Our favorite, one pot DIY Ramen Bowls

This recipe is always on standby at our house for when we are tired of the usual or want something that feels special, without the time special normally takes. 

            

It is simple, quick and always a pleaser because everyone can build their bowl exactly as they please. It’s a recipe that takes your every day I stand noodle pack and makes it a little more bougie. ;) 

Here’s what you need to get started: 

(serves 4 as is)

•4 packages of Instant Ramen Noodles (any flavor will do because you won’t be using the seasoning packet)

•48 oz. beef broth 

•2 cups water 

•1 lb. chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips (we prefer the garlic herb pre seasoned breasts from Walmart)

•4 eggs, boiled and peeled (we LOVE using our Instant Pot to “boil” ours while I work on the rest of the recipe 

•2 cups chopped Kale 

•3 tbl. Soy sauce to taste 

•2 tbl. Chopped garlic  (or more to taste)

•1 tbl. Grated fresh ginger (a must! Don’t skip this step! It really adds so much goodness!)

Additional ingredients we like to add in to customize our bowls:

Sliced mushrooms

Limes, quartered 

Green onions, sliced 

Kimchi (found in the refrigerated produce section at your grocery store- just try it!)

Sriracha or red chili flakes for spice

To begin, use a non-stick, deep pan or pot to cook your chicken. You’ll use the same pot/pan to make your broth, so you want it at least a few inches deep. 

If using pre-seasoned garlic herb chicken, cook as is. If not, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, cook until done and then set aside. 

In the same pan, on medium heat, sauté your garlic in a tbl. of olive oil until fragrant. Add soy sauce and stir. Pour in beef broth and water and stir to combine. Bring to a rolling boil and then add the noodles only from your instant ramen packages. (Save the seasoning packets for another day).

As your noodles cook in your broth, chop your mushrooms, kale, limes, and green onions and set aside. I will put all the add ins, boiled eggs included, on a plate for presentation or, if I’m wanting to keep things simple, it all stays on the cutting mat. I’ll also set our soy sauce (Because my husband always wants extra) and the kimchi. If you’ve never tried kimchi, give it whirl. I didn’t for years and regret all that lost time with this probiotic powerhouse. Our whole family loves it for a crunchy, slightly spicy, zesty addition. 

            

Once noodles are almost done, add in the kale and simmer on low until tender. Hate kale? Skip this step or throw another leafy green in it's place. It's a great boost of vitamins and texture.

Grate in fresh ginger (seriously, it makes all the difference- grab a small piece in the produce section, peel the skin off and grate the inside “meat”) 

Now you’re ready to serve! I totally failed you here by not taking a picture of our bowls all together and prettied up with a slew of toppings, but.... we dove in too fast to snap one. 😂

I spoon broth and the noodles into a bowl and pass off to my fam for them to build the rest as they please! Each person gets to create their bowl exactly as they’d like which means no complaints to the chef, because they are the chef! 😉 Your family can add exactly what they want from your chopping board to their bowl and create their own masterpiece. 

If you give our recipe a try, we’d love to hear what you added to yours and what your fam thought! Happy eating! 

Boredom Busters for kids & teens

Whether it's because you're forced to stay home during a pandemic or 

are trying to survive Summer break, keeping kids occupied can definitely be tricky.

As we navigate this season of being home, I want to be mindful in helping keep us all healthy, both physically and mentally. My girls are missing weeks of schooling & are out of their normal routine, but that doesn't mean all heck should break loose. 

It would be easy to be lazy and fall into a funk that would then be hard to come out of once things get back to normal. Not just for them, but myself as well.

  Since I still have a business to run, a team to lead and home to take care of while we are self-quarantined,  I can't constantly be guiding every moment of their days, so today, I sat down and created a list of activities to keep them busy, entertained, inspired and moving. 

Each category lists some ideas to go with, but I will also encourage them to think outside the box and see what else they can come up with. 

Each day, they'll pick something to do from all 6 categories. They can choose how much time they spend on each thing (no minimum or limit), but they have to do something from all 6. I'll be doing it with them, although my activities may be a bit different, I think the balance of the 6 will help me keep my sanity as well. ;) 

There will be a "prize" at the end of the week if they complete all 6 every day. It may be a favorite treat, their pick of meal or movie, or something else that makes them feel rewarded for keeping their brains busy.

