Whether you're already going through a mental checklist of your wardrobe for convention, or you're a last minute packer, there are a few key things you won't want to be without. A sweater, sunglasses and a water bottle are amongst my top items. You just never know when the AC will get cranked down to 60 degrees and you'll be praying for Marry Poppins to walk in with a carpet bag filled with parkas. HaHa!
We can laugh about it now, although after 15+ years of attending convention, there are a few must-haves. If you have anything to add to the list, please write a comment in the comments section of the blog. I'd love to know your tips or questions. You can always contact myself, Teri Secrest, or my daughter Elizabeth Rose, or the wonderful Beverly Banks for more suggestions. We certainly don't know it all, but we've been making the trek to Salt Lake City for almost more years than we can count now.
Who . . . Where . . . How
First you'll want to know who all is going, where you'll be staying, and how you'll be getting there. Packing for two parents and three kids for a 12 hour roadtrip to Convention is very different than packing for just yourself catching a non-stop flight.
It's important to keep the entire packing process fun and enjoyable for all - event the ones left behind. This is a time to create a joyful experience that builds anticipation! Even take some funny photos of your packing experience to share with your YL team and friends on social media. Include them in the process. You just never know who may catch the FOMO bug and beg to go to convention with you next year!
So . . . who all is attending?
- Just yourself
- Yourself and a spouse - I highly recommend that spouses attend convention together so that they can "catch the vision" and be supportive of each other.
- Children - Yes, children can attend convention. Nursing mothers can bring their young child for free, and tickets can be purchased for older children. Keep in mind that parents are 100% responsible for watching after children. (In years past YL has had Kids Camp as an option for children to attend but I haven't heard anything about this for the 2023 convention yet.) Sometimes a spouse will stay in the hotel or at an Air B&B with the children while the other spouse attends Convention, or they take turns. This is a great way to make it a family affair.
- Team Members - keep a running list of who on your team, your upline, even your Crossline, and greater YL family are going. You'll want to bet sure and make it a point to meet up.
- Other Family Members
Extras & Gifts
First and foremost you're responsibility is to bring what you will personally need. However, I enjoy bringing team gifts and things that are "extras" that make the experience enjoyable for others. This is your opportunity to bring joy to those you know by being generous. I'm not talking about taking out a second loan on your house to make it to Convention! Of course, do what is in your budget and don't stress. Although I know you'll be pleasantly surprised what "extras" you can come up with. Planning ahead is always the key, as you can pick up little extras along the way and by the time Convention is upon us it won't feel like a big deal to make it happen all at once.
What Is Provided
Young Living loves to give YOU gifts. With the purchase of your convention ticket you will receive a custom bag. This has been a uni-sex shoulder bag or backpack in years past. In it is generally a pen and notepad, an essential oil, and a convention schedule booklet. You will receive a lanyard with your rank and name on it. These are fun to keep from year to year and challenge yourself to up-rank each year that you attend convention.
On-Site Amenities
Generally there is a lunch hall where you can purchase a healthy lunch which includes several Young Living recipes and oil-infused recipes, einkorn bread, etc.
The NingXia Bar is a great place to go for a NignXia Red slushy, NingXia Shots with Vitality oils, NingXia Zing and NITRO for an energy boost. You can also purchase YL snack-like products while supplies last.
There are several concession stands to get water and snacks.
You'll want to bring snacks or purchase them once you get to Salt Lake.
There is plenty of floor space in the lobby and hallways to find a little nook to sit and eat a snack or a meal you've brought. If you'll looking to save money and not eat out every meal, then meal prepping is a great way to go.
At the Young Living Farm they provide a lunch that's included in your ticket cost. It's DELICIOUS and you can sit under one of the tents for shade, or out on the lawn. They have water stations and fun extras like Lavender Lemonade and NingXia Red snow cones. They really go all out on farm day!
Clothing & Attire
In the early years, convention was "dress up". We'd wear suits and show off our favorite pairs of dress shoes and get all decked out. Now it's quite a bit more casual. "Upscale casual" is a good description.
