"7 Days of Paradise" Day 1

Hey everyone,

So for the next week or so, I'm going to be blogging and posting pics about our recent trip to Maui.  One week ago today, we were playing on the beaches there.  Thank heavens everyone is safe there in light of the Tsunmai that hit them today...and so glad I wasn't there or my boys and my parents would have freaked out here back home (not to mention that it would have been pretty eerie and scary to wake up to the sirens ringing).

Anyway, I'm doing this for a couple reasons but mainly so many times we have been on vacations and though the memories always linger, some details and great experiences get forgottten as time moves on.

I'm hoping to share TONS of details, mostly fun, sometimes boring but every detail about our trip incase anyone else is thinking about going to Maui and so my family can re-live the vacation with us.

So why Maui?  Stew and I have tried to do a couples trip each year (except for the last couple of years).  We usually have vacationed to the beautiful land of Mexico, mainly Playa Del Car region.  If you ever go to Cancun make sure to stay closer to this beautiful place...not so "touristy" (is that a word)?  and so beautiful and quaint.   Anyway, back to Maui.  Since we have done Mexico many times, and not quite in that party, party stage in our lives anymore....we still wanted to go to a romantic, beautiful beach.  Did I mention that Stew is a FISH and loves the water!  So the beach is always our primary destination.  So if it wasn't going to be Mexico and we couldn't quite afford Bora Bora yet, then we chose Maui.  (Remind me to tell you my Bora Bora BIGGEST REGRET story sometime... I had the chance to go and blew that one---duh)!!!

Stew has never been to Hawaii and I knew he would love it.  I went for graduation almost 22 (did I just say 22) years ago!  A group of our friends went to Honolulu on the island of Oahu.  We had a blast but even back then there were a tons of tourists and I knew Stew would enjoy one of the more kicked back islands better.  So we knew Maui was in between of less tourists but with still lots of activities to do! 

We chose our resort based on the best snorkeling. Stew is a snorkeling/scuba-ing fool! 

We chose to stay in the beautiful, lush area of Makena/Wailea area, Makena Beach & Golf Resort:

Valentine's Day, prior to us leaving for Maui, Stew and I went to a great dinner here at home at the Pleasant Valley Golf & Grill (they have the best food--YUM)!!  Anyway, as we were eating, Stew totally surprised and freaked me out as he got down on his knee and gave me a beautiful cross necklace and asked me to marry him again in Maui... I know girls...ahhhhhhhhhh..... I was so shocked.... We have been through so much and it totally caught me off guard and I was even way more exicted about our trip.  We wanted to do something casual on the beach with just us and renew our vows together...more about that on about the 6th day!  (found a super cute white beach dress at Dillard's)....FUN REASON TO SHOP!

Anyway, we flew Delta to Maui non-stop on Monday.  I was a little annoyed at Delta for charging for luggage because it got me a little frustrated trying to pack into one suitcase.  Luckily most of what I was packed was swimming suits and flip-flops.  I LOVE Southwest Air!

For those of you that don't know me....I actually fly quite a lot with my business but I am still a freaked out flyer.  I used to be okay but there was 3 flights in a row one year that we had to do abrupt "go-arounds" under freaky circumstances and since then, I have not been a relaxed flyer.  So embarassed to admit...but Dramamine is my best friend flying.  Knock me out baby....

So, 6 1/2 hour flight to Maui direct.  I prayed so hard for a great non-eventful flight...and it was exactly that. 

We arrived in Maui around 4pm local time which was 7pm our time and we were starving...Delta peanuts and pretzels just don't cut it.  Luckily I had my yummy protein shakes that filled me up while we were flying.

We went to the mall in Maui for some interesting fast, Japanese food????  Not sure I want to comment on that but it did taste okay since I was famished.  We then did what all tourists from the states do......WE WENT TO COSTCO!  Yup...when you go to Maui, your first stop is Costco. 

We went and stocked up with goodies for our room.  I was so excited just to eat their yummy fresh fruit and my shakes for most of my meals except for our nightly big meal.  We just are the type that would rather not eat out and spend the $$.  And the freakin' pineapple was unbelieveable! 

So after Costco, we arrived at our hotel in the beautiful area of Makena.  We drove through Wailea which is also a very lush and beautiful landscaped, even jungle looking area of amazing hotels, time shares, golf course and shopping.

As we drove up to our resort it was already after dark.  We kept driving and driving towards the end of the road.  We pulled up and was so excited at what we saw.   We were greeted with ALOHA and shell leis by the staff.  As we walked through the open air lobby and beautiful courtyard to our room, we heard the loudest birds EVER.  I almost thought it was a recording.  No way could this be real live birds.  And although I loved hearing it....it was almost deafening.  So interesting, these mynah birds sing for about an 1/2 hour or so EVERY morning and night at sunrise and sunset.  It's so cool!  Nature just never ceazes to amaze me.