Feel free to use this for your own family! You'll find a PNG  file below, as well as, a PDF printable version just below that. Be sure to come back and leave a comment sharing what you're doing with your Boredom Buster list. I'd love to know what activities, projects or other fun things you and your family do with it!

Stay home and stay healthy! - Amanda

Printable PDF Version

When the right-brain gets it wrong.

It's the first day of a new year, a new decade and I find myself with an intense urge to write.
But there is a problem.
I have no idea what to write about.
In this moment, just the feeling over my fingers sliding across the keys at 100 miles a minute (backspaces for corrections included), is good enough.
Good enough for me anyway, but for you, the reader, it's probably seeming pretty lame.
The thing is, I constantly feel the need to create.
Whether it's through words or actions or crafting or cooking or.... it's always there.
Always this push to make something better than it was before or make something new or plan.
Like some weird creative addict looking for a fix, I didn't realize it was so much a part of who I was until the last few weeks.

We went into our holiday season with a big trip planned. A Disney Cruise and it was awesome (even with the crummy weather).
 I worked getting gifts bought and wrapped, loose ends tied up, my kids situated with school stuff and our house in order before we left. I wanted to come back to quiet and calm and rest as we entered the week of Christmas and subsequently, the New Year. No to do lists, nothing to finish up. Just time to enjoy the holidays.

But the second we were back, I became restless.
As we went through family gatherings and did all the normal Christmas activities and traditions, it lurked even still.
That restlessness turned into aimlessness.
The aimlessness into frustration and a general BLAH-ness.
Not depression, because that is a BIG word I have walked through before so I NEVER use is to describe moments of blah, but just a general "what's next?" feeling with no direction. Much like this post started with.

What I do know is that next week, the girls will go back to school and "normal" life will pick up once again. There will be needs needing met and projects come up that need done. There will be moments of inspiration that fuel crazy dreams causing me to non-stop think or work on them until they're done.
It's inevitable. It WILL happen. And I will love it. I'll eat it up,  it will consume me, I'll over commit and spend nights lying awake while I map whatever the newest thing is in my head. It's what I do. It's a part of who I am. Who God has (quite) uniquely designed me to be.

But why can't I do that now? In this blah, blank space between seasons?

Because I asked God for time of rest.
And He gave it to me.
And I've been fighting it.
Wait.
What?
BOOM!
Did you catch that?

All that ranting I did before about feeling restless and aimless and not having anything to do... I ASKED for! I asked God before we left for our trip for a time of peace and rest and calm and time to "gather" myself as we step into the next season.

And then as gracious as God was to grant it, I, in my always need to be busy self, totally wished it away and didn't even take time to SEE what I was being given.

Something we all do far too often in so many things if we are honest.
Asking God to move, Him granting our heart's desires and then we just stand there like "now what?"

So God and I had a chat today. I apologized and asked for Him to continue to teach me how to find stillness. That, even in his design of who I am to always be creating, I don't miss the opportunities to just be. To enjoy the moments of not necessarily being needed instead of counteracting those moments by finding something to do so I feel valuable, useful, worthy?

Because is that really what this boils down to? Do I need to create so I feel worthy? There is a whisper that says yes, but I pray it isn't true. Regardless, I don't want that ever to be what I become, so maybe it's okay to recognize it and get it handled. I want the crazy creative brain of mine and willing to work hands to always be doing and moving how God intends for them to do and move.
Even if that means sometimes that they are both totally still.

So I guess I did figure out something to write today. It's scrambled and silly and self reflective and totally a right brain way to write I guess, but instead of just deleting it, my guess is there is someone else like me, out there, who needs to hear the same words.

That rest is ok.
That being still is ok.
That letting your mind and hands take a break is ok.

Even if it feels blah or restless or uneasy for a minute.

Because for you, for I, to be able to continue to serve the way God has designed us to serve, we HAVE to be able to take those moments, sit in them fully, and prepare ourselves for what's next.

