What a new year's eve!

As of 8 PM on New Year's Eve, I am officially a District Manager with Arbonne!!!  I am beyond happy and have never been so passionate about what I do...because I have never have a career that prospers basically by helping others prosper as well!  Talk about having amazing karma, great skin, and working with incredible people all the while getting paid for it!!!
I did this after 2 months of beginning my business.  I can also say I was more in tuned to what I was doing within the last month.  If I can do this...pretty much anybody can!  The amazing thing is, is that I get to better myself through this company & get a paycheck.  I have never been happier!!!
Also...my sponsor, Erin, just promoted to Regional Vice President!!!  What an inspiration, two new promotions for the new year!

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.
~Jim Rohn

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  These are our two little pups Betty & Camlin.

No running here

Every now and then you're gonna have a good cry...whether it's tears of joy or of sadness.  So last night I had myself one of the two and skyping with a family member at the same time...multi-tasking at it's finest ;)
After a few minutes of the crying bit, my mom says to me, "look at the bright side, your make-up still looks great!!!"  Ok, I then moved on from my woes because really, there is no use continuing to cry over spilled milk and I walked over to the mirror.  Wow!  Not one run of mascara or mark across my cheek!  Eyeshadow was still intact and all of it was Arbonne!  Never before have I had this result from any other make-up I have used before...and my mascara is not even waterproof.  Cry-proof? YES!  Nice.
The best part is that nothing has the chemicals other brands used to make make-up last through the day let alone emotional days.  Since my mom says that the skincare has done her wonders, even lasting through her hot flashes, I have reasonable proof to believe that a big portion has to do with the skincare...although the cosmetic portion played its part.
So, what did I use?  I will tell you...

RE9: The most INCREDIBLE line I have ever experienced!  Skincare at it's finest!

Primer:  LOVE LOVE LOVE...like buttah (butter)!

Tinted Moisturizer: Can never get too much moisture in the winter...skin gets so dry for me.

Natural Radiance Mineral Powder: Give a lovely glow and I even use as a concealer in some area...super build-able!

Bronzer:  Amazing color & sooo soft!

Blush in Ballet: Very pale, soft color, but when combined with the color of the bronzer it creates a lovely, cheek color that is not too overwhelming combined with a smokey eye.

Eyeshadows in Cabernet & Linen: I use Linen as the base all over color & Cabernet at the crease color.

Precision Eye Pencil in Ebony:  Lined the lash line to give a fuller effect before applying mascara...this stuff is hard to smudge = AMAZING!

Triple Action Macara: Not only does it thicken, lengthen & look great; it is chemical free and therefore does not damage lashes & apparently lasts through a good cry!!! :)

An Arbonne Overload!!!

I have been a make-up artist for about a decade, right out of high school.  It is something I did all through college as a way to make money, meet new friends and express my artistic side.  I really can't think of a more simple and quick way to make someone feel beautiful than with a little color.  I have felt it myself, where I feel blah and not so pretty but then I make myself up a little and VOILA!  I suddenly have confidence and am more ready to conquer whatever I set out to accomplish that day.  I was able to help people in this way through the avenues of high end make-up/skincare lines in department stores and freelancing.  The problem with the places I have worked as a make-up artist is that things can get a little catty.  Commissions are the focus and not everyone wants to make friends or at least be friendly.  Not to mention it really is a hard business and honestly, although I LOVE making someone up, I didn't love the way in which I was living day to day doing this.

Fast forward to October 2010...in comes Arbonne.  Ok, I got it from day one, the skincare from this company os AMAZING and sells itself.  What about the cosmetics?  I am pretty skeptical with cosmetics, I really judge these with a tough approach like a any make-up artist would.  I started testing the lip colors from the lipsticks to the glosses and WOW was I pleasantly surprised!  The scent of everything is just as amazing as the skincare's scent and the consistency and texture was beyond my expectations.  The foundations, powders, concealers are hands down amazing!  Then throw in an incredible bronzer and highlighting liquid and you have some beautiful, glowing, healthy skin.  The eyeshadows have a nice range and I definitely can see myself utilizing everyone of them and being overjoyed to do so.

