Monique Vacon is a 26 year old Special Education Paraprofessional, graduate student at Westfield State University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Moderate Disabilities PreK-8. She is also an advocate and educator with Young Living Essential Oils! This week's ChikChat feature is all about Monique, and being an entrepreneur at only 26?! That deserves a HUGE round of applause. She was so cute, and so much fun to interview. You can tell from the start how excited she is to truly share her passion with the world, and how much pride she takes in  caring for each and every one of her team members.

1.) Prior to the essential oil business, what type of industry were you involved in?
"I am a teacher who has an essential oils business and rocking both!"  

2.) What sparked your interest in opening up your own business?
"I never pictured myself as a small business owner. When I first received my Premium Starter Kit, I went through the 11 oils fast because I was sharing them with my friends and family. Sharing was easy for me and then people started signing up. I am a born giver so to give oily goodness felt incredible!!"  

3.) How long have you been in this business? 
"I became a member in August of 2017 and officially became a leader in September of 2017. I have a team of over 50 members and I spoil them like crazy!! For education and training for my myself and members, I had the opportunity to attend Young Living Beauty School in Texas to learn everything about our Savvy Minerals makeup line, skincare and beauty. I also met my girl crush, Carmidy- the amazingly talented makeup artist from What Not to Wear and Good Morning America! I was totally fan-girling and learned so much from her that I have shared with my members!"
 
4.) Have you been located in Western MA your whole life?
"Western Massachusetts born and raised!"

5.) What would you say is your biggest success thus far?
"I don’t think that my BIGGEST success has happened yet. I have had success in my life, I have granted over 30 wishes for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts/Rhode Island, I was Miss Bay State 2016 within the Miss America Organization, and am a Senior Star Leader within Young Living Essential Oils!"

6.) What would you say is your biggest weakness?
"Math and numbers! I was actually diagnosed with a math disability when I was in seventh grade and math still gives me anxiety. Luckily, #theresanoilforthat! Haha"
   
7.) Could you ever expand past the Western MA area? Would you want to if so?
"I already have! I have amazing members in Florida, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Colorado and Arizona. I love how Young Living connects people all over the country!"

8.) You offer so many fun products, do you have a favorite? (OR) What's your favorite part about the business?
"Oh gosh, that’s a tough one! We offer everything from natural skincare, mineral makeup, essential oils, hair care, supplements, diffusers and other wellness products! We have a Seed to Seal promise which means that each plant is hand-weeded, there are no pesticides used, no chemicals, and no weed killers. The plants are harvested at their peak, and ONLY contain pure plant materials! Young Living is also the ONLY oil company that oversees all of the farms where oils are either cold pressed from the rind or steam distilled. The company has so much integrity which is why I fully support and endorse it!"

9.) A little birdie told me you're offering something for new members, can you elaborate?
"Yes! New members this month will receive a magical custom roller of essential oils along with $15 product credit!"

10.) What does it take to become a member?
"Becoming a Young Living member is the greatest deal for whole body wellness! Each essential oil (11 to be exact) supports a different body system and are the highest quality oils in the world!! A YL membership costs $160 (over $350 worth of products) and you will receive: 11 essential oils, choice of a diffuser, 24% off everything, no obligation to sell, packets of Ningxia red (powerhouse antioxidant drink), sample packet of Thieves Cleaner (best cleaner EVER), sample oil bottles, information booklet, access into private oily groups, and a welcome package from yours truly. Become a member with a Premium starter kit and BAM! You will be added into some incredibly awesome groups that will always have your back & support you throughout your oily journey! It's a no brainer!!"

11.) Do you have any advice for future entrepreneurs in hopes of starting their own businesses?
"Read The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, take risks, show gratitude and love on your people!"  

12.) What is the most rewarding part about your business?
"It is beyond rewarding to hear from my members that oils are supporting them and their families! I love my tribe and am blessed every single day to have such positive, like-minded people in my life!"
   
13.) Do you enjoy doing anything else in your spare time? 
"I have been volunteering since I was a kid and I get a "high" from giving back to the community. Best feeling ever!! I am a very active person whether that is going for a walk, doing a quick 30 min interval workout or tearing it up at Body Combat classes! Yoga completely changed my life when I started my undergraduate program at FSU- more energy, better sleep and of course strength!! I love nothing more than cooking meals in my kitchen. It is an escape for me to be creative and make something yummy! I really enjoy incorporating vitality essential oils into my recipes. Spending time with my family outdoors is my favorite! Hiking, camping, traveling, ziplining, skydiving, kayaking and just exploring nature!"

Be sure to check out this bad ass babe and follow her on all her socials so that you can really get to know her!
Business page: https://www.facebook.com/queenofoils18/
Instagram: @mvacon5678
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monique.vacon


"Imagine sleeping better, having more energy, and just feeling like a Queen every single day! I welcome you to join our oily community and learn all about wellness with plant based products. Essential Oils are a total game changer. If you are open to learn more feel free to reach out! I would love to meet you and help your family!!"

