Lizzybarnes' Weblog

Rough Start to the New Year

lizzybarnes — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:11:56 +0000

As I sit in my dining room restless in the middle of the night, I realize January 2010 has been a rough month both personally and professionally. There’s been some family issues that need to be worked on and I have been playing phone tag with people in the health industry. To top it off, I’ve been carrying this stubborn head cold for about a week now!!! UUUGGGHH…Why me??? Mom and I are heading for CA next week for my nephew’s baptism. Luckily, I’m looking forward to that occasion. Rafael is about 2 months old now and he’s real adorable…;) He’s got the biggest cheeks I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to hold Rafael in my arms and play with him. Mom is looking forward to the visit too. She and I shopped at Ross this morning buying new clothes & purses for the baptism. I know February will be a better month. I gotta keep looking at my new 2010 dream board and work harder at my Saladmaster business. I would love to take that group cruise in August with my Friday networking buddies. The cost is only $400 per person. Now I just need to update my old passport which still has my maiden name on it. I want my dream to become a reality!!!

The “Pay It Forward” Principle

lizzybarnes — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:06:16 +0000

I learned about this life principle in one of our Saladmaster magazines last year. I didn’t really understand the “Pay It Forward” principle until I started network marketing in May 2009. I needed to do a lead activity for Saladmaster during the summer months and it was a great fit because I can do it 3 days a week INDOORS. Living in Arizona, the temperature can rise up to 115 degrees. Not a good time to salad cut or go surveying in the neighborhoods. What I learned is to bless others’ businesses while promoting the healthy benefits of our Saladmaster cookware. My business coach MGM calls this “friendship marketing.” As a result, it creates a win-win situation for everyone despite the dark cloud of the current economy. Last weekend was our best weekend in business. Stephen and I brought in over $7400 for Quality Health Systems (our local Saladmaster dealer)!!! To top it off, we already delivered both sets yesterday, one in Gilbert and the other in Casa Grande. We’re so excited about our October push month and I believe it will be our best month in business. But remember, “pay it forward” for others and you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!!!

Summer Blessings from God and Saladmaster

lizzybarnes — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:35:17 +0000

It’s been a long time since I wrote and a lot of wonderful things have been happening lately…;) Stephen and I had a couple Saladmaster sales a couple weeks ago. Then on Monday, we were just notified that a May pending sale finally went through with flying colors. WE WERE ELATED!!! Stephen and I didn’t cook much dinner shows that month but we did plenty of salad cutting. Basically, we went door-to-door in the 95+ degree heat making salads with the famous Saladmaster machine. We would do it for an hour at a time three (sometimes four) times a week. A few families booked dinner shows but most of them cancelled. It was discouraging but later on, I understood why it happened. We only met them once and many people don’t feel comfortable having a couple of strangers cooking for them in a week. That’s when I decided to participate in a women’s networking group in Mesa that meets on Thursday mornings. I wanted to develop relationships with the women in their businesses and to support what they do by providing leads & referrals for them. I was part of a coed networking group in San Jose, CA promoting Stephen’s computer repair business. I did that for 3 months and then his computer colleague took over the weekly meetings. The business boomed over time by the development of relationships in that network.

Now all that work is paying off with the help of Stephen also booking 3 cooking shows from a health fair last week. Our combined efforts have us cooking 2-3 days per week and we know we will change more people’s lives (selling Saladmaster cookware) before this month is over. Also, we have a big dinner show on Saturday, August 1st with many of the ladies from our networking group. I’m very excited about that and my hostess was shocked to hear that she will be receiving her Saladmaster machine & 5 qt bowl for free just by being a great hostess. Mindy’s jaw was open the whole time!!! Lately, I’ve been stepping up my networking to 2 days a week and eventually want to network 3 times a week. Many of my colleagues belong to 2-3 groups and they’re doing well despite the economy. Even with Mom and I taking off for CA tomorrow morning, Steve is going to be busy with 1 delivery and 3 cooking shows over the weekend…;) One of the people who he’s cooking for is a naturopathic doctor who is based in Phoenix!!!

Last but not least, it’s important to have faith in God and in ourselves that we can overcome obstacles, challenges, cancelled cooking show, cancelled Saladmaster orders, and other events. I remember the saying, “You have to be willing to do something for free before making money.” That’s what Stephen and I did in May & June: went door-to-door, made follow up calls, networked with other business owners, donated a large bowl of Chinese chicken salad to our church potluck, attended a “Social Media 101″ class, and just stayed determined that our efforts were going to pay off eventually. And NOW it’s happening and the Saladmaster business has energized us again!!! I anticipate that the rest of 2009 is going to be phenomenal personally and professionally. Let’s cook away…;)

Christmas 2008

lizzybarnes — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:43:57 +0000

Christmas is almost here and a lot of stuff has been in just the last 2 weeks. Over Thanksgiving week, my college buddy John e-mailed me that his fiancee Rosemarie got diagnosed with a small malignant brain tumor. My heart skipped a beat because it brought back memories when my husband Stephen was diagnosed with a calcified brain tumor back in 2005. I remember being devastated and just taking one day at a time. I had to keep working full-time in the credit union industry just to keep us afloat financially. Then we had to move to Arizona in August 2006 in order to avoid bankruptcy. Our reserve money was running out and FAST in Silicon Valley, CA!!!

