FEELING FREE & DRY AS A DOVE

Let's talk about feeling carefree and dry. I was recently introduced to Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant by Simply Stylist and I can honestly say I'm a fan. I'm a mom and blogger on-the-go from sun-up to sundown. We're out the door to school at 7am, walk the family dog, off to workout, headed to events, end the day waiting in the carpool line, then rush home to prepare dinner, so you betcha I need to feel fresh and stay dry all day! Sometimes I am changing clothes 3 -4 times a day. I've tried the gels, the roll-ons and not until now, have I finally found a deodorant that works all day, and for two days! Yes... for 48 hours I no longer think about embarrassing sweat stains on my clothing.  I live in Sunny Los Angeles, yes we love the sunshine, but along with the sun comes the heat, and the need to stay dry all day long. Take a journey with me as I discover a little hidden gem in Culver City called "The Platform".

No matter what you do, whether you're hanging around on or off the job no woman wants to feel sweaty and have an odor. When you're in your 50's you don't want to worry about sweat stains! Going through hot flashes was enough, of course, we feel it, but you don't want it to show on your clothing too! I finally found a deodorant that keeps my armpits dry and odor-free, no matter what's going on around me.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant can is so light weight, I also love the design and it's super light-weight.  You have several scents to choose from Soothing Chamomile, Cool Essentials, Nourished Beauty, Original Clean, Sensitive Skin and Beauty Finish. 

You don't have to wait a second for your deodorant to dry after you spray it on because it goes on instantly dry  and there is absolutely no residue.  You have a choice of six different fragrances: Nourished Beauty, Cool Essentials, Revive, Beauty Finish, Revive, Skin Renew and Sensitive. Dove.com provides answers to all of our questions along with incredible information and stories of inspiring women doing extraordinary things.

It's so easy to use:

Shake it well. Hold the can 6” away from your underarm and spray. No need to wait for your deodorant to dry...you're ready to go, it goes on instantly dry!  One spray can will last up to 8 weeks. Dove Dry Spray contains 1/4 moisturizers so you get a little TLC for your underarms too

It's worth a try!  We're out there living busy lives, and there's no reason to worry about wet underarms anymore. Shake, Spray and Go.

The mist instantly dries on your skin and doesn’t leave you feeling wet or sticky. You simply shake it twice, spray it on your underarms, get dressed without worrying about white streaks on your clothing. The New Year is right around the corner, why not introduce Dove Deodorant Dry Spray into your daily routine. I'm constantly dashing to meetings and of course, you want to feel fresh when meeting people for the first time. I no longer have any worries about sweating or odor thanks to Dove Dry Deodorant Spray.

Being a #DovePartner is perfect for me because I can remember my grandmother and my Mother using Dove Soap when I was younger, now, three generations later... I'm continuing the tradition for that beautiful feminine feeling...along with beautiful memories.

I love discovering new people, places, and products and I'm excited to have found Dove Deodorant Spray to add to my Hidden gems.

It really is the perfect option for women on-the-go, At the end of the day I never have to worry about feeling fresh or dry, and I know tomorrow I can begin feeling ready to take on the day!

Let's start this day off the right way...Dove Deodorant Dry Antiperspirant Spray. I'm thrilled to call myself a "Dove Woman" Be your best self...with Dove and remember to #ShakeSprayGo.

• Up to 48-hour antiperspirant protection

• Contains ¼ moisturizers for great underarm care

• Goes on instantly dry

• 0% alcohol formula is kind on underarms

• Soothing chamomile fragrance

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Dove and Simply Stylist. Dove is committed to helping inspire women everywhere. #DovePartner #ShakeSprayGo

MEET STERLING & GET YOUR LIFE NOW

I'd like you to meet beautiful and magical Sterling, creator of AOM The Art Of Manifestation; Get Your Life Now. Sterling has over twenty years of experience in the fields of life coaching, psychology, spiritualism, and Laws Of Attraction. Throughout her illustrious career, Sterling has taught her methods to countless students through workshops and partnerships with esteemed clients such as Google, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Hyatt, and Hilton. In addition, her unique skills have landed her in the pages of People magazine, and afforded her the opportunity to work one-on-one with many celebrity clients. Though Sterling insists, the method works the same way for everyone--if they are willing to put in the work. Whether you're familiar with The Laws Of Attraction, or you're new to the teachings, Sterling is passionate about teaching you how to create your life and attract the blessings that await you every day. If you knew you could actually live the life you dream of, wouldn't it be worth a try? (I can assure you, the answer is YES!!)