It's important to be comfortable since the days will be long and nights can be late. At the same time, remember that YOU are a leader, no matter what rank you are. Others will choose if they want to emulate you buy how you "show up" - how you dress, how you carry yourself, if you make it to sessions on time or are chronically late. Your friends and team look up to you for leadership, as do you, when you look to other leaders to follow.
Shoes: A fun trick is to walk from where you're staying to the Salt Place in comfortable walking shoes and then you can always stick them in your backpack and pull out a snazzier pair of shoes.
Layers: Dressing in layers is the best option for surviving the hot summer outdoors and air conditioned venue. Scarves, sweater, suite jackets, sport coats are all good options to have with you even if you don't end up needing to put it on.
Warm and Toasty!
Salt Lake is a high altitude, dry dessert climate that tends to be in the 80's and 90's and sunny. Keep this in mind for Farm Day and bring an outfit that works for being out in the sun for several hours.
Bring a hat and sunglasses!
PLUS YL's Sunscreen and After Sun Spray in case you get a little too much sun.
WATER!!! Always have a water bottle with you. I recommend bringing a stainless steel water bottle with a lid that closes so it won't spill in your bag. In higher elevation climates like Salt Lake City it's easy to get dehydrated. Adding Vitality Drops to water helps with the taste and adds electrolytes. Adding 1/4 scoop of AminoWise to a water bottle is also great for taste.
Women, you will want to keep an extra hair tie, bobbie pins or clip with you for when the hair needs to go up.
YL Foundation 5K Run & Workout Attire
This is such a fun team time to get up early, get your sweat on for a good cause, and jump start the day with a 5K run or walk. You can go at your pace. So be sure to check the website for info on the 2023 Foundation 5K and bring the right cloths.
Elizabeth and Beverly love taking a morning jog on the days that allow. The sidewalks are great for walking and jogging. You'll want to explore a little and take a walk up to the State Capitol Building.
Toiletries
Skincare - Bring what you use for your normal skincare regime and if you need to "downsize" for space purposes, use smaller bottles or bring the few products you absolutely need . . . face wash/makeup remover, moisturizer/body lotion, makeup
It's nice to have a travel sized hand lotion in your bag throughout the day, as well as YL's Thieves Hand Purifier.
Shampoo/Conditioner & Body Wash - Hotels provide these. However, if your skin is more sensitive or you know that you do better with specific products, then bring them. We certain'y don't want a bad hair day. HaHa!
Young Living's Bon Voyage Travel Kit has all the necessities in TSA approved travel size containers and a zipper case.
Razor, tweezers, nail clippers, nail file, etc
Extra Luggage
If you're planning on purchasing YL products at convention, books, merchandise, clothing from the YL Gear store, be sure to plan ahead space wise to that you have enough luggage to bring it home. Sometimes I take an extra suitcase or use the bag that I bring team gifts in for taking home things that I purchase. Fold up duffle bags work well, or bags that you can bring as an extra carry on, but be sure the contents are ones that security will allow you to carry on. For instance, no liquids over 2 ounces.
Our Convention Travel Checklist
Click HERE for the PDF printable version and see below for the photo.
Let's Connect
We hope this blog is helpful. Please do write your own tips in the comments section. We'd love to know what has been helpful for you while traveling and at Convention.
If there's anything we can help you with, please reach out to the contact info below.
For other convention related blogs, click on the names below
- YOUNG LIVING AMERICAS CONVENTION IGNITE YOUR JOURNEY 2023 - WHERE TO STAY
- UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL AT THE 2023 YOUNG LIVING AMERICAS CONVENTION
With Gratitude,
Teri Secrest
CONTACT INFO
719-502-1017
Photo from Young Living Essential Oils
It's that time of year to start thinking about Spring cleaning!
Yes, even if there's still snow on the ground and you're hoping for a warmer sunny day, it's okay, because the tips in this blog work year around. No matter what the temperature outside, you're going to cross your fingers and wish for a nice Spring day so that you can try some of the tips I'm going to share today.
One of my favorite products by Young Living Essential Oils is their Thieves essential oil blend. First, it was just the oil blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus radiata, and Rosemary. It soon became a fan favorite and the most-used blend in the YL product line. Fast forward, and now this essential oil blend is used in over 20 of Young Living's flagship products. If you are ready to simplify your life and get the toxins out of your home, the Thieves products will be your best friend!
