Stella & Dot- The Experience

Monday, October 18, 2010

Time Tested Beauty Tips


From Stella & Dot  Facebook page on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 7:39pm
The late Audrey Hepburn was a classic beauty, a fashion icon and a compassionate philanthropist. She often quoted this beautiful poem below. While she was not the author, as many assume, it is reported to have been one of her favorite poems. "Time Tested Beauty Tips" was written by Sam Levenson, the American humorist, writer, television host and journalist.  Read on for an inspirational pick-me-up that helps us keep sight of what is truly beautiful in this world.

Time Tested Beauty Tips

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.
Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the  figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows.

Sam Levenson

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Candles for Kids

Meet one of our everyday angels, Jen Allen.  She's a mom, wife, teacher and a rep for Gold Canyon Candle company and she has a very BIG heart.  Through the Prayer Child Foundation with Gold Canyon she is able to give big back to children in the community that truly need a village to help.  The company gives 100% of the purchase price of their "Candles for Kids" to children in need of medical expenses and treatments that their parents cannot afford. This past year, she was able to help over 12 children, all across the US (and locally in Leesburg), get much needed assistance.  She committed to selling two "Candles for Kids" at each party held.  Because of her goal and accomplishments, Jen has been recognized by her company as a leader in helping the community.  Having already given thousands away she was awarded for her efforts with more- a $2500 check to give to those she felt would benefit most.  She divided the money into four recipients including Hope for Tiny Hearts, a family with a daughter going through anorexia, and two families with children that have Autism and Barth Syndrome.  She loves the ability to help people in need simply by doing her job.  If you know anyone who has a child 18 or under with a medical need or illness that their family cannot afford to pay for, please contact Jen to get an application to request assistance from the foundation.  Jen truly is an angel and has the desire and ability to keep helping families in need.  Candles are a must for most people, good karma says you should make Jen your candle source.  Thanks for all that you do Jen! Her Blog-  http://wixnstix.wordpress.com/

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Evite or NOvite?

How do you all feel about receiving invitations?  Do you receive them every way except the traditional card in the mail or even better, the personal, face to face invite?   I call an evite a NOvite.  I send and receive so many through Evite, FB invites, tweetup, meetup and the sort that it is almost impossible to keep them straight and I would be lucky to get them on my daily calendar.  I tend to feel, if it is important, it will come back to me as a reminder.  The real impact, what would get me to the event, would be the hostess asking me in writing, face to face or over the phone.  We all want to feel important, needed and not just a number or email address.  With my business I pull friends together for a fabulous trunk show experience so I do send these little novites out as I'm sure it must help for save the dates or reminders.  What I have found, is that the invitees mean no when they respond yes, or maybe, always means no and sometimes a no is a yes.  Of course, many do not respond at all, leaving one to assume spam filters or the unlikely "they haven't responded so they must not want to come to my oh so perfectly planned event".    That is certainly not how they are feeling, if they haven't responded you should absolutely call them and let them know you noticed they must not have received the invite.  They should know you would be honored for them to attend even if it is last minute.  Guess what?  They are more likely to have a direct "yes" or "no" as they will be confident in their plans.  If they said "yes" or "maybe" to the NOvite, a quick call will go a long way.  Let your friends know you would enjoy spending some girl time with them.  Even better, take the time to put invites on paper, hand address and mail (snail mail) or drop off personally.  That will go a lot further in value and appreciation.  Spend a little time upfront so you do not have to waist time later.  You can keep doing the evites and the sort, they have a special place and you'll appreciate the reminder that they send.  Either way, take the time to get together with those that are important to you and those that you would like to get to know better.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Country Living Columbus Fair 2010 Tour


Check out Hillary with Chicks Picks! We are so spoiled living in Loudoun County (VA) and getting to shop on a regular basis at her true "Home based" business. For her website & more details- https://www.chickspicksbyhillary.com/

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Party Hosting 101


From guest business owner & blogger
LUXE Events DC                           

So you’ve decided to host a bash for you and your friends. Swanky downtown loft apartment? Check. Delicious tapas? Check. Martini glasses and some Stoli? Check and check. So far you have most of the elements put in place but you still have some work to do before you can proclaim yourself the perfect party host. Follow these 3 easy tips and you’ll be ready to host a successful cocktail party.


1.  Be Prepared
Have you ever showed up at a friend’s house for a party and they just weren’t ready yet? You know the friend I’m talking about. They mumble about how the highball glasses are still in the dishwasher and awkwardly ladle store bought cheese dip into a plastic bowl as you stand there. A frantic and unprepared host makes everyone uneasy. Be prepared for your friends to arrive! Have the martini glasses arranged on the table by a bucket of ice. Keep your liquor chilled and have an array of mixers presented in unique pitchers. As for food, keep selections warm in the oven already in their serving trays. Your friends will be impressed with your graceful presentation and will assume that you are a top chef master when they see you taking food out of the oven.
     2.  Keep the Crickets Away
Silence has it’s place in the world, but silence does not belong at your cocktail party. Create atmosphere and purpose by creating a playlist on your iPod in advance. Start things off with some lounge style tunes so when people arrive they can mingle and chat without being distracted with blaring beats or lyrics. If you want to add energy to your party play some hits that everyone should know the lyrics to. A great way to hear some new tunes is to ask your friends to bring their own iPod playlists! Soon enough your friends will be moving and grooving the night away.
    3.   Stir Things Up
Hosting a cocktail party is like making risotto, you have to constantly stir to get great results. As host it’s your job to get people to mix and mingle, but it’s not always easy. You don’t want your friends to feel too set up by saying, “Joe, meet Melissa you two have a lot to talk about”. Now Joe and Melissa feel awkward. Joe and Melissa will talk about work and weather and they will wonder what exactly they have to talk about. Instead think of one or two interesting facts about your friends and mention these things when introducing others. For example, “Joe, have you met my friend Melissa? She owns a bakery over on 14th street. Joe just came back from a cooking trip in France. Maybe he’ll tell you the secret of the true French croissant.”  This way each person understands what exactly they have in common and can carry on an interesting conversation.
Once you use these 3 easy tips not only will you have thrown a successful cocktail party but you will have earned your A+ in party hosting 101!