At home parties…yes please

As moms, and especially educator moms, we all know someone (or are someone) who has a business of selling things to other moms. You know the kind of things moms need…essential oils, cleaning products, makeup. You name it, and there is an at home party for it, and you have undoubtedly been invited to it.

My husband hates it when I get invited to the ‘pyramid’* parties. I think he hates it even more when I host them, but ya know…hostess perks, free stuff, discounts!!!! How can I resist the things moms need and discounts? Seriously though. Here is the thing: I don’t really need most of the stuff I buy at pyramid parties, except the clothes, the candles, the bags, and the nails…and a few other things from time to time.

Here is why I will always go to pyramid parties. First, I will always help another mom get free and discounted stuff. We need all the help we can get, and it always comes back around anyway when I am the hostess. Second and most important is that usually it is a mom who is the sales rep, and these parties help moms pay the bills. Sometimes these parties even help a mom be a stay at home mom, or a work part time mom. Sometimes these moms are not in the sales because of a necessity, but because it is the ‘fun money’ and these are the earnings that improves the family quality of life. These ladies have the ability to set their schedules and work as little or as much as they want. As an added bonus, I get the things I need, usually with a glass of wine in hand….you don’t get that at the mall😉. After years of attending these parties, I have discovered there are some things I just can’t live with out!

Jasper’s favorite can’t live with out products

1. Cabi- since moving to Michigan four years ago, I have gained 15 (or more, but it’s too painful to mention) pounds, and as a result, I had to get rid of the majority of my clothes. I didn’t have to….but the trend on the scale is in fact a trend, and not for lack of trying. Anyway, I never have time to go shopping, trying things on is always such a pain (and honestly, it sort of creeps me out a little because what if the last person to try on didn’t shower?). Those florescent lights in the stores do terrible things to my figure and skin tone. I love Cabi clothing because it is top quality, fits my body well, and it doesn’t hurt that it is generously cut. Yep, no shame in saying Cabi size zero…I love that the pieces mix and match. One of my Cabi ladies calls it garanimals for adults. (You know the department store mix and match separates for babies…). Cabi comes out with two lines a year, a winter and a spring. Each line coordinates with previous lines, and they have a fantastic app (available in the App Store) called Cabi tap, that allows you to browse the collection, items are added to your closet as you make purchases, and it gives you outfit ideas. For your cute clothing needs, visit https://wendywaldron.cabionline.com in the Jackson area, or https://martilynnyonkers.cabionline.com in the Lake Michigan shoreline region.
2. Color Street- these are my new favorite $10 ten minute manicures. I used to spend $60-70 and 4 hours a month at the salon getting gel manicures. Those days are OVER. Not only do I not have that much extra time to sit and be unable to multi-task, the the gel was damaging my nails, and who really wants to spend the extra money!? Not me. So Color Street are super easy to apply, come in so many styles and colors, they are durable…sometimes they last for three weeks! They are easy to remove with nail polish remover, and they run about $45 for four sets including shipping. To get your quick and easy mani or pedi visit https://www.colorstreet.com/MeganGreen
3. Partylite- I started with scentsy…because one of my sisters in law was a rep. As soon as she was no longer a rep, I was no longer a customer. The melts were messy, and I (my children) ruined furniture with it. All they offered was melts at the time. Partylite has the wax melts. I use them in my office, where, imagine that, there are more children than in my home. They do a great job covering up the occasional marijuana scent that wafts in with some parents. In addition to melts, they offer a whole suite of candle types and varieties and you can mix and match scents for your ‘signature’ scent. At home I use the jar candles, three wicks, and tea lights. They do a great job masking the ‘eau de dirty dog’ that sometimes wafts in with my furry friends. They also mask teenage boy stench. They make pleasant smelling citronella sticks that we take in the camper with us, and they have cute home decor items. My favorite are the clearly creative jars that you fill with seasonal items inside. See pic. If you are interested in partylite check out http://www.partylite.biz/sites/saragrant
4. Wildtree- My husband hates Wildtree, but I love it. Wildtree offers seasoning blends and condiments along with recipes. When you attend a Wildtree party you preorder a seasoning kit that’s makes 10 meals. With your seasoning kit, you are provided a grocery list of all the things you need to buy to create these 10 meals. You can either prep your meals at the party, or do it at home after. I have done it both ways. When you prep at the party you leave with 10 meals that are basically ready to stick in your freezer, which means on a busy night of wrestling, I can have dinner ready in just a few minutes. Most of the meals are delicious. We have had a few duds, but not many. Now, why you may ask does DonJuan not like Wildtree? He prefers my home cooking. But after a long night of bleacher sitting…when you weigh the options: hot Wildtree dinner or canned soup and grilled cheese…. no brainer. Wildtree also has an app that allows you to place or orders, maintains a list of Wildtree products in your pantry, helps you create shopping lists, and has a recipe bank. To get your Wildtree products visit https://www.wildtree.com/rep/homeoffice
5. 31 bags- OK, I just have to say that this list is in no particular order because I LOVE my 31 bags. I have a whole closet full…two actually if you count the travel bags. I have a closet full of totes in a variety of sizes and colors. I have my huge black and white paisley bag that I take to Sam’s club with me, the red and white dots with the gold L that I use to take things to family parties, the ones I use for work, my black and orange one for the stadium chairs and snacks….I have them in the camper, my office…you name it and I have a 31 bag for it. Suitcases, travel bags, caddies, organizers, baskets….kitchens, bathrooms, kid rooms….I LOVE 31. The best thing about 31 is that every month they have a special. You get great bags with deep discounts for every $35 you spend. To locate a consultant visit https://www.mythirtyone.com/us/en/. My consultant is a retired teacher, but she doesn’t operate a website. If you are local and want her info, drop me a message!

So, these are the pyramid parties I support regularly- a strong 3-4 times per year…or more- but there are others that I also buy from.

1. Norwex- awesome cleaning products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
2. Perfectly posh- bath and beauty care items that are made from natural ingredients
3. Shakeology- not a day goes by that I don’t drink my shake. While this isn’t an at home party sales type of program, it does involve recruiting others and discounted products.
4. Stella and Dot- their clothing is not my favorites, but I love their jewelry.
5. Pampered Chef- They have great gadgets and kitchen tools. If I had more time to cook, I might buy more…but….

All of these are things that moms need and want and make life easier for us while also helping fellow moms, therefore, yes, please…send me an invite!

*As an aside, I mean Pyramid in the most positive way. I know…it has somewhat of a negative connotation. So what if someone gets a kickback from recruiting another salesmom who makes life easier for moms? All the love ladies…keep selling!