Category Archives: Life

2023

Word of the year: Lighten

Why: By definition lighter in weight, pressure, or severity. Make or become more cheerful.

Since the end of October 2022 I’ve been on a wellness journey. Until Christmas I’d been steady in the gym 2-3x a week and have lost and maintained a 20lb weight loss. I’m working to continue down this path of lightening in weight- to help my confidence. It’s for me. Not for anyone else. I need to learn some of the other weight machines- they terrify me if I’m being honest, but in 2023 I will learn at least 3 of these new machines.

I believe mental health is an incredible piece of life you have to work at daily, and my current state requires that I remove anything that makes me feel anxious or pressured instead of joy and happiness. Some of my current relationships for instance feel tedious to maintain instead of exciting. I’m not myself in those relationships because of that pressure and I need to either communicate my stance better or decide to let those relationships go.

I need to lighten my life of “goods”. I’ve acquired far more “things” than one needs to live life. Consumerism is great economically however I am slowing my involvement in the fashion industry and purging what I do not wear. In general I’ll be purging items I own that I do not wish to take with me in my next home.

I spent 2022 trying to figure out how to spark joy in my side business again. I went to several retreats, events, and believed I wanted certain things at the time. I maintained consistent in my personal piece but I needed reflection and to pull back and look big picture at what was causing me to feel like nothing I did was good enough. I didn’t set enough boundaries- even after establishing boundaries. I let customers walk on them. In 2023 the key to my happiness may be to fire customers. And that’s okay. I need to communicate to my customers better about how the online shipping works and how pick up works. Less deliveries. I cut back on events- it’s a lot of work to do and I only want to do the ones that yield higher results. I rather work 1:1 than carry a ton of stock in my home.

So I’m going to stick to my 2-3x a week gym sessions, add in learning 3 new machines. I’m going to downsize my wardrobe, belongings, purge excess items. I’m going to move in 2023 and live alone for the first time in a LONG time. I’m going to work on being even more communicative in my relationships, and I’m going to help less, and mainly if asked and able. In my business I’m going to focus on beating my last years numbers and clearing out stock from my home. I’m going to gift collected benefits instead of sit on items to sell and storing them. I’m going to talk to more people about the direct ship options so I don’t find myself driving an hour round trip plus to deliver a 30$ set of wax melts with the cost of gas.

That’s 2023 for me ❤

xo, Kel

Wasting my time….

Friendships are not hard. Relationships are not hard. In fact it’s so simple that we make them SO much more difficult. I’m a pretty direct person most of the time. There ARE times when I need to think before I say something important and that takes time but most the time it’s quick. SO here it goes: I don’t need my friends to text me daily, call me daily, reach out daily in any way. I need my friends to show up to plans they make with me, not make vague loose plans with me, and respect my time.

In my life TIME is my greatest gift to you. I could be spending that time on myself, making money, going to the gym, learning a new hobby- enriching. Instead I’m giving it to you because I want to spend that time with you. Showing up late without calling, texting or cancelling when I’m on my way is rude- doing it more than once is insulting. The number of times it’s happened to me is embarrassing because I let it happen. It won’t happen in 2023. The answer will just simply be- sorry, no.

I care too much about others and I USED to people please. We’re not doing that in 2023. The helper is burnt out folks. She doesn’t want to do things for people that won’t help themselves, that take advantage of her kindness, and who never appreciate it when she does help. 2023 is about lack of effort for others and more effort towards myself.

If you want to find me in 2023 I’ll be in the gym, reading a book, talking to my friends that do prioritize me and not dealing with people for lead me on in both a friendship or relationship possible scenario.

Earning an Incentive during Covid/Rioting

On March 1st Scentsy announced an incentive for the Spring/Summer season. This incentive was not different from any other Spring/Summer incentive we’d done previously. 4 tiers, Levels 1-3 and a top 50. No surprise. Same prv (personal retail volume), same recruit specification and that they had to do 1000 prv to count. We had until June 30th to complete the qualifications. In Ohio – our Governor put plans in motion beginning March 19th(ish). The state changed- and I could have let that be my excuse- but I didn’t. I knew that if I wanted to earn this incentive I would have to get creative, open up to new ideas, and accept that this was uncharted territory that I’d be working in. My events- cancelled. In home party gatherings- forbidden. This is when I would realize all of my work on social media and bag parties would pay off as long as the consistency was there.

Scentsy 2020 Consultant Incentive - Grow With The Flow - The ...
Grow with the Flow incentive 2020

My entire career I’ve pushed back on the people telling me that you cannot do direct sales through social media alone. I’m proof you can absolutely have customers from all over the country purchase from you because of your online connections. It’s taking the time to stay connected online and the effort it takes to maintain. I care about my customers. Most become my friends I check in on. Relationship building – as long as it’s genuine – requires time no matter how you’re doing it – in person or online.

