Post Convention Blog!

We are fresh with the excitement of spending the last week at the 2016 Young Living Convention and we wanted to share some of our experiences with you. Convention truly isn't just for business minded oil users, its also for those who want to educate themselves about their oil use as well. There is so much to do at convention-- you get to attend the general session each day where they announce the newest products and changes to Young Living, you get to go to the Expo and try all the new products, smell EVERY oil that Young Living carries, you get the chance to hear incredibly inspiring and passionate people speak, and mostly you get to have a TON of fun and connect with friends from all over the world.

I asked my sister to think up some questions she had about our convention experience, and below both Christina Valenzuela and I will answer them. I hope you can join us at convention next year! 

1. Were you oily star struck?

 Christina V: Yes...but my sweet friend told me to hold it together...but we saw EVERYONE..and it was very cool.

Christina H: Not really. I saw a TON of people that are “oily celebrities”, but I’m not really the personality to go up to those I don’t know. I did get a little excited to meet Susan Heid though. She’s rad.

2. How much should I save to go to convention next year? How much did you spend?

Christina V:  I would save 100 a month (Tip: Just save some of your YL check) and that will be more than enough.  I was lucky to have gone with someone who made me lunch and snacks everyday.  We also had a great free breakfast included at our hotel.  Depending on what you can swing, this trip can be done on a budget for sure.  Don’t let the money be the reason you go or don’t go...this is a life changing and inspiring event, worth every sacrifice to make it happen!

Christina H: I would say to save at least $1000-$1200. However, this can be done on the super cheap. Sharing a room with more than one person can cut the cost dramatically. We spent just over $800 on our room, but only split it two ways. Buying some wine and food to have in your room is also a huge money saver. We didn’t waste time standing in line and didn’t spend $10 on each meal. I did splurge a little however, we went out for a few meals and a few drinks, just not all of them. I got a raindrop massage at the YL Spa and that cost my $100. I also spent around $200 on materials from vendors-- shirts, bottles, books, things like that. If you are able to book your travel early as well as buy your convention ticket during early bird pricing that will help as well.

3. What did you learn at convention that you didn’t already know?

Christina V: That positive thoughts versus negative thoughts have a huge impact on your life and success potential. I may not seem negative to those who “know” me but I have a hard time being content with where I am at in this business and really beat myself up.  I learned to focus on positive thoughts and really following through. Loved that Young Living is such a giving company, I didn’t know how giving until convention.  They are involved in so many countries and help so many people, it was so inspiring.  Young Living also pays all the expenses for their Foundation, and our donations go directly to the people they are helping, very cool!

Christina H: Young Living just keeps blowing me away. Each year they strive to be the best and no other EO company can touch them. Last year we struggled with the FDA crackdown, and they just took what was a negative and turned it into a huge success for the company and all of us. We are now the only company that has FDA approved over the counter medicines.

4. How much Ningxia Red did you drink? 

Christina V: More than I thought I could.  Christina H. is a Ningxia beast and could have had more, but I think I held her back a few times.  I love black pepper and Frankincense in my ningxia shot, and the ningxia slushies are a revelation.

Christina H: A ridiculous amount. Ridiculous. At the expo they have “Club Red” where you can buy shots of Ningxia with as many oils as your heart desires for $2!!! You can also get Ningxia slushies, and other YL snacks. It’s amazing and really addicting.

5. Do you have any convention do’s and dont’s?

Christina V: Do leave enough room for items you want to buy, I got a Dewdrop diffuser for hecka cheap and that took up some room. Do bring clothes that are both comfortable, and good for hot weather.  Don’t miss out on next year’s convention.  Don’t hesitate to get into the classes you wanted but didn’t get to sign up for in time (they will let you in).

Christina H: Do stay at the Hampton Inn. We got a hot breakfast everyday (another money saver!), and a coffee bar 24 hours a day. Christina V. really enjoyed drinking hot cocoa at all hours of the day. It was only about a 10 minute walk from the convention center. Don’t get stressed out about not getting the perfect seat or being able to book all the right sessions. Young Living is really good about making things right and honestly, you won’t be disappointed. I promise.

6. What were some of the oils you smelled that are on your must have list now?

Christina V: Hmmm I pretty much smelled them all (and saved the test strips lol) I loved these blends: Build Your Dream, Hope and Present Time.  The single oils I have to have are Lemon Myrtle, Mastrante, and Palo Santo.

Christina H: This is a hard one, because I want ALL THE OILS! But, it was the emotional oils I was drawn to like Harmony and Magnify Your Purpose that I really loved.

