O MILEY O!!

Found the cutest picture of Miley Cyrus on http://www.huffingtonpost.com the other day.  What a cutie!  I think she is growing up so beautifully.  She  really invested in her health and well being and it shows!   I have to say, I personally am loving her simple style. Very Californian. Age appropriate and sweet.  Her skin looks vibrant with a nice dewy glow and a nice lip stain to give a punch of color to the pucker.  Must be the Gluten Free Diet she follows!  Love it!

GETTING MORE FOR LESS!

You know I love to hook y'all up with tips on products that pack more punch for less $$.  I get a lot of questions about liquid eye liner too so I thought I'd tell you about one I like.  Revlon's Liquid Eye Pen.
It is so easy to use.  Smooth, fine lines, easy execution and intense, rich color.
Each pen lasts a long time and for about $9  compared to Shu Uemura's Eye Pen at $35, you can't beat it!

Beauty Tip:  Steady hand holding the pen against cheek for balance and easy placement. Lift eyebrow with other hand to create tautness of eyelid for easy access to lash line.

WHEN IS ENOUGH TOO MUCH?!

When do we say "Enough is enough?"  When recently looking at images TheHuffingtonPost.com I came across images on two women who have been in the "Biz" for a long time and who have both had some level of fame. Both based on their looks.  I found the comparison staggering.  Elle Macpherson looks stunning.  I'm not sure if she's had work done.  I'm sure she's had some (who hasn't in that world-lets be real.)  She looks beautiful in a very natural, simple way. There is a confidence about her that is stunning.

Then there's Janice Dickinson. Oh, what to say.  Totally overdone in my opinion.  Too skinny, too hard, too fake. When did we decide that this is beautiful?  Is it something we have put on ourselves or is it something men have put on us?  

There is nothing more beautiful to me than a woman who is confident, happy and full of life.

That is the ultimate in "Simple Beaute."

What do you think?

SIMPLE, SEXY RED LIP!!

Learn how I do red lips just like how I did it for UGG.(Pictured here.)

LEAVE IT AND LOVE IT FOR LESS!!

Here's how to leave it and love it for less!
So lately the trend in lips is "long wearing" lip colors.  I love the idea for a couple of reasons. One, professionally it's great because if I'm on set or doing a bride that I won't see again I don't have to worry about re-applying. And personally,  who doesn't love it when you put your lips on in the morning and when you brush your teeth at night the lips are still there?! Hello?? Gotta love that!!
I have talked about the Just Bitten by Revlon pencils.  But they are definitely worth mentioning again here.  I am kinda addicted to them now.  They work like a pencil in terms of defining and they also are emollient like a balm.  Packed with vitamin E and color that stays all day.

My other new fav is by Maybelline.  Called appropriately Super Stain 10 hour Stain Gloss.  Now I know I have talked about this "same" product by YSL for $40 but I swear for $9 you can get Maybelline's and it is identical.  No joke.  It is a stain and gloss that glides on smooth and again-stays all day!! Amazingly great color choices too!

Loving this trend, so simple and so beautiful!

REAL WOMEN OF INSPIRATION- MEET BECKY!!

This week I am very honored again to share another real woman of inspiration.  Her name is Becky Santolamazza and she is an incredibly dynamic, beautiful, down to earth woman!  She has lived a couple of lives in her one life and has gracefully managed to move from one life to another.  What I love the most about Becky is she's salt of the earth good.  She's incredibly friendly, out going and charismatic in a very "real" way that is not often seen. (At least in these parts.)  She's the kind of person that you could call in the middle of the night and she would be there without question.  She's a business owner and a mom to 4 kids and she handles it all with ease.  I am proud to share some of her story with you.

1. Becky, one reason I asked you to participate in my series on "Real Women of Inspiration" is because I saw you jogging down the street one day with your beautiful hair flowing, no makeup and I thought, "She is so gorgeous! Who looks that good exercising?!" So my first question is, how do you stay looking so young (not that your old)? What beauty products do you use? and please don't tell us it's genetics!!

I think that more than “looking” young, I “feel” young. Living an active lifestyle and eating healthy is very important to me. However, I must confess that I love unhealthy snacks and eat dessert after lunch and dinner. Let’s just say I’m working on eating healthy…very hard… because I believe when I feel good on the inside, it radiates to the outside.  

