Drinkin' the Kool-aid

I'm lovin' in!

2010-05-28T13:20:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful week in Vegas! I keep hearing this threat of obnoxiously hot weather and yet we're enjoying the coolest spring in history! The funny thing is, it's freaking out the locals! They're quite disappointed when I believe we should all embrace this gorgeous weather, get out and enjoy it!

Today I will work on finishing my office. I've completed decorating the rest of my apartment and have put off the office as long as I could! So this weekend I'll finish painting the office, putting everything in its place, tackle the paperwork that's piling up from all the spas I've had this month and hang the decorations I have stashed away for the office. And then, I'll take some pictures and share with all the world!

Everyday that I am here, I discover additional things I love about Vegas. So here's a continuation of that list:

The DMV - what an organized establishment! Yes, I spent 3 hours there but I was prepared. I had some work with me and a book. But compared to the Memphis DMV - it was a breath of fresh air.

The Henderson Area - I sense a great deal of competition between the Summerlin and Henderson residents. Each feel that their area is the best. I chose to live near Henderson and yes, I do conclude that it is the BEST! I've spent some time in Summerlin and the biggest thing I noticed - Henderson is greener. Sorry Summerlin - this Southern Girl enjoys the trees and grass. I didn't see too much of that in Summerlin. Summerlin is right on the edge of some mountains and unfortunately that area is just as brown as the mountains.

The People - I know I touched on this last week but I continue to meet amazing people every day. Everyone here is so welcoming and curious as to why I actually "chose" Las Vegas versus being moved here against my will. It's hilarious but I adore it! It allows me to show people that my life is blessed with choices that I get to make!

Signing off for now. I hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day weekend and finds ways to honor those who have served our country.

Blessings to you all!

Welcome to Vegas

2010-05-19T13:09:00.006-05:00

I've been in Vegas for 3 weeks now and thought I'd share with you an update to how life is here in Sin City! My journey began Friday, April 30th when I drove from Memphis to Amarillo, TX. After reaching Little Rock, AR, I was on a stretch of I-40 I'd never seen and so I enjoyed the drive thoroughly. The following day I completed my drive to Las Vegas and as excited I was to finally see Hoover Dam for the first time, I knew I was only 8 miles from my destination and so I was antsy about getting there! I'll have plenty of time to revisit Hoover Dam and other sites around the Vegas area once I'm more settled.

Within 2 days of arriving in Vegas, we were out doing School Spas. Two weeks before I left Memphis, I sent faxes to 36 schools in the Vegas area and 4 called me back within 2 hours of receiving the fax! How amazing I felt knowing that I would arrive in Vegas with work already scheduled for me. As fate would have it, a young lady from Michelle Jones's team also moved to Vegas the same day I did and so I had a business partner to help me work the 5 schools we had booked!

The first week was AWESOME! We completed 3 school spas and then I was blessed with having Michelle Jones and Brian Cook join me in Vegas. They were here to help me unpack, set up my internet and they even helped me paint! How blessed I am to have amazing friends. After a long week of moving, completing 3 school spas and also leading my first BeautiU training here in Vegas, Brian & Michelle took me out for a night on the town to celebrate my arrival!
Brian and Michelle headed back to LA that Sunday and so began week 2! Week two included two more school spas. Justine and I ended up selling $3417.33 among the 5 schools and booked over 15 spas! How amazing is that? Week two ended with my doing my first home spa in Vegas. The group was quite entertaining and I don't recall the last time I laughed so hard! I had 4 guests at the spa and I recruited 2 of them and booked spas for the other 2.

I am so excited to be in this amazing city! I've experienced 60mph winds that made me wonder if there would be an tornado. I've seen humid, overcast days that never resulted in rain. I think this will be my biggest obstacle - predicting the weather. Learning what happens here instead of reverting to what those weather conditions would equate to in Memphis!

I've met so many great people. And the funniest thing is, most of those people I've met tell me how hard it is to meet people in this city. I just laugh. I'm having a blast and looking forward to updating this blog more frequently to keep all of you updated.

I'm still working on the finishing touches of my apartment and will post photos soon I promise!

Until next time, Viva Las Vegas!

What I'll Miss Most About Memphis

2010-04-02T15:50:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that in a few short weeks, I will leave the city that I have called home for most of my life. Memphis, TN - Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock n Roll, The Bluff City - it has a million names. This morning I was out and about, running errands, enjoying the gorgeous weather and I went into this nostalgic mode where I began thinking of all the things about this place that I will miss most. I will absolutely miss my friends and family but for different reason - each unique to the person I will miss. But what about Memphis? What is it about Memphis and the Midtown area where I live that I will miss most?

The gorgeous view of the Mighty Mississippi when you're heading North on Riverside drive. You round that corner and then take in a deep breath when you see the view of the river and the "new" bridge.

Hearing fireworks for every home run the Redbirds hit at AutoZone park and for each touchdown made at Memphis State games played at the LiberyBowl.

Hearing folks still call it Memphis State even though the school officially changed the name to the University of Memphis almost 15 years ago.

The only time the city of Memphis rallies together is when Memphis basketball and football is in season. I love wearing out and about on game days and strangers yelling out "Go Tigers!" to everyone!

I'll miss the church bells from Idlewild Presbyterian. They sound so sweet. Especially on game day when they play the Memphis State fight song!

I love that I live close enough to walk to the grocery store, the bank and my favorite sushi restaurant Sekisui.

I'll miss my house. It's a bungalow house that was built in 1919. Original hardwood floors throughout the house except in the master bedroom that was added in the 70's. This house has been a home for me and all my family and friends. I know that I will leave behind a little piece of my heart in this home. I do hope that the next owners will love the house as much as I do.

I'll miss my incredible neighbors Carey & Carol. They welcomed me into their family with open arms. I will forever be grateful to them and know how blessed I am to have them in my life.

I'll miss the crazy homeless people in Midtown. I absolutely love that all of us Midtowners have nicknames for each of the residents of our streets. There's the "raggae" due with the braids that always leans on the mailbox in front of the Belvedere apartments. There's the guy who always wears a dress and sits on the bench outside of the firehouse on Union at McLean. There's the short woman with blonde hair that's always pulled back in a ponytail - she has got to be the angriest little woman I've ever seen! Doesn't she know that she would probably get more money out of folks if she didn't scream at everyone? And the tall guy whose pants are too short and he's always carrying a milk crate and a basketball. Oh I will miss you all.

I will miss the vinegar BBQ sauce and homemade potato chips at Central BBQ. I seriously need to find out if they ship...

Memphis In May - I love the excitement of Music Fest and BBQ Fest!

I'll miss those days when Dave Brown announces there is a "chance" of snow and the entire city shuts down! Well, they all head to the grocery store to buy milk and then they shut down!

I'll miss stories of how people survived "Hurricane Elvis" or the 1992 Ice Storm, the day Memphis State beat UT, and stories of proof that Elvis is dead or alive, whichever story you have.

I'll miss hearing the tornado sirens at every firestation in Memphis going off and me thinking "Oh! It's Wednesday at 3:30!"

I will miss the Japanese Magnolia trees. My absolute favorite!

There is so much more I will miss and this city will lure me back from time to time. Memphis will always be home to me.

Successful Trip to Vegas

2010-03-31T17:26:00.002-05:00

Last week, I visited Las Vegas with two goals in mind - find a place to live and meet some new folks! Both goals were accomplished!

As you all know, I'm a planner. I had 8 apartments already scoped out online and went to visit those 8 first. Then I dropped in a few that I saw along the way to the others. I finally settled on an apartment complex just outside the Henderson border. It's absolutely fantastic! I'll have two bedrooms so that I have an office for my spa business. The only downfall - hardly any closets. There is a huge walk-in closet in each bedroom so I imagine the office closet will have to serve as storage space as well. But even though closet space is limited, I'm happy about it. It will allow me to declutter even more than I already have! The sales person at the complex gave me several floorplan printouts and of course, on my flight home, I began drawing in where each piece of furniture will be placed! I'm so excited! I can move in as early as May 3rd. I'm finalizing a few more details before I'll announce officially what date I'll make the drive across country!

Goal #2 was networking. Can I just say that I am in absolute awe of how well people in the Las Vegas area network? I guess they have to. I only met 3 people who were actually FROM Las Vegas while I was out there for 4 days! My dear friend Jennifer Lee invited me to stay with her and she had set us up with a different networking group each night I was there. The first night was the Busy Women's Group, next was the Girls Night Out Group and so forth. I bet you I came home with 50 business cards and I passed out every single one of mine. The last day I was there, I had to tear a sheet of paper to give a girl my contact information. It was insane and I loved every minute of it.

