#7: Resetting the Odometer

I have this sign in my store:  "Some people try to turn back their odometers.  Not me, I want people to know why I look this way.  I've traveled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved."  So many have tried to buy it that I've had to put a sticker on it that says it isn't for sale.  It always makes me wonder what their roads were.  How did they get to this place?  Are they happy where they are?  Or do they think they settled and now wish they had gone out of their comfort zone to take the risks?
I know my "roads" were hard, but in other's eyes, they probably see that I have an easy life.  My roads weren't too terribly physically seen, but they are there.  Some days you can see it in my eyes and face, and other days you won't see it all because I won't allow it to be seen.  I think we are all like that. 

If I am completely up front, I really don't want anyone to see the "road maps" on my face.  We call them laugh lines (but they don't really make us laugh after awhile), we call them "elevens" (those silly lines between our eyes) and we see the spots and marks that tell others we are getting older.  My body may be of a certain "over 40" age, but my mind says I'm still in my early 30's.  I am actually shocked some mornings when I wake up and look in the mirror...it's like "what the hell?"

I will admit, I am a user (or former user) of a ton of products on my face.  I kept thinking something will help it and once in a while I would find something that I liked...until my body got used to it and was like ho-hum, here we go again.  I have drawers of stuff and currently a big bag that I pull out every morning and every night (maybe not every one, especially after a margarita or two).  But I've noticed that while I pull the bag out, I'm only looking for a specific few.  And they are my #7's. 

Every woman (and man, even) should have their "go-to" products for skincare.  I honestly used to be a rep for a skin care line.  I loved (and still do) the products.  I think I started out using just about every single one and am down to only the basics.  And believe me, there were probably about 10 I would use.  But those aren't my #7. 

#7 is one bottle of amazingness and actually has done wonders for more than just my (and others) skin as far as helping me get rid of wrinkles - my face looks brighter, is softer and doesn't feel dry any more.  I didn't have to change what I was normally using to wash and moisturize...the moisture is sealed in using Skincerity and that, in turn, helps in so many ways.  Skincerity was originally developed as a drug delivery system through millions of dollars in grants from the National Institutes of Health. During this process, its unique rejuvenation attributes were discovered and has since been awarded numerous patents. And all I do is roll it on at night and wash it off in the morning.  It's one bottle with magical results.  You won't believe the results others have seen.  Well, once you start using it, you'll believe in only 5 days...guaranteed.

How do I know?  I started getting carded again...with surprised looks on the cashier's face when they looked at the year.  I'll take that road any day.

#6: Share and Share Alike

If #5 was about being silent, then #6 has to be about sharing.  About being motivated and inspired by those in your circles and those things you see and hear.  I think we all need to have a power-charge once in awhile and surround ourselves with something that gets us excited and energized.  That "woohoo" feeling can be contagious and if we show it, others grab on and want to experience it, too.  It's also about having the right timing and believing.

Last night I met with a few women about a great business product.  I've been a part of the organization for about eight months, but was struggling with actually doing anything with it and how to share it with others without scaring them off.   But I'm realizing I can do it.  One step at a time, right?  Isn't that how anything goes?  If knowledge is the enemy of fear, then fear better watch out, because we are heading right in it's direction head on.

The product?  Well, it's amazing.  It's had results that you honestly have to see to believe.  How it started and where it's evolved from and the way it's coming to the United States is fast and furious.  Best part?  This is the ground floor.  It isn't something that has been around for years and has a lot of reps and people already using it.  The potential is there for you as much as it is for me.  And this morning I shared it with someone who is as excited as I am about it.  They are ready to jump on board and expand their business, too. 

Curious?  Want to know more?  Then I am ready to share with you as I learn more and more.  Get ready as I share #7, 8, 9, 10 on my top 100.  I think if you are ready to have that door open to potential, your potential is limitless.  And then you'll be wanting to share and share and share....

#5: Silence

So, I've been away from the blog for awhile.  Silent.  And I have been silent in other ways of my life, too.  It can be good or it can be bad, depending on how you choose to look at it.  I'm choosing to look at it positively, and that is why I chose it for my #5. 

