Happy New Year!

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2008, let's take this time to reflect on what a year this has been. I created this blog in June of 2008. My intention was to share my journey with you as an entrepreneur while trying to find my way through this competitive world we live in.

Some of us are excited the year has come to an end to look forward to new beginnings and a fresh start for a new year. With negatives like high gas prices (thankfully, not as high at the moment), financial market crashes, massive layoffs and a challenging economy, I am happy to say goodbye to 2008 as well. However, there are always opportunities in the middle of chaos. One person's drama can turn into someone else's gratification.

With all that this country has been through in the last 6 months, I am still standing! Here are three things that I have learned to practice to keep striving and pushing forward:

STRENGTH - You are not aware how strong you really are until you are backed up against the wall and the only way out is moving forward. You will find a way to push through. Either you settle or persevere. You decide!

BELIEVE - You must believe ANYTHING is possible and you CAN achieve whatever you put your heart and mind to (our new President of the United States has made this fact visible).

NEVER GIVE UP - No matter how hard and tough life can seem, NEVER GIVE UP! Every step you take toward your desired goal is a step that counts to get you closer to the finish line! Life is not a race; it's a journey. Move at your own pace and you will eventually begin to see results.

With all this to be said, I want to wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours... Season's Greetings!

Shop 'Til You Drop!

Who doesn't love a good deal when it comes to shopping? Shop It To Me is an online resource to shop designer brands at a discounted price!

Here's an invitation from me to you! Perfect timing to get that party dress, clutch bag and matching stilettos for the holiday festivities!!!

Happy Shopping!!!

Holiday Beauty

Ahhh, The Holidays! If you're anything like me, you love to play dress-up! The holidays are the perfect excuse to get all dolled up... Literally! You can create your own "Hollywood Glam" look! Overdressed is NOT overrated! What's the old saying... "When you look good, you feel good". Even if you don't have anyplace to go... Put on your sexiest stilettos, your favorite party dress and doll yourself up with the makeup you're too intimidated to put on yourself (trust me, it's not as difficult as they make it out to be... from your fellow makeup artist)... Wink! I'll bet you'll be all charged up, ready to dance the night away! Even in your own living room!

Here are some holiday beauty tips for hair, makeup and wardrobe to get you started and motivated.

Ms. Eva the Diva is back (America's Next Top Model winner Cycle 3) and is looking as gorgeous as ever!

(photo courtesy of Essence.com)

(photo courtesy of Essence.com)

(photo courtesy of Essence.com)

The dramatic lip

(image and photography courtesy of KevinHees.com)

The dramatic eye

(image and photography courtesy of KevinHees.com)

Hair slicked back so elegantly with two braids

(photo courtesy of iconique.com and catwalkimages.com)

These new headbands are so sleek you can really dress them up or down

(image courtesy of people.com)

Happy Holidays! And remember... You're never overdressed, everyone else is under-dressed! ;)

All I Want For Christmas...

(photo courtesy of reddirect.co.uk)

The key phrase is "Think Big" or "Dream Big", whichever is more suitable for you. So here's my wish list for the holidays.

First, lets start with the Hamptons home in Bridgehampton, New York... My Dream Home!

(images courtesy of corcoran.com property photographs of Bridgehampton)

Second, the dream car to park in the garage of my dream home.

(photo courtesy of LandRoverUSA.com)

Third, the handsome husband to share all of this with.
(I know he's already taken. You can't blame a girl for putting it out there. No disrespect, Jada!)

(photo courtesy of topnews.in)

Now this is what I call a wish list! HOWEVER, I'll settle for my great health, loving family and friends, a career to call MY OWN and waking up every single day to have the opportunity to start over and change what I'm not happy with. That's the true gift! Sometimes the best gifts are free and are right in front of us everyday. We're just blinded by prodigious "material" things that appear to be something greater! We are already greater!

... Mind over matter!

Something Juicy For Your Senses

I recently purchased a new fragrance from Juicy Couture and it smells heavenly. Being the fragrance freak I am (obviously... smile), I quickly took a liking to this new scent with notes of sparkling Mandarin, Absolute Tuberose, wrapped in Wild Rose, Princess Lily and Precious Woods. Doesn't it sound heavenly? This would be the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday!

In addition to this yummy eau de parfum, our "I Do" Candle scented in Rose Bouquet is the perfect hinting ploy while you're seducing your significant other during this holiday season, wearing your most seductive fragrance!

By the way... Shipping is absolutely FREE when you purchase on HelenJulia.com!

An invite to your wedding is all the "thanks" I need! Just kidding... :)

Go RED!

(PRODUCT) RED

December 1st is World AIDS Day. This is such a sensitive topic but we MUST acknowledge the power that be. The number of people living with HIV is continuing to rise in every part of the world. There are now 33 million people living with HIV worldwide!

Here's something you can do to help someone living with HIV in Africa. By purchasing any (PRODUCT) RED item, you're helping save a life! It's as simple as that! Every dollar goes straight to Africa. Straight to someone who needs it to buy antiretroviral medicine to help save a life.

Join (RED) today! So many companies have participated in the global fund and the fight against AIDS such as; Starbucks, American Express, Apple and the list goes on with some of your favorite stores.