Melendy & Steve

Corraling the Kids and the chaos while running our business

new adventure

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YouTube for Business – a beginners guide!

Do you want to explore the world of YouTube?

It has been something I was afraid of – but, I took the plunge, and I am so excited to be seeing how much fun YouTube is, and what a purposeful tool it is! I wanted to write this to help others who want to broaden their YouTube knowledge – and their reach by joining this channel!

 

YouTube business

First of all – the tools you will need.
I currently use
– My iPhone
– A tripod
– a ring light
– a neutral wall
– and the iMovie editing application

YouTube business

I start with an Idea. What do I think will add value to someone else and their day. Then I decide my level of knowledge in this area. I ask myself, can I answer this on my own, or do I need to add a resource?
Once this decision is made – I do my hair and makeup, get dressed in something professional , and get ready to record. YouTube is a public platform, and I therefore want to be sure to put my best me out there!

Then – I record – I take 10-15 minutes of video of me talking about or showing whatever I am trying to relate to my audience! If I misspeak – or want to not include something – I take a long pause, that way editing is easy. I even use the words – edit that – so that when I am editing I will remember my intention. I think one long video clip is way easier to edit than many short clips – but – whatever works for you is going to work for you!

After recording – I have a snack – and then comes the fun part – editing!
iMovie is super easy to use – and makes video editing seem super easy as well – here is a quick video with visual steps – not sure about sound – But – you can see my video edits, and the process here!

Once you are happy with your video – just save it in the largest file size you can. This is where I find having a home “Cloud” storage space is vital – it doesn’t have to live on my phone! here is an example of a YouTube video that I edited and added to my feed!

Then I upload to YouTube, and add descriptions that include links to my final destination for that video whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or my Blog!

And no worries – If a week from now, you don’t love what you shared – make it private – tweak it until you do love it, and then re-share it!

What will your first project be?!

I cannot wait to see it!

See my YouTube Videos here!

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To Pinterest or not to Pinterest?

We have most likely all found Pinterest.

My mom uses Pinterest, My dad uses it, My husband is using it to finish our basement. I use it – for many purposes, but I often pin with no intention of actually using those pins. In the words of a friend – Pinterest is an Online Life – One we usually wish we had. Workouts we won’t do, outfits we won’t wear, drinks we won’t make, crafts that are too messy, and food we won’t cook. Reality is – we want to, but we won’t.
After hearing this, I decided to take action. I looked at my Pinterest boards, and found one workout that I thought I could do daily, and several recipes that I wanted to try.

I decided to Use my Pins to actually make some changes!

First – I decided to do a plank Challenge for my workouts – since Steve and I are cruising soon, I am very conscious of my waistline.   I am about 10 days in, and I am seeing and feeling some results. Let’s see where I land on Port day! I am also going to the Gym Daily and doing about 50 minutes of Cardio, combined with healthier eating – I am not down pounds yet, but inches are melting off! Yay for small successes!

Now for recipes

I found several Low carb recipes, and some even looked appetizing! I looked at our week, and I decided that with a low impact week, we were going to try these out. (Be on the lookout for how these went over the next few days!) Here are the recipes that I am in love with for this week.

Monday: – Spaghetti Squash and herb butter lobster!
Tuesday – Steak tips with Zucchini AuGratin
Wednesday – Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken breast and Arugula salad

I will be back daily to update you on each recipe, and, what I would do differently!
Want to see the recipes I Pinned on Pinterest?
Follow me and my boards!
And be sure to check back here for how these recipes turned out!

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LuLaRoe Business – How to start your own

LuLaRoe

You have been watching your friend/neighbor/relative for some time now.

Maybe, you own zero to fifty plus pairs of leggings.

Do you want to know what draws them in/ why they do what they do/ if it could be right for you!?

Step one to starting your own LuLaRoe business –
Talk to someone who works their LuLaRoe business the way you would want to work your business. Ask them as many questions as you have. Most people who work their LuLaRoe business will be willing to make time to meet with you and talk. Some tips for topics are: Value, Time, Money, Balance, Support.