When it comes to my beauty routine, I have a “less is more” approach and like to keep it simple. I wash my face morning and night with a gentle cleanser (I use Purpose soap, a great product my dermatologist recommended years ago and I’ve been using ever since), follow with astringent, and finish with a SPF15-30 moisturizer. On days I wear makeup, I keep it classic & simple with blush, eye shadow & liner, mascara, and chapstick – I’m addicted! Bobbi Brown makes great cosmetic products and I love her natural approach to beauty. Most of my skin care products I purchase from Avon – they have quality products at an unbeatable price, what’s not to love about that! I am very comfortable in my own skin and feel I look and feel my best by staying true to who I am – which is keeping my makeup minimal and taking care of myself.

2. I know you say you run daily and you have set a personal goal for yourself for that. Would you speak about where that comes from and why?

For me, if I set a goal, I try very hard to make it happen…it motivates me. I make my exercise routine a priority because I feel so much better when I do it. I have more energy, am more focused, and overall feel I am a better wife and mother.

The  past few years my goal has been to run 1500 miles a year…2012 I upped it to1600 miles. I plan to add 100 miles to my yearly goal until I reach age 50…only 5 years left…and then I’ll see how I’m doing. I am recognized in my town..at the grocery store, gas station, post office…as “the lady who runs”..I guess it could be worse right? Oh yeah, and then there are those “ab” exercises…I think I’d rather run 10 extra miles a day than do 100 crunches but I am trying desperately to be faithful…they work! 

I also find my running time is a great time to pray. After about 4 miles it gets a little harder to focus but I try to give each of my 4 children a “mile of prayer”…when one of them needs a little more prayer then they get it! 

I spend about 5-7 hours a week in my exercise routine…well worth the time for the benefits you get!

3. Not to get too personal but I know your marriage to your amazing husband Luis is a second marriage, can you speak to your journey blending children from two marriages and the lessons you have learned with that? Also, I can tell you have a very successful marriage with Luis, can you speak about how you make that happen?

I was a single mom until my two older children were teenagers. I so wanted them to have the wonderful, traditional childhood that I had grown up with (dad, mom, family). Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. However, a few years into my “single parent” life, when a  friend  told me her daughter loved coming over to my house because it felt like “home”…I knew I could create that environment  even if it wasn’t the ideal “picture” I had in mind. While I didn’t have a lot of “quantity” time with them, I made sure our time together was “quality” and that kept us very close. With my second “set” of kids, I am creating a “home” with the support of my wonderful husband who is truly an amazing hand’s on dad. My boys say that “dad teaches us stuff” and “mom takes care of us”…which is just fine with me. 

I’ve had several women tell me I’ve inspired them with a second marriage and another “set” of children…my children are ages 24, 23, 7, & 6…yes, I decided to do it all over again when my kids were teenagers! They may find it inspiring…I say I am blessed! 

Marriage is never easy and it takes a lot of work but as long as two people are committed, you can enjoy a long, happy life together. It’s been nine years, not easy, tons of work, but we are committed and I must say genuinely happy!

4. You and Luis have two amazingly adorable kids, (one of which my daughter has a crush on,btw), how do you juggle your family and your very successful handmade card and memory book business, Hugs and Kisses xo?

I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say juggling a family, home, and business is difficult…I am always pulled in a hundred different directions. I keep myself organized by planning ahead. I always make a weekly meal plan and then grocery shop according to that. I love to cook for my family so if I know what I’m making for dinner and have the ingredients on hand, it’s easy to put it out of my mind during the day knowing that when dinner time rolls around, I am ready to go! I’m also a big list person. Sometimes I write things on my list that I already did just so I can cross them off to feel like I’ve accomplished more! 

Prioritizing and keeping things in perspective is a must. If I have to choose between work & family, I try to ask myself what I will remember years from now….going on that bike ride with my boys or making a few more phone calls… it makes my decisions a lot easier!  Don’t get me wrong, you have to work, but time is precious and something you can never get back.

Which is one reason why I started my home based business Hugs and Kisses XO… because I wanted to be home with my growing family. I am a firm believer in loving what you do. I feel very fortunate that my business has allowed me to use my creative talents to generate money to help provide for my family…and all the while I get to be at home with a flexible schedule. I couldn’t do any of it without the help of my husband….he does all the “business” stuff. After 10 years in business, we are proud to sell our baby memory books, gift enclosure cards, and greeting cards wholesale to over 200 specialty boutiques across the US and have recently launched our own online boutique www.hugsandkissesxo.com.  We are looking forward to the next 10 years of growing Hugs and Kisses XO! 

