The Grass is Greener on My Side of the Fence

When I think of the blessings in my life, I have a long list... a very long, amazing list.

My husband, our sons, my parents, my brothers, sister-in-laws and all the nieces and nephews, my precious friends, a warm home, a car that runs, my health, and the list

goes on!  Yep, I'm pretty blessed! 

And if all of that isn't enough, I have something else in my life that has turned out to be an incredible blessing. It started out as something for "me," something I could call my own.  I don't mean for that to sound selfish, I was just in a place where I kinda needed to find myself again.  I can't really explain it (well I could, but it's way too long to share in a blog!), but at the end of the day what happened is that the Lord opened some doors and showed me Thirty One Gifts.

Initially, I sort of "dabbled" at being a Consultant.  And then I realized, "Hey, I'm really good at this!"  It used all of my strengths:

• I love people.  
• I love the product.  
• I love organization. 
• I love being successful, and
• I love helping other people be successful!  

Within just a few months of really deciding that I was going to turn Thirty One Gifts into my own personal income generating business THIS happened to me! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



Over the past 2 years, I have been working, successfully building a business on my own terms, in the time that I want to give to it each month.  I have been honored to make new friends, all over the country. These ladies are women just like me.  They have gifts, talents, strengths, and a desire to either support their family income or they are the primary income for their families.  They have all been such an encouragement to my soul! I love getting to see them at National Conference, it's something we all look forward to every year. (I guess they are a part of my blessings as well!)

But that's not where this story ends. Thirty One Gifts started 10 years ago, this year, and it's grown by leaps and bounds! I know the Lord has blessed this company because our founder and owner, Cindy Monroe, seeks God, loves God, and puts Him first. She lives what she teaches, and The Lord has blessed her, and by blessing her, everyone around her has been blessed.

Let me also add this . . . which is what made me start thinking about writing this blog today, the Top 100 List of Best Direct Sales Companies for 2012 came out this week and Thirty One is #18, with $718,000,000 in sales!

NUMBER EIGHTEEN!!!!!!  718 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!
Now that's some exciting news!!

I am a Thirty One Gifts Independent Director because it allows me to be a successful small business owner.  It allows me to support my husband and family, and it allows me to help other people do the same! 

I would love to help you achieve those things as well!  Give me a call, and I will give you all the secret info, like how many hours I actually work and how much money I actually make! I'm talking full disclosure here people!  Want more info on being part of this amazing journey?  Give me a call or shoot me an email!

I'd love to hear your blessing list too!  Leave me a comment and tell me how God is blessing you today!

From my side of the fence, I'm thinking the grass is looking pretty green right where I'm standing. 

Cathy Henry

Ind. Director, Thirty One

770-316-6356

www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry

Let 'Em Eat Cake!

UPDATE: Amy, you have won this amazing new Thirty One  tote...go to www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry and pick which print you wld like and I will order it for you! Congrats!!

I have a friend of mine who is madly in love with this cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.  Every time she talks about it I think to myself, "Oh my gosh, I want to eat that cheesecake!"

The cheesecake she loves is the White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake.  I asked her to describe it to me (as only she can) and this is what she wrote.

"This is hands-down the best cheesecake I have ever had in my mouth.  It's the kind of cheesecake that is so good that when you slice a bite and put it in your mouth, you want to close your eyes and savor the moment.  And the only thing that can top "that moment" is knowing that you're going to get to take another bite and another bite and another bite.  

The crust of this cheesecake has a ribbon of caramel threaded through it.  And then right above the crust is a layer of thick, rich, buttery caramel.  And it that's not enough, then there is the actual cheesecake, made with white chocolate, cream cheese,  and crushed macadamia nuts.  I don't even like macadamia nuts, so don't be put off by that if you don't like them, they just add this incredible richness to the flavor of the cheesecake.  

Oh my gosh.  All I can say is if you ever go there, skip dinner and get the cheesecake.  It will change your life."

Can you tell she loves this cheesecake?  She does.  And she has told that story so many times to so many people that complete strangers who have overheard her telling the story have asked her to write down the name of the cheesecake.

THAT is what being a fan of something is about.  You love it so much you want everyone to have it!