I hope you don’t mind, but I will share mine with you!

join lularoe

  • What Value will I get out of LuLaRoe?
    I like to start with this because I know how important value is to everyone! Here is what LuLaRoe has given me. Since I started my own business a year ago – I have found a group of friends that I can relate to. We lift each other up, support each other, and there is a community of encouragement that never fails. Steve and I have become a team in a way we never were before. We work for the common goal of success in our business, helping others be successful, and giving back in every way we can. The value extends to our family who is quick to help, happy to be a part of our LuLaRoe Business, and is learning responsibility through the business model Steve and I have placed out. Our boys are a major part of my why, and a major part of my drive to do better for others.
  • What is the cost of starting your own LuLaRoe Business?
    What does it COST to start your own business with LuLaRoe? LuLaRoe requires that each fashion consultant start their business with approximately 350+ pieces of clothing. That translates into a significant investment. There are no fees involved with the startup of your business through LuLaRoe. Every dime that you pay goes towards your initial wholesale order. This order is a decent inventory that will come filled with some of the most amazing pieces LuLaRoe offers. The model is simple – we purchase at wholesale, and sell at retail.  The work is not easy – but it is simple. Organization is a strong tool to have in your toolbox!
  • What Type of Time commitment is a LuLaRoe business?
    How much time does it take to make your own business work with LuLaRoe? The answer is not easy – it can take as much or as little time as you want, however, the more time you put in, the more you will get out of your business. Some families have replaced their  full time jobs with their LuLaRoe business and work 50+ hours a week to get it off the ground. Others use this business as a way to supplement bills, or pay for a vacation, a new wardrobe, or even their car and work 20 or so hours a week just doing sales while working their full time jobs. The idea of time in your business is what you are willing to put into it. Some families sell completely online, and some sell only in home. The flexibility to make it work for you is what is important! For our family – It is my full time job, and Steve’s part time job – and together we work hard to make it a success for our family – based on our goals.

So – now that I shared some of my tips with you, lets move on.

Step Two – repeat step one with a few more people. It is important to get as much information as possible from as many sources so that you can make an informed decision.

Step Three – Pick a sponsor who you will be able to work with. Someone who you share goals with, or who will fill in your voids. Which person that you spoke with did you connect to? Is it a friend or a relative or is it a stranger?

Step Four– Fill out your application – and wait for your call. LuLaRoe uses a queue as a waiting list for people interested in starting their own business. While in the Queue, there are training calls, and support from your sponsor and their team. Utilize this time to learn, and plan. This time well spent will catapult your career in a way you cannot imagine.

Step five – The day has arrived, the phone rings and it is the LuLaRoe home office calling to welcome you to your new business! You got your call now – go rock your business! remember you are not alone – there are many women and men standing in front of beside and behind you lifting you up. Noone has to do this alone, the community of LuLaRoe will help you to succeed.

Step six – Share your passion and love of LuLaRoe with others! Just like I am doing here –  you want others to know how LuLaRoe has changed you, helped you, or what it has done for you! LuLaRoe also encourages us to focus on being leaders in our day to day so that we are helping everyone succeed!

Do you have more questions about LuLaRoe? Just ask!
You can always send me an email or a message.

If you love what you read – and you want to join my TEAM – you can do that by emailing me – or following this link! I would love to help your life be blessed with this journey!

 

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8 minutes…

Today is the start of week 7 with my running coach – Week 7!

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit – or to become adjusted to a new routine.

It took me 7 weeks – but running 3-4 times a week, this was my 21st run.

21 times I got up, put on my  “I don’t want to”
 “Big Girl” shoes, grabbed my headphones, my playlist, my water, and my running plan.

21 times I did it.

8 Minutes – that is what I ran for today – my whole run was over half an hour, but I ran for 8 minutes straight –

Minute one – I’m not ready

Minute two – only 6 to go

Minute three – Maybe I cannot do this

Minute four – halfway there

Minute five – maybe I should have started slower

Minute six – two minutes to go…

Minute seven – one to go, that wasn’t so bad!

Minute eight – maybe I could have done 10!

and then there was the rest of the ladder.

But I ran for 8 minutes.

When I started this program 21 runs ago, I couldn’t run for one minute straight.

My progress may seem slow, but to me, it is exactly what I needed to do. my body is slowly changing, my waistline getting a little more definition, my abs a little tighter, loosing some of the roundness in my face.

What am I gaining?
Strength
Endurance
Confidence
Resilience
the ability to understand my splits and pace

courage

All things I was lacking before I started running.

