Women, Wine and The Wildebeest

On May 2, 2014 in Sonoma, CA, roughly 60 women will embark upon a 3 day life changing journey.  They will no doubt laugh, they might cry, they will surely meet other like-minded, strong, ambitious and successful women, they will trek animals, they will hike, they will confer around campfires, they will make delicious s'mores and among other things, they will revel in the fruits of the Sonoma Wine Valley.  They will also grow as people, develop lasting friendships and leave with tools to turn their lives and businesses into a raving success.

To further add to the drama, they will be hosted by MY insanely talented and amazing mother, who, I can assure you, is the ultimate hostess with the most-est - GUARANTEED to provide a rip roaring good time.  What am I getting at, you may be wondering?  A Women's Business Safari Retreat, what else?

And who are these "women"?  These are dynamic women.  These are women who can and will change the world.  Women who have a zest for life.  These are the women you want to be and the women you want to be best friends with.  And together, these women are an unstoppable force... One of these women COULD BE YOU!

From May 2 - 4, the Entrepreneurial Voice will put on a luxury sleep-away "camp"  (also known as "glamping") for 60 special ladies who have the will and the drive to enrich themselves, their businesses, and the lives of others.  This "camp" retreat is truly unique in almost every way possible.  It is the only forum of its kind where entrepreneurial badass babes can come together, learn from each other, attend interactive workshops to garner skills and tools to enhance their ventures, hear from inspirational, successful professionals on all matters pertaining to important business lessons, find their voice, hone in on their goals, work towards turning their goals into reality, and MUCH MUCH MORE all while simultaneously going on safari, partaking in a little (or a lot) of wine tasting, enjoying the great outdoors (or the comforts of your luxury glamping experience), participating in women's circling (it's like Fight Club but opposite... and the "no talking about it" rule still applies ;) and some other special surprises that only the lucky attendants will be privy to....

Can you say "KUMBAYAH?!"

If I've got you hovering on the edge of your seat, as I suspect I have, you're in luck!  Because I am extending the invitation to this once-in-a-lifetime experience to my dearest lady readers AND the lady friends/loved ones of my dearest male readers.  

I personally will be in attendance and I can say with complete honesty (familial bias notwithstanding), that I could not be more excited.  In my opinion, it’s kind of the motherload of all things awesome.. And NOTHING, I mean, NOTHING, would delight me more than to see YOU (yes, I'm talking to you!) or someone you know that you think would enjoy this sort o' thing... THERE!  Please, join me and a bevy of brilliant women at the source where winos meet rhinos and remarkable women work towards driving the course of the marketplace.. Your presence is requested, so... WHAT. ARE. YOU. WAITING. FOR?!

For those of you whose mothers' taught you to be polite and wait for an invitation, consider this ridiculously adorable invitation/visual itinerary that my crazy talented sister created, your official invite:

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And again I ask you: "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???"

May I also suggest that you check out the site: http://womenwineandthewildebeest.com (a website created for the event by none other than your's truly) for more deets and information on the event.

Aaaaaand, just a quick heads up.. Don't delay on signing up if you're interested because the prices increase in a few weeks and I KNOW you don't want to be the chump that paid more for the same thing because you were too busy dilly dallying ;).

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY: Don't miss out on what could be one of the best experiences of your life!  WARNING: F.O.M.O. can be crippling :).

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Back To The Future

Well hello strangers!  It has been a while, hasn't it?!  I must confess that I never intended to go on such an extended hiatus from blogging but in the end, I guess it just sort of happened..?  (Worst excuse ever).  You productive people may not be aware of this but, laziness can be sort of addicting... (insert shame here).  But hey, clean slate right?   Plus, it's Monday, ya'll, and it's 2014 and dammit, I'm ready to get back in the saddle!  Giddyup!

I did, however, have a truly amazing holiday break, if that's any music to your ears and thus, I thought for this re-acquaintance post, I would kind of debrief on the goings ons of said break and resume with the everyday topics manana.  Sound like a plan, my muted readers?

Cool.  Here goes:

I celebrated Xmas in Colorado and despite the onset of the first day of a flu/cold (which it sounds as if every single person across the country had an encounter with and eventually ended with an emergency hospital visit for me), my Christmas was delightful.  My sister got me this fabulous jacket:

Which was featured on my blog, here and consequently made me feel doubly loved because it means people (at least my family members) are reading the blog and acting on it.. by way of buying me presents.  Quite simply, I call that... PERFECTION.

I also received two of these adorable plaid picnic/lunch sets (ummm eek, who wants to go on a picnic with me?)

Which ABSOLUTELY needs an occasion to be used ASAP because: you people cannot in good conscience let this become another point to my picnic hoarding problem...  If you're confused about what I'm talking about, read my picnic hoarding confession, here)

And some Moscow Mule mugs... So obvi, I have determined my signature drink will now be a Moscow Mule... 

Which if you haven't jumped on board this trend yet, consists of:

I also got this smashing yoga mat which I also blogged about here and I am OBSESSED. 

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And... Drumroll: THIS DESK!!!  