5. What is your daily routine and can you share your philosophy to keep yourself looking so beautiful on the outside but more importantly your grounded and confident self on the inside? Do you meditate, follow any spiritual practice?

I love mornings so my day usually starts around 5:30 with a cup of coffee, reading my Bible and my run. After that, I am ready for whatever is thrown my way! I know…after 45 years of living…that you can’t do it all…so I make sure I get the important things done every day …and whatever isn’t done must not be THAT important – like cleaning my house! 

I think more than being happy I have joy…God has blessed me and I try to remember that every day. I had wonderful parents and grandparents who passed on their unshakeable faith in God to me and I know that with Him, all things are possible. I truly believe that and it keeps me grounded in this crazy, busy world we live in!

6. Finally through your life and the hurdles you have faced is there any one thing or couple of things you can draw on that has been the most positive influence for you?

My family and the core values that have been passed down to me through the generations inspire me every day to be a better person and to leave this world a better place. I am a religious person. I was raised and am a Christian. I read my Bible daily and am in my 3rd year of reading it from cover to cover. It never gets old. Each year something new stands out for me. This year I was reading Proverbs 16 and this verse stood out, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” …so, so true! 

I have so much energy and passion for life I like to say I will live to be 100 because there is so much I want and need to do! 

Truer words were never spoken!! Honoring our families values and traditions. Trusting in God and living each day to it's fullest.  No wonder she's so beautiful.  Both inside and out!!  

Find Becky's adorable products(shown here) on her website www.hugsandkissesxo.com and follow her business on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/_HugsKissesXO

BEHIND THE SCENES-RECENT PHOTO SHOOT!!

So I recently did a photo shoot for a magazine, Gladys. Named after the editor's inspiring mother, Andrea Forte decided to live out her dreams and create her own magazine.  Thought you might enjoy some of the shots from it. On the "smokey eye" shot on the cover I used the technique I talk about on my 5 minute smokey eye video. Hope you enjoy!!

4TH OF JULY SPARKLE!!

Add a little sparkle to your 4th of July with Nars' Orgasm Collection. They even have a Super Orgasm blush that adds even more sparkle.  Healthy, natural looking color with just a hint of sparkle.  I love them because they add fun simply and beautifully and are just the right amount of color for a hot July night!!
Enjoying a holiday never looked so good.

Beauty tip:  To get proper placement of color on your cheeks look into the mirror and smile. Brush color on the apple of your cheek in a downward motion. The color will fall naturally creating a healthy glow!

SIMPLE SUMMER DAY!!

 Today is a simple summer day.  The very best kind.  Playing out in the sun with the kids. Taking a long bike ride and feeling the sweet breeze grace my skin.  And ending up at my favorite Sunday stop, the farmers market where I ran into one of my favorite vendors. The Squid Balm gals!! Love those products. Today I picked up a sweet treat, Honeysuckle Perfume Oil. Awe, the scent of it!! Intoxicating.
These are the days to live for. Simple, pure and beautiful!!

LOVING LAVENDER!!

Turns out this is my favorite color for summer.  So soft, clean and pretty.  A gentle sweep across the eye creates a beautiful look. Wet the shadow for more intensity. Using an angled brush will create more of a cat eye that is so popular right now.  I love Charm by Stila.

SIMPLE, EASY 5 MINUTE SMOKEY EYE!!

CREATE A TRULY BEAUTIFUL DECOLLETAGE!!

Nobody likes the look of a crepey neck and decolletage.  You know that upper chest area that gets more sun than it should.  Always gets neglected and is massively hated by most women moving up in years?  It makes us feel old and unattractive.  There are many beauty products out there specifically for that area however I have found one that truly works.  Even my friends have noticed! It's by my new favorite skincare line, Prai Beauty.  It's called very fittingly "Ageless Throat Decolletage Creme."  I have to say at first I was a bit skeptical because you always wonder if things are really going to work like they say but in this case I really had no expectations and I was very pleasantly surprised.  It's so simple and easy to use.  Only seconds added to your beauty routine.  Just apply at  night and after about a month the results are noticeable.  I promise you.  It will  take years off your appearance.  Now if only we could find a product that does that to our age?!!

WAYS TO EMPOWER AND CREATE SIMPLE BEAUTE!!

