Luck of the Irish - GiveAway!

I know, I know.....Life gets in the way a bit...Birthday Parties, Weddings, House is Under Cotnract, Hospital Stays, and much going on from my homefront, but I am back at my desk writing this week.  Everyone is GREAT, Business is TERRIFIC, and wow- kids grow up fast don't they...

I have had to take a mental break for a few weeks to get settled, but ready to BLOG now!  First about a contest.  My own!  I am presenting a $15 Gift Certificate to one lucky ready this FRIDAY.  Why you ask?  to get back in the swing of things and to launch the BRAND NEW SPRING/SUMMER CATALOG from the Pampered Chef!  With 22 Exciting NEW products on the line, what better way to celebrate than offering one of you a chance to buy something for FREE!

So who's going to have the LUCK of the Irish this week!  Comment below (on the blog-not Facebook comments), and tell me how you spent Valentine's Day this year.  For more chances to win blog, tweet, or Facebook about this contest and come back and tell me (one seperate comment for each).  Each entry will be entered in to RANDOM.ORG for the winning comment on FRIDAY!

To take a peak at the Pampered Chef's new SPRING - SUMMER catalog, visit my website @
www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithbarb  Go to ONLINE ORDERING>Individual ordering and see the whole catalog right there.  There is also a TERRIFIC OUTLET with products up to 70% off.

this post is is listed on Works for Me Wednesday

Oh My Gosh.....SPECIALS!!!

Well here I sit in my VERY quiet hotel room.  No kids...No husband...No roommate...No nothing...Nothing but QUIET time...this is a VERY good thing.  It has been quite the opposite of quiet for a few weeks now-(there are several new recipes/crafts to be posted soon, I promise).

I am in Orlando, FL at a conference to enhance my business with The Pampered Chef.  This year marks my 16 years as a sales consultant with the premier direct sales company in kitchen tools.  16 years, can you believe it!  Why have I stuck around so long... well let me give you a few reasons in case your interested...

• First and foremost because I LOVE TO COOK & CREATE in my kitchen!
• I love teaching others about recipes, simple strategies in thier kitchen, and how to help them save money on their groceries!
• because right now and the last 6 years I have been able to stay home with my preschoolers :) and still earn a paycheck and FREE stuff!
• because of the friendships and professional contacts I have developed.
• because I love FREE vacations, incentives, and products from The Pampered Chef and a paycheck twice a month!
• because I love writing off (taxes) my grocery bill amongst other things each month and OWNING my own business.
• and because I love helping folks start their own business whether it be a hobby or something they would like to develop into a full-time job someday!

...the list goes on and on.  I started as a hobbyist when I was finishing up my senior year in college.  Only about 6 people in the whole state of FL selling Pampered Chef.  WOWSERS!!! If I knew what I knew now...This business has allowed me to have the flexability from having extra money each month aside of my professional jobs in the past (airlines, school principal, counselor, teacher, etc...) to gaining the professionalism of being a hard-working business owner and having the perks of being my own boss.  I adore the fact that 16 years ago I said one day this business will continue to grow because of the moral principals the foundation was built on - gathering familes and friends around a table to share a meal - empowering individuals both men and women to grow their God-given talents by owning a business that fits any lifestyle.  I was right.  The Pampered Chef has with stood the test of time in direct sales.  We sell products that aren't necessarily called luxury items or items of personal taste (jewerly, make-up).  We sell products that are guranteed, and things that most folks use EVERYDAY if you eat!  Boy am I glad I stayed and I am grateful each day for my family for supporting me, and my customers for believing in our products!In 2011 I am staying home with my kiddos- and my hobby money is a REAL paycheck which helps pay private school tutition, take my family out on Pampered Chef-Night-Out (movies, mini golf, dinner, etc...), assist with household bills, vacations, debt-free Christmas',etc...
Having a "job" that you LOVE and still making money at is a big BONUS! 

Do ya'll LOVE your jobs?  Not too many people do these days with the state of our country and economy.

I will stop rambling on and on about my LOVE for this company (side note - did you know we are owned by Warren Buffet/Berkshire Hathaway?)-(okay another side note - Just being a part of PC/Berkshire Hathaway allows me to save 30% of my mobile/internet service from T-Mobile, discounts with FedEx, independant health insurance, college scholarships, and much much more.) Okay, I will stop now...the benefits of a corporate job, but working for yourself...what could be better than that?

I am still sitting in my VERY quiet room anticipating what products our Product Advisory Team came up with for the spring/summer selling season.  Only hours away until the Spring Launch National Meeting tomorrow! YEAH!  In the meantime, I will enjoy this evening with my "Pampered" girlfriends and enjoy a night out in O-Town!

I wish to invite anyone who has read long enough without being bored, laughing informational post to take part in an exclusive opportuntiy this month - FEBRUARY!

• Anyone who books a catalog show will receive an additional $25 in FREE product to choose from with a $300 show- (for locals or out of towners)
• Anyone who books an in-home/office/clubhouse cooking party will benefit from the above special as well as I WILL BUY THE FOOD (savings of approx. $15), theres LOVE in the air this month-try a just dessert show or death by chocolate.
• These offers are in addition to all the regular fantastic and generous benefits from the Pampered Chef.
• This offer is only good for the month of FEBRUARY.  Call/Comment/or email me back to let me know what works best for you.  I cannot wait to "Pamper" you!

I will post back this weekend with all the amazing annoucements that you will want to know for our upcoming season!  New themes, recipes, specials, and bonuses for everyone!  Make sure you check back often or become a "follower" (to the right of this post) I will be giving away NEW products in MARCH which will kick off yet another fabulous season!

Thanks for stopping by...until we eat again...

Barb
contact information at www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithbarb

APPLE RECIPES DAY 2

Okay I am back, I actually owe you two recipes today one now and one later - thanks for not getting too mad I missed yesterday....

Today's Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple & Cranberries
(A Infamous Recipe from The Pampered Chef)

Baked Brie with Apples & Cranberries
Prep time: 15 minutes

½ ¼ ¼ 1 ¼ 1 1

cup chopped apple (½ medium apple) cup sliced natural almonds cup dried cranberries tablespoon packed brown sugar teaspoon Cinnamon tablespoon butter or margarine, melted round (8 ounces) Brie cheese (about 4 inches in diameter) Crackers or cocktail bread slices

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Coarsely chop apple with food chopper. Combine apple, almonds, cranberries, brown sugar and cinnamon in small batter bowl; mix gently. Stir in butter just until ingredients are moistened.
2. Cut Brie in half horizontally using utility knife. Place one half of Brie, rind side down, on small bar pan. Spoon half of the apple mixture onto bottom half of Brie, spreading evenly. Top with remaining half of Brie, rind side on the bottom so the cheese is facing up (why? so when melting-the cheese doesn't spill out) - Smart - no INGENIUS!. Spoon remaining apple mixture over top. Bake 12-15 minutes or until cheese is soft and just begins to melt. Serve with assorted crackers or cocktail bread slices.

Yum! Yum!  I know personally I could eat it all myself - oops a little secret that Baked Brie is in my top 5 favorite things to eat!!  I hope you'll try this at your next get-together or maybe for a great start to a romantic dinner!

If you love Pampered Chef as much as I do- check out my personal website for lot's more recipes: www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithbarb  Thinking about getting FREE product - let me know we have some AMAZING specials this fall to gear up for the holidays - less than 90 days away!  Start your shopping now, book a show and earn FREE things for yourself or to give as gifts.  We have kitchen product items as well entertaining decor, and a fabulous Pantry line of gourmet products.