2020, you're what's next.
I'm ready.


And as a bonus- this...
because it's hilarious and 100% accurate

Time for the Mid-September Mid-Week Scoop!

Little different format, isn't this?

Did you notice? :)

One of the things I love is consistency. One of the things I hate is when programs aren't effective or don't work well.

I've used Mad Mimi to send all of our Mid- Week Scoops up to this point, but I continually get feedback that the email is going to Spam or, when I run my report, see that less than 1/3 of you lovelies are opening it. These things combined have made me start to hate Mad Mimi. 😂

So here we are, shifting "delivery" systems again 

until I get it right and it works like I want it to. 

Why? Because that's just a part of business. We try one thing, it doesn't work, so we try something else. It would be easy for me to say that no one is reading it, 

responding or using it, so why bother, right? 

 Because that's what we want to say when it comes to our business, isn't it?

But the truth is often it isn't what we are sharing that isn't working,

 but HOW we are sharing it.

Mad Mimi isn't working (and it costs me money so that's a double whammy), 

so I'm trying something else. You could do research on ANY giant business in the world today, any invention or any person you'd deem successful 

and see the same outline in place. 

Try, fail, try again, fail, keep trying... until it's successful. 

When you aren't getting the response you want, don't just quit. 

Try something else until it's right. Try multiple avenues

 (remembering specifically not to put all your eggs in the Facebook basket)

You have customers and potential customers who want to see what you have to offer. 

They want the products you sell and even the opportunity to do it themselves even. 

You just have to be sure you're delivering it they way they can get a hold of it whether that means social media, private messages, email, home parties, basket parties, and so on.

 If it's not working, change the delivery. 

So here we are. Trying something new. Something I hope will serve you well as I work to help you build successful businesses. 

Thanks for being patient along the way as I work to get it right. 

-Amanda

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Our new Darth Vader Scentsy Warmer launches into space TODAY!

Be sure to check the news tab in your workstation for the most up to date information

 on this incredible warmer! He is a must not miss for any true Star Wars fan!

********************

Whether you are a new leader, and experienced leader, we’re not a leader at all – 

be sure to tune in this Sunday ton our Kickin' Wicks Commons Facebook page 

to learn more about how to be a leader worth following.

Sometimes leadership doesn’t come naturally and sometimes you have no clue what to do next and that is OK, as long as you’re willing to learn.

I will be going live at 8pm CST to chat with you about what it takes to be a leader, your role and responsibilities & why being a leader can be a big boost to your paycheck!

********************

An entrepreneurial spirit has always been at the heart of everything Scentsy does —along with upholding your ability to build a business that fits your lifestyle. So, we’re proud to announce that on Sept. 18, we’ll be active participants in Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill, hosted by the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

Scentsy executives and Consultants, along with more than 125 direct selling distributors and executives from 18 other direct selling companies across the U.S., will be in Washington, D.C., to encourage Congress to protect the business model that supports Scentsy Consultants and all direct sellers nationwide.

 Direct Selling Day is part of the DSA’s broader efforts to urge passage of House Resolution 3522 (the Preserving the Direct Seller Independence Act), which will protect direct sellers’ status as independent contractors under federal labor law.

Why is this important?

A big draw for many Consultants is the flexibility to work your business on your terms, whenever and wherever you choose. As independent contractors, you can trust that your freedom is protected as one of America’s “original entrepreneurs,” owning and running your own business.

We need your help!

 Please take a moment to email this letter to your Representative to urge them to support HR 3522. Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? Find out at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and get their contact information.

 Please join us in helping to protect your independent contractor status and preserve the future outlook of the American entrepreneurial spirit.

********************

Finally, don't stop chasing those goals this month! If you're getting this email, you are a part of my team which means you are eligible for our Fall/Winter Recognition program! 

If we haven't chatted about your goal, it's time to send me a text or message. With 11 days left in the month, there is still so much to achieve!

********************
One last thing- if you haven't done so yet, be sure to sign up for our team text alerts!
You can follow the instructions below & be notified when important or breaking Scentsy news happens (along with some fun stuff too!)

Have a great week! 