Being a Southern girl, I was a little leary of how accepting and friendly LV folks would be. Well it's a melting pot of folks from all over the world and I didn't meet a single unfriendly face! And you'd laugh to hear how many Tennesseans I met. Heck, the very first person I met was from Jackson, TN (65 miles from Memphis). So needless to say, I loved every minute of it and am so excited to move!

These next few weeks will be filled with work, finalizing details, selling some furniture and appliances, and most importantly - seeing friends before I leave. For those of you who I will be leaving behind here in Memphis - know that I will be back to visit! This is not the last time you'll ever see me. And to those of you who wish to visit Las Vegas - let me know when you're in town. I'd love to see you!

Speaking of those details that need to be finalized, I must return to crossing off items on my list. More updates to come.

A New Flavor of Koolaid

2010-03-03T12:54:00.003-06:00

I just looked at this blog and noticed that it's been over a year since I updated this blog. With the popularity of Facebook, I'd taken to write more "notes" than blogging. Lately I've felt such a pull to begin journaling again and the best way to do so is on this blog. The past few weeks I've heard comments regarding how the new structure of BeautiControl is so amazing that it's almost as if we're drinking some koolaid together. I kept hearing this reference over and over in the past weeks and I believe it was the higher powers letting me know it was time to begin blogging again. It was that very comment that lead me to create this blog a few years ago.

So what's been going on since February 11th of last year? Lots of traveling last year. As you all know, I'm a travel fanatic and plan to do much more of it in the future. Last year I traveled to the Bahamas twice, Hawaii, Dallas a few times, Vegas, Mayan Riviera Mexico and probably a few more that I'm forgetting. Literally, every other month I was traveling and I couldn't have been more happy! BeautiControl provides me with the flexibility of controling my schedule. They even paid for many of the trips I just mentioned! :)

Many of you are aware that after 11 years of being together, Donald and I have decided to split. It was a tough decision that was not taken lightly. We exhausted all options and in the end, has led us to our current state. The house is on the market and my goal is to move out of Memphis by June 1st of this year. For me, moving is not a means to escape as some may think. My family and friends are here. And everyone knows how incredibly blessed I am to have so many amazing people in my life. But those same people all know how I have dreamed of living away from Memphis for many years now. I have a desire to meet new people, experience new climates and cultures! I want an adventure!

For the past two years, I set the goal of moving to the Las Vegas area. I've visited Las Vegas several times but it was 3 years ago that I was there attending a wedding when I had the opportunity to spend several days there. I absolutely fell in love with the town and 2 years ago when I began exploring the areas to which I'd move, Vegas popped back up. So I've been working towards that goal for so long now, the time has come and I feel the need to embrace this huge change in my life and go for it!

Yes, I will miss my family and friends dearly. But with technology now, I will be able to chat with them online and do video blogs to them, etc. I will miss the hugs my nephew gives me but that just means that the few hugs I will receive from him each year will be even more sweeter! I know I'll return to Memphis frequently due to the connections I have here. So when you're reading this, fight off the urge to be sad. Feel excited for me! Know that my adventure is about to begin and that I'm going to take all of you along with me! I will continue to post photos on FB and update this blog. And know that anytime you're in the Vegas area, I'd love to see you!

My adventure is about to begin. At the end of this month, I will turn 35. I've seen so many changes in myself as a woman and I see more opportunities to stretch myself further outside my comfort zone. The best part, you all have front row seats to watch it all unfold. Where will I be in 5 years? Who knows? It's gonna be one hell of a ride!

It's been a year of changes

2009-02-11T16:08:00.003-06:00

It was a year ago today that I walked into my boss's office and he told me that they'd have to let me go. I can distinctly remember the feelings I had a year ago. I'm sure you can take a few guesses at some of the emotions I expressed that day. Here it is, a year later. Last August, I promoted to Director, received a ton of amazing gifts for accomplishing that task! We have over 100 people on our BC team now and growing. My life has changed drastically in the past year and absolutely every bit of it was for the better. I couldn't be happier. I have a feeling this year will be even better! Watch out world!

Yikes!

2009-01-19T00:38:00.004-06:00

It is January 19th and I am just now getting around to my first blog post of the year. Let me tell you, I've been a busy girl. So many wonderful things are going on right now. As you know, I recently became an aunt again. My dearest neice Ruby is doing great. She's still in the NICU and most likely will remain there until her original due date which was February 7th. But she's getting bigger each day and when her oxygen levels begin to gain some consistency, we should be able to welcome her home. Donald and I went to visit Ruby last Friday. Here's a picture of me holding her (sorry, I was also the photographer).Isn't she adorable? I know I'm a little biased, but she is a cutie! So business is strong. I'm going on a cruise to the Bahamas on the 29th. Donald and I are taking our trip to Hawaii in May. Caleb is doing great and is fabulous! Here's a picture of him from when we saw him at Christmas:

In the picture is my sister Amanda (top left), my father's sister Lucie sitting next to her and then in front is my little man Caleb and me! We had a great Christmas with my Aunt Lucie and cousin Clark visiting from Milwaukee.

I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday. Please look for more updates coming soon. I'll write much more when it's not so late and I have something inspiring to say!

Love, hugs and kisses.

Elizabeth

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-12-19T16:02:00.003-06:00

Ahhhh, the season is upon us. Even old Scrooge here is getting a little excited about the holidays. For the past few weeks Christmas cards have arrived from various friends and family. I love getting them, checking out how big the kids are getting and reading all the stories that are included with the cards. Makes me think - I should do that! Not everyone reads my blogs as you do. And my neighbor reminded me that when I don't update it frequently - no one will read it! :)

The festivities will begin this weekend with Donald's father's side of the family. Then next week will continue with my side and then end with my father's side of the family coming to town the day after Christmas. So our house will be filled with lots of noise and activities. I'm sure Hattie and Oliver will survive. They'll be freaked out momentarily by all the noise and then relish in all the attention they'll receive. I took a picture of them recently. My Aunt Lucie gave us a cushioned bench over the summer and the dogs have taken quite a liking to it. Especially when I have the fire going.... I apologize for the poor quality of the photo. This was taken with my phone and of course, first and foremost, it is a phone.

Donald just returned from The Bahamas. He turned 30 this past August and I (and many others) gave him scuba lessons for his birthday. Needless to say, he's enjoyed it thoroughly! They did their certification dive in The Bahamas and here's the link for some pics from that. He went on a shark dive!

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday and a prosperous New Year!

Elizabeth

Ruby Tuesday

2008-12-09T22:58:00.005-06:00

Last week at 9:21am, Donald and I became an aunt and uncle again. Ruby Langston Brown was delivered on December 2nd to Donald's youngest brother Matt and his wife Rene. Ruby wasn't supposed to make her grand arrival until February 7, 2009 and she decided 2008 was a better year for her! She weighed 2lbs 5.8oz at birth and as of this afternoon when I went to visit her, she had gained a little over 3oz and was at 2lbs 9 oz. She has been on a ventilator this past week but today they took her off the vent and she simply has a nasal cannula. They are monitoring her lungs and gut a the moment. It will still be a few weeks before she'll be able to drink from a bottle (she's being fed breast milk from a feeding tube). Here are some pictures that I took with my phone today:

Rene put a bow in her hair!Here she is holding Rene's hand:

This is a little heater thing they put her on. They had to put some sunglasses on her eyes to protect her and I told Rene that Ruby was attending a rave!

Ruby needs our love and prayers. I will do my best to update everyone but Rene and Matt have established a page on Caringbridge. As soon as I have that web address, I'll post it on this site.

In utterly sad news, Donald and I lost two of our great friends to the battle with Muscular Dystrophy. My dear friend Harry Roberson passed away last Tuesday, the evening that Ruby made her grand entrance. Then today, we learned that another friend, Gary Hill passed away late last night. Within one week, we lost two friends. Sadly, both boys were only 19 years of age. They both attend camp this past year as their last time since MDA recently changed the age limits to 17 years of age. I know those two are up in heaven having a field day together. They're probably laughing and running - racing each other to see who is fastest.

