Wealth Building Challenge! Week #1

There are many things you can do to build a successful business.  I encourage you to participate in our 9 week challenge as I share strategies to build your business on a solid foundation.

Week #1 challenge

Identify 10 locations where you will deliver brochures every campaign.   This could be your doctor’s office, your child’s day care or schools, your office, stores, etc.   Start with places you normally would go anyway.  Ask your customers if you can bring them a new brochure while they are at work.  This gives you the opportunity to offer brochures to their co-workers.  

The key to this is consistency.  They should expect to see you at least once per month.   Choose a specific day of each campaign where you will deliver brochures.   Keep a list of locations you will deliver brochures to so that you can keep up with them.   As you continue to build your business, continue to add at least one new locations to your distribution route every campaign.   The more locations you deliver brochures to, brochures you will distribute, the more customers you will obtain and more your business will grow.  More money, More money, More money!

What should you do now???? 
1. Get a sheet of paper and a pen. 
2. Make a list of current locations you are currently delivering brochures to. 
3. If you have 10 locations on your list, do your happy dance.  Think of one more location you can deliver brochures to. Add them to your list.
4.  If you have less that 10 locations on your list, do your happy dance.  You are in the right position to START building a strong foundation.  Make a list of places you frequent and commit to delivering brochures there every campaign.
5. Order more brochures to cover all of  your locations.  Make sure you have your name, phone number and website on each brochure.  
6. Deliver those brochures!

Feel free to comment below and share your experiences or success with this week’s challenge. I look forward to celebrating your success with you.  

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and receive future post for this Wealth Building Challenge.

Arrettres Hollins
 
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Steps to Six Figures - Build Your Clientele

As entrepreneurs we know there are many routes to success.  The most promising route is diligence and consistency in the little things.  Building a strong cliente base will maximize your growth.  Of course we have family and friends that support us in our journey of entrepreneurship.  But, lets be clear, just selling to your immediate family and friends will NOT make you a millionaire.  Your immediate family and friends can be your roots.  Everyone else in the world will be the tree that growth from those roots.  Your six figure income will be the fruit that grows from that wonderful tree.  

You will not be able to jump from roots to fruit.  There are steps involved.   My last article discussed the "Who Do I Know List".  This list hold the roots of your tree.  Now we want to water those roots.  We need to do a couple thing to get more customers.  There are many simple strategies you can use to find more customers.   My suggestions a geared towards finding customers for my Avon business, but, these strategies can be modified to find customers for any direct sales business you may be involved in.  

      1.       Ask a Beauticean or Nail Salon Owner if you can leave brochures in their waiting area. 

Deliver brochures every campaign.   Make sure you give a gift (skin care samples) to everyone that works there.  When you call it a gift, they feel extra special about it.  Follow up with all employees and collect their skin care order 3-4 days later.

      

      2.       Always carry brochures with you.  Whether you are in line at Walmart or at the park,

potential customers are all around you.  Offer people you meet your brochure.  But, in order for  you to do this, you must always be prepared with brochures.  Once a week, my daughters and I label every brochure I have.  Then we load them into the trunk of my car.  This way, even if I am running late and forget to grab brochures from my office,  I always have brochures in my car. 

      3.  Ask 5 of your customers if they can give you the name and phone number of 3 friends that might like Avon products.  If you use your contacts from the "Who do I know?" list you created, you would have at least 150 new customers.  Please contact me if you do not know what the “Who do you know?” list is.

     4.    Incorporate the Power of 3 into your day.  At the beginning of every campaign, I place 21 brochures into my car.  Every day, I give a brochure to 3 new people.  This could be while I'm in line at Walmart, at the park with my daughters or eating at a restaurant.  Giving out 3 a day, takes the pressure off.  Ask them for their contact information (email or phone number) so that you can contact them later regarding upcoming sales.  You determine how many brochures you would like to give away each campaign and work towards your goal.  Avon suggests 21.  By doing this, you will receive 21 new customers every campaign, 42 new customers a month or 546 new customers per year.

 

      5.       Add all of your customers, family, and friends email address to your web office address book.  Avon will automatically email them your ebrochure and advertisements.  Use your web office to email your customers every campaign, letting them know when you are going to place your order. 

      This is just the beginning.  I hope these steps will help you.  There are many strategies you can use to build your business.  I will discuss more later this week.  Be sure to follow this blog to stay current.