Amanda Johnson * Your Scentsy Superstar Director * kickinwicks@yahoo.com * 479-353-1599

How to stay out of Facebook Jail while building your small business

Being in Direct Sales, social media can be a fantastic tool for growing my business. It can also be a great hindrance, specifically when it comes to Facebook and the every changing algorithm game. 

What is an algorithm you ask? Well, in simple terms, it is an equation Facebook uses to determine what information you are most likely to enjoy seeing or reading. It uses different factors, like who you tend to interact with or posts you tend to "like" to bump up similar posts in your feed when you log on.

It also works to keep things like spam and posts from businesses bumped down in importance in your feed. Did you catch that? Businesses.

The intent of this algorithm isn't all bad. Facebook wants to keep the purpose of it's platform centered around meaningful interactions and relationships and less junk. We all are happy for less junk, right? But it does mean that when you choose to build your small business using this platform, you'll need to play by their rules to be successful.

When you don't play by the rules, your customers, friends and family won't see the posts you're working hard to share and, in the worst cases, you can end up in Facebook jail for a period of time. 

So here we are, with some tips on how to not only stay out of Facebook jail, but create content that builds those meaningful interactions that keep your posts front and center in your customer's feed.

Let's dive in!

1. Create unique posts.

  Don’t be a copy and paste Patsy. If you like how a fellow consultant has written a post, use it like an outline for your own instead of copying and pasting it word for word.  If the post doesn’t sound like how you would talk or like other posts you make, your customers will see right through it and it will feel inauthentic. Your customers want your words. Not the words of someone else. You also don't want to accidentally minimize the original poster's content. If you have mutual friends who see the same post content, you don't just create a disconnect for your post, but also for theirs. 

  Being a C/P Patsy also raises a red flag for Facebook as being spam. If they see multiple people sharing the exact same thing, they’ll bump it down in importance in the feed which causes fewer people to see what you’re sharing. Keeping your posts unique and personal to you creates a deeper connection with your potential customer base. 

2. Share your own pictures (instead of using google or borrowing them from someone else)

   We know this isn’t always possible, so this isn't a hard, fast rule, but when you can create your own pictures, do it!  Snap a picture of how you're using the products in your home, car or out and about. If you go to an event where displays of product are set up, snap your own pics to use in your social media posting. You might even slap a "watermark" with your website on it to help it stay yours.

   If you would like to use pictures someone else is sharing, private message them and ask if it’s okay for you to borrow and use. DO NOT ask in the comments on the post the person made. It is distracting to customers and can mess up their flow. We want to respect each other's businesses, right? 

(Note: If you are a part of my Scentsy team, any images I share in the Kickin’ Wicks Commons group or on the Collective are for you use, so you don’t have to ask me to use them. 😉)

3. Show them YOU!

  When you do share your own pics, get yourself in them! Whether it’s your face, your kids, your pets, or whatever, people will slow their scroll if they see something personal to you. Think about your own scrolling habits. If you were flipping along and saw a picture of a dog, you may glance a second and keep on moving. But, if you saw a picture of your friend and her dog, you'll stop and see what it's about. Faces bring connection to a person/family, not just a sales post.

 Yes, post them even if you’re looking a hot mess. People relate to you for a reason. Show them how you’re using Scentsy. This also keeps your post unique and its way less likely to be tagged as any kind of spam by the FB algorithm because others won’t be using them as their own and it will keep your info posts where your customers get to see them. Now, this doesn't give you permission to be unprofessional, so don't go all crazy, but real life is okay.

4. Don’t get crazy playing tag.

   Facebook HATES mass tagging. It is the quickest way to red flag your post as spam. Not only that, but rarely do people pay attention to something they've been tagged in with 100 other people. It automatically feels like they're "just a number" instead of someone important.

 Instead, private message the people you want to be sure see your post. Not only does it protect you from FB jail, but it is also more personal and makes sure they won't miss it. If you do want to tag, just pick a few people. 