Life and death - it's the circle of life. Needless to say, it's been quite a ride this past week. Donald left early this morning for the Bahamas to complete his scuba certification. So I am home alone tonight. Part of me was grateful for the quiet time, and another part felt so alone. We all must grieve and I prefer to do mine alone. Tonight was a night of reflection - reflection on the lives that were lost this week. The years I've spent with them at camp - the funny things they would say to make me laugh and how my heart filled with joy when they told me they loved me. I will miss Harry and Gary greatly. And I appreciate the joy they both brought to my life. And I thank God everyday that people like those boys touched my life. And I thank God for the blessing that is my niece Ruby.

Let the traveling begin!

2008-11-13T09:15:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow morning I have a 7am flight to Dallas. I'll be in Dallas participating in our New Director's Training program. I'm extremely excited about this opportunity and look forward to learning new ideas and bringing home some excitement and momentum to my team! I'll be back late afternoon on Tuesday and then on Thursday will begin a retreat that Blair is hosting. So it'll be a busy week for me but I'll keep you all abreast of the developments. I'll take lots of pictures to share with you all!

Love, hugs and kisses,

Elizabeth

Brief Update

2008-10-25T23:41:00.003-05:00

So I thought I'd take a moment to grant my loyal readers their wish - for me to update my blog. This past week has been a busy and productive week for me. In the month of November I will be doing quite a bit of traveling so I've spent a great deal of my time preparing to be away. I recently purchased an adorably cute new laptop computer so I hope to stay connected to Memphis even while I'm away.

The only saving grace of living in this city is the fact that I get to travel quite a bit. Memphis will always be home for me and as more nieces and nephews are brought into this world, it makes it harder and harder for me to move away. Plus, I adore my house so I know I'd really miss it.

So hopefully my trips next month will provide for some stories that are more interesting than just "the day in the life of Elizabeth." Until then, be well, live well and be happy.

Love to all!

Feeling nostalgic

2008-10-17T16:22:00.002-05:00

I haven't a clue why but Facebook has seemed to really take off for my generation of web users. I'd always heard about Facebook but never really used it much. It seemed to be pretty hip with the High School and College kids but considering that was my "age group" 15 years ago, I wasn't in it. But this past summer I was reintroduced to Facebook from the counselors at MDA camp. (duh, most of them are high school and college age) And just in the past 2 months, I've been reintroduced to people I hadn't thought of in years! I'm loving it. Everyone pretty much looks the same, they're kids are beautiful and I've really enjoyed reconnecting with them. It all seems so surreal! I find myself digging through my boxes of old pictures and reliving memories from 20 years ago. It's pretty powerful.

Recently I was reconnected with the guy who I went to my Senior Prom with! I saw his stepmother in Dallas at our BeautiControl conference. She lives in New Jersey now and she's in our BC family. What a small world. My prom date, Matt, is still in the Air Force and currently stationed in Afghanistan. We've emailed each other a few times this week and it's been fun catching up with the past 15 years of our lives. Now, in 1993 when I last saw Matt, I never dreamed I'd be reconnected with him. It seemed odd to me that I probably would never hear from him again but I just accepted that. It was a chance meeting with his stepmom that reconnected us. But with the internet now, people will have friends for lifetimes and now have the means to stay in touch with people. It simply overwhelms me to think of this. What an amazing world of technology we live in.

So now I'm connecting with all my old friends, sharing in their joys and griefs. I hope that for those of you who read my blog every so often will feel as if you are still connected with me in that aspect. It's been a crazy few months and I've made some sacrifices to continue growing my business. Those sacrifices are small compared to the rewards I'll receive. Know that I think of all of you often and hope you are all doing well!

Love, hugs and kisses,

Elizabeth

Oprah says something inspirational!

2008-09-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

"What I know for sure is that no matter where you stand right now- on a hilltop, in a gutter, at a crossroads, in a rut- you need to give yourself the best you have to offer at this moment. This is it. Rather than depleting yourself with judgments about what you haven't done, who you could have become, why you haven't moved faster, or what you should have changed, redirect that energy toward the next big push--the one that takes you from good enough to better. The one that takes you from adequate to extraordinary. The one that helps you rise up from a low moment and helps you reach for your personal best."

The mind is a powerful thing

2008-09-17T15:56:00.003-05:00

Many of you know about my involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Having been involved with that organization for the past 17 years, I've lost many friends to this terrible disease. Recently, we lost a young man by the name of Bradley Butler. Bradley lived a short life, only 12 years. I am sad for him and his family but was given hope when I read is obituary. I want to share with all of you the first two sentences:

Bradley Aaron Butler
BRADLEY AARON BUTLER was called home by the Lord on Sunday, September 14, 2008. He has won his fight with Muscular Dystrophy!

How amazing that a family who has just experienced a painful loss can turn it around and create a positive message. He won his fight with Muscular Dystrophy! Sure, they're still hurting but they are making the choice to view it as an accomplishment.

The mind is a powerful thing. I truly do believe that we have the power to make the decision of how we will think and feel on any given day. We can choose to focus on the good or focus on the bad. What a miserable life it must be to constantly focus on the bad. I've heard a motivational speaker, Dale Smith Thomas, speak many times. I pulled a quote from her website:

"I once heard that it doesn't take hundreds of ideas to change your life, it only takes one that you put into action. I believe if you are seeking a better life, that it requires becoming a better person. If you will spend just 30 minutes a day on personal self improvement at the end of the year you will have dedicated 28, 8 hour days to changing your life. It is your decisions that determine your destiny. The key to your future is you!"

How powerful is it to know that we are in charge! So many people in life think they're at a dead end or can't do better for themselves. I'm here to tell you that there is a way out! We live in America - the land of opportunity! Come on! Any and all of us can have anything we want. Will it always be easy? No. But the only way we can fail is if we give up.

Are you ready to give up? I'm not! And I never will.

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fear of attempt."
- William Shakespeare

Another Brown gets married!

2008-09-08T12:06:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, Donald's youngest brother, Matt got married! It was a fun weekend spent with family. Check out my pictures! So now, all of the Brown boys (Donald, Denis and Matt) are now married.

It's been a busy month for me. I'm still working on the Bahamas promotion and having a great time doing so! Once life slows down a little, I'll return to my usual updates for this blog.

Until then, I hope you all have a great week!

Much love!

Elizabeth

And now - what you've all been waiting for!

2008-08-15T18:09:00.008-05:00

Ahhhhh. Life has finally slowed down for me to finally update my blog. I hope that I can explain with words the amazing feeling I have right now. As I've said before, promoting myself to Director was one of my proudest moments in my life. I absolutely love what I do! And now I get paid even better for doing it! Last week, I met this amazing woman who was looking for a way to make $444 to pay for her daughters' car insurance bills. When I met with her we went over the opportunity and she asked a lot of great questions and she looked at me and said "Elizabeth, I've been praying to God that He would show me a way to make this additional income. And now I've found you and He answered my prayers!" Then I looked at her and said, "Karen, I've been praying to God that He'd help me find some more wonderful people like you! So He put us together for a reason!" How amazing is that? Everyday I get to touch people's lives and help them either develop new careers or teach them how to take care of themselves with stress reduction exercises and great skincare! I'm loving this job!

So let me tell you about our conference at Dallas! First of all, let me just tell you that it's always fun to be around 5,000 positive people. If that don't help you, I don't know what will! Our conference began with a Directors Only meeting that I was able to attend for the first time. That was pretty fun. They gave us gifts there (BC tends to do that, they give us gifts all the time!). Here's a pic of me with Michelle and Blair at my first Directors meeting:

The conference kicked off the first night with a bang! They showed us all the new products (and of course gave us some!) and they announced that our next trip would be on a cruise to the Bahamas! The room of 5,000 people went NUTS! It was awesome. They also announced that they were going to giveaway $10,000 worth of cash while we were at the conference. They would call up 5 people several times during the sessions and would give them either $250, $350, $500, $750 or $1000 CASH! Well, during one of our sessions they CALLED MY NAME! So I ran up onstage, picked the bag of my choice and I got $350! I was so excited! Here's a picture of me onstage telling 5,000 people what I got! The young lady to the right of me got $1000!

They also told us that out of all the new consultants who were attending Celebration for the first time, they were going to choose 10 people to receive makeovers. I know what you're thinking - but no, this was not my first Celebration conference so I didn't get chosen. But one of my girls did! Her name is Cheryl Kurzawa and she lives here in Memphis. Here's a picture of her onstage with the others who received makeovers. Cheryl is the third from the right, she's turned to the side.

And here's the picture of all of them with their makeovers and new clothes! Cheryl is in the sexy black dress with a smile you just cannot fake!