As we got to relax in our room that night on the balcony and could hear the crashing waves and get a glimpse of the sparkling sand and waves, we were excited to see what it all looked like the next morning. 

On my next posts, I'll start posting some "real" pics of our adventure.....

Oh geez...I'm getting myself excited all over and want to fly back right now!

Mahalo for reading my blog....check back for Day 2's adventures.   ALOHA

What hamburger should I eat? (My very first one)

Can you believe it?  I have never, swear on my life, ate a restaurant hamburger.

I still have flash backs from the yucky, cold, rubber, green-colored hamburgers we had to eat in Elementary school.

I know… it’s crazy but my friends are bugging me about it and I guess this is the year that I am going to have to do it!

But with that being said, if I am going to eat one without grossing myself out, it needs to be a good one!
So I need your help in deciding which one I am going to eat.

So do me a favor and go over to www.therealwahms.com scroll down the page on the right and vote in the poll.

Just so you know, I’ve watched my friend Jodi scarf down 100’s of burgers over the years… j/t but at least a dozen or more!  So I’m up for the Hamburger Challenge!

So help me out… we might even get a YouTube video for you when it happens—NOT!

Win over $100 Grab Bag of Success Tools just for showing me your home office!

Hey Wahms,
Send us a photo of your home office and you will be entered into a drawing for a “Wahm Grab Bag” of sales tools, books, cds, etc…. (things that Jodi and I have found useful in helping us build our 6 figure income over the years ).
The value of this “Wahm Grab Bag” is valued well over $100.oo so get your photo to us today!
To be eligible:

• Sign up for our newsletter on the right hand side of page at www.therealwahms.com (if you haven’t already)
• Attach a photo of your “REAL” home office and send it to therealwahms@gmail.com
• The deadline for the drawing is Midnight MST, February 28th, 2010
• Everyone is eligible, even work at home dads and grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. you just need to be involved in some capacity with a home business.

How easy is that?  We can’t make it any easier for you to be successful!  Winner of the “Wahm Grab Bag” will be announced LIVE on our March 3rd TRW (The Real Wahms) Show!
You don’t have to be listening to win but you may want to hear your name announced LIVE!  How freakin’ cool would that be!

I’ll get the ball rolling!  Here’s a photo of my home office!  I’d put Jodi’s up here but it's way too messy!  (unless all of you beg me)

Kimber

How do you build a snowman in Kentucky?

So, my brother John and his wife Tara and my two adorable nephews, Aidan and Brock live in Kentucky.  I live in Utah, you know the place with... "the greatest snow on Earth!"

In December, John and his gang came to stay with us for the Holidays and to play in all the Utah snow.

I always tease John because in Kentucky if there is just a trace of snow on the ground, they shut down the schools.  In Utah, we NEVER get a snow day no matter how bad it gets. 

While they were here with us, we got to play in the snow, ride 4-wheelers in the snow, pulling sleds behind them.  We got to go sledding down our friend K.C.'s huge hill and generally show them what the Utah snow was all about.

Then, yesterday, I see a photo of an 18 foot snowman the gang built in Kentucky!

You know, I think he was secretly just trying to show us Utahns up! 

 

How cool is that?  I'm so jealous but I do know that they had some help.... shhhhhhhh!  Check it out:

 

That's how you build an 18 foot snowman in Kentucky!  I don't care who you are though, that's pretty cool!

They were featured on their local news this morning!  

Now, if they only knew how to build some mountains in Kentucky, then maybe they could really compete with "The Greatest Snow on Earth!"  

How did Shelley's Grandma help her in business and life?

oin us LIVE this morning to find out!

 

This morning join TRW (The Real Wahms) Internet Show with special guest speaker and author, Shelley Kimberly.

 

Shelley is a featured author in "The Power of Mentorship in Network Marketing" alongside other noted authors, like Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Charlie Jones, Jan Ruhe, Jayne Leach, and Denis Waitley.


Shelley Kimberly is an identical twin, a wife, a mother of three kids, and a published author, “The Power Of Mentorship For Network Marketing.” She has been featured with Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Bob Proctor, Diane Diamond, from The Secret, and many other inspiring mentors. She has been involved in the health and wellness aspect of network marketing since 1998. She is also the founding president of a woman’s investment club. Come learn how Shelley manages it all and keeps it REAL!

 

You can join us LIVE and listen online at 11:30am MST  www.blogtalkradio.com/therealwahms or dial in to listen:  (347) 850-1338

We hope you join us this morning in Keeping it Real!

 

www.therealwahms.com

 

Has it been a week already since our first show!

Last week we went LIVE with our first ever internet show!  The Real Wahms was born!  I know some of you still don't know what a Wahm is?   (Work at Home Mom)

You've heard of the Real Housewives, right?  Well, we just decided to expose the real truth about the direct sales, network marketing industry for what it is and what it takes to become successful!

Truth is, it's not always easy but it is simple and very worth it if you are willing to dive in!

