« August 2009 | Main | October 2009 »

September 30, 2009

The Roving Vineyard- Girls Night Out Business Highlight

 

I know you have been invited, attended and even hosted parties like Arbonne, Stella & Dot and others (seen any pink Cadillacs lately?).  But, have you been to a Wine Party?  WineShop at Home was originally founded as a wine club, but entered the direct sales side of business in 2002.  This company brings the best wine California to your doorstep.

 

 

 Clare Devlin was looking for something to do that would allow her a flexible work schedule and more time with her young daughter and husband.  A friend of hers in California told her about this relatively new company.  Clare grew up in Northern California where wine and wine making were family interests.  She has always been the one who picks the wine for friends at dinner.  “It's what my parents exposed me to that I suppose I am passing on to friends- opening up your palette to new varietals.  Educating friends on what they are consuming is something I did on my own so, why not get paid for it?”
 

RovingVineyard.com, Clare’s wine tasting company, brings the wine country to your party.  She guides the wine tasting with exclusive, reasonably priced bottles.  She offers reds, white, sparkling and dessert wines from different regions and different vineyards.  These exclusive wines are not found in stores as the grapes originate from smaller vineyards with limited retail distribution.  Two of Clare’s favorites right now are the Talmage 2005 Cabernet and the 2007 Sunfish Chardonnay.  New hand-crafted, exclusive wines are always being introduced, so favorites are constantly changing. 


 
 

Clare researches (and taste tests!) all of the wines offered at a tasting.  She knows the individual vintage’s history and suggests food pairings.  Hosting a Tasting party is a fun way to entertain guests.  Stocking your own wine cellar is a benefit!  See The video clip below:


 
RovingVineyard.com is more than just wine.  Through WineShop at Home a variety of products can be purchased to enhance your vino experience.  You can choose from a variety of gift baskets that hold chocolates, cheeses, crackers and of course wine. 


 

Artisan 5 Star stemware is an exclusive offering of WineShop at Home.  Dishwasher safe and lead-free, this crystal is designed to enhance the aroma and flavor of your wine.  Red, White and Sparkling Flute stems and a classic shaped Decanter are available.  Boxed gift sets of wine and/or stemware and candy can be shipped to you or directly to your friends. 

 


But, one of the coolest products is the Personalized Wine Bottles.  You can customize the Talmage Cellars varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sparkling wines.  Celebrate a wedding, birthday, and family reunions with personalized labels designed through Clare’s website. 
 
Clare is bringing her Roving Vineyard to our Girls Night Out.  Come and sample her exclusive, hand-crafted wines.  
 
 

Clare Devlin
Independent Wine Consultant
E-mail:  info@rovingvineyard.com
(832) 368-2865
www.RovingVineyard.com

"Good wine is a necessity of life for me."     ~ Thomas Jefferson
 

Posted by Denise at 10:14 PM |

September 25, 2009

Stella & Dot- Girls Night Out Business Highlight

 

 

 

 

 

Stella & Dot is THE new direct sales jewelry company.  When Keri and I learned about this jewelry line we knew we had to have Stella & Dot at our Girls Night Out event.  The jewelry is cute and so uniquely fashionable for today's styles.  From their kicky retro enamel flowers to precious metals and gemstones, there is something for everyone.  Stella & Dot jewelry is designed in New York and San Francisco by award-winning trend setters who also create jewelry sold in Neiman Marcus and Fred Segal.  With a Stella & Dot piece your average jeans and white t-shirt “uniform” turns into a smashing statement. 


Ali Santano found out about Stella & Dot last November.  She loved the idea of getting together with her girlfriends and trying on jewelry.  “I love the social selling atmosphere of our Private Trunk Shows…with half of the collection under $50, there are many great gifting ideas.”  In her “former life”, Ali worked for a pharmaceutical company, and before that was in technical sales.  She has found the direct sales business to be a great fit with her most important role, being a mom and wife.  When asked about the company and her experience, Ali commented, “There are no glass cases, disinterested sales clerks with a key, and no glass ceilings.  Women LOVE this Social Selling model and leave our trunk shows having had a great time playing dress up with girlfriends.  This is the exact reason I am with Stella & Dot.  Our founder, Jessica Herrin, founder of weddingchannel.com, has created a modern home-based business with the POWER of the internet and a couture design as an affordable luxury.  I am in control of my earning potential, and I can make it happen.  And I can do all of this from home with my family.” 

