Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner Giveaway!

I can't wait to share this giveaway with all of you! My Rodan + Fields business has taken off! I added a business partner and lots of preferred clients in the past few weeks. I have room for more, so if you are looking for a new skin care routine or to be a part of a fabulous business opportunity, now is the time! E-mail me or leave me a message for more information! Click here to be entered in a Rafflecopter giveaway for a Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner!

Protecting skin from the sun is a must, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a sun-kissed glow the healthy way. The lightweight, oil-free, mess-free sunless tanning foam applies easily and dries quickly. The effective dual-active formula ensures even, natural-looking color without exposure to the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It contains Rodan + Fields’ RF-Dcell technology, which is derived from dormant narcissus bulb extract, to “quench” the rate of cell hyper-proliferation and extend the duration of the sunless tan. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E protect skin from free radical damage.

Strawberry Lovin

The boys and I have reserved Fridays as our Friday Fun Days this summer. Last Friday we went to a small little strawberry patch. We enjoyed picking two large flats of strawberries. G was not interested in filling the flats, but ate each one he picked. (Hence the stomach ache for two days after). We really had a great time and I feel so domesticated. I made two different recipes of Strawberry Jam and a Strawberry Pie. I have had lots of request for the recipes I used. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! 

Freezer Strawberry Jam

4 cups of Strawberries (Hulled)

3 cups of sugar

1 box of low sugar pectin

3/4 cup water

1. Mix crushed strawberries with sugar, and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the pectin into the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 1 minute. Stir the boiling water into the strawberries. Allow to stand for 3 minutes before pouring into jars or other storage containers.
2. Place tops on the containers, and leave for 24 hours. Place into freezer, and store frozen until ready to use.

(Adapted from: All Recipes)

No Bake Strawberry Pie

1 pie crust, pre-baked

1 pint ripe strawberries (hulled)

1 package of strawberry Jell-O

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup hot water

1/2 cup sugar

Whipped cream

1. Pre-bake pie crust as directed.

2. Cool crust completely.

3. Slice the strawberries into the pie crust. 

4. In a medium saucepan mix the package of Jell-O with cornstarch.

5. Add the water and sugar to the Jell-O mixture.

6. Cook over medium heat until mixture is boiling. 

7. Stir occasionally. (Great job for kiddos). 

8. Pour the boiling mixture over the strawberries. 

9. Place the pie in the fridge. ( I set it on a baking sheet to prevent spilling messes.)

10. Chill for 3-4 hours until the Jell-O sets). 

11. Service with whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers. 

(Adapted from Food.com)

Portable Careers For Military Spouses

As military spouses, we often are faced with the challenges of finding employment that fits with our unique lifestyle. With constant moves, separations from our spouses, and acting as both mom and dad, the traditional 9 to 5 job simply doesn’t fit. Military spouses are forced to get creative with their career choices and create portable successful careers regardless of frequent moves.

As a full time graduate student, mother of three boys, wife of a Marine Corps Reservist and Police officer by night, I was looking for a way to not only to gain more financial freedom for my family, but also form relationships with strong empowering women all over the country. This lead me on my Rodan + Field’s journey.

After being introduced to the line by a friend at a social event, doing my own research, then reading about a successful Marine wife who turned her Rodan + Fields business into a thriving business, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. I quickly connected with other military spouses and made new friends all over the country. Every one of these amazing women are willing to help and encourage each other.

Harvard Business School has endorsed the Rodan + Fields Business Model as a once in a lifetime opportunity! Rodan + Fields started in 2007 in the high-end retail market. By 2007, we were the #1 clinical skincare line at Nordstrom! In 2008, the Doctors (also the creators of ProActive), pulled out of the retail market and into Direct Sales, so they could reach more women! Rodan + Fields is just in their 4^th year as a direct selling company, and there are many untouched markets across the United States, especially in small towns and on military bases.

I am looking for strong, motivated, and empowering military spouses to join my team. If have been searing for a portable career, I would love to discuss your career goals and aspirations!

Connect with Jen! 

Rodan + Fields Giveaway!

Experience the immediate skin-smoothing benefits of ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste in convenient, single-use packets. Each packet contains the optimal dose of our highly effective, oil-free formula designed to promote exfoliation and cell turnover, enhancing skin radiance. It features Vitamins C and E and polishes the skin with salt and sugar granules that melt away leaving the skin silky smooth.