7. What was your biggest take away?

Christina V: To never give up. This has been the most personal growth year of my life, and I feel stretched after going to convention.  Everyone from every age group and walk of life was represented at convention in all types of ranks, it was very encouraging. I am proud to be a part of a company that loves people and has an honest goal of helping others.

Christina H: To work my strengths, not just in my business, but in life. I think as moms and business owners we try to do everything ourselves, but it's ok to let others take care of things for you or ask for help. That’s why The Crossline Christinas is so great. We are able to contribute and help each other and play off each other's strengths.

One last thing--- The Farm! You get to visit the Mona Lavender Farm and it is a life changing experience to walk in the fields, witness the distillation and bottling, and just experience the beauty of it all. Young Living lays out the red carpet for everyone who visits and it was a highlight of the trip.

Live Your Passion!

It's June, so that means convention is finally upon us!!! Yay!!! I couldn't be more excited to go in just a few weeks. This will be my second year attending, and the "other" Christina's first year. Going with her will make it so much more enjoyable and fun. Don't get me wrong last year was amazing, but I was bummed not to have my partner in crime with me. Convention 2016 is taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah this year and we have so many more exciting things to look forward to since its in Young Living's home turf.

I'm still a newbie to the convention world, but I want to share with you what I'm looking forward to this year and a couple tips I learned last year.

Farm Day: We didn't get a farm day last year since convention was in Dallas. This year is a different story since we are at the home base, Utah. Farm day was a small fee, but it included transportation and a lunch, which is rad. We can stay at the farm from 10am-5pm, and I imagine Christina and I just might! I am really looking forward to walking out as far as possible into the lavender fields and just getting lost. I've heard they have lavender lemonade stands, and other fun farm things (whatever that means) for us to do.

Foundation Festival: This is the party that kicks off convention Wednesday night. There is a rad performance from Recycled Percussion that we can participate for a small donation (all benefiting the Young Living Foundation). Last year the opening event also included appetizers and dessert, so hopefully this year will too. This year seems to be more of a carnival theme with games and lots of action packed fun. The opening event really sets the ton for the whole convention.

Young Living Spa: This is a MUST! Whether you are getting a raindrop massage, a regular massage, or a facial you won't be disappointed. Last year my raindrop massage was amazing and I loved how I felt afterward. They really know how to make you feel pampered.

Fun Tips: 

Eating At Convention: Food can get pricey. I purposefully booked a hotel that included breakfast to help cut costs. I will also go to the store and get pre made salads, some snack foods to carry with me, bottled water, and of course wine. Doing this will cut costs A TON. I don't want to shell out $10-$20 each meal. I plan to go out for some drinks and likely a couple dinners with team mates and cross line friends for sure, but I don't want to be eating out for every meal.

What To Wear: Officially, the dress code is business casual. I do not suggest going out and buying a whole new wardrobe. That being said, last year there was a WIDE variety (use your imagination) of attire and I expect this year to be no different. I plan to be comfortable and still look nice. I'm planning on nice jeans paired with a blouse, or leggings and a nice shirt. On farm day I will wear shorts. Please keep in mind that every day you will be walking A TON! Like, a ridiculous amount. Wear comfortable shoes or you will be sorry.

What To Bring: Last year I carried a large (think diaper bag sized) bag with me. I liked it because it had two handles-- one for over the shoulder and one for across my body. It was a sturdy bag that fit everything I needed while being out and about all day. I carried my water bottle, snacks, oils (obviously), a note book and pens, business cards, portable phone charger, and other random items with me all day. It was nice to have a bag that worked well and didn't feel over loaded.

Don't Worry, Be Happy: Seriously. This is the most important one. Will you make it to all the break out sessions you wanted? Nope. Will you get the farm day with your team? Probably not. Were they sold out of the rad diffuser you wanted? Yep. Things happen. The week won't go completely as planned and YL will have some logistically issues. Should we lose our minds? Please don't. YL stepped up last year and fixed some major issues they had with break out sessions and I know that they are working hard to get things as perfect as possible this year. Convention is so freakin fun if you relax and just enjoy every moment. People are fun. Meeting your team and connecting with people you only see on Facebook otherwise is amazing! Convention is so good for your soul and a huge motivator if you let it.


Young Living featured the convention and things to do in Salt Lake on their podcast. Check it out here. You can also check out some of their picks for food and fun in the area as well as download a printable guide of the area. Genius!

Look out for our convention wrap up blog after we get home at the end of June. Also, follow us on Twitter. We will both be live tweeting the events and breakouts we attend.

Christina Stone Holcomb: @LiveKind27
Christina Valenzuela: @chrisval37