Parisian's Pure Indulgence

Life happens...get a Coach!

   Ever felt like you needed some assistance to get over a "Life Bump?"  Perhaps it's a personal situation, or even a business "Bump."  As for me, I have been coached through both.  I have found tremendous value in coaching.  A little over a year ago, I sought out coaching to help me achieve some business goals.  With the assistance of my coach, I made a declaration to grow my business 15% during a typically slow time of year for my business (and a slow economy!).  I was able to meet and exceed those goals simply by allowing my Coach to challenge my thinking on how I could do things differently and work smarter. Simple tweaks...great results!

 Meet Debe Bloom, our featured Businesswoman, and Coach extrordinare.

Tell us a little bit about yourself Debe?

I reside in Ventura, California with my husband of nine years, Rick, and our 6 yr old Pekingese, Julee.  This is both Rick’s and my second marriage and we each bring a daughter and a son to our life together.  We also have 2 granddaughters that live in Oxnard, which is the reason why we moved back from San Francisco after living there for 8 years.

 

What made you decide to go into Coaching?

Since 2001 I have been offering grief support to others in a finite group, as a result of my losing my twin sister. Life Coaching was presented to me several years ago as a career opportunity and as I did my research on it, I realized that coaching was very similar to the support I was already doing, only with a very positive ‘spin’.  Since I was finding so much satisfaction in the support I was offering, I decided to go to school and become a certified professional coach and continue focusing on helping others through all of life’s challenges & struggles.

 

What is the most rewarding part of your business?

Coaching others has been one of the best choices in my life that I have made.  It is incredibly rewarding to hear the feedback of success from my clients.  If a person has a relationship issue (family, romantic, platonic or career) I can help carve a new avenue to dissolve the issue.  If a person has self-confidence issues, we can work together to successfully get beyond them. Anything and everything is “workable”.

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years in regard to your coaching business?

The world is full of so many adventures for each of us, some exciting and powerful and some that can give us anxiety. Looking down my 5-year road, I am anxious to be available to others who are looking for a team mate to help build their own personal & business success. 

 

Debe can be reached at (805) 659-3323 or at debe@debebloom.com

Here are some other terrific businesswomen I met at last week's Heart Link Networking group meeting....

 

 

  

Mimi Crandal of Beijo Bags and Debbie Leonard of Private Quarters

 

Grace Schwartz of New York Life, Christina Henteleff of Cookie Lee Jewelry, Rosalie Meyer of Tastefully Simple (and our Heart Link Network Coordinator), Debe Bloom, Life Coach, Marlea Nolen of Meleleuca, Helen Arabanos of Full Bloom Feng Shui, Laurie Hurley of Bright Apple Tutoring, Pam Kissel of PK Organizing Solutions, Kristin Taekman of 2nd Street Press, Chris Leach of Creative Memories, Laurie Ramsey of Turn Gold to Cash, and Marsha Berg of Send Out Cards. 

Why Perfume Oils?

5 reasons for choosing Perfume Oils

1.  Perfume Oils contain NO alchohol.  Alcohol is drying to the skin

2.. Oil based perfumes last much longer than alcohol based perfumes because oil doesn’t evaporate as alcohol does, which means your top and middle notes will last longer. 

3.  Perfume oils condition the skin as well as scent.

4.  If you have allergies to perfumes, you are better off with a perfume oils or moisturizing lotions.  They are lighter, less irritating, and are not sprayed into the air.

5. Organic Perfume Oils, like Parisian's Pure Indulgence, "Parfum" support the environment.

For more information about our Perfume Oil and scent selection, visit our web site at

     www.ParisiansPureIndulgence.com
 

 

Silpada Fine Silver Jewelry

Sally W. represents Silpada Fine Silver Jewelry.  We are proud to feature her in this weeks blog. Thanks to Sally, I am now the happy owner of a beautiful pair of emerald cubic earrings.  I love them!