I'm curious . . . how many bottles of cleaning supplies are under your kitchen sink, in your bathroom, laundry room, and garage? Take a minute to think through the daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning you do. Are you exhausted thinking about it already?
Bathroom Mirrors
Toilets
Shower and Bathtub
Sinks
Floors
Windows
Doorknobs
With all of these things listed, and more, I literally only use ONE cleaner. Yep! You read that correctly. ALL I use for my entire house and all the messes and spills is Young Living's Household Cleaner that is made with the Thieves essential oil blend! If you want to call me a liar then I invite you to come over and look in every cabinet in my house!
Thieves . . . Thieves . . . Thieves . . . and more Thieves is what you will find.
Now, every once and a while I will use a little vinegar and water to help remove calcium buildup on appliances, or I will add a little bleach to my white load of laundry, but that's about it. I literally use the Thieves Household Cleaner for EVERYTHING! I have several spray bottles in the main rooms of my house - kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and garage - and depending on if I need to do a deep clean or just wiping off counters, I will make the solution stronger or more diluted.
Ditch and Switch
If you're ready to simplify your life, ditch the chemicals, say goodbye to multiple bottles of different cleaners, and switch to a chemical-free solution, then I'm here to be your cheerleader.
Thieves Cleaner . . . THIEVES CLEANER . . . Thieves Household Cleaner to the rescue!!!
Photo by Elizabeth Rose
As you can see, the dilution ratios are found right on the back of the Thieves Household Cleaner bottle. The cleaner comes in a 14.4oz or 64oz bottle. You can save $$ by adding this product to a Loyalty Rewards order so that you're earning points back on each purchase. Plus, when your order is over 190pv, 250pv or 300pv then Young Living automatically adds their Gift With Purchase freebies to your order as a thank you for shopping from your own Young Living store.
I'm so thankful that I don't have to go up and down the smelly isle at the grocery storer, read a bunch of labels and try to figure out all the individual cleaners for windows, toilets, floors, etc! It truly is such a blessing to have the Thieves Cleaner as my main go-to for all the messes.
Photo by Young Living Essential Oils
DIY's and Additional Thieves Products
If you're the kind of person who loves DIY recipes, then you can find an abundance of recipes posted by Young Living in their blog HERE. There are literally 100s of ways to use the Thieves Household Cleaner! I hope you get a bottle and start enjoying this product as your first ditch and switch item.
Now let's take a look at a few other Thieves-infused products that you'll want to know about. Like I mentioned, there are over 20 Thieves-infused products that Young Living has formulated over the years due to popular demand. You can simply go to YoungLiving.com and search for "Thieves" to see all the options.
If you're not yet a member with Young Living and you're ready to get started then I recommend the Thieves Bundle, or if you're already a member and on Loyalty Rewards then I recommend trying the thieves Home Loyalty Bundle.
CHEMICAL-FREE HOME CLEANING
Thieves Household Cleaner, 14.4oz or 64oz
Thieves Spray
Thieves Wipes
Thieves Laundry Soap
KITCHEN
Thieves Aromatic Dishwasher Powder
Thieves Kitchen and Bath Scrub
Thieves Dish Soap
Thieves Fruit and Veggie Soak
NATURAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Thieves essential oil blend, 15 ml (topical and aromatic use)
Thieves Vitality oil blend, 5 ml (dietary supplement)
Thieves Roll-On, 10 ml (topical use)
Thieves Chest Rub
Thieves Hard Lozenges
Thieves Cough Drops
DENTAL CARE
Thieves AromaBright™ Toothpaste
Thieves Whitening Toothpaste
Thieves Dentarome Plus Toothpaste
Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste
Thieves Mints
Thieves Fresh Essence Plus™ Mouthwash
Thieves Dental Floss
CLEAN HANDS
Thieves Foaming Hand Soap
Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer
Thieves Cleansing Soap
Thieves Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Extra Ditch & Switch Options from Young Living
Here's a wide range of products from Young Living that you can start working to transition to over time. My family and I have used every single one of these products during my 27 years being part of the wonderful world of Young Living, and there's not one product I regret purchasing or didn't use. I hope you get to enjoy them too!
Let's Connect!
