Congratulations to the Saints

Wow, what a great game. We shared it with friends, lots of good food including gumbo, jumbayla, king cake, etc...on a large screen HD tv. Chiminia outside... topped off with fireworks when the Saints won. Why am I sharing all of this with Balanced?

I saw a parallel to what the folks on pt complain about in regards to the Mary Kay opportunity, now don't laugh, I mean for real.

This is the first time the Saints ever went to the Super Bowl, so they should have expected to loose right? why should they even try? Come on let's face it, they just weren't a Superbowl team. They shouldn't take a chance and risk embarrassment by playing, they were just going to loose. Oh, and let's not even consider how many players will NOT get the MVP award. Why even try had, there are so many players on the field, why even bother?

Take this a step further. How many children dream of growing up and playing pro ball? How many actually make it? How many become famous? How many before the become famous put in many, many hours of unpaid practice, games, and invest alot of money on uniforms, travel, possible workshops or clinics, all to get better - all with no guarantee of a future. And yet they do it because they want to, they love the sport, and reaching their goal requires the work without the guarantee of success. Of course, if the success is achieved, so will the rewards and financial perks come to be. I am sure there are millions of athletes that have put tons of time and money into their dream of becoming famous. They don't end up on a blog.. saying the professional sports should be shut down because there is loads and loads of money being made but most who desire it will never achieve it. (and cheating doesn't work in sports either) you can buy alot of publicity and advertising, it isn't going to make one a better player on the field)

Mary Kay, no guarantee you will get rich but at least you will receive a 50% discount when you order the product, if you sell it for more than you purchased it for, you will make money... The more you sell, the more you will make..

So I guess my point is - anything that we want to try, will come with some risks? I will stick to MK, I don't think I could handle the stress of the GAME", not to mention the physical toll the game takes on the body! lol Another perk, is I actual help woman (feel great about their skin & color) & halp many earn money to aid their families. I do make a difference in lives and love it and the best part of it all is I earn a living doing something I love and HAVE NOT COMPROMISED MY INTEGRITY, HONESTY, ETHICS, BELIEF, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MARRIAGE, OR MY HEALTH TO DO SO. I DO NOT TELL 1/2 TRUTHS AND I DO NOT FRONTLOAD.

For anyone reading this site that have read other negative sites. I am sure there are many that were not successful after years and years of doing it wrong and then they decide to "do it right" - scream, it can't be done if you are honest. I call B.S. - perhaps after so much time of doing things selfishly, it is going to take longer than a couple of months to turn things around and they are just not willing to tough it out. But they have no right what so ever to speak for the rest of us.
My suggestion - do it right from the start, it makes life so much easier. Don't listen only to your director... READ INTOUCH...the Company hides nothing it is all available on intouch, on the agreements, in the guide, etc.... (personal responsibility) and my last bit of sage advice. If you have low self-esteem, have an over the top need for recognition, need to be part of a group, DO NOT EXPECT MK TO solve all your personal issues. if you find you need to buy your recognition and praise to feel wanted,it would be much cheaper to book an appointment with a counselor and work on those issues, get those short comings fixed B4 joining MK. Remember every little boy that wanted to grow up and become a famous quarterback has lived a life whether or not he ever made it to the NFL but they aren't screaming that the NFL is evil!

Congratulations Saints!!
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Vote if you love TW Moisturizer

From www.marykayintouch.com Woo Hoo!!
Published 02.04.10

TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer is up for a People en Español’s “Producto Estrella” Award along with five other competitive brand names, People en Español’s beauty editors have selected TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer as one of the “Best Moisturizers”. And now it’s your turn to make it number one! For the first time ever, this trusted Spanish publication is giving readers a chance to vote for their favorite products in different categories.

So spread the news! Tell your customers, sister independent sales force members and everyone who loves TimeWise® Age Fighting Moisturizer to visit http://moda.peopleenespanol.com/2010/02/02/elige-tus-productos-estrella-7/and select TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer as their favorite moisturizer. Voting will be open for one week, so just have fun and vote!

Product awards from trusted publications like People en Español provide powerful brand awareness. During the last five years, beauty editors at People en Español have chosen Mary Kay® products as winners of their “Producto Estrella” awards. In 2009, Mary Kay® Concealer, Intense Moisturizing Cream and Beauty That Counts™ Creme Lipstick in Pink Passion were selected by the editors. And in 2010, we would like to see the fabulous TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer among the winners.



Show the power of pink and the beauty of our Mary Kay® products. Don't forget to cast your vote. We only have one week!
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morning makeover

I have a friend who is trying to get chosen to do public appearances to talk about heart health. She almost never wears makeup, so I get the call.

It was 7:30 AM, I hadn't had my coffee, and I was kind of a wreck...but I did the job! Using MK I don't have to fiddle and pick and do things ever so carefully lest my girl end up with her eyeshadow on her cheeks as fallout instead of on her eyes. I don't have to worry that the blush will be uneven. Of all the makeup I've tried, MK is the most goof proof!