So I talk about empowering yourself by allowing your inner beauty to shine through.  That might seem a daunting task to some or a bit confusing for others.   Follow the simple tasks below, your inner beauty will definitely shine through!

The quickest attitude adjustment is through reflection. Women who have low self esteem often avoid mirrors like the plague. However, mirrors can become a big ally. Muster your courage to look in the mirror and pick out one thing you like about your appearance. Put your focus there!!

The way you use your beauty products will make all the difference in results.  Massage your scalp when washing your hair.  Focus on treating yourself to that. While rinsing, lift your hair away from your scalp for about two minutes until it squeaks.

Don't worry about looking pretty. Look pretty amazing. show the world you care about yourself. Take 2 extra minutes everyday for yourself. Try applying lavender oil to your skin right after showering to promote smooth skin, add a couple curls to your hair, dab a spot of perfume.  Real beauty celebrates individuality. Rather than running around looking for beauty in pricey external products, discover within yourself. Make the most of what you have. You'll learn to like yourself and that will spark a light within.

Do One Thing For Yourself Everyday 
Make yourself do it. It's the ultimate act of self-respect. Soak in the bubble bath or read an inspiring book. Take a 5 minute break and sit quietly and breathe visualizing a peaceful you. Cut fresh flowers. Prepare healthy meals-with you in mind. These little pleasures allow you to feel special. 

Listen To Your Inner Voice
This is most important. Each of us has a voice inside. This is like a therapist. It will guide us in the right direction. It will calm us down, cheer us up and even help us figure out why we're overeating or not bothering to iron our clothes. The problem is that we often don't take time we need to hear this important information. Schedule some quiet time in a leisurely bath or walk, or even while putting on your makeup. 


Taking the time for yourself is a simple way to promote beauty both inside and out!!

Camille and D.D. Off the Cuff

GETTING MORE FOR LESS!!

This month Kate Moss graces the cover of Bazaar looking so incredibly beautiful in a simple, elegant way that only she know's how.  I love the way her makeup is done and her sophisticated pulled back hair just completes the look.  And speaking of the look, there are ways of getting it without taxing your pocketbook.  New from Revlon is Colorstay Eyeliner.  It glides on so smoothly and stays on all day. Literally, I also have the same eyeliner from Chanel for about 5 times the price!!  Try it in black like on Kate here by rimming the lids and in the water line for more drama!  If you like a red lip I definitely recommend Rimmel Kate Moss Collection.  It is a true red which glides on and stays on.  For about 1/2 the price on MAC Ruby Woo.  So fret no more,  simple beauty can be found!

SOLANGE SO HOT!

Solange Knowles is so hot right now!! Everywhere you turn, there she is.  This week she turns a sweet young age of 26.  I love that she is finding her own path and certainly has kudos the style and spunk of her very famous sister.  I love that she keeps it natural and simple in her appearance as well.  She has a super exuberance about her and incredibly confidence.  Here she keeps it real with natural makeup and hair and just a splash of color in her lip. To get this lustrous lip try The Kate Collection by Rimmel in 01.  It's a great new red by Kate Moss which has incredible staying power. The price is great too at around $8. Leave it Solange to know exactly what to wear and where to wear it!!  Happy birthday Solange!


*Beauty Tip: To get a perfect red lip apply lipstick almost to lip line but not quite.  Then use a corresponding red lip liner to line your lip.  That sequence insures a perfect pout every time!!

REAL WOMEN OF INSPIRATION-MEET JULIE!!

Week 2 of my series on "Real Women of Inspiration" gives us a peak into the life of my friend Julie Piatt .  I've known Julie for many years.  I met her through my husband who did some custom furniture for her when she had a very successful  design business.  I think the thing that struck me the most about Julie was her incredible sense of confidence and an energy that said "I can move mountains. Watch me do it!"  All with the grace and ease of a gazelle.  She is a powerhouse of a woman.  Incredibly beautiful both on the outside and inside.   When the economy soured and Julie felt it's pressures she turned inward and found a new way.  Julie has always been able to juggle any path that she chooses and blends it seamlessly with her family of two older boys from a previous marriage and two girls from her  present marriage to Rich Roll with whom she has had many a journey with already. Between creating a vegan/raw cook book,  a progressive elementary school in her home and the release of her debut album which can be found at www.srimatimusic.com. Whatever hurdles get in her way, there is no stopping Julie!
Still creating a very simple life style I was fascinated to learn how she does it.
1.  You are a natural beauty and you seem perfectly comfortable in who you are and how you look.  That is one reason I asked you to participate.  Can you share some advice for how to attain that inner confidence?