Needless to say, we had an amazing time. There's so much more I could share with you but really, you need to check out my pictures from the weekend. There are captions with each photo for you to see what all is going on. It was awesome and I cannot wait to see what BeautiControl does next! Click here to check out my pictures!

A Quick Note

2008-08-11T22:16:00.001-05:00

Dallas was a blast and it's been crazy ever since I got home. I promise to update my blog and share some pics later this week. I've got some great stories to tell.

Love to you all. Check back later.

Elizabeth

It's Official

2008-07-26T19:23:00.002-05:00

Many of you know that for the past 6 months I've been on the path to promote myself to Director in BeautiControl. As of about an hour ago, my numbers and all requirements are in and on August 1st, I will promote to Director. This moment is such a huge one for me. I don't know whether to laugh, cry or scream in excitement. I'm so incredibly proud of myself and I could not have done it without the love and support from all of you. Thank you to all of you for your words of encouragement. This is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. One of my proudest moments.

This Wednesday I leave for our annual Celebration conference in Dallas, TX. I've got 4 women coming with me and I'm excited to share this event with them. We'll also learn where our next trip will be and I'm sure you guys will hear all about it on my blog.

Love and Peace to you all!

E

A Weekend of Memories

2008-07-20T21:53:00.004-05:00

Ahhhh family. Nothing like getting the family together to remind you how wonderful and crazy they are! And seeing that, you get a glimpse of what the future holds for you. Our family is particularly unique because not only are we crazy, we love to sing about it! You see, I grew up in a home filled with music. I remember dancing around the living room in my mother's high heels singing Amiee Stewart's version of "Knock on Wood". We listened to every Beatles album ever released and I still remember Don McLean's album cover with his thumb painted as an American flag. I knew every verse to American Pie and Vincent before I knew who and what those songs were about. My mom was a huge fan of music as is my entire family. Rarely was there ever a gathering at our dear Aunt Margaret's house without someone busting out a guitar and all of us laughing and singing together. In the early 80's, my mother's sister, Debbie, sang in a band called "Beauty and The Beats." They frequently played at a bar called The Daily Planet which is now known as Reedmeister's. I remember spending many Friday and Saturday nights at the bar watching the band play. Remember, I told you it was the early 80's and being that I was born in 1975, that means I was hanging out in bars as a child. It sounds horrible but that environment of friends and family created many wonderful memories for me. Aunt Debbie would greet us at the door with a roll of quarters and my brother and I would play video games (they had Frogger and Ms PacMan), table shuffle board and sip cokes all night. We loved it. And then I would beg one of her bandmates, Michael Cervetti, to sing "Puff the Magic Dragon" for me during their set breaks.

I'm sharing all of this to "set the stage" for you to understand what I experienced this weekend. My dearest Aunt Debbie came home for a visit this weekend. Her first night back in Memphis was spent with our family. We wanted to make sure we were all gathered together to see and celebrate each other. Then the "family" that I spent many weekends with at the Planet, all gathered together for somewhat of a reunion. We spent the weekend visiting old friends and listening to their new bands. Last night we watched our friend Alan Collier play with his new band, Java. Knowing that I was going to see Alan that night, I sang "Love's Fool" to myself all day. If he's reading this now, he's probably wondering how in the heck I remember that song. Silly, Alan - I know the words to all the songs on the "Beauty and the Beats" album! As soon as I saw Alan, my heart leap. Alan was always so sweet and still is. He is a genuinely happy man and a gifted singer/musician. Just the kind of person you want to be around! I was also blessed to be reunited with Michael Cervetti who I mentioned in the last paragraph. How silly I felt thinking of how I used to always beg him to play that song when I was 8. But he told me this weekend that he always loved playing it, especially for me. What a beautiful person Michael is.

This afternoon, we gathered at Reedmeisters (forever known to all of us as The Planet) for an Open Mic event. I haven't set foot in that bar since the early 90's when the bartender called me and told me to come pickup my step-father who'd had too much to drink. As I entered the bar this afternoon, it was like coming home. It was all so familiar to me. I saw people I had not seen in 25 years. None of them had a clue who I was until I introduced myself! Come on, I was 8 the last time most of them saw me! We spent the afternoon catching up on the past 25 years and listened to each other sing. It was as if only a week had passed instead of 25 years! I felt so at home and surrounded by love. I felt as if I was in a room with all my aunts and uncles. I got to hear my aunt's band play again and they were awesome. I even got to hear "Puff the Magic Dragon." Unfortunately for me, it was not Michael who sang it but it was still beautiful to hear.

Donald tagged along with me to several of this weekend's events. Last night as we were driving home he said to me, "You know, thinking about you in a bar at 8 used to be scary for me. Now that I've met everyone, I realize what an amazing and loving environment that was for you." It was awesome to share that experience with my husband. The more time he spends with my mother and aunt, the more he understands why I sing all the time and dance around the house while making up songs about either him or my dogs. It's in my blood! It's in my spirit! It's that silliness that makes my husband laugh! And I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

You're all welcome to visit my web album that features pictures from this weekend. There are even some video clips included. My Aunt Debbie sang my favorite song "Beauty" which is a song she wrote. She's written many songs over the years but this one is probably my favorite. I used to beg her to sing me to sleep with that song. And of course, she would. Thank you for that Aunt Debbie. I love you.

It was a week of Fame!

2008-07-13T12:17:00.003-05:00

As you blog readers know, the Montel Williams show that I was an audience member of aired last week. What luck we had. We had some nasty storms roll through Memphis that afternoon so about 25 minutes of the program was cut out due to weather reports. But what I was able to watch was a blast! I saw most of my BC friends in the audience and even saw myself a few times. I was sitting by one of the audience members who won a diamond necklace and so you saw me when they honed in on that person. It was hilarious. Then I submitted a picture of myself to Snorg Tees. They have silly t-shirts and if you submit a photo of yourself wearing one of their shirts, they post it online and also include pics in their monthly e-newsletter. So last week I received my e-newsletter and there I was! Twice in one week I had national exposure. Too funny!

This week will be a busy one for me. I have several BC events to attend, some spas and then I found out that my dear Aunt Debbie, who lives in Southern California, is coming in town this week. So we'll be busy with that as well. I'm excited because I'm having all of our family come over for dinner Thursday night. As crazy as family is at times, it's always good to get together with them.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and I'll update soon!

Elizabeth

On the next Montel.....

2008-07-07T21:02:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you're all thinking - ok, Elizabeth is off her rocker. Check this out - back in February, when us BC girls were in New York City, we went to a taping of the Montel Williams show. It was awesome and the topic was perfectly appropriate. The topic was "Teenagers Becoming Millionaires." The show featured several teens who had come up with business ideas and were now millionaires. It was very inspiring and the whole experience of being there with Montel was awesome. What an amazing person he is!

I'm telling you all of this because our episode is going to air this Wednesday, July 9th! So go visit his site at http://www.montelshow.com/ and see when the episode airs in your area and on what station. For all my Memphis friends, it's on UPN30 at 2pm.

I sure hope I don't look terribly silly. I know I'll probably look chunky considering I've since lost 30 lbs and then the TV adds a few pounds. Oh well! It was a blast! Let me know if you all see it!

Elizabeth

Let's Rock!

2008-07-04T13:49:00.003-05:00

For the month of July, our team launched a Rock Star campaign. We had our team rally last Tuesday night and played some Rockn Roll music, wore our Rock Star t-shirts and the best was Blair went to the store to buy some glow sticks. Instead of bracelets or necklaces or anything like that, she bought glasses! I cracked up when I saw them. Here's a picture of us with them on:

She cracks me up! For those of you who hear me talk about Blair all the time, she's a Sr. National Executive Director with BeautiControl. There's only one level above her and only one person in that position. It is such an honor for us to have her right here in Memphis and she opens her home to us all the time. Blair's been with BeautiControl for almost 20 years. Back when she became a Director, there was no Mustang program. Well, Blair recently earned her Mustang and it's being delivered to the Memphis dealership on Monday. They'll take a few days to put the BC logo on it and then she'll be able to pick it up. We're all so excited for her. She's always had the BC Mercedes and the other luxury cars they give us, but this Mustang will be her first convertible! Way to go Blair - you truly are a Rock Star!

So I'll keep you guys posted on the Rock Star campaign this month. Our teams are meeting 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks so it's going to be a busy one for me.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Fourth of July! Keep on Rockin'!