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Let me throw another wrench into this- I have an autoimmune disease. So my leaving my home was incredibly restricted. We were locked down for the most part from March – end of May. Almost the entire incentive. If I went somewhere it was gas, porch drops, or grocery store when I had to.

Let’s also add that since the end of May there have also been riots and protesting for the Black Lives Matter movement in our bigger city. I’m bringing these up as they caused hardship on some through participating in riots or not having access to their homes. Some lost their jobs for speaking out on the topic- etc. Columbus had mandated curfews, areas shut down for traffic, rioting and looting hurt some downtown businesses causing closures. I bring this up merely because it affected employees, business owners, people hurt during the protests/riots that could all have caused ripples during this time for someone trying tor process, participate, educate oneself while also trying to earn an incentive. I am not insensitive. It’s not easy to balance these things. I’m merely looking at an abbreviated big picture of my tiny piece of the world.

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I had all of the above occurring. Here’s how I earned this:

  1. Ask everyone, believe in everyone, and work with those that want it.
  2. Communication. My door is open for my new teammies. I’ve jumped on messages, calls, zoom videos with everyone listed below. I checked in, I provided training. I was present- and I still AM as Bill is the only one out of his 70 days.
  3. Make a list, create reports, keep yourself on task. List of 100 for parties/sponsoring. Top Ten Dream Team lists. If something isn’t working- reach out to someone and ask what they are trying. Bingo was a godsend.
  4. Find Accountability partners. Vanessa & Shelly got me through Levels 2 and 3. Whether it was Facebook calls, Zoom videos, chats- without them I would have quit. I would have let Covid stop me. They didn’t give up on me. ❤ you guys.
  5. Be Genuine. I wanted to help all three of these people for different reasons. I’m excited to get to know Karen and Kendra more. I’m excited to watch them all grow. I’m excited to be able to talk about these things with Bill- he married one of my favorite people! Karen is a new friend, who showed up to my house on a motorcycle! She’s cool, mysterious, intriguing! Kendra is a mom of a student of my best friend. She lives further away but it’s going to be fun getting to see her now when I go see Jenn!

So the fine details:

Bill and Jacob are two of my best friends. I married them if you count the crying mess I was as marrying them. I’m SO proud I get to watch their lives evolve together. They recently built and moved into a new home and they decided to join Scentsy since Bill works for an airline and he was getting his hours cut due to Covid. Bill is a reader. Bill was coachable. Bill asked the questions and took the advice and aimed for the goals and hit them. Bill was my first recruited and certified for this incentive. He did the launch. He booked the next party, he invested in himself time wise and he saw what the business could do. It helps that Jacob also loves the products and getting paid off their stash makes a happy marriage. They never used COVID as an excuse. They mailed catalogs, dropped testers off for sniffing, they used products and explained them/shared them. I cannot wait for them to start building their team. They are going to be amazing leaders as a team.

Karen R was a person that I was introduced to through a friend named lol Karen T. Karen R was looking for an older warmer on Facebook and Karen T tagged me in a post. I was able to find, and get the warmer Karen R was looking for quickly. She was impressed with my work ethic. She jumped on the website , saw the 20$ join special, asked if it was real, which let to a conversation about the contents of all the kits and she signed up. We again walked through launching, creating a party group, which flipped into her VIP page and got her started. Karen quickly certified, sponsored a teammie, and is now working on a balance to get her to a lead promotion for the new incentive that started July 1. She is a go-getter. She’s wise and she asks amazing questions. She’s doing amazing. Again- coachable and she used that VIP page to share.

My best friend Jenn had a Bingo party for me- first Scentsy party she’s ever had in over 8 years of my selling lol. Kendra was an attendee. I often ask the hosts of my parties if they want to join and take the party on for themselves and if they pass I ask guests. Kendra took me up on that offer. When the party ended we had booked Kendra a second party from that party. We set goals and Kendra- from just those two parties certified and got her pay raise. Kendra also booked another party off the 2nd party. Within 15 days Kendra had done a 500$ and started her 2nd party.

My own sales attributed. I did 1550-3568 personal prv month to month March-June. During Covid, during lockdown, during protests, while working full time. I set the goal. I motivated myself towards to goal. I made sure the above worked towards the goal. They were not the only 3 I sponsored. They were the 3 that worked their businesses and invested time and energy into finding a way to achieve their goals.

Here’s what will be taken away from this blog, and it’s saddens me: Well Kelly you’ve sold Scentsy for 8 years so you have a customer base- these new people didn’t. My new people didn’t either. You’re focusing on the wrong thing. If you didn’t earn this incentive because your consultants didn’t certify – it’s not likely that Covid, Protests, Lockdowns, Rioting were the nitty gritty reason. Dig deeper. It was more than likely fear of asking DUE to those reasons. It’s almost always a fear of rejection, fear of annoying, or fear of something instead of Covid, Lockdown, or Protests in this case.