I was thinking about her and her cheesecake today when I was thinking about why I love Thirty-One Gifts.  It's not just a great product at a great price.  That's like saying my friend's cheesecake is a nice dessert.  It just doesn't do it justice.

Selling Thirty-One Gifts has given me a confidence in myself that I had lost.  It's helped me see that I can believe in myself and achieve the things God has for me. (I became a Director 5 months into being an active consultant. ) Of course it helps that it IS a great product, but it's so much more than that.  I really do want everyone to know about it, own it, sell it, because it is just that great.

When I first started this blog, I did it for two reasons.  I wanted to share a bit about myself with my readers, my friends, my customers; and I wanted to build my 31 business.  I've been pretty good about sharing about myself, but not so great about sharing about Thirty One.  And honestly, it wasn't until this morning that I realized, I LOVE 31 and I want EVERYONE to know it!  And maybe that sounds a little bit dorky to you, but you just wait.

Soon, you'll share my love for 31 like I share my friend's love for her cheesecake.  You just won't be able to help yourself. (I already have 34 consultants that work on my team! So I know what I'm talking about!)

In honor of my "I LOVE 31 Epiphany Day," I'm going to tell you two things.

1.  You can become a consultant for 31 right now without risking a penny.  It's normally $99 to get started (which is still a great price for over $300 worth of products) but right now there is a special going that will let you start selling Thirty One and get your starter kit for free! Email me at this link to get more information and get started today!

2.  I'm going to give away Keep it Caddy, in a pattern of your choice.  Just because I love you.  If you want to win, you have to comment and tell me why you want to win.  I'm going to pick the best answer (no random drawing) so do your best work!

From my side of the fence, I can see that I am about to change your life!  And once you sign up, we should go have cheesecake.  I'm kind of craving it now!

Cathy
(I might have gone a little crazy with the links, but I just wanted to be sure you didn't miss it!  Don't judge me!)

Live Life Sassy Giveaway

UPDATE, AND THE WINNER IS......Elizabeth! (contact me Elizabeth to get your prize!) Thanks to random number generator for picking the winner!

So, I have not written in a few weeks, been trying to get back into the swing of things with our new adventure of homeschooling our youngest, who is 12. 

I am happy to announce, he loves it, and I love it! He has begged us to homeschool him for awhile, so we took the plunge, and its great! I love the extra time we get to spend together and the freedom we have to travel and watch our oldest, D, play in his college basketball games (he had an amazing game on Monday and rocked it with his college career high in points!) Most of all, I love the joy that I see in A's life because he is enjoying life, school, and being a boy! He is devouring the new curriculum, which is Christian-based.  

Now, back to business.  A couple of weeks ago, 2 to be exact, I promised you a give away. I also said this first give away would not be Thirty One (though there WILL be a Thirty One giveaway because, hey, who doesn't love Thirty One Gifts, and even better, who doesn't love FREE Thirty One!)

But, like I said, this isn't about Thirty One.  

Back to the giveaway.

I have a friend who has the most incredible Etsy Shop,  Live, Life, Sassy.  She sells super cute, monogrammed items. And my giveaway this week is from her shop.

We (I say "we" because I get to help pick out the incredible fabrics and color combos that she uses) have many colors of knit infinity scarves that can be personalized with your monogram in 1 of 10 different colors and 1 of 3 different fonts. We also have white pillow cases that can be personalized with a monogram, name, or initial. I know you are going to love all of her stuff as much as I do!

So, that brings me to YOU! With all this cold weather, everyone is grabbing their coats and gloves, and no doubt, a warm scarf!  I am giving away an infinity scarf in a gray and white chevron print, monogrammed!  I will contact the winner and discuss font style and color, so no worries there!

So, how can you win this super cute item you ask? Do ALL of these things.

1.  Follow my blog.  (Yes, it's a shameless approach to upping my readers. I'm okay with it.)

2.  Pin this post.

3.  Comment below and be sure to leave your email address (if you want) so I can get in touch with you if you win!

4.  Check back on Monday and see if you won!

From my side of the fence, you are going to LOVE your awesome, warm, beautiful, free scarf.  You're welcome.