I’m in a challenge and these Rodan + Fields Dermatologists’ Micro-Dermabrasion Samples must find their way to bathroom sinks around the country by next Monday! Will you help me get them out there?? Send to a friend… send to your sister… send to yourself by clicking here:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R8FGWN7

Featured in Lucky Magazine, Allure Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar, these high-demand little zingers create incredible, baby soft skin in the first use – Enjoy 

Marine Corps Annual Training

Annual Training time is upon us. It has honestly been the LONGEST week in a very long time. My week has been full of school, stepping in to help my sister with my new nephew, and three baseball games. Two which meant us getting home after 10 pm. You would think after 17 years as a Marine Wife and 6 deployments the separation would be easy. Certainly not. I think it gets harder as the kids are older with extra responsibilities. When my Marine is gone, I never get to bed on time and always feel like I am losing my mind. Sometimes I feel like I am going in circles looking for my keys, phone, etc even when I feel I am organized. Something about the mindlessness that comes with doing it all on your own. This Momma has made a decision to be in bed and asleep EARLY tonight. Tomorrow is full of getting the house picked up and pool time with my boys. I can't wait for some R & R this weekend. No hectic schedules and lots of downtime! One week done... one to go.

My Why... Rodan + Fields

I have done it all. Worked as a full time teacher, worked 60+hours as a Real Estate Assistant, worked as a partner on a Real Estate firm, and have enjoyed the luxury of staying home while going to grad school. I am so excited about my upcoming career as a Social Worker. I also know realistically with my student loans, we will not have a ton of wiggle room and money for the lifestyle we dream for our boys and for ourselves. I am in my last year of graduate school. The program is demanding and doesn't allow for a "job" in addition to the field experience and course loads.

https://jenconrad.myrandf.biz/

 I had been praying about and opportunity to help get rid of our debt,and a way for us to enjoy financial freedom while still pursuing my social work career. I have learned that if you take the time to listen... God speaks. I had my ah ha moment a few weeks ago. I was able to enjoy a girls night out with local moms. A mom I admire for adopting two children and having three of her own, began telling is about this product she just couldn't live without. She raved about how beautiful her skin was and she really did have glow about her. I came home and googled Rodan + Fields. I started reading about the business opportunity. I knew immediately that the sense of community, support and encouragement from one another, and the opportunity to get into a multi-billion dollar company was what I wanted to be a part of.

The very next day I was scrolling through my news feed and I saw this article. Yep... that was my sign. I immediately messaged Ellen Jackson and we began talking. After my call with her, I couldn't wait to sign up. We are expanding our team around the country. I am so excited that by sharing my story, my first day I have scheduled to talk to 4 people interested in joining me. I'd love to chat with you!

My dreams include financial freedom, college funds for my boys, the ability to lesson the load on my husband, the opportunity to travel, and the ability to inspire other women. What are you waiting for?

Will You Join Me?

I am so excited to introduce my new business! I've just started a business with the creators of Proactiv. They are now doing for aging what they did for acne. 

Their new company is called Rodan + Fields, and was first launched into high end retail stores, where 

it became a top selling clinical skincare brand in stores like Nordstroms. In an effort to reach more people, they decided to successfully leave retail and go into direct sales. I have joined them.

We are now launching all over the US and I'm looking for leaders to partner with to help us meet the demand.We are looking for dynamic, driven people who want capitalize on joining us in the beginning!

Who do you know? I'm looking for referrals! 

Here are a few factors that make this such a powerful opportunity right now:

1) You can be in at the beginning!

The company just launched into the United States a few years ago and we are looking for more business partners. It doesn't matter where you live. If you have a wifi connection we can work together! The company has plans to spread to Canada later this year. 

2) Residual income available!

I'm sure you're aware how important it is to have residual income. With Rodan + Fields, we have results oriented skincare- as people continue to use it (some have used Proactiv for decades) this gives us a great base. There are three ways we get paid including customer sales, team volumen, and bonuses. 

3) The products fill a huge market demand- everyone with skin!

Our Drs are practicing physicians with award winning anti-aging practices in the Bay Area of California. They carry our products in their practices- and these products have gotten media coverage in your favorite magazines. The company received major media coverage with Rodan + Fields new Amp MD Anti-Aging System! The month it launched, Rodan + Fields was on the cover of Allure 

Magazine, then we were on the Today Show, and we are now up for nomination for the "Best of Beauty Award" in Allure Magazine!

We're all aging all the time....that's actually good news for us! Everyone is looking for a solution- and Rodan + Fields has it!  

The Drs can offer them the best skin of their life, and they back it with a 60 day empty bottle guarantee! 

Thanks so much for your support! I build my business on referrals, and would appreciate yours! I'm excited to chat and catch up! Here's a quick 5 minute video you can watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s27SL3xug6w&feature=youtu.be

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, E-mail me today! This career is perfect for military spouses! 

Here is another video that inspired me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFhQ-jgXpzE&feature=player_embedded

Catching Up

Wow! Where did the month go? Lots to catch everyone up on! We now officially have a Freshman! Didn't I just graduate high school? We have been driving K to party after party and even had exposure and the discussion about drinking parties. Thankfully K was not in attendance but many of his friends were. Seriously! 14 years old ! It was a fabulous reminder of the importance of keeping the lines of communication open.