I first met Sterling here in Los Angeles through (who else?) our dogs. After chatting a bit we, of course, realized we had a lot in common and were both attracted to the magic this world offers. After Sterling shared with me what she did, I couldn't wait to learn about her unique program that guides her clients through the necessary steps to create an incredible life. I have been studying Law Of Attraction for many years, and after meeting with Sterling and following the steps listed in her program materials, I can honestly say I felt a big shift after the first twenty-four hours.  In your first session, you will meet with Sterling and receive a booklet that guides you through your daily exercises...that you create. You will continue to follow-up on the phone, online, or Skype. Once you see changes begin to happen exciting feelings begin to occur. You will become motivated and amazed at the joy you begin to feel. Your attitude changes, your focus, and true excitement flows in. 

When reading Sterling's website, it is overflowing with helpful information.  I found the article she wrote; Tips for Getting your Dream Job was incredibly helpful -  Sterling lists five steps in creating a transformation... here's a great piece of advice: Be sure to choose your own adventure. Don't allow your family and friends to influence your choices with their wildly varied perceptions. Discover your true calling by clarifying who you are - on the most fundamental level. Sterling is helpful in guiding you in the direction of finding your true self and having an honest relationship with who you truly are, and there you will find authentic happiness and honestly enjoy what you're doing!  Here are just a few of many of Sterling's clients who are living their dream jobs. Contact Sterling 

Sterling with actress Kimberly Elise

Sterling with Lauren Lapkus of Orange Is The New Black

Sterling zeros into the root of whatever your concern is, and quick. You will have clarity and find yourself no longer getting stuck in these old familiar patterns we all collect along the way.  Most of all you can use these tools forever, everyday, wherever you are. You will begin to get excited about waking up and watching life unfold because you are creating it to do so. Having wonderful teachers and coaches in life is a blessing. If you read about some of the most successful and happy people you will find they all have teachers or coaches... or both. It's invaluable when we can learn to "get out of our own way" Sterling's coaching gives you a kick-start to jump into your life right now and when you begin to see results you will appreciate the momentum that begins to take place in your beautiful life...you were meant to live. 

Thank you, Sterling, for being passionate about life, your clients and opening doors for personal growth.  Be sure to check out Sterlings blog @ - www.getyourlifenow.com/blog

1) How were you first introduced to The Law Of Attraction? 

It was really through experience. One of the first things I remember manifesting was a steady boyfriend at the age of 18. I had declared to myself that I was ready for a real boyfriend to share my life with. Within 2 weeks I had begun a serious relationship with a handsome, fun, sweet man which lasted several years. We've remained friends since then. It was a great experience. The other extraordinary time was when I had manifested award-winning actor Gary Oldman in my studio apartment when I first moved to L.A. to pursue acting. I truly desired to have an opportunity to talk with him about the acting process and voila, like magic, he solely comes to my apartment and we had a wonderful day talking about the craft. He even said he couldn't believe he was there with me for this was something he never could imagine himself doing, yet he felt compelled to oblige my request. Right then I knew that there was a certain combination of "things" that had to come together to produce a miraculous result such as this and I set out to figure out what has to come together to master manifesting in life. If I could discover that "secret recipe," a step-by-step process to manifest in life one could have access to manifesting at will, anytime and all the time.

2) What was the first book you read on the subject of manifestation and the law of attraction and who was your first teacher? 

The first book I read on the subject of manifestation was Maxwell Maltz's "Psycho-Cybernetics." It was given to me at the age of 15 by my Aunt. I was inspired by the reading and got the message that one could live a life where anything was possible. The stories shared in the book really struck a chord with me but I couldn't ascertain how to apply it to my life personally. I knew there was truth in what Dr. Maltz was sharing with the world so I continued my search, reading everything I could, to understand this fascinating phenomena. 

3) What made you decide to be a Life Coach and create your personal format - The Art Of Manifestation?

Life coaching was not something I set out to do as a profession. I had studied, like a scientist, the manifestation process for many years keeping logs, experimenting, using my life as the subject to determine the fastest, clearest, easiest way to master the process of manifestation. From there, I shared it with friends, family and even put together a group called Lexicon of Dreams Fulfilled comprised of 15 friends to explore my unique manifestation process. It was a huge success! At the end of 12 months, participants experienced 90% completion of everything they wanted to manifest for that year and let me tell you, these people played big. If you had read what their intentions were for that year it would look like most people's life long list of achievements.

4) How long have you been a student of this work?

27 years to date.

5) What are you trying to achieve with your students through your teaching?  

I am 110% committed to my participants of the AOM system mastering the manifestation process easily, quickly and powerfully. I stand for people reaching beyond what their perceived limitations, constrictions or restrictions are redefining who they know themselves to be, their relationships and the world they live in. The results are absolutely outstanding and incredible beyond belief! It works for everyone and every time. 

6) Why do you use these particular teaching strategies as opposed to others that are usually suggested within the Law of Attraction?

