Confessions of an Arbonne Girl....in Viva Las Vegas!!!

The Tuesday flight crew from The Simpson Region

Vegas! Ever been? Every time I mentioned where I was due to spend my annual leave, people would generally leap out of their seats with excitement. Everyone it seems, has a great time in Vegas, or they would really (really) love to go. Of course, when I threw into conversation that I was actually attending a conference for my part time business, then confusion would tend to kick in, possibly also mixed with a little awe. Conference? Not a hen do? Not a holiday? Spending annual leave from a full time job.....at work?! People leaving behind kids and husbands/wives to go to Vegas for an actual conference? Really? 

Really. This is Arbonne's Global Training Conference 2013, it's held in Vegas every year, and I was there! And - picture this - it wasn't just me. 14,000 people from the UK, States, Canada and Oz were doing the same.

Attending the conference is voluntary as an Independent Arbonne Consultant. I chose to attend and frankly - it blew my mind. Now, I have been on company conferences before - Cannes, Dublin, Bournemouth, Brighton - they were typically great fun but one long drunken event, with a bit of obligatory training thrown in. The difference with this conference, was that whilst I enjoyed my fair share of tipples in Vegas, I was actually more excited about the conference -  I was there to learn as much as possible and it didn't disappoint.

Sometimes people don't understand why I am "doing" Arbonne. It's a bit of a puzzle. Health and Wellness products versus my property background? Why don't I start my own lettings firm, like some of my peers have? But, I don't believe that is the route for me. I enjoy my job and this pays my immediate bills, but my Arbonne business is a part time opportunity to build a future, a plan b or pension and all for low start up without having to give everything up or completely start over. The company is ethical, warm, fun, young, but with a solid 33 year history (the son and widow of the founder Petter Morck were actually AT the conference) and the concept is simple. Recommendation. Something we all do, every single day, but most people don't get paid for the pleasure. Recommend a product and business, and find a few others who want to do the to do the same. The cherry on the top with Arbonne (aside from the global conference being in Vegas) is that the products are outstanding. Genuinely. Outstanding.*




Kay Napier CEO with picture of Petter Morck founder (top),
new product training (left), conference registration (bottom right)

MGM Grand Garden Arena (Top) filled with 14,000 Arbonne consultants.
Illuminated signs throughtpot the MGM Grand Casino welcoming
Arbonne(bottom left), opening ceremony (bottom right)

People have changed their lives by building a business with Arbonne and going to Vegas really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Let me put this into context - think staying at home with your kids rather than returning to office hours, think Million Dollar Club, think giving up work, think retiring at 30, think putting buses on the road for a charity, think people with illnesses who need something flexible and home based, think business owners who were seeking other income streams to give them more time..... Let's just say.....it really hit home rubbing shoulders with 13,999 other consultants. There is a reason we have all started this business.

The training and product launches were fascinating, fun, informative and at times hilarious - 14,000 people literally swooning over the new mascara was just brilliant! (By the way, the mascara is magnificent!) The conference was made up of product seminars, Arbonne cafe, product counters, Arbonne shop in the MGM Grand's ballrooms, and then the main conference was held in the Garden Arena. It commenced with an opening ceremony and product launches** on Thursday night where we donned red white and blue (the Brits section might still be small - 850 from the UK attended - but we looked great and we shouted the loudest!!) followed by a full day training on Friday and Saturday, and ending with "Arbonne's got Talent" on the closing evening.

Let me summarise what my trip (of work) involved (in no particular order).....

Bucks fizz breakfast, going to Paris, Cosmopolitans in the Cosmopolitan, Eating sushi, two limo trips and one party bus trip, seeing Stomp, meeting Peter Matravars (beauty scientist superstar), collecting free products, meeting people in the million dollar club, sharing the best steak I have ever eaten (like..ever!), having Starbucks on the ground floor of the hotel, inspirational training, cocktails in the sun, chatting to anyone and everyone.....



Paris (top left), Bellagio fountains (right) and
Charlotte Emerywinning on the one
armed bandits (bottom left)

.....sunbathing at lunchtime, whooping at the Bellagio fountains, indoor skies, receiving amazing training, gambling precisely $2.70, Matt Goss walking past us, seeing much loved friends "walk the Vegas stage" in the Garden Arena, Bellagio brunch, pizza and champagne, people watching, comparing business notes, laughing, watching movies together on the plane and generally having the time of our life......



