Shortly before my son was born, I left my job at the bird store I'd worked at for quite some time. Since then, I've been a stay at home mom. Honestly, I love being a stay at home mom, because I get to be with little mister C every day. I get to witness all his milestones, along with all of his silly antics along the way. But I won't lie, it has it's moments when I'd love to get away for a day and work a regular job. I do miss work. I've never not worked since I was 16. So some days I do go stir crazy. I have kept C busy with swimming, toddler gymnastics, messy art, and various other activities that get us out and about. And I love it all. But sometimes, Mommy needs some me time. This deployment in particular has tested my limits a lot, and needless to say, I'm grateful that it's almost over. Just a few more weeks and my pirate will be home.
In the mean time, however, I've looked into going back to work eventually. But, the downside to that is not being home with C and missing out on all the things he manages to surprise me with every day. Day care here is also crazy expensive, and for a long time, I couldn't justify working a full time job just for the entire paycheck, and then some out of pocket, to go to paying for day care. Defeats the purpose. So in my quest to figure out a way to earn a little extra income from home, some friends suggested I look into Thirty-One Gifts. I was highly intrigued. Not only would it allow me to work from home, but I could set my own hours, work as much or as little as I wanted, and I could still spend time with C. So in June 2012, I bit the bullet and signed up to become an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
I'm sure some of you are probably wondering what Thirty-One really is. It's a direct sales company, like Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, etc. I'm so NOT a kitchen person, so something like Pampered Chef and Tupperware were out. Mary Kay? Well, for those who know me, I'm not a girly girl, I don't wear makeup, nor do I know anything about it! But Thirty-One, I found that practical, and months later, I still feel that way. I love that it's all based on organization, from organizing your home to your car to your office. They have bags and utility totes for just about everything. They're versatile and useful, for everything from hauling groceries or camping supplies to sports gear and diaper bags. What more could I ask for in a product?
Another thing I love about Thirty-One is that they are all about encouraging and rewarding women. I love being rewarded for a job well done, and feeling like I matter. I'm a shy person by nature, and being a consultant has helped me build up a little more confidence. I'm gaining a little more confidence every day. Another great thing is that they love to reward their hostesses for great parties with credit for free items, half-price items, and hostess exclusives that you can only get by hosting a party. Who doesn't want FREE stuff???
It's been an interesting journey, and one that I hope to continue. It's allowed me to meet new people and work as much or as little as I want. Allowed me to spend as much time with little C as I want. And not only do I find their products useful and beneficial, but I use them myself. I enjoy working for a company where I can be my own boss, and stand behind a product I would use myself. If it wasn't something I would use, why sell it? I love Thirty-One!
If you'd like to know more, visit my website for more info!
Along this journey, I've also recently discovered a new little company called Damsel In Defense, of which I have also just joined and I can't wait for this journey to begin! Damsel In Defense believes in equipping, empowering, and educating women about self defense products and self defense education. DID wants to provide women with products that they actually feel comfortable using should a situation arise in which they need to defend themselves. They WANT women to feel comfortable about arming themselves. And let's face it, walking into a gun shop or otherwise to purchase self defense items isn't always enticing to a woman, it's rather intimidating. So what better way than to take that intimidation away than by hosting a party with your closest friends right in your own home?
Food for thought... 1 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime and college age women are 4 times more likely to be assaulted. Every 2 minutes, someone in the US is sexually assaulted, and approximately 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.
Scary isn't it? Enter Damsel In Defense, a company wanting to make women feel more secure in protecting themselves. One of the things I love about DID is that their products are not only functional, but are cute and sassy. One stun gun is even disguised as a cell phone and another as a lipstick. To me, that's a lot less intimidating than a regular stun gun, and no one would even be the wiser that you had it. DID even offers a door alarm to use at home or in a hotel that sounds off at 120 decibels to wake you up should someone try and open your door.
Are you a hair dresser, office clerk, nurse, college student? Often finding yourself walking to your car late at night in the dark? Are you a military spouse often home alone for months while your spouse is deployed? Do you know a woman in any of these situations? If you can answer yes, then be sure to check out Damsel In Defense. They offer products for just such a thing, from pepper spray and kubotans to personal alarms, emergency auto tools, and stun guns. Granted, pepper spray and stun guns are not legal in all states, so please be aware of your state laws. It's also smart for any woman to take a self defense course of some sort, to better equip herself when using self defense weapons.
If you'd love to know more about Damsel In Defense, be sure to check out my website for more info!
