Tricia's Halloween Chili
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We are having a chili cook-off next week at work and I knew just the recipe
to bring!
I haven't had this recipe in YEARS...but it is one that stood out to ...
Sometimes I let myself get worked up and overwhelmed about so many different things going on in my life and in the lives of those around me. I don't mean to, but it happens.
And then....I open up my devotional for the morning and it says, "Ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace."
I need to hear that today. I need to stop worrying and to just trust HIM instead. He is my ever-present help in trouble.
This afternoon I met with a wonderful and amazing hostess, Tamara who has decided to join our Sparkling Stars team in another week. This is one of my favorite parts of my job- sharing Thirty-One with others.
She has decided to join for a couple of different reasons.
#1 - She loves the product (that is kind of important).
#2 - She basically did my job for me when doing the invites for her party (so she might as well make a little money...right!?!)
#3 - She can join right now and sell $1000 (make $250 in cash) in her first 30 days and get her $99 back AND an extra Hostess EXCLUSIVE item for free! (valued at $70!) AND on top of all that...she will earn LEVEL 1 of our Start Swell program...which means...another $103 worth of items for...FREE!
#4 - We really have the EASIEST program ever to remain an active consultant. I mean seriously...it is a no brainer. Sell $200 every rolling three months. That's it! NO MONTHLY QUOTAS, NO specific # of parties. And with our amazing customer specials...all she needs to do is collect 5-6 orders every rolling three months to get that $200. How much easier could it be!?!
#5 - She gets 25% discount/commission from the date she signs up. WHAT?!? Yes!
Ok...I said a couple...and there are 5 at least! Really...let's take a look at the math for all of this....
For some...this business is about working it full time, for others it is about making a little extra cash...or maybe even just getting a discount on the great products.
The opportunity is really up to each individual consultant and what they want to make of it.
Seriously....could it get any better?!? The thing I love sharing the most is our amazing team and how supportive we are of one another! The sisterhood is priceless!
Can't wait to welcome you Tamara to our Sparkling Stars team! I am so excited for you!
Several months ago...(back in October)...Hubby and I were talking about our front room and he asked if he could turn it into a "project". Little did I know the "project" would turn into a BIGGER "project" that would include more than just the front room.
"PROJECT" #1 is complete. I took possession of my new office yesterday and it is WONDERFUL. Through some blood, sweat and tears...it is complete. So without keeping it from you any longer...I introduce to you my new working space.
First up...the BEFORE pics.
This room was used just a sitting room.
We didn't use it very often, unless we had guests. I enjoyed just snuggling up on the couch and spending my morning devotional there. But...it made more sense to move my office to the main floor.
So...that is just what we did.
Here is my new office...looking in from the door and entryway. Do you see the BOLD BLOOM print?!? It is new this spring with Thirty-One...and it is my favorite!
The chair we had in our family room for a while...I spiced it up with a new pillow.
This shelving unit was in my office upstairs and I didn't think I was going to use it, but then realized the Junior Cubes fit PERFECTLY...so it is a keeper! Now just have to get some in BOLD BLOOM.
My pink box corner.... Best $99 I ever spent!
This cabinet belonged to my grandparents....and has special meaning to me. We decided to not do anything besides change the knobs on the doors. It is just like it was when my Granny K passed away. Even her notes are inside on the door. :)
So there you have it....my office makeover. Now back to work!
Hi all! I am back! Ok ok...I know I said that before....but I am for real this time! I really miss the blog world and what better way to write down my thoughts and hopefully get some feedback.
So my question is...do you blog or vlog? I am going to be doing both and I am super excited about it! I am also going to be sharing this blog with the facebook world so they can get a better idea of who I am and what I am up to.
SUPER excited! Missed my blog friends! You girls know who you are and I can't wait to reconnect!
So what's on the agenda today?!?! Well, it is Saturday....so I am headed off to party with a FABULOUS new hostess and her friends. I really can't wait to meet this group of ladies as I have never partied with them before. The bonus is they live about 10 minutes from my house...so VERY excited!
This afternoon we will be putting the finishing touches on our entryway. Did you know my hubby built a new office for me right off our entryway?! Yep! New wall, flooring, paint and all! I promised to share pictures soon.
