Have a Coke Roast with Home and Garden Party November 8, 2007

Last week, I had relatives in town, and I had to think of some easy innovative dishes to prepare. Then suddenly, I remembered the Bean Pot from Home and Garden Party! This stoneware pot can cook a miracle meal with minimal preparation. But, it’s so cute that you hate to cook in it.

Since I’m notorious for forgetting things that I put in the oven, this pot cleans up ‘burntness’ well. LOL All you have to do is soak it for a bit and it will scrub right off. So even non cookers can cook well with this pot.

Each piece of stoneware that you purchase from Home and Garden Party will come with a mini recipe book with recipes for their stoneware collection. But, if you want to have multiple uses for their entire collection, I recommend that you purchase the large recipe book which is full of recipes that will show you how to use each piece of stoneware in the collection.

My family insists on this roast recipe for life:

3 lb Roast
1 can of Coca Cola (I use Diet Rite, it’s less sweet)
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 package of gravy dry mix (optional)

Place a seasoned roast in the Bean Pot. Pour the can of coke over the roast. Cover and
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Add Cream of Mushroom soup. Cook for another 1 hour and 30 minutes. (If the gravy is not thick enough for you, you can add a package of gravy mix after cooking for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Total cooking time 3 hours.)
You can also add potatoes and carrots as well after the first hour and a half of cooking.

Yummy!!!

If you want to cook your own coke roast in your own bean pot, contact Victoria Whitecotten at http://www.homeandgardenparty.com

Her web ID is victoriawhitecotton although you should be able to choose your designer from a list when placing your order.

Daisy Blue Naturals was on my direct sales journey. June 18, 2007

Since I began this blog, I told you about my journey to find the right direct sales company for me. Well, Daisy Blue Naturals was on my path. I signed up with DNB around 2 years ago. I was very interested in their product line because of how natural it really is. I must admit, a greal deal of what I know about skin care ingredients came from this company. So, why didn’t I stick with DNB?

Product Review
I can’t say anything bad about the products, but I can’t say anything spectacular about them either. If you or your customer are not environmentalist, vegan, naturalists, etc…, then you may not like the product line of this company. These products are extremely natural, and you may not be use to its purity. The majority of the people in my area prefer companies with a little more pizzazz. This product line doesn’t have it.

I was impressed with the function of the product. The Peppermint Foot Cream is probably the best foot cream that I have used thus far. It can really transform your feet. I like the Peppermint Foot Crystals because of the added peppermint oil to the salts makes them less drying, and it add moisture to your feet while soaking.

The lotions are very gentle and functions well also. This is when I first fell in love the the Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey. I would use this lotion and people would stop and ask me what was I wearing. The added goat’s milk makes this lotion a creamy delight. So, I give big shouts out for this one.

The body oils were a different story. I wasn’t too thilled with those; they felt like rubbing on vegetable oil. The scent didn’t last long either and if you kept the product more than a year, it would have no scent at all. The oils were not one of my favorites.

The facial line took some getting use to. One thing about natural facial care is that your skin will get worse before it gets better. The reasoning behind this is the natural products are removing toxins from your skin, and after this is done, then your skin will start to clear up again. Well, this doesn’t work so well with my customers. One thing that I knew as a Jafra consultant for a number of years, is that if people can’t touch and feel the difference in their skin the night of the party, then you can forget a sale. Customers don’t want to hear that it will be 6-8 weeks before you see a difference. No, they want to feel a difference right then. Of course, we know that no skin care can perform an immediate miracle, but there are some lines that the customers can feel that their skin is softer or that it’s a little brighter, the first time they use it. If that wasn’t the case, then why even bother to demonstrate a facial at a party! So, for that reason, Daisy Blue got the boot.

Company Review
It was difficult for me to give Daisy Blue the boot because of the company’s compensation plan. It was average as far as the commission structure of 30% , and you could get a rebate of 5-7% depending on the sale for the month. The multi-level marketing plan was good too; I could actually see myself climbing the Blue ladder, so to speak.

The company has a paid hostess plan and awesome hostess sales incentive. They have a special of the month that you can promote and dynamite consultant incentives, including an annual incentive plan. Uhum, this is making me rethink this company.

The training program is awesome! You will know what you’re doing at a DNB party. The company has monthly newsletters, company conference calls, annual conventions, and even a weekly email especially for consultants.

So, again why did I leave Daisy Blue Naturals? Well, the company was a bit boring for me. I dont like the “cheerleader” type companies, but I didn’t want to be apart of a humdrum one either. That, coupled with the product concerns, I decided to continue my search.

Overall, I think that Daisy Blue Naturals is one of the best companies in the direct selling industry. If you and the people in your area really understands and cares about what they put on their skin, then this would be the perfect company for you.

If you want more information about Daisy Blue Natural and to be on the team of the best upline person I know, please contact Donna Broadwell. If she ever emails me and tells me that she joined a different company, I’ll probably follow right behind her.