So why am I saying all of this?  I have officially acquired the Arbonne cosmetic line and am pursuing make-up artistry now through Arbonne.  This is pretty exciting, because I not only get to do something I have always loved, but I also get to incorporate an amazing company and the most incredible people to work alongside with it!  Plus I am working for myself with no restrictions and sharing the opportunity and products with others.

Who wants to get beautified inside & out???

Detox Day ONE

So I have completed day one of the 28 day detox & feel pretty darn good...I know, it's only been one day! I started the day with one of the shake recipes which includes strawberries, 1/3 banana, water, ice, almond milk, and the Vanilla protein powder...delicious!!!  So far so WONDERFUL!  Had a chocolate Figure 8 Shake for lunch with a handful of Almonds & for dinner grilled chicken marinated in sea S&P, thyme & coconut oil, brown rice and steamed veggies!  I think I could get used to this!

28 Day Detox/Cleanse

I have tried detox after detox and have never really been able to stick with one the whole way through.  So when I heard about the 28 day detox that Arbonne has, I was weary merely because when I hear the word detox, I think of being hungry and constantly wishing I could have more than a lemon concoction!!! But hey...it's worth a shot right???
I have always purchased a book that lays out a detox plan...online info would never really give you ALL the info you need to get through the cleanse.  What is nice about Arbonne's cleanse is that it offers a free print out of the detox plan that includes reasons why one should detox, a layout of the good foods, okay foods, and bad foods for success with the detox.  Also, there are even recipes that sound pretty tasty, from breakfast to dinner!  So far, so good...at least it takes some of the guess work out of the 28 days.  I am the kind of person who likes to have something laid out for me and if it is reasonable, I will want to stick with it.  This plan definitely lays it out and then some!

Arbonne's 28 Day Detox Cleanse

A great bit about this cleanse is that is gives alternatives to things that one might feel they can't give up.  Also Arbonne offers items that will aid in the cleanse such as protein shakes (LOVE LOVE LOVE) and for the caffeine freaks (like me) there are fizzing tabs that give incredible energy, but also help with appetite control AND are natural!  What could be better?  We always hear that coffee is not the most beneficial thing for us, so I am excited to try something that might eventually rid my craving for coffee and therefore help me become a healthier person all the while giving me the energy I want.  For the snackers that have a sweet tooth, there are also some chews that come in multiple flavors such as chocolate and can hold you over between meals.  Basically I am feeling pretty confident especially after seeing some of the results of the detox from past users.

Denise lost 12 pounds in 28 days! Look at the change in the mid section...that's what a great detox plan can do for you!

I am starting the detox TODAY!!!  Over the HOLIDAYS???...you might ask?  Well yes, what better way to test drive the detox I say than have a reason to skip (or go easy) on the holiday yummys...wish me luck!!!

Hawaiian Launch

I am so blessed to have amazing parents!  Because they are so wonderful, you can imagine why I was soo upset when they moved to Hawaii this past summer.  I was working a job that I disliked terribly and how was I suppose to get time off to visit them in Hawaii???
In each situation that seems gloomy, there is always a silver lining that emerges (on top of the fact that my dad had a great opportunity with his career).  Fast forward a few months and in steps Arbonne!  OK, so that unpleasant job...gone!  Arbonne has already changed my life by not only getting me out of a situation that I had no room for growth and could not get vacation time from, it also allows me to "work" where ever I want...that means Hawaii!
At the end of November I was able to not only spend time with my family, but also talk to people about this amazing opportunity that Arbonne has and also share the products.  My mom is such an incredible, outgoing person and setting up for the event was so much fun.  We had plenty of mimosas (my favorite) and delicious appetizers!  What a great way to "work," talk about amazing skincare, play games, & enjoy the company of friends!

My mommy & the display table.

My mom & me :)

My upline Amme Weilert in her EOA story along with the amazing RE9 set.

Some of my favorite items.

Ahhhh!

I am getting all my posts ready for the blog...almost there!!!  Been so busy with getting this strong start going!  Promise Promise Promise (especially for you ETC), they will be up by the first week in December!!!  Have to make a schedule every night to get them in on time with all this momentum with Arbonne - Woohoo!  Never felt better with what I am doing now, I love this opportunity I am on!