Tell us a little about yourself?  I grew up in Michigan and now after many years in California, I’m not quite sure how I ever survived the cold Midwest weather.  I live in Westlake Village with my husband, Charlie and our recent college graduate son, Jonathan.  (Have you seen the movie “Failure to Launch”  … that could be us soon.) But truly, I love having him home and know I will miss him terribly when he does move away.

 What made you decide on Silpada Jewelry as your business?  I was looking for something else to do and LOVE jewelry.  I looked at several companies, but wanted to represent an elegant, sophisticated product.   I was very impressed with Silpada’s quality, customer service and support for their independent representatives. 

 What challenges have you had to overcome in order to create a successful business? Staying optimistic and persevering even in a down economy -

 Where do you see yourself 5 years from now in business?  Growing my team of representatives.

Contact Sally at www.mysilpada.com/sally.winstonstark

Home:   818-865-1881 Mobile: 818-497-5447

Here are some other amazing Women I met this week at Rosalie M.'s Heart Link Networking Group meeting.

Solange D., CAbi Consultant, Rosalie M., Tastefully Simple and Heart Link Area Coordinator

 

Helen A., Full Bloom Feng Shui, Lori R., Turn Old Gold Into Cash, Marsha B., Send Out Cards, Pam K., Organizing Solutions, Sally W., Silpada Jewelry

 

Leslie B., Troop Real Estate, Debe B., Certified Coach, Marlea N., Melaluca

 

Heart Link Network Power Women

 Tuesday, October 6, 2009 was the day 20 powerful business women came together and shared their passion for their respective businesses.

   Meet Marsha Berg of "Send Out Cards."  I met her last month at a Heart Link Networking meeting and immediately noticed her energy and enthusiasm for her business.

 We asked Marsha to tell us a little bit about herself.

  She replied, "I'm married, and have three children, 23, 13, 11.  I spent the last 30 years in the mortgage business and began looking for a change of career.  I love to ride my Harley, I knit, I golf, I scrapbook, I love networking and  meeting new people.  As a family, the kids play sports, we RV, ride dirt bikes, and boat as well.  I love to have friends over.

What interested you about "Send out Cards" as a business.

 I had been looking at it for a couple years and when I met Mimi, my up line, I decided to go for it. I just love the cards and the ability to send heartfelt rays of sunshine when I am prompted with a thought of someone.  I also love the low cost of sending these cards.

 

What are some of the challenges you've had to overcome to create a successful business?

 It's sometimes hard to get a person to see the ease of the system and how it can save money.  Another challenge, in these tough economic times, is the cost of purchasing the use of the system. 

You can contact Marsha at berg-5@msn.com for more information on Send out Cards.

Here are some of the other fabulous women who attended this months meeting.

 

Pictured left to right, Sue Reynolds of Juice Plus, Peggy Rosenberg of Mannatech (and Heart Link Coordinator), Joan Howard, Psychologist, Rosalie Meyer of Tastefully Simple (and Heart Link Coordinator), Chris Leach of Creative Memories.

 

Pictured left to right.  Diane Lees of Kika Paprika, Laurie Hurley of Bright Apple Tutoring, Marsha Berg of Send out Cards, and Christina Henteleff of Cookie Lee Jewelry.

   
   

 

Chris Leach of Creative Memories and Tammy Blomsterberg of Shop to Earn.

 

 

 

 

 

What you may not know about Parisian's Pure Indulgence

Facts about our company...

1.  All Parisian's Pure Indulgence skin care treatments are manufactured in the United States. Many well known companies are manufacturing their products in other countries.  We believe in keeping the business in our country, therefore, supporting our economy.

2.  Most of our products have at least a 70% organic ingredient content.

3.  We believe in the personal touch and do our best to stay in contact with each of our customers.  We are never further than an email or phone call away (contact us here)

4.  While we sell a wonderful nail strenghtener called "Nail Fitness," we are NOT the manufacturers of this product.  Of course, nail polish in NOT an all natural product.  But, because we believe in promoting the beauty and strength of your NATURAL NAil, we decided to make it available on our web site.  It is one of our best sellers.

5.  We chose NOT to use Parabens, sulfate's, alcohols, or petro chemicals in any of the Parisian's Pure Indulgence products.