When you first see Stella & Dot’s Happy Flowers collection you are immediately reminded of your grandmother’s jewelry box.  Colorful enameled flowers on pendants, rings, necklaces and bracelets are vintage in look with a modern kick.  You can create your own personalized necklace from the signature charm collection.  Just pick a base chain or cord then mix and match any of the charms.  Inspired by the company’s head designer’s grandmother, Dot, the newest collection pairs opulent pearls with faceted crystals on embroidery and ribbon. 

 

 

Ali’s favorite Stella & Dot pieces right now are the Natasha Bib, The Adrienne Mixed Chains necklace, the Avery Chain and Pearl necklace, and the Charm Collection (click the links to see cool video clips of these favorite Stella & Dot pieces)

Come meet Ali and see all of the pieces Stella & Dot offers at our Girls Night Out! 
Be sure to visit www.gnohouston.com and pre-register.  This will automatically put your name in a drawing for fabulous door prizes (must be present to win).  Tickets are $10 at the door.  All ticket proceeds go directly to Texas Center for the Missing.  We’ll see you on October 17th!
 

ali santano
stella & dot
832.588.4259
ali@alisantano.com
www.stelladot.com/alisantano

 

 

Posted by Denise at 07:49 AM |

September 21, 2009

Pickles & Ice Cream- Girls Night Out Business Highlight

 

 

Being pregnant gives a lady some great excuses – eating that second helping without guilt being one of them.  But, maybe the best excuse when pregnant is HAVING to shop for new clothes!  Pickles & Ice Cream Maternity Apparel  is THE PLACE for all the latest maternity styles and trends.  Gone are the days when maternity wardrobes consisted of “tent-like” shirts and uncomfortable draw string pants.  Now you can show off your beautiful baby bump! 

Dawn Wilson, owner of Pickles  &  Ice Cream since  2002, knows what pregnant ladies want and need.  If you are looking for casual, trendy, work, or holiday dress styles Pickles  &  Ice Cream has it.   You’ll find styles from designers like Juicy Couture, Japanese Weekend, and Olian.    Michael Stars maternity tees are comfortable and sassy .  A large selection of novelty tees – favorites include, “the Bump is Back”  and "Rock the Bump".  All of these can be paired with the most comfortable pants that will last you through your pregnancy.

Pickles & Ice Cream is known in Houston for their maternity designer denim (something that every pregnant fashionista wears).  Denim brands like Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, and J Brand (a Pickles & Ice Cream exclusive) are current and comfortable.  Paige Maternity has the latest “it” style -the boyfriend jean which is distressed and has a more relaxed fit (below).

Pickles and Ice Cream also has non-maternity clothing, tops and dresses good for the transitional first trimester and after baby shapes.  Dawn picks styles from several ready to wear designers specifically to “grow with” or “hide that” bump!   There are also some great nursing tops to help you look fashionable when you are on the go once the baby arrives.  In addition, the store has a great selection of maternity and nursing sleepwear  (Japanese Weekend has the softest cotton sets!).  You’ll find a large selection of maternity and nursing bras.  Of course, they will personally help you choose and fit the best bra for your shape and growing size.  

Pickles and Ice Cream has “after baby” items too!  Diaper bags from Stork Sak , Skip Hop, Fleurville, Babymel and Caden Lane.

 

The ever popular product ~ the Belly Bandit which helps tighten the loose belly  muscles after birth is a must have!  I recommend picking this up before baby's delivery.  Then you have it ready at home and you won't have to try to describe it to your husband for the many "honey do" trips to get those after baby essentials while you rest at home.  The store also has novelty onesies, baby socks, and picture frames. 

 

 Great gifts for the baby and mommy alike.

And, when shopping has worn you out you can sit in the most comfortable gliders by Best Chairs.  These gliders are custom made with many fabric choices to fit any nursery and can be ordered from one of staff at Pickles & Ice Cream.  

 

Pickles & Ice Cream has recently moved (just down the street from their original store) to the new BLVD Place center.  You’ll see their eye-catching green striped sign at 1800 Post Oak Blvd.

Their Grand Re-Opening Celebration is this weekend – September 25 th and 26 th.  Come meet Dawn at our Girls Night Out! 

Dawn Wilson

Pickles & Ice Cream

Maternity and Apparel

1800 Post Oak Blvd

713-623-2229

 

 

 

Posted by Denise at 07:53 PM |

September 16, 2009

Arbonne- Girls Night Out Business Highlight

 

Our lives are busy.  Family, work, and everyday life can “get in the way” of fun!  Ladies, especially moms, never seem to take time for themselves.  Arbonne International carries a variety of skin care and nutritional products to help all of us feel and look better, and pamper ourselves in the process.

