Hey Loungewear Lovers,
The Lingerie Post blog featured my line on their site, and I am offering a kimono robe giveaway on their site!  Check it out for details.
Erin Braxton Loungewear in Black Satin Fashion Show
This past weekend, my loungewear was featured in Black Satin’s Fashion show.¬† The show was held at the nightclub Blush in the Wynn.¬† Very cool show.¬† The runway was the actual bar!¬† It was fun!
Finally, My Deal or No Deal Episode
Finally, I am posting the Deal or No Deal episode where I’m wearing my kimono wrap robe!¬† Click on the link below to see me!
Home Office Lounge Spot
Working from my home office for the past 2 years has really caused me to re-examine my workspace.¬† I’m all about lounging around and creating relaxing lounge spaces in my bedroom or living room, but my home office situation was beyond out of control.¬† I should have the same lounge space attitude where I work, right?¬† But it wasn’t happening.¬† You know how you just get tired of looking at your own mess?¬† Well I was.¬† And I needed a place that was a comfortable workspace that I would quit avoiding.
I couldn’t encourage you all to really dive in there and work on your own relaxing home space if I wasn’t doing the same thing.¬† So I figured I’d open up my junky spot for the world to see and show you what I was dealing with.
I first contacted Sascha Escandon with Rehabitat.¬† Sascha’s a professional organizer that I desperately needed.¬† I’m trying to save money in every phase of my life, but she was well worth it because I couldn’t get out of my own way.
So, here are some  pics of my home office workspace (which doubles as my dining area when needed.)
BEFORE
Look at this clutter!  My desk was such a mess that
I had to sit on my couch with my laptop!
So I went through the trouble of installing my
cool cork bulletin board on the wall, so why
do I need another one leaning on the fridge?
This is a media cabinet that I used for my TV
before I was forced to go flat screen.  I had it
clear across the room, even though it was all
office related.
My patterns were out of control!  There
must be a better way to do this!
As you can see, this was a hot mess and I couldn’t even think in here.¬† I would find myself going to my friend Emily’s just to get away from my own cluttered office.¬† Her home office seemed so peaceful and I could think there.¬† What? That’s crazy! I mean, my place is cute!¬† I got it because I thought it was the cutest little spot for L.A. living, so I had to make it work.¬† Rent in this town is too high to even think about not using what you’re already paying for!
Sascha helped me figure out what to do.¬† She would say the simplest things, like, “Put that there instead of there,” and I would think, “You’re so wise!”¬† She was particularly helpful with some of the things I won’t bore you with, like cabinet and closet assistance.¬† I had so much space I wasn’t maximizing.
The entire exercise helped me to create a space that was really comfortable.¬† Now I want to be here, think and do work.¬† Even though it’s a home office and I’m going to roll over to it in my lounge pants and hoody, it’s actually a usable home office space.
AFTER Vast improvement I’d say!
Are those wood floors I see?
Is that a glass desk?
Now that cabinet has a purpose.  Not
just my “free-for-all” office junk space!
I really wanted to start off my 2009 trying to live the life I wanted, so I’m beginning to create it.¬† My home has to be my sanctuary and what better place to lounge in than home?¬† Whether it’s my home office space or my bedroom¬† (Although…the bedroom is next!).¬† How many times have I looked in a Dwell magazine or West Elm and Pottery Barn catalogs thinking, “I wish I could get my space to look like that?”¬† I’d buy all of the stuff, but didn’t get the same end result.
I’m on my way.¬† I can’t very well have on my cute ass loungewear in a junky, chaotic mess!
Erin Braxton After Deal or No Deal!!!
Hey Loungewear Lovers,
Check me out after the recording of my Deal or No Deal episode!
I’m not sure how long this link will work.¬† NBC’s site is a little weird, but I
played on 10/23 so I hope it’s still there by the time you click the link.
I’d really love to post my episode on YouTube, but I’ve got to get permission first. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
eb-
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Election Day Lounge Session
Most of us are counting down the days until the election. I know I am. I’m even considering voting early so I can post myself on the couch all day and lounge around watching CNN. I’ve already traded some of my favorite shows to watch some of those analysts duke it out. Will it be McCain or Obama? What does each one of them have to do in order to win? Who won this or that debate? Who is leading in the polls? What does Obama need to do to keep his lead? What does McCain need to do to close the gap? I’m completely addicted and I don’t see why November 4th is going be any different for everyone else. I know people who even take off of work and plant themselves in front of the television on election day. I plan to spend the greater part of my day doing the same.
If an election day lounge session is in your plans, make sure you have the proper accoutrements. If you’re lounging alone, you may choose different lounging attire than if you have an election party. You may even opt for an outfit that is appropriate enough to take you to the polls and back. Maybe the hoody tunic with basic pique pants or a kimono wrap robe accompanied with some basic pants.
Some other lounge day supplies should include proper refreshments, a good throw and some lip nourishment. No matter where, when or why you’re lounging, you always need to make sure your lips are adequately moisturized in an effort to prevent getting up from the couch once you’ve achieved that perfect position.