I went back to my short sassy blonde hair. Love it! I tried so hard to grow my hair for my hubby, but I hated every minute. So, after he had just got to bed after a long night at work... I showed him what I was going to do;) He loves it and we both agree I am a blonde. 

We traded our SUV in for a crossover. Hello kick in the gut car payment, but the $4.09 gas was a wake up call. I am in love with my sassy Red Traverse. We learned that military members get GM pricing when buying a new vehicle. Love those military discounts! 

I got serious at the gym and got a pr on a box jump box. I did 120 jumps on this box and never missed ! 

I became an aunt again. Little Mason was born three weeks ago. I was able to wait with my family because it was a clinical day! He is so precious and I plan on spoiling him rotten! My sister and her hubby are natural parents! 

We have a drummer in the family. After years of begging it was time. What can I say after watching him, B has a natural gift! 

Graycen continues to keep us on our toes!

Aj and I have been enjoying our deck, yard, and time with our boys. I can't wait to share all we have been doing around the house to keep us organized for summer with three crazy boys. Until then... Enjoy roses from my yard!

Changing Youth Entitlement

Well, God spoke to me once again. I have become so frustrated with the kids disorganization (especially my middle child). I have been searching for inspiration to tackle this problem. My dear sister in law listened to me vent the other day and recommended a book that she found inspiration in, Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma. The first chapter talked about a plan to reduce clutter and creating responsibility, even holding the parents accountable . Yes, I have my creatively organized piles and clothes hanging here and there. The first plan is to give everyone a jar with 30-$1.00 bills. Everyday beds must be made, rooms remain clutter free, and clothes in their proper places or you loose your dollar. At the end of the month, what is left is theirs to keep. Money seems to talk to my boys, and well me too;). Watch for our progress.

Semester Break!

Finally, the Spring Semester is over. That only means I am halfway done with my program! Whew!! I know have off until May 9th. I am excited to do some organizing, cleaning, and gardening. G and I ran some errands today and got to have lunch with my Mom and Dad. Next week I have dates planned with friends I haven't seen all semester. I have lots of friends, I just am not always the best at being a great friend. 

Lately, I have really struggled with taking time for me to workout once the boys get home or be here to help with homework. AJ is usually around, but we all know how Dads help with homework. This past week I had a procedure scheduled that allowed me to be grounded from working out and then I just plain felt I needed to be here to get the kids caught up. It makes me sad after I see pictures of what they did during their workout, and knowing I missed it. But, I know that I can't be 100% at everything all the time. Sometimes, Mommy just needs to be home with the kiddos. Now that it is nice I can't wait to get out on my bike. That may become my workouts some days. I am also trying to convince AJ to buy a few pieces of equipment for the garage so that I can workout the days that I have clinicals or full days of classes. Is it bad for mother's day I want a bar with weights, kettle bell and an extension bench?

Mother's Day Wish List

Disney World For The Military Family

We had an amazing Disney family vacation on a budget! I am not being compensated by any of these companies, but I thought I would share the tricks that we found when booking or vacation. We bought the 4 day Military Promotional Ticket which included the Park Hopper Option at the first park we visited. We went to guest services and told them we wanted to purchase our tickets. I talked to Disney Customer Service and they would like you to buy them at Shades of Green or an ITT office but they will accommodate you. We loved Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. We really didn't care to much for Hollywood Studios as it was hot and long lines after being at Magic Kingdom. We chose Sea World over a day at Epcot.

Our first thought was to stay at Shades of Green, but then after pricing out the cost of breakfast, etc... we looked elsewhere. We stayed at the brand new Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South. It was just 5 minutes from every park. The hotel was beautiful, roomy, and had a great free breakfast to start our day. They had a pack and play ready for us when we arrived. I was able to snag a $75.00 a night military rate on a suite. You can't find that anywhere with free breakfast!

We booked our flights with Allegiant and they offered us a huge discount on a rental car. We were able to get a van for a half of the cost most sites advertised. We ate on the grounds for lunch, which ran us about $50.00 a meal, and then grabbed dinner at one of our favorite chain restaurants throughout the area. We always like to eat at the places we don't have around our hometown. We ate at Bahama Breeze, PF Changs, Planet Hollywood, and Macaroni Grill. We tried the Nascar Restaurant at City Walk, but were pretty disappointed in the $20.00 parking fee. Planet Hollywood was fun for the kids, however we were hot and tired and our waiter was trying to be extra funny and we just weren't into it.

The highlight of the trip was when Mr. Graycen met Mickey. He couldn't stand it once he saw him and AJ spent 10 minutes wrestling him while another family had their visit. The boys also loved Sea World.  Through the Waves of Honor program we enjoyed a free day, minus the cost of our lunch, parking, and food for the animals. It saved us a good $400.00 and the boys loved the roller coasters.