THIS FREAKING DESKKKKK!!!!  (HARD CORE SWOONING GOING ON RIGHT NOW)... which will replace the truly sad excuse for a "big girl desk" that currently sits in my office.... Trust me when I say, it was time.

Is that desk not one the most gorgeous things you've EVER seen? I know. And furthermore, it inspired a whole new room plan for "my office" which will include a neon light up "Keeley Kraft" sign. You know, like the kind you see in shop windows denoting that an establishment is "Open" when it's lit up... Or perhaps the neon lighted beer signs resonate with you more...?   I think it's going to be capital H.A.W.T.  And I will, OF COURSE, show you photos once the room is complete... which will probably be a while from now so don't start getting too excited juuuust yet!  But ahh, my name in lights... Most definitely premature, but hey, you gotta fake it till you make it, right?? ;)

I also helped my mom build a website for a SUPER SWEET AWESOME DELISH EVENT that I will be sharing all about with you peeps tomorrow...

And had a fantastic New Year's getaway with some very lovely people in a cabin up in Big Bear, CA... Yes, there was a hot tub, yes we went snowboarding, and yes, things got a little CRAZY.  But I'm sure you've already guessed, that that's all I'm going to share on here about THAT! ;)

I did set up this photo booth wall however, and made some photo booth props, which were quite the hit if I do say so myself.  Props for props - ha! And coupled with the semi-pro photographer that was also in attendance, I think the whole thing turned out quite grandly! 

"PROPS POT"

"PROPS IN ACTION"

Silliness ensued...

Silliness ensued...

-Mad props.

The only problem is that, now, New Year's Eve 2015 is 359 days away and I don't think I can wait that long for it to come 'round again.  I feel pretty lucky because, characteristically, I have had more crappy New Years' than awesome ones but I think I have cracked the code and realized that celebrating with a small group of friends is THE. WAY. TO. GO.  Free flowing booze, no big event d-bags (sorry but it's true), the ability to hear yourself and others speak and move freely, less $$, and most importantly, no pressure... I mean, that's one girl's opinion, anyhow. 

So, whew, there you go, my completely random and disjointed debrief that we had to get out of the way.  My writing muscles were due for a long stretch before the we hit the ground running, so thanks for staying tuned if you've made it this far.. Now you can all rest assured that blogging on here is officially back on, in a big way.. Get excited!

Oh and also, 2014 is our year!

XOXO

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Shine Bright Like A Diamond

I'll admit it, I am NOT a pre-planner when it comes to most things.  In fact, I probably fall into the worst kind of procrastinator category: the kind who has a complete meltdown when I come to grips with the fact that I do not have enough time to accomplish what needs to be done.. at least at a normal human speed.  I have to pass through the meltdown stage before I reach actual productivity which further perpetuates the procrastination.  And this year's Xmas gift shopping situation is no exception.... :/

So, since I've missed the boat on putting out an Xmas gift idea round up for any sort of gender/age/personality type, due to the fact that most online stores can no longer guarantee a Christmas delivery, I'm jumping ahead to New Year's in hopes that I'm not too late to the party on this post too.  Sorry fellas, this is another ladies only post #noboysallowed

As if the stress of figuring out what to DO on New Year's wasn't enough, us female folk also have to put heavy thought into what we will wear for this sparkly-themed holiday.  So, to make things a little bit easier for y'all (or maybe only if you're a procrastinator like me), I've compiled a little round up of some New Year's Eve dresses, guaranteed to make you radiate like the ball in Times Square, as you ring in the New Year:

Cheers!

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Little Market, Big World

Today's post topic strikes a special chord with me as it relates directly to something I feel is an extremely important cause and touches on something I was personally involved with... And it also has to do with shopping so, yay! :)

In February of this year, I moved to Uganda for 3 and a half months to volunteer with women and microfinance.  I was inspired by a story I heard six years ago about a group of women within a village in West Africa who had been given "microloans" to start their own small businesses and were meeting together every week to discuss their businesses and make them profitable in order to bring in additional revenue for their family and village.  I was so excited about this idea that six years later, I decided to head to Uganda, one of the founding countries of microfinance, live in a village and help in any way I could to support this movement of empowerment for women in impoverished communities where they often had little rights or respect within their communities until they were given a small loan and a chance.  I'll get into the dirty deets of my experience in another post but today I want to share with you a really exciting new company that creates a "market" for some of the handmade items some of these women make through their small businesses, called The Little Market.  

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To add further credibility to this inspiring and ingenious idea is that it was co-founded by The Lauren Conrad herself.  For those of you living under rock, Lauren Conrad is LC from Laguna Beach and The Hills (I doubt that explanation was necessary for anyone reading this blog but JUST IN CASE).  

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LC and her friend Hannah met at FIDM and, in their words from their website:

"quickly learned that we shared a love of design, an interest in world cultures, and a passion for improving the lives of women. Since then we have traveled together to El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, Tanzania and Uganda.

The Little Market was inspired by these trips, where we met disadvantaged yet highly talented artisan women struggling to support their families.