A very smart businessman here in Papillion, a man that I have come to admire and respect and one that I want to be proud of my accomplishments sat down one Thursday morning to talk to our Association.  He is very humble and certainly does not brag about all the incredible things he has done in his lifetime.  He was asked about how he did - the key to his success.  It was so simple:  "I listened."  He listened to what the people wanted.  He listened and observed to see what was needed.  And in the end, contrary to what some thought he should do, he was right. 

Silence is the key, I think.  Being quiet and just hearing what others are saying.  Not working on a rebuttal or what you want to say while others are talking.  Taking the time listen and to be silent.  Your heart and head will tell you when to speak. 

#4...in my power

I was going to write my #4 about an actual article of clothing, but nope.  Life makes me change my thinking when I go to actually write something.  Though it isn't something you wear, it is something you should have with you at every step...knowing you have, in your power, the ability to make a difference in someone's life.  That you have, in your power, the ability to make things better.  That you have, in your power, the ability to determine your destiny and influence the destiny of others. 

When something bad comes to light, the immediate reaction is to lash out and blame someone or something else.  To just say what you are thinking in the heat of the moment instead of analyzing and seeing the truth in it.  Have I just gone off the deep end without stopping to see how it will affect someone?  You bet I have.  And then I regret.

Where is the truth in what happened?  What can be done so it doesn't happen again?  What can I do to make it better for myself, others around me and those to come?  In my past life, I tried to do those things and wasn't very popular a lot of the time for many different reasons.  I saw things and heard things that you never want to know about because if you did, you would think I was lying...people don't treat others like that, but they do.  For a while, I had, in my power, the ability to make it better for those to come and for those needed help.  When I knew that "power" was gone, I left and started Absolutely Her. 

And now, I have the power back to make a difference in the lives of those I currently serve.  And those who are near and dear to me.  I have the power to use face to face contact to let others see that I care about their lives and the lives of those around them.  To use the goodness of my consignors to help in any way I can.  To use my power to spread love around.  I told someone that I have never told before that I loved them.  She is a woman so strong, she probably doesn't see her strength.  She is a woman who fights and loves deeply.  She is the mother to a young woman  who is my "intern daughter".  And she is a woman I admire.  She has power. 

Today think about your power.  What do you have the power to do?  Who do you have the power to help?  Who "empowers" you?  Make a difference in one person today...the smallest of gestures can bring the greatest of rewards.

#3: A Little More Personal...

This morning I had the pleasure of having a breakfast meeting with the wonderful women of REgroup (Trish, Pauline, Diane & MJ).  One of the things that came up was my mom doing what mom's do best and bragging on her "littlest angel" as she went to the other shops during our REgroup shopping tour a couple of weeks ago.  I will say it used to embarrass me a little when she would do that, but not any more, because I completely understand as I want to brag about her today. 

Mom

I don't know if she will care that I am telling everyone, but she is 82 years old and has a more active social life than I do with all of the different groups she is involved in.  She is the president of a couple, volunteers at Midlands Hospital, "babysits juries" for the courthouse and can usually be found at the Legion with her best gal friends a couple of times a month.  (I actually taught the ladies how to play quarters a few years back - that was a great sight to see!)

When my dad died 24 years ago, she had the option of shutting down and dwelling or get out and enjoy life.  I am so thankful she decided to venture into areas she had not known.  She seems to have her own "bucket list" and is working on checking those things off and adding new ones. 

Now I know not everyone has the kind of mom that I do and I know that not everyone has been able to be the kind of mom that I have.  So my #3 isn't that it's necessary to have a mom, but to have someone in your corner who brags you up, is there when you need them - someone you know loves you no matter what.  And it's to be that person to someone else. 

As we have Mother's Day this week, let's take the time to celebrate all the women in your life.  And when someone special comes into your life, embrace them and make them one of your top one hundred. 



Still learning after all these years....