I have found that there are an enormous number of books, teachers, seminars on the subject of manifestation, or as others call it Law of Attraction, but surprisingly there are some very crucial elements that are missing that limit the accessibility to truly gain access to one's personal power and abilities. Without these crucial pieces to the puzzle, one's ability to access true power is limited, at best. There are solid answers as to why people who study these phenomena fail at their greatest efforts

7) Describe the best teaching experience you have had as a leader in the field of the manifestation process/Law of Attraction?

All of my experiences as a leader have been incredibly profound! All of the people I have worked with have incredible breakthroughs and transformations in all areas of their lives in just 30 days! Nearly everything they have invented for themselves have manifested anywhere between 30 days and 3 months. That is incredible yet true! I just spoke to one of my participants today who has received unexpected bonuses at work, started her own company, moved into her dream home at the price she wanted to pay, strengthened her relationships and expanded them too, she also bought a brand new BMW, found the love of her life and has just been cleared of an incurable disease by her doctor all within 2 months, yet her story is not unique amongst my clients. They all have fascinating and similar stories to share. It is truly remarkable!

8) How long have you been teaching?

Although I have been studying the manifestation process all of my adult life I would say sharing it with others publicly was in 2002 with the group mentioned before, Lexicon of Dreams Fulfilled. 

9) What is the best part about your job?

Being a part of transforming people's lives! There is nothing more joyous to me than giving people their lives through the Art of Manifestation system. It is a thrill beyond belief hearing from my client's about their breakthrough's, shifts and total transformations.

10) Might we see a book from you in the near future?

I am working on a book at the moment. The working title is "The Art of Manifestation: Living a Life of Magic and Miracles". It is an expansion of the booklet that all my clients receive when they work with me as a life coach. I am very excited to expand onto the next level and share this incredible work with the world. Everyone, no matter what can live the life they dream of and what's more they can access it easily, quickly and enjoy every minute of the process with total fulfillment. Really... what could be better.

                                                 “If not now, when?”     Steve Backley

REYNA ICAZA

 Luxe crocodile handbag designer Reyna Icaza wants to put an explanation point on your outfit. The stylish Nicaraguan-born beauty says her bespoke line of custom purses, clutches, and shoulder bags is distinguished, yet practical enough for everyday living, and can help women punctuate their own unique stories with classic "aspirational, yet attainable" elegance

A childhood spent steeped in the rich natural and cultural wonders of her Central American homeland developed Icaza's eye for refined detail. These early days of creative inspiration would prove more short-lived and impactful on the young designer-in-the-making than anyone could have predicted. In Late December of 1972, while Reyna and her family were visiting relatives in Los Angeles, a magnitude 6.2 Earthquake devasted their hometown of Managua. "Our home, my school: everything crumbled," she recalls, "My parents made the decision for us to stay in Los Angeles since there was nothing to go back to."  Our entire family had to start our new lives in L.A. I had to learn English, enroll in school, adapt to a new country and proudly became a citizen of the U.S. - my new country -which I love"  Fortunately for the fashion world, Reyna's sartorial - centric upbringing in Nicaragua led to an early career working with product development for luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren and William-Sonoma. 

Thirty-five years later Reyna returned to Managua, the cit's landscape had changed dramatically. I discovered a new city that I didn't even recognize, after returning I decided I wanted a change from the corporate world and I wanted to dive into something that would afford me more personal contact with both my creations and my clients. In Re-exploring my native country, I discovered that Nicaragua had access to incredibly beautiful crocodile skins. That planted a seed in my mind. I could source both the crocodile skins and manufacturing in Nicaragua. 

Reyna has a great eye for developing those perfect jewel tones. 

The process of building her business has been a family affair. Acquiring the sustainable crocodile skins and working with local craftspeople were just two of the challenges she said were greatly simplified by having roots there. Reyna's mother was very instrumental in helping her network and makes her dust-bags. Her first year in Nicaragua was spent learning about the skins, working with the craftsmen, and establishing her standards." Her husband Dane was vital in designing her logo and website, which were both major steps to launching practical operations. 

Look who else is part of the family business. Matisse oversees all of Reyna's packing for her travels...mostly figuring out how to go with her... 

Reyna enjoys doing trunk shows in her friend's homes. She enjoys the creative process and taking her time while working one-on-one. 

Classy Snake Skin Clutch Bags.

 You can also choose cuff bracelets, belts, wallets and passport covers... a great gift idea for men.

I love working with my clients, In many cases they come up with stunning ideas and color combos. Seen here with Kelly Preston.

These one-of-a-kind pieces give any look instant "WOW"  I absolutely love my red bag. The red is a perfect red. It's nice to be hands-free. This bag is great for traveling, and for evenings you can remove the strap for a dressier look. Cuff bracelet.