MGM pool (top), Drinks at the Cosmopolitan (bottom left),
Jennie Fojtik, Jane Simpson & Maggie Sarfo
at conference (bottom right)

Aside from the conference, we were in Vegas baby - and in conclusion - I loved it! I couldn't stop exclaiming "it's like a feast for the eyes"! Everything is big, bold, classy, cheesy, magnificent, chintzy....the weather is amazing, the service is excellent, people are friendly (and obsessed by your "cute accent"), the shopping is great, food fabulous. Oh...and you get free drinks whilst you gamble....

And you know the other great bit? Sharing all this with friends. Friends who I knew before Arbonne, friends who I have made because of Arbonne. It was just so much fun.

I loved every single minute.

* To learn more on the Arbonne products or how to start your own Arbonne business, contact myself or the consultant who shared this blog with you

** To learn more about the new product lines contact myself or the consultant who shared this blog with you

Awaken with A-Brill

Welcome to ...snowy (?) spring! In February, I introduced the fantastic Aromessentials range and they are proving a very popular edition to the catalogue, for their health and well being benefits. The Awaken body scrub, in particular, is being raved about! I now have the full Aromessentials set available for home trial, so please do contact me if you would like to borrow and try for yourself.

So speaking of health and well being, here's a reminder of the ranges that can assist you with feeling better, inside and out (whilst we wait for winter to end).....

Detox Spa Range - Helps break down toxins in the body. Assists with cellulite, circulation, hydration and nourishes skin with vitamins and sea minerals. Promotes detoxification and purification. (See post "Happy New you" 2012)

This range will compliment anyone feeling run down, on fitness or weight loss programmes. Jen's recommends - The seasource scrub & bath soak, great for preparing a bikini bod for holidays!

Nutrition - Remember, you are what you absorb! The Arbonne Essentials supplements are made with the highest quality ingredients and are formulated to maximise ingredient absorption and effectiveness. (See post "Getting fit for Thirteen"2013)

The fitness range will compliment those working out or on weight loss programmes, and the nutrition supplements are excellent for everyone throughout the year. Jen's recommends the protein shakes for breakfast and/or post work out for a bundle of nutrition!

Dry, painful skin - this weather also means you could be suffering with some/all of the following -chapped lips, dry body, coarse hands, dry face. Jen's recommends, would be:
Lips - skin conditioning oil & Before sun Lip Saver
Body - Sea source Re-mineralizing body lotion
Hands - Skin conditioning oil & FC5 hand cream (or for extremely cracked hands Baby Care Herbal Nappy Cream)
Dry Face - RE9 Advanced Extra Moisture Restorative Day Creme (unisex)

Opportunity Meetings/Discover Arbonne events - What are they?

Most people have noticed that opportunity meetings are held across the country and some people have asked me - What are they? In short, it is a 30-50 minute talk with visuals, offering a background to the company, information on the product formulation and an explanation of the business opportunity. They are free, fun, informative and usually followed by a drink in the bar afterwards!

The reason they exist, is because some people like to learn more about Arbonne after their initial introduction and going along to a city centre or local meeting is a fantastic way to do this; You benefit from the opportunity to meet consultants at all levels in the business, to ask questions and to understand the bigger picture. The scale of each meeting is very different, from intimate gatherings of a few, to large scale city venues with 500 attendees or more!

The meeting we hold in Kew each month is fantastically located for those in West London, but is also accessible via the M4, Kew Bridge BR and the district line. The room holds up to 25 people, and is an intimate and informal venue. The next date is Wednesday 17th April, 7.30 for 8pm. If you would like to come and enjoy a glass of wine with us, then please RSVP to me or the consultant who shared this blog with you.

In Your Words

A very popular feature last month, so here's a few more!!

Primer

"The make up primer...it is silky and lightweight to use - never fails to leave skin smooth and even, whilst giving me the confidence in a shine-free face for the whole of the day - it really works!"

Silky Smith in Stratford

Top Tip - use on your eyelids for crease free eyeshadow application

FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub

"Fc5 hydration range is the only product I have used that combats my dry skin! My skin always feels soft and looks much healthier. The exfoliation new cell scrub is my fave....feels like I have a new face after!"

Red hot yoga bunny in Putney

Top Tip - After use of preferred Arbonne mask, smooth over face and leave for a few minutes before rinsing. Follow with preferred Arbonne face wash and finished with Arbonne night cream for a mini facial!

RE9 Cleanser & Sea Source Hair Mask

"Re9 cleanser - Love this! Leaves my skin really soft, its like having a spa facial every morning! As for the Sea Source Hair Mask - miracle worker!! A real treat, leaves even the finest hair full of volume and super soft!"

Arbonne lover near the River Avon

Top tip - Leave the mask on overnight for super soft results or  to assist exceptionally dry scalps.





Thank you for all the contributors to this feature! (Do you have a favourite product you would love to share? All testimonials are welcomed!)