                                  

#2: Show Your Colors

I am normally a black purse person.  It seems to just go with everything and blends in to what I'm wearing.  But I discovered the power of color with a little help from my friends.  I bought the perfect bag (at Absolutely Her, of course) and it is the most interesting thing I think I own.  It is a beautiful teal-turquoise color with 6 standout flowers by Nicole Lee.  I have had so many women stop me and ask about it.  I love showing them and then telling them where I got it.  It is certainly one of my best marketing tools.  Funny thing is, I was in a car dealership about two weeks ago and even some of the men were commenting about it and wanting one for their wives.  To make it stand out even a little more, "the other Angela" tied a polka-dot scarf to it.  LOVE IT!







But the best part about having this purse is that the person who consigned it loves to buy her favorite things in multiple colors.  So guess what the next purse I bought was?  Her twin sister in yellow and orange! 

I guess my #2 is not a particular item, but more of a notion of adding color to your wardrobe.  It can be something as simple as a bracelet (today I have on a bright orange one), a scarf, a purse or anything you feel will give you that little boost of happiness. 




And on a totally different note, I have to share what happened this week.  One of my customers came in with her son because he had been in with her before, and found something he wanted to give her for Mother's Day.  He was so cute -  mom went to the other side of the store and when she was out of sight, he took me to the exact thing he wanted and then I gave him everything he needed to wrap it up for her.  He was so proud to have picked out the perfect gift all on his own.  He has great taste and I know she will treasure it!

Best part?  Another mom was in the store with her son and she let him pick out her present, too.  He was so excited I don't know if it will make it to Mother's Day - he wanted her to open it right there.

Happy Early Mother's Day to these two women - you are raising outstanding young men. 

#1 On My Journey

Most would think I was strange to list this as my first item on the One Hundred List of mine, but as I was pondering what it was that was my most "go-to" item, it popped into my head.  I have had this particular item of my wardrobe for so many years - almost eleven now.  It was given to me as a gift and has withstood the harshest and softest of elements.  I can't imagine not wearing it and I hope I never have to.  What I love the most about it is it's simplicity yet it is the most complicated of all things.  There's another one out there, too - not an exact match, but so close.

I don't know if Nina Garcia was thinking about it when she wrote her book (if it's in there, I haven't come across it yet), but she even said that you have to create your own list and not copy hers. 

So, my number one item is my wedding band.  It is so symbolic of any marriage.  Some days, in the right setting, it sparkles and shines - so bright it takes you by surprise.  And other days, well, it may take you by surprise by the wear and tear it shows.  Today it is a bright and shiny object that I am drawn to and can't wait until the work day is over and I can go home to see my husband.  I know that may not be tomorrow, but I can keep doing all I can to see the glitz and to make it his top item as well. 

The Journey To My Own One Hundred

I bought this book a while back called "The One Hundred...A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" by Nina Garcia.  While I haven't gotten very far, it's funny how one thing reminds me of another.  Earlier in the day I wrote on the chalkboard at the store, "Fashion is what you're offered four times a year.  Style is what YOU pick out of that fashion."  And as I'm reading this book, she says, "Style is a deeply personal expression of who you are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself." 

Today my style is pretty casual and reflects the hurried nature of the morning - too much to get done but not enough time to master it all.  Ok, to be honest I think I'm sloppy, but at least I remembered earrings to try to dress it up a little. 

When I go to my closet (which many people think I must have a wardrobe to die for because I own a clothing store - I don't), I spend way too much time standing there trying to figure out what it's going to be that day.  Do I feel confident and want to put on a skirt to show off my new spray tan or do I feel fat, frumpy and pale and want to hide it all or do I just not really know how I feel but I know when I put on those jeans, they will be my answer? 

Clothes seriously can make or break your day.  I hear so many women talk about their size.  And I tell them that it's not about the number, but it's about the fit.  FORGET THE NUMBER, ladies.  I know because owning a consignment store gives me great flexibility in the brands I have.  I am a small, medium, large, and extra-large.  I am a 6, 8, 10, and 12.  And anymore, I don't care.  If it fits and I feel good, it's mine (much to my husband's dismay).

So what's the point and how did I get from what the hundred is according to Nina Garcia to the size?  Well, I figure my one hundred should be whatever makes me feel spectacular and they should be things that can mix and match (kinda like garanimals) to make me feel confident every day.  Stay tuned as I go through this journey to my own One Hundred.