    
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Steps to Six Figures - Building A Strong Foundation

Let’s us all get back to basics for one minute. Many people have been confused into thinking that successful businesses are built from one DRAMATIC EVENT.  This definitely is not the case.  Most businesses are successful because of consistent diligence in the basic steps.  My favorite step that I tend to revisit is my "Who Do I Know List".  This will help you build a strong foundation.

When I started my business I created a list of 50 people.  This list consisted of family, friends, coworkers, and people that I knew.  This list is very important in creating your customer base.  While growing your business the people on this list will build your confidence in sales, encourage you and refer people to you.  Never throw this list away.  You will refer back to it when business slows down a little.  I normally go through the list every three months.  A lot can happen in three months.  They might not have had enough money to buy from me in January, but, things could have changed in April.

#1 - If you do not have this list, recreate it.  Go through your cell phone and make a list of 50 people.  It doesn’t matter if you believe they will buy Avon or the product your are selling.  Sometimes we cut our own foot off by saying “they won’t buy from me”.  Then we create 100 reasons why someone won’t buy from us.  You never really know who will and who won’t buy.  Now go make your list.

Side note:  I have a customer that makes minimum wage.  She called me one day saying she wanted to place an order.  Of course in my mind, I assumed this wasn’t going to be a big sale.  Much to my surprise she orders $50-$100 every campaign.  We should never assume whether someone will buy from us or not.  We should ALWAYS offer them the opportunity to purchase.

#2 - Now that you have your list, contact EVERYONE on it.  Tell them “I’ve started my own business and was hoping you could look through my website and let me know if there is anything you like.”  Yes, very simple.  Your friends and family will most likely want to be supportive.  Even if they only purchase 1 lip gloss, we don’t look down on any sale.

#3 – Ask everyone on your list if you can bring them a brochures so they can see the products you are selling.  When they say yes, schedule a time and place to meet with them.  If possible, don’t just give them the brochure and allow them to call you later with the order.  Sit down with them as they look through the brochure.  Show your excitement about the products.  Encourage them to buy items that they show an interest in.  Sitting down with the customer will normally double your sale.

#4 – Ask everyone on your list if they can refer 3 people to you.  Ask for their contact information.  Call those three people.  Let them know that “Beth suggested I contact you regarding Avon.  Would you like a current brochure?.  If you do this with everyone on your “WDIK” list, you will have 150 potential customers.

#5 – Add everyone from your “WDIK” list and all your referrals to your web office or datebase of contacts.  Avon will automatically send them emails about current sales.  You can also use the web office to email everyone letting them know when you will be placing your next order.

#6 - Ask everyone from your “WDIK” list if they can bring a couple brochures to work with them.  Offer them 10% in free products for all sales they collect.  They would be an “Avon Helper”.  Contact me if you need me to explain “Avon Helper”.

I hope this helps you build your business on a strong foundation.   Please contact me if you need my help in anyway.

p.s. Step #4 is very important to the growth of your business.  I ask my customers for referrals often.  They have access to people you probably will never meet without their help.

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5 Strategies to increase your sales.

I just wanted to share a couple tips that keep my business growing.

1. Your fortune IS in the follow up.  Follow up with every brochure or sample you give away to potential customers.  Even if they don't place an order, offer them a new brochure in the next campaign.

2. There really is money in the power of 3. Give out 3 brochures to 3 new people every day will give you 42 new customers every campaign.  Of course they won't all place an order that campaign.  But if you follow up correctly eventually they will.

3. Be consistent. Create a schedule for your business and stick to it. This will prevent you from dropping the ball or becoming overwhelmed.

4. When someone shows an interest in your business close the deal immediately. If they say they want to sign up, sign them up immediately! Don't allow time to eat away at their interest. If they want to place an order, receive the order and payment immediately.

5. Set a weekly goal for yourself and celebrate when you accomplish it. Reward yourself for your hard work. You deserve it! Post your success on here so we can celebrate with you.

I hope this helps you. I am always available to help you grow your business.

www.success6m.com
www.lookandbewealthy.com

Experts in her field - Origami Owl

My name is Lindsey Sahualla, I am an Independent Designer with Origami Owl. I started my Origami Owl business in January 2014. I first saw the product a few months prior to signing up to sell. I fell in love instantly. I absolutely love being able to share the O2 love with family, friends and everyone I meet. Our jewelry if very unique. Origami Owl living lockets allow people to put charms inside the locket to be able to tell a specific story. People connect on such an emotional level as they are creating their lockets, they begin to share their special memories and life stories.

