Sugarfina at Northpark in Texas (Credit: Becky Branch)
I literally said Hallelujah when Sugarfina moved into one of our most popular shopping destinations in Texas!
If you haven't heard of Sugarfina, it's technically a candy shop that caters mostly to adults (although there are definitely child friendly selections)...
And Sugarfina is very specific in highlighting that their tummies are made with REAL Dom Perigean Vintage Champagne, unlike knockoffs that add flavoring.
In creating this post, I also found out that Cosmopolitan Magazine named these yummy gummy bear candies the "perfect party favor"...I couldn't agree more!
Lucky for you, I have links for you to try them in sampler sizes or for your next wedding display, women's tea, Girl's Night Out/In, Hostess gifts and more!
The Sugarfina links I provide allows you to order their perfect snack pack (only $3!...I loaded up on these!) up to 2.5 lb ($45).
You're Welcome! And make sure you let me know how much your friends and family loved it too!
Gorgeous Candy Display at Sugarfina (Credit: Becky Branch)
One of the most intimidating buying experiences that is routinely noted is the car buying experience. It is right up there with purchasing a home!
And don't even get me started on what it means to be a single woman, like me, and how nerve-wracking it can be to know that you must buy a car.
It is a necessity.
It is a must. Ugh!
So imagine my pleasant surprise to be invited to preview events for the 2017 DFW Auto Show in Dallas with SheBuysCars!
Fun at the Preview Party: Genesis G90
I jumped at the chance hoping that it could shed some light on one of the most awkward experiences for most single women, especially if you are like me and have NO clue about how vast the different types of cars are out there!
This year the DFW Auto Show is being held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and my first impression was how thoughtfully organized the huge space was...you won't have to wonder what car brand to visit because it is laid out beautifully with bright lights and shiny cars!
Every car brand is represented and not only do they include some of their well known models but they also include some new reveals!
Park Place Motors Texas Team
This was the case with Park Place Motors, who revealed their new Bentley SUV at an onsite media event.
There are also plenty of theatrics and displays that really help you envision yourself not only in the vehicle but also how the vehicle can be used to meet your needs.
The Big Screen at the Chevrolet Equinox Station
Tundra Power: Two Kayaks, camping gear and packs!
The most gorgeous car I saw was by Hyundai and this Caribbean Blue 2017 Tucson SUV Sport. It was such a brilliant color it was easy to envision driving it down the highways of Texas' Hill Country and on to the beaches of Galveston this summer!
Hyundai Tucson
I spent some time in the Hyundai area because it was a brand that I was not as familiar with in a very good way because their vehicles seemed so much more approachable than some of the other car sections.
The Tucson is on my new favorites list and I'll be visiting them soon!
The award for the MOST unique car display was this Lego Batmobile by Chevrolet that took over 340,000 legos to construct!
Lego Batmobile by Chevrolet
So, I can truly say that one of the BEST parts of attending a car show is that if you are at all curious about a new model, want to do a test drive or are interested in a brand that you'd like to preview without the pressure of being at a car lot, then you will love the DFW Auto Show!
The DFW Auto Show has onsite help, plenty of information and even car buying experts that can sometimes get you a better deal than your bank or dealership.
And what's even more, you get all the attention and theatrics that come with a brilliant show by the passionate people that represents the brands....it is quite infectious and has a way of easing a single woman's fears of the normal car buying process.
Helpful Info:
Dates: March 22-26, 2017
Times:
Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
$14 for adults
$7 for senior citizens 65 and older
$7 for children 6 to 12 years old; children 5 and under admitted free
$10 for active and retired Military members (ID is required)
I have literally been searching for a face oil I can put my strong recommendation behind and after months...I have finally found one!
Uma Oils is not mainstream yet but recently it has begun to get some press in mainstream media, such as Marie Claire. However, beauty insiders have known about them for years because Uma has supplied such notary brands as Tom Ford and Estee Lauder with ingredients for their products!
Why Uma?
First of all, I love that Uma grows the ingredients for their wellness and beauty oils on their family's five generation 100-acre estate. They also grow their ingredients in the ayurveda method of responsibly sourcing and harvesting the materials.