Women’s Business Expo May 8, 2007

I thought you may want to join in on the Work At Home Business Expo May 2007. You can enter a conference room and hear presentations, network, and connect with others who work from home. If you have a USB Headset, you can even chime in and ask questions after the presentations. If not, you can chat on the side of the page. It’s free and no special login or password is required.

This expo last through Friday, and later in the week, you will see presentations from Watkins and Mia Bella representatives.

Check out the full schedule here…http://www.businessandlearning.com/may-07-speakers.html

Say Hi to Veronica if you decide to join.

I attended last year, and it’s fun!!!

Kara Vita Baby!!! April 25, 2007

I had the opportunity to review a skin care line from Kara Vita Skin Care. When I received the products, the name sounded familiar, but I wasn’t quite sure if it was a direct sales company or not. When I received the samples and materials, I was pleasantly surprised.

Contact Consultant
Christina Kuehn
Email: KaraVitaChristina@juno.com
Website: www.karavita.com

Company Overview

Kara Vita products contain natural botanicals. I wasn’t able to see an ingredient list for each of the products that I used, so I can’t say with certainty the exact levels of synthetic preservatives. But, the skin care line passes all required pharmaceutical testing and are in accord with FDA standards.

Kara Vita has an impressive list of consultants which includes Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, Aestheticians and Podiatrists. This could be because of the LyphaZome technology.

Products
I used the Balancing 5-step regimen. This system included the Balancing Cleanser, Mist, PBH Exfoiliating Masque, Balancing Antioxidant Treatment, and Face Essentials moisturizer with SPF 15. Of course, I went through the sample of cleanser within a couple of days. I really didn’t have enough for make up removal, so I cheated a little and used another cleanser to remove makeup and then I followed the Kara Vita regimen. So, I can’t say for certain how well the cleanser is at makeup removal.

The Complexion Mist used for toning has a strong smell. Again, I can’t comment for certain about every ingredient in the product, but the scent smelled like SD-40 alcohol. Some toners or astrigents still contain alcohol , believe it or not. If Kara Vita’s balancing toner does, then that’s the downside. It is a possibility that it was Witch Hazel based because WH has a strong smell as well. Regardless of the ingredients, I wasn’t impressed with the Complexion Mist.

PBH Exfoilating Mask was wonderful. It’s not like the regular masks that dries on your face like plaster. It a soft, gentle mask that made my skin appear brighter and healthier. It smells yummy too! I could see myself enjoying a facial with the use of this mask. For aestheticans, it will be easy to apply with a brush and is very gentle even for sensitive skin.

The Balancing Antioxidant Treatment is a creamy treatment that repairs skin and provide protection against future damage.

And last, the Face Essentials moisturizer provides all day moisture with SPF protection.

Upside
Unfortunately, I am unable to give a review based on long-term use of the product. But, most of the products in this skin care system were good. One thing that I did notice is that I felt a tingling sensation-a good tingle- every time I used one of the products. This leads me to believe that there is a action going on and with long-term use, you will be able to see results.

After about 5 days, when all of the samples ran out, my skin appeared more even, smoother, and vibrant. This system is worth a try. It retails for $140.

Company Upside
As for the business opportunity, I was very impressed! The commission structure is average, 25%-35% commission. But, that includes a company paid Hostess Plan which is very generous. At the time, I received the samples, the January 2007 promotion included:

20% host award for parties under $499
25% host award for parties over $500
If you hosted between January 1-7, the hostess got a free Eye Wish ($38 value)
One product at half-price
And check this out–A FREE 5-Piece Regimen for a party over $500!

This is all at no cost to the consultant!

And Kara Vita didn’t stop there. There was a list of Customer Special Offers-8 to be exact (for January), 2 purchase with purchase specials for a ticket over $100, 2 purchase-with-purchase specials with any size purchase, and New Consultant Kit Bonus for those who sign up!

They offer:
Sales Meetings
Monthly Newsletters
Teleconference Training
Website Training
Company Paid Hostess Program
Direct Ship to the Customer
24 Hour Online Order Entry
No required inventory

The consultant kit is a $600 value for only $250.
It made mention of a Fast Track Program, so that means even more incentives during the first months of business.

Downside
Customers will pay a hefty price for the products, but that’s how you sell them on hosting their own party, so that they can receive free or discounted products.

New consultants will pay a hefty price for the consultant kit as well, which could possibly make sponsoring a little more difficult. But, the kit contains everything that you need, including mirrors, training materials, samples, all of the facial line and some of the other products available. And for presentations, they have a flip chart!!! I love flip charts!!! It makes presenting the product so much easier for new comers. It’s well worth the money.