Elizabeth

Just some updates

2008-06-30T12:15:00.003-05:00

I hope all is well in your world! Over the past month I've mentioned various events that I've posted in past blogs and several people said, "Yep, I read that in your blog!" Wow, I love that people are actually reading this. Sometimes you put stuff out there and wonder how many folks actually read it. So the pressure is on! I must be brilliant!

Well, today is June 30th and marks the end of month 5 of 6 in my Director In Qualification (DIQ) process. It's been a fun ride and July will prove to be very busy for me. I will try my best to remember to update this blog so y'all can see my progress. Yesterday, I attended the first spa of one of my new recruits. She did amazing! She got 4 more spas booked and even recruited someone! I am proud of her. She is a school teacher and just had her first child 4 months ago. She doesn't want to leave her baby at home, she'd rather be a stay-at-home mom. I don't blame her! So this is the cool part of my job - I get to help her build a business that will afford her the luxury of being at home. Watching other people's dreams come true seem to be much more rewarding than seeing my dreams come true. But then again, that's the beauty of it all. When I help other people achieve their dreams, mine come true as well!

Here's a picture of Tammy with her son Titus.
So keep me in your prayers and send happy thoughts my way to help me through July. I'll keep you all posted!

Love, hugs and kisses,

Elizabeth

Another year, even more memories!

2008-06-15T22:47:00.002-05:00

Another year at MDA Camp has come to an end and more memories were made. This year was somewhat of an emotional year because MDA Corporate has revised the cutoff age for campers from 21 to 17 years of age. Because of this restriction, we have 7 kids who will no longer be able to attend camp after this year. Two of them were already 21 but 5 others had their time cut a little short. And because we have such a small number of campers attending, it is likely that we will not return to Brandon Springs which is the location that I have attended camp for the past 17 years.

I have a little ritual at camp that began about 8 years ago when I first went to camp as a staff member. I wake up around 6:00am, head down to the cafeteria, fix myself a cup of coffee, and then I sit on the porch outside of the cafeteria that overlooks the lake. The sun rises above this lake and it is absolutely breathtaking! The bonus is that there are only 2 other people awake that early and the campsite is so quiet. This is a rarity at our camp! So this year, knowing it may be my last at Brandon Springs, I took each morning to reflect on all the memories I've experienced over the past 17 years. I have met so many people - many I am still friends with and love unconditionally. I've loved and lost a lot of friends. And I've laughed with them all. This year, we made new memories. And next year, regardless of where we'll be, we'll make some more.

So until next year, here's a link to my memories from this year. Enjoy!

MDA Camp 2008

All Dogs Go to Heaven

2008-05-31T12:46:00.006-05:00

It's Saturday morning. My last morning to sleep in before I head off to MDA Camp where each day will begin at 6am and end with me passing out around midnight. My body will ache with exhaustion but the rewards will be great in the smiling faces of our kids who spend each other week of the year wishing they were at camp and that it lasted much longer than 6 days.

This morning after I let the dogs out and ate some cereal, I climbed back in to bed to finish a book that I have been reluctant to read for some time. For Christmas, I received the book Marley and Me by John Grogan. I've heard what a wonderful book it was but knew that it ended with the death of his beloved labrador retriever Marley. As the end grew near, tears trickled down my face. The love that dog had for his family was amazing and he lived a full and wonderful life. And as I read about his final moments I sobbed audibly. I'm always one to try to suck it up and not cry but I just couldn't help myself. It is a touching story and I encourage everyone to read it.

Dogs are such wonderful creatures. I, myself, have loved many dogs in my 33 years. I had a schnauzer named Buckwheat when I was growing up. As a puppy, she would lay on my forearm with her head resenting in my palm. I would carry her around like that for hours. She slept with me every night. It's amazing how a 12lb dog could take up a whole bed. I would wake many times to her snuggled up right next to me, me hugging the edge of the bed and looking back to see that the rest of the bed was wide open. Enough for 3 more people to fit in yet Buckwheat and I took up such a small space. I remember coming home from college, looking at Buckwheat and saying, "Let's go to bed" and she would run back to my bedroom as if I had never left. We had to put Buckwheat down back in 2000. She had grown quite old and had tumors all over her body. What a little angel she is. I do believe that when it's my time to pass through those pearly gates, she will be there to greet me.

So I take this time to love on my current babies, Hattie & Oliver. They bring me joy each day as they greet me when I come home, snuggle next to me in the mornings with their morning breath and lay in their bed in my office as I work each day. No one can tell me that dogs aren't smart or don't know what's going on. As I read in my bed this morning, sobbing, Oliver jumped up on the bed and laid next to me. Hattie paced on the floor at the foot of my bed. Hattie's hips aren't what they used to be and she now needs assistance to get up on the bed.

I cherish my four-legged friends as the family that they have come to be. I know that in my lifetime I will mourn their loss, welcome new family members and experience that loss again. But as the great Alfred Lord Tennyson said "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." I wouldn't trade the unconditional love I receive from them for all the money in the world!

Where'd I go?

2008-05-19T23:29:00.002-05:00

I was just sitting here contemplating what my next blog should be about. I've been pretty busy lately as you've probably read in my recent blogs. One thing I failed to mention - and it's pretty big - Donald and I have lost a lot of weight! Yep! Donald has lost about 25 lbs and I've lost 30 lbs! Can you believe that? I keep forgetting that many of you I don't see on a regular basis and so you don't know that. And the usual question is, "what are you doing to lose all that weight?" We've been exercising and eating healthy. It's been amazing and fun! I've gotten rid of all my size 12 clothes and recently bought a pair of jeans that were a size 6! Goodness, I can not remember the last time I wore that size. Probably 1994. Yikes!

Other than losing some weight, life is pretty normal around the Brown household. Tomorrow, Donald will be out of town for 2 days and I'll enjoy a quiet house and will let the dogs sleep with me. Am I crazy or what! Talk about "When the mice are away, the cat will play." Ahhh, the life of a married woman.

I'm preparing to attend MDA camp the first week of June. The weather has been unseasonably cool so I don't think swimming will be an activity for us this year. We'll see. I can't believe that this will be my 17th year as a volunteer. It just seems like yesterday I went to camp for the first time. I'll be sure to send you guys some pics from this year's camp events.

Well, good night to all and know that I am thinking of you and love you all!

Elizabeth

How About An Update?

2008-05-08T20:30:00.003-05:00

I know that each and everyone of you faithful blog readers have been checking my blog and wondering what is new. Well, I'll tell you. I've been quite a busy little bee.

May 1st I entered my 4th month in DIQ. For those of you who are not familiar with the Director In Qualification process, let me explain. When you are working to become a Director with BeautiControl, you enter a 6 month program. You have sales and recruitment goals. And not only do you have goals for yourself, but for your team as well. So far, we've done amazing! We've smashed our goals quite easily each month. I have an amazing team that is so receptive to all that I wish to teach them. As you all know, I love to teach and so this is right up my ally. My team has recently had HUGE success with Office Spas. Very similar to the Home Spa that many of you have experienced, but this one spa takes less time and usually happens during office hours. It's an amazing gift that we get to give people during their work day. They are so appreciative of what we do for them and it's been a blessing.

So, the past few months have been absolutely crazy for me and I apologize to all whom I may have neglected. My dear friends Emily and Danny have been waiting patiently for me to visit them in Birmingham to spend time with them and their new son. I think about it daily and miss them terribly. I promise the time will come soon when I can see you guys. Know that I check your blog every other day or so and love getting updates on Britton.

It's time for MDA Camp again. Can you guys believe it? It's June 1 thru 6. So I've got to stack my business around that time that I need off. It'll be a busy few weeks. There is a very strong possibility that this will be my last year volunteering. Next year, MDA corporate is changing the children's age limit to 17 instead of 21. This means that many of our kids who thought they had a few years left at camp, this will be their last. And with that, the Memphis area may not have enough kids to sustain a camp on their own. It's possible they'll either eliminate it or group our kids with the Nashville camp. The future is uncertain. So this year, I'll make sure we have a rockin' good time. We'll go all out!

Donald's doing awesome. He was recently certified to be a rowing instructor at our gym. Here's a link to the kind of rowers he trains on. He loves it! I believe he teaches his first class next Friday morning at 5:30am. Sadly, I doubt I'll be there! We've both lost about 25 lbs each and we've enjoyed trying on all of our summer clothes only to discover that we needed to have some stuff altered!

