Favorite Fridays: Got Sprinkles?

I've never met a person who doesn't like ice cream. Ice cream is one of those go-to desserts that you know will make everyone happy. Pumpkin pie? No thanks. Tiramisu? Pass. Cheesecake? Tempting...but it's not ice cream. Give me an ice cream cone with chocolate sprinkles (yes, I said sprinkles...preferably the chocolate kind), and I'm a happy girl.

You see, grown ups have given up the sprinkles...and I'm here to tell you, you guys are missin' out. The next time you're in ColdStone or Brewsters take a look around- how many adults do you see ordering their ice cream with sprinkles? None. On the flip side, almost every single kid in the place will have their cone or cup drowning in either rainbow or chocolate sprinkles.

People think I'm crazy- my husband just laughs. But the first thing I look for at an ice cream joint is confirmation of chocolate sprinkles.  Some people scan the topping bar in search of Reese's or cookie dough...not me : )

I'm gonna go out on a limb and make the assumption that men don't order sprinkles in an effort to maintain their manhood. It's not every day you see a tall, dark, handsome dude enjoying an ice cream cone with sprinkles. Too bad for him.

If you're a sprinkle lover like me then you're aware of the magical sprinkle power. Sprinkles make everything better. Ice cream, cupcakes, cookies, whatever. Chocolate coated waffle cones with sprinkles are definitely a little piece of heaven.

I realize I have just dedicated an entire blog post to sprinkles. But it's okay. They're my favorite.

The Pink Bubble

I've been floating around in a pink bubble for the past week, and it's been absolutely divine. Every July Mary Kay hosts their annual Seminar Conference in Dallas, Texas. I've been lucky enough to attend this event for several years, and it just keeps getting better.

Although I am not "in Mary Kay", I do own a company that provides services for Mary Kay Sales Directors (ya know...those Pink Cadillac driving beauties!). My friend Dacia happens to be among the elite, ranking as a top tiered National Sales Director (#5 in Emerald Division to be exact...AMAZING!) She is the epitome of a Mary Kay Rock Star. What I love most about this girl is her ability to motivate and inspire others, and in turn these women continue to pass it on.

Seminar is a time where everyone comes together for motivation, inspiration, and best of all, recognition (hello, DIAMONDS!) Being able to celebrate my clients, cheer them on, and spend a little quality time with friends is just what I needed. Besides, it was the perfect excuse to throw on a little more lipstick than usual, bling out with some sparkles, and wear a killer black dress (or two). What more could a girl possibly ask for?

It's Monday morning and although my to-do list is a mile long I know one thing for sure...I'm gonna bask in the haze of the pink bubble for as long as I can. I think these girls are on to something.

Favorite Fridays: Kaylie

Today is the day. It's really here. My amazing assistant of 5 years is moving on to bigger and better things, following her dreams and conquering the world of High School Spanish classes.

Kaylie has been a part of my life for so long, I can't even begin to think of how things will be without her. When I interviewed her I had just found out I was pregnant, and I could barely remember anything...not to mention keep my breakfast down. Within a few weeks she was finishing my sentences, and delivering Coke products on an as-needed basis. Kaylie was here the day we brought our first baby home from the hospital...she witnessed all of the newborn madness, from breastfeeding to pumping to changing diapers and walking around the house like a zombie, Kaylie was there.

Kaylie was our very first babysitter. I will never forget the night my husband called her and begged her to come rescue us. Within an hour she was pushing us out the door, assuring us everything would be fine. She was right.

I could go on and on for days about how amazing she has been, not only to me, but to my company, and also to my family...here come the tears. She will always be a part of us, and I know I will always be able to count on her. It's not every day you meet someone like her. Someone who will drop what they're doing to come and help you, or put in the effort to make something GREAT, not just good.

She has become more than just an employee to me, she is truly a friend, and I will treasure her forever.

So I dedicate this Favorite Friday post to my favorite assistant, friend, confidant and cheerleader (not to mention my brain on several occasions). Thank you for FIVE amazing years- we have been through so much together and I am so incredibly proud of you. Thank you for my endless checklists, organized computer files and an office full of memories...I am forever grateful to you.

25 Things You Don't Know About Me (or maybe you do?)

During a random cleaning binge last week I stumbled upon a pile of old magazines.  Blog inspiration hit while flipping through an outdated issue of US Weekly Magazine.

