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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

Thank you for your continued support throughout the years! We look forward to a continuing relationship with you!

From our family to yours... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Sexy Is Back!

Ok, boys, hold on to your hats! It's that exciting time when the sexiest fashion show alive comes to network television... The Victoria's Secret 2008 Fashion Show! The show took place in sunny Miami, Florida, at The Fountainebleau Miami Beach! How perfect! It's the city for the sexy!

I remember back in the day when bra and panty commercials were band from network television here in the United States. Times have definitely changed. Not only will you see bras and panties all over your television screen during commercial breaks, but you'll get to watch a full hour of GORGEOUS women prance around in the sexiest lingerie with their flirtatious winks and blown kisses, up close and personal on your HDTV for super clarity!

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store for the sexy runway extravaganza!

VS Model Marisa Miller

VS model Karolina KurkovaVS Model Heidi Klum

Special guests to perform are Usher and Mariah Carey!

Catch the 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to air on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10pm EST.

Tickle Me Pink

Lately, I've been OBSESSED with the color Fuchsia for my home. Fuchsia is the new Brown (as far as I'm concerned). I just love Pink, Pink and more Pink… Hot Pink, that is! Aren't we just tired of browns, creams and greens? It's so safe! I should know because that's all that surrounds me in my NY apartment!

Here are some bold and beautiful ideas to brighten up your room with a bold statement, without getting too Barbie dream house.

And, but of course, you MUST include a Pink Diamond Helen Julia Candle scented in Cotton Candy; packaged in a fuchsia pink ribbon for your pink decor room!

If you have some interior design suggestions with using a splash of color, please include your suggestions and comments. I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

United "Penny" Service

That's right, it won't even cost you a penny for shipping when you purchase on helenjulia.com! Helen Julia is now offering FREE SHIPPING (Ground Service) for website orders now through 12/1/08. We understand every penny counts nowadays and the little things like "shipping" can make a difference. There is not a minimum amount for this promotion. Buy one candle and shipping will cost you nada!

Tis the season to be jolly...

First Lady to Fashionista!

The future First Lady, Michelle Obama, is already setting fashion trends. This First Lady mean business all the way down to her shoes! With her 5'10 inch supermodel height, sleek and taut frame, she is giving high-end fashion designers something to "sketch" about! Michelle Obama is fearless and fierce! She is a woman that can stand on her own without any comparisons and a force to be reckoned with! There's no doubt about that!

Designers such as Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez, Moschino, Isabel Toledo and even J.Crew have been worn by Michelle Obama.

(Tunic by Isabel Toledo)

(Dress by Narciso Rodriguez)(Ensemble by J.Crew)

These gowns have been predicted to be worn by Michelle Obama for the Presidential Inaugural Ball. I cannot wait to see which dress will be the chosen one.

(Design by Oscar de la Renta)

(Design by Oscar de la Renta)(Design by Oscar de la Renta)

Michelle Obama exude confidence and strength as we witnessed her journey throughout this presidential election side by side with her husband, Barack Obama.

"This might be a confusing journey if I were 30 or 20. But at 44, fortunately, I'm more comfortable with who I am and I'm more clear about who I am. Had I done this 10 years ago, I don't think I could have done it with as much enjoyment. It would have been more painful. Now all the hard stuff really just rolls off your back."

(Quote from an interview with MORE Magazine that's currently being sold on newsstands now)

I look forward to watching her fashion sense as the new First Lady of The White House!

You're Hired!

As this recession continues, we cannot help but to feel helpless and worn out during job searches and a competitive string of interviews. Change is coming but we have a ways to go before we see our economy turnaround for the better.

Here are a few tips for your interviewing process. With so many candidates competing for the same job, employers are getting savvy with their trick questions to make it easier to narrow down their best candidates. So, to keep you in the top three if not the one that is hired (the chosen one) review some of these simple questions that may seem standard but is really more of a ploy to decision making.

Tell us about yourself.
What they're really asking: What makes you special? Why should we hire you?

Tips: Prepare several selling points about yourself. Give a quick "elevator speech" that overviews your experience and achievements.

What are your greatest strengths?
What they're really asking: How do you perceive your talents and abilities as a professional? Will you be an asset to our organization?

Tips: Sell yourself. If you don't promote your strengths, nobody else will. Prepare six or seven responses. Be "confidently humble."

What are your greatest weaknesses?
What they're really asking: How honest are you being about yourself with us? How realistic are you?

Tips: Present your weakness as a positive. Don't talk too long or emphasize your downfalls.

Why are you interested in working here?
What they're really asking: How dedicated are you? Do you have a passion for this type of work?

Tips: Keep your answer simple and to the point. Stay away from such responses as, "Many of my friends have worked here." This response isn't very impressive.

Why should we hire you?
What they're really asking: Can you convince us you're "the one?" Can you sell your "product?"

Tips: Make a powerful statement about the value you'll bring to their organization. Toot your own horn, but be wary of sounding arrogant.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What they're really asking: Will you only be here for a year before moving on, or are you committed to staying here for awhile? Are you a stable person? Can you set goals for yourself?

Tips: Be aware that they might not want to hire someone who will only be around for a year or two. Feel free to say that you have one goal at the moment: to be the very best employee for that particular job.

What are some of your hobbies?
What they're really asking: How well-rounded are you? What do you do outside of work that might transfer positively into the workplace?

Tips: Emphasize any hobbies or activities that may relate to the job. Help the interviewer learn more about you and perceive you as a person, rather than a job candidate. Therefore, don't just answer questions, respond to them.

Would you be willing to pursue an extra certificate or credential?
What they're really asking: How is your attitude? How flexible are you?

Tips: Tell the interviewer how important professional growth is to you. Understand that the person who will impress the interviewer the most is the one willing to do the extra work.

What were you hoping we'd ask today, but didn't?
What they're really asking: Is there anything special about yourself that you want us to know?

Tips: Consider this a "show and tell" opportunity. Use materials from your portfolio to convince them how valuable you'll be to their organization.

Do you have any questions for us?
What they're really asking: Are you prepared to ask questions? How interested are you in this position?

Tips: List five or six questions on an index card. Ask at least one question, even if all of your prepared questions have been answered. Never say, "No, you've answered all of my questions."

It's important to sound natural and thoughtful when replying to such questions, don't let your responses sound 'canned' or rehearsed. It's important to make the interviewer feel as though you've given serious thought to their question and are genuinely interested in the job.

This article is courtesy of AOL Business "Hidden Meaning of Interviewers".

I wish you continued success with your job search!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Give Thanks

Holiday season is rapidly approaching us. I cannot believe it! What a year this has been! From high gas prices, financial market crashes, massive layoffs, and a new President in the White House! PHEW!!! I'm exhausted from it ALL! However, happier times awaits us to bring family and friends together.

Thanksgiving is about sharing and learning to appreciate what is, right now... Giving thanks to the positive and blessings that surround us daily, whether you recognize them or not. They're right in front of us. Just stop, look and pay attention.

While you're preparing your beautifully decorated dinner table for your guests, I would suggest burning these Helen Julia Candles to set the Fall/Winter mood during the Thanksgiving holiday.

(photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma Home)

(Sexy Suede Soy Candle scented in Vanilla Sandalwood)

(Chocolate Pear-adise Soy Candle scented in White Chocolate & Golden Pear - also available in RED RIBBON for Holiday)

"Thanksgiving is about everything we have is a gift from God - even our sorrows."

The Thanksgiving tradition created by Pilgrims was established to honor God and thank Him for His blessings and His grace.