I am so grateful that one Saturday morning my now coach took a chance and asked if I wanted to train with her. She asked if I wanted some guidance in my running. She led with value, and offered me the ability to find myself at my own pace. She sends reminders when it has been too long since I have run, and rejoices in my triumphs when I overcome an obstacle.

There are so many excuses I could have made – so many things I could have let get in the way yet 21 times I said yes, and today I rejoice in 8 minutes! Maybe tomorrow I will do 10.

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What do you want to make a new habit?

What are the excuses you tell yourself?

Go do it! Make that change for you!
Let me be your inspiration – and you go be mine!

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Why I want my husband to quit his job- and why it isn’t selfish

I love my husband
He loves his work
His work creates constant stress
With his Diabetes- stress is negative
For me- a huge part of why I started LuLaRoe was to bring him home.

I have become so focused on my business that it has become our business. Following convention I am spending some time alone – never have I done this! I am standing in line at Disneyland by myself- with a million strangers- and I want him here. I want our business to be our business, and I want him here enjoying all of the rewards!

But

He is scared
Scared of failure
Of financial strain
Of failure
Of not feeling he has a place
Of failure

You know what- don’t tell him this- but I have some of those same fears- except – I give those fears no place. Every time one pops up- I give it a reason to go away.

This golden ticket we have in LuLaRoe it is indescribable and invaluable- and we own it- we own our own business. I never thought it could be real, but- we do.

We

Neither one of us should face those fears alone-
Neither one of us should be alone in our business.

So I am here, and he is home- having fun with the boys, doing live sales, and still running our business. I am beyond grateful for those things. So grateful. But I miss them.

So- I want him to quit his 9-5, fire his boss, and be with me- because separately we make our business work- but together- together we will make our business greater and travel towards our larger goals…

What are your goals? What would you do to achieve them? What can I do to help you?

I want to help you find your dreams and achieve them too!
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Never have I ever…a Tale in courage and anxiety

Let’s play a game –

It’s called Never Have I Ever –

Usually this is a drinking game where you take a drink every time someone says something they have never done that you have. For the purposes of this exercise, lets do 1 burpee for every item you have done that I haven’t.

Never have I ever – traveled alone

Never have I ever – gone on a work trip

Never have I ever – been away from my children for a long period of time

Never have I ever  – stayed at a hotel alone

This coming week – I will get to do a burpee for all of those -and it is scary… exciting and scary.

I have already tackled obstacles one and two so that is something to be okay with!

Obstacle one – getting tickets and reservations – Way back in the beginning of April  I was able to get a ticket to the LuLaRoe annual Convention. I was at a point where I was stepping up my business, and working towards being a better business owner. I knew that this convention would be a game changer for me, so I had to go, and Steve supported me fully.

The months have rolled on, and always in the back of my min was obstacle two – what to pack!!! How do you dress for a fashion event filled with like minded clothing obsessed ladies! I spent a few months putting the clothes I thought I would bring into a laundry basket in the corner of my room. It was something constantly buzzing in the corner of my mind for the last few weeks, so the fact that I am packed is a stress relief. not completely, but it helps!

That one was hard –

The past week I have been really focused on obstacle three – my our business while I am away! I have monthly sales goals set for myself, and I am close to them this month, but I leave Tuesday… Unfortunately my dream of going for the week and leaving Steve to enjoy the boys is turning into leaving Steve to make a few sales! I know he can, I know he will, but the plan didn’t work the way I wanted, and that is ok!

The most important obstacle, obstacle four – my family. Steve travels for business a lot. I do not. I have never traveled alone, haven’t flown in 5 years, and well, I have Never used a ride service (not a taxi or a ride share, maybe a bus and a train!) I don’t know how to be away from my family. The look in Aaron’s eyes said it all yesterday. He asked how many minutes to where I was going…my heart sank – he doesn’t know. So I showed him California on my map, and then said do you want to see Rhode Island? his eyes welled with tears and took a big gulp. “When will you be home?” I am gone for a week but we can talk every day! “Ok, will you be awake when we are asleep?” for some of it! “Ok” and off he went to play. I hope he can hop off to play on Tuesday when he wakes up and I am on a plane…”

I am sure there will be other obstacles, but I don’t leave until Tuesday AM. We have some time to overcome them.

I end this game of Never -Have -I – Ever with this question – What have you never done that you wish you could do? What are your obstacles? Are you willing to do to overcome them and take on your Never?

 

My challenge to you – Go do it!
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