We have been taking it slow....finally putting the new sealer on the floors today and hope to begin furniture placement late tomorrow/Monday.
PHEW! I had better get my act together as I have invited my Sparkling Stars team over to my house for dinner Monday night! Sorry girls! It won't be completely set up, but will give you a taste of what is to come.
And then...as I say that....I am trying not to get to attached. Our plans are to put our house on the market this spring/summer. Where are we headed? Not sure....but I am actually excited for a new adventure.
So hold tight! You all will be some of the first to find out!
Hoping you all have a fabulous day!
PS- Wanted to share part of my devotion from this morning....
LET MY LOVE ENFOLD YOU in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with ME transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.
How awesome is that?! Praise God for his abundant blessings!
Thanks so much for the warm welcome back! I am happy to be back and look forward to catching up with everyone!
I don't know about you...but one thing I LOVE getting...is HAPPY MAIL! I also LOVE sending HAPPY MAIL to my team, family, friends, etc. There is nothing better than getting a card/fun gift in the mail just because you were thinking of them. So much better than bills or junk mail!
So today...I am going to mail....FLIP FLOPS! How fun is that to get in the mail!?! 4 of my directors are SUPER close to earning the Leadership Incentive Trip with Thirty-One to the Domican Republic...so I want to mail them a little fun mail to let them know I can't wait to see them there.
Not sure how they will hold up in the mail...but figured it is worth a shot! Will keep you posted!
Wow! Has it really been that long? It sure has! Decided that since I am now working from home...it's time to get back into blogging. Just going to be myself...nothing special here...just me....sharing what is going on in my world.
I really can't believe that Easter is this weekend!!! Thankful that April is almost here! Don't know about you...but I am over the snow. I have enjoyed having snow this year...but it is time for sunny days!
I began working from home in mid-December. Thirty-One Gifts has been an amazing gift to me and I was able to quit my job and run my own business from home. I have been loving every minute and I honestly don't know how I was trying to do two jobs!
I have been blessed with 168 amazing ladies on my team and we just keep growing and growing. Our goal is to be the fastest growing team in history of the company! BIG plans...I know! But with God all things are possible.
For the first time ever, I can honestly say that I feel like I am exactly where I am suppose to be. It is the BEST feeling ever doing something that I love and am so passionate about!
With working from home, I have found time for ME also. I am working out at a gym, eating healthier (or at least trying to), Miss Bella (the puggle) loves having her momma home, and I joined a Bible Study. I am working on possibly joining a networking group and also looking to volunteer...but still working all those details out.
So that is what's been going on with me...here's to an amazing SPRING!
I am offering a FREE Top A Tote to one lucky person who places an online order between today and Tuesday, June 5th! You will even be able to pick which color you want! All orders must be placed online!!! And your credit cards will not be charged until Wednesday, June 6th when I close the order.
Don't forget to take advantage of our June Customer Special too! You could get two Large Utility Totes for $45.00!! (A savings of $25.00!!)
Besides working on Thirty-One...I have been super busy with family and friends. This spring has flown by!! We have enjoyed having my brother and his family in town a couple of times and LOVED spending time with them on Mother's Day.
My nephews and niece are growing up so fast. And I LOVE being their Auntie! In fact, I am babysitting two of them this evening and I can hardly wait!
We have also spent almost every Friday evening and weekend with our neighbors. It is great living in a Cul-de-sac! We all gather on Friday evenings after work and the kids play outside and we just hang out and talk and have a few adult beverages. We have even done a group outing to a Brewfest. This weekend one of the little boys on the street is turning 5...so we are headed to his birthday party on Sunday. Never a dull moment with 11 kiddos living on the street. We have lots of plans for the summer with our neighbors- bbqs, block party and even talks of Chiefs game gatherings. So much fun!
And then there is Miss Bella who LOVES the kids on the street...and has been enjoying some rides this spring too.
Never a dull moment I tell ya! We have a very busy summer planned...heading to Idaho for Hubby's brothers wedding, travelling to Atlanta for Thirty-One's National Conference, and going on an Alaska cruise (for free!!! thanks to 31) over Labor Day.