Well, I think that's it for now. I hope that all are doing well. I'll update with more info later.

Love, hugs and kisses,

Elizabeth

Welcome Anna McKay Williams

2008-05-01T16:39:00.001-05:00

Last night, my dearest friends Brian and Jennifer Williams welcomed Anna McKay Williams into the world yesterday, April 30th at approximately 7:20pm. She is a beautiful, healthy little thing weighing in at 8lbs. 13 oz. and is 21 inches long. Jennifer and McKay are doing wonderful. Here's some pictures for all of you to enjoy. I'm sure there will be many more coming soon.

http://picasaweb.google.com/elizabeth.brown33/AnnaMcKay

A Great Quote!

2008-04-21T18:21:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday to you all. I was flipping through a magazine and came across one of my favorite quotes that I had forgotten all about. I just wanted to share it with you.

"If you live to be a hundred; I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you."

Winnie the Pooh

Go right now and tell the people you love how much you appreciate them! Go on!

Elizabeth

Happy Hump Day!

2008-04-16T10:16:00.002-05:00

Today is Wednesday, April 16th. Thank goodness my taxes are done. Let me tell you, I am drinkin' some BeautiControl kool-aid! Donald and I have owned our house for almost 6 years and have been married for almost 5 years and until BeautiControl came along, we always paid back in to the IRS each tax season. I believe the most we paid in was about $2,200. But apparently we "made too much money" and didn't have kids so we always paid in. This is my third tax season with BeautiControl and we've always received back money from the IRS. This year we're getting back $3,844! Can you believe it? I'm loving my little tax deduction.

My business is going well. My team is doing a "marketing campaign" where we call offices and book office spas. So far so good. Today is day #2 and we'll book a bunch today. Our first day we booked 3 on the spot! So our calendars and pockets will be full.

Today, my cousin Sarah is closing on my Aunt Margaret's house. It's so bitter sweet. Aunt Margaret passed away 3 years ago and we recently put her house on the market. It sold quite quickly. I'm glad that the house will be lived in and loved but it was sad to leave it yesterday. As you all know, I've lived in Memphis almost my whole life. I moved around a lot (all within the city of Memphis) and Aunt Margaret's home was the same the whole time. She owned the house for 38 years. I always felt at home in her house. We have fond memories of family gatherings and spent many holidays celebrating in that house. So today we say goodbye to the Verne house and hello to many years of remembering all the fun we had there.

I'm going now. Got to get ready for my team to come over and make calls with me. I hope all of you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Another "3"

2008-04-06T10:58:00.006-05:00

Three years ago today, my life changed. I became an aunt. I was honored when my sister asked me to be her birthing partner. We went through all of the classes together. Well, I conveniently had to go out of town the week of the class which talked about epidurals - I sent Donald to that one. But we went through it all together. Once a week, Amanda would spend the night with us and I would lay my head on her thigh and talk to Caleb. I'd tell him how much I loved him, what was going on in college basketball, what kind of things we were going to do when he got bigger - anything so he'd recognize my voice.

The day he was born, we ended up having to have a C-section. Amanda was not dilating and so we just decided to go through with the C-section. Luckily for me, they asked me to wait outside the operating room while they gave her the epidural. The called me in, I went "behind the sheet" by my sister's head. I stayed there will her and held her hand while they opened her up. Then they called me just as they were about to pull Caleb out. I don't even remember the grossness of it all. I was snapping pictures and crying all at the same time. He was slimy but the most beautiful slimy thing I had ever seen.

Before the delivery, my sister had discussed with me that she wanted me near Caleb while they finished up with her. So I went to stand next to Caleb while the nurse cleaned him up. I was happily snapping pictures until this big nurse snaps at me and says "No more pictures!" She laid Caleb down and started to resuscitate him. You see, Caleb was a month early and those of you who have kids know about those "wimpy white boys". Their lungs are the last to develop that's why they're considered so wimpy. I just starred at what was going on. I tried to be quiet so Amanda wouldn't know what was going on. It took them a few minutes to get him breathing again and when they did, he let out a scream that was so big. I cried like a baby. Hell, I'm crying now just thinking about it.

They kept our little wimpy white boy in the NICU for 8 hours. Luckily I had the "bracelet" which allowed me access to him so I would take pictures of him and bring it back to my sister for her to see. When we did finally get to see him, we didn't let him leave our side.

So Happy Birthday to my little man Caleb Matthew. Today you are 3 and that's such a wonderful age. You still laugh when I hide behind a sheet and then pop out and yell Boo! You get excited to see race cars. You still love to go to the zoo with me! I've had so much fun getting to know you these past three years. My heart melts every time you hug me, kiss me, call me Tia or tell me you love me. I would do anything for you and I look forward to watching you grow into a man.

An Amazing Opportunity

2008-04-05T12:09:00.002-05:00

My dearest friends,

I want to share a recorded phone call with you. Many of you are familiar with BeautiControl because of my experience with it and you all know I have a passion for the business as well as the amazing products I share with all of you. This call features 3 successful women in BeautiControl who wish to share their passion with you. I just listened to it and felt so strongly about what their message was that I want to share it with all of you. I am living the life that they speak of and it just going to get better!

Right now, our country is facing a recession. So many people out there, just like myself, are being laid off. As my frequent blog-readers know - in early February, I was laid off from my Advertising job, an industry I've worked in for over 12 years! I had it in my plan to quit my job later this year when I became a Director (which will happen on August 1st!) but my boss needed to let me go before my planned time. So I've been working BeautiControl full time for several months now and I couldn't be happier. Already, I am close to replacing my former income. I share this call with you because I want you all to know what an amazing company BeautiControl is. Many of you are employed and feel safe in your job, but you may know others who are not. Share this call with them as well. BeautiControl could be a new career for someone or by just having 2 spas a month, could provide an extra $500 a month to help pay a car note or provide daycare for their children.

Just call 641-715-3468 and then enter the Access Code 869431. Please let me know when you've listened to the call and I'll send you a gift!

If you're in the Memphis area, we have a Team Rally coming this Monday night and I'd love to see all of you there. It'll be a fun, energetic evening filled with positive people. Feel free to bring with you anyone you've shared this call with. Call me at 901.355.0518 for more information about Monday's meeting or just tell me what you thought about the call!

Enjoy your weekends everyone and Go Tigers!

The Way You Make Me Feel

2008-04-01T20:54:00.002-05:00

Any chance I get to reference a Michael Jackson song, I take it! A true child of the 80's. Guilty! There is a saying that we use in the direct sales world that I've heard many times. Today it really spoke to me and I want to share it with you.

"People will not remember what you say, they will not remember what you do, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

Powerful, huh? Take a moment to soak that in. Often times when I've been angry at someone in the past, I can remember distinctly how I felt about it all but when asked "What exactly did he/she say?" my mind would draw a complete blank! Maybe that's just me being a little absent minded. I am my mother's child, you know? And for those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting my mother, you're chuckling to yourself right now!

I do still feel that words are very powerful and I think we should all be careful in what words we choose. But the power to make a person feel loved, respected and admired is a goal I seek to achieve everyday. I've said many times before how blessed I am to have amazing people around me. Well, I believe it is of my own doing. I believe that because I am genuine and loving to my friends that I have naturally attracted only those friends who are genuine and loving to me! Trust me when I tell you that my life with friends was not always perfect. When we are younger, we cling on to anyone due to our own insecurities. Several years ago I had to let some friends go (out of my life) and it was the hardest but most rewarding thing I've ever done. It allowed me to be true to myself. And as a result, I have even more friends now and they're all magnificent! And if you're reading this - you get extra special bonus points. :)

So I leave you with the quote I mentioned above. Each day as you interact with people, think about how your words or actions might make them feel. It's that feeling that you give them that they will remember. So will they walk away happy or sad? You can choose!

Another Birthday has passed

2008-03-31T10:56:00.003-05:00

What a great birthday I had this weekend. We began Saturday night with the Jill Scott concert. I, Donald, Tino and Brandon all went to the concert and had a great time! Tino and I got a little intoxicated but then again, we were celebrating. Here's some pictures I took with my camera phone:

We had 5th row seats, smack dab in the middle of the Orpheum. It was awesome! After the concert we went to Blue Fin for some sushi and yes, more drinks. We rang in my birthday at midnight toasting to good health and good friends. It was such a great time.