In 2010, the founder of Origami Owl , Bella Weems, started with $350 and a simple dream in mind—getting a car on her16th birthday. When she was 14, she asked her parents for a car but they said she needed to work for it. So, with all of her babysitting money and her family’s support, she set out to start her own business and created Origami Owl.

People loved creating stories with jewelry and women began asking how they could share Origami Owl with their own family and friends.

OUR MISSION IS TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD; TO LOVE, INSPIRE

+ MOTIVATE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO REACH THEIR DREAMS +

EMPOWER THEM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

But there is something else Bella wants you to know, we’ve always been so much more than just a jewelry company. From the beginning Bella wanted her company to be different, she wanted it to be a force for good; to help others achieve their dreams like she achieved hers.

Lindsey Sahualla, Origami Owl Independent Designer

940-765-1714

www.storiesareblessings.origamiowl.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Origami-Owl-Lindsey-Sahualla-Independent-Designer/565425106866365?ref=bookmarks

How to get 50 free leads and recruits!

Dealing with the loss of a loved one

     Dealing with the loss of a loved one is not something we look forward to EVER doing.  I can't sugar coat it.  To have a relationship with someone and then they are permanently removed from your life???  It is a tough cookie to swallow.  But, in the midst of our pain, we must find a way to cope.  We must find a way to allow the healing process to begin.  I recently lost my Aunt.  Her name was Alexis Yvette  Singleton.  This was one of only two aunts that I know.  I have MANY aunts, from what I've been told.  But, Aunt Yvette was one of the only two that I actually had a relationship with.  Aunt Yvette was special to me because we were close in age.  She was young and could relate to many of my adolescent and young adult issues. There was a judge free zone with her.  She was cool!  I tried to emulate her.  Her young maturity fascinated me.

     Well.........My young auntie left this earth to be with the Lord.

    I found out during church this Sunday.  I looked down at my phone and saw a message from my cousin telling me to call him asap.  Automatic panic engulfed me.   I already knew what the call was about.  They prepared me two weeks ago with what the doctors said.  But, when my cousin answered  his phone and said the words, the wind was knocked out of me.  I had to hold onto the wall so that I could remain standing.  I wanted to be strong.....I tried to be strong......I wasn't strong.  Facing the reality of what was happening threw me off the roller coaster ride that I was already on.  But, I have to put on my  "I will bless the Lord at all times." face.  My "I've got this under control" face couldn't be found ANYWHERE as my mind tried to understand what to do with myself.  Thank God for sisters that you can pass a terribly written note to during church, asking them to meet you in one of the classrooms.  I was shaking so much I could barely hold the pen.

    The main thing that I remember her saying to me as I tried to hold myself together and stop crying is "you have a right to cry."  This one sentence changed my world.   When we experience loss, we must allow ourself to grieve.  Trying to be the strong one and hold it together is only going to work for so long.  It is healthy and nature for you to cry, be angry or feel sad.  You are human.  Sometimes I am so busy trying to hold it together for everyone else, I don't allow myself to mourn.  The first thing we must remember when we experience the loss of a loved one is "Allow yourself to feel your pain".  Get it out of your system.  You may randomly break out into tears.  That is ok.  You may have a moment of anger.  That is fine.  But, allow yourself to feel!

    You should also find someone to talk to.  This doesn't have to be a professional therapist.  It could be a friend that has an ear to listen.  Connect with your support system that will carry you while you are getting yourself together.  Talk about your loved one.  Share how they have impacted your life.  Express how you will miss them.  Laugh about the good times you had with them.  A no judgement zone that will allow you to let it all out. This is important in the healing process.

    Find a way to honor them.  Honoring them will give you the opportunity to celebrate their life and bring you joy.  You can honor them be writing a song or poem.  Buying an outfit that reminds you of them.  Making a collage of your favorite pictures with them.  Leave their favorite flowers at the grave site.   Some people choose to get their life together.  The light bulb turns on and they decide they want to live a better life in honor of their loved one.  What ever you feel is your gift to their life, you do it.    It will warm your heart and make you feel better.