Scentsy- due to the nature of the brand- had hyper growth in this season because people were at home more than ever before, meaning they go through product more. They could get contactless delivery in some nature. People joined due to a join special and worked it because the income needs were there due to shut downs and cut hours. They need(ed) the money so they worked the business. We had a great Spring/Summer and I’m super excited to see how July ends before a new catalog season begins.

When people are upset that they didn’t earn something, because someone else didn’t do their part- and they ask for consideration or accommodations to be made- it makes those that did the work feel like our work is not of any validity. I’ve been in the shoes of someone who has missed an incentive level or incentive because someone didn’t hit their goal. I know it hurts. This is how direct sales works. The DSA requires that your sponsored consultant actually do work to earn instead of just sponsoring them because we are not a pyramid scheme and sponsoring and doing nothing and getting paid for or gifted something for it- that IS how a pyramid scheme works.

I use a handful of quotes often as a leader. They never seem to not fit a situation. #wecandohardthings is my team mantra. They know that no matter what I believe that we can do the hard things and succeed. This is another quote I use- especially when leaders are aiming for promotions and incentives. As long as you are shooting for that moon- you’ll land in the stars. The work you did from this incentive WILL set you up for the next. Just so happened that the next started the very next day lol. ❤ You may not have earned the Grow with the Flow incentive. Take that driving force into the Family Incentive ❤ You can do it! I believe in you ❤

image] Shoot for the moon - les brown : GetMotivated

**Scentsy is part of the DSA, Direct Selling Association. This means Scentsy complies to not encouraging stock buying or maintaining large amounts of stock in home, reimbursement to new consultants that join and decided Scentsy isn’t right for them up to 90% on unused goods, within their first 12 months. They also have extensive product warranties for all consumers. You can locate this informations on the DSA website under code of ethics.**

 

The projects we start….. during Quarantine

Let’s face it- we’re all to that stage of quarantine where we’ve done SOMETHING project-like. If you’re reading this I can almost guarantee you’ve done one of the following:

  • Organized
  • Purged
  • Replaced something
  • Renovated something
  • Sold something
  • Did lawn care
  • Planted a garden
  • Deep Cleaned
  • Painted
  • Crafted
  • Baked
  • Learned a new recipe
  • Finished a TV series or Subscribed to a streaming service

I’ll stop there because I’m sure I covered everything. I ripped up carpet from a flood the first weekend in quarantine. This caused me to have to organize and purge. It caused me to “attempt” to replace something- more about that later on. I started a Pinterest board to renovate my half bath. I always sell something so I’m not a statistic there. We’re not to the lawn/planting phase yet. We’ve cleaned. I’ve been tempted to buy paint- luckily I can’t decide on a color. I’ve been crafty with Scentsy- coming up with themed gift and mystery bags. I baked Banana Bread from scratch tonight. Kylie and I are making Ropa Vieja this week. I finished Elite on Netflix. Oh and what isn’t on this list- I made TikTok coffee. I said it. 


So that’s fun. I’m a statistic lol. Ripping up carpet was a three weekend project so I can say I’ve managed to keep myself incredibly busy. The one thing I can say is that I absolutely hate when it’s rainy or cold as I can’t go outside. Oh and when I have to go to a store and the majority of people aren’t in masks and don’t respect the social distancing guidelines. I do know not every believes. I know not everyone cares- if they get it they get it. I know most likely everyone will get it or has had it. I just would prefer to not have it until there is a vaccine since I have asthma and an autoimmune disease. You’re wearing a mask helps me- not you. My wearing a mask helps you not me. Coming right in front of my face to grab cheese doesn’t help either of us. They want you to reduce the stress on hospitals. I rightfully should have stayed home knowing I’m high risk- but somethings you cannot get the items on your list delivered. Time to switch topics. I’m not trying to be a Karen.

I’m making some new friends. I’ve adopted 4 seniors to send some fun things to from my old school district- this is a fun, creative project that may be happening in your local area. A friend added me via Facebook Group so check for those if you use that platform. I love giving back and since my senior year was 9/11- I feel for these poor kids. I picked two girls and two boys but I have an extra surprise up my sleeve for another. One loves smells and NYC, One loves old books and vintage items, One loves OSU, and One loves everything but the color yellow lol.

I decided I needed to not wait for Ikea to open back up to get a Cube Organizer. I made a grave mistake here. This error in judgement caused me a great deal of frustration tonight. I paid 9ish dollars less for something held together by pegs and it broke as soon as I flipped it up right. The issue is the delivery fee for Ikea for the Kallax System was 49.99. Well this one will go back to Target. I will buy Kallax once Ikea reopens in Polaris and be a patient little Kelly. Lesson learned.

This cute little puppy of ours- she kept trying to come down to the basement to see what I was doing. I’ve nicknamed her Baby Quarantine after one of those your name and birthday charts gave her Baby Quarantine. It suits her. She was supposed to be social, not needed, able to be kenneled. Yeah- thanks COVID. She’s spoiled, anxious when we leave, and needs to touch someone to go to sleep. We are in trouble when we have to go back to work.