Then on Sunday, we went over to my in-laws house and had lunch and my personal favorite, apple pie. They showered me with great gifts. I'm so lucky to have such a great family. We then watched Memphis pound the Texas Longhorns. I just knew my good friend Danny Giffen was weeping after the game was over so I held off calling them to gloat.

Then we went shopping and met up with my mom. My mother is now into making her own jewelry so she made me a gorgeous necklace and matching bracelet. All day long, my phone rang with friends and family wishing me a Happy Birthday. One of my friends, Ryan Rhea, who is an awesome guitarist, played Happy Birthday on his guitar for me. It was so awesome! And many others sang to me. All in all, it was a good day. I couldn't have asked for a better one.

So I'm signing off, now 33 years of age. Love, hugs and kisses to you all!

Elizabeth

The number 33

2008-03-24T16:44:00.002-05:00

Have any of you ever noticed that some numbers play a significant role in your life? When I saw the previews for the movie Number 23 with Jim Carrey, I was so curious about its concept and went to see it. Ok, now I'm not that obsessed with the number 33 but it has followed me through my life. I was born at 5:33 in the morning, my high school basketball jersey (and just about all of my other sport jerseys) bore the number 33, I seem to check the clock every day at 3:30 on the dot, 3 seems to be the luckiest number in my life and this Sunday, on 3/30 I will turn 33 years old. Which leads me to believe that this will be my best year yet! I've always had a "feeling" about this year. So far it's been a good one and I believe it'll only get better.

So maybe I am a little crazy. Those of you who know me probably already know this. But I'm ok with it! And really, that's all that matters right? This is going to be a great year for me and I hope that all of you have a great one as well!

Spring is finally here!

2008-03-22T15:11:00.001-05:00

Spring is finally here. We Memphians know not to put away the sweaters just yet in fear of one more good cold snap before true humid, hot weather appears. But the weather is so gorgeous today you can't help but roll down the windows, turn up the radio and sing at the top of your lungs. Well, at least that's what I do when the weather is gorgeous like this.

Spring is a time for creating new things. Cleaning out the old and making way for new things. This afternoon I spent cleaning the grout in my bathroom. Doesn't sound very fun but seeing a clean bathroom gives me great pleasure. I opened the window and let some fresh air in and my spirit soared.

This morning I went with Blair to help her do the makeup for a bridal party that are some of her friends. Nothing like a wedding to kick off spring! The birth of a new relationship. The couple is quite young and I send lots of love and prayers towards the heavens to bless their relationship as they grow together.

My business is growing. Each day I challenge myself to meet new people and see whose lives I can bless. It's fun to watch my team grow with each passing day and share in their accomplishments.

So as Spring is entering your life, take some time to reflect on what's new and growing in your life. Prepare yourself to embrace the new events that are on their way to you. Some events will be grand and some not so grand but rest assured, both will provide you with personal growth.

Love, hugs and kisses to you all.

Elizabeth

I'm loving this new "job"!

2008-03-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

Being a Lady of Leisure is a tough one. Today I sat outside in this beautiful weather we're having, made some phone calls to the hostesses of this weekend's spas. At lunch I joined some ladies from Prom Hannahan's team. We had such a good visit and I was inspired! What an amazing job I have where I get to spend time with positive people. I love it!

Tomorrow, I'll spend the afternoon at the zoo with one of my friends and consultants Erin Fudge. Everyday provides a new excitement and no two days are alike. I'm lovin' it!

There's wisdom in Kermit the Frog

2008-03-08T14:35:00.000-06:00

This morning I was flipping through one of my favorite books "It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider." This is a book of quotes from Jim Henson, the Muppets and many of his friends. When Caleb was a baby I would read these quotes to him while I was feeding him. I need to continue reading these quotes to him because there is a lot of wisdom in this book. Here's a quote from Kermit that I felt was so appropriate for me and my spa girlfriends:

Yeah, well, I've got a dream, too. But it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. That's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And, well, I've found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream. And it kind of makes us like a family.

I love it! I used to feel guilty about the amount of income I made in the corporate world. I felt I was overpaid for what I did when I would come across teachers who were shaping young lives and they were making half of what I did. I constantly gave at my church and continue to help out with MDA but I still couldn't shake this "guilt" I had. But with BeautiControl, I have the luxury of sharing this amazing gift with everyone I know. It could be the gift of relaxation, amazing products or a new career. But I can offer each of those to everyone and regardless of which they choose, make their lives better. And I can still earn an amazing income and travel around the world just as I have always dreamed. I have found my calling.

What is happiness?

2008-03-07T18:50:00.000-06:00

Sounds like a pretty deep topic, huh? My most recent MySpace blog I talked about the weather and I was told that was quite a boring subject. So I dug deep and decided to write today about happiness. What is happiness? I believe it's different for each individual but once you figure out what it is for you, it can be quite powerful.

So what is happiness for me? There are so many big things and small things. It could be as simple as hearing my nephew Caleb laugh at me making silly faces, or even him simply saying to me "Tia, I want to hold you." You know I snatch him up immediately when he says that. I fear that the time is coming near when he'll think that kisses from Tia are gross so I'm trying to get in as many as I can now.

Music - to me, that is what happiness is. Give me a good soulful song with powerful lyrics any day. That'll pick me up out of a foul mood in an instant. Isn't it amazing how songs can take you back to a specific memory? Every time I hear Stone Temple Pilots Interstate Love Song, I'm immediately whisked back to 1993. I'm driving my Ford Bronco across Shelby Farms, passing the buffalo, the windows are down and my hand is out the window. And, of course, I'm singing at the top of my lungs. And don't get me started on the Rev. Al Green and Otis Redding. WOW! My dear friend Chris used to tell me that I was an old black man trapped in a white woman's body. I love me some soul music. Every time I hear "These Arms of Mine" I just want to cry.

But then there's the big things, hearing my family and friends tell me they love me. Saying "I love you" is such a powerful thing to say to a person and it makes me smile anytime I hear it or say it. I feel so unbelievably blessed in my life. I have an amazing network of friends that I tell on a regular basis that I love them. As many of you know, my father passed away when I was 16 years old. Every single day of my life, he told me he loved me. At least a minimum of twice a day. Often it was more than that. When he passed, that was the largest void in my life. Having someone tell me that they loved me. Today alone I had 4 different people tell me that they loved me and only 2 were related or required to do so!

So what is happiness? Each day, something new comes in my life that makes me happy. I challenge each of you to discover what makes you happy. And once you figure it out - embrace it and make it repeat itself often.

Return from the Big D

2008-03-03T12:55:00.000-06:00

Last night, we returned from Dallas where we spent an exciting weekend filled with positivity, energy and great new products! This was our annual Leadership Conference which is open to consultants who are Unit VIPs and above. It was absolutely amazing! Talk about Drinkin' the Kool-aid! Everyone was positive and uplifting. It was a breath of fresh air. We heard from amazing leaders in our company, witnessed a Director receive her Lexus, learned about our new repair product Tight, Firm and Fill and the City Garden product line!

Here's some information for you on the City Garden products:
Bath and Shower Creme

Feel your senses awaken as you envelop yourself in our lavish, creamy lather of soothing floral extracts that soften and detoxify your skin, leaving your body velvety smooth and delicately scented.

Body Creme
Our lush, hydrating creme feels like a kiss from heaven as it softens and replenishes your skin. Rich moisturizers and flower extracts leave you smooth to the touch and scented lightly with floral essences.

Silk Body Mist
Light, floral fragrances gently float over your skin as the cooling mist softens and moisturizes, leaving you feeling feminine and silky. Massage the mist lightly into your skin for a smooth, lustrous finish.

Lip Balm
Dermatologist sensitivity and allergy tested. Moisturize and hydrate your lips with this glossy, botanical lip balm. Mango butter, evening primrose oil and vitamin E soften and condition your lips and help protect them from chapping.

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, they told us that our next incentive trip destination is New Orleans! How amazing is that? I've been to New Orleans several times but when you travel with BeautiControl, it's free! So that'll be a first for me.

This company is amazing! If you'd like to see more of our fun pictures from Leadership, click here.

Check this blog for updates!

Elizabeth

Wow

2008-02-21T09:07:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was an amazing day! Because of my new flexible job, I was able to attend an event that only BeautiControl offers us. I witnessed my dear friend Amy Scott receive her new Ford Mustang! It was absolutely gorgeous and I'm so glad I was there for the event. What an amazing company we have! Here's a few pictures from yesterday:

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T12:10:00.000-06:00

Today is a day when we all reflect on the love we have in our lives and give thanks to the people who mean the most to us. I am one of the lucky ones. My dearest Donald is just the sweetest man. This morning I wandered in to the kitchen to fix my breakfast and found a cute card and a box of Milk Duds. Does my man know me or what? Valentines Day in the Brown home is usually a quiet one. We typically cook dinner and just hang out at home.