    The most important thing you can do while dealing with the loss of a loved one is to HOLD ON TO GOD.  While your world is spinning out of orbit and you feel you are going to fly off of it, HOLD ON TO GOD.  Allow him to comfort you.  Let his peace embrace you.  If you are holding on to God, you won't stay in the dark as long.  You will eventually pull back the curtains and open the blinds.  He will remind you why you need to keep living.  You will receive strength to leave your cave and enter the world again.  Holding onto God will allow you to smile again.

     Dealing with the loss of a loved one will never be an easy, pain free  process.  But, you will make it!   Cherish the memories you have of them, go through the process of healing and don't let go of God.

Love you Aunt Alexis Yvette Singleton!  Dance before our king!   Draw me close to you

My journey as a Mom, Wife and Full Time Entrepreneur.

     I have been on my journey as a full time entrepreneur for 7 months now.  I left my job as a full time teacher to pursue my dreams of being my own boss.  Freedom to create my own schedule so that I would be available for my 3 amazing daughters and hubby influenced my decision.  It was a tough decision of course.  I've worked since I was 16 and supported myself since I graduated from high school.  Having a full time salaried job was always on my list of things to do.  But, I finally had to answer the call of entrepreneurship.   I could no longer just work my businesses part time.  Everyday that I returned to my salaried job, my heart was screaming "YOU ARE A FULL TIME ENTREPRENEUR.  WHY DO YOU KEEP GOING TO THIS SALARIED JOB?!"

   So this journey has been interesting.  I have learned a lot about myself, my hubby and my children.  This has allowed me to see them through a different lens.  Unfortunately, my salaried lens was normally tired, frustrated and anxious.  Why?  Because I was always playing catch up.  My  salaried job used up most of the energy I was supposed to devote to my family.  This made me frustrated because most of the time I felt like I wasn't a good mom or wife.  Laundry, dinner, clean house, homework, sports for the girls are just a couple of the things that frustrated me.  I couldn't master any of them.  I know there are women that can do it all and make it look easy.  I applaud them and their perfect lives.  Their gift to juggle working outside of the home and being a perfect mom, homemaker and wife is a wonderful gift.   This is not my anointing.  I thought I could do it all.  I wanted to do it all.  But, I was fooling myself.  I became an anxious mom and wife that was unable to stop her internal world from spinning.

     I had to decide what was important to me.  What mattered most?  There was a full time entrepreneur on the inside of me that was screaming to get out.  I also struggled with the mom and wife that was doing her best to keep her sanity in the midst of juggling way too many things.   So, my husband and I agreed that I would stop going to my salaried job.  I could allow that full time entrepreneur in me to be free.

     I can now see my family and work through a clean lens.  The funny thing about it is, I didn't realize my lens was dirty before.  lol  It wasn't until I stopped reporting to someone else, that I was able to see my lens was smeared with mud.   My world slowly stopped spinning and I was able to see clearly.  My babies are growing up so fast.  I can now stop and look at them. Focus on them. Sit down and listen to my middle daughters LOOOOOOOONG, detailed stories of what is going on her life.  I enjoy conversations with my oldest daughter about her challenges of being the oldest sister (this is such a huge responsibility to her.  lol),  her hobbies and dreams.  I enjoy watching my youngest daughters personality evolve.  When you are calm, everyone around you is calm.  Their world is less anxious because mommy is less anxious.  Side note:  No I was not crazy lady that needed  medication.  You would have to be a Mom, Wife and Work outside of the home to understand what I am saying. 

     Yes, I still work full time.  Let's not get this confused.   I am a Full Time Entrepreneur.  I am a Recruiter and Training Leader with Avon.  I also started a business called Success6m that hosts vendor fairs in Denton TX.  I actually work more hours and harder as a full time entrepreneur than I did on my salaried job.  BUT, it is soooo different when you are working for yourself.  I actually enjoy the hours I put into growing my business.  It is on my terms.  I decide when I work, how I work and how long I work.  My daughters work with me and help me complete the tasks that will continue to grow my business.  They are learning work skills that most adults haven't learned yet.

     This has been the best decision for me and my family.  No it is not always daisies and pixie dust.  We have our moments.  I am always saying we need our own reality show.  But, for the most part, this has brought balance to our home.  My journey as a Mom, Wife and Full Time Entrepreneur has brought so much joy to my life.   I would never choose to change our decision.  Pursuing my dreams has been a tremendous blessing that I wish everyone could experience.  Go after your dreams today and watch how your world changes.  I am not telling you to quit your salaried job today!!!!   Start out small.  Identify your gift and what brings joy to your life.  Ask God to show you how your gift could be a source of income and bless your family.  Do whatever he tells you to do.  This will lead you to the big picture.   My small step was Avon.  I LOVE what I do.  Being a Full Time Entrepreneur was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  You can do it to!

