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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Kirsten Hansen of Everett earned trips to Mexico and the Bahamas with SimplyFun, a home party company that sells family-oriented games.   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, June 30, 2008 Travel a perk of party business By Kristi O'Harran, Herald Columnist Some might consider this to be a work-from-home job, but Kirsten Hansen does a lot of traveling. She does home parties, meets with her "team" and goes to Mexico and the Bahamas, on the company dime. She is a founding leader for SimplyFun, a Bellevue company, similar to Tupperware, that features games and conversation-based activities that are meant to bring family and friends together through play. In October of 2004, the stay-at-home Everett mom decided it was time to start supplementing the family income. "I met with the founders of SimplyFun when their starter kits weren't even available because the games were still in production," Hansen said. "I fell in love with the products and the idea of selling games for a living." She grew up in a large family where they always played games. Her husband is Iyvind Hansen Jr. Their boys are Christopher, 7, and Cory, 4. "This seemed like a perfect fit for my family," Kirsten Hansen, 39, said. "Now almost four years later, I have earned two incentive trips." She received vacations to the Mexican Riviera and the Caribbean. "We cruised in the Bahamas," she said of her most recent trip, which was in May. "We got to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday in style." SimplyFun has games for all ages. Most take half an hour or less to play, and kids games can take as little as 15 minutes. Families that include a 6-year-old, a 10-year-old and a teenager can sit down with just about any of the games and enjoy them together, she said. She aims to do six home parties a month. She takes products to the homes and takes orders. "Kirsten is commitment to our mission of play," said Chief Funster Gail DeGiulio. "She believes down to her toes that healthy play is essential to the well-being of families and children." She throws a great party, too, DeGiulio said. Working from her home has benefits, Hansen said. The other day they went to the zoo, came home, and then she answered e-mails and made phone calls. "I can spread my work throughout the day and still get it done," Hansen said. "You just fit it in around the kids' games and activities. My husband's response is go for it. We have big dreams about this company and where we are headed." For more information, visit her Web site at www.kirsten hansen.simplyfun.com. "It is just a wonderful way to earn extra money," Hansen said. "It teaches people how they can incorporate play into their already busy lives." Columnist Kristi O'Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.

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