I get to work a very part-time schedule from home, doing what I want, working when I want, wearing what I want (my green fuzzy robe and pony-tail), working with who I want...the list goes on!

Now, don't get me wrong... this part-time schedule didn't happen overnight.  The first part of my journey in this industry, I had to work hard and focus smart!  But now I get to decide if I want to step it up and work full-time or perhaps take a week off and go to Maui (leaving next week--Yeah)!  And the best part is that I will get paid while I'm playing on the beach!

I don't want to sound smug about it especially in a time when so many people are hurting financially but I do want others to know that there is another way out there!

This industry has created the most millionaires and also has some of the best products and services available to you in so many areas of our lives!

It's just truly the marketing way of the future!  For those of you not familiar with how this industry works, let me give you a simple example.  Have you ever gone to a movie and walked out and sent a text or called someone and said, "you gotta go see this movie"... that's the simplicity of our industry!  You sharing a good product or service with others but unlike when you see a movie and tell others, our industry pays you back for your referral!  That's what this industry is all about.....all the rest you have heard is just nonsense.  It's just "word of mouth" marketing at its finest!

So if you can tell someone about a good movie or a good haircut, you too can be a success in this industry!

Join our LIVE show tomorrow with special guest speaker, Shelley Kimberly!  Shelley is an identical twin, a wife, a mother of three kids, and a published author, “The Power Of Mentorship For Network Marketing.” She has been featured with Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Bob Proctor, Diane Diamond, from The Secret, and many other inspiring mentors. She has been involved in the health and wellness aspect of network marketing since 1998. She is also the founding president of a woman’s investment club. Come learn how Shelley manages it all and keeps it REAL!

Listen in at www.blogtalkradio.com/therealwahms and sign up for The Real Wahm Newsletter at www.therealwahms.com

What were we thinking?

Tomorrow, Wednesday February 3rd (11:30 am MST), one of my BFF and business partner, Jodi will host our very first LIVE Internet Radio show! 

Seriously....what were we thinking?  Jodi said, "hey ... let's do a show" (wink, wink) and I said, "that would be crazy fun." and within a few hours The Real Wahms show was born--because that's how we roll!  We have an idea, throw it out there, create some chaos and then figure it out later!

I met Jodi about 7 years ago through a company we had both partnered with and about 3-4 years ago, although we had no financial ties to each other we started working as business partners that would develop into a great friendship that has been so fun and crazy at times but one that I have thanked God for everyday. 

Over the past few years, we have each had our challenges to support each other through as well as cheered each other on through the successes!

Both Jodi and I have been able to earn a substantial income working part-time from home while raising our 3 children.   As one of our mentors says, "don't ask for it to be easy...ask for it to be worth it!"  AND IT HAS!

Although our paths are not always the same, we have continued to work together, cheering each other on with what God has led us both to. 

Our desire for our show is to tell the truth about this great industry, reveal our mistakes, but offer great solutions and tips that have helped us over the years and hopefully will help everyone else take months, perhaps years of learning curve of their own journey in this industry.

We don't want to make you feel just warm and fuzzy after the call or all hyped up, we want to share the REAL truth openly but also provide solutions and inspiration as we share our own and our guest speakers triumphs! 

You need to tune in just because you never know what might come out of Jodi's mouth?  She makes me laugh everyday.  We aren't seasoned or polished show hosts but we will be real and hopefully you will leave the show thinking, hmmmm if those girls can do this, then I know I can!

So if you can, tune into our FIRST LIVE show .. even if you just want a laugh to see what may go wrong ;)

Go to www.therealwahms.com or join our FAN PAGE at www.facebook.com/therealwahms

To listen to the call LIVE for FREE go to www.blogtalkradio.com/therealwahms

So grab your cup of "joe" and a warm fuzzy robe and we'll hear ya on the call!

Ever wondered what the daily life looked like of a work at home mom?

You've heard of the "The Real Housewives" right?  Well...this week is the kick off call for an internet radio show, "The Real Wahms!"

What is a WAHM?  Simply put... a Work at Home Mommy!

Have you ever wanted to work from home or you already are working from home but have some challenges with keeping the balance between work, spouse and family!  Then this call is for you!

We will be sharing the TRUTH about what it takes to work successfully from home and our desire is to tell you how it is so you can avoid some of the common challenges or pitfalls that many moms face while working from home!

We are excited to have as our very first guest, a very successful WAHM who has earned 6 figures in the direct sales industry and is currently producing a 7 figure income in her industry from home, Sandi Krakowski.

Come learn more about how Sandi kept and is still keeping the balance from home!

You can hear more about Sandi and get the times for the call at www.blogtalkradio.com/therealwahms

We have a line up of more incredible WAHMS for you in February and March!  Tell all your WAHM friends and wanna be WAHMS!

You can join The Real Wahm Fan Page at www.facebook.com/therealwahms