Arrettres Hollins
www.lookandbewealthy.com  

Getting through the storms of life.

     What to do while in the storms of life?  There are many struggles we may experience in life.   I only know one way to get through struggles.  God!  I don't know any thing else that works consistently.  As a believer there are certain things we can count on.  God knows.  He knows our ups and he know our downs.  Every season we experience is allowed by him.  From the highs of celebrations to the lows of loss, God is very present.  Nothing ever catches him off guard or shocks him.  God knew we would get fired from our job before we were hired for that position.  He knew our spouse would leave us before we said I do.  God knew that sickness would try to consume us before we were a sparkle in our mothers eyes.  God knew.  When he spoke the existence of the Heavens and Earth, HE KNEW.

     Calamity will throw us for a minute.  We experience storms that will RAGE and make us feel we will be consumed by the turmoil.  Sometimes we wish we were consumed.  I can be honest and say there were times that I not only thought I would lose my mind, I prayed that God would allow me to lose it.  Why?  Because the reality of my situation was too much for me to handle.  I no longer wanted to experience or understand what was trying to consume me.  The situation seemed so dark that I was beyond believing God could fix it for me.  I didn't want to know that he could fix it.  I just wanted the storm to be over.  But, we can't lose ourselves in the storm.

   God  has a way of supernaturally fixing situations, strengthening us to go through or anointing us to create our way of escape.   There are 3 testimonies that help me get through the storm.

     God anointed Noah to create his way of escape.  Noah had to take a leap of faith and trust God.  No man had ever created a boat the size of the ark.  It had never rained the way God told Noah it would.  God anointed Noah to create an object that would save his life, his families life, a flock of various animals and continue the existence of man kind.  What a great responsibility and weight to be placed on one man.  When others mocked him, he continued with the belief that God will get him through this situation and he will be better than he was before.

     God parted the red sea and moved the obstacle out of Moses and the children of Israels way.  This was a scary situation for them.  But, the believed God and knew he had a blessing on the other end of this obstacle.  We all experience situations that seem to be completely blocking our vision.  We can't see past it and there is no way around it.  God can allow us to walk right through the situation that is keeping us from our destiny.   If we continue walking straight and pressing through, we will end up victoriously on the other side of the obstacle. 

     Now what about those dead things in your life.  There is no doubt in your mind that it is over and done.  It is dead.  There is nothing anyone can do.  This could be a horrible marriage, a child that won't behave or a loved one that refuses to live right.  God was able to raise Lazarus from the dead after he had been dead for 4 days.  Everyone had already given up and knew it was over.  Until Jesus spoke a word.  That was all he had to do.  He didn't wrestle with Lazarus.  He didn't yell.  Lazarus was brought back to life because Jesus believed it was possible.  

     In 2014, God has not changed.  He is still able to handle every situation that is going on in our life.  The solution to each of these situations is they believed.  In each situation there was someone that believed it was possible. Surround yourself with people that believe.  Find scriptures that speak to your situation and post it around your house.  Listen to music that encourages you.  Get active.  Don't just sit around the house.  An idle mind IS the devils playground.  Believe God and be willing to stand on his word and his promise to bless you.  What ever your situation is that you are struggling with, just believe that God is able and WILL fix it for  you.

How to remain happy when surrounded by negative people?

     How to remain happy when surrounded by negative people?  I am laughing as I type this because it is impossible and self explanatory.  That's like asking "How can I sit in a burning house without getting burned?"  lol  You would never sit in a house that was on fire.  You wouldn't spend time trying to figure out how to keep from getting burned while the walls and everything around you are consumed in flames.   Your common sense would make you run out the door, climb out a window, find or create the nearest exit.  You would do everything you could to get out of that house.  If you couldn't find and exit, you would do your best to create an exit.  Why?  Because you don't want to get burned!

     Why are we so passive with our joy and happiness?  Why aren't we anxiously creating an exit from misery as though our life depended on it?  Your life does depend on it.  Worry, stress, anger, depression, fear, etc., will consume your life like the flames of a burning house.  The same way you would come up with a way to get away from flames, we need to purposely come up with ways for us to be and remain happy.

