Happy Holidays From The Lifestylist®

Supporting Small Business Saturday

We are so proud to be involved in the home building business, and many of our customers are small privately owned companies that build homes for local families.

All of our Lifestylist® companies are built around the idea that if we buy from local companies and support our local businesses we help them to become homeowners and live the all American dream of owning a home of your own.We loved the 8 years that we were the Lifestylist® for Patriot Homes - we always did at least one Patriotic themed model home, and I think they were my favorites.

I'd like to say that I'm an example of dreams coming true - I married early, never finished college but here I am owning my own business and being able to help others.

If you are looking for a Lifestylist® to help merchandise and add Lifestyle to your homes, please contact us at: answers@lifestylist.com, or take a look at our website at: www.lifestylist.com

Let's all support locally owned businesses and bring jobs back to America!

Beauty Products - When Should You Toss?

I'll be the first to admit that I have a lot of beauty products that I should have replaced ages ago. You think you are being frugal, but when you consider how much an eye infection could cost you from contaminated products or even bigger issues... just toss those older products and start over.

The wonderful Daryn at Scatter - Brain sent me this great link that gives you some guidelines for which products can be used for what amount of time.

Multitasking

Being a Lifestylist® isn't as easy as it looks. Especially with all of the regulations they make when you fly now, it's become harder to look pulled together and actually look like a Lifestylist® when you can only have two carry-ons and they are charging you for checked luggage. Because of what I do, I have to travel with my laptop, ipad, iphone, jewelry, cameras, flashes, etc. with me on-board, so I'm always looking for ways to cut back on what I need to bring with me on the road.

Daryn DeZengotia is the brains and beauty behind Scatter-Brain - a resource that is devoted to the struggle AGAINST work/life balance. She really knows her stuff, and is funny as well! Be sure to check out her Facebook page and "like" it so you can get her great tips directly.

Daryn was one of the top selling consultants at Avon, and she knows how tough it is to keep yourself pulled together 24 hrs. a day. She's been helping me find some great information to share here, and just told me about a great article on Oprah.com about 13 of The Best Beauty Multitaskers. These look like great solutions that will let me cut down on what I carry, and many are well priced as well. I'm going to try some of them - let us know if you do as well and which are your favorites.

 

Feeling Fabulous After 50

It's hard to believe that I used to look like this, but I wouldn't go back to those days for anything. I'm open to meeting in the middle though, and a lot of what's important is not necessarily looking good but feeling good. Even if you look amazing but don't feel that way, what's the point?

I'm fortunate enough to have the resources to find people who can help me achieve my goals, and I'm going to start working with a very special individual that there isn't a set category for. Dr. Larkin Page has made a name for himself in the Miss America network by training quite a few of the girls who have been Top 10. He understands that beauty comes from within, and I'm looking forward to his help. Don't worry, there are no pageants in this Lifestylist's future, I'm just looking forward to feeling like a winner :)

Dear Steve Jobs: Thanks for the iMemories

I started writing this when I heard Steve Jobs was retiring from Apple, and now after I heard of his passing I thought it was time to share it. Rest in Peace Mr. Jobs - you've made the world a better, unforgettable place.

Dear Mr. Jobs,

Thanks to you, I have memories that wouldn't have been possible without your vision, drive, and ability to see the world like no one else could. Because of you, the consumer got a voice in the crazy world of computers and electronics, and you also gave us a company that would listen to that voice. We stopped being looked at as consumers that were a hindrance and not smart enough to understand code, but parents who want to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren. By creating the Apple Stores I know I am never alone, and there will always be someone there to guide me through the technology tunnel.  Questions become solutions with a "genius" by my side. There is no such thing as a stupid question, and not only have I found answers, I've also found life long friends.

Vacation photos became more than a stack of photos - you allowed us to make beautifully presented books that chronicled our dreams, wishes and aspirations. Because of your vision a dummy like me was able to put together videos using iMovie about a new animal rescue group that stirred the heart and soul, and made people understand what Animal Rescue Corps was all about. Because of you, 1,000s of animals have now been saved. I've been able to watch my grandchildren grow up on my iPad using FaceTime, and have been able to experience their first time to roll over, steal home base and fall in love. it seems if there is ever something you need, "There's and App For That".

You have not only changed the world, you have made it a better place to be. Your passion and vision has changed all of us, and I thank you. You will be missed, and never forgotten.

Image Making Hairstyles



Hair styles are one way that people get a feeling for who we are, and what we are about. As a woman, it's a huge consideration for me every time I go to my hair stylist as to what image I want to portray.  With Lifestylist® Design growing so quickly, there are weeks when I am staying in a different hotel room every night. I never have a lot of time to spend, so something that is easy to maintain in any weather is a huge consideration as well. Plus the fact I may be in an unconditioned model home in the morning moving furniture and in a boardroom that afternoon -lots of challenges for maintaining an image.

With politicians hitting the road again and the current races having more women in them than ever, it's interesting to see what styles and images they have chosen for themselves. Shine just had an article about Michele Bachmann's new hairdo - what do you think of her new look?

Lush Cosmetics Helps To Stop Shark Finning

One of my favorite beauty stores is Lush Cosmetics. I discovered them years ago in England and Canada, and I'm thrilled they now have a store in NorthPark Center here in Dallas. They specialize in natural products, including Henna which is the secret of how I stay a natural redhead ;)

They are wonderful about bringing animal cruelty to light and promoting sustainable environmental practices and the humane treatment of animals. This summer they have been focusing on Shark Finning, and have partnered with Shark Savers to protect sharks from extinction.