I love spring and am ready for summer!! And even ready for games this fall! Check it out!
Wondering where I have been lately?? Well...I have been super busy with my Thirty-One business and team..we have now reached 90 amazing ladies from all over! I am having so much fun, enjoying every minute and feel so blessed with this opportunity!
Right now...through NEXT THURSDAY, May 31st. We have this AMAZING incentive going on right now..and I just wanted to share it with you all.
You can start your own Thirty-One business for FREE! New Consultants who join anytime between now and Thursday, May 31, 2012, can earn a $99.00 rebate on their enrollment kit. What does that mean??? $300.00 worth of products for FREE! It seriously doesn't get any better than this!!
Whether you're looking for the blessing of meeting new friends, finding new paths to personal growth or financial rewards like paying monthly bills, Thirty-One is perfect for you! Open your world to Thirty-One, and here are just a few of the opportunities you'll find:
A faith-based company devoted to supporting and encouraging women
Trend-setting products that appeal to all ages, plus affordable personalization
Self-paced online training
Parties where friends gather to have fun without high-pressure sales pitches
Online parties and online ordering capabilities
Online customer and Consultant referral
Special rewards and discounts
Partnering with our enthusiastic Home Office staff and other Thirty-One Consultants
This business can change your life! I'll be there to guide you on your personal journey to success as YOU define it. Click below to enroll and let's get started!
Want to know more or want to sign up now?? GO HERE -SIGN UP NOW
If there is one thing I love about our Thirty-One products...it is that there are so many ideas for gifts. I wanted to share a few photos with you of different bridal party ideas.
Why not give the Bride a Survival Kit for her big day. The All in One Organizer is PERFECT for this...and you can even include a small black rosette clip to add some SUPER CUTENESS to it.
The ruffled zipper pouches are PERFECT for the bridal party to carry all their goodies to and from the wedding and reception. They make a GREAT gift for them helping the bride on her special day.
The picture here...I LOVE. First..I am such a RED color fan! This organizing utility tote makes the perfect gift for the new bride. It comes with 7 pockets and I love that they have added the new MRS. name to the bag. How excited the bride must have been to receive this!
And then finally....our umbrellas....well....they are just the best! SUPER BIG...and the fact that they can be personalized....they just make the PERFECT bridal party gift.
So there you have it...some bridal party gift ideas. Need more?? I would love to help you out??
I am back to blogging..but will be blogging about what I love. And what I LOVE is my job with Thirty-One Gifts and all the products that we carry!! Want more info?? Message me!
All is well in our house hold. Hubs and I just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! Can you believe it?? These 7 years have FLOWN by! We are trying to decide where and when to take our FREE Carnival Cruise...it's a toss up. I would really love to go somewhere warm in the next few months. However, he wants to wait and go on an Alaska cruise later this summer. Hoping we make a decision soon as we have to use it by November!
I am happy to report that we are NOT moving!! Praise the LORD! The offer came back for Hubs..and it was better than expected. He still had a hard time making the "FINAL" decision...was it the right thing to do, what if Texas was better, etc. I knew in my heart that God had truly answered our prayers and am SO thankful to each of you for praying for us. I was so at peace about the entire thing...and trusted God that he had it under control.
So....now I feel like we can start PLANNING our next year. FINALLY! We are heading to St. Louis this coming weekend to meet our newest nephew..and I can hardly wait. My poor brother has been having some issues with his stomach and back...so hoping that he begins to feel better soon and is able to enjoy being a daddy to his new little boy.
I packed the final Christmas items away last night. I had left some on Y's bed...and happily stuffed them into his closet till next year. What a relief! And I now have the urge to deep clean the house...it's time.
Lots of changes have been happening at my FT job. The company I work for depends on cold weather..a lot...and for most of us..it hasn't been as cold as is needed to help things stay a float. Many of my friends were let go a couple of weeks ago...and I honestly feel like I am hanging on by a thread.
My prayer is that I can hang on till next December/January. At that time, we will be able to switch our insurance from my company to Hub's company. At that time, I hope to be two leadership levels higher with Thirty-One and will be working full time from home. I am so excited about this! Less than a year left! WOO HOO!