That’s basically what’s up in the Wanderless World of Kelly. I miss travel. I’d love to Quarantine at a beach. If I could find someplace that I could drive too, that is warmish and has an open beach I could walk- it’d be worth it for a week. I just need a change of scenery. Maybe If it gets warm next weekend I can drive somewhere here with water. It’s been chilly however and rainy. I cannot believe the next time I post it will be May. We’ve still not heard about the first stage of reopening Ohio and we’ve been told movement will happen May 1. I suppose we’ll have to find out within the next 4ish days.

❤ Stay Safe all.

Kelly

Learning to Relax- How Quarantine is teaching me self care.

We all have different ideas of what self care is. Some of us spend so much time worrying about others that we don’t even have a vision of what self care looks like for ourselves. I’d hear my friends talk about getting their nails done, going to a masseuse, taking a yoga or attending a reiki healing session and thinking I just don’t have time to do those things. I’d attempt to go to a movie but knew that something would happen that required my attention during the 2-3 hour window of time that I just couldn’t miss that I never turned my phone off- merely silenced with the vibrate on. Was anything truly that serious- no. I didn’t figure that out until this Quarantine however.

We’ve seen all the posts of people saying that what God wants is for everyone to slow down. I’m not one to go into religion so that’s the only point of reference there- no need to leave the blog. I do think the message of slowing down was one a true type A personality needed to digest. Things like – being a hero means sitting on your ass and watching Netflix- do it for ‘merica. Lord I just typed that. Bless my own heart. Funny- I’ve barely Netflix’d during this. So here’s how I learned what self care is to me personally. It may look different than yours- and that’s okay, since I like that we’re all different and not the same. I may even try one of your conventional self care methods eventually. For now these are mine to share, so enjoy.

TikTok

Yes- I’m in my 30’s. No- This app was not aimed at my generation. Did that stop me from joining- *shakes head no*.  My handle is @kellyndodds (original I know lol) Have I posted anything – not really. Will I- eh, I have some ideas. I don’t want to be a direct sales chick on TikTok so Scentsy won’t be a focus if I do. I have a cool idea for a quick take that Karen lol but I’ve got to get up the nerve to film it and post it. I’ve gotten as far as filming it….. lol. What I like to do is send them to my friends and watch them before bed. #realoldgirlshit lol

Zoom

I love people. I need people and connection and no I don’t want it from people who work at my day job but from my friends that I miss seeing. I love Zoom so much that I pay for the premium version and randomly post a link on my socials like hey come talk to me please. No but seriously- I can pretend like I’m anywhere with the virtual backgrounds. I found out two of my friends MOVED while on a zoom this week! Like say less. Plus pants are OPTIONAL. I get to see my people, hear their voices and see their faces. We stan Zoom.

Music and Podcasts are getting me through the work from home day. There are days when 3 of us are in this house through the week and this is why the other 2 aren’t dead. My newest obsessions- 2000s throwbacks playlist and Rachel Hollis- RISE podcast. Some amazing gems on both counts. We love some old Drake and Motivation in the mornings.

 

Scentsy Soak Baths

Meet my new(er) BFF. Pink Himalayan Sea Salt & Epsom Salt soothe and relax. I love a bath. You can’t do too much else while submerged in water. That apple watch isn’t calculating movements since it’s not waterproof honey. I mean mine isn’t waterproof – if yours is- snaps to you. Some of my best ideas come from bath time. I love that I don’t have to clean color or glitter up out of the tub after I use it like I do most bath products too. This one leaves me feeling moisturized as well. I may have 6 bags with 6 more on the way…….. What else do I have to spend money on right now but food?

 

The Fitness Marshall has been basically the only activity I’ve done since Quarantine. Ohio is cold and rainy currently. Going outside is a rarity – though it has happened a few times and for that I’m #blessed. I still have those pesky Apple Watch Rings to close and 30 minutes of Caleb goes by far faster than 30 minutes on a stationary bike hunty. I may mess around and join the Booty Army before this is done. I’ve been randomly using his quick videos since starting Weight Watchers in 2018. Scentsy then brought him to our Family Reunion last year in Austin, TX as a fitness event and I loved every minute of it. PS that is the SOFTEST tshirt I’ve ever had still to this day. ❤ Oh and he has a coffee seating dining table ordeal that I may copy.

And lastly,

Makeup

This is a constant. I’ve slowed down on it since I can’t exactly strut into an Ulta at any moment of course but I may have an 80$ order heading my way. 2 mascaras, 4 face masks, a hair mask, acne stickers, foot mask and pumice stone, magnetic lashes, makeup remover sponge, and shower steamer bar. What an array of products to try that I’ve never used before. I love to help people. Some do not realize how many of us utilize reviews before we spend money on a product. I’m not always one of those people but if I am leery on a product or it’s got a decent price tag I AM that person. I’ve been reviewing products I get via subscription boxes or that I purchase and you can too. I highly recommend following me and getting started too here- Influenster .