6.  Parisian's Pure Indulgence Skin care line is sold in upscale Salons, Spa's and Gift Boutiques in Southern California and on our web site.

7. Our return policy is, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return the item for refund or exchange.

Tell us your thoughts....are there any products you would like to see PPI carry in the future?

Feel free to comment here.

Latisse Eyelash Enhancer

I've been asked what I think about the new eyelash enhancer, Latisse.  First of all, does it work?  Absolutely, yes.  Would I use it personally?  No.  I have my own reasons for not using an eyelash enhancer (I'll get to that later).  The purpose of this blog is to inform, and then let you decide whether the product is for you or not.

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Latisse, which is made by Allergan to treat a condition known as hypotrichosis of the eyelashes, or in others words, thin, sparse eyelashes.  Interestingly, it was discovered while treating glaucoma patients with one of their other drugs, Lumigan, that patients eyelashes became more lush.  In clinical trials, Allergan confirmed this finding and created Latisse.

That's the good news....the down side is

According to Romona Bates MD, in EMaxHealth.com  "Approximately 4% of users of Latisse will have side effects such as an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. Pigmentation of the eyelids and iris may occur. Other less common side effects which typically occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied, or in the eyes, include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids."  Allergan confirms these findings in their literature on the drug.

Temporary darkening of the skin may be reversible. In addition, Allergan notes that the drug may also permanently darken the iris of the eye as well as promote hair growth in other skin areas that the treatment applicator may touch.  Caution is advised in wiping away any excess product from under the eyes.

You should be aware that once you stop using the treatment, your eyelashes return to their former condition.

Reviews:

The drug costs $120.00 for a 30 day supply.  It is suggested that it take 3-4 months to see full results.  I have seen the results of using Latisse, on two of my clients, and they are dramatic.  Neither reported adverse reactions. 

Denise Casey reports, ""I have been using Revitalash (same as Latisse and Jan Marini's products) since April and there is a remarkable difference in my length. When I have mascara on, they touch the inside of my glasses. Is amazing. I am still on the same tube and use it 5x a week. Cost: $150.00...Looks: priceless"  Revitalash is the over the counter version of, prescription only, Latisse.  Both have similar ingredients. 

As for me...

I choose not to use either Revitalash or Latisse, simply because I have extremely sensitive eyes (I also have a dry eye condition), so much so, it was in part the reason I developed my own skin care line.  I had never found an eye creme/treatment that didn't cause me to have some sort of reaction, before our Creme de la Creme eye revitalizing creme was formulated.

Please feel free to share your experience of Latisse or Revitalash here.  We welcome all informed comments.

 

Networking Groups...why I appreciate them

and why I am joining more groups

1.  I enjoy learning about other's businesses.  I would never know about many fabulous businesses if I didn't attend networking meetings regularly.

2.  I believe in todays economy that we must learn about, and support one another's businesses, in a cost effective manner.  Networking through various groups affords me that opportunity.

3.  I enjoy bartering services and products.  Here's a perfect example of how bartering has grown two businesses.  I asked Rosalie M. if she would barter a couple Tastefully Simple products for Parisian's Pure Indulgence products.  She welcomed the idea.  I shared one of the Tastefully Simply products with a friend, he loved the product (Pomegranate Chipolte Sauce-Yum!) and is placing a order for his friends for the holidays!  Rosalie enjoyed her Parisian's Pure Indulgence products and sings their praises at the networking meetings she attends. 

4.  Going to meetings allows me to get my products in more people's hands.  I always bring samples. 

5.  I appreciate hearing different ways others are growing their businesses. 

Networking Group do's and don'ts

Do:

1.  Do consider giving away your products and services in order to allow others to experience what you offer and tell their friends about it.

2.  Do attend regularly.  Let people get to know who you are.

3.  Follow up with an email, phone call, or newsletter.

4.  Join social media connections with the people you meet at meetings, such as, facebook, Twitter, Linkedin.  Can't say enough about the importance of supporting each others business through fb Fan Pages!