Finding out your hearts deepest desires is key.  The single most powerful practice for me is a humming meditation that I began years back.  I love it because it's easy to do any time and any place.  We have so much external stimulus that the humming helps to clear and tune you to your heart much like a tuning fork.  Then you can access some moments of connection. Then you can find out what your heart is yearning to express.


2. What is your beauty routine? Do you have some rituals or favorite products? If you'd like to discuss your plant based diet  this might be a great place to mention it as well.

Yoga, meditation and the practices of Ayurveda are my foundation of real beauty. Another level of conscious living for us is my husband Rich Roll and my Plant Power focus in our diets. Our hemp protein has excellent nutrients and I make sure I get this daily.   I also use coconut oils, turmeric, rose petals & dates in my blended drinks. I oil my skin with warm sesame oil especially in the colder windy months.  I try to bring feminine nurturing energy into my life experience as much as possible.  I am also a big fan of raw honey and bee pollen.   Finally I have my favorite French skin care line http://www.brigittebeaute.com.  Her exfoliating cleanser and tonic make my skin glow.  I get facials from Brigitte as I'm able.  You can find her at Christophe salon  in Beverly hills. She is an angel.

3.  You have 4 kids and are married, how have you managed to juggle your family and career with seemingly effortless ease?

We are a creative tribe that operates as a whole.  Each family member is equally nurtured and fed by the group.  We usually flow through the day and events with creativity and flexibility.  This is often chaotic and always interesting but there is a divine order in it.  By letting go the day arranges itself often miraculously.  My faith and experience in this force actually makes it effortless.  And things do manifest, books are released, albums are finished, paintings are sold  -just maybe not how we thought it would happen.  This can be challenging for Rich as he has training schedules and deadlines to meet.  But the process is working on him.

4. We met through my husband when he designed furniture for your design business. You have an ultra modern and simple house which is incredibly beautiful. I know you aren't doing that anymore. How has the transition been for you from one career to another?  Can you speak about your faith and belief?

We consider our house ,JAI house to be an actual member of our family.  She holds us and is the canvas for all we create here.


The transition from designer to musician was orchestrated as a direct result of the humming meditation I already spoke about.  As I hummed and cleared out the interference, the song stream opened.  Six years later I am releasing my first album and I am connected to my soul purpose.  It's not that I couldn't design or sculpt, it's that my primary design is to write and sing music. Without the humming, I may never have found it. 

5. Describe what the day in the life of Julie.

No two days are ever alike which makes our life interesting.  But it will include spiritual practice; yoga, meditation, vegan raw blends, recording studio with my sons who are in my band, homeschool with two other families, cooking, helping Rich with his book appearance scheduling, and a possible a live performance.

6. Through your Jai Lifestyle what is the one secret you have discovered and can share that has lead to your beautiful appearance?

That life is so precious.  I get to make my own choices and have my own experience.  It's my desire for life to be really meaningful.   It's a short ride here.  So every night when I lay down to sleep, I make sure I played it all out.  I never leave anything unsaid to Rich or my children.  I give as much as I'm physically, emotionally and spiritually able.  This makes for late nights and early days but its my blessing to serve my family.  We are all deeply connected and that family tribe thing we have is something amazing.  It's beautiful that we know just how precious it is.

Amazing words. Very simple yet powerful.   Never leave anything unsaid and always honor yourself with living the life you truly desire.  I absolutely agree how valuable a spiritual practice can be and should definitely be included in our daily lives on whatever level one can produce.  Find out more about Julie's Humming Meditation here http://www.jailifestyle.com.

You can also find out more about her endurance athlete husband Rich and his journey, from his bestselling book "Finding Ultra" at http://www.richroll.com.

My gratitude goes out to Julie for sharing her extraordinary wisdom with us.

EMMA STONE'S SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL VOGUE COVER!!

Emma Stone is gracing Vogue's July cover and she looks absolutely ravishing in my opinion.  I love the lighter hair and the sexy smoldering makeup. Just the right amount of umpf to make her eyes stand out.  That paired with the peachy cheeks and nude lip make for a beautiful cover.  If you'd like to get Emma's beauty look try Revlon's Luxurious Color Eyeliner in Black Velvet.  It has the right amount of glide to get a nice line and has a smudgy tip to blend out the eyelid.  A very simple way to create a dramatic eye.  To get that pretty, peachy cheek try MAC's Pinch O' Peach Powder Blush.  And for that soft nude lip I like Creme d' Nude also by MAC.  Those three products alone can give you instant cover girl gorgeous. Simply and beautifully!