And for now- this is it. This is how I have opened up to Self Care while the state of Ohio is closed for business. When it re-opens going to the gym and seeing my friends will be on this list, as well as traveling. It’s not a bad list though once you look at it. What’s on your list? Let me know in the comments below!

<3, Kelly

2020 – A Wanderers Nightmare

I’m not even sure how to begin this entry. My life was so different in January. I believe my last entry here was February. Things in Ohio started to change in the mid of March so I suppose we will start there. I’ll preface this by saying the last time I’ve been in close proximity to friends was March 14th. I’ve been in Quarantine for exactly 30 days today. Thank GOD my hair was done at the beginning of March. I got lucky with that one ya’ll. I know it’s not a joking matter- but that’s how I cope now- I mean I can’t exactly run away now can I?

It’s no secret- I love to travel. And it’s no secret that right now – I can’t do that. Thanks to COVID-19 we’ve all been ordered to Stay at Home (some other states/countries call it Shelter in place). If you do not know what COVID-19 is I’ll let the CDC provide you accurate information: Corona Virus

Ohio’s Governor Mike Dewine has been pretty on top of the game so to speak with shutting things down early to stop widespread. It does mean a lot of folks are without jobs, and a lot of places are closed. We’re lucky enough to still be able to go to essential locations like grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations- but all restaurants are take out only or delivery. No gatherings of over 10 people. Our Convention Center where our spring training for Scentsy should have been held- was turned into a make shift overflow hospital in case we need it. Long story short- we’re not advised to travel. If you’re in Ohio too here’s where our accurate info is stored: Corona Virus – Ohio

I’m grateful that this didn’t affect my Hawaii trip in January. However I’ve had to cancel travel in May as our quarantine is through May 30th and our trip to Orlando was scheduled for May 2nd. It cancelled the Scentsy incentive cruise. It could cause me to have to cancel our road trip in June to Niagara Falls and Toronto if the boarders to Canada are still closed as well. It could even cancel our Scentsy Family Reunion which is still scheduled to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah in July. I’ve never not traveled. We typically go away at least once a month even if it’s just a weekend in Chicago or Washington DC. Oh both of those were on the to do list this year and may be crossed off as well. I am holding hope that my friends from my Scentsy Boot Camp still get to do our meet up in October!

 

Image may contain: ocean, sky, plant, outdoor, nature and water
Hanauma Bay, Honolulu, Hawaii (I own the rights to this image, as I took it)

 

This blog is being re-constructed into how a Wanderer copes with being locked down. There’s been ups and downs already. Things like increased anxiety, depression states, the battle of health vs binge eating, and almost losing my shit because I can’t leave. Those were the downs obviously. There’s been lessons learned, battles overcome, and leaves turned as well.

So welcome- to a new way of thinking, a new way of life (some temporary, some permanent), and a journey of who I become during Covid -19 Quarantine.

❤ , Kelly

A Whole New Face – Hi Winter, How are you?

I geek out over a few things. Makeup just happens to be one of them. I test a lot of products for companies. I get free stuff, I try it, I talk about it – the good, bad, sometimes ugly. Sometimes I take photos. Sometimes I don’t. SOMETIMES I actually buy stuff lol. I’m not on a PR list. Soooooooooooo in this case- well let me just jump into it.

A recommendation, a light complexion, and a need.

My typical foundation is Tarte- Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 and it retails for almost 40$. For a bigger picture the color I own is Medium Beige (35N). I went to put it on the other day and well… Winter in Ohio has dragged my skin tone down a notch. We’re not trying to pull a James Charles over here so something had to give. My sisters foundation is far too light. I also did not want to pay 39$ for a shade I’ll use through maybe March at best (it’s February).

I scoured outlets to see what people were giving good reviews for that also was long wearing. I’ve tried Maybelline Fit Me and I do like it however after long wear it appears caked on and/or slides off with certain primers. I saw a video of a girl wearing Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24 hr foundation – and the girl put that camera RIGHT on her face and said LOOK AT THIS. That was it. I was sold. I was going to purchase shade 455 online and then decided to just go down to my Ulta (I’m a regular so it’s like hanging out with your friends) and grab it. Turns out I’m pretty good at shade matching by sight, as I left with 455 Natural Buff. I waited until the next day to try it.

Okay so I moisturized, then used Cover FX Blurring Primer – which was a product I was sent free and that I am testing currently. It’s not my typically primer. It is tinted slightly which my normal is clear. The show goes on. It’s a pump style foundation and I noticed it took quite a few attempts for product to come out. Once it did it was very runny. If you have used the Tarte foundation you know it’s thicker. I used a brush since it was on the runny side. It applied very well and it wore very well. No transferring! No cakey face syndrome. For 14.99 instead of 39$ this foundation was a win in my books. It did take a little more product, but at over half price you can afford to use a little more right?