Happy Lounging…
eb
Deal or No Deal Countdown
Hey Loungewear Lovers,¬†a couple of months ago, I was lucky enough to be on Deal or No Deal!¬† I was selected with several other people to be a contestant on the show and to possibly play to win.¬† I was able to wear some of my loungewear.¬† In particular, I sported the kimono wrap robe.¬† Due to studio stylists, I had to rock it in a way that I ordinarily wouldn’t on the street, but regardless, I was able to wear the kimono wrap robe on TV.¬† We recorded 5 episodes so watch it all week, Oct. 20-24th.¬† Check your local listings.¬† You have to watch to see what happens!¬†
Deal or No Deal (Syndicated) runs on NBC in most markets, but in some it may run on ABC or FOX.  THIS VERSION RUNS IN THE DAYTIME IN MOST MARKETS SO SET YOUR TIVO!
Los Angeles, CA
KNBC 4
3PM
San Francisco, CA
KNTV (NBC) 11
12PM
Dallas, TX
KXAS (NBC) 5
2PM
New York, NY
WNBC 4
4PM
St. Louis, MO
KDNL 30 (ABC)
10PM
Chicago, IL
NBC 5
12PM
Phoenix, AZ
KNXV (ABC) 15
3:30PM
 
Lazy Summer Lounge Syndrome
Summer days are counting down and I appear to have been MIA. Sorry about that. But my lounging has been endless this summer. I call this Lazy Summer Lounge Syndrome. I’m potentially pushing through the most difficult time of my entrepreneurial career. But it’s so rewarding when the pay off finally comes. But until that payoff does come, how do I keep myself going? For those of you who are on your hustle, trying to make it work with a business or non-traditional career, the down times can be tough, but you can over do it in the lounging department if you’re not careful. There comes a point when it’s no longer called lounging and you’re just being lazy. I’ve been there.
Here’s what I try to do to prevent this shameless laziness spiral from taking control of my life when my spirits are not as “up” as they could be.
1. Don’t fall victim to the big “pig out” sessions. I know this is tempting and I’ve definitely inhaled my share of Haagen Dazs this summer, but I’ve learned to cut back. Instead of eating an entire pint, I just get the little dixie cup size to cut the urge. Eating healthy always makes me feel better, but when I fall off the wagon, I can really fall hard. So I have to make it a “once a week” thing.
2. Get out and move. I try and make sure I do something every day. Though it’s hard when you’re thinking too hard about what you’d like to have happen versus what is actually happening in your life. Good thing I have a dog that forces me out of my home office to walk. I always take Wesley and go walking in the hills but his little legs are so short we can only go so far. Yoga is really my outlet when I manage to get there. Whatever exercise there is that you like to do, do it. It can relax your mind and relieve the tension. I always sleep so well after yoga.
3. Don’t stop working on it. Whatever thing you’re doing or trying to do in life, you’re sometimes going to have a door or two slammed in your face. If you’re an actor you may not get that second call back. If you’re an entrepreneur you may not get that deal or someone may take 90 days to pay you rather than 30 days. But you have to recover and keep things moving. Everything that is supposed to happen always happens in due time so try not to stress about it and continue to work on your projects. Go to another audition, work on your portfolio, make some sales calls, etc. It’s better than just focusing on what’s not happening. Focus on what you can control.
4. Stay focused on your spiritual inspiration. Whatever or whomever you seek spiritual guidance from, whether it be God, Allah, Buddha or the Torah, don’t lose site of it. I tend to occasionally stray away from my spiritual connection and sometimes I just need to get my focus back because it helps me feel so much better and see life more clearly. Many times you may just get basic stuff, but they are the essentials we lose site of in the daily grind.
I now have to go and practice what I preach. Yoga this afternoon and more work tonight. I’m not a therapist, but I am learning how to survive while in pursuit of a dream. Let me what survival tactics you’re using.
eb-
Lounge Lover’s Addiction
As embarrassing as it is to admit, I have finally come to terms with the fact that I actually do have an addiction. Not an uncommon one, but certainly one I would not be proud to brag about amongst a room full of scholars. Although, knowing me, I am doubtful I would find much enjoyment in a room full of scholarly types. My addiction is tied to my 32” LCD Sharp Aquos TV. About a year ago, I woke up to find my old television wouldn’t come on. It just wouldn’t say a word. I didn’t waste any time heading to my local Best Buy to get a new one, making excuses that it was for my TV obsessed dog, Wesley (who I believe is addicted, too). But when being completely honest with myself, I knew it was all about my own obsession with movies, reality TV, TIVO and any other TV trash coming through the airwaves.
The other day, when people were texting me excited that Barack had “made it” and asking me did I hear Hillary‚Äôs speech, I honestly didn‚Äôt know what they were talking about because I had the tube set to some other mindless program I had most likely already seen several times. To add insult to injury, I found myself on the phone the other day with DirecTV trying to negotiate a bunch of free promotions. While I was able to get free Pay-Per-View movies, free Showtime, STARZ and ENCORE for three months AND $15 off my bill every month, I need to be making better use of my lounge time.