     Let's address the most obvious pain you can inflict on yourself.  Negative people.  Those flames that have the nerve to throw gasoline on you.  They are consumed with negativity.  They spread gossip and rumors.  Never able to find a positive thing to say or believe about anyone or anything.   Or maybe they are filled with ratched drama.  There is always something about to "pop off"  or someone always "got them messed up". They drain and suck every ounce of happiness you had out of you.  Don't allow others to keep you from being happy.  No one should have that power over you.  Nothing you have said or done has ever made them happy.  Guess what,  nothing you ever say or do will every make them happy.

     Get away from Negative people.  Remember they are flames!  Run like your life depended on it.    I have a good and bad gift of deleting people.  It is good because I can easily delete flames that are trying to consume me.  They don't exist in my world.  Not that I am better than them or anything like that.  But, there is a time and a place for open flames.  Open flames are not allowed in my day to day life.  They are not allowed in my circle of joy.  Why?  BECAUSE IT IS A FLAME!!!  No good will come from bringing an uncontrolled fire to the party.  You don't have to be rude to them and completely cut them off.  You can start by distancing yourself from them.   Eventually the distance will grow until they are just a memory.

     Surround yourself with like minded people.  People that are going in the same direction you are going.  People that uplift and encourage you to be the best you can be.  Happy people have a way of making you feel better about your life. They have storms and obstacles just like everyone else.  But,  they can find the silver lining in everything. They look for God and answers in the midst of the storm.  They are like fire extinguishers.  A fire will break out and they know how to extinguish the flames to where everyone walks away unharmed.  These are the people you want in your life.  Your positive energy will bounce off of each other and create and pleasant environment for others to be in.

    Stop watching angry t.v.  We all have a guilty pleasure.  Mine was ratched tv.  Love and Hip Hop did it for me.  This was extra special to me because I am from New York.  So watching it kind of made me feel like home.  But, it was a no-no.  You are what you consume.  This isn't just applied to food.  If you are feeding yourself with angry, violent people then you will become an angry, violent person.  You will begin to respond as mean and hateful as the people you are consuming on tv.  I had to check myself one day after watching Peter Gunz, Tara and Amina explode in the studio.  My hubby made a comment and my reaction was not very sweet and loving.  I had to repent and reevaluate what I was feeding myself.  The list of ratched tv I used to watch used to be longer, but, I've had to wean myself from it.  If they are fighting, cussing and doing things I would kill my daughters for doing,  I CAN'T WATCH IT.  Why?  In the words of Mary J  "All I really want, is to be happy."  Feed yourself what you want to be.  Yes, we can have a junk food here and there.  But, only a dose here and a dose there.  Do not consume your life with nothing but junk food.

       Happiness is a choice.  You have to choose to be happy.  Yes we all experience situations in our life that will bring us down.  There are many obstacles and trials on this roller coaster of life. EVERYONE has a situation in their life that could make them fall into a deep suicidal depression.   But, YOU determine how situations affect your joy.   What makes you happy?  Do those things that make you happy.  If reading in the park makes you happy, schedule time for you to go to the park and read a book.  Cooking makes you happy?  Then cook a meal and invite your happy friends over.  If you are not sure what makes you happy, test a couple healthy hobbies.  See which ones bring you the most joy, then participate in them on a regular basis. 

                   Make a conscious decision to be happy.  YES, it is just that simple!

Consistency in relationships

     I must start by saying, I have no clue why God has me writing about relationships and marriage.  I feel I am probably the least qualified in this area.  Of course I am married and have been for ........11 years.  Yes I had to pause and ask my hubby how many years we have been married.  As I hang my head in shame, this is a running joke for us.  I never remember how many years we have been married or our anniversary date.  My response is always "As long as I remember we are married, then we don't have anything to worry about."  lol

     Like I was saying earlier, yes we have been married for 11 years.  Yes we have gone through many ups and downs and look forward to experiencing many more ups and MUCH less downs (in Jesus name AMEN!)  I created this blog so that I could talk about Avon and all of our wonderful products.   But, each day that I sit down to write, a topic regarding relationships is what God gives me.  Soooooo, here we go.