REAL WOMEN OF INSPIRATION!!

This week I am starting a series of interviews with "real" women that I know.  Women who I feel truly embody "Simple Beaute" into their lives every day.  Instead of talking about celebs who make it look so easy, I decided to focus on women who are beautiful and make it look so easy maybe without all of the help that the celebs have.  These women are inspirational specifically because of the fact that they DON'T have all that support and they handle their lives with a grace and ease that I find so exceptional and beautiful  which lead me to wonder "How do they do it?"  These women were gracious enough to tell me.  I thought I would impart their wisdom onto you.  Maybe through their tips we call can achieve more simplicity and beauty in our lives.

Today I'm starting with "Venessa."  Venessa is a mid-age, mother of three who has always maintained a healthy and confident state of self. She is always the sexiest, most beautiful one in the room!  She definitely is gorgeous on the outside but it is her inner beauty that is so appealing to all that know her.  This is the wisdom she offered me.


1. So you are a beautiful woman, what is your secret to that beauty?  Do
you have favorite products or rituals?  What is your daily beauty routine?
My daily beauty routine is pretty basic.  I wash my skin using Cetaphil, I need to have that clean feeling and cleansers just don't do it
for me.  I also use TaTa Harper from time to time.  The granules give the
feeling of a scrub.  I use Calendula Creme moisturizer in the summer which is oil free and in
the winter I use Skin Medica Hydrating Complex and Mositurizer.  When the
weather is particularly harsh I use Katresha's face oil, which is all
natural and feels great.  I also use Katresha's eye crème.
I have a facial once a month and have done for over 20 years.  I think that is the secret.  When I first met my husband he gave me a yearly
series at a beauty salon and it became a ritual, every year in my
Christmas stocking there it is.  I have him to be thank for helping me
maintain my skin.  I have used the same beautician for almost as long so
she knows my skin and gives it whatever it needs.  
I use Bobbi Brown's tinted day crème with an SPF in it.
My mum was just visiting from Australia and gave me some Clinique
repairwear laser focus corrector.  I think she is trying to tell me
something.  I turned 50 this past April.



2. You have three older children, and your marriage, how have you managed
to juggle your family while still maintaining your independence and
career?
 My independence is very important to me, it always has been.  I
realized early on in the game that I could not do it alone so I figured
out where I needed the help and out sourced it.  I wanted to spend quality
time with my kids, keep working so that I could keep my independence and
above all stay happily married!
I changed careers once my kids started going to school.  I was in the
restaurant business and the late nights, up early to my babies was
killing me.  I had been looking for something Australian to bring to the
US and I found it.  That was the beginning of Shark Suit sun protective
swimwear.  
Relatively unheard of at the time and very much needed here in the U.S.A
small business which enabled me to work from a home office.  I was able to
finish work at 2.30pm and pick up my 3 kids from school, shuffle them
around NY to their various afterschool programs and get home around 6.  I
could get back to work after they were in bed.  I manufactured my products
in Australia so 9pm NY time was 11am Australia time.  I could deal with
the factory and any issues then.
Fortunately for me I had a house keeper to clean my house.  It really made
all the difference.  If my house is not in order then I am not.  My house
keeper was/is my hero.
After 13 years in the same business the market had been flooded with sun
protective swimwear, the Aussie dollar rose and manufacturing costs soared.  I was feeling
burnt out and in need of a change.
By chance I was approached by a start up company called ARM.  3 veterans
of the advertising production business had set out with a new
business model. They were providing a production department and business
affairs directly to Ad Agencies and/or direct to clients.
It was a big change for me.  One I was very excited about.  Not really
knowing what my role would be I dived in and took on any task as a
challenge.  Having owned my own business was a great advantage and after a
year I was given my title as Director of Operations.


This opportunity came at the perfect time.  My first daughter was a senior
at high school.  My second was in 11th grade and clearly did not come to
me for anything other than money and my son was very easy going, in 8th
grade and also very independent.


I was 48 at the time.  What perfect timing to start something new.  I love
my job.  I love the industry and the people I work with.  I have been very
fortunate.