Launch Party!

I had my very first launch party today!!!  It was such an amazing afternoon with friends and loved ones.  I could not believe the love & support I received from everyone including those I have never met before...which included the amazing Amme Weilert who is the Executive National Vice President of our nation!!!  I was so blessed to have Erin and her there and I could not have asked for more!

The amazing Erin T. Ferrell & Amme Weilert!

I am not going to lie...I was a stress case the day of and even the day before my launch party.  I am naturally a worry wort and stress myself out in the most unnecessary situations (heck I had an ulcer Junior year of high school!).  Needless to say I am thankful for having my level headed fiances to calm me down. I am not an entertainer like my sisters and mom, I would prefer to just go to someone else's party.  I probably called my sister Allison a million times the days following up to it!  But in the end I realized that the launch party is meant to bring people together to try out an amazing product and be introduced to an amazing opportunity...it is meant to be simple and lovely AND be duplicatable by anyone who comes.  Speaking of duplicatable...I need to send out my jalapeno popper dip recipe to about 10 people!!!
Needless to say the party was set up simply with time to spare and I am so grateful to the wonderful ladies who allowed me to host the party at their home!  It is wonderful, all the people who are open to helping me on this journey!

Some of the hor'dourves: homemade cookies, jalapeno popper dip, veggie tray, chicken salad croissant sandwiches.   We also had mimosas, water & iced tea.

The launch started at 2:00 PM with a meet & greet as well as hor'dourves time!  I also gave everyone an experience with the Arbonne Aromassentials Awaken Sea Salt Scrub.  This stuff is phenomenal, it has lemon for vitality and coriander for happiness, key ingredients are avocado and sweet almond extract.

Giving Morgan's arm a taste of the Aromassentials Sea Salt Scrub...he loves it!

About 2:30 or so we moved into the living room where Erin, Amme and myself shared our stories and shared Arbonnes story and the opportunity.  I had to start the show with how I became involved in this amazing company as well as my "Why" for doing so.  I did get a little choked up especially because it involves my wonderful fiance and he was just 10 feet from me.  Well ok, a little means I had to let Erin take over until I got myself together!  So darn emotional...but at least I know my "Why" is worth it!!!
I can't tell you how pumped I feel after such an incredible day!  A huge thank you to all who came, the ladies who allowed me to have it in their home, my sister for helping me in every way to get the party set up and then some, Amme & Erin for complete inspiration, and my love Morgan for motivating & encouraging me to take on this journey!!!

Beautiful Bri!

On Wednesday morning, a friend of mine came over to continue learning about this incredible company and the products...technically it is working for the both of us, but who in their right mind would actually consider it "working."  If this is working, I will do it for the rest of my life and die a happy woman!

I was also able to use her lovely face as a canvas for the arbonne product.  She reminds me of my sister, with those beautiful eyes and great features!  

We started with the arbonne Purifying Cleanser & Toner, which she had used prior to coming over.  Then we continued onto the rest of the skincare line using a big portion of the FC5 line, including the Hydrating Eye Cream, Oil Absorbing Day Lotion with SPF 20.  We even added a little RE9 with the Intensive Renewal Serum prior to the FC5 Lotion.

Next for the color!  We started with the Primer which is amazing for prepping the face for foundation.

Arbonne Makeup Primer - Vitamin-rich primer that visually diminishes  fine lines & pores,  creating a canvas for flawless makeup application.

We applied the Perfecting Liquid Foundation w/SF 15 and topped that off with the Sheer Pressed Powder.  The bronzer is also an amazing product that we used to lightly contour the already amazing features she has.  It is one of my favorite products since the color is not too orange like make bronzers can be, bit also not too brown and ashy...like goldilocks would say, it is just right! :)

Bronzer - Silky light powder creates & enhances the look of glowing, sun-kissed cheeks & brow bones.  

Apricot blush is my favorite color in the blush line & a big reason is it is pretty universal, everyone I have used it on looks great with it..so of course we used that on her.