So, instead of watching The Golden Girls, AGAIN, at 10 pm in the evenings, I vow to devote my summer to some great literature and summertime reading. Of course that will include some chick lit, too. But I refuse to fall asleep on my couch one more night without getting some good reading on.
As a girl who really does love a good book, but takes months to finish one, I do have some recommends. I probably will not be attacking Oprah‚Äôs reading list, but creating one of my own. For those of you who share my addiction and would like to break the habit, take a look at some of my fav‚Äôs. Keep in mind…what I constitute as a good read is a book that doesn‚Äôt take twenty chapters to get into, is not too deep, and is not self help (although some self help is awesome and a subject I may broach at a later date).
Recommendation #1, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
I believe I‚Äôve mentioned this one before. It is, without a doubt, one of the absolute best books I‚Äôve ever read. The editorial review could possibly turn you off, but I promise, you will not be disappointed. This book is amazing. And it may take you about 5 chapters to get into it, but just know, if you read this, and you get to the point where they reach Castle Leoch, it is ON!!!! I believe I read someone’s description as Indiana Jones for women. Do not be turned off by the editorial description. I was a little skeptical when I saw it had some time travel based storyline. But this is an amazing romance story (sex pretty much the whole way through), has great adventure and twists at every page turn. And while it‚Äôs a long one, you will breeze through it because you won‚Äôt be able to put it down. AND‚Ķit‚Äôs a series of six so the story continues! PLEASE get this book and tell me what you think. Check out the reviews on Amazon. I’ve gotten a few friends hooked already. Diana Gabaldon has done great research and is an excellent author.
Recommendation #2, The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Okay, before this one became a movie, which I have not seen, I read this book. I was actually trying to escape some stress and fled to Playa del Carmen for a few days when I discovered this one. While I was waiting, bookless, to board my vacation plane, I decided to pick this one up at Hudson News, per a recommendation from my best friend. I was hooked from the beginning. I’ll catch the movie one day, but this book is really a page turner. If you are interested in some Tudor family soap opera-like drama, this is for you.
Recommendation #3, The Queen’s Fool by Philippa Gregory
This is one of the sequels to The Other Boleyn Girl. At first I was wondering what Philippa was doing because the story was off a little from the Tudors, but it was so good. It’s a coming of age story about a young Jewish girl during that time in European history while still following the royal family. It has romance, lust, adventure and everything you need in a great novel. Sometimes when you finish a good book and you know there‚Äôs a sequel, you have to run out and buy it. This one won‚Äôt disappoint.
Recommendation #4, Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson
Now this book is total chick lit, but after being at a neighborhood Borders when I lived in Dallas, I met this author, sitting there waiting for customers to buy her book. As a fellow entrepreneur, I wanted to support so I bought the book and I really enjoyed it. It’s sort of like Harry Potter for women. There are also several sequels you will enjoy. Very cute, light and fun to read if you want something quick.
Recommendation #5, The Book of Genesis
Now I don’t mean to get all holy-roller with any of my blog readers, but it’s amazing how the Bible has more drama going on than The Young and the Restless!
While I’m not planning on eliminating all TV this summer, I do plan to make a strong effort. So You Think You Can Dance is probably my favorite reality show on television and it’s that time of year again. And now, I’ve started watching Denise Richards’ reality show. I know…sad, huh? But I like her show. Then, Project Runway is back in July. But the point is, I’m going to take it one step at a time. I can’t just quit cold turkey.
eb-
Lounge in the City
Living in such an active city as L.A., I have to admit that lounging indoors is certainly not always ideal. I mean, with weather as amazing as it is in this part of the country, lounging inside all of the time would not allow one to take full advantage of the L.A. lifestyle.
Getting out on a regular basis is probably THE most important thing I can do to keep my sanity. Home officing can be great, but can get depressing if you don’t get a chance to see the world other than the UPS man and the computer screen. The other day was a perfect day of L.A. lounging in the city. I headed to Runyon Canyon for an intense walk, but the lounging in the city came afterward, when my friend Jeanne and I headed out to get a little nourishment after the workout. That’s when I was able to sport my hoody tunic. L.A. weather is awesome, but you always need to keep some sleeves with you when the sun starts disappearing to the west. We tried to make it over to Gingergrass in Silverlake, to get some pho and noodles, but, unfortunately, it closes after lunch between 3 and 5 pm. I promise you we arrived at 3:01pm. Our plan to be healthy sort of flew out the door so we just headed to Home Restaurant on Hillhurst and sat on their patio. I tore up a sloppy joe and some onion rings. That hike through Runyon Canyon was all for not!!!
My point here is that, the art of lounging is truly that. An art. While the often needed bonding session with the sofa is required, you can take your lounging to the streets of your town. Hanging out on your favorite bench, watching your dog run through the dog park. Chilling out on the patio for brunch at your favorite food spot. Sitting around a friend’s pool. Just lounge. Escape from whatever it is that consumes you, if only for an hour.
eb-
stay connected
- Lounge Lover’s Addiction
- Deal or No Deal Countdown
- Living the Dream of “Loungewear Queen”?
- This Recession is actually good for Lounging…
- Finally, My Deal or No Deal Episode