I’ve finally got my skin in a position where I can start wearing less full coverage options so I may even go buy my summer shade……. but lets not go crazy yet!

So if you’re a makeup lover, and you like to try new options- this one is a good time in my books.

**picture coming soon**

 

Well 2020 is here – and I’m late (duh)

Well didn’t know it did that…..

Welcome to 2020. I’m a month late (and some days). I feel like I blinked and 2019 vanished. Trying to even remember everything accomplished in 2019 hurts my brain. It made me realize I need to document 2020 or I’m going to have an even harder time remember it. So we’re back.

2020, started off with me pushing incredibly hard to earn a trip that I’d end up NOT earning. BUT the lessons learned trying to do so are invaluable. I made choices that I wouldn’t change as they will help my business growth- over what would have helped me earn a cruise out of New York to Bermuda. I still gave it my all and I can 100% say that with no regrets. It helps that I also traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii with Kylie (my sister) in January as part of our Scentsy Leadership Retreat.

We stayed at Hilton Waikiki Village – and honestly you could have never left the resort and enjoyed everything it had to offer and relaxed- but we had way too much to do.

Early Morning Acai bowls and a walk on the beach before my business meeting. I’d never had an Acai bowl before. It was creamy and cold, full of fresh fruit and the pineapples on the island are exactly as you dream.  The Dole Plantation (READ AS DOLE WHIP) and a Japanese Steakhouse marked our 1st non-travel day adventure after my business meeting.  My foodie friend Holly joined us as we walked through a zen like garden and rode a train through the whole plantation learning of its history. Cherry on top – a Dole Whip that trumped Disney’s for sure. We had the most interesting Uber driver on our way back to the village. He told us so many amazing facts about the scenery (since the drive was over an hour long he had a lot of time to kill lol).

We were starving- but food with Kylie can prove….. interesting. I was incredibly proud of her (until I found out she wasn’t 100% sure what she had gotten into) for agreeing to the Japanese steakhouse. This is very worthy of it’s own paragraph. We ended up at a table with two other groups. In each group there was a food allergy. Group 1: Onions. Group 2 & 3: Shellfish. This lead to a backwards format for the chef. Still fun, just meant I ended up eating before the rest of my party as my items had to be cooked prior to shellfish. We strolled the village shops, and then went to bed.

Image may contain: ocean, sky, tree, outdoor, nature and water

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Day 2- We went to breakfast at Cinnamons – which everyone raved about. I was kind of disappointed but my food was not horrible. It just wasn’t worth raving about. We also got lost. What should have taken 9 minutes took 30 because Kylie and I can’t be trusted with maps. We went to the Mall, and some other shops, and eventually bought a Coastal Tour Trolley ride. It may have been the highlight of my trip (well one of them). We used Waikiki Trolley. If you purchased a tour line (ours was blue, will link below) you got pink line free for 24 hours. Waikiki Trolley Blue Line . Hanauma Bay and the Halona Blow Hole were by far the best stops. I even got video of the blow holes! Hanauma Bay is SO clear and Blue. You could see the coral from the look out points. I was so grateful for nature on this trip. We also had to be picked up from a ritzy duty free designer mall so that was fun to walk around. We had lunch at a rooftop TexMex place and feed rice to the birds. They get so close! Kylie loves birds so she had a lot of fun. We had dinner with Holly at a diner that my Mimi would have loved. Good old Burger and Tots stop.

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Day 3 – Pearl Harbor Day. 5am wakeup. LOL But it was worth it. We had a great tour guide- Cousin K. She’s a senior driver so she knows her stuff and she spits knowledge at you so the stopping and picking up/dropping off others isn’t such a dreadful process. I can’t recall which company we booked through as we used the location at Hilton Waikiki Village to book. We did the USS Arizona and I wished my dad could have been there. This would have been right up his alley. The Harbor is so shallow that the boat still there, and very visible. It’s also still leaking oil. That’s mind-blowing. 1941 and still leaking in 2020. It was sobering- the stories of survivors of the boat once passing away asking to be dropped into the ship with their lost friends. There’s only a few survivors left and there is a myth that the people of Hawaii believe- that the oil will stop leaking at the death of the last survivor. Wouldn’t that just be ominous? We met Tim & Jim from Chicago area on that day and we wish we would have hung out with them more. Maybe one day our paths will cross again. I went to the pool with Holly and ended up near our CEO’s. Had fun conversation and I got in the ICE cold pool for 3 minutes and yea nope. Couldn’t hang. It started raining. Kylie and I later went out to some other shops and a flea market. We ate at Yard House which we LOVE. We do not have one in Columbus though.  One word to end your night – Leonard’s Portuguese donuts. YUM.

