Idaho, MDS, and Macaroons

 

I had a great day yesterday at Kathy’s workshop—for so many reasons! First, this was the only workshop that didn’t involve a flight! Not that I don’t like flying, but it’s getting a little old after so many workshops, so it was nice to climb into a car, drive a few hours, and be there without having to stand in security lines, sit packed into airplane seats, eat airplane food, and. . . well, you get the picture.

My traveling companions were different on this trip too. Sara really needed to stay home for a couple of days before heading off again, so my assistant Kellene had planned on coming with me from the beginning. And then when Kathy made a rather unique request for her demonstrator event (she asked if it was OK if we spent some time learning My Digital Studio), we also invited Karen Hauley (one of our home office My Digital Studio experts) to come along.

What a delightful way to spend the afternoon! Kathy greeted each of us with a warm hug, and we got right to work! We laughed a little because it’s not every day you meet someone and they invite you into their bedroom, but while it sounds strange, that’s where her desktop computer is, so that’s where we set up camp.

Initially Kathy had asked if I could come and teach her and Laura, her downline (who flew in from Arizona), some MDS basics. I smiled when I heard that—while I’m very excited to learn all about this fun software, I haven’t had the time to get nearly as acquainted with it as I would like. I knew I was definitely NOT the one to do the teaching. Karen walked us through creating a page, step by step, and I LOVED it!

So did Kathy (I think). Every time she discovered something new, you could see the excitement in her eyes. I also loved listening to her exclamations of discovery. She was a quick learner, and she actually created and printed her first page, which looked pretty good! She was appreciative, enthusiastic, and such a sweetheart!

After our MDS class, we went to dinner at a fabulous local Mexican restaurant (Momma Inez—I’d definitely go there again if I had the chance!) and then headed to Kathy’s church, where she had set up for the workshop. The next couple of hours were delightful! Kathy’s friends are as genuine and warm as she is, and I enjoyed getting to know each one of them.

It was a large group, with lots of diversity (more younger—30 years or so and younger—guests than most of the workshops). Kathy got four bookings, and I was impressed at how good she was at following up with each of the women who took a book-to-look card; together, they looked at her calendar and set a date right there. Kathy hasn’t ever done a workshop (she does mostly clubs), but she is excited to try workshops and I think she’ll have great success! I always try to present a very duplicatable workshop, so I’m hoping that I was able to share something that will help her as she ventures out into the world of workshops herself!

The projects were both Mother’s Day cards (appropriate for this time of year), and the Make & Take gave the guests an opportunity to try several products and techniques. We had a decent number of newbies, and everyone did a great job and seemed to enjoy making the projects.

A highlight for me (and I’m a little embarrassed to admit it) was the coconut macaroon cookies. I have never tasted a macaroon so good! Kathy claims it’s one of the easiest cookies ever to make (I’ve included the recipe below--it's only got four ingredients!), and if I hadn’t been leaving early this morning for a half-day regional and the cruise, I would definitely be trying my hand at it. For now, I’ll just have to settle for the plate full of leftovers she sent home with me!

Easy Coconut Macaroons

1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag (14 oz.) coconut

Mix the first three ingredients together. Add the coconut; mix well. Drop by spoonful onto parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  

Comments

[Betsy Rouw]

It's so funny that you said you went to the bedroom to do MDS because that's where the computer was. My very first workshop (before I became a demo) was held in my bedroom. It was the biggest room in my apartment and the only room where there was enough space to set up a table. It's amazing how we adapt.

[Doris D.]

I have loved all your entries about the workshops. Thanks for the coconut macaroon recipe. Sounds good to me. What size bag of coconut was used?

[Gay Ferland]

I would love to have a workshop of a lifetime that Shelli you would attend!!! It would be fun to have you visit NH!!!
Have a great day!!!

[SHH]

I have eaten at the Mama Inez Restaurant in the Sun Valley, ID area. Thanks for letting us know there is 1 in Pocatello, We're heading there next week for lacrosse and we'll have to look it up.
Enjoy the cruise! You so deserve some R&R!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for sharing the recipe. I love macaroons.

[Jan Hoyt]

Mmm, coconut macaroons...they are my favorite cookie ever! Well, besides chocolate chip! But I had no idea they were so easy....thanks for sharing the recipe and thanks so much for sharing a little about each of the WS of a Lifetime events. I'm sure that each was unique yet wonderful in it's own way. Jan Hoyt
http://www.inkerzaway.blogspot.com

[Staci Miserlian]

Sounds like another great workshop. Glad you got to play with MDS. You can stop here any time and I can show you some more about it - and not even in my bedroom. :) Great workshop cards & bookings!

[Melissa]

Come do a workshop in jolly 'ol England please!!

[Jason]

I so wish I could have been there! Pocatello is my hometown and I even see a familiar face or two in the photo you posted!

Mama Inez is a fabulous little local restaurant. I hope you enjoyed the rest of Pocatello that you got to see as well!

[cdselders]

I was at this workshop, and it was loads of fun. I think Kathy is super awesome at what she does, and I think she really enjoys doing it. Also there are 2 Mamas in the Poky area---One in Pocatello, and one in Chubbuck. Thanks for coming and honoring Kathy in Pocatello!

[Jayne Mercer]

I have been loving reading the Workshop of a Lifetime events.

Can someone please clarify what size American cans of sweetened condensed milk are? Just want to make sure I get a simiilar size here in Australia.

Thanks heaps.

[Tricia Butts]

It is so much fun to read about your experiences with these workshops and the Make and Takes are all wonderful and great inspirations. Thanks for the Macaroon recipe, I look forward to trying it soon.

[Michelle DeShon]

There is a Mama Inez in Idaho Falls also, should you ever find yourself there! That is my husband's favorite for Mexican food!

[Mary Calderwood]

Macaroons spread and made a mess! Should there be any flour or anything else in the recipe that I am missing?
Thanks

[Partnersuche]

Great impressions from the workshop. Thank you for this entry!