Reyna has found one of the most multi-faceted obstacles of being a handbag maven is to understand the ever-changing landscape of social media and to strategize how to leverage it to help build her brand. "It's a whole new way of doing business, so I'm pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone and embrace it."  Reyna is right where she belongs; thoughtfully stitching together pieces of the two countries she calls home. "I love facing every new day," she says. "Since it's just me running my business, I get to wear many different hats. Depending on the time of year, I may be developing and designing new handbags, sourcing, and buying hardware, preparing for a trunk show, or boxing and shipping handbag. I do spend a lot of time following up on production and talking with my team in Nicaragua. It's amazing how you can run a business with an IPhone."...  We're so grateful she does.

  Reyna is available for trunk shows. Her information is on her website or you can email me, or write in the comment box here on the blog with any questions. It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with Reyna and having lovely women enjoying a little shopping and sharing a few laughs.

      Money doesn't buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray              shoes, and a wonderful bag, and it will always be elegant. Carolina Herrera

Grateful Gardenia: As a businesswoman, what are some challenges you have faced in the beginning stages, and how did you overcome them?  

Reyna: The beginning stages of my business were actually very exciting. The first challenge was to find the right factory to work with in Nicaragua that could make my handbags. Being from Nicaragua and having family there made the process a little easier. My mother was very instrumental in helping me network. I spent a lot of time in Nicaragua my first year learning about the skins, working with the craftsmen, and establishing my standards. The other challenge was developing my brand and setting up my business.  My husband Dane, designed my logo, helped me set up everything operationally, and most importantly developed my initial my website. I was amazed how my identity, brand logo set the tone for my vision. After that, I was on my way.  Most challenging for me was understanding the never changing landscape of social media, and how to leverage it to help build my business.  It’s a whole new way of doing business, so I’m pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone and embrace it. Thanks to your help too, I’m on my way.

Grateful Gardenia:  Briefly describes a day in your life as an entrepreneur. From the time you wake up -

Reyna: I wake up with lots of love: hugs and kisses from Matisse - our mini dachshund - every morning (sorry honey).  I love facing every new day. Since it’s just I running my business, I get to wear many different hats. Depending on the time of year, I may be developing and designing new handbags, sourcing, and buying hardware, following up on production, preparing for a trunk show, and boxing and shipping handbags.  I do spend a lot of time talking with Nicaragua since all my production is done there. It’s amazing how you can run a business with an iPhone.

Grateful Gardenia: What motivates you in your job and your personal life?

Reyna: Oh wow, so many things…In life I think “love and faith” are the key ingredients, that seem to make everything fall into place. It feels so good to love!! I love my husband, my family, Matisse, my friends, and my home. I also love food, eating and cooking, mixed with travel and exploration. Having family in New York, California and Nicaragua pretty much ensures that I’m always exposed to a lot of amazing places, people, and ideas. It’s easy to be motivated when you have positive energy and know how to be happy in life. I feel very blessed. I’m doing business with my native country, in my native tongue.  I never dreamed that I would return to my roots and start a business. The support of my husband, family and friends keep me going. In my job, I receive enormous motivation and encouragement from all the women I meet, from fellow entrepreneurs to my customers.  Women truly motivate and help one another, and want other women to succeed.  I spent many years in the corporate world, and I can tell you that it’s very different dealing with women outside the corporate world. There are so many entrepreneurial women doing great things and succeeding. This inspires me. It’s also amazing that in the short time that I’ve been in business, I’ve developed a very loyal clientele. I receive dozens of handwritten cards from my clients, telling me how much they love their handbags. These notes come from the heart and they are priceless to me. It’s such a wonderful feeling; I can’t help but stay motivated. Thank you to all the women that are reading this, you know who you are, and I’m so appreciative for all your support.

Grateful Gardenia: What are your three favorite beauty or clothing products you simply can’t live without?

Reyna:  Hmmm…Yoga is essential, and no red meat.  I’m scared of the “new” beauty treatments.  In clothing, I have a fetish for white blouses and black dresses for every occasion. I love combining navy and black. White jeans are essential for summer, and of course handbags, preferably a Reyna Icaza handbag. :)

Grateful Gardenia:  How do the ideas to consistently grow your business come to you?

Reyna: I’ve been in the fashion industry my whole life.  In my early years I spent many years in product development, merchandising and design, and later in retail management at Ralph Lauren. The interesting part is that what I’m doing now is totally new to me. I’ve been introduced to private trunk shows, and I’m enjoying them so much.  Direct contact with all my customers is priceless; I’m constantly listening to feedback and growing. I’ve been in the fashion industry my whole life.  In my early years I spent many years in product development, merchandising and design, and later in retail management at Ralph Lauren. The interesting part is that what I’m doing now is totally new to me. I’ve been introduced to private trunk shows, and I’m enjoying them so much.  Direct contact with all my customers is priceless; I’m constantly listening to feedback and growing.