In our travels we have begun to learn about the culture of each place by exploring local markets. Each place that we visit offers unique treasures, all representative of skills developed over generations. Beautiful handmade products are sold in little markets around the world. We were certain people would enjoy and appreciate them as much as we do, if they just had access to these one-of-a-kind products.

We created The Little Market to give artisans the opportunity to reach a broader audience and to give you the opportunity to purchase special pieces while directly supporting the artisans who made them. Each product you find here was responsibly crafted with integrity and pride, while providing an income for local artisans to care for themselves and their families.

We hope that you love each hand-selected piece as much as we do."

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Pretty cool, huh.  Well I'm sure you're wondering (perhaps secretly) if the goods are something you would actually want (don't feel bad if you were, I had the same thought)... and to answer your question, they are!  Some of them are really freaking awesome to be exact.  Like these trunks:

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                                                            I can't handle this perfection.  

                                                            I can't handle this perfection.  

I NEED one of these... at least one.

This wrapping paper is too cute for words:

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And yes, I would take an alpaca scarf... particularly of this orange variety:

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Ok also, this tray:

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And this winter wreath, that I'm convinced could be used year round:

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So, let's hear it for women around the world!  GURL POWER!

Now, you have my permission to GO SHOPPING! :)

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DRYBAR

DON'T worry, this isn't a post about a bar with no alcohol... God, what kind of a terrible bar would that be?!  "We only serve soda, soda water, and cran.." "Um, Good bye!" I mean, do you really think I would post about such a bar?!?  Ha, no.

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On the contrary, this is a post about a really awesome bar.  A bar where they serve free champagne and you walk away looking better than when you came (when does that happen?!).  Do I have your interest piqued yet???  ... I knew it!

So now is when I tell any men reading this, the caveat: Sorry dudes, this is a bar for ladies only.. It's also a bar where they show chick flicks on every TV screen and have trashy mags lining the bar top.  ...Not so sad now, are you gentlemen?  Well don't worry, you don't "qualify" for their service anyway!

Drybar is a place where you can go and get your hair blown out.. And come out looking like a million freaking bucks! Which, as the holiday season gets well underway, there are ample opportunities for this service to become your best investment of the year!

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Drybar was the first blow dry bar I went to and I left so impressed with how my hair turned out (AKA: Waaay better than I have ever been able to do it myself), that I became an instant convert to the benefits of blow dry bars.  But Drybar is a notch above the rest though, in my opinion.  The hair style quality they put out is consistently stellar and they make the whole experience super fun to boot.  Once you arrive, they get you a gratis glass of champs, a mimosa, juice or glass of white wine (uh yep, I love it there).  Then they have you choose from this mini book of hair styles that have fun "bar-related" names like the "Cosmo-tini," the "Mai Tai," or "Southern Comfort."

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After you've selected the style you like best they take you to this cute room where they wash your hair and massage your scalp and then bring you back out to the bar where you can have a seat, read gossip mags and watch the chick flick they have playing on the TV screen in front of you (with subtitles of course... it is a blow dry bar!).

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The best part though, is at the end, when they spin your chair around and your hair looks just like the model in the photo you selected your hair style from.  To me, that is outrageous.  I can't tell you how many times I went to a hair stylist before a dance in high school and had to rush home before my date came to come get me because I had too much pomade in my hair or the curls  (Ok maybe that only happened a few times... but still!)  There's something about going to get your hair done and counting on the fact that you will like it once the stylist is finished... And if you don't like it, they will fix it, no matter how long it takes or if there is another customer that's already arrived.

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They also offer memberships, which come in two different forms and earn you a lower rate on the price of the blowout :

the barfly:

  • 4 Blowouts + 2 free Floaters (head/neck massage)
  • 10% off all products (in-shop only)
  • $140 per month (save $40)

 

the regular:

  • 2 Blowouts + 1 free Floater (head/neck massage)
  • 10% off all products (in-shop only)
  • $75 per month (save $15)


And if you're not as into the whole obligation thing, you can start a "Bar Tab" where you buy a bunch of never-expiring blowouts at once and they take them off your tab whenever you come in.

To find out more about their membership options or to purchase one, click here.

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Another thing I love about Drybar is how well they've branded themselves.  Everything they touch turns to the Drybar gold/yellow and always looks so cute and pretty.  From their website, to the design of each of their locations to the hair products they sell and their promotional materials, everything is impeccably designed and gives the feeling of fun, fabulous, beautiful and chic.  That may not make any sense, but if you visit one of their locations or even their website, I think you will get what I mean :).

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Drybar is not in every city/state yet but they are continuing to expand (click here for locations list).  And who knows, maybe you have to come to one of the cities they are in for a wedding, special event, hot date, etc. and you will know you are in good hands.

*And just so you know, I received nothing from Drybar in exchange for writing this post... but that doesn't mean I'm not open to still receiving anything from them ;).  JK.. Well maybe not.. Ok, just kidding.  I'm just a big fan and wanted to share the info with my fans.

Now treat yo'selves to something nice! XOXO

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