     When I sat down tonight to write, God reminded me of a question one of the Evangelists from my church asked on Sunday.  She asked, "What is consistent in your life?"  We were to share our response with our partner.  Of course we know that God is consistent and will never fail.  That is a given.  Other than that, what were the consistent things in our life.  Things or people that I can rely on without any doubt.  So I turned to my partner and said, "I can always rely on my husband coming home every night!  He is consistent."  She then responded with  "My husband also brings his check home with him."  We laughed, gave each other a high five and talked about a couple other consistent things about our husbands.

     Tonight I sat here thinking about that conversation and how for a moment in time we focused on our spouses consistencies instead of their inconsistencies.  It is so easy to focus on what is wrong with our spouse.  All of their imperfections have a special way of dancing on our last nerve.  If we remain blind, we will allow those moments to destroy our relationship.  No one wants to be beat up about their flaws.  We all have flaws.  Most of us are mature enough to know our flaws.......even if we might not be mature enough to confess it.  We have issues.

     We need to ask God to take the scales off our eyes so that we can see.  There are character traits or habits of your spouse that are consistent.  Their consistency in these areas are most likely what keeps you with them.  They normally outweigh the bad.  They are normally what help you fall in love with them over and over again.  Focus on those things that have worked to build a healthy relationship and family.  Time out for tearing each other apart.  The world does enough of that.  Our homes should be a safe haven where people are uplifted, encouraged and celebrated.
   
     Yes, there is a time to address issues and short comings.  There is also a tone to have these conversations in.  You two will NOT always agree and at some point you will both offend, hurt or disappoint each other.   It happens.  We are human. 

     Let's be clear for one minute.  I am not saying to over look those deal breakers.  Those UNACCEPTABLE flaws that could destroy you.  Physical and mental abuse towards you or anyone else in your home.  Infidelity, Sinful Addictions!  Bringing home a child by someone else that is younger than the number of years you have been married.  (It is scary how common this is in 2014)  These deal breakers need to be examined and discussed where there is a healthy resolve or resolution ASAP!!!

    When inconsistencies show up there are two things I challenge you to do.

     #1 Pray first!!!  Pray, pray, pray and pray again.  Continue to pray until God releases you to address the topic with your partner.  Talk to God about it.  Give the situation to him.

     #2  Until God releases you to address the situation, focus on your spouses consistencies.  Shower them with compliments regarding their consistencies.  Thank them for being consistent.  Show your gratitude for their dedication in specific areas of your relationship.   If he took out the garbage with out you having to ask, thank him for it.  If she had a meal prepared for you when you got home, show your appreciation.  Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE!

     I have learned many things from these two points.

     #1 - God can address my husband better than I ever can.  God created him and knows him better than I ever will.  He can fix any and every problem that I may be experiencing with him.  Since God knows more than me, why in the world would I try to do his job.  Get out of Gods way and let God do what needs to be done.  He will accomplish all that he said he will do in his own timing.  Not in my timing.  (You know I need the problem fixed ASAP!!! lol)  But, the manifestation will come.  Most of the time I end up not having to address the issue.  Like I said earlier, God doesn't need my help in "fixing" my husband.

     #2 - While I'm waiting for the manifestation to come, God is also "fixing" me.  My impatience is being worked on.  He is giving me a calm spirit, a praying spirit.  I can't tell on my hubby without God telling me about myself.   During those times of prayer he will hang that mirror in front of me.  There is nothing like a healthy dose of  "Stop talking about him and lets address whats wrong with you!"  OUCH!!!  Yes it hurts, but, it is very necessary in order for us to grow.

     #3 -  Appreciating my hubby for his consistencies helps keep the scales off my eyes.  Negativity will destroy your vision.  You will see what you want to see.  When you focus on their consistencies and positive traits, you will see their consistencies and positive traits.  It warms my heart towards him and reminds me why I love him.  It makes him feel like the King of my home and softens his heart towards me.

      Your spouses consistency is what made you fall in love with them.  With major help from God, focusing on their consistency is what will help keep your marriage growing strong.

Be Blessed and Love Each Other! 

Inexpensive ways to say I LOVE YOU

     Yesterdays post was about Valentines Day and we as married couples should show our love and appreciation beyond one day a year.  I received a message from a young lady (we will call her Mary) that read my post.  Mary and her husband are experiencing a difficulty in their marriage.  Nothing major, yet very major and common in most marriages.  Low Funds.  