Spending time with my mom lately has been eye opening too. She’s very knowledgable about family, plants, and life in general. Mom has been sharing memories of us kids while growing up in Watsonville, CA. We’ve also been shopping all over town getting prepared for our Christmas dinner at our place here in AZ. We went to Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Ross, .99 store, Big Lots, Wal Mart, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Mom lives a very simple & humble life. She always gives donations when we go to church and when she sees charity boxes at the stores.

Last but not least, my brother-in-law Carl Barnes needs a winter place to stay. His place in Southern CA got accidentally rented out and now he has no place to go. I wasn’t too happy to hear that he wanted to communicate via e-mail with Stephen so I requested that we have a phone conference. I resented him because we asked Carl for financial help twice and he left us hanging. No answer, no nothing. Luckily, my mother-in-law came through for us. Somehow I need to find a way to forgive Carl before we talk with him over the phone. God will help me…

The book titled “The Rivals”

lizzybarnes — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:15:38 +0000

The last two weeks, I’ve been captivated by this book borrowed from the Apache Junction library about the long rivalry between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. These two professional tennis players held on to the #1 ranking on and off in the 70′s and 80′s. Tennis was their life: practice time in 100 degree 100% humidity for Chris living in Florida while Martina held on to the goal of becoming #1 in the world by maximizing her fitness level and tennis game. During their dark times in their personal lives, both champions held on to the belief that they could do better. Both Chris and Martina had that sharp focus that was unwavering and determined. For me, I am inspired by their hard work on and off the tennis court. Lately, my emotions have been getting the best of me but this week, I’m having my best week yet. I got caught up with my phone calls, assisted with a Saladmaster delivery Tuesday, and just conducted a “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” at a fitness club in north Scottsdale yesterday. I realize my sales volume hasn’t been great in recent months but I keep striving to be like Chris and Martina. I even want to team up with Stephen today to look at some residential properties to look at for real estate investing. My tennis game of dealing with life needs to go on because I know I can anything if I put my mind to it. My rewards won’t land in my lap. I’ll have to work hard for it. Maybe I can be a champion someday like Chris and Martina…

County/State Fair Time

lizzybarnes — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:29:34 +0000

Well it’s that time of the year again, the AZ State Fair is kicking off this Friday in Phoenix. Stephen and I missed it the last couple of years and we want to try to go this year. And I keep hearing about that “deep fried Twinkie” that everyone’s raving about. EWWW!!! Just order me that funnel cake with strawberries and whipped cream please…;) Thank you!!! Last month in Watsonville, CA the Santa Cruz County Fair was in full force. There were photos that brought back memories when Dad used to take us siblings. Aside from the amusement rides and strolling around to see the farm animals, Dad had a special interest in the home, agricultural and art exhibits, mainly photography. He entered a few of his cherished photographs and won many ribbons. Dad especially loved taking trips to Yosemite to take pictures of the beautiful waterfalls and mountains that made the national park famous. He also happen to receive trophies from the Camera Club and displayed them on the mantle above the fireplace at our house on 796 McKenzie St. Dad was so proud of his wide array of ribbons and awards that our visitors were instantly attracted to them as conversation pieces. Looking back, he excelled in everything he did, from fishing to perfecting his famous chicken & pork adobo with some red pepper seeds. My brothers and I would be in awe of the exhibits especially the strawberry & apple displays. I never saw such beautiful fruit lined up in perfect harmony row by row. The colors of the fruit left a major imprint in my memory bank. Horticulture was important to Dad too. We would see the landscaped plants, flowers and unique designs of the locals that gave him ideas for our home. Then there was the white & yellow striped “tent.” That’s where we collected a bag of freebies from each vendor who was trying to sell or give away treats. I would get free pencils, stickers, candy, and other fun kiddie treats just for being there!!! Of course, who can forget the food there??? Deep fried artichokes, teriyaki shish kabobs, garlic fries, funnel cakes, and candy apples left us wanting more, more, more…Our favorite sweet was of course the fresh baked cinnamon rolls!!! There was always a long line to purchase them. I feel bad for missing the Santa Cruz County Fair and I need to go there next year for old time’s sake. I guess a good substitute is the AZ State Fair for the time being as a tribute to Dad.

Family ties

lizzybarnes — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:06:17 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, my cousin Jeanine came to me for help. We had a nice conversation about family stuff and mentioned that I was going to have a Christmas gathering here at my home this year. I told her that my mom, my niece Nia, Andy & Amanda, and maybe Neil & the boys were coming and that Jeanine was welcome to come over. Then she added, “Can Jackie (her sister) come over too?” I responded, “Sure, the more the merrier!!!” Anyway, I had a dilemma running through my mind over something Jeanine needed and I thought, “What would Dad do?” He helped everyone the best way he knew how at the time. I guess I just needed validation that I was making the right decision. My brother Neil helped me with that a few days ago.