Wow! So what do you think? Hopefully you're not on overload. All I can say is that we are so incredibly blessed to have these products available to us at the click of a button. The best part is that they arrive at your doorstep - generally in less than a week! You can skip the smelly cleaner isle at the grocery store and label reading. PLUS, you can get wholesale pricing, loyalty reward points and YL's Gift With Purchase with qualifying orders.
If you need any help choosing the best products to get started with, please give me a call at 719-502-1017 and I look forward to helping you ditch the chemicals and switch to Young Living's chemical-free solutions.
To Your Health,
Teri Secrest
Many woman know the importance of antioxidants in our diets. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and can help reduce inflammation, prevent early aging, improve heart health, and boost immunity. Here is a list of 6 antioxidant-rich foods that every strong woman should include in her diet:
The Power of Berries
Berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Packed with polyphenols, berries contain anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, wolf berries or strawberries to your morning oatmeal or smoothies for an extra boost of antioxidants.Deep Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale and spinach are loaded with vitamins A and C, both powerful antioxidants that prevent cell damage and help prevent toxins, especially those from metals, from building up in your body. Incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into salads or sauté them as a side dish for dinner. If you don't enjoy eating greens, try a high quality green powder such as NingXia Greens to add to a daily smoothy or high-energy shot.
Nuts & Seeds
Vitamin E packs a powerful punch with its antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage from the environment. This protection is vital for healthy skin, eyes, and heart. Vitamin E also prevents inflammation by blocking certain chemicals in your body from initiating it. An added bonus is that Vitamin E helps boost metabolism and energy levels (especially when combined with other antioxidants). Plus, it's an essential component for keeping cell membranes strong so cells communicate better and function properly. Add walnuts, flax seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds to your salads or snack on them throughout the day for a healthy pick me up!
Legumes & Beans
Legumes and beans have long been a staple in cultures around the world thanks to their low cost, high nutritional value, and versatility. They contain antioxidants as well as essential proteins and vitamins which are important for strong muscles and healthy cells. Not only are legumes and beans packed with nutrition, but they can also make great additions to a variety of meals. Legumes like lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are all high in fiber and packed with protein. Incorporate legumes into soups and curries for added flavor and texture. Beans can also be added to salads or blended into hummus as a dip for crudités or crackers.
Cacao
Cacao is made from cocoa beans that have not been roasted or processed in any way—unlike chocolate which has been sweetened with sugar and milk fat added to it. Cacao powder provides many health benefits including being high in magnesium, which helps with sleep, and containing more than 300 different compounds including flavonoids—powerful antioxidant compounds found in plants! Try adding cacao powder to smoothies or baking recipes for a delicious antioxidant boost!
The Easy Button
For busy women like us, trying to add all of these foods to our diet can be difficult. Time for juicing, smoothie creation, or even lunch can be in short supply. Be sure to utilize ready-made antioxidant juices, such as NingXia Red that you can toss in your bag and take with you. NingXia Red packets don't even require refrigeration to deliver all those antioxidant benefits to your body.Conclusion
Incorporating these antioxidant rich foods into your diet can help you reap all their amazing health benefits! With so many delicious options available there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add these fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds to your grocery list this week! Enjoying these superfoods regularly will help give your immune system the boost it needs while providing protection against disease-causing free radicals in the body.
Happy Eating! :)
Teri Secrest
904-822-1788
When it comes to February, the month of Valentine's Day, we at the Royal Dream Team love to make it a month of pampering!
This month, Young Living is making it extra special for us by choosing gifts that support the spirit of pampering and love.
Imagine diffusing the Bloom oil blend in your bathroom as you're soaking in a warm bath with Epsom Salt, or even adding a few drops to your bath water. When you're ready to give your skin the nourishing moisture it needs, grab the Coconut Lime Body Butter. Keep the Luscious Lemon hand lotion in your guest bathroom for all your favorite friends to try, and just wait for them to come out exclaiming "I just LOVE your hand lotion in the bathroom . . . where did you get it?"
Plus, if you just so happen to binge watch a few too many romantic comedies or spend hours texting your special someone, you'll want to support your eye health against blue light and other factors that cause deterioration. Young Living's IlluminEyes supplement is the star performer of the show when it comes to eye support.