For the eyes, I started with the Linen eyeshadow which is my favorite starter/base for the eye colors since it is a satin finish...like I mentioned in previous posts...not too sparkly & not matte which can flatten out the lid, this finish allows for the color to move with the light and helps with depth...at least that's my opinion.  We then used the Chocolate shadow in the creases and lash line.  It was daytime & she had to work later, so we didn't want to over-do it, but she could have easily gone out after work & still have been perfect!  I finished with a light pat of Linen over the inner corner and brow bone to highlight and voilà!

You should have seen the color in the light...the photos really did not do it justice (one day I will get a good camera)...her eyes were KILLER!

Bri - also a new member of our DREAM TEAM!

The Official M'Lady Arbonne Party Poster!!!

I am just learning how to use Photoshop & am far from being an expert or even intermediate...but alas I am pretty happy with the poster I made for my Arbonne parties.

Who wants to party with ME?!

Every time I look at this I get excited & pumped to spread the word about this amazing company & product!

Party Time!

I finally sent invites out today for my Launch Party with Arbonne!  I am so excited to get this ball rolling officially...not to mention I get to spend an afternoon with lovely women & men, drinking mimosas & chatting about skincare/make-up.
Here is the invite I made for the day:

Arbonne Party Invitation

What's even more exciting is that THE Amme Weilert is going to be at my launch party!  She is a 7 year veteran who has built an incredible empire doing what she loves which is the same way I am now starting...simply sharing what I love & inspiring others to live their life for themselves!  Check out her site here: believeinc.myarbonne.com
I also have to say that Arbonne may have some of the most friendly, supportive, motivating & inspiring people within its company.  I posted my invites and immediately the response from these men & women I have met was noting short of wonderful!  So much love & support!  I am overwhelmed :)
I will be sure to take lots of photos blog about it after the party!

Sister time!

I was able to visit my sister on Thursday & give her the opportunity to fall in love with the products!  She is  kind of a skeptic when it comes to make-up/skincare.  Skeptic with Arbonne no longer!
We used a few products on her face with a very natural and lovely result...started with Revalage on her clean skin and this is officially her favorite product!  She raved about how soft and sooth her skin felt.

Revalage Concentrated Age Spot Minimizer -  Highly concentrated formula for brighter, clearer skin.  Helps skin become more even-toned while delivering antioxidants and brightening ingredients to diminish the appearance of age spots & skin discoloration.

I really love this product as well, use it everyday especially since I have a few sun spots when I was reckless in the sun in high school.  

The next step was the FC5 hydrating eye cream.  Her reaction?  Smells amazing!  I especially love the scent of the FC5 line as well.  

FC5 Hydrating Eye Cream - Hydrates & minimizes the appearance of dark circles & fine lines, promoting a youthful look.

We then used the FC5 nurturing day lotion with spf 20.  Again the scent is amazing & since she tends to get dry skin like me, this is really perfect.

FC5 Nurturing Day Lotion w/SPF 20 - Rich moisturizer filters UV rays to prevent sun damage and burn.  Leaves skin feeling moisturized and youthful.

She doesn't wear foundation or face powder much, and prefers it that way, so we opted for the sheer pressed powder which also helped to allow smooth application of the AMAZING bronzer by Arbonne...oh how I love it...which we dusted on her forehead, cheeks, temples...etc.  Then we completed it with Apricot blush.  Moving onto the eyes we applied the Linen color as a base which has a satin-like finish, not matte nor too sparkly...great base color!  Then we used Divine Plum eyeshadow which has a little more sparkle, but applied it lightly so it was enough color to accent her beautiful green eyes and still be great for daytime wear.  Finished the eyes off with Arbonne's Triple Action Mascara. 

Triple Action Mascara - Defines, lengthens and volumizes lashes with a long wearing, smudge-resistant formula.

Later that day we Skyped our parents in Hawaii and she couldn't stop raving about how great her face felt!  And another Arbonne gal is born!

My beautiful sister!  On her lips is Arbonne's Lip Polish in Raisin, applied over the Lip Saver with spf 20.  The scent and feel of the Lip Polish is INCREDIBLE!

Lip SAVER - for real!