Next Time - Viva Las Vegas!!!! The Arbonne Global Conference is held in Vegas every year, where 10,000 consultants attend!! I can't wait! I will have all the gossip and news on products on my return, at the end of April!

Awaken the senses with Aroma - Feb

Some people may not be aware, but Arbonne is now 33 years old and the UK has just celebrated it's 5th birthday! Here in the UK we have over 250 products, but not quite as many as the States owing to our youth, and products are released here after being passed through the strict EU regulations. Arriving this new year we have.......

The Aromassentials range!

In January, the Arbonne roadshow visited 4 cities across the UK, to launch the new products to consultants and their guests. I attended the roadshow in Lancaster Gate, London and had a fab time; It was twice the size of the 2012 roadshows, word is slowly getting out! We heard from the National Vice Presidents Gordon and Ella, UK General Manager Vicky Beckett and we had a fantastic introduction to Aromassentials by Sue Alexander. Sue is a Regional Vice President with Arbonne, and she is a Holistic Beauty Therapist and has many celebrity clients. She explained to us how she is ecstatic that the range has landed in the UK, having had to ship it from the states for the last few years.

Aromassentials, like many of the Arbonne products, are not just about the affect on your skin but also contribute to your overall well being. Everybody knows that the everyday battles of commuting, work stress and dramas of juggling a million and one things can take its toll on your health inside and out; This delicious range can assist with this, enhancing your energy levels at the start of the day and aiding relaxation at the end. For the full product list for - "Awaken" (Good morninggggg!!) and "Unwind" (nighty night zzzzzzzz) check out  http://naturaljen.myarbonne.co.uk, but here are some interesting snippets of information that I picked up at the Roadshow:

Awaken Range

To give us more energy! Signature notes are lemon and coriander (coriander, great for digestion!)  - can be used by the whole family - very light and gentle - sea salt scrub is great for sorting oily/combo skin on the body - body lotion contains horsechesnut which is great for circulation and dry/itchy skin on the hands and feet - Body mist is great for the face and hair (dandruff in particular) and is anti-fungal.

Unwind Range

Luxurious range great for helping people who have trouble switching off at the end of the day - try the body lotion on the hands and feet before bed, it will truly relax you - use massage oil on the temples for headaches, it will also nourish and regenerate you ....and is an aphrodisiac - Body mist is good for de-stressing, calming down and contains watercress which is great for headaches and migraines.

For more information on which products from the range may be good for you, then drop me a mail or contact the consultant who shared this blog with you.

Cost of living going up, up up....

Everyone knows the cost of living keeps rising, our wages are barely increasing and redundancies are still rife. As a result, more and more people are turning to companies like Arbonne for a primary or secondary income - Arbonne grew by 74% 2011 to 2012, which is MASSIVE in any economy, never mind this one!! If you have a friend or relative with a laptop and a phone, looking for a part time opportunity that they can fit around their life - then please feel free to pass them my way. Or maybe you would like to learn how to turn your Arbonne expense, into an income? If so, message me!

Don't take my Word For It

Back by popular demand - Don't Take My Word For It - check out some one line client* testimonials below! Which is your favourite Arbonne product? Let me know!

"I love the Vanilla Amber Sugar Scrub - it makes your skin feel really smooth, reminds me of cakes and the vanilla scent stays on the skin for ages....and my husband always comments on how nice I smell when I have used it!"

Whirlwind in Warwickshire

"I love the Seasource Detox Spa Renewing Body Gelee. I smooth this sumptuous product on after shaving/waxing my legs. It smells fab and is very soothing, making your skin feel amazing! A permanent fixture in my beauty cabinet!"

Foxy Farm Girl

"Its Day 4 using my FC5 purifying cleanser/toner, oil absorbing day lotion and mattifying powder set...and I can honestly say my skin is not only feeling softer but noticeably less shiny too! "

Hottie in Harrogate

"I love the RE9 Cellular Renewal Masque ...I've never ever really noticed an immediate effect with any product before (and believe me, there have been many!) It sounds like a cliche but I had so many comments on my complexion the next day - I looked different, I was glowing! I need to word it better....but it was a miracle! I used it on my wedding day x"

Hot chick from the sticks

"I love Arbonne products and in particular the RE9 Face Serum which just melts in, leaving the skin feeling calmed and prepared for the moisturiser!!"

Arbonne Addict





* Clients names have been disguised for the purposes of this blog

See you next time, for more news, offers and testimonials! Have a wonderful month, and thank you for choosing to shop and work with, Arbonne!

Arbonne Roadshow - Lancaster Gate

Getting Fit for Thirteen?