So I think I managed to juggle it all by understanding what was important
to me in my life.  Finding a career that satisfied my needs, being
organized and outsourcing what I could not manage myself.



3. You seem to have found a balance between career and play and live in
one of the most stressful city's-NY and you handle the stress seemingly
effortlessly. How do you do that?

Anyone living and working in NY is stressed.  It is part of the
lifestyle. 
I'd have to say 'Keeping it Real', not getting ahead of myself. Trying
not to compare myself to others, being happy with what I have.
I have always made time for myself.  If we don't take
care of ourselves we are of no use to anyone else.  Being 'me' and not
just someone's mother or wife has made all the difference.
Staying connected to my circle of women friends.  Sisterhood
and the power of women together will always keep us resilient.
Respecting my marriage and what that stands for and understanding that it
also needs nurturing has made me find balance.




4.  What kind of advice can you offer a woman in her 40's or 50's to feel
better about themselves and more confident?

Accept the body you were given and love it.  All women are feminine,
powerful, sexual creatures and should be adored by the opposite sex.  When we truly
believe in ourselves every thing falls into place.  Admiration for other
women and their accomplishments is also so important.


5.It seems you have started with a new company since your kids have
gotten older. What challenges did you face doing that? (if you did)

I did not have a lot of challenges because I was open to learning
something new.  I have no agenda.  I take direction well and I can say 'I
don't know how to do that but I will find out'.  I am a hard worker and I
have a very positive attitude.  I wake up happy every day and my cup is
always 'half full'.




6.  Since your kids are older now is there any wisdom you can impart on
any of the moms with younger kids who are reading in terms of how to make
it all fit and work?

 Don't sweat the small stuff.  Remember no one will love your kids the
way you do so keep them grounded, set boundaries that you can maintain.
Follow through on every judgement call (well, 90% of the time because no
one is perfect).  I once read that children measure our love not on how
many times you tell them you love them but on your actions and the time
you spend with them.  Make that time quality time.  That does not mean you
need to be out doing something fantastic all the time. It is time when you
listen to them and learn from them, sharing and caring for their little
lives. Action speak louder than words.  Being a good role model by doing
what really pleases you.  If you really want to be a stay at home mum
embrace that.  If you really need to have a career have it. Just be happy
and the rest of the family will follow suit.



7. Lastly, what is your daily routine now? You always seem to manage your
time perfectly! How do you do it?

 I go to bed early!! I need 8 hours to function properly. I take my dog
Lola to Central Park most mornings so she can be off her leash so I am up
early!  Regardless of the weather being outdoors first thing in the
morning is a great way to clear your head and just breath.  I start work
at 10am, which I love. I work out at Sfactor twice a week and take a yoga
class whenever I feel the need. I don't miss meals.  If I go out at night
it is during the week.  Week ends have always been reserved for family.
I have raised independent resourceful children.  We are very close but
they are not needy. I love having my friends around me.  Dinner parties
are my favorite way to entertain.  I have a loving husband who allows me
the freedom to be me.  I am intense, yet not overbearing.  I have high
expectations of those I love.  I am learning all the time to relax but
being on the move has always been a big part of who I am.  I don't eat
meat or fish and I think that keeps my energy level high. I smile a lot.
I get a lot done every day.



Wow! Such amazing, sage words of wisdom and advice we all can follow. Keep life real, listen to yourself and love who you are. Very powerful indeed.  Thank you so very, very, much to Venessa for sharing her story!!
Next week we will learn from Julie about her inspirations on life.  In the meantime please continue to find love from within and keep it simple!

SUMMER'S SIMPLE BEAUTE!!

This time of year when we're out in the sun more and in the chlorinated pool more our skin and hair tend to get really dry.  If you're like me and you don't have extra time or money to go to get spa treatments here are a couple you can do at home with ingredients you probably own.
For your hair, a great hot oil treatment is to heat olive oil up in a pan adding a few drops of honey or vitamin E. Stir it around til mixed and place on hair for 15 minutes.  Place a towel around your head to keep the heat in. Then shower it out.

For your face,  crack an egg (which contains vitamins A, D, K and E), separating out the yolk into a bowl. Add in a little  honey which hydrates and has skin-plumping properties , whisk them together, apply and let dry for 10 to 15 minutes before removing with a damp cloth.
Do both of these treatments at once for double the benefits!  In minutes you'll have hydrated, healthy skin and hair.  Simple and beautiful!