And in line with my own personal beliefs, Uma has a work force that is over 50% women whom they also provide child and medicare care to so they can work without fear of not being able to make an income for their family.
And if that weren't already awesome, the bottles of Uma Oils are hand painted by artisans...gorgeous!
See this short video about this brilliant company from its Founder...
So finally, you have my recommendation for the best face oil brand I could find that really does work...and the fact that it has responsibly sourced ingredients and company ethics that I can get behind makes this completely brilliant...it's simply Curva-Lish!
By now I'm sure you've probably seen or heard about the "fearless girl" statue standing front and center of the infamous Wall Street Bull in New York.
State Street Global Advisors, an investments services company, is said to be responsible for installing the 5-inch statue in front of the charging bull as a statement towards Wall Street's lack of diversity in recognition of International Women's Day.
And speaking of fearless, I also loved this short video from Makers Women about female Wall Street pioneer Sallie Krawcheck, in which Krawcheck shares an experience that she had over and over from her male peers while being one of the only women on Wall Street...see video below:
This video and the "fearless girl" statue had me thinking about how we all have experiences, on our way to realizing our biggest dreams, where some bully, some competitor or some other adversary (that maybe even someone close to you) that tries to intimidate you into "abandoning ship" on living a life that you have worked so hard for...read my tips below on how to stand your ground and be fearless!
Tips for Standing Fearless and Being Determined to Stand Your Ground Tip #1: Be Honest with Yourself About Your Situation
Be honest with what situation you are in that is threatening to cause you to operate in fear. Is it a hostile work environment? Is it a bully boss? Is it your own self confidence in your work?
Be honest with your self and ask: What am I really afraid of and why am I afraid in this situation?
Use this honesty to be the first step in moving forward!
Tip #2: Know What You Want
After you are clear on what the variables are in your situation, be able to ask yourself: What is it that I want?
It is a lot less likely to be intimated if you are clear about what it is you want.
Is this your dream job and always what you wanted?
Is your situation a major stepping stone to bigger goals?
Are the bullies more in fear of your potential than about whether you are really unskilled for the project?
Knowing what you want will allow you the empowerment to stand your ground by repeating to yourself that
Tip #3: Visualize You Are a Woman with an Iron Will
Wether you possess a steadfast will or not, fake it. Trust me, you can literally visualize yourself towards being someone with a will that can overcome any situation, whether you really possess that skill or not.
Someone wants you to abandon that new product launch...don't back down.
Someone wants you to lower your price in negotiating your salary or product or service (when you know you are already offering 90% below the marker)....don't back down.
Someone wants you to taper your ambition so you can make them feel more comfortable...don't back down.
Tip #4: Be In It to Win It
As a coach, one thing I can tell you is that goals don't just happen. It's almost like God (or the Universe) requires you to have to withstand a certain amount of testing before realizing a dream.
Why? I have no idea.
This testing comes in many forms and equally can come in the form of outside influences and variables that touch on a secret fear that we harbor.
You will not win (reach your goals) if you don't commit within yourself that you are not going to quit until you are successful.
You can't delegate it. You can't get enough motivation for it. You can't just cry about it.
You have to be committed to be in it to win it.
Tip #5: Celebrate the Wins
I don't care how small or trivial a win is as you strive for your goals...celebrate it!
Filed your LLC document....celebrate it.
Won a major milestone in a project...celebrate it.
Spoke up for yourself in a team meeting with your rude peers who tend to interrupt all the time...celebrate it.
And keep in mind, focusing on YOUR small wins every step of the way will keep you focused on gaining inches necessary in winning versus comparing yourself, being intimidated by what others point out as faults, etc.
Now go stand fearless and don't let anybody cause you to not stand your ground!
I am a big poster on social media of inspirational and motivational quotes but one thing that I absolutely don't like about so many quotes floating out in social media land: a quote can be completely brilliant but that does not mean it needs to be applied to YOUR situation!
One of the generic quotes I hear a lot is about burning bridges.