I didn’t see very many spa products. I’m a spa junkie; so that’s a must for me. Also, it limits your hostesses party option. If they don’t want a facial “clinic”, then you have no other options to book. Also, I didn’t see any make up either, so when your clients leave the party, they’re bare-faced. Speaking from experience, many customers do not leave the house without make up.

Who knows, maybe those products are in the works. If so, it will make it a well-rounded company.

Would you like to try Kara Vita for FREE e-mail Christina for a sample.
KaraVitaChristina@juno.com

Shout Outs

Name **** 4 Shout Outs
Website *** 3 Shout Outs -The cart is down.
Ingredients **** 4 Shout Outs – Unique technology
Packaging ***** 5 Shout Outs – Awesome Packaging!
Philosophy ** 2 Shout Outs – I didn’t notice if they had any causes or charity.

Off Topic-But, did anyone watch the replay of Roots April 16, 2007

Hi everyone,

I saw Roots again when it replayed on TVOne, and shared it with my 9
year old son. I was a kid when I watched it the first time, and
never really appreciated it until now.

Roots reminded me of being appreciative of family. In the age of
children killing parents, and parents taking children to court,
somehow we forgot about our forefathers being sold away from their
families-never to see them again. And here we are pushing our
families away.

Roots reminded me of the respect that we should have for marriage.
Brothers should be thankful that they have their women to themselves,
and don’t have to worry about “Master” coming to his house while he’s
away. He knows for certain that this is his child and not some white
man’s. And here we deny paternity of our children and call our women
b#!*#* and ho’s. We’ve gotten away from that strong family unit and
loyality. P. Diddy should take a lesson from this.

Roots reminded me that our children should appreciate education and
learning-that they don’t have to worry about being sold off or the
skin whipped off of their backs, just because they know how to read
and write. They have the freedom to receive an education just as
high as anyone else. Here we have some of our children quitting
school and hustling on the streets. We have some that can’t pass the
required tests to graduate, and some who can’t even read when they
get to high school. What happened to our appreciation?

Most of all…
Roots reminded me that I have a measure of respect from people of all
races-more so now than ever before. I live in Louisiana, and was
raised in the south, it’s not perfect, but I see a change. I was in
Wal-Mart yesterday, and a white man bumped into me. Well, we all
know what would have happened ‘back in the day.’ But, this man put
his hand on my shoulder and said, “I’m sorry, I need to watch where
I’m going.” We need to appreciate that we don’t have to end of
hanging from a a tree or being whipped with a whip for bumping into a
white man. We need to appreciate the changes that have been made and
stop complaining about what hasn’t changed and do something about it.

When we show a lack of appreciation for the struggle, we spit on the
graves of those that died for for us to be free.

Veronica Easterling-Thomas www.speakonit.wordpress.com

Where Oh Where did Pink Ladybug Spa Go? April 1, 2007

Pink Lady Bug Spa has left the building! What is happening to these companies? I was just about to do a product review on them. I was sent an email by one of my direct sales buddies that PLBS was closing down for 6 months. So, I go to the site to verify this journalist tip, and low and behold! the doors are closed. Whether or not she comes back within 6 months, only time will tell. I hope so; I thought it was a cute company.

5 Common Mistakes Direct Sales Companies Make #5 March 13, 2007

I did not know that I didn’t finish this series. So, the moment you’ve all been waiting for … the #5 common mistake is (drumroll)………

Lack of Unique Products

History has shown that companies that have a product that is unique and is exclusive to the company has longevity. Besides, direct sales companies have to give people a reason to pay prices 5 times more than average pricing. Companies like Home Interiors and Gifts and Home and Garden Party have their own artists for most of their art work for the pictures and pottery. Arbonne International have Swiss-formulated products. Mary Kay Cosmetics has always offered a “signature line”, and Jafra Cosmetics International has the famous Royal Jelly line that’s their high end product that the hostess can receive as a gift instead of paying the whopping $65 sticker price.

The point is not to rewrite what’s already been written. Of course, it OK to have the same scents as other companies-(I can’t live without my Oatmeal Milk and Honey scented products). But, offer something else unique and exclusive that only your company can provide.

For more information about MDSA’s Product Development Coaching Package visit www.mdsalliance.com .

5 Common Mistakes Made By Direct Sales Companies #4 February 28, 2007

Hiring Inexperienced Staff

One of the problems that I’ve seen with start up companies is the hiring process. Sometimes the company may grow faster than expected, and the owners may make mistakes during the hiring process. At this point, there is not enough time to look for people with experience in direct selling, and you may end up with people who don’t have a clue. Also, to get the most out of your hiring buck, look for employees that can start off as assistants-just a fancy way of saying “jack of all trades.” In other words, these “assistants” can answer the phones, take orders, label products (if they’re handcrafted), create newsletters for the reps; I’ve even seen one of these “assistants” assist in writing the training manual. Basically, if you’re going to hire someone, at least hire someone experienced enough to perform any task that is needed for your company.