First name basis with the delivery drivers?

My husband just quit asking …

At this point, my husband just quit asking. Drivers show up at the door, sometimes multiple times per day, but being champion of the working class, he supports my online shopping to help keep businesses (and delivery companies) afloat. We’re both fortunate to be working remotely, saving money on gas, eating out, Starbucks that it seems the least we can do to support the economy. And no, with the exception to the UPS guy who’s been with us for years, I don’t know all their first names.

I received a few things that I’m especially happy about! I thought I’d give you a little “review” of how I’m enjoying these purchases.

My good buddy, who is a former Chloe + Isabel Merchie, is names Edlin Escobar. She lives in sunny California and is oh so fashionably fabulous! She has a great social media following because of her fashion and makeup knowledge. I am kinda envious of her apartment decor too - she has the perfect California Boho vibe. She recently started repping Beauty Counter so I immediately sat up and took notice.

Edlin is particular so I know to trust her intuition. She shared on social media about the All Bright C Serum and how wonderfully it was working for her. The serum purports to lighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and defend the skin against environmental stressors. That all sounded like something I needed to try!

Ever since the blasted 45 hit me, I’ve been struggling with some serious dark spots on my face. No, these aren’t cute freckles caused by the sun, but the large dark areas neglected in large part and exacerbated by no sunscreen during my formative convertible vehicle years. I’ve been using a regimen for the last few years, and while it definitely lightened my spots, sans makeup, my daughters still comment that they can see the dark lines on my face.

After using the All Bright C Serum and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel for about 2 weeks, I have to say I’m really seeing a difference, and it feels lovely. Sometimes the other regimen dried out my skin - but this feels soft and gives me a glow. Truly! When I put it on, I feel like I could walk out of the house with a bit of a sunshine on my face. The Overnight Peel is used a few times per week, dries in 15 minutes and simply washes off with your morning face ritual. Between the two, I’ve been really happy.

If you’d like to shop Beauty Counter (and I’m really considering adding to my collection) try Edlin’s website. She’s down to earth, friendly and budget friendly. I just received an email today informing me the All Bright C Serum was out of stock, but they’re taking pre-orders.

And tell Edlin I said hello!

My favorite hand soap

Oh Aveda … take me away

Waaaaay back, even pre kids I think, my sister in law Yvonne bought me some of this Avenda Rosemary Mint hand and body wash for my birthday. Once I started using it, I fell in love with the scent and softness of my skin. Since then, it’s always been on my “must have beauty requirements” list. I carefully guard the bottles against overuse on stuff like my husband’s greasy hands and let people know “a little goes a long way”. I buy the BIG bottles for body soap in the shower and love bubblebaths with the lovely scent.

After running out of hand soap at our vacation home, I returned home to find our own home supply diminished as well. Who figured it would be so difficult to find hand soap? I searched Amazon and checked to see if Bath and Body Works was open. I couldn’t find any at Target, Safeway or even Costco. So I spoiled my household a bit and placed an order (getting some lovely Aveda points along the way) for 2 of the 8.5 fl oz bottles to fill the shortfall. I can continue to refill these with my BIG guy and I’m loving having it at my fingertips once again.

I would encourage anyone needing some hand soap to give Aveda a try. It’s pricey, but one small pump will fill your hands with a lovely lather and spa like smell. All available at Aveda.com.

Much love from a fellow shopper!!

Gabby

Piece of History

Chloe + Isabel

It’s all how you see it …

Last week, Chloe + Isabel announced it would be closing its doors on July 31st. Unlike many other direct sales companies who announce their closure and shut the doors immediately, C+I is giving it’s faithful customers and merchies an opportunity to help them clear the racks with a great Semi-Annual sale and eventual clearing of all inventory.

A few of you who reached out when I quit my constant jewelry posts and combing for hostesses know that I saw this coming over a year ago.

When I discovered C+I following my mom’s death in 2013, it was my way of picking myself back up and putting my sorrow aside. I found wonderful new friends like my first leader, Amanda Nelson and my merchie sisters, Clara DiGuiseppe, Katie Wascisin-Hathaway and so many others. I got to be on the front lines of cool leaders like Gina Lucas, Jensine Reyes, Erin Dodd, Faye Calangian, Stefani Jacobsmeyer, Edlin Escobar, Malia Adams, Katie Johnson, Mallorie Corcoran and so many others. And of course, who can forget the woman who started it all, Chantel Waterbury.

We were a great group of women who ran successful businesses without the stress of recruiting, devaluing the jewelry constantly with sales and nearly impossible incentive trips. I loved the days when the Kate Spade purse or exclusive designs were gifted for my own personal sales, rather than tied to recruiting. My last SOAR conference, a few of us could see the writing on the wall when Chantel was replaced as CEO and suddenly all the cool girls were exiting stage left.

Many of these women are still my fashion icons in their bohemian style and savvy business sense. I’m still watching their success stories with other companies and of course Chantel’s new endeavor. I jumped in with both feet when Gina and Stefani started their monthly fashion box business.

I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to all of the wonderful friends I have met during my time as a merchie. There’s no way I would’ve met my friend Lisa Dusapin without her being a friend of a woman I met when I was booking a booking off an original connection. She will always be a friend - and I thank C+I for the mode of creating all of these special opportunities.

While I don’t have much inventory left, and some will always stay with me, I have taken a few minutes to place one last order. I borrowed the Queen Anne’s Lace set from my friend for my last trip to Vegas - but I always dreamed of owning it! I picked up the statement necklace and earrings for 40-50% off and I can’t say I’m that sorry about it.

Has there been a collection or piece that you’ve always dreamed about? You may want to check to see if it’s now on sale!

I can promise you one thing - I don’t think we’ll see the last of Chantel Waterbury. She’s one of the brightest women who understands the need for a great business base - and partnerships like the one she’s nourished with Ashton Kutcher and Jen Atkins. You may just decide to invest in a piece of history - and when you hear Chantel’s name you can say “I have a piece of her first business adventure!”

I love my life right now, even with my mom being gone, I feel stronger, happier and successful. I owe much of that to Chantel, my merchie sisters and new friends.

Much love,

Gabby