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Last Day – Our plane takes off at 4:30pm on our last day and flies through the night. We decided to walk the beach and get breakfast in the Village. Checkout is at 11am and they hold our luggage- nice perk. Our shuttle is scheduled for 1:30pm. We just kind of took everything in for a last time and then headed on our journey home. We found turtles we’d missed the whole time! I’m so grateful that I’m able to take trips like this as a leader. It certainly – as previously stated- made the sting of not earning Bermuda hurt less. I did earn Salt Lake City, Utah so look for that adventure in July.

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The month after vacation

As always if you want to connect with me you can do it here:

Twitter, IG, YouTube, Snapchat, WW Connect: @KellyNDodds

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Kelly.dodds.33

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STRUGGLE BUS. Those are the only words that can fully describe getting back on the Weight Watchers wagon after a vacation.

I first must apologize for the month long hiatus from the blog. You are all about to find out why it has been a struggle for me to write a Weight Watchers post.

On July 15th I flew from Columbus, Ohio to Anaheim, California. Since I would not be home nor in a location where I could cook for myself I knew this week would be a difficult week to maintain Weight Watchers. I opted to not track from the second we stepped off the airplane until the second I hit the airport July 22nd. Yes a full 7 days not logging, counting points, thinking about what I was putting into my body. I also knew I’d be walking at least 10k steps per day. In my head I figured I’d come back gaining a few pounds. Between Leadership events, Convention events, presenting, and my team members being there meal prep would be too much of a time hog.

One of the things I did well in California was small amounts of food. For instance I took bites of cakes or higher pointed foods and consumed the lower foods first and in entirety. I did eat some bread- which is something I typically shy away from. I drank a flight of margaritas as well! When I vacation food is something I look forward to as much as seeing the sights. I wasn’t disappointed at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles or Marri’s Pizza. The last night I had a Short Rib Grilled Cheese that was AMAZING and right in our hotel. These are all things I don’t get to eat on Weight Watchers due to point values.

Somehow- Someway, I ended up coming home weighing 10 POUNDS less than I left at. It makes 0 sense (even if I did walk a 5k and walk over 15k steps a day for 7 days). It was an amazing feeling that didn’t last long. By the next week I had gained some back. Why? That next week was a struggle bus. Since I didn’t track and I lost- my brain went rogue. It decided I didn’t need to put what went in my mouth in that app. It also wanted richer foods that it was fueled with in California- and that meant more carbohydrates than I normally would eat. Uggggggh and the time zone differences! It took me over a week to get readjusted to Ohio time. My body was hungry at 10pm since that is 7pm Cali time. Meaning I would eat something right before bed.

So for almost exactly a month- I’ve been working on getting back to “normal”. Pointing, meal prep, recipe manipulation, going back to the gym, and getting back into the community pages on Facebook and Connect.

The *week* everything has failed

As always if you want to connect with me you can do it here:

Twitter, IG, YouTube, Snapchat, WW Connect: @KellyNDodds

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Kelly.dodds.33

Shop Scentsy: www.kellydodds.com

 

This week we decided to go to 23 points per day. I’ll show you what that looked like as well as my life fails for the days lol

Monday-  20 PTS

Food:

Made Breakfast for the week on Sunday- Potatoes with peppers/onions, Turkey Kielbasa, and Southwest Egg Beaters (4pt)

We made Taco soup Sunday (1pt) so I took that and some Good Thins (3pt) for lunch.

We made Deep Dish Pizza Bake for dinner (10 pt for 2 servings), Corn, Green Beans (0pt)

Our SMARTCAKES arrived! I tried the tangerine flavor- love the concept- I hated this flavor. (1pt)

Fail:

Decided to dye my hair BRIGHT RED. Failed. Only took to my roots. Boooooo

 

Tuesday- 23 PTS

Food:

Same as Monday and will be through Thursday (4pt), Banana (0pt)

Lunch- Left over Deep Dish Pizza Bake (5pt), Green Beans, Corn (0pt), New Potatoes (2pt)

Snack- 12 ct Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets, 1/3 Sriracha Sauce (2pt)

Dinner- Enchilada Bake (2pt), Cinnamon Smartcake (1pt) LOVED this flavor!

Had to make up points because I was SUPER low at this point so

Ball Park Hamburger Patty (7 pt) Fat Free Cheddar (0pt), Less than tsp of Light Mayo, Mustard, No sugar added Ketchup, and a mini pickle – all 0.

Fail:

First Fail of the day was a Nail Fail.

Back story- I did my research on a location to get my nails done near my workplace. I work about an hour away from home. I went to Facebook group for the city I work in and asked for recommendations. I found this location with amazing ratings which also offered an online booking system. This is important to me since I can’t call during work hours. I booked their signature pedicure at 5pm and a set of acrylics with gel manicure at 6pm. It storms at 4pm. I had of course just dyed my hair red Monday night and was wearing a BRAND NEW white cardigan I didn’t wish to turn orange. Chaos ensued. We always have it all figured out in our heads right?  Perfect scenario was to get off work at 4:30, go to Ulta for the right hair dye, grab a quick snack, eat in a hurry, then hit the nail salon all by 5pm. Mother Nature and I did not see things the same apparently. I ended up in my car at 4:44. Food trumped everything else. I made it to the appointment on time.