DR.OZ says: 

"Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil drilling, & when you spread it on your lips, you eat it, which is essentially the same as drinking gasoline. Women with breast cancer have twice the levels of hydrocarbons (found in petroleum jelly) in their breasts than women who...haven't had breast cancer. I've been telling my clients for years to STOP using CARMEX, CHAPSTICK & VASELINE!"

I just received my new shipment in the mail and one of the items I ordered was the BefoRE Sun Lip Saver w/SPF 30.  

BefoRE Sun Lip Saver w/SPF 30...mmmmm!

Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE it?!  Completely natural, smooth, incredible scent, nice taste on the lips and just almost silky.  My lips get chapped a lot and actually I had some mild chapped lips prior to putting this on.  My lips already feel softer and I have never felt that with any chapstick or lip balm that quickly before.

I am hooked, but not in the way one always hears about with chapstick where you have to use it constantly or your lips get chapped.  No, no, no...they feel nice even after it has worn off.  No need to use it all up in a couple days...but it smells so darn good I just might!

1st Tuesday of the Month Meeting

I was able to attend my first "1st Tuesday of the Month" meeting for Arbonne last night.  It took place at the Encinitas Community Center from 6:45 to 8:30ish.
It was great to finally meet a lot of the people I have only interacted with over the web.  I also brought a wonderful friend of mine whom I feel would thrive with Arbonne.
It was an amazing presentation by Sandra & Ted Tillinghast, they were so inspiring!  Bri (my friend) and I could not stop chatting about it on the way home.  It is funny because we used to work together and all I remember is being a glass half empty kind of person then.  Now all I could do was be pumped up and encouraging, because now I know what it feels like to be passionate about something and want to motivate others to feel the same way!
There were some ideas that I had not thought of which included making gift baskets and having boutique parties...well I suppose I had thought of gift baskets, but not in the way Audrey Welsh (another presenter) had shown.
A huge part that I came away with was the fact that it takes about 26 seconds for anything you slather on your skin to move its way through down to your organs...I am thinking twice about all those lotions and chemicals I have used before.  Makes me love Arbonne for be PURE & SAFE even more!  Don't believe me?  Place a piece of garlic between your toes...you should start tasting it in your mouth within a couple minutes or so...gross huh?  Unless you love garlic of course...but who loves stinky garlic feet in their mouth?!
Overall it was an AMAZING night and was so glad I could be there with some incredible men and women.  Who is ready to join the business of PERSONAL FREEDOM???

Mineral Powder!

It is PHENOMENAL!  Yes I am talking about my new favorite Arbonne product...the Natural Radiance Mineral Powder with SPF 15.  

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Natural Radiance Mineral Powder!!!

I have been using the same mineral powder for the last few years, I am sure you know which I am speaking of, and have never really loved it or hated it.  I recently had gotten down to my last little bit of it and was putting off getting a new box of it because I wanted to find something I really loved that didn't make my skin feel thick and cakey.  In came Arbonne and right away I wanted to get a package of the mineral make-up in hopes of falling in love with it.  I was not disappointed.  It not only felt lovely on - was very soft and did not feel thick and bulky on my skin - but it also kept my skin looking great all day, didn't get that shiny bit on my face that happens with the old mineral powder brand.  A BIG plus was that I did not have a break-outs or clogged areas on my skin at the end of the day.  That was a problem I came across with the old brand as well.  The coverage is amazing with the Arbonne product and like I said before, does not feel thick on nor does it look anything but natural.  I actually wanted to put more on to look "covered up" because before that's what I would have to do to get all the discoloration and red spots camouflaged...but quickly I realized that this was a new wave of beauty I was experiencing and no need for war paint anymore.  I will now save all that stuff for Halloween.

Oh...did I say that I loves this??? Well I will say it again...LOVE IT! 

Happy Halloween!

Morgan & me...Happy Halloween everyone!

Hand Cream

I just gave Morgan, my fiance, some of the FC5 Hand Cream and OH BOY does he like it...he said his hands never felt so soft.  I wish I could have recorded his reaction, because he's the kind of guy that when he likes something, you darn well know he likes it...the eyes get big and he usually says something like "Wow!" followed by "oh my gosh."  I especially like to get this reaction after I have made a new recipe.

FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Cream

The smell of this is really incredible, so fresh and just plain lovely.  $18 a pop and if you sign up as a preferred client...20% off!  35% percent of if you want to join the team (plus lots of other perks).

Inspiring

Inspiring: adj. Stimulating or exalting to the spirit.

Synonyms: Exciting, exalting, uplifting, encouraging, moving, stimulating, exhilarating, breathtaking, intoxicating.

I was writing an email tonight to the woman who INSPIRED me to join this team and take on this journey, when it hit me to write a short post on the word INSPIRING itself.  

I cannot tell you the last time that word came into my thoughts prior to the last couple of weeks.  Now it seems I have to take to the thesaurus to find another word for it since I use this word over and over.  It gets almost to the point of giddiness and it's all because of this company Arbonne!  Never once have I worked for a company that truly inspired me by either the people in it or the philosophy itself.  The people I have met already within this company have shown me that I am getting the best of both...a company with an amazing vision that has laid a path for all these incredible people to follow.  

Each story I have come across within Arbonne is an INSPIRING one of people just like me who wanted to take their life into their own hands and reach for the sky.  What's even better?  The sky's the limit!  Gosh it's so liberating to know that I have control of how far I go.  Not to mention, I feel I am becoming someone who can inspire others as well.  I lived for so long being a "glass half empty" kind of person when it came to careers, ambitions and life's other bits, but my outlook has completely changed.  I know that anything can come to fruition by seeing the examples shown to me through Arbonne.  It's not magic, nor is it rocket science...it's a simple plan and by following the steps, I know I can get to the destination I choose because I took the first step and haven't look back.  All you need is a little INSPIRATION :)

My, oh my

Upon opening the Arbonne packages Tuesday evening (after making the apple pie of course) I was in heaven.  Not only did I receive all the items I ordered to start with, but I received a whole box full of the items for the Strong Start Program.

Everything you need for a "Strong Start"

I was overwhelmed...I did not expect all of this!  I received some samples of the RE9, extra brochures and paper items to give to prospective clients/consultants, binder with info on the line...and an AMAZING binder full of everything one would need to know about the company, products, how to's...you name it!  If you are not an organized person...no need to worry because you will be with this.  I am crazy for to-do lists and check-off lists...love to make them and love even more to check them off!  What do I see on the first page?  A check-off list of how to get the strong start program going!  Yes, I am officially in love.  Oh, I even got a little flash drive with the Arbonne logo on it...cute!

Now for the really good stuff...the smell alone from the packages when I opened the box was amazing!  So fresh and clean.

Lovely!

I opted for the RSVP (right start value pack) which allowed me to purchased about $700 worth of product for only $350.  I can't wait to be able to get the RSVP2 when my PRV hits $1000!  I am going to have every product before you know it!
I am very excited about getting all the skincare and will be taking photos when I start it tomorrow morning.  It will be great to see the before and after in weekly increments.  Next, I am looking forward to getting the color products, because I really want to start using those for when I do make-up for clients.  Have to stick with what I have for now though...soon enough!

Woohoo!

Saw the "Out for Delivery" on the UPS tracking site this morning...anticipation...and it is finally here!  Yay!  Did I tell you that I ordered all of this on Saturday night???  That was fast, almost ripped the UPS man's arm off when it arrived.  Ok, I was a little more gentle than that, didn't want to break anything in the boxes...right?

Must wait before plunging into them...have to finish making an apple pie for my man before he gets home; he is the main motivation behind anything I do, especially this.  He deserves it!  After that I will be in a blissful haze while opening up these beautiful green boxes.

Live Call

Last night I was able to take part in my first live call with Arbonne as well as listen to both Amme and Chris Weilert who are incredible inspirations to not only the Arbonne community, but now myself.  They discussed the "10 Steps to Getting Started with your Arbonne Business."

1.      Get your Consultant ID Number and Place your FIRST ORDER…AND Become a product of the products!!!

2.      Decide you want to become a Arbonne Consultant and take this Business serious-"Opt In" to the "Strong Start Program" at arbonne.com

3.      Listen to the Recorded Call “Getting Started with Arbonne/Action Plan Call” - LISTEN HERE!

4.      Set up your “Strategy Session” within the first 24-48 hours of getting your Consultant ID Number and placing your FIRST ORDER.

