Cancun Getaway!

As soon as I saw the pictures of the resort that Tastefully Simple chose for this past year's Silver Leaf Incentive trip, I knew I had to get us there.  I set my goal and worked my butt off.  I had some help from a lot of people and made it a possibility, and after months of dreaming, we finally made our way to Mexico last month.

Leading up the trip, I spent a lot of time preparing for leaving the kids.  We've never left them...we rarely get a babysitter, let alone needing to leave them overnight!  I had a very detailed, six-page note ready for my mom and Rosi, and was certain that saying our goodbyes would be difficult.  I'm kind of sad to admit that there were no tears from anyone.  Gavin seemed a little nervous the morning of, but it was honestly more because he afraid of getting in trouble for taking his new Pokemon binder in to school than it was because we were leaving.  Ha!

Jarrod and I immediately took advantage of the 'adult' time by actually getting to read and sleep on the plane.  Yes, you read that right....I got to READ a magazine and actually close my eyes!  It was amazing! 

The service we got from the first minute we arrived in Mexico was amazing.  We'd never been on an all-inclusive trip, let alone an incentive trip that Tastefully Simple went above and beyond on.  Every single thing was taken care of for us!  We learned quickly that vacationing by ourselves meant that we took a lot of selfies.  Had the kids been there, the pictures would have been all about them....instead, we got a lot of scenery shots and selfies.  I used my phone more than the camera, to be honest!

We spent a lot of time just laying by the pool.  There wasn't a lot of 'doing stuff' on this trip.  Our mornings including early walks around the resort (because even without kids, we can't sleep in) which was HUGE.  Seriously, so much bigger than we ever imagined.  We would then end up at the pool, having drinks while getting some sun and meeting new Tastefully Simple friends.  It was pretty cool to see so many consultants in the same place, especially all the faces I recognized from reading the Gazette for the last five years.

 The best part of the trip was obviously the opportunity to just reconnect and spend all my time with Jarrod.  We were together pretty much every minute of the trip.  It really was just like a second honeymoon for us.  So amazing to have this chance to be husband and wife first, not mom and dad.  We need to do this again!

  

The resort was gorgeous!  We weren't blown away by the beach at this resort, but we've heard their sister resort, Beach Palace, has a gorgeous beach and when we go back, we will definitely take advantage of the shuttle and spend a day there.  I wasn't able to enjoy the saltwater of the ocean because of a minor health issue, so we stayed poolside.  Notice the swim up bar, the lounge chairs IN the water, and the swings at the bar!

 More selfies...plus one awful picture that someone took for us.  She obviously wasn't a photographer.

  Mai Tais, watermelon margaritas, and lots of Mexican beer were consumed!  I may or may not have had three margaritas before lunch on Saturday and needed to take a nap by 1:00. Ha!

The only thing we really had to spend any money on (well, besides the two pairs of sunglasses I bought...I forgot mine in Arkansas, so I bought one pair at the Cancun airport, ended up not liking them, and bought a second pair at the hotel) was a splurge couples massage.  Not exactly the greatest massage I've ever had, but any massage is good to me! :)  All the food and drinks were included and were absolutely amazing.  Los Tacos was our favorite place we ate at, but we also had some great sushi, the fresh orange juice was delicious, and the Brazilian steakhouse was so crazy good!

Oh, Moon Palace...how we fell in love with you, and with one another all over again.  I'm so thankful for Tastefully Simple for giving us this opportunity.  I know we will definitely visit Cancun again, and we'll be sure to bring the kids along with us.  Until next time, cheers!

 

Sick Days

We've had a rough couple of weeks around here.  Almost two weeks ago, Gavin came home from school one afternoon with a fever.  Of course, because all kids seem to get sick right before a big event, the timing sucked and he had to miss his very first school field trip.  They were headed to the pumpkin patch and Daddy even took the day off to chaperone.  I felt so very bad for him.  Well, his fever just kept coming and going, and after we thought he was ok to go back to school, I got a call that his fever was back and I had to do my first mid-day pick up from the nurses' office.  He spent a lot of time sleeping...