She wanted a fairly natural look, and she's a redhead. OK, no problem. Oil free moisturizing gel, MK mineral foundation, Sunny Spice blush, lip gloss...that gold sparkly one that (must be LE) is in the double tube with the roll on perfume in the other side. Spun Silk shadow with Chocolate Kiss in the crease, brown pencil liner, Ultimate mascara in black, Chocolate Kiss again to define her eyebrows and then some clear brow gel.

She looked fabulous. And I was still on time to work.

I hope she gets picked for the publicity spot! Want to read the whole thing? Click here!

Hobby or Business ????

From one of our readers: I wanted to start my business as more of a hobby. I would eventually like to spend more time, but currently I am a full-time student(19 credit hrs this semester!), mother of a 4 and 5 yr old, working part-time, and also married. My husband is getting ready for a year-long assignment (active duty Air Force) in July so I will be an “almost” single parent for a year. Can you tell me if I would still be able to consider my business as a “business” and claim expenses, etc? I wasn’t sure since I would probably only spend a few hrs a week and have about 2-3 parties a month. I didn’t know what all the rules were and wanted to do my homework before I got started. I haven’t signed up yet and I am planning to in a few months.

I am not a CPA and haven't stayed totally current on the guidelines, I would suggest everyone visit the irs website to read more about what can and can not be claimed. In most cases if you are operating with the intent to earn a profit, most reasonable expense may be claimed. One must show a profit for a certain number of years within a certain time period (matter of years) or IRS has the right to say that it looks as if you are not operating to earn a profit and disallow the expense - if it is more of a hobby. If one makes under a certain amount, it may not be necessary to file - but as I said, I am not qualified to give you absolutes because I never would want anyone to have trouble because of my advice. It may even be worth a call to your favorite accountant.

Nothing burns me more than hearing a director "over" sell the expenses, sorry all, manicures, nylons, getting your hair done, taking your hubby out to eat, etc... don't count as reasonable expenses!

A little note is even our director's suits may not be claimed as a deduction because it could be used other than "MK" - it is not a "uniform" per se.

Expenses are important in reducing our reportable income so it is important to know what you can deduct. Man yourself with knowledge, it will be worth it. There is no better time than now - at the beginning of the year - to make sure you are keepting track of every allowable expense.

I apologize for not being more definitive but I do not want to cause anyone any potential headaches. Play it safe and check with the pros. Want to read the whole thing? Click here!

New Consultant Training

This is awesome.. It will be streamlined so all consultants will receive the exact same information when becoming a new consultant so there won't be all the different or conflicting information based on the director's personalities. This was posted
on intouch: Published 01.26.10

Check Out the New Start Earning Now Magazine!

Click here to see a preview of the brand new Start Earning Now magazine, which will be included in all Starter Kits beginning March 1!
As you’ve heard, Start Earning Now magazine can help new Independent Beauty Consultants start working their Mary Kay business toward success right away. The magazine was created based on samples of “Welcome” packets and new Independent Beauty Consultant orientation programs put together by experienced Independent Sales Directors, and it can be a great help to you when you conduct your own new Beauty Consultant education! Start Earning Now magazine will be updated yearly and includes tips on how to find customers, hold facials and parties, sample, sell and order products, pack the new Starter Kit bag and more. Plus, it includes the First Steps offers. Want to read the whole thing? Click here!

A Little Business Wisdom

In 1910, J. L. Nichols authored a book entitled: "Safe Methods of Business" In his book he described many "Safe Principles and Rules" following are just a few of the points he made, amazingly they still apply today. Here are just a few of them:

#1. Remember that time is gold.
#2. True intelligence is always modest.
#3. Keep your eyes on small expenses, small leaks can sink a great ship.
#4. Avoid the tricks of the trade. Be honest and never misrepresent an article that you desire to sell.
#5. Be affable, polite, and obliging to everybody. Avoid discussions, anger, and pettiness. Interfere with no disputes or the creation of others.
#6. Finally, examine carefully every detail of your business. Be prompt in everything. Take time to consider and decide posetively. Dare to go forward. Bear troubles patiently. Be brave in the struggle of life. Maintain your integrity as a sacred thing. Never tell business lies. Make no useless acquaintances. Never appear more than you are. Pay your debts promptly. Employ your time well. Never be discouraged. Then work hard and you will succeed.

Even though this book was written 100 years ago, it is still true today.
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Inquiring Minds Want to know/ Fact or Fiction??

I have received a few emails asking why we are not disputing pt posts that often anymore. If there is an article that really needs to be addressed, I promise it will be, but lately, it is just more reruns... and almost a waste a time reading the same thing over and over. (I would like to point out that I think many pt followers research, study, and are more involved in MK now, then when they were in MK. Now, they will read the Applause, now they will go to intouch.... too bad that they weren't this educated when they were in MK perhaps if they had been this diligent in there studying while they were still in, perhaps, they would still be happy consultants. - lol

any way... must point this comment out that was forwarded to me and ask what the reader asked me... I know what I think but before I put my 2 cents out there, I would love to hear yours ... what do you think? Where is their proof that there are that many members??


{"And YES the 6000+ members of PT ALL had that ONE Bad Apple Director."}

Is there any proof for membership or do we take it at face value.

hmmmm???? 6000 ??? what do our readers think???

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