So it’s that time of year, again.  Valentine’s Day is less than a week away and while some of us are excited about it, others…not so much.  For several of my girlfriends it’s just a reminder that they’re single, with no man or significant other to spend the day with, receive flowers from or take them out to a romantic dinner.  But if you don’t have any plans, just make some with yourself.

In prep for the big day, we women will make our ways to the hair salon, get ourselves to that nail shop and RUN to our wax appointments to make sure we’re prepared.  Which is all good…But I say, do all of that whether you’ve got a date or not and LOVE YOURSELF!

I’m not quite sure what my Valentine’s Day will bring in 2010.  But I’m ready for whatever.  At this point, I’m not sure if I’ll be doing the Valentine’s Day thing solo or with a friend.  But I’m prepared to lounge in alone or with company.  As the self-proclaimed Loungewear Queen, the clothing for the evening won’t be a question.  But I did my beautification early.  My hair and nails are done so I don’t need to compete with the crowds on Saturday the 13th.  I will make sure my Netflix arrive on Friday the 12th (just to be safe).  And my Trader Joe’s run will take place at some point on or before Saturday.

If I’m solo, I’ll still be cute and luxuriating with my chick flicks, wine and Westie.  If I get an invite, I’m not trying to run around in an effort to pull it together so it’s best to plan ahead.  Whether you’re kicking it alone, lounging around the house, or with a friend…love yourself this year.  Get your own stuff together.  I love lounging around when I feel cute and pretty!  It makes a difference.

eb

See all the ways to wear the Super Lounge Tee

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Hi Loungers, even though I’m still devastated by the loss of my 2nd iPod in 2 months, just yesterday, I wanted to post my latest lounge playlist.  And while someone slipped me the latest Sade, “Soldier of Love” CD pre-release, I’m not going to tease you by adding them to the list.  I’ll wait until everyone can download them.  You’re going to love that CD when it drops. But until then, he’s a nice mix.

1. Cold
by Maxwell

2. Mrs. Sexy
by Robin Thicke

3.Sideways
by Citizen Cope

4. Fragile
by Sting

5. Every Word
by Sade

6. Chocolate High
by India Arie & Musiq Soulchild

7. Love’s Holiday
by Earth Wind & Fire

8. Lions, Tigers & Bears
by Jazmine Sullivan

9. Spend a Lifetime
by Jamiroquai

See all the ways you can wear the Kimono Wrap Robe.

Happy New Year!  It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything, but one of my business resolutions is to be a more committed blogger.  Midway through January, I’m dragging on that a little, but here goes!

Over the past SEVERAL months, I’ve been working on a new partnership with MGM’s newest Las Vegas property, Aria Las Vegas.  This beautiful, contemporary resort is located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, next to The Bellagio.  Erin Braxton Loungewear and Aria teamed up to do a co-branded line of loungewear for their boutique, Elements.

Here are some pics of how it turned out.  We’re so excited and look forward to doing more with them.

Elements Boutique

Erin Braxton Loungewear displayed with spa products

Erin Braxton Loungewear

Me with my internet model, Bonqweesha's, cousin

Erin Braxton for Aria Las Vegas Label

Aria Embroidery

So despite my hesitancy to travel right now, my Hawaii trip turned out to be a good one!  I sold my line into a few locations and Erin Braxton Loungewear will definitely have a presence in Maui and Oahu very soon.  I wish I could have a little more time to relax and sell, but this is a solid start.

Oahu turned out to be pretty cool.  I posted a pic from Maui in my last post, but I was only able to stay there for one day.  Then it was back to Oahu.  On my third day, we were able to break away to the N. Shore where I had an appointment and it turned out to be amazing.  We ended up hanging out in Turtle Bay and the spot was gorgeous.  A very friendly bartender pointed us to a beach that was one of the locations where they film the television series Lost.  It was completely private and really pretty.

Beautiful View of Turtle Bay!

Here I am looking out into Turtle Bay from our little private “Lost” beach.  It was just like the show with the jungle in the background! I have plenty of mosquito bites to prove it.  We even saw some tarantula type spiders crawling on the rocks!

Turtle Bay Toes!

My feet got some great exfoliation!

After a relaxing day of eating drinking and beach lounging, we went to eat dinner at a local seafood spot.  It totally had that Red Lobster vibe, but definitely not Red Lobster.