Honestly I think Thanksgiving is better than an other given holiday in the book. Not only is there so much significant meaning and thoughtfulness behind it, but you get to spend it with the people you love most. On TOP of that, you get to eat as much as you can until your pants pop, and drink til you drop- or in this case- wobble!
Whether you're hosting a family party, attending, or just stopping in, it's always proper etiquette to never show up empty handed. You might think you have to make some crazy, extravagant punch that makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy but truth be told some of the most simplest drinks will go a long way on Thanksgiving Day. 

Here are a couple different cocktail choices to really spice up your day of gathering.

If You Are Hosting:

• Thanksgiving Jungle Juice

We all went through our days of college, where one water bottle full of Jungle Juice was all you needed to make you survive throughout the evening, (how did we literally drink a full 16 oz Poland Spring size bottle? The world may never know) but we did it. 
And now it's time to bring those mems back with a Jungle Juice recipe that's fresh and festive, and perfect for your party. 

You'll need:

• 2 Bottles of Red Wine 
• 4 Cups of Ginger ale
• 3 Cups of Cranberry Juice
• 2/3 of a Cup of Fireball ( uh oh )
• 2/3 of a Cup of Any other tasty Whiskey
• 2 Cups of Purely Frozen Cranberries
• 1 Orange, slice it up into thin circles
• 1 Apple, Sliced up.

This punch bowl will take you roughly ten minutes to make, and it makes about 10 servings, so if you're having 20 people over, double the recipe! This one's DEFINITELY going on my To-Do List.

Next Up for our Hosts- We have an  Apple Pie Punch (Can also make singular cocktails as well)
You'll need: 

• 1 Apple, Chop it up or Slice it, doesn't matter
• 1 Quart of Apple Cider, personally I LOVE the Stop and Shop Brand, but choose whichever!
• 2 Cups of Pear Nectar
• 24 ounces of Ginger ale
• If you can find Apple Pie Vodka, snag it! If not, Smirnoff Kissed Caramel works wonders too!

If You're Attending: 
You want to make sure you bring something that's not too crazy, doesn't have to be heavily prepared prior to being served, but still something that you can sip on and enjoy while you're co-mingling with your friends and fam.

Coincidentally enough, there's a Bourbon called Wild Turkey, go figure! Perfect.
This Wild Thanksgiving Cocktail is super easy to bring over, and it's super easy to make too!
You'll need: 

• 1 1/2 ounces of Wild Turkey Bourbon 
• 1 Ounce of Apple jack or Apple Brandy
• 1 Ounce of Cranberry Juice
• And 1/2 an ounce of fresh lime juice.

You don't even have to prepare it prior, just grab the few ingredients and off you go! Ready for anything Uncle John may throw at you. 

If You're Just Dropping In:
Like I said, never EVER go to someone's home empty handed, even if it's a small little bottle of wine, it looks good to the host, shows them that you appreciate their generosity for allowing you into their home, and it makes the party goers even happier! (Who wouldn't be psyched by the sight of more booze...crickets.)
Here are some thoughts:

• Cocchi Americano, "it starts with a base of Moscato d'Asti and layers on herbs, bitter orange peels, woody cinchona bark, and gentian to create a crowd-pleasing profile that's dripping with honeysuckle and cinnamon, with a slightly dry finish that ever-so-slightly recalls tarragon and thyme."
  OR, Try A:
  
• Cranberry Hard Cider, from Wyndridge Farm "In Wyndridge’s Craft Cranberry you get crisp apple flavor with a slight tartness from the fresh cranberry juice. This dry cider would delight any gluten-free guests you have coming to your get together.
  

If anyone out there reading this has any Thanksgiving Treats of their own that they conjure up during the holiday, let us know! We love hearing all about your Best Boozy Days.
Maybe we'll even feature it on our next blog, or somewhere else ;) 

Chat with you Chiks later, I have some punch to prep for tomorrow!

xoxo,
Alayna Anderson
Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist 

Seasons Greetings, Chiks!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, tis the season to be grateful and appreciate life's many blessings. In addition to sitting around the table, giving thanks for the meal that you are about to receive and appreciating the loved ones that continuously make your life whole- it's so important to be mindful of the ones that are out there that maybe are not so lucky. Or that might need a little bit of a helping hand. The awesome thing about volunteering is that there is no limit or bounds you must follow when it's coming from the warmth of your own heart.

Check Out Hunger: 
Has been running from the beginning of October, and will last until the first day of the new year. 
"Check Out Hunger is an annual campaign running from October through January* at markets, co-ops, and package stores. It’s one of the most convenient ways for consumers to help feed hungry families in their communities. By adding a simple donation slip at checkout, shoppers can easily make a gift of $1, $3 or $5 as they shop for groceries. Over 40 Feeding America Food Banks are participating, but all local donations go directly to The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.For every $1 donated to The Food Bank, we’re able to provide 3 meals to help our neighbors in need."