     I don't care who you are married to and how much you currently have in your bank account.  At some point in marriage we have all experienced the dreaded Low Funds.  Some of us have even experienced No Funds.  During this time it is important that we tackle the issue of bringing more money into the home AND continue to love one another in the process.  Let's face it, when the mortgage, car note and cable bills are due and your hubby has no clue how you two are going to get the bills paid, it is easy to turn into the grinch that stole the happy marriage.  You are focused on how the bills will get paid. The financial problems of life weigh us down. As wives we are the original processors.   We process a problem until we come up with a plan of action that will eliminate it.     

     During this time it is important that you help your hubby tackle your financial issue while reminding him that you are in this together.  I don't care how big and tough your hubby is.  He wants to know you have his back and you are there for him.  You aren't going anywhere and you still love him.  

      Affection isn't just something women like.  Men love affection too.  They like to be pampered.  After a long day of doing everything he can to bring money into his home, he wants to go home and know that his hard work is appreciated.  So what can you do on a budget to show your hubby that you appreciate him?

      My hubby is a Barber that stands on his feet 6-8 hours a day.  After doing this for 6 days his puppies are normally growling at anyone that walks by.  Sending him to get a professional massage would be perfect.  But, we used to be on a tight budget and needed an inexpensive solution.   I had to say I LOVE YOU on a budget.  There are a couple inexpensive remedies for my problem. 

     The first inexpensive way to say I LOVE YOU is a product I purchased from Avon.  It is an Inflatable Foot Tub (974-819).  I was able to bring the spa to my home and soak his feet in style with this easy-to-inflate foot tub for only $3.99. 

The second inexpensive way to say I LOVE YOU is with a Foot Works 3-piece Healthy Treat Collection (594-495) I purchased from Avon.  This was created for tired, weary feet.  

The set is on sale for $6.99 and includes:
Arthritis Achy Foot & Muscle Cream - You can keep feet feeling healthy with this intensive cream that provides penetrating pain relief for sore muscles. Contains glucosamine & chondroitin to soothe arthritis pain. 2.5 fl. oz. A $6 value.
 
Deodorizing Foot Powder - This provides 24-hour odor and wetness protection. 2.6 oz. net wt. A $5 value.

Restorative Milky Foot Soak - It is enriched with milk protein and Epsom salt. 3.4 fl. oz. A $6 value.

  
       I was able to stick to a budget and bring the spa to my home for $11.  You can't beat this deal.  Now does this solve my money issue.  NOPE.  But #1 it won't hurt your money issues by adding the weight of another bill you have to pay and #2 it will make your hubby feel like a KING.  Let's face it ladies.  When you treat him like a King, he will treat you like a Queen.  No one says you can't have your spa experience right after him.  Since he is already relaxed he will probably be ready to rub your feet.  

      Mary was excited to know she could create a spa in her home for $11.  She quickly went to www.lookandbewealthy.com and purchased her Avon products last night.   She also found a couple inexpensive items on that site that helped her pamper herself.  We can do it ladies.  We don't have to spend lots of money to show our husband that we love them.  This is one of the best inexpensive remedies I use to say I LOVE YOU to my hubby.

   Tomorrow I will show you how to solve the money issue by earning $100,000 a year.  Yes I said you can make $100,000 a year with Avon.  Check tomorrows post for details.  Feel free to contact me if you can't wait until then :)

Love for your spouse goes beyond Valentines Day.

     Now that Valentines has come and gone, couples should evaluate if our celebration was out of character. Are you normally loving towards your spouse? Do you regularly celebrate and appreciate the person that committed to spend the rest of their life with you? Or, are you just two people that live together with no love, affection or communication? Your daily union should be filled with the same passion and love that you expressed yesterday. 

     Of course life gets hectic and we have many responsibilities that can pull us from our spouse. But, we must be determined to make sure our spouse feels our love and knows we are present in the relationship daily. This doesn't mean flowers, gifts and expensive dinners. Ask your spouse how their day was, then listen to their response. Hold hands or cuddle while watching tv. Pray together. Take 5 minutes out of your day, look into your wife's eyes and tell her how you appreciate her. Cook your family a meal and present your husband with his plate already prepared. 

     Is this asking for too much? You did this and more to court your spouse. It takes this and more to create a relationship that will stand the test of time. Lets make a vow to shut the mouth of the enemy that wants to make a mockery of marriage and this sacred union ordained by God. Commit to be the spouse God created you to be. It takes work, but, we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Plus, the perks and rewards are worth it . Be blessed!