Last Sunday, the Assembly of God church District superintendent announced that our pastor lost his credentials due to “moral sin” that was committed back in February this year. It was a devastating blow to our church family. I was just getting over the 6-month anniversary of Dad’s death and I got hit hard spiritually. Stephen and I were supposed to join the church family tonight and now the membership class is postphoned. We still plan to go to First Assembly of God despite what happened since we made many friendships with the members. Stephen and I went through with this scenario at Bethel Church in San Jose, CA. It took a couple of years before the church was healthy again and I’m glad we stayed the course. There is more strength and unity in numbers when we’re together. Some of our friends mentioned last Sunday that they didn’t want to see us leave the church. We were touched by their sentiments and accepted. They’re our new church family now and we do have to stick togther for better or for worse…

Saladmaster Victory Day

lizzybarnes — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:12:05 +0000

I am thrilled to announce that I booked 3 dinner shows for the month of October yesterday!!! WHOO HOO!!! I got a warm lead from my friend John Stroud who lives in Palm Desert. Then in the afternoon, I went to the Saladmaster office in Mesa and made a bunch of calls to Saladmaster owners, previous hosts & hostesses, and just people I’ve been friends with at work and church. I have more calls to make this week and to set up a health fair booth here in Apache Junction on Saturday, November 8th. Also, there’s 3 health fairs next month where Stephen and I can gather more warm leads and I’m very excited about all this!!! Dad would have been proud of me. I’ve been trying real hard to stay focused like I did when I played tennis in high school and college. That’s always the hard part of playing the game, staying focused and consistent in how I played. I want to do door-to-door health surveys but the weather getting hot again. I think I’ll wait until next month when the temperature is not over 100 but rather in the 90′s. Also, I want to learn to do corporate lunches at those homeopathic and alternative medicine clinics. We get to make a veggie lasagne pre-done and do a quick synopsis of Saladmaster. That should be interesting…;) This was a great victory for me because I didn’t let my emotions get the best of me. Now I feel much better!!!

my Saladmaster woes

lizzybarnes — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:56:47 +0000

Last week, Stephen and I just cooked one dinner show and it didn’t count…;( Our church friends Mike and Tressa called their friends but no one committed to come to their house for a free dinner. But we made the best out of last Friday night and had a wonderful fried chicken meal, went swimming in the pool, and had a bonfire making smores…;) The media gave more bad news about the stock market and the AIG taking a nose dive. Obviously this caused mainstream fear everywhere!!! Last night, I found out my other fellow health chefs had many cancelled dinner shows as well and now I don’t feel so bad. I’ve been going door to door, making follow up phone calls, even visited a health food store this morning here in town. Stephen and I got a couple good leads but no dinner show dates as of yet. The last day of our stock program is Thursday, October 16th and I hoping & praying we get our 14 dinner shows done by then. Dad would have wanted me to keep going, don’t give up and I’m not!!! Tomorrow afternoon, I will be making more phone calls in the Mesa office with my trainer, Suzy. It’s not over yet until the fat lady sings…

9/17/2008

lizzybarnes — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:27:51 +0000

Yesterday was quite a busy day for me. I got up at 6:30 yesterday morning to make “Plantation Casserole.” I received the recipe from Carolyn Gettle who was one of the facilitators of our Grief Share support group in Mesa. She and her husband Gary were wonderful hosts when we spent the night in Pine a couple of weeks ago. We took a couple ATV’s and headed up the mountains. What a sight to see!!! They also bought a Saladmaster cookware set from us so Stephen and I were so happy to get another sale…;)

Back to yesterday, I first received a visit from my cousin Jeanine. We caught up with family matters and our careers. I’m so thankful that she also lives here in AZ. It’s nice to know that we’re family. The last time I saw Jeanine was at my cousin Marissa’s wedding in Geyserville, CA. I didn’t get a chance to talk with her at the time. I mainly listened to my cousin as she shared her recent experiences with me and was encouraged to hear that she wants to rebuild her life. I told her to be focused and that things will turn around for the better. I was grateful that I could be a good witness into Jeanine’s life.

After visiting with my cousin Jeanine, I then met my church friend, Mary Jane (MJ) for a shopping and lunch date at the Superstition Gateway shopping center in Mesa. We first went to Ross, our very favorite store!!! I needed a pestle & mortar set and MJ found it hidden behind some kitchen merchandise. We shared our grief of our loved ones. MJ lost her husband back in 2001 and I lost Dad almost 6 months ago. God has a special way of setting our paths straight. MJ is doing well. She plays piano and leads worship team for the first service at our church in Apache Junction. For lunch, we ate at In-N-Out Burger. We both love to be nostalgic and just enjoy life…;) It was a wonderful time of fellowship!!!

In the evening, Stephen and I went to Scottsdale for a real estate investor meeting. It was very informative and they gave us a binder of their recent statistics of the Arizona market. The staff was very knowledgeable and we plan to do business with them soon. Once we got back home, it was 10:00 pm at night. What a day!!!