5.      Complete your Arbonne “Action Plan” with your Sponsor and read through the Policy and Procedure manual that you will receive…AND Schedule your first TWO Activities/Party Launch Dates (within the same week) and Set your 30, 60 and 90 Day Goals!

6.      Set up your Office-Get biz cards, set up your voicemail, open a separate biz bank account, and set up your own www.myarbonne.com website.

7.      Get your materials and business tools set up – EOA stories, curiosity packs, host packs, scripts for different presentations, biz and product literature, samples, tester sets, etc.…Make sure to FOLLOW THE SYSTEM!!! It works if YOU work it!!!

8.      Log on and get familiar with www.arbonne.com – Under Internet Consultants complete the “Basic Consultant Training” in Arbonne University, get familiar with Learn & Burns/Archived Learn and Burns (Sign up for the monthly L & B’s CD’s), Webstats, ETC….

9.      Read great books like, Your First Year In Network Marketing by Mark Yarnell,Learning The Business & Future Choice by Michael Clouse, The Gift by Dr. Shad Helmstetter, Dare To Dream And Work To Win by Dr. Tom Barrett.

10. Get CONNECTED and stay CONNECTED with your Upline and make sure your schedule is full with daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly events!!! AND…Follow the System For Succes!!!

I can't tell you how amazing it was to be able to listen live to these two people who have made Arbonne their avenue for success, and let me tell you, as ENVPs, they have succeeded!  At the end of the call, I wished I had questions for them, but thanks to an amazing sponsor and my own drive to find out as much information as possible...I had none.  Regardless, I felt super pumped to work my butt off to show myself what I can do and show others what they can do as well.  Needless to say I have been working all last night and this morning on taking advantage of what this company and the people in it have provided.

Did I mention all the wonderful people I have already met via the wonderful world of social networking that are also apart of this dream team?  It's incredible...all the friendship and support I have received and it's only been a couple days!  I can't wait to meet these wonderful people in person.

Getting it Started

Woke up Saturday morning super excited to see where this all is going to take me.  I am an information hound, so I did my homework prior to meeting with Erin.  Searched the internet trying to find anything I could about this company Arbonne...whether it be positive or negative.  The great part about it is that even anything negative did not turn me away, it was simply people's opinions about why they felt the way they did about the company, not facts.  The thing about opinions is that you always have the opportunity to form your own, based on experience and knowledge, you don't have to take someone else's word for it.  What better way than to check it out for myself and I found with this company and the people apart of it, there is ample resources to do so.  

I met Erin at her home and right away I could tell she was just as excited as I was.  Man!  I could already feel that passion igniting within me that I see so often in her!  What a feeling and we hadn't even gotten into all the info and product yet.  First off...we discuss my "WHY?"...this is the reason WHY I am taking this step, why I am reaching out.  My WHY?  Because I want to contribute to our (my fiance and my) future, not only financially, but in a positive and motivating way that keeps me reaching for more.  I also want to create a vehicle for which I can drive our other ambitions, like the designing, without allowing for the hindrances other avenues have left me such as:  "There's not enough time, not enough resources, it's never going to happen, not realistic, I am exhausted!"  (Any of this sound familiar?)  

Ok, let's get down to business:

The Product Information

Obviously the website will give vast knowledge on the products offered from Arbonne, but these brochures were great to go through while we discussed the products by line without having to sit in front of the computer.  I was pretty impressed by the layout and list of ingredients, which, by the way, are made without animal by products, are free of mineral oil, dyes and fragrances.  I have pretty sensitive skin, so being hypoallergenic is a huge plus in my book.  Did I mention not tested on animals and made in the USA?  Yep!