I am blessed with an amazing group of women on my team. I am so thankful for each and every member of my team. I can hardly wait to meet many of them who live far away at our National Conference in Atlanta, GA this fall. It is going to be one big GIRLS WEEKEND! Now with a larger team, I have started to see many of our fabulous ladies fulfilling their dreams and goals. Many are paying off debt, getting some much needed mommy breaks, donating to amazing organizations, and I believe we even have a couple who are going to be quitting their full time jobs to stay at home with their kids. What a blessing Thirty-One is! I am honored to be called their leader and I LOVE helping them achieve their goals no matter how big or small they are.
Hubs and I are now in the planning stages of our FREE cruise! Really...yes! It's FREE! We haven't decided if we want to do the Caribbean or a cruise over in Europe. (Yes...I know..stay away from the cruise line that just sank!). I hope to get this finalized by the end of the month. The Europe cruise would be longer....and not till the end of June. The Caribbean cruise we would be able to take sooner...so we'll see what decision we make.
That about wraps it up from here! I am still drinking 1-2 Body By Vi shakes a day. I crave my Mocha Latte in the morning...and always feel better if I have an Orange Julius for lunch. Down 4 lbs and holding steady..I have let myself slack a little...but still feeling great!
"It is precisely because we do not know what the next turn of the page will bring that we nourish our hearts now." ~John Eldredge
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. ~1 Chron. 16:11
Focusing on this right now. This next week is a BIG week. If you could stop for even just a brief moment to pray for us,we would appreciate it. I have put this out in the Facebook world to our family and friends, but wanted to share it here as well.
As many of you know, Hub's company has been sold. The acquiring date is the end of this month and we have been in limbo for nearly three months now...not knowing if he can apply...not knowing if he has a job...what his salary will be...etc. During this time, he has taken steps to try and come up with a back up plan, in case the current job doesn't pan out.
He interviewed and was offered two jobs...both in TX. The first job..he declined. The second job...well the company is willing to wait on Hubs and find out what his current job offers before he has to accept/decline their offer. It is a good offer...that comes with lots of new excitement and adventure. The killer is that it is away from my family......from everything we know and have grown to love...including our home, neighbors, co-workers, 31 team, etc.
So...here we are...the weekend before the "official job offer/job decline letter" is delivered to him next week. We have no idea what it will say, however we are pretty hopeful he will be offered a job. HOWEVER, the big kicker is that we are really worried that this new job offer will be a DRASTIC cut in his salary.
If the cut in his salary is BIG...he will be accepting the TX offer. If the salary is the same, we will be staying put. I have been relatively calm and ok abut the entire thing..until just a few days ago. Reality of trying to pack up and move set in. The truth is that he would go before me and we would be making the long distance relationship work again until we could get our home sold. Sounds like so much...sounds like more than I can handle...but I am praying for God's will. For his plan, is far greater than mine.
Will this take us to a new place? Or will it keep us here? Will you just pray that we will both be at peace with the decision that is made and that we will both know right away what the right decision is.
Thank you. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.
I promise to keep you posted as soon as we know something.
PS- Our weightloss challenge is going great!! I am really loving the shakes!
Happy New Year to you all! I hope that you all had a wonderful time celebrating New Year's Eve! We spent the weekend in NYC! No..we aren't at Times Square for the ball drop, but we did enjoy seeing some friends and sightseeing, as well as doing some Thirty-One business while we were there.
We are not settled back in at home. I still have yet to take down the Christmas decorations. Gasp!!! I have thought about it this evening and think I may wait another week. We have at least that long to find out if we will choose to stay in our current home or move to a new city. I figure, why pack things up until I know for sure what our plans will be.
Now that we are back into the swing of things at home, we have made the decision to work on getting fit and healthy in 2012. So...beginning tomorrow we are joining a 90 day weight loss challenge. I have decided that since I have been horrible about blogging...this might help me also get back into the swing of things...if I blog about my experience.
So you can look for my first posting tomorrow about what I eat, experience, etc...and little tid bits about our lives here too.