5.  Learn all you can about Social Media and networking through programs like http://www.blogtalkradio.com/social-paradigm-/2009/09/17/guerrilla-marketing-tactics  This program has helped me learn how Social Media is one of our most powerful marketing tools!

6.  When you like what another business offers....tell your friends!

Don't:

1.  Don't go to one or two meetings and expect a ton of new business.  You must be consistent, attend regularly, allowing others get to know who you are and why they would want to do business with you.

2.  Don't forget to support someone else's business first.  Because I blog regularly, I take a photo and feature someone from every networking meeting I go to, in my weekly blog.  I believe in supporting others first.

3.  Don't forget to follow up.  This is very important!

I have seen excellent results from attending Heart Link Networking meetings for 9 months now.  I started going to one a month and now attend two per month.  I go to these meetings in different areas and meet lots of new entrepreneurs, like myself.

Here's the wonderful women I met at our Heart Link Networking group meeting this week.

Brittney M., Isagenix and our wonderful Heart Link leader, Susan F., CPA, Cory C., Bast Insurance, Marty V., KikaPaprika Clothing line, Kelli P., Parisian's Pure Indulgence, Pamela K., Organizing Solutions, Rosalie M., Tastefully Simple, and Renee U., Math by Renee.

Share with us your experience of networking.  What groups do you belong to?  How has networking supported your business?

 

 

Tastefully Simple

One of the things I enjoy most about being a business owner is networking with other business owners.  I attend two networking group meetings a month and I'm always excited to hear what other business women are doing and what motivates them in their chosen fields.

I met Rosalie (photographed here with me) a few months ago at a Heart link Women's Networking group. She brought a appetizer and an almond cake dessert.  Being the "Foodie" that I am, I was intrigued with both.  I asked about both dishes and found out Rosalie made them from two everyday goodies her business,  "Tastefully Simple" offers.

Typically, I'm a purist and prefer to make my desserts, sauces, and dressings myself, but one taste of the Tastefully Simple "Pomegranate Chipolte" sauce made me take notice.  I knew this was every bit as good as I could make myself, and what a time saver!  I've tried many of the other delightful treats they offer, and one is better than the next. 

                                                    

Last weekend I attended a party and here is the dish I made with the Tastefully Simply Pomegranate Chipolte sauce.  It's grilled, pinneapple, white nectarines, and chicken, brushed with the incredible sauce.  I put a little of the sauce in a dipping dish and voila...I had a crowd pleaser.

 

 

We asked Rosalie....

Tell us a little about youself?  I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I'm married with a grown son and daughter.

How and why did you get started in Tastefully Simple and Heart Link?  My “why” for joining Tastefully Simple was for the money. We had a daughter in private college and I wanted to help keep our lifestyle the same as before private school tuition. Since then I have realized that I love the recognition the business gives me and allows me to shine.

What made you decide to become a heart Link leader? My “why” for starting the Heart Link Meetings was simply to network and help other women meet and grow their businesses.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years in your business? In five years, I see myself as a Senior Team Mentor in Tastefully Simple with a thriving business and many team members.

To contact Rosalie email her at www.tastefullysimple.com/com/web/rmeyer or call her at 805.796.6777.

Free Radicals and Aging

What is a Free Radical?

"Free radicals are the highly reactive and unstable molecules that cause cellular oxidation, a process similar to the rusting of metal," writes Celilia Ho, ND.

"Free radicals are created every day during the normal living processes of turning our food into energy (metabolism) and detoxifying environmental pollutants. Exposure to free radicals also comes from lifestyle choices, including smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming a poor diet. Free radicals induce damage to our cells and DNA. Free radical attacks–known as oxidative stress–have been associated with accelerated signs of aging and chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

 

In my very non-scientific way, I like to think of Free Radicals as "Pac Man" gobbling up our good cells.

 

 

The effects of Antioxidants on free radicals

Antioxidants are highly involved in the prevention of cellular damage.  Vitamins C, E, and Beta-carotene offer the best protection.  They save the day by donating one of their own electrons. This donation neutralizes the unhealthy chain reaction of free radicals. Even after donating an electron, antioxidants don’t become free radicals themselves. Instead, they remain stable and unaffected.