Note: The views expressed here are solely my own and not those of Thirty-One Gifts or Damsel In Defense.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Playing Catch Up
I realized today that it's been months since I've updated my blog. These last months have flown by since my pirate left on deployment in August. My 2 year old and I have managed to keep busy with things like toddler gymnastics, messy art class, visiting Stay and Play, taking in the Mystic Aquarium, and visiting friends. My parents came to visit at Christmas, and it was great having them here for the week. While little mister and I do stay busy, it can get monotonous, so my parents' visit was a nice change from the daily goings on of mommy and toddler.
Let's see, since the last time I posted, the boys on the boat got all of their totes and Project Prov. was a huge success. I still can't believe how so many people came together to show their support for our boys. They did take lots of pictures, but we haven't received any, yet, as they're on the ship's camera, so we have to wait until they return home to get to see how the delivery went. I received so many kind words from wives and the crew about how much they enjoyed the goodies, and I am forever grateful for all the the help received in making this project a success. To those of you who helped, thank you. I am forever humbled by your generosity. The boys are now finally on their way home, and will be here in a few short weeks. I know there is a little boy who can't wait to see his daddy. And neither can I, so let the countdown begin!
In January, my 2 year old, myself, and a very good friend took our very first international trip overseas to Paris, France! We were originally supposed to go and see the pirate, but of course, at the last minute their boat schedule was changed and he didn't get to meet us in Paris as planned. But... it's ok. We still went and had an amazing time. A truly awe-inspiring experience that I will never forget. Instead of staying in a hotel, we rented an apartment for the week, and let me just say, if we ever make it back to Paris some day, we'll stay in a rental again! Our apartment provided us with a full kitchen, as well as a washer and dryer, which meant less clothes we had to pack which made suitcases lighter. And, since we had the kitchen, it gave us the perfect opportunity to check out local open markets where we could bring home all sorts of goodies and cook meals in the apartment. We also discovered just up on the corner from our apartment was a little bakery with the most spectacular paninis and pastries. What better way to experience the culture??? The food was simply wonderful. We also lucked out in that the subway was just around the corner, and it provided us a way to get to just about anywhere in the city we wanted to go. From the Eiffel Tower to a boat ride down the Seine, from Notre Dame to the Arc du Triomphe and the Louvre. And even a short train ride to the palace of Versailles. So many sights to behold, and no hotel would have provided us with such a great experience. My only regret was that my husband couldn't be there with us, but that gives us the chance to go back and visit together some day, which I fully intend to do. Maybe next time we'll visit more than just Paris!
Now... we just wait our pirate's return!
Let's see, since the last time I posted, the boys on the boat got all of their totes and Project Prov. was a huge success. I still can't believe how so many people came together to show their support for our boys. They did take lots of pictures, but we haven't received any, yet, as they're on the ship's camera, so we have to wait until they return home to get to see how the delivery went. I received so many kind words from wives and the crew about how much they enjoyed the goodies, and I am forever grateful for all the the help received in making this project a success. To those of you who helped, thank you. I am forever humbled by your generosity. The boys are now finally on their way home, and will be here in a few short weeks. I know there is a little boy who can't wait to see his daddy. And neither can I, so let the countdown begin!
In January, my 2 year old, myself, and a very good friend took our very first international trip overseas to Paris, France! We were originally supposed to go and see the pirate, but of course, at the last minute their boat schedule was changed and he didn't get to meet us in Paris as planned. But... it's ok. We still went and had an amazing time. A truly awe-inspiring experience that I will never forget. Instead of staying in a hotel, we rented an apartment for the week, and let me just say, if we ever make it back to Paris some day, we'll stay in a rental again! Our apartment provided us with a full kitchen, as well as a washer and dryer, which meant less clothes we had to pack which made suitcases lighter. And, since we had the kitchen, it gave us the perfect opportunity to check out local open markets where we could bring home all sorts of goodies and cook meals in the apartment. We also discovered just up on the corner from our apartment was a little bakery with the most spectacular paninis and pastries. What better way to experience the culture??? The food was simply wonderful. We also lucked out in that the subway was just around the corner, and it provided us a way to get to just about anywhere in the city we wanted to go. From the Eiffel Tower to a boat ride down the Seine, from Notre Dame to the Arc du Triomphe and the Louvre. And even a short train ride to the palace of Versailles. So many sights to behold, and no hotel would have provided us with such a great experience. My only regret was that my husband couldn't be there with us, but that gives us the chance to go back and visit together some day, which I fully intend to do. Maybe next time we'll visit more than just Paris!