If you are interested in joining the challenge, you can check out my husband's website for more info.
Today I am sitting on a plane flying back from Tampa, Florida. It is December and Christmas will be here before we know it. Obviously when you are in mid air, you have lots of time to think. That is what I am doing.
God is moving in my life. I can feel it. I finally feel a since of direction with what I am suppose to be doing in my life. And today is when I wish my Grandma was still around. I would have called her from the airport and shared my excitement with her. I would have told her about the amazing women I spent the weekend with and how supportive and encouraging they are. How I learned so much about myself and what type of leader I want to be for my ever growing team. How his company I am a Director for is changing lives and all about the virtuous woman. How I desire to be just like that and how I much admired her and how when I think of the virtuous woman in the bible I am reminded of her.
Instead, I have decided to write it down for you all to read.
I left on Friday morning for a director's retreat and am coming back home feeling refreshed, renewed, connected and excited about 2012. God has lead me on a path with Thirty-One that I once only dreamed of being on. I have met new friends and leaders that I am forever grateful for now having in my life.
You see this journey I am on is so much more than just selling handbags and totes. It is growing me into who God has called me to be- Dana Tracy. I do not have to be like anyone else, I don't want to be like everyone else. I want to be my own unique self. He is molding and shaping me into who he desires me to be.
Life has had its ups and downs lately. It always does. God doesn't promise it is going to be easy. What he does promise us is that he is with us always. He has been with me through each and every step and has brought amazing women in my life to pray for me, love me, listen to me, mentor me and more.
If you are not familiar with Thirty-One, our name is based off of Proverbs. Our motto is to Celebrate, Encourage and Reward those around us. I have never been a part of anything like this, but my time I have with my team members, fellow consultants, leaders and home office staff continues to put me in awe. God is using Cindy Monroe, our founder and her husband and this company in BIG ways.
I am so excited to be a part of this! I am blessed beyond words and will be forever grateful.
So if you haven't noticed by now...my Thirty-One Red Hots team has been growing like crazy...and with that being said...I have outgrown my "green" office. Hubs and I talked about it as soon as I got back from conference and decided that I needed to move my office into the largest of our 3 extra bedrooms and make my office the "guest" room, as well as switch out my stepson's bed...and give him the queen instead of the double.
ANYWAYS...that is what we started working on Friday night. It took two coats of Primer to get the green to go away...and the chalkboard...oh my! What a mess that made! I will never use chalkboard paint again...at least..not directly on a wall.
It took forever to get this room to looking good....and I hid lots of the blemishes/flaws with things on the wall. As you can tell, the room is jam packed...but I think it turned out really good. Please excuse the blurry pictures...as I used my phone for all the pictures.
I will have room in the closet to store my sewing machine and all of my sewing material.....no more a combined office/sewing room.
Then it was onto moving the queen bed into "Y" room....fits nicely in there..and I know he will appreciate the bigger/comfier bed. :)
I had to find a home for a few more items...so I thought this turned out well in the hallway. My grandparents mirror that hung in their home...I spray painted it and turned it a different direction. And then their cute table that they had too. Such a warm reminder of them...going to their home and seeing them.
After that was all done..I was exhausted...and Hubs started feeling sick. Our allergies really took a toll on us yesterday..it was lounge around...blow your nose kind of day...the office is not complete...but the painting is at least done. And I love it! It is call Light French Gray. Very soothing and pretty.
The desk is still sitting out in our hallway and I have to move all the Thirty-One stuff I have in "Y"s closet into this closet...This room will be my Thirty-One office. Nothing else will be in here...and I am SUPER excited about that! Hubs has also offered to build me a set of 6 ft by 6ft shelving to go along one wall...
I really can't wait to get this room organized and decorated. Plus..I love the vaulted ceiling and having two windows that look out to the front of our house..I am kind of in my own private wing of the house.
So..there you have it...still have lots to do...but progress is definitely being made! My goal is to be working from this office full time next year at this time. Cannot wait!
Oh..and the best part about all of this.....it cost me $37.00 to do this switcharoo! Can't beat that!