Monte's March IX:
Will be happening from November 19th-20th. 
"On November 19 and 20, WRSI – The River’s Monte Belmonte will be leading his annual march against hunger through the Pioneer Valley during his Monte’s March event. For those two days, Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and a number of their supporters will push a shopping cart 43-miles from Springfield to Greenfield to raise awareness and funds for food insecurity in our region. Supporters are encouraged to donate money to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Last year, the event raised more than $258,000."

Monte's Munch: Fundraising Dinner
Will be happening at The Sierra Grille, in Northampton on Monday, November 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
"Whether or not marching 43 miles is for you, you can support Monte’s March by enjoying some food, fun, and festivities at The Sierra Grille. Join 93.9 The River’s Monte Belmonte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and other Monte’s March supporters after they’ve completed the first leg of their 43 mile march from Springfield to Greenfield. A cash bar will be available, and special raffle items from local businesses (check back soon for menu and raffle items.)
All proceeds from the fundraising dinner will benefit Monte’s March, an annual fundraiser to support The Food Bank. Last year, Monte’s March raised more than $258,000, providing the equivalent of 774,000 meals to our neighbors in need throughout the region."

On Thanksgiving Day, there is a Thanksgiving for the People :
This event will take place at The People's Pint, in Greenfield, Ma.
"A pay-what-you-can traditional Thanksgiving meal open for all in the community. All are welcome! All profits to benefit The Food Bank.
The meal includes donations from local sources:
Diemand Farm
Snow’s Ice Cream Co
Apex Orchards
Squash Trucking
Just Roots
Jekenowski’s Farm
PFG Springfield
Pine Hill Orchards
Artisan Beverage Cooperative"



The day after Thanksgiving, there will be a Give Back Event at Serenity Yoga, in South Hadley, MA!
This event is going to be Black Friday, aka the day after Thanksgiving, November 23rd at 9:00 AM and will run until the following Tuesday, November 27th at 7:00 PM.
"In addition to our "Will Teach Yoga for Food" class on Thanksgiving morning, Serenity will celebrate Giving Tuesday by collecting food donations during all drop-in classes from Friday November 23rd thru Tuesday November 27th!  Note that donations are requested but class cards, memberships and drop-in rates will still apply. All Food donations will be donated to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors South Hadley Food Pantry." 

All of these events can change someone's entire day, no matter how big or small of an impact you think you may have- there are so many local ways to go out and make a difference.

Take a look at The Food Bank of Western MA Website, for more ways that we can all come together this holiday season. 

On behalf of myself, my fellow co workers and wonderful CEO at Chikmedia, we appreciate each and every one of you that take the time out of your days to keep up with all of our happenings- on our blog, Facebook, and Instagram platforms. We could not be more grateful to have such a strong fan and support base and we love you all. 

We wish you all a very Happy, Warm, and Safe Holiday♥. 

Stay fabulous, Chiks!

xoxo, 
Alayna Anderson
Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist 

Happy Friday Chiks!

It's officially November and spooky season is over! Break out the ugly sweaters, cozy socks, and kahlua! 

The best part about fall is the weather, especially on days like today where the week is over, the hard work is done and now there's nothing left to do but kick back, enjoy the views and sip on your favorite holiday cocktail. We've got you covered from sipping margaritas, to lounging with a cup of boozy hot cocoa!

Check out some of our favorites below!

1.)  Apple Cider Margarita

• 1 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1 ounce gold tequila
• 5-6 ounces sweet apple cider
• orange segments and apple slices
• cinnamon + cane sugar + coarse sugar for glass rimming
• cinnamon sticks for garnish

Directions: Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. (okay yum) Then add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider and stir to mix. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
General Disclaimer from our friends at Buzzfeed: Silver Tequila is good, but the gold here really gives a “warmth” that matches the cider and cinnamon perfectly.

2.) Broiled Baileys Baked Hot Chocolate

• 3 cups milk 
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
• marshmallows

Directions:
In a small saucepan, add milk and half and half. Turn on medium heat and let mixture warm up. Add chocolate chips (nom).
Let chocolate chips melt in milk mixture, whisking frequently. Once the chocolate has fully combined, add Bailey's. Stir to combine and transfer to oven safe mugs.
Turn on broiler to low. Place marshmallows on top of hot chocolate and place mug under broiler. Keep the oven door open and watch your marshmallows, they cook fast! Once your marshmallows are nice and toasty, remove from heat (use an oven mitt!) and enjoy! 

Like the sounds of these? Check out  this link here at https://www.buzzfeed.com/millicentd3/13-ridiculously-tasty-bonfire-ready-cocktails-br-1j4ui?utm_term=.bw04kqMzr#.lczMyo61r for way more fun cocktails that'll heat you up this holiday season!

Don't forget to like, comment and share with us some of your favorite concoctions on our Facebook page! ;)

TTYL For Now Chiks!

Xoxo,
Alayna Anderson
Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist