pot pie, I found myself in my kitchen at 3am cleaning.  It was the eve of my Mary Kay Business Debut.  Lately I've given up trying to clean my house during the day.  There is a demanding 21 month old, and a twice as demanding 2 month old that make it almost impossible to make cleaning progress.  My late night cleaning was a success as was my debut.  In the weeks leading up to it I'd been researching everything, from time lines to what to serve.  I splurged a bit on the menu, but it was worth it.  Pink pineapple upside down cake, sugar cookies with pink frosting, pink (well maroon) hot punch, and apple butternut squash soup (the only think on the menu that wasn't pink).  The ladies loved the food almost as much as the satin hands treatment they were greeted with.  My dinning room was all decked out with pink products and samples.  It was great! This has been such a wonderful business for me.  It's made me feel feminine and girlie again.  I get the chance to get out of the house for reasons other than food shopping, and get paid lets not forget the perk of making a little cash on the side : ).

On over drive after my debut, I began working on Thanksgiving.  Late night food shopping trips, and more 3am cleaning sprees made for a wonderful day.  The turkey was juicy (and only slightly undercooked, long story).   The Mac and Cheese was superb, and the dates wrapped in prosciutto... dynamite!  The fried stuffing balls were a bust, but I guess you can't win them all.

I am so grateful for my family and friends.  Cliche? Yes! Totally true? Yes!  We had a  marvelous time laughing and catching up, and of course eating.  These are the times that I cherish, can't wait for Christmas!!!

"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. 
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. 
P. Vaull Starr