The company, founded in 1975 by biochemists, biologists and herbalists in Arbonne , Switzerland , came to the United States in 1980.  Arbonne International has grown from a handful of employees to one of the largest home based businesses in the country. 

 

 

Cecilia Notzon began selling Arbonne products after using them.  “I was amazed at the results using the MutriMinRe9 body set, after only one week I got smoother skin on my arms, legs and specially my dry feet.  Also, I used the 7 Day Detox in the SeaSource Spa line combined with a well balanced diet, the Figure8 line yummy shakes, and exercise and lost 5lbs!"  Convinced by her personal results, Cecilia, a wife, mother of two, and architect by profession, began sharing her new favorite products with friends.  She started selling Arbonne after her husband was laid-off supplementing the family's income.  It has been a fun and profitable business for Cecilia, "I believe in the products and they are selling themselves!"

 

Arbonne products are formulated in Switzerland and produced in the U.S..  The “pure, safe, and beneficial” motto resonates throughout each product line.  Something for everyone, Arbonne caters to babies, teenagers, women and men, from skin care to make-up and weight management. 

 

Arbonne Baby Care Set

 

 

 

 

 

The FC5 skin care line uses the groundbreaking encapsulated fruit and vegetable nutrients to hydrate, cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize.  The moisturizer also has a SPF 30.  All of the products in this line have a light and refreshing kiwi scent.

An Arbonne exclusive is the new Revelage product line.  It was formulated to brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of age spots and freckles.  It corrects skin discoloration and gives an even tone.  Revelage has a hand therapy lotion – great for Houston drivers (when isn’t the hot sun shining down on our hands in the car?).

 

One of the Arbonne favorites is the SeaSource Detox Spa line.  This line was formulated to combat internal and external toxins that can lead to fatigue, stress, skin breakouts, weight gain, premature aging, etc.  All of the products smell fabulous and feel luxurious.  The Detox sea soak pampers your skin.  The Re-Mineralizing body lotion smells fantastic and moisturizes your skin for 24 hours. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Detox sea soak pampers your skin.  The Re-Mineralizing body lotion smells fantastic and moisturizes your skin for 24 hours. 

 

 

 

Cecilia is passionate about helping clients feel better about themselves, through outer beauty and inner health.  She will have all of these products and more for you to try at our Girls Night Out.  Be sure to check out the “only during the holidays” products and gifts. 

 

Cecilia Notzon

Independent Consultant
713-252-4046

Posted by Denise at 08:42 PM |

September 13, 2009

Raspberry Rose- Girls Night Out Business Highlight

 

 

Located at 2434 Rice Blvd, Raspberry Rose has been a Rice Village mainstay since 1983.  Owner Carrie Schwartzenburg grew up in the chic retail boutique learning the retail industry from her mom.  Opening as a resale store at its original location in 1976, Raspberry Rose has evolved into a hip and cool “go to” shop for casual to work attire.  Raspberry Rose clothing lines cater to ladies in their twenties to sixties (I’m sure a few hip “mature” ladies we know shop there too!).

The store is nicely arranged to easily find favorites and must have pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll find the latest and greatest styles from designers Michael Stars, Ella Moss, Bailey 44, XCVI and more.  One favorite this season is the Johnny Was embroidered shirt.  It looks great layered, belted or just worn with a comfy pair of jeans.

Another favorite is the LillaP Origami Wrap (seen below).  This top is one clothing item with infinite possibilities.  It can be worn as a halter, tunic, long sleeve wrap, and more.  It looks great worn alone or layered with a tank or under a jacket.  Raspberry Rose has the long sleeve Origami Wrap in many colors for your fall wardrobe.

Check out this chocolate colored leather jacket and scarf.  It is hard to imagine "cold weather", as we are in the midst of this heat, but what better way to look cool in the cold?

 

Raspberry Rose’s large selection of belts and scarves can finish your look over clothes, but undergarments are also important!  Plenty of tanks and shape wear line the back walls.  When an outfit can’t “support” a regular bra, NuBra is your answer.  These self-adhesive bra cups stay put all day, can be washed and re-used.  Hanky Panky panties are also a fun, colorful and lacey way to complete your outfit.