25 Things You Don't Know About Me: Paris Hilton

Sure, I'm not Paris Hilton. And I doubt the masses will really care much about what I have to say. But for those of you who want a little window into the real me, here we go.

1. I grew up in a small fishing town just outside of Boston (Gloucester, MA). It's the home of Gorton's Fish Sticks. The book/movie "The Perfect Storm" was based on the true story of real Gloucester Fishermen. The movie was also filmed there.
2. I used to be a tomboy. Big time. In 5th grade I was the pitcher for an all-boys little league team
3. My favorite food is pizza.
4. I love to make lists...I write every little thing down, just so I can scratch it off the list. It makes me feel accomplished.
5. Singing and performing on a stage is one of my favorite things to do. Ever.
6. I never knew how much I could love someone until I had a baby. And then I had another one.
7. I am an obsessive compulsive flosser. My dentist loves me.
8. I enjoy reading books but I never finish them. It doesn't matter how far into it I get, I never ever finish a book. 
9. Frogs totally freak me out. I will do anything and everything to avoid an encounter with a frog.
10. I used to be an elementary school teacher. My colleagues and students taught me so much- I am forever grateful.
11. Skydiving in New Zealand (or somewhere comparable) is on my bucket list.
12. I auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club and didn't make the cut (obviously). My friend A.J. McClean did, though. (Yes, the AJ McClean from the Backstreet Boys).
13. I have a slight celebrity obsession with Britney Spears. I'm pretty sure she stole what should have been my spot on the Mickey Mouse Club. One day she and I will discuss this : )
14. I never drank coffee until I had kids. Now I can't wake up without it.
15. I love to ski- especially spring skiing in Utah. 
16. The sound of the ocean puts me to sleep. I especially love hearing waves hit the side of a boat at night.
17. My favorite shoes are flip flops. And I never leave the house without sunglasses. 
18. Being creative and thoughtful when choosing a gift for someone makes me happy. I never just buy something for someone just to buy it. There's always a reason behind it.
19. Photography fascinates me. A good picture of a treasured memory is priceless.
20. One day I would love to write a book. Lord knows I have plenty of stories to tell.
21. I used to be a competitive swimmer. 
22. The Money Pit is one of my all-time favorite movies.
23. I absolutely despise pink powdered soap. If this is the only option for washing my hands in a public place, I will take my chances.
24. I'm a lefty, I love any and every shade of blue, and ice cream is a weakness
25. I absolutely love surprises...but only the good kind : )

Favorite Fridays: The Extra Mile

As you all know I am definitely one of the most inconsistent bloggers in the blogosphere. But rest assured that no matter what, I will eventually resurface with a post. This time it happened to take a month...but today I'm back : )

As a wife, mother, teacher, volunteer and business owner, I have collected various "secrets of success" over the years. I think one of the greatest lessons I've learned is the value of going the extra mile. It really doesn't matter what you do, but taking the time and making the effort is what makes good GREAT.

I am abundantly blessed to be surrounded with people who continuously go the extra mile. I watch my clients achieve excellence, breaking records and belief barriers...all because they've gone the extra mile. I see mothers go the extra mile with their families- sacrificing personal wants and needs for the benefit of their children. Teachers, who stay past the last bell rings, to sit with a student and explain the lesson...for the 5th time.

And let's not forget those friends who go the extra mile. You know who they are. Not only do they send you a happy birthday text message, but they take the time to call you, or better yet, send you a card a few days in advance. Instead of talking about themselves, they ask about you.

In my business I do what I can to accommodate special requests, even if it means I work a little later, or profit a little less. And because I do this for others, I am blessed in return. I have also been lucky enough to work with people who return the favor. Just last week my rock star accountant took the time to write out step by step instructions for my assistant in linking QuickBooks to my business accounts and credit cards. Blah blah blah. This is Chinese to me. Sure, he could have invoiced me for his time, or sent me to an online tutorial, but instead he went the extra mile. This is what makes him a rock star (looking for a good one? Let me know...if you're lucky I might share him with you =)! ).

This post isn't intended as a business plug, or a special shout out to friends, but rather a gentle reminder that going the extra mile, in whatever you do, really makes a difference. Don't be good. Be GREAT. This is my mantra...at least for today.