When we finally got him better (well mostly...he still has the cough!), we were able to head to Costume Carnival at school.  It's events like this that make me love my life even more...I got to spend that Thursday afternoon at school decorating the classroom's booth for the event.  Mrs. R always has the 'Boo-tique Nail Salon' and it was a lot of fun to work my time slot that evening painting little girls' nails.

And, gosh...aren't these little ones so adorable!

Now, we've spent the last couple of days taking care of a sick Jarrod!  Seriously, he rarely gets sick...so when he's down, you know it's bad.  

On a positive note, I've officially earned the trip to Cancun with Tastefully Simple!!

I'll be honest...when I first started with Tastefully Simple, I didn't think earning trips was really attainable.  I assumed only the consultants that were partying 4-5 nights a week earned these trips.  But, I put my mind to it, and work my butt off...and by only partying about once a week, I did it!  Jarrod and I don't even do 'date nights' and now we're getting to go to this amazing resort for three nights, all expenses paid.  I'm so thankful for this awesome company.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd love what I'm doing so much.

Now...if we can just get everyone healthy, we're looking forward to spending a couple days in Kansas City with the kids later this week (thank you, October break!) and we're counting down the days til we drive back to Ohio for Thanksgiving.  So much to look forward to!  October, November, and December are definitely my favorite months of the year. :)

Moms Groups and Lauren's Fight Fundraiser

One thing you may not know about me is that I'm in a few different 'moms groups.'  I think every mom needs at least one group to belong to.  They are an amazing resource when you need advice, suggestions, ideas, or just somewhere to vent.  Being a SAHM, I truly NEED my moms groups to make it through some days.  I wouldn't give up my job for the world, but there are some days where my only adult interaction is with moms from one of my groups.  

Only one, however, is a physically group that is local to me.  One group is a group of girls I got to know while living in New York, and through the beauty of the Internet, can still keep in touch with through their message board.  And the other is a group of moms from all over the country who connect through an online forum.  Our kids were all born during the summer of 2011, so it's nice to share experiences with other moms about things Riley is going through, be able to offer advice as a mom with an older child, and form friendships, even if they are all 'cyber' friendships.  Some people don't get the online group thing...but I can't imagine not having them.

Not so long ago, another mom, Lauren, in the 'summer moms' group shared with us some shocking news.  At only 29 and with a 15 month old baby boy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Fast forward 6 months or so, and here we are.  Lauren has been going through chemo and has had a bilateral mastectomy....and as you can imagine, medical bills are piling up.  {As crazy as it sounds, in this group of just over 100 moms, Lauren isn't the only one fighting cancer!}  You can read more about Lauren's journey on her blog: http://www.dancingbackwardsinpinkheels.com/

I was honored when one of Lauren's friends, who also happens to be a 'summer mom' from our group approached me with the idea of a Tastefully Simple fundraiser.  You all know how much I love my business, our products, and our company.  And I especially LOVE when I get to do fundraisers.  Doing a TS fundraiser allows me to help out more than I'd otherwise be able to, and for that, I am grateful.

So, want to help?  I'll be posting a fundraiser video in the few days hopefully, but for now, here's a direct link to Lauren's fundraiser.  Thank you for your order, and your support!  We're cheering Lauren on as she kicks cancer's butt!

Lauren's Fight Fundraiser 

Wanna Join Me?

There's an amazing opportunity to join my Tastefully Simple team in May or June for only $50 (or even less!) so I couldn't help but share it here, too.  If you know me at all, you know how much I love this company.  They're so good to us consultants, and my team is so unbelievable.  I can't speak highly enough of them!  I'd love for you to 'date us' ~ give us a try for 4 parties and see if you fall in love with TS like I did 4 years ago.  This is a great time to try it out for minimal out-of-pocket costs!  Let me know if you want to chat!

 

Fired Up!