Now... we just wait our pirate's return!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Project Providence Part 2
Hello everyone! As many of you know, I recently started a project to send all the sailors of the USS Providence care packages. It has been quite the under taking and so much work, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am truly humbled and amazed at how well this project has come together.
Throughout this journey over the last couple of weeks, I've talked to so many people. From friends and family to complete strangers across the country, and even members of other branches of the military, people have come together from all walks of life to support Project Providence. It has been so amazing to see it unfold.
Our original goal was to raise $4,000, but that included not only the totes we needed to buy for our guys, but all the goodies needed to fill them. Our plan was to send every individual crew member a care package. And that is still our plan, one way or another, we're gonna make it.
I am so thrilled to tell you though, that our new goal has changed from $4,000 to $2,900. Why is that? Because so many people have come together to make sure this project succeeds. People from all over our country have rallied to send us countless goodies to fill the totes. We've received boxes of fruit snacks, trail mix, gum, Wonka candies, Sour Patch candies, decks of cards, toothbrushes, combs, and dental floss. And that's not all, there is more on the way! Teddy Grahams, crackers and peanut butter, pop tarts, ball point pens, Wet Ones wipes... just to name a few! We have also raised $1,540 toward our goal of $2,900!
The cards, letters, and even drawings from kids are rolling in as well. Every time I look at them, I get emotional and teary. To stop and think about how many strangers care about our boys and support what they do, and that they too are just as thankful as I am for their sacrifices. It's unreal.
It's just the most amazing thing to witness, and to know that I had a part in it is quite humbling. It's been an emotional journey, and sometimes overwhelming. But all in a good way. I am just in awe at the generosity of others. At how complete strangers can come together for one common cause, because they want to help me support our sailors. There really are no words that even come close to explaining how I feel. I am just so truly thankful for all of the amazing people I have met on this journey. Project Prov. would not be happening without any of them. I thank my lucky stars every day for all of them. Every single one.
We still have about 4 days until our deadline to meet our goal. And we can use all the help we can get. If you would like to help us send care packages to our sailors, please check out Project Prov. on Facebook. There, you will find all sorts of information on our project, as well as photos of what we have going on with donations.
Donations are greatly appreciated. Even if it's just $5. Every little bit helps. We are just so grateful for everything and everyone. We are truly blessed. Thank you to everyone who has helped us with this great journey. With kindness, all things ARE possible!
Love,
Diane
Throughout this journey over the last couple of weeks, I've talked to so many people. From friends and family to complete strangers across the country, and even members of other branches of the military, people have come together from all walks of life to support Project Providence. It has been so amazing to see it unfold.
Our original goal was to raise $4,000, but that included not only the totes we needed to buy for our guys, but all the goodies needed to fill them. Our plan was to send every individual crew member a care package. And that is still our plan, one way or another, we're gonna make it.
I am so thrilled to tell you though, that our new goal has changed from $4,000 to $2,900. Why is that? Because so many people have come together to make sure this project succeeds. People from all over our country have rallied to send us countless goodies to fill the totes. We've received boxes of fruit snacks, trail mix, gum, Wonka candies, Sour Patch candies, decks of cards, toothbrushes, combs, and dental floss. And that's not all, there is more on the way! Teddy Grahams, crackers and peanut butter, pop tarts, ball point pens, Wet Ones wipes... just to name a few! We have also raised $1,540 toward our goal of $2,900!
The cards, letters, and even drawings from kids are rolling in as well. Every time I look at them, I get emotional and teary. To stop and think about how many strangers care about our boys and support what they do, and that they too are just as thankful as I am for their sacrifices. It's unreal.
It's just the most amazing thing to witness, and to know that I had a part in it is quite humbling. It's been an emotional journey, and sometimes overwhelming. But all in a good way. I am just in awe at the generosity of others. At how complete strangers can come together for one common cause, because they want to help me support our sailors. There really are no words that even come close to explaining how I feel. I am just so truly thankful for all of the amazing people I have met on this journey. Project Prov. would not be happening without any of them. I thank my lucky stars every day for all of them. Every single one.
We still have about 4 days until our deadline to meet our goal. And we can use all the help we can get. If you would like to help us send care packages to our sailors, please check out Project Prov. on Facebook. There, you will find all sorts of information on our project, as well as photos of what we have going on with donations.
Donations are greatly appreciated. Even if it's just $5. Every little bit helps. We are just so grateful for everything and everyone. We are truly blessed. Thank you to everyone who has helped us with this great journey. With kindness, all things ARE possible!
Love,
Diane
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)