So are you ready for the breakdown of how these products can be added to your February order FREE of charge?! These are Young Living's gift to you to say Thank You for being a valued customer. And remember, anyone who has a Loyalty Rewards order will receive and EXTRA gift at the 100PV amount as well as an EXTRA gift at the 190PV amount.
For more information on the Loyalty Rewards Program, click HERE to visit Young Living's info page. Also note that there are a few UPDATED coming to Loyalty Rewards members as of February 1st. Here are the details: LOYALTY REWARDS UPDATE - January 2023 PDF
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LOYALTY ORDER
300 PV tier
Retail value: $192.44
· Coconut Lime Replenishing Body Butter
· IlluminEyes supplement
· Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion
· Loyalty order: BLOOM by Young Living essential oil blend, 5 ml
· Loyalty order: 10 Loyalty Rewards points
250 PV tier
Retail value: $144.74
· IlluminEyes supplement
· Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion
· Loyalty order: BLOOM by Young Living essential oil blend, 5 ml
· Loyalty order: 10 Loyalty Rewards points
190 PV tier
Retail value: $96.38
· Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion
· Loyalty order: BLOOM by Young Living essential oil blend, 5 ml
· Loyalty order: 10 Loyalty Rewards points
100 PV tier
Retail value: $13.16
· Loyalty order: 10 Loyalty Rewards points
ONE-TIME ORDER
300 PV tier
Retail value: $129.94
· Coconut Lime Replenishing Body Butter
· IlluminEyes supplement
· Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion
250 PV tier
Retail value: $82.24
· IlluminEyes supplement
· Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion
190 PV tier
Retail value: $33.88
· Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion
FEATURES & BENEFITS
- Uses coconut oil and citrus premium essential oils for a naturally derived scent
- Moisturizes dry skin, including problem areas such as elbows, hands, and heels
- Provides moisture for healthier-looking skin
- Revitalizes and rejuvenates dry skin
- Improves skin’s texture and smoothness
- Features a vegan-friendly formula and 100 percent plant-based ingredients
- Contains no parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic dyes or colorants
IlluminEyes features a proprietary formula including lutein and zeaxanthin that helps reduce eye strain, protects eyes from damaging blue light, and maintains vibrant skin. IlluminEyes can also help support long-term eye health. Vitamins A and C have properties that may help reduce eye health deterioration commonly related to age.*
Bring the fresh aroma of lemon groves and bright sunshine indoors with Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion. A Young Living Signature Scent, Lushious Lemon features Lemon essential oil from cold-pressed fruits grown in South Africa and Argentina, as well as Lemon Myrtle essential oil from steam-distilled leaves of the myrtle plant native to Australia. Lushious Lemon Hand Lotion hydrates and softens dry skin while enlivening your senses with a bright, citrusy aroma, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth with a bright scent of citrus—minus the synthetics.
BLOOM by Young Living® essential oil blend combines Vetiver, Blue Cypress, Davana, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood™, Clove, Jasmine, Carrot Seed, Spearmint, Geranium, and Sacred Frankincense™ to create a luxe, sophisticated scent for home, office, or personal use. This is a beautiful blend to diffuse, apply to wrists and behind ears as a perfume or cologne, add a drop to your moisturizer of choice, or add a few drops to a cup of Epsom Salt and add to a warm bath. It is a very uplifting scent that reminds you a bit like being in a garden with the sun shining.
And last but not least . . . for all of the Loyalty Reward members who place a 100PV order or more, you will receive 10 additional PV points in the month of February! Yes, that's equivalent to $10! Can someone say, "Thank you for the gifts Young Living!"
We really do have a lot to be thankful for and I hope you know that I'm always here to support you and cheer you on. Health is a lifelong journey. Creating good habits takes time. Supporting healthy cells, healthy emotions and healthy habits can become a lifestyle for you and your family.
Please check back for new blogs being shared weekly. Join us for Wednesday Wisdom for weekly health and lifestyle and leadership education. And join the Royal Dream Team Facebook group to stay connected with life-minded health enthusiasts.
To Your Health!Teri Secrest, Royal Crown Diamond
Elizabeth Rose, Gold