Yes, this blog is my way to capture our fabulous life and document all the memories we're making, but I decided I needed to share a little bit about something that has be all fired up.  Tastefully Simple!  After all, Tastefully Simple is a big part of our life.  :)

{If you don't know my TS story, you can click on the link at the top of the blog and read more.}

Right now, the National Conference {aka Party Palooza!} is taking place and just as the theme says, it has me and all my Taste Buds FIRED UP!  I so wish I could be at the conference, experiencing the magic firsthand, but I'm so lucky that they have a live stream for some of the sessions so that I can watch from my own kitchen.  And it was so hard to turn it off yesterday.  I had it on while the kids and I were busy, listening to the testimonials and trainings.  I eventually realized that I had to get in the shower before my small window of overlapping naps were over, but I was so drawn into the stories I was hearing, that I set up the laptop in the bathroom...

I had chills and tears in my eyes as I listened to how this amazing company has changed lived, and I was inspired to do even more with my business.  Jarrod got home last night and I rambled, and rambled, and rambled.  I couldn't stop telling him about these stories I'd listened to, the new products, new features, new incentives.  And of course, I couldn't sleep last night.  I laid there in bed thinking about how passionate I am about growing my business.  

This past year has been kind of slow for me.  Riley not taking a bottle made my party schedule really difficult, but we're weaning and I'm eager to get back to partying regularly.  And I've set my goals high.  For this next recognition year, I will earn my personal sales bonus each month, and I will promote twice, making us a Senior Team Manager team.  That involves a lot, but I know we can do it.  I'm excited to welcome new team members over the next year...to gain new hosts and meet new clients....to build even stronger relationships with my team and my clientele.  I'm thankful for my family, friends, hosts, clients, and team for supporting me, hosting parties, placing orders, joining our team, and cheering me on.  You're awesome, and you have me fired up!

{And if you want more info, you should watch this awesome video and then contact me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkFRZfSdH2M} 

Oh, and P.S.  There's an awesome new incentive where you could get start for FREE!  Are you ready???

Annual Client Appreciation Sale

Thank you for being such amazing clients, hosts, and friends!  I appreciate you so much, so in celebration of my 3rd anniversary with Tastefully Simple, we're having a special.  Today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday), any order that you email to me or call into me will qualify for the following special:

Spend $33, and I'll add on a Beer Bread for just 3 CENTS! Spend $53, and pick a dessert of your choice for just 3 CENTS! Spend $73, and you can select any spice for just 3 CENTS! Or spend $93 to select any drink for just 3 CENTS!

Please note, online orders will not be eligible for the special since I cannot edit your order.  Also, orders placed for an ongoing catalog or taste-testing party are not eligible.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

I hope you know how wonderful you all are!  You are the heartbeat of my business, and I thank you for your support.  It's a great time to stock up your pantry!

Have a great weekend!

Stay Tuned!

It's my 3rd Tastefully Simple anniversary!!  I can't believe it's been 3 years.  What started out as an idea to get a discount has turned into so much more.  I love this company, my team, my job!  Even though my anniversary is actually next week, we're celebrating with an open house on Thursday, and a special all day Thursday and Friday.  Stay tuned for more information about how you can land select products for just 3 cents!!!  

Want information about starting your own business?  Comment here and I'll get in touch with you to share information about how you can make great money and great friends for as little as $56 to start!  We'd love to have you on our team.  :)

 

So proud!

Taking a moment away from the Ohio pictures, because I'm so dang excited and proud!  When I started my Tastefully Simple journey almost 3 years ago, I never expected to love it as much as I do.  The friendships I've made through the years are so special, even though I've never met many of them in person.  I am blown away by the support everyone offers one another.  Last October, I sponsored my first team member and moved into a leadership position.  My team, Simply Ambitious, has taken off!  In the past 13 months, we've grown from a team of one to a team of 16!  In July, I promoted to Team Leader, and it was made official yesterday that I've again promoted, this time to Team Manager.  I'm so proud of all the ladies on my team and I'm so excited to watch us keep growing and growing and growing!  Shine, ladies!  You all deserve it.  :)

Wanna Join Me?