The next day…we made our way to another beach on the east side of  Oahu, Lanikai Beach.  There were more people, but the people watching was interesting and the water was so blue and clear.  The sand was like powder and the temperature was absolutely perfect.

Clear Waters of Lanikai

The sand was so soft!

On our way back to Waikiki, there were some amazing views.  We took the scenic route and it was worth the extra car time.

These Rocks were amazing!

My Silky Chemise works as a Swim Coverup, too!

Overall…I’m glad I was able to let go a little and relax.  Today is my last day here and I’m not sure if I’ll look at potential clients or chill.  Hopefully I’ll do a little of both!

Aloha…

eb

So I’m sitting here on American Airlines Flt 5 out of Dallas/Ft. Worth to Honolulu as I write this blog to post later. Someone told me AA had Wi-Fi, but even though I’m connected to something I can’t get online. And I’m not interested in asking the flight attendant for help…

But anyway, I’m on this flight which is taking me beyond out of my way to Hawaii because I booked it with miles and I had to take whatever I could get! But why can I not mellow out and get into the spirit? I mean…I’m going to Hawaii, a place I’ve never been to before. I didn’t think I would see any parts of a vacation until this time 3 years from now. But I’m thinking to myself that I don’t DESERVE to go to Hawaii so I feel a little bad. I need to be working. Making money. Selling clothes. On my computer.  Working on my website. Sketching out designs. Etc., etc., etc. But that’s totally crazy, right?

This trip is virtually a freebie. I’m using my miles to get there. I’m staying with a friend who’s there with her company, so the hotel is free (and most of my meals! Thank you company!). I’m even using her rental car for most of the trip. And the only way I felt right about coming along was if I had appointments with perspective buyers or I wouldn’t come. So I have 3 appointments with some pretty impressive places. Erin Braxton business will not cease.

So what is it that keeps us from enjoying the blessings that are put before us? This is a deal many would gladly jump on without a problem. I’m getting there. I think I’ve been beaten down professionally for so long that I feel like I need to be at Trump status before I can give myself any sort of treat. I’m slowly but surely working on that wacked out mentality that has been engrained in my mind by the Man! I’ve been working my ass off to create this life and, albeit challenging, I have a good time.

As I was booking my plane trip to Maui from Honolulu and firming up my appointment times, I began to get a little excited. Business and pleasure in Hawaii. I’ll get some poolside and beachside lounging time in, too. So I’ll get some of my reading done, which has become really important to me as of late. I mean, what’s more important than finishing up the Twilight series?

I know I’ll enjoy myself when I get there. I already have dinner plans tonight with a nice girl I met from Hawaii a few months ago. Hopefully I’ll come back to L.A. with three new customers! I’ll post pics for you to see later.

Aloha…

eb

Recently  I was very fortunate to be included in a spa girls weekend at my friend Emily’s house.  Granted, her place comes to us as the most perfect location to escape, nestled back in the Hollywood Hills underneath the  Hollywood sign, complete with a meditation room and a pool.  But  it’s something that all girlfriends should do every now and then.  Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a view! It was such a treat and a great way to pass a couple of days with great women, conversation, food and activities.

Day 1

The weekend kicked off on a Thursday evening.  Our friend Sascha Escandon, a burlesque dance instructor here in L.A., taught us a class.  It was so fun! Armed with scarves, hats and heels, she taught us the sexiest little number.  We had the best time learning from her.

After class, we had a really refreshing light dinner.  Emily made us this beautiful cabbage salad and  grilled some salmon and chicken breasts.  Of course we paired it with some cocktails!

Day 2

Friday night I led the girls through a sunset yoga class in Emily’s mediation room, then we ate hot dogs and other not-so-healthy food out by the pool.  After dinner, we watched movies.  This was the sleepover night and a lot of us, including myself, didn’t make through the movies and had to turn it in early.  We had such a great time, I forgot to take pictures!

Day 3

Saturday was probably the best day!  We hung out by the pool all day, and ate and ate and ate.

After an early morning hike through the hills, the spa weekend continued poolside.  It was a relaxing day of cockatails, fashion and gossip rag magazines and floating in the water!  Heaven!

Check out what we ate for lunch!

Our friend Mercedes even wore some Erin Braxton Loungewear while pool-side.  Look at her sporting her kimono robe as a swimsuit coverup.

All in all, we had a great time! Put together a spa weekend with your friends.  It can be so simple, but definitely a well-needed escape from the day-to-day.

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