I've done it again

It's time for a story :)

Way back when I was in school...not sure which school since I moved a few times.  There was a fundraiser or something that had a kit. I remember taking that box around to everyone and selling the heck out of it.  Someone even said to me you're going to be a fantastic sales person one day.  Of course back then I was just thrilled to hear that I had done something positive!!  (I'm pretty sure the only teacher that ever liked me was my first grade teacher .....after that I drove them all crazy.)

So...being who I am ...I was like there is no way I'll be a salesman/or saleswoman! I struggle with walking up to people and knowing what to say.  And I'm really shy when I first meet someone.... I like to say I keep my pie hole shut until it's safe to open it :)   Don't forget I'm a southern girl ....we use all sorts of phrases like that!!
The point of my story is....I guess I really am a salesman/woman.  I could start with the most current....but lets start at the beginning.


It's no secret that my main goal in life was to get married and have children (& be happy).  At the age of 10 I was already thinking of my future....maybe it started out as an escape from reality.  Anywho....  I started my hope chest way before most....what can I say....it's who I am.

So....here it comes....I became a Tupperware demonstrator at 18 and I sold enough to build my hope chest full of tupperware.  After that it was Princess House and although I never became a demonstrator...I had enough book parties to get one of everything.
I took a break after that...moved out on my own and money was very tight!  
Then I got married...had children and what did I do.... Signed up with Tupperware again...but this time is was harder to sell ....people had moved on.  So, then I tried Creative Memories.   When I started that it was like a light bulb moment.  I love taking pictures and I've kept journals all my life.  And at the time I said I had found what I was always looking for....it was perfect!!
But the restrictions of being limited to only using their product forced me to look elsewhere.  After 17 albums I told my family that can you see me when I'm 80 saying yeah all these albums look the same because I wasn't allowed to use anything else.  (After you've used the same sticker 5 or 6 times...it's time to move on.) Plus who can resist chalks & eyelets (very popular back when I quit).  I love simple...but there are times I need flare and stickers & die cuts wasn't cutting it for me.
Then I tried Southern Living at Home.  I had subscribed to Southern Living forever!!  So I thought it would be a good fit.  But I found it difficult to get shows and when I did product was on backorder for along long time.  I remember having to call what few customers I had and tell them it was on major backorder.   If you know me I can't handle service like that so that ended that.
I tried Pampered Chef and I love their products but by the time I jumped in....the market in this area is saturated!!


Next.... Stampin' Up!   My good scrapbooking friend moved away and she called me one day from New York and said "you've got to go to a Stampin' Up! workshop".  She knows me well!!  At the time I was VP of our PTO so I remembered hearing that the historian was a SU demo.  So, I called her and said.... "Can I come over and see how to stamp" And then I said "I want to see it all...I'm not the kind of person that wants to see just a black inkpad & coloring...I want to see it all".  She said come on over and we spent one hour with her showing me everything.  
Of course I was hooked at first site...but I like to do my homework.  So, that was a Friday.....and over the wekened I drove to the Memory Garden the Scrapbook Page, then to three different Michaels and two Hobby Lobbys.   No one had what the Stampin' Up! catalog had to offer.  I of course signed up as soon as I could and the rest of the story is....it will be 8 years Oct. 30th.
I'm still in love with everything and although there have been some bumps along the way I love what I'm doing.


But back to the whole point of this story...I thought it was more about paper crafts...since I love them so much.  But I think some of it is sales.  I've admitted in the past that I like sales but the more I think about it the more I think I could sell anything that I love.  (Like apple computers or my ipad.)


So why did I share the mini story....because this week I signed up to be a Tastefully Simple demonstrator :)  are you shaking your head?  do you want to know why?   I can't really tell you except that I wanted to....the kit was $99 and I decided why not.   My plan is not to make it a business (although they may kick me out for saying that).  I just want to be able to sell enough to be a demo so I can send cool food packages to my family. For example a few years back I sent packages to everyone in our family (for Christmas).  It was so easy because all I had to do was order it & have it sent to a different address and they can put a note on it that it's from me :)

So, family of mine....if you're reading this....yes this year you are getting Tastefully Simple care packages again. 
Not to make you all feel bad but can you believe out of all the family I have ....not one them has anything to do with papercrafting. It's sad thinking about it .....but I've accepted it and I'm sure the next generation will be different (hint hint nieces & nephews).


So, here's a little tidbit of info ....just in case you want to order something.  The website works very differently.  My link will take you to my Tastefully Simple website page but you need my name or id number to order. (ID #0109194)  Not sure why...since I just joined but I thought I should mention that just in case.  Please do not feel pressured to order anything!! I'm just trying this out....and I'm excited that I will have some food on hand when we need it....you know what I mean?   The Black bean salsa over chicken breast in the oven only takes 45 minutes and it's yummy over a salad or some rice.

Have a great weekend!!


p.s. My whole body hurts today....training was very intense yesterday but I'm excited to lose weight. I think I may go join Weight Watchers to help me with my food.  I'm struggling with that!!