Alongside fabulous clothing lines are displays of jewelry.  You can create your own necklace with chains and drops from local designer Monica Haff.  The San Benito charm necklace from Virgin Saints and Angels is a best seller.  Necklaces designed with precious and semi-precious stones and metals from another local designer, Rebecca Lankford Designs can be layered or worn alone to compliment any outfit.

Next time you’re shopping in the Rice Village stop by Raspberry Rose.  You’ll find Carrie there or across the street at Loop.  Loop is Carrie’s newest venture and will be opening soon!  There you will find fashionable AND affordable shoes and accessories.   So check out all the latest fashions on either side of Rice Blvd.  And don’t forget, to come see all the best Raspberry Rose has to offer at our Girls Night Out October 17th!

 

 

Carrie Schwartzenburg, Owner

Raspberry Rose

2434 Rice Blvd
Houston, TX 77005-3203
(713) 529-2260

 

Posted by Denise at 09:18 PM |

September 11, 2009

Curly Girl Fun

As promised, I have all the details for Next week's Curly Girl Party for those of you with curly hair. 

 

 

Curly Girl Party with Hairsylist, Gerri Curtis

Sunday, September 20, 2009

2:00 to 4:00 PM

Danny Clark Photography Studio

2427 Bartlett

R.S.V.P. to Gerri at 832-647-5420 or hairbygerri13@aol.com

Food, drinks, door prizes and product discounts!

Gerri will be teaching some cool curl tricks and sharing special curly hair product knowledge.  This year she will be raffling off a chance to take home a Deva brand Hair Dryer (valued at over $180).  I want one!

 

We hope you can come and don't forget to bring a friend! Curly girls need to stick together and spread the word.  Curly friends don't let curly friends go frizzy.  Please be sure to RSVP.

Posted by Denise at 12:21 AM |

September 06, 2009

Angie's Cakes- Girls Night Out Business Highlight

 

 

 

 

Like many small business beginnings, Angie Jackson saw something she liked and made it better.  She found a recipe in the newspaper and tried it out.  Her family loved it, her friends loved it and everyone wanted more…Angie’s Cakes was born.  

 

 

Angie’s (very soon to be famous) Cake Balls are yummy morsels of cake rolled in icing then dipped in chocolate.  Again, YUM!  These bite size sweet treats come in a variety of flavors from Vanilla to Chocolate to Pumpkin.   She also has specialty flavors like Italian Cake and S’Mores.  They are made fresh when ordered, and will keep in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.  But really, who expects something so good to hang out in the fridge? 

 

Cake Balls can be arranged in boxes or platters for a beautiful presentation for a special gift or party.  Angie’s Cake Pops are the same delicious cake balls, but on a lollipop stick. With these she makes themed baskets for any special occasions. 

 

Angie is bringing her Cake Balls and Pops to our Girls Night Out.  She will have a supply on hand for purchase and will take orders for more.  She promises to have plenty of samples to taste! 

Angie Jackson, owner

Angies Cakes

832-347-4987

To learn more about the Girls Night Out and the other businesses that will be there, don't forget to check back and often here on our blog.

Posted by Denise at 08:27 PM | | Comments (1)

September 05, 2009

Save the Date- Girls Night Out Event

 

We have been working hard for the last few months planning a special evening  for ladies only.  Mark your calendars for the evening of October 17th, 2009 for our First Annual Girls Night Out at Danny Clark Photography Studio.  We have brought together some of Houston’s hottest and most popular small businesses and boutiques for an evening of shopping, socializing, and plain girl fun.  Admission tickets will be $10 (donation) and best of all, 100% of ticket sales goes directly to support the Texas Center for the Missing.  This organization is dedicated to finding the missing quickly and lending support to their families.  Houston Amber Alert is administered by Texas Center for the Missing.  They train law enforcement on the local Amber Alert system, provide 24-hour support for alert issuance, and deploy trained search-and-rescue experts upon request.

Over the next 2 months, we will be highlighting each of the businesses that we have exclusively invited to participate in GNO.  Some to look for are:  Hip Hop Lollipop, Stella and Dot, Pickles and Ice Cream, Angies Cake, Roving Vineyard, Raspberry Rose, Arbonne, Greenpark Pharmacy Gift Shop, and several more.  A perfect selection of shops to get started early on your holiday shopping.  Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine tastings from the Roving Vinyard, Mojitos provided by Republic Distributing & Bacardi, and Sweet Leaf Iced Tea provided by Sweet Leaf Co.  We can’t wait to see you there.  Keep a look out right here on the blog and in our e-mail newsletters for more information.

Posted by Denise at 04:57 PM |


Hosting by Yahoo!