Cathy

2013 - The Year of Shaping Up

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Who makes them and who keeps them?

I mean REALLY keeps them, as in who keeps them in June, July, and later? 

I must admit that I do not usually keep them much past the end of February (and that's a good year)! BUT this year is different, because I have made my New Year's resolutions without realizing it, and I made them EARLY, as in NOVEMBER early. So, they are already a habit! :) 

Remember I talked about getting healthy? Well, I started! And as you read this, I have been totally gluten free for over 30 days, and I feel great! 

Next is to start running again. Did I mention I signed my husband and myself up for a 5k on Jan 13? Did I mention I have not run in oh, maybe 8 months or more? But hey, who's counting!

So, I am committed to my New Year's resolution of being healthy (and not just physically healthy, though that's a big part of it!)  So that I will be publicly accountable, here are my resolutions in a list form: 

• I will be physically healthy. 
• I will make healthy choices with my food.
• I will exercise, in some capacity 5 days a week.
• I will have a healthy marriage.
• I will put my husband first, including with  my time. 
• I will be emotionally healthy.
• I will nourish the rich friendships I have, spending time with those I love.
• I will seek forgiveness from those whom I have hurt, and forgive those that have hurt me.
• I will be professionally healthy.
• I will run my business in a way that pleases God.
• I will give it my all, committing myself to make it successful.
• I will make sure I keep a proper balance between work and family and faith.
• I will be spiritually healthy.  
• I am committing to my time with the Lord, every day, period. I have a devotional, Jesus Calling, and I will read it and the scriptures listed with it, every day. I know that keeping my body healthy matters for this earth, but keeping my focus on the Lord; that's what really matters. 

From my side of the fence, 2013 is "shaping up" to be a great year.  (Sorry, I just couldn't resist!)

Cathy

Lilly Love

So, I don't know if you know this or not, but the word "fan" is actually an abbreviation of the word FANATIC.

I said that because I am a fan . . . okay I'm a FANATIC of Lilly Pulitzer.  Such a fan, in fact, that I even know that her birthday was just a few weeks ago on November 10th!

Who is Lilly Pulitzer, you ask? 

Well first of all, shame on you for not knowing, especially if you call yourself a southern girl or a girly girl!

"It all started in a juice stand" in 1959!  Lilly is a designer I LOVE (yes, we're on a first name basis . . . at least from my end we are!)  I've mentioned Lilly before.  She is a designer that I love!

She has been called the "Queen of Prep."   Her bright, cheerful, clothes are popular and have been worn by actresses, First Ladies, and me. :)  (I keep such good company!)  And also by my cousin, Jen, who I just HAVE to mention because she introduced me to my obsession love of Lilly years ago. 

Check them out, I bet you will be hooked too! www.lillypulitzer.com

Oh, and by the way, now in addition to ladies' clothes, the Lilly line carries children's and men's clothes, shoes, jewelry, bedding and more!  Man, I sound like a commercial for Lilly.  But I can't help myself!  I love her!

Lilly lovers know that there is no comparison, and just wearing Lilly has been known to make your day better!

From my side of the fence, every day (even cold days!)  should be a Lilly Day!

Cathy

It's Not a Diet

I don't know if you have seen the movie Kindergarten Cop before, but it's so funny.  Arnold Schwarzenegger is a cop who impersonates a Kindergarten Teacher in order to catch a crook.  In the movie, there is this one kid who is a total fatalist and constantly says, "Maybe it's a tumor!"  Finally, in a moment of madness, Arnold's character yells "It's not a tumor!"  Only in Arnold's voice it sounds like, "It's not a tuma."

That story has nothing to do with this blog other than when I think of the title, "It's Not a Diet," I think of Arnold's voice saying it like his character in Kindergarten Cop saying "It's not a tuma!" 

Truthfully, I kind of feel the same frustration he must have felt in that moment, because I keep telling myself I need to go on a diet, but my other self says, "It's not a diet!"

In an effort to be open and transparent ( like some friends I so greatly respect) I am going to share with you, my blogger friends, about a struggle I have called weight. I have struggled with my weight since our youngest son was born, 12 years ago. Before then, I never struggled with my weight.  I ate what I wanted, when I wanted.  But not now. No way. Just looking at a piece of cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory makes me gain 5lbs!