The accepted mentality is that no one should ever burn bridges because you might need that resource, person or opportunity again just in case what you are pursuing doesn't work out.
Y'all, that is a lousy way to pursue your dreams!
Why?
Underlining this mentality is that you don't have 100% confidence in your ability to manifest your goals and fulfill your full potential.
Underlining this mentality is that your are subconsciously creating a Plan B as an out in case your Plan A doesn't work.
Underlying this mentality is that you can only fulfill your new dreams based on resources from your old life, skill set or network.
Underlying this mentality is that your new life or aspirations will only look slightly different than your old life. Instead of a pivot, you're really only striving for a slight shift.
Are you getting my point?
And don't think I am referring to the indifference of what it means to burn bridges by being rude, operating in greed, being selfish or any of those behaviors that are of bad character.
I AM referring to what it means to drop the "weights" of your old life and going all-in on what sets your soul on fire!
Completely pivot.
Completely be open to a new way of thinking and being so that you don't miss out on what it is you know will bring you ultimate fulfillment.
That's what I mean by burning bridges.
And here's what I have found working with clients as a coach: most people allow fear of the unknown of pursuing that new goal to cause them to hold on (tight) to something in their past to give them an excuse just in case their new goal/plan doesn't work out.
And guess what this results in? Them delaying their results or at worst, completely failing.
Don't fail because you are afraid to let go of your old ways that won't get you to what's required of your new ways.
Spring is in the air and it has me thinking differently about the elegance and the fragrance of roses!
Let's be clear: I have NEVER liked rose fragrances!
What has me going to roses for my (re)newed Spring Fling: two modern brands that come from your traditional heritage of roses: India Hicks and AERIN Rose Collection for Estee Lauder!
These two brands with traditional American and English heritage backgrounds have remixed and remastered how the essence of rose can be youthful and modern without losing the timelessness of tradition.
India Hicks
India Hicks (IH) created an entrepreneurial lifestyle brand two years ago that includes a scent reminiscent of her English heritage: English Rose.
The IH version of English Rose is actually very youthful! When I first smelled it, I wasn't sure but now I'm convinced that she has somehow captured a note of modernity in what is very well known as an English flower loved by (normally) people who are older.
At trunk shows I have been surprised at how many millennial have responded positively to the scent!
And when I have worn it to test how it smells while out running my errands and going in between appointments, men has commented on how feminine I smelled...yasss! Just sayin'...
If you are not yet ready to purchase an IH full scent, the best thing ever is to get it in other offerings: a rollerball, body wash or hand lotion.
OR, if you want to go for it and treat yourself to ultimate luxury, you won't be disappointed in the India Hicks Serious Affair English Rose Gift box that includes: body wash, body lotion, rollerball and natural sea sponge! It's all included in the IH gorgeous linen colored gift box ready to spoil yourself (or someone you want to spoil themselves).
Garden Rose: Garden Rose Eau de Cologne takes you into the English countryside, filled with the irrepressible scent of wild roses. Lively, lush and free spirited. This fresh floral rose scent opens with the natural green notes of Geranium wrapped around the fresh floralcy of Rose Bouton Sauvage. We capture the irresistible spirit of the English garden rose, blooming boldly in the sun, enhanced with the smooth warmth of Sandalwood and Amber and softened by Musk.
Linen Rose: Linen Rose Eau de Cologne is a floral amber rose that evokes the joy of a relaxed, casual day at the beach, with cool white linen sundresses and sun-kissed roses. Its modern, effortless and free-spirited scent captures the pure simplicity of a rose touched by the salty-cool ocean breezes, open to the sea, sand and sky.
Bamboo Rose:Bamboo Rose Eau de Cologne is a green floral rose blend that brings to mind the formal beauty and artful simplicity of an Asian garden. A refreshing top note of Sicilian Bergamot and Mandarin Blossom fuse effortlessly with dewy Green Leaves for an impression of delicate, elusive femininity. A profusion of White Bulgarian Rose, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Rose Infusion and Rose Centifolia is enhanced by the cool allure of Jasmine Petals. The final shimmering touch is a hint of Pink Pepper, Amber and Musk.