The Products

I have been doing make-up for a long time, having worked with a number of cosmetic and skincare line, I couldn't wait to see how Arbonne compared to the others.  Having mentioned I am an information hound, I like to know what is in the product and not only see the result, but know how the product creates that result.  This was the best part of the day...playing with the make-up and trying out the skincare.  Fortunately she has been with the company for a few years, so I was able to see pretty much the whole product line.  We started with the cosmetics...and I will say, I was not disappointed one bit.  The shadows have great pigment and there is every color I would want, with textures from satins to mattes to shimmers.  The foundations are amazing, and I have definitely found a new mineral powder!  The lip colors...WHAT?!  I love rocking an amazing red and Strawberry lipstick is my new go-to color.  The texture is incredible and I didn't want to take it off...but alas there was a heck of a lot more to try on.  Next came the skincare.  Everything felt super lux yet after reading through the brochures, didn't come with the price tag that I was use to paying before...a HUGE bonus!  The scent was fresh (a bonus of pure ingredients with no chemicals), the textures were smooth and when it comes down to it...I was in bliss! 

The concept is to become a product of the product, and I am happy to oblige!  Know I wanted to know exactly how I can make this work for me.

The Opportunity

The Inspirations/Tools

There are so many resources and action plans made available, not to mention incredibly helpful and inspiring people like Erin, the process to join the team was simple.  This is completely unlike my experience with past companies that involved catty people who want you to learn fast, but not necessarily succeed.  With Arbonne, yes you are in it for yourself, but in no way are you by yourself.  Everyone seems to work together to succeed and for each person, the sky is the limit!  I was on a high while completing the steps necessary to get this thing moving forward, and when it was set...ecstatic.  Finally my efforts are going to be paid back deservingly...the more I put in, the more I get!  

I placed my first order to truly begin becoming a product of the product.  I opted for the RSVP program which allowed me to get $700 worth of product for only $350.  Click here for more info on the SuccessPlan benefits.  Should get to me sometime in the next few days...so I will share more when it does.  I also began a website through Arbonne which is basically $10 a month and allows people in my area who are interested in Arbonne to reach out to me.  Really cool because I want to help other people reach their dreams the way Erin is helping me.  It also will allow people that know, and will come to know, get same information I now have.  I was able to choose my own sites name and basically it is a play off of my last name and also part of the name of my children's clothing line I am pursuing, M'Lady M'Lad.  So happy it was available!

Erin & Me

Feel free to come along!

A big thanks to Erin for her time and amazing attitude.  Can't wait to see what lies ahead!

The First Step

I have been working your typical 9 to 5 jobs since well before college ended, like the majority of the population.  Helping grow someone else's business, making money for the people running the show, and no matter how hard I worked, how much effort I put in, I would still come out with the same paycheck at the end of the month.  Raise?  Nope, not enough in the company's budget right now, but they sure do appreciate the extra effort to make those extra sales.  But you still come in early and still leave late with your family sitting at home wondering why you are never home on time.  Going home tired and moody was my signature and dinner conversation involved how low the office moral has gotten; once again couldn't make the boss happy, because let's face it...he or she is never going to be happy...blah blah blah!  Sure there were jobs I enjoyed, but once again I was making the bucks for someone else.  Time for me.

I am truly blessed to have an amazing man in my life that wants me to do what makes me happy even if I brought not a single cent home.  Wow...that whole 'not bringing a cent home' was ok for a couple days until I felt restless and needed to contribute in more ways to our future.  We have so many things we want to do and we want to do them before we start a family down the line.  How do I help us accomplish this without sinking back into the negativity and doubts that came with my past employments.

Where to look?  How about the most positive people I know.  What makes them so happy and have such a great outlook?  In comes Erin, an incredible woman I have known since I was in the 2nd grade.  Not a week goes by when I don't see her post a plethora of amazing quotes and thoughts of inspiration.  And low and behold what seems to be the source of these inspirations?  A li'l ol' company called Arbonne.  I was at the computer looking at some information she had on the company she was so pumped up over when I decided to watch this video with that she linked...and I am now linking for you:

After seeing this, my fiance just said "Wow, you should contact her tonight."  And so I did...and the rest is history!

...Ok...obviously not, because what would be the purpose of this blog???  But ladies and gentleman...that was my 'first step' and I don't plan on looking back.  Within an hour of sending that message, she and I had made a plan to meet the upcoming weekend to catch up and discuss this new opportunity.  Suddenly my uncertainty of what I wanted to do was replaced with anticipation and excitement.