5. Speaking of private messages...

   Finally, don’t sit down and send 100 private messages in one sitting by copying and pasting the same message to everyone. This is another "Do not pass go, do not collect $200" thing to do. Any message or post or photo sent to multiple people at the same time can easily land you in a Facebook timeout.
Avoid Facebook jail and only send messages to a handful of friends and remember to space out your messages. Again, Facebook is after meaningful connection, so create it. 

We hope this helps you make the most of Facebook as a platform for your business. Remember not to put all of your eggs in Facebook’s basket. Use other forms of social media and connection or you’ll be putting your business in a box it will never grow out of. -Amanda

Eat. Sleep. Craft- EASY Burlap Door Hanger

A few years ago I attended a get together at a friend's house where we learned how to make the craft I'm going to share with you today. 

It was simple, it was fun and the best part was that you have to have ZERO crafting ability

 to be able to do it. While I LOVEEEEEE to craft, I know it isn't every one's jam.

But this one- it's for everyone!

This burlap door hanger project made for the perfect project for a recent team get together I hosted in my home with my Scentsy team. In my team, we really try and nurture a culture of connection and relationships. We aren't just fellow consultants, but a family. We help each other, cheer one another on and, well, sometimes we do crafts together.

It would also be a super fun theme for a Scentsy party with a host, MOPS project 

or just you and your friends getting together to hang out and share life together.

Because this clever idea was shared with me, I wanted to pass it on to you! 

I hope you'll find it's super simple to create and your options are endless! 

Let's get to do business and show you how to make these no sew burlap door hangers, shall we?

What you'll need:

Burlap material  (I purchased 3 yards from Walmart and was able to make approx. 12- 12" pumpkins with some small scraps to spare)

Craft paint (can be found for .50 at Walmart. Cheap paint is okay here)

Foam brushes (I grabbed a multi-pack from Hobby Lobby with different sizes and shapes 

for $3.99. Oh and don't forget that coupon)

Stapler(s) and staples: (if you are doing this in a group, the more staplers you have, the better. 

Hot glue guns are another option)

Raffia, ribbons, or bows to use for finishing touches (Dollar Tree has a great assortment)

Floral wire (I grabbed colored wire from  the craft section at Dollar Tree so my guests had options) 

Packing paper or plastic sacks for stuffing

(this is where being a Scentsy consultant comes in handy. We ALWAYS have packing paper)

First, you're going to decide what you're going to make. We chose pumpkins for this event.

 I free-handed a pumpkin onto a piece of paper until I got the shape I wanted and then outlined it with a sharpie onto the burlap to cut. The sky is the limit on what you can create. While we did pumpkins to welcome Fall, my oldest daughter did this cute cacti & our imaginations are running wild 

with all the ideas we have for future craft parties.

 I will say that the simpler the shape, the easier this will be. 

(You could also print an image outline out on paper to trace onto your burlap) 

Making sure your burlap is folded in half, you will trace your image onto the material 

and then cut it out. Sharp scissors here people! You should have two identical pieces.

Continue this process until you have enough shapes for your guests.

Then, set one piece aside and begin to paint the other. Your imagination is your guide! Paint it straightforward or get crazy!  At our paint party, some went classic orange and coppers and some did polka dots and plaid. It was so fun to see each person's creativity!

When painting, it may take two coats to get a full even layer of paint. Of course, we love the rustic feel of it not being a solid color as it gives a more weathered, vintage feel.

You will go through a lot of paint as the burlap soaks it up, so be patient with this process.

Allow base coat to dry and reapply or add your details.

Sharpies work great for lettering as does, small paint brushes. 

Once completely set, lay the front piece on top of the back piece and beginning around the top, 

start stapling around your edges about 1/2" inside the edge. Don't go all the way around

 as you want to leave a gap to stuff your filler in.

 You can leave a little bit of gap between staples

as long as there isn't too much room for the filler to sneak out. 

Then, start stuffing.

Using your packing paper or plastic bags, fill your hanger until it is full and gives you

 the desired effect. Then, finish stapling around your design. 

You can use hot glue guns for this as well, just watch those fingers 

as the glue will seep through the weave in the burlap.

Finally, taking a 6"-8" piece of floral wire, attach your hanger. You will do this by threading each end through the top of the back of your design, curing the ends with wire cutters

 to make sure it doesn't slide out.  You could also omit the wire and use it for a cute porch pillow.