 

The Salon Experience

I NEVER go to get my nails done alone. Too many choices of polish, services, lotions, it’s overwhelming. The child at the desk (yes it was a high school kid), checked me in.  They weren’t yet ready for me (shocker). She also let me know the person doing my pedicure spoke absolutely 0 English. I’m 100% fine with that actually because I was nervous enough as it is. I didn’t realize the foreshadowing there. I picked my colors as well as my lotion scent (Citrus & Green Tea for those dying to know) then was escorted to the back where the pedicure seats were. As I’m climbing into the chair my email notification goes off. “Your appointment scheduled for 6pm has been cancelled, if you’d like to reschedule please call (insert number here).” As sweet as the lady we did the pedicure was- I couldn’t ask her any questions since she wouldn’t understand me. I was already a nervous nelly, who at that point was on the verge of tears. Semi-panicking, with no one else in the back to ask, I end up having to call the front desk while sitting in the building to see why I would get a cancellation. A man answers the phone instead of the high school girl. He assures me they just merged my services onto my pedicure appointment. A man (who I assume still to have been the same person who answered the phone) walked back to look at my colors, see if he had similar gel colors, and worked with me to find a compromise when one of my toe colors was not a gel option. I was a little less nervous at this point. We finished my pedicure and I headed over to the nail table. He asks me what shape I want. I say I was thinking about Almond. Here I want to remind you- I booked an appointment for ACRYLICS. FAKE NAILS. He looked at my nails, LAUGHED, and said you have two options here square or round, almond is not happening. I gave him a very confused look and said that’s odd I guess round then. He starts clipping my nails. I’ve never had my nails clipped for fake nails- because my nails aren’t very long to begin with. He shapes my nails. At this point this is not the process I’m used to. He buffs my nail but not with a tool- with a pad. Something isn’t right. He starts to apply a gel base coat to my nails and it all makes sense. Either the girl added the incorrect service on my appointment when she merged and took off the acrylics, this guy misread my services, or he just didn’t care what I wanted as a customer and did what he wanted. I let him continue because he’s only saving me money and he’s losing a customer after this regardless. You don’t laugh at a client, give them half of a service they ask for, and expect them to come back. He also kept bumping my nails into the curing lamp and telling me to stop doing it. Like dude you have my hand not me.

*SIDE NOTE*

Ya’ll my nails are a nightmare it’s nothing I’m not aware of. My nail place in my town has never patronized me for it. This guy started saying stuff like:  “Do you pick at your cuticles? Do you nip your hang nails?” Obviously I do, obviously I only did because they were bothering me. If I didn’t would I have booked your time? Move on dude.

 

Finally it came to an end. I went to the counter and asked the girl to verify my services. She did show acrylics listed. I showed her my nails- she apologized and changed my invoice. I paid, tipped, left in a hurry. My nails do not look bad, but they are short. I should have said something but I decided I was only worth the service he wanted to provide. That in retrospect isn’t true, but he saved me like 40$ so I’m living with it.

 

Ulta didn’t have my hair dye. Drove to Meijer and they also didn’t have the exact dye but had a red for dark bases. Tried it out…..

 

Wednesday- Points to be determined (but I could totally eat my feelings right now)

Breakfast- Same as the other two days

Lunch- Enchilada Stack (2pt) with corn, black beans,

Snack- Coconut Smartcake (1pt) Will report on this after consumed.

Dinner is to be determined. Here’s why:

 

Fail:

My hair is black, with a burgundy tint. My roots are burgundy instead of bright red but super noticeable still. This is why I pay 80$ for my roots. Realistically I did not want to pay 80$ for roots, which is why I bought boxes of dye, but I’m now about 30ish dollars in hair dye in and hours of my life gone. Live and learn? I have a box of blue black that will literally make this all better. I should have just started with it instead. Listen to your gut style. Also, the fruit I didn’t get to eat yesterday- I refrigerated so I could eat it today. It had mold on it. Seriously- Chick-Fil-A is too much money to find mold on fruit. Get your life together sis. On top of ALL of that- I broke my left index toe today. I leave for Disneyland on Sunday. Also the event planner for the show I’m doing today- didn’t tell us we needed our own tables until this morning, after I had left for work. #WINNING .

 

All of these things are not worse than someone sleeping outside in 106 degree weather because they have nowhere else to go. It is all just overwhelming and the best way to get it all out is to type away. I am able to laugh about the nail situation now, whereas yesterday I was on the brink of tears. My toe is KILLING me (yet not softly) but I’m not in the hospital dying. So yes- I’m being handed all that someone thinks I can handle… I’m just a little whiny about it 😉 ❤ I will grow and rise above- knowing that is what matters.

 

Thanks for reading all the bad juju that’s happened.