Drill Weekend

Ugh the dread monthly weekend is here. The weekend when I get to reminisce about all the glorious moments of fear, anxiety, stress, and independence I got to feel last year and 5 other times prior. My husband takes great care off me. He is obsessed with laundry and dishes. Praise The Lord because I DESPISE these chores. Every month I dread him having to go. Yes, I am proud but lately more exhausted by it. The news of North Korea and their threats brings me to my knees. Can I please just have my husband home for a year before we start threatening military action? Aj was really quiet last week and part of me wonders if he was worried to. He truly enjoys being a part of every moment of the boys lives . I told him if honestly think of jumping off the highest bridge ( ok .. Well not literally because heights make me nauseous), but I feel like I'm getting getting to old to be both Mom and Dad. He certainly is not leaving me with a crazy two year old and a hormonal 14 year old. ;)
We leave for our post deployment family Disney World trip this week. I can wait to share the deals I found with you ! These are times all the tears, screams, and lonely nights are worth it. Disney at a major discount... Heck yeah!
I leave you with a few of the moments from this drill weekend including hours of statistics and paper writing, and figuring out how to corral a 2 year old escape artist.

Precious Moments

After reading Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton, I realized that there are days I just want the day to be over. I am tired, stressed, and overwhelmed with keeping up with the boys, keeping up with the house, school, and being a good wife. In the business of life I have stopped looking for those precious moments when life stands still or Kairos time as Glennon talks about. I have vowed to find those precious moments and record them daily. If you follow me on Instagram, you will see all my precious moments in real time. ;) Yes I'm obsessed with taking pictures of my adorable kiddos, sharing them on Facebook, and overly obsessed with Instagram!

Are You Listening?

I know that God has asked me to write about my experiences as a Marine Wife and what deployments have taught me. Every time I sit to write, I never know where to start. Somehow, somewhere I was introduced to Momastery and Glennon Doyle Melton. As soon as I started reading her blog... I was hooked. A real Christian women who was completely honest with motherhood, her marriage, and her life. Although I am not a recovering alcoholic or bulimic, I found myself connecting with her and secretly wanting her to be my best friend. I am in love with her new book, Carry On, Warrior and her continued honesty. A particular part of her book spoke to me. It's time to carve out writing time daily. I'm going to write about my perfect moments and my not so perfect moments. I often find myself not writing when I should really be writing it more. Isn't it just beautiful when God speaks to us directly?

Unbalanced

I first apologize for my lack of writing. Truth is I have felt pretty unbalanced lately. It is the end of the semester and I feel that all the energy I have for writing has been thrown into paper writing. I am really not sure if it will ever end! I have been juggling three papers lately and sometimes find myself forgetting about the topic I am suppose to be focusing on.

The boys are off on spring break this week and hubby of course has a long drill this weekend. Single Momhood for five days this week. I am not the least bit excited with all I have on my to do list. The boys go back to school Monday, then we leave for Disney later in the week. I know not the best planning, but that is all we could do with AJ's Marine drill. I refused to do Disney in June when the lines are forever long and the temperatures are 90+. I am excited to spend the time with the boys, but I can't say that I am as excited as I would be if we were going to be going and laying on a beach. I know that these memories are memories we will cherish forever and my 13 year old will only think a Disney vacation is cool for a bit longer. Because this vacation takes place during the end of the semester... I am doing double duty on homework and papers. Ugh...

Recharged

We had a perfect weekend at Key Lime Cove in Gurnee, IL. Lots of family time, playtime, and just pure enjoyment of each other. We often get to busy with life we don't take enough time to just play. I'm not sure why, but its hit me more this year then in others that my family of 5 is growing up to fast. G is turning 2, B is turning 10, and Keegan turning 14. My resolution the next few months is work on creating meaningful and memorable moments. I got do fabulous ideas from a fellow military wife and can't wait to share! Heading home in the foggy rain after everyone slept until 9:15. Thank you time change! We have our left over Girodonos pizza and a bakers square pie in our trunk;) Clean eating and serious workouts start again tomorrow.

We Made It!

Our 3.5 hour drive went smoothly. One slept, one rocked out to his iPhone, and one played with his iguy, ate snacks, and helped mommy watch for tractors and school buses. G is into the stage of repeating EVERYTHING! His new thing is calling me "Jenny". Drives me crazy! Aj is the only one that calls me that. (I guess it could be worse). We had a late dinner some great drinks and G needed to get to bed. Aj took the boys to the arcade and after an hour of fighting I got G down. Now I know why we normally get a suite. This one room hotel room is a bit of a challenge, but who can resist a great military deal? We are heading for a full day of waterparking today. The atmosphere is exactly what I needed to get rid of my winter blahs. Brayden said he feels like he is in Florida ;)