Happy New Year! Are you still chomping your way through the Quality Street, or has the new year resolve stepped in, forcing you to step away from the biscuit tin and step up to a fresh you? Detoxing and getting fit in the new year is a common goal for many in January, and this months blog will show you how Arbonne can help you succeed.

Whether it's weight loss, gym training or general well being, Arbonne's stunning range of Fit and Nutrition Essentials can assist....

But firstly, you may be wondering why would you choose Arbonne to supplement your detox? What’s the difference to just drinking plain old water, or picking something off the shelf in the high street?

Arbonne uses PURE, ROBUST and ACTIVE botanicals, formulated to ensure maximum ABSORPTION and EFFECTIVENESS. Did you know, you aren't what you eat necessarily....you are what you absorb. Arbonne nutrition is:

*Gluten Free

*Free from artificial colours/sweeteners/additives

*No cholesteral

*No trans or saturated fats

*Vegan**

**(were you aware, as humans we digest ingredients derived from plants far more easily than animal or animal by products. For example there is no whey protein in the Arbonne protein shakes. Using a pea protein, this type of protein is digested easily, is absorbed faster and your body is able to utilise a large amount of the protein from each serving)

I have pulled together some key features of the range to suit the detoxing body
 

Digestion aid - £40

Detox Tea £12
Nutrition bar fruit - £19
Nutrition bar chocolate -£19
Protein shake vanilla or chocolate - £48
Immunity boosters - £56
Sater bottle -£5
Fibre booster - £28

Total Value = £227.00

Existing clients enjoy 20% off, consultants 35%. Brand new clients, take advantage of a fabulous offer by choosing to buy via the ultimate value pack and pay only £125.00 for all of the above!

So, why have I chosen these items from the range?

1/ Your digestive health is intergral to your overall health - healthy gut, happy person!

Digestionaid – An anytime drink, simply mix into cold water/juice/squash -balances the gut with pre-biotics, probiotics and enzymes. Promotes digestion and nutrient uptake, helps decrease bloated feelings and assists with the absorption of vitamins fromthe other nutrition ranges and your diet.

Infusion Tea– An anytime hot beverage - Replace coffee and caffeinated teas forthis infusion. Not only will it assist with a healthy gut (no dairy andcontains licqorice) but also compliments weight loss as it contains green tea and assists hydration to promote the cleansing of the body. Also contains milk thistle, great for detoxification, supporting and repairing the liver and kidney function.

Fibre Booster - Sprinkle over cereal or mix into the protein shake - provides almost 50% of your daily fibre needs, helping the gut remain...."regular" and asissts with weight loss, because it keeps you fuller for longer.

2/ Your daily vitamin update is essential

Immunityboosters - Daily drink - If you were to try and eat the amount of vitamins in this drink, you would need to consume enough fruit and vegtables equivalent to 5000 calories !!! This drink is jam packed full of goodness! Key ingredients that assist with detoxing are: milkthistle - for detoxification andliver repair, akaiberry - promotes weight lossand detoxification, guarana - promotes weight loss, fights fatigue,increases metabolism, yerbe mate, fights fatigue and good for weight loss.

Nutritionbar - geat snack -  low calorie snack thatsatisfies a sweet tooth craving, is filling and extremely nutritious – 15 vitamins and minerals. It is a fantastic alternative if you are beating off  sweet cravings or if you are all fruitand vegetabled out!

Proteinshakes - a training snack or meal replacement. My favourite!!! I personally use these when I am in gym training. You see muscledefinition and feel stronger, quicker**. I personally use them as a snack drinking one within an hour of working out – recommendation for muscle repairis 20g of protein within 60 minutes. Its a fantastic way to beatoff post work out hunger and even though I use as a snack, I will generally eat less inmy next meal. Some people use the protein shake as a meal replacement*** for breakfast and lunch when on a weight loss programme, followed by a light evening meal. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals and offers you 15% of your daily nutrition needs in one shake.

Take a look at this site, for more information on proteins shakes incorporated into your diet - http://www.energiefitness.net/protein-detoxification-diet/

** my findings in using the shakes in hand with the recommendatiosn below
*** a case study with an Arbonne client, reported a weight loss of 16 pounds over a four week duration, feeling full and well throughout.

For best results, I would recommend using these essential range products in conjunction with the Arbonne Detox Spa range, eating healthily, a limited alcohol intake and drinking plenty of water. The snippet information provided is relevant specifically to detoxing, however the products shown, have many other fantastic ingredients and health benefits, not listed here. A very happy and healthy 2013 everyone!

To find out more about the Arbonne Essentials or the Detox Spa ranges, please contact the consultant who shared this blog with you.