My goal is to loose weight and be the healthiest mom I can be.  So today, I started a journey, (ok, i started it again, for the 100th time!)  My journey to good physical health.

In the past, I have consulted nutritionist, trainers, you name it!  I have gone to them for the quick fix on loosing weight. News flash, there is no quick fix. The thing is, I KNOW how to lose weight and get healthy!  I know that 80% of a weight issue is what we put in out mouths,  and 20% is from some sort of work out that gets your blood flowing. I know the right and wrong way, I know the foods, to eat, I know how to do interval training, and the list goes on.  

I just struggle to do it.  

I am asking each of you to pray for me as I start this journey for the FINAL time. Yes, I said final. I am taking all of the knowledge I have gleaned over the years and the encouragement of friends, and I have set goals to loose weight and get healthy. I am not using a trainer (been there done that).   I am not using a prepared meal plan (done that too). I am going to be eating clean, small portions, 5-7 times a day, no and I mean NO processed foods, and I am starting to train again for a little race in January. 

Feel free to message and ask me how this journey is going. I welcome the accountability. I will keep you all posted. 

From my side of the fence, I'm pretty darn excited to think about myself at this time next year.  I'm gonna be one smokin' hot mama!  (HA!  My friend Carol told me I had to say that!)

Cathy

Some are Called to Go; Some are Called to Give

I want to tell you guys about an incredible woman today.  Her name is Sammie Smimmo, and on January 1, 2013, she will leave Houston, Texas, and begin a journey that will take her through 65 cities, with stops at 52 Homeless Shelters in 52 Weeks.  A documentary of her journey will be filmed and book will be written that will share this amazing look at the homeless in our nation.

Her purpose?  To take the message of Hope to people who seemingly have no hope.  And to raise awareness for the homeless situation in this country.  (Did you know that more than 50% of the homeless in our nation are women and children?  I am ashamed to say that I used to think that homeless people were all drunks or drug addicts. Not true, I have learned).

Sammie's story is pretty amazing.  She went from being a millionaire to being homeless, all in just a few short months.  Her husband, a drug addict and philander left her after 16+ years of marriage.  Depression, of course, took over, and one night she took herself to the hospital, thinking she was having a heart attack.  In reality, it was just a panic attack, but while there, they discovered a lump in her breast.  A lump that turned out to be cancer.

Sammie lost it all.  Her marriage, her business, her health, and her home.  She went from living in a palatial home to living in a tool shed with no running water (no bathroom, no shower, all while struggling through brutal chemotherapy!)

During that time of incredible personal loss, Sammie discovered a deep love for Jesus.  And He called her to work with the homeless.  Since that day, she has worked 7 days a week (even during chemo and the 17 cancer related surgeries she had to have afterward!) feeding and loving the Homeless.

When asked why she is going on this journey across the country, she said simply, "People on the street need to know that they matter.  They need to know that someone knows they exist; that God knows they exist.  And they need to know that there is hope for them.  I'm going because God told me to go."

I want to help Sammie on this incredible journey.  There are many ways each of us can help.  Some can give money.  Some can host Sammie when she is in your city.  And I've thought of another incredible way you can help!  Sammie will be living out of her car and providing food and Bibles out of her car for the THOUSANDS of people she will meet on this journey.  And to do that, she needs a way to be organized and to carry all of her stuff.  (ah hem . . . throat clear noise . . .)  I just HAPPEN to be a 31 Gifts Consultant and we just HAPPEN to sell a product that will both help Sammie get organized and to carry all her stuff.

This is where you come in!  I have a list on my website of all the totes that Sammie needs.  But we have to do this fast because as I said, she's leaving on January 1, 2013!  If you want to help, go to  www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry, click on events and then Sammie. There you can purchase one of the organizing utility totes or the large utility totes.  And, just to be sure you guys don't think I'm doing this to promote my own business, I'm giving 100%, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of my profit to Sammie's trip!

From my side of the fence, I see a big chance to make a big difference in the life of someone else.  Some of us are called to go, some are called to give.  I'm glad Sammie's going.  And I want to join her by giving!  Will you join me?

Cathy