My mother-in-law stopped by this morning and brought our V-day gifts over. She brought me a Malco movie gift certificate and a box of Milk Duds. I guess she knows me too! I just checked out my girlfriend Emily's blog regarding the progress of her son and he's coming home tomorrow. So all in all, it's been a good day.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. Go tell all your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them!

Love, Hugs and Kisses,

Elizabeth

The fun stuff!

2008-02-08T11:47:00.001-06:00

We're over with the sad stuff. Let's move on to the fun stuff like my trip to New York City! We had an amazing time. I've included a link to my pictures below. I captured almost every moment except for our visit to the Montel Williams show. We were not allowed to take pics there. But it was a blast and the topic that day was about teenagers becoming Millionaires! How cool is that? All of the guests on the show were entrepreneurs. It was very inspiring! We're not sure when it'll air, so you'll have to check the site on Monday to find out - http://www.montelshow.com/.

Here's my pictures. I hope you enjoy them as much as I had taking them! http://picasaweb.google.com/elizabeth.brown33/NewYorkCity

Yesterday was a sad day

2008-02-08T11:11:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, yesterday was a sad day for me. My boss brought me in to his office to tell me that it was time for us to part. I was shocked and taken by surprise but accepted it for what it was. Our business has been slow and I had not had a lot of work to do in the past 6 weeks or so. So it happened, I am jobless. I was sad and angry all at once. I continued my little pity party until about 7pm last night. Then I put on my big girl panties and moved on!
I got up this morning and listened to a few Office Spa conference calls. You see, in our network of BeautiControl, we have 2 conference calls a week and then we record each one. So it's like mini-meetings that we can refer back to any time we choose! I have many home spas on my calendar for February but no Office Spas because I've worked during the day until now. So I'm refreshing myself with new information and will hit the streets next week looking for spas. There is so much business out there for me to get and I'm going for it!
My friend Brian sent me this quote yesterday which was quite fitting:

"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."
Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt 1767-1835, German Statesman

Go out today and make it a great one. There's lots of joy in the world for us to experience!

Elizabeth

New York Bound

2008-01-30T14:19:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow morning I am on a plane to New York! This will be my second reward trip I've earned through BeautiControl. What an amazing business! They've already sent me to South Beach and now New York. Next month I'll find out where the next trip is.

Some of you know this but for those of you who don't - in 2005, I was named Account Executive of the Year by the Memphis Advertising Federation. I was completely honored by this. Want to know what I got? A car? No. A trip? No. A raise? Absolutely not. I got this statue and my boss bought me a drink.

Yet, I shared the opportunity of buying skincare at a discount to 12 people and BeautiControl is sending me on an all expense paid trip to New York City! You can bet your behind I'm drinkin' the kool-aid they're passing out!

I'll be back in Memphis next Tuesday and I'll tell you all about my travels!

Love, hugs and kisses to you all!

Elizabeth

Life is good!

2008-01-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Life is good people. We have so much to be thankful for and we need to stop and take a moment to reflect. That's what I did this weekend. I have such a wonderful network of friends and family around me for which I am thankful.

This weekend, my nephew Caleb spent Friday night and all day Saturday with us. We had such a great time. His speech is getting better and he can carry on conversations now. He's just adorable. Here's a recent pic of him from Christmas.

We watched Toy Story all weekend. He calls it "Cowboy!" He's big into Cars and Spiderman. He loves to wear a cape and jump around the house.

It's amazing how much destruction such a little person can create in ones house. I was picking up Leggos and trucks forever Saturday after he left. But we wouldn't trade this experience for anything!

My spa business is going quite well. I've got a team that's working hard and nothing gives me more pleasure than watching each of them achieve their goals. This month, BeautiControl is giving away iPods for certain sales goals and I believe there will be 3 of us earning them! It's so much fun. We spa girls joke alot that if you sneeze, you get a present. BeautiControl showers us with lots of presents and money. I'm liking the money thing.

Next month I begin the DIQ (Director-In-Qualification) process which will lead me to promoting out to Director on August 1st. I'm so excited I can't see straight. The next 6 months will require a lot of hard work on my part and I'll gladly take you all on that journey with me through this blog.

Enjoy your week. Count your blessings and dream big!

Elizabeth

The Bottom Line

2008-01-23T21:26:00.000-06:00

Tonight I was thinking about what I wanted to say in my blog and had so many ideas I couldn't pick which to talk about. Then a friend of mine sent this to me and I thought it was pretty powerful. It may seem a little harsh, but as they say, "The truth hurts." I wanted to share it with each of you.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Face it. Nobody owes you a living. What you achieve or fail to achieve in your lifetime is directly related to what you do or fail to do.

No one chooses his parents or childhood, but you can choose your own direction.

Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcome, but that too is relative to each individual.

Nothing is carved in stone. You can change anything in your life, if you want to badly enough.

Excuses are for losers. Those who take responsibility for their actions are the real winners in life.

Winners meet life's challenges head on, knowing there are no guarantees, and give it all they've got.

Never think it's too early or too late to begin. Time plays no favorites and will pass whether you act or not.

Take control of your life. Dare to dream and take risks. Compete. If you aren't willing to work for your goals, don't expect others to.

Believe in yourself.

New York, NY

2008-01-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

Last night, I watched the NY Giants win their Championship game which will lead them to the SuperBowl. I was excited for their win because Donald and I will be in New York during the Super Bowl. Just like South Beach, BeautiControl is sending us to New York for an incentive trip. We'll be staying at the Park Central Hotel and enjoying the city for the first time. Neither Donald nor I have ever been the NY and we're so excited about it! While there we will enjoy a Broadway play, join the crowds for the Today Show, dine at the UN and eat some fantastic food!

Donald and I love to travel. While in a new city, we're open to seeing and doing as much as possible. Along with the Today Show, our dear friend Michelle Jones scored us some tickets to be audience members of the Montel Williams show! We're so excited. I'm hoping that the show that day is some amazing white-trash, who is my baby's daddy kind of show. Once I find out which show we're taping for, I'll update the blog so all of you can tune in! We're also going on a pizza tour that will take us all over NYC and let us sample some awesome pizzas. I'm just so excited!

We leave for NYC on Thursday, January 31st and return to Memphis Tuesday, February 5th. It'll be a blast and I'll definitely keep all of you posted!

Follow the Leader

2007-12-09T21:42:00.000-06:00

Last October, I visited South Beach, Miami, FL on BeautiControl's dime. Many of you know that I've been a part of BeautiControl for 2 years now and I love it. I especially love it now that I've experienced what a free, five star trip is like. So while I was in South Beach on vacation, I visited a friend of mine, Chris Amisano that I hadn't seen in 8 years. We sat in an adorable cafe and talked as if no time had passed. He had recently quit his job at the bank and followed his dream of becoming a published writer. Chris had just finished his first book and of course I brought my copy that I had read and asked him to sign it. I was so proud of him. Our conversation continued with me telling him all that I had accomplished in BeautiControl. I mentioned the friends, the gifts, the trips - everything! I told him that I was shocked that this network of individuals contained so many positive people. It's infectious. It's as if Everyone is Drinkin' the Kool-aid. We stood on the corner of Collins and 16th Street as Chris said to me, "You should start a blog. And it should be called Drinkin' the Kool-aid."

And thus this blog was born.

So what should you anticipate in upcoming posts? A sneak peak into my world. Right now, my BC business is blowing up and I am committed to making it work this year. 2008 is my year to shine. I believe that will all my heart and soul. While I'm working to make my goals a reality, I may forget from time to time to email my dearest of friends and family. So I'd like to have this resource available to you to check in on me at your leisure. I'll make the commitment to you to update this blog 3 times a week.

I want everyone to know what I'm experiencing and help me rejoice in my accomplishments. I merely shared with Chris how much I love the company and he signed to be a consultant! He absolutely loves our skincare. There's no telling what this blog will do for me.

I wish each of you an amazing year. I challenge you to write down what your goals are for this year. It's not necessarily resolutions, just think about what you want to accomplish this year. Keep that list handy and revisit it once a month. You'll be amazed at what you can do.

Love, hugs and kisses,

Elizabeth