Well we got back from vacation several weeks ago and I have been in a whirlwind ever since! National Conference was AMAZING!! One of the most amazing experiences I have EVER had.
Before conference, we headed to St. Louis to see this sweet girl. Miss P...is just wonderful! Auntie D & Uncle M love her to pieces! She was so good while we were there and I loved watching her try and walk around and make all her fun noises. My sweet niece is just precious!
Of course..it was great to be at my brother's house...they have done a great job with decorating and making it feel nice and cozy.
Of course...it was great getting to see my brother and sil too! Aw....there little family of three...soon to be four!
Her red hair is getting long...and I see her looking like both my brother and sil. When she wrinkles her nose it is my favorite!
After a fun weekend with them..we headed on to Columbus, OH for Thirty-One Gifts National Conference. Here is part of our team from all over! Our shirts say..."We are all about the WOO HOO!".
Above is my only team member that was able to attend....Jodie was one of my very first consultants!! Hard to believe that in a year...I now have 30 fabulous ladies under me...WOW! Feel super blessed!
While at conference I learned a TON and met some wonderful women...Thirty-One sisters. My favorite part though was meeting my LEAD coach from Home Office. Sara helps me every Monday on our call together...goodness...she helps me sort things out that I am going through....and I am SO thankful to have her on this journey with me. I had to just run up and give her a big ole hug....loved meeting her face to face!
Another person I was so excited to meet was the founder, Cindy Monroe. She was so sincere and genuine...I look forward to having my picture taken with her many many more times in the years to come. :)
Of course...conference wouldn't be amazing without the new reveal of our Fall Catalog! IT IS AMAZING! If you haven't seen it yet...let me know..I will mail you one!! LOVE IT ALL! They just keep getting better and better! You can also view it by going to my website at: www.mythirtyone.com/danat
We also received TONS of great amentities for FREE just for attending conference...I felt truly spoiled when we left...
Above are just a few more pictures...we were taken on a Home Office tour...which was fascinating to see the HUGE warehouse that we ship out of....truly awesome to see the thousands of boxes!
I could go on and on...but I wanted to document this all and share a bit about my experience.
A couple more of my favorite parts:
1. The Praise and Worship music we had between our breaks at the Nationwide Arena...almost seemed like a Women of Faith conference....I absolutely LOVE the fact that this is a Faith Based company....and that they take that very seriously....God is doing amazing things...he is on the move with this company for sure!
2. Despite not wanting to really go....my Husband was a TROOPER...he was one of two guys on the tour bus with 40 some other women....He sat at our banquet table and was the only man there....he met other men...and socialized a bit....and was just supportive of me and my endeavor. He knows how much this means to me...and he did it all for me...yes he may have grumbled a bit about it...but he was there..and he stuck it out. In fact...he has more ideas now than ever for my business!
3. The training at conference was worth every moment and penny I spent. They had the most amazing speakers....
I am still reviewing all my notes and trying to put them into practice.
I have been on cloud nine since we got back! The catalog is amazing....my team is growing...and my calendar is almost completely full for the fall! WOW!
I told Hubs last night...58 days till Cancun...thanks to Thirty-One...and I am going to need a vacation after my busy month of parties in September! I can hardly wait!
Loving every minute!
Hope you are all having wonderful day...and that it is cooler where you are!
Coming this weekend...office remodel....more to come on that...but it is going to be some work...for sure!
I have been married to my Hubby for 9 years. I am a stepmom to "Y" who is now a teenager and I am a doggie mama to our puggle, Bella. I am also an Aunt (aka Auntie D) to my 3 handsome princes and 1 princess.
I am an Independent Senior Director for Thirty-One Gifts. Need a personalized gift? I would love to help you find just the right one. I love working for this company! I am blessed. :)
I love to sew, watch I Love Lucy, hang out with my family, travel, drink Diet Vanilla Coke and Dunkin Donuts coffee and most importantly Jesus. I can be found in the kitchen a lot too as I love to bake and cook meals for our family and friends.
I have loved decorating it and making it feel like home. I am a midwestern girl with a heart for southern food and southern styles.
Want to know more..just ask!
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dana_tracy@yahoo.com