Antioxidants in your skin care

Antioxidants supply the skin with moisture, allowing skin to stay smooth and fine lines are lessened. For instance, vitamin C is a key contributor in maintaining skin moisture. Also, research suggests antioxidants can help to shield skin from sun damage. Other heavy hitter antioxidants include Pomegranate - contains ellagic acid, a major age-proofing agent that prevents sun damage and stimulates glutathione) and Co-enzyme Q10 - Increases collagen and elastin in the skin and helps to protect it from sun damage. CoQ10 levels tend to drop in people over 30 years old. Supplements and topical creams with CoQ10 can keep your skin looking younger longer.

Here's some more good news...Chocolate may actually be good for your skin!  The cocoa that we find in dark chocolate is particularly good source of the antioxidant compound called "flavonoids."

I'm eating chocolate (Dark of course) even as I write this blog because...

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process...It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance? 

 

 

Beef Bourguignon

Thank You Julia Child, your Beef Bourguignon recipe was a big hit at my dinner party Saturday night.  So much so, I'm sharing a photo and the recipe for others to enjoy.  I knew it was a hit when my friend Charles said, "Kelli, would it be rude if I was to lick my plate?"

 

Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 oz bacon
• 2 to 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 lbs trimmed beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups sliced onions
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 bottle of red wine (such as a zinfandel or Chianti)
• 2 cups beef stock or canned beef broth
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned
• 1 medium herb bouquet (tie 8 parsley sprigs, 1 large bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 whole cloves or allspice berries, and 3 large cloves of smashed garlic together wrapped and tied in cheesecloth)

• Beurre manié: 3 Tbsp flour blended to a paste with 2 Tbsp butter

• 24 pearl onions
• Chicken stock
• Butter
• 1 1/2 pounds of button or cremini mushrooms, quartered

Method

1 Blanch the bacon to remove its smoky taste. Drop bacon slices into 2 quarts of cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer 6 to 8 minutes. Drain, rinse in cold water, and dry on paper towels.

2 In a large frying pan, sauté the blanched bacon to brown slightly in a little oil; set them aside and add later to simmer with the beef, using the rendered fat in browning. Brown the chunks of beef on all sides in the bacon fat and olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and put them into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or covered casserole pan. Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces and add to the pan.

3 Remove all but a little fat from the frying pan, add the sliced vegetables and brown them, and add to the meat. Deglaze the pan with wine, pouring it into the casserole along with enough stock to almost cover the meat. Stir in the tomatoes and add the herb bouquet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and simmer slowly on the lowest heat possible, either on the stove or in a preheated 325°F oven, until the meat is tender, about 1 to 2 hours.

4 While the stew is cooking, prepare the onions. Blanch the onions in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking. Slice the end tips off of the onions, peel the onions and score the root end with 1/4 inch cuts. Sauté onions in a single layer in a tablespoon or two of butter until lightly browned. Add chicken stock or water half way up the sides of the onions. Add a teaspoon of sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer slowly for 25 minutes or until tender. The onions should absorb most of the water. If there is water remaining after cooking, drain the excess. Set aside.

5 Prepare the mushrooms a few minutes before serving the stew. Sauté quartered mushrooms in a few tablespoons of butter and olive oil until browned and cooked through.

6 When the stew meat has cooked sufficiently, remove all solids from the sauce (except the beef) by draining through a colander set over a saucepan. Return the beef to the casserole. Press juices out of the residue into the cooking liquid, then remove any visible fat and boil down the liquid to 3 cups. Off heat, whisk in the beurre manié, then simmer for 2 minutes as the sauce thickens lightly. Correct seasoning and pour over the meat, folding in the onions and mushrooms. To serve, bring to a simmer, basting meat and vegetables with the sauce for several minutes until hot throughout.

Serve with rice, bread, or potatoes (unless you are doing the low-carb version!).

Serves 6 to 8.