My positive pink bubble

I often talk about the "pink bubble" of Mary Kay with my friends.  It is this happy, positive environment of a Mary Kay event or meeting.  Everyone is excited, supportive and eager to learn and share ideas with each other.  We know we all have "stuff" in our daily lives we are dealing with, but we leave our stuff at the door and focus on supporting one another.  

Today, I am thankful for my pink bubble.  I am blessed that God placed these women in my life to support and encourage me in my life and in my business.  I am thankful for my consultant friends and directors who are there to cheer me on and challenge me to think a new thought.  

I think we are all guilty of letting the "stuff" get in the way - myself included.  From time management, outside commitments, sick children, CCB's daily hormone injections, doctors appointments, and a  traveling husband, it is easy to get bogged down in the stuff of life.  It is in these moments I need to channel my inner pink bubble and get back to my positive space.  If I get bogged down with all of the negative energy, I can't effectively get anything done.  I may take a 5 minute time out, say my positive affirmation, focus on what I have gotten done or count my blessings to get back on the right track.  It is not always easy  and I am guilty of not always remembering to get myself back on the right track.  But when I do, I am always amazed at the results and my mind shift. 

In the spirit of Mary Kay, I am going to issue a challenge - when the stuff of life gets in the way and bogs you down, take this moment to remember your blessings.

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Halloween Teacher Gift

This may be a day late and a dollar short, but I wanted to share what I did for CCB's teachers for Halloween.  I bake for them for every holiday, and after a year of doing this, I'm getting requests!  One of CCB's teachers was telling me how they were all excited with the holidays coming up because they love all of the treats.  It is so fun to bake for people that love it. 

I found these cute tins at Tarjay a couple of months ago when they first put their Halloween stuff out.  If there is one thing I have learned about Tarjay is to get it if you think it is cute.  For if you think it is cute, chances are that everyone else does as well! 

This year I baked Brother Boniface's Pumpkin Bread from Southern Living 1998.  Instead of the pecans, I substituted chocolate chips because what isn't better with chocolate?!  They were a hit.  I'm not sure if they made it home with any of her teachers.  This year I was smart and made up a cute little recipe card so if they want to try out the recipe, they can! 

So, even though this is a Halloween theme gift, these are fantastic all fall and would be a great Thanksgiving gift.

Brother Boniface's Pumpkin Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 cups sugar 
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 large eggs 
• 1 cup vegetable oil 
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin 
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Preparation

• Beat first 14 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in pecans. Spoon evenly into 2 greased and floured 9- x 5-inch loafpans.
• Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.