Not only did we have a great time as a family on the 2018 incentive trip to Alaska, we also had fun being there courtesy of Stampin' Up! We were roundly and soundly spoiled, with gifts for the kids and hubby, candy and product prizes you could play for in the hospitality suite, and a pillow gift every night for me. SPOILED!
This cool laser-cut wood photo frame was on our metal door when we got to our cabins. Soon Mike had a great insulated water bottle and I had a wonderfully fuzzy knit throw blanket to snuggle up with on the balcony. I was so happy it goes with our new living room colors.
Our first night's pillow gift was the awesome sweater jacket. That thing was WARM! Natalie snagged it right away. I temporarily conceded (but it's now hanging in MY closet). The kids weren't left out of the fun, though, with an activity pack, colored pencils and a fun set of travel binoculars.
Mike was digging the giant world map that you hang up and then scratch off the countries you've been to. It's really big, though–I think he's going to have to hang it at school!
Everything was packaged up so cutely. In the little muslin bags, there were embellishments, washi tape and ribbon spools. It was like Christmas every night! Our room stewards got a kick out of putting the bundles on the bed propped up with their folded towel animals.
This isn't even everything we got! I have given some away already. There were three brand new stamp set and die/punch bundles in addition to the embellishments, and two Big Shot embossing folders. Three packs of new 12×12 patterned papers, too. We got to be the first to see several new products including the new Take Your Pick Tool, which you guys are going to LOVE! Everything was from the 2018 Holiday mini catalog.
As if that wasn't enough, every day you could go to the hospitality room and spin the wheel to win one of three other prizes. I always have Mike spin for me, and he got the one I wanted every single time!
This was Daniel's favorite pillow gift. He snagged it right out of my hands and I didn't see it again until we got home. It's a fantastic little wireless speaker so you can play music from your phone while you craft. Pretty spiffy! I told Dan he has to get his own. This one's MINE.
Wow, right? I told you they spoil us. Well, believe it or not, I saved the best for last.
One evening on the cruise I spotted my friend Julie Davison walking around with an adorable purse. I complimented her on it and remarked how it totally matched the suitcase we received for Top 100 Global Demonstrator of the Year. She said, "Oh no! I spoiled the surprise!" and suddenly I got it. I DASHED back to my cabin, unlocked the door and flung it open, and there was mine!
So then the rest of the trip every time we demo spotted each other on the ship or out in the ports, we would compliment each other on our great taste, since we had the same purse. Our husbands may or may not have rolled their eyes…. but by this point we had found out the NEXT incentive trip we can earn is to Maui! So they didn't roll too much : )
You know I have to say it… if your company doesn't offer this kind of perks, maybe it's time to consider a side gig or even a full-time career change. Most of the time we just talk about having fun learning new techniques, or building your collection, but there's actual income and many potential benefits available with Stampin' Up.
Don't listen to anyone who says there isn't money in direct sales, or that you have to be pushy and alienate your friends and family to be successful. I'm living proof that anyone can do it without being the type of person that makes people groan when they see you coming. : )
Ok! Pep talk over. Thank you again, darling friends, for an utterly memorable trip to a gorgeous place, and the gift of uninterrupted time with family.
You're the best, and I'll sock anyone in the nose who says otherwise.
Wow Lyssa, what a GREAT haul you had. You earned it.