I'm going to talk about Tastefully Simple for just a minute because this deal is so phenomenal, so forgive me in advance for the plug!  :)  Signing up for a consultant account with Tastefully Simple is normally $170, and until Sept. 30 it's only $85!  It's the cheapest it's ever been offered and my team is growing like crazy.  Last summer, after moving to yet another new city and struggling to get things started without knowing anyone here, I thought about quitting.  But, my fabulous sponsor {Hi, Annisa!} encourage me to stick with it for just a little longer, and I'm so glad I did!  Last October, I signed my first team member, and now I have 10!  Three people have joined our team with this incentive and we have at least one more joining as soon as her party closes.  If you'd like to join us, let me know!  YOU decide how much you make. YOU decide how often to work. YOU decide when you get a promotion. YOU do NOT carry inventory. YOU do NOT pack/deliver orders. YOU do NOT carry more than 2 totes into a party. YOU DO get paid the night of your party. YOU DO make 30%. Parties are a blast.  I'm so excited to get my party schedule up and running again tomorrow night (even though it will be my first time away from Riley!)  I'd love for you to give this company a shot!  Contact me!
 

Tastefully Simple News!

I am so excited for the Fall/Winter season!  The catalog and products look amazing.  Chocolate lovers, be prepared!  But I'm even more excited about this new incentive they rolled out.  It's never been cheaper to start your Tastefully Simple business!

Now through Sept. 30, you can get started for 50% off!  It's only $85 to start this journey.  And it gets better....if you have $400 in sales by October 14, you'll earn a $50 credit to replenish your supplies!  It's like starting out for $35.  Fall/Winter is our BEST selling season.  Get your business off to a fantastic start for such a low cost!  

I didn't know if I'd like being a consultant, but I thought it was worth a shot.  That was back in January of 2009, and I am so thrilled that I took a chance!  I love the party scene, the friends I've made, the benefits I've gained for my family, the team I've built...  I'd love to have you join me!  Contact me before this incentive is over.  What do you have to lose???

Jen's Tastefully Simple page

So many reasons for a sale!

Sales are always fun, especially when they come with great reason!  I typically have a Client Appreciation Sale in July anyway, but we have other reasons to celebrate, too!  Tastefully Simple recently celebrated a Sweet 16th Birthday.  So, this sale is a belated birthday sale as well.  And...I'm celebrating my recent promotion to Team Leader, so why not have a celebration sale, too???  :)

So, here we go...

One Day 16 cent sale starts TOMORROW!

  **Plan your orders today and contact me tomorrow for the savings!  Share with friends!

Place a Tastefully Simple order anytime TOMORROW (July 8th) in honor of all the things mentioned above and receive the following:

· Orders from $16.00-35.99 receive Simple Starters or Essential 4 Cookbook for only 16 cents!
· Orders from $36.00-65.99 receive Bountiful Beer Bread for 16 cents!
· Orders from $66.00-115.99 receive any spice jar for 16 cents!
· Orders from $116.00-159.99 receive any $9.99 bucket drink for 16 cents!

· BONUS! Orders over $160 will receive all 4 items for 16 cents!

· DOUBLE BONUS!! Schedule a taste-testing party for this fall & receive an additional 16% discount on your entire order!

 

(Get a few friends/coworkers/neighbors/family members to order together!)

*Orders placed on line DO NOT qualify because I can't add your free goodies. So be sure to call (937.901-4291), message me on Facebook or email me (mrspate22@yahoo.com) directly.

American Heart Association Fundraiser

My husband and his coworkers, along with their families, are participating in the American Heart Association walk next weekend.  They are holding a Tastefully Simple fundraiser to raise money for their team.  To participate is easy!  Just go to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jpate to order some deliciously easy food.  Then, at checkout, PLEASE search for Jarrod Pate as your host.  This will ensure that the order goes toward the fundraiser.  At the end of the fundraiser, I will donate 15% of the sales back to the American Heart Association in their name.  The fundraiser is only open for one week, so order by next Friday, April 8th.  Thanks so much for your support!

End of the Year Teacher gift idea!

A quick business plug here - as we approach the end of the school year, don't forget how much teachers love food!  Order a Nana's Apple Cake and I'll email you this cute little poem to attach.  Just wrap it up with a couple apples for a cute and easy gift!  Contact me for me info. :)