To support this cause they have produced "Shark Fin Soap" - a refreshing blend of lime, lavender and seaweed. Stop in to your local Lush store and buy this great way to cool down this summer and support a great cause. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Shark Savers.

You Have Been Spotted!

These days I put a lot more thought behind where I spend my very hard earned dollars. I'm so tired of shopping at places where they make you feel like you should be thanking them for letting you spend your money there, or better yet they don't acknowledge you at all. As a Lifestylist® ,my mantra is Your Life. Your Style Your Way. It should be about you, the consumer not me. Today I had a wonderful experience at a store, and I wanted to share some of what they are doing and why I'll be going back because of that experience.

Attitude starts at the top, and when I went to the Summer Soiree today at the Dallas 7 For All Mankind, I could tell they had great management. From the manager (who was an absolute delight) to the sales team, they seemed excited to be there and to have me visit their store. I love the fact that they had a sign back by the dressing rooms that stated "Collaboration - No one becomes the best alone" - so true! Because it was a special event, they had music, libations, and a photographer, and when someone got their picture taken they were handed a card that said "You Have Been Spotted!"

Photos taken by Lisa Stewart Photography of the event were being immediately downloaded and added to an album on the 7 For All Mankind Facebook page. You were then invited to tag the photo of you so you could share it with your friends. They also had fantastic goodie bags that included fun summer products that had a retail value of more than what the minimum was you needed to spend to receive one. I saw very few people leaving the store without one.

They also let me know that by "liking" their Facebook page or following them on Twitter you get access to lots of special events and savings. As I customer I love getting rewarded for my loyalty, and it keeps me going back to the stores that appreciate that loyalty.

Oh - and did I mention how amazing their jeans are? They truly are the best fitting jeans in the world!

7 For All Mankind Hosts a Summer Soiree

Summer is officially here, and I'm ready to start my summer shopping! The perfect place to start is 7 For All Mankind - the World's Premiere Premium Denim Lifestyle Brand.

They are hosting a Summer Soiree in Dallas today so I stopped by to see what was new. I am very hard to fit, but they showed me jeans and even a dress that I felt good in!

Looking forward to showing off my new look in Rochester next week at the launch of the Lifestylist Designed @home Builders YMCA Dream Home.

 

What is a Social Media Lifestylist?

I can't believe it's been almost 10 years since I received the trademark registration of the term Lifestylist! I had been using the term for quite awhile as the definition of what I do, then a wonderful mentor recommended that I trademark the term to protect it. Wonderful advice, and it has been a decision that I have never regretted.

I bought my first domain names when we were still using dial up connections and no one had a clue what to do with a name after you bought it. Again I have been very fortunate to have great advisers around me and because of them I own some very powerful domain names. As Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, YouTube and LinkedIn began to become important, I discovered social media. Most of my clients are on shoestring budgets, so introducing them to the power of social media and how it can help them develop their brands and businesses was a great way to help them stretch their marketing dollars.

So what is a Social Media Lifestylist? That would be me! Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber has been recognized as the go-to person for developing social media programs that will produce results. Her Lifestylist.TV Channel features interviews with lifestyle issues and concerns including puppy mills and the groups dedicated to closing them down, home builders, fund raising homes, and some amazing interviews yet to come! You can also find us at: www.socialmedialifestylist.com. www.socialmedialifestylist.net, and www.socialmedialifestylist.info. This Lifestylist® is against buying designer dogs and is all about rescue, so if you read something else it's incorrect.

The first advice I always give to my clients is to be sure and purchase any domain names that might have to do with your brand, and this is why we have the Social Media Lifestylist domains.

We also believe in giving back to the communities we love and we handle the social media for the USA Film Festival, HomeAid / Home Builders Care Dallas, Chef Joanne Bondy, Photographer Lisa Stewart and Jack's Backyard. Future projects include Legal Honesty and some others we can't talk about yet :)

So if you are looking for a Social Media Lifestylist® to make your brand come alive, accept no imitations - it's a decision you won't regret.

Sweets For Valentines Day

Are you looking for something easy and memorable to do for the special person in your life on Valentine's Day?
These White Chocolate Citrus Truffles will be a gift to remember. I entered these in the State Fair of Texas this year and they were a huge hit.
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
Zest of 1 Orange
Zest of 1 Lemon
2 lbs. White Chocolate
1 Tablespoon Shortening
Combine zests and heavy cream in a small saucepan - simmer until bubbles appear.
Remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, warm up again until bubbles appear.
Melt 1 lb. white chocolate, strain cream mixture and add to chocolate. Stir gently and allow to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Roll ganache into 1 inch round balls, then put in freezer to set at least 2 hours.
Melt remaining white chocolate, and stir in shortening. Dip centers into chocolate, then garnish with orange zest.

NY Times Says Oak Cliff Is The Place to Be For Super Bowl XLV



They say it's all about location, location, location, and I love that the NY Times had an article today about the place to be seen during Super Bowl XLV is Oak Cliff! The Home Idea Factory has been located in this historic district for over 10 years, and we couldn't agree more. The Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff is truly a neighborhood and we love living and working in this diverse community.

Part of the Lifestylist® movement is about buying local, and there's no better place than in Oak Cliff. Dude Sweet Chocolate is a must visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth - their artisan chocolates are the best I've had anywhere in the world. Great live music? Check out Jack's Backyard - a little bit off the beaten path but still in Oak Cliff. They have a wonderful "backyard" with fire pits where you can enjoy great food and great local musicians in the company of friends. And a little known fact is that they have one of the best brunches in town with bottomless mimosas - the perfect way to start game day!

We will be sharing as many of our local favorites as we can here before the game. If you need a referral just for you, feel free to email our Lifestylist Advisory Services at: info@lifestylist.com

See you at the game!