Then, add a bow, raffia or any other embellishment and you are done!

Have you given this craft a try? We'd love to see your pictures!

Also, don't forget to pin this craft so you can find it again later!

Happy Crafting! - Amanda

Hold the door open- Sharing the Scentsy Opporunity

Imagine for a moment what life would look like if no one had shared Scentsy with you. Think of the paychecks you would have missed, the trips you wouldn't have been able to take and the connections you wouldn't have in your life. 

Now think about all the people inside and outside of your circle who are in that place right now. Think about the people you know who would be so great at what you do. They have a fun personality or love people or maybe you just know that making money on the side would be a huge blessing to their family.

So what's the hold up on asking them to join your team? You know how much value it's added to your life, what's keeping you from giving them that same opportunity?Likely, the first things that came to mind was the fear of being told no or not knowing what to say.

So let's quickly address the first so we can get to the second. I have GREAT news!No Scentsy consultant ever died from being told no. Isn't that awesome? Did they feel awkward for a moment? Maybe. Did that moment pass and life go on? Yep!Don’t let a few no’s stop you, not everyone will be interested in what you are offering and that is okay! We want to work with those who want, love and need what we have to offer. I can promise you there are plenty of people out there that do love, want and need what you have to offer.

Best case- you share the opportunity and they say "I've actually been thinking about that!"Worse case- you just told someone you believed in them in enough that you thought they could run a business. There is nothing negative about that. Even if they say no. No isn't a representation of you. No is... life is super busy and they don't feel like they can do it in that season. No is...I'm not sure I can afford it. No is...I don't think I have what it takes/I'm not a salesman/I don't know anyone.Know what? You can relieve all of those concerns. If someone says no, say "I understand. May I ask why you think it may not be for you?" and then answer to them.

Also don't solely focus on the paycheck aspect. While for some, that will be what they are after, for others, the idea of traveling the world, or building relationships will be the appeal. Ask what they'd want from this business and tell them how it could meet that desire.

Remember that truly successful marketing always starts with serving others and building relationships. This means you want to focus on how you can help them, what solutions and services you can offer and provide to the person.  

Ask open-ended questions and questions that get them thinking. This means questions that require something other than a yes or no answer. This helps the conversation continue to flow and builds rapport and connection.

Another key tip is to be positive and think positive. Assume that they are going to be receptive, excited and accept what you have to offer. If not, don’t take it personally.
When you are focused on serving others, you have nothing to fear because you are offering them something of value.

Don't forget to follow up after making that initial contact and also to have some some fun opportunity packets ready to send out. Being prepared will give you confidence to take the next step. An opportunity packet may include a catalog, scent circle or sample, more about any current join specials happening, your story and maybe even info about how you and the company will support/train them. 

Now, what to say?  First and foremost, be authentic. DO NOT copy and paste what someone else has said and send it or post it without first editing it to sound like you. That feels super inauthentic and people can smell a copy and paste direct seller from a mile away. 
People don't want a carbon copy consultant. They want you. Who you are and what you have to offer. 

Below are a few sample scripts & word choices you can use to give you some ideas and a successful start when talking with people about your business. 

Example #1:“Hey ______! I was sitting down and working on my Scentsy business today & as I was looking at our $15 join special this month, your name popped into my mind. I’m not sure if this is something you’ve ever considered before, but I think you would be really great at what I do. Would it be okay for me to send some goodies for you to take a look at that kind of explain what that takes & how I’d do my best to support you along the way? No strings attached?  (Then you will either message or mail more info their way. Don’t forget to note that you did this in AMI or somewhere else so you can follow up in a couple of days and see if they have any questions.) Example #2:“Hey ______! I’m working on getting our brand new catalogs mailed out to my favorite customers and when I got to your name, I got to thinking about how much I’d love to have you on my team. You (insert something about their personality you admire here) and I think that would be an awesome quality in a consultant. I would be here to train and mentor you every step & we would have a blast together! Is it something you’ve ever thought about doing? 

Hold the door of opportunity open for someone today.