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…

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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

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.

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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’s speech, I honestly didn’t 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’s 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’s. Keep in mind…what I constitute as a good read is a book that doesn’t 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’ve mentioned this one before. It is, without a doubt, one of the absolute best books I’ve 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’s a long one, you will breeze through it because you won’t be able to put it down. AND…it’s 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’s a sequel, you have to run out and buy it. This one won’t 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.

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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.

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Everyone I know seems to be affected by this economy, especially my entrepreneur friends. But even those who aren’t on the entrepreneurial grind must be feeling the pain of this recession in some way, if nothing more than these crazy gas prices! In L.A., we’re pretty much at $4 per gallon! I put $30 in my little VW the other day and got a half tank! In my book, that’s a reason to stay in and chill at home a little more often.

My plans over the next few weeks definitely don’t include too much of the L.A. traffic scene. I’m learning to make the most of this recession so that my time lounging in is the best it can be. Here’s how I’m doing it…

First…knowing I’ll be cooking in more, and looking to save, I have begun shopping at the local Latin grocery store here in Hollywood, Farm Fresh Ranch Market. While the loitering outside is a bit of a deterrent, the prices can’t be beat. The produce was awesome. It was so cheap I couldn’t believe it. Yesterday, I got a bunch of tomatoes on the vine, some yams, russet potatoes, broccoli and bananas for $4.98! It’s perfect for stocking the fridge for time spent in.

Second…most of the time I go grocery shopping, I’m so worn out by the drama, I’m in no mood to actually cook what I bought afterward so I just want to get right to my lounging. That’s when I condone a good pizza or Thai food delivery to accompany my glass of wine. I tried to go cheap last night, and I was very disappointed so it’s okay to get what you want rather than trying to be super cheap. I mean, you are, after all, staying in rather than going out. Nothing you get delivered could be more expensive than going out in L.A. My cheap pizza last night was equivalent to what I would have spent valet parking if I would have went somewhere.

Finally…if you’re too busy to take advantage of Netflix, like myself, my basic DirecTV service has become more than enough entertainment for me. My Tivo stays full of stuff that I need to catch up on. But ordering Pay Per View or making that rare trip to Blockbuster has got to be cheaper than the $13 movie ticket, $6 popcorn and $4 coke at an L.A. movie theater. Not to mention parking.

I have to admit, that I love what I’m doing.  Designing great loungewear for women, getting positive feedback from those people who love it and support me, running my own business from my home office in the Hollywood Hills.  It’s great.  But I need my fellow lounge lovers to get me through the crazy, tough days of being an entrepreneur from time to time.  Today was a mess of sales calls, emails, production drama and driving to and from Long Beach!  Give me a shout out every now and then.  It really means a lot.

Tonight, after I finish watching who got voted off of Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Top Chef and America’s Next Top Model (yes…I’m still watching and loving Tyra’s show!), I plan to get my lounge on in a big way.  I admit to being a total TV whore! I just changed my sheets to my favorite 1,000 thread count crisp clean whites.  Somehow white sheets are just more comfortable to me.  I’m going to pull out some deep reading for about 10 minutes, Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. It totally changed my life and gave me a completely new perspective on how I think and live.  I have to pull it back out from time to time when I get sidetracked in my life’s journey.

After that, I’m going to break out the third novel in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon and just escape (you absolutely have to get into this series.  The book has over 1200 reviews on Amazon and still has a 4.5 star rating!).  But not before rubbing on my favorite relaxation aromatherapy, Aveda Blue Oil.  If you’re on a budget and can’t afford a bunch of expensive lotions and candles, this stuff does the trick and will last for months!  At least it can get you through until you can get your favorite candle. Maybe you can do without all of the TV, but whatever it is you do, if it works to wind you down, do it!

I’d love to hear what goes into your relaxation ritual.

It’’s been awhile since I”ve blogged. I”ve let myself get wrapped up in all of the administrative drama that comes with running a business. But that’s over and I”m back. From now on, you can expect to hear from me at least twice a week.

I just returned from Las Vegas where I had a very successful trunk show at the Wynn Hotel this weekend. My collection will be featured in their lingerie store, Black Satin, beginning June 2008. This wrap robe was a hit, so definitely check that piece out (click on the image for more details). What people are noticing, as I’ve already discovered, is this piece is extremely versatile and can be worn both in and out. I actually wear the long version around the house all the time and I wore the shorter one out on New Year’s Eve. I put on a cute, funky bustier with embroidery on the bra cups and some super cute shoes and it made the cutest outfit.

On the second day of the trunk show, three of Black Satin’s employees, plus me, were wearing their wrap robes! Several customers bought them, too.

I have a new shipment arriving in a few days, I will have more sizes and colors available for you to purchase. I’ll talk to you later on this week.

As my business grows, I have to admit, I’ve had less time to lounge around. After taking on my biz full time, my Tivo watching has become limited (although I manage to work it in) and lounging on my couch with my Westie sometimes comes with guilt about not working. Many times, by the time I do get to bed, I tend to stress about so much stuff going on, I have a hard time staying asleep.I wouldn’t call myself an insomniac, but if I wake up in the middle of the night with something pressing on my mind, it’s a long way back to dreamland. But over the last few months, through prayer, good products and life coaching, I’m really doing better with getting some me time, pre-bedtime lounging in before I get a good night’s sleep. From the practices of a serial lounger, here’s what I recommend you do to wind down and prepare for the ultimate good night’s sleep.

Put the computer down, quit emailing, quit surfing, get off of the phone, put aside the blackberry and commit to task of lounging. Before you even think about sitting on the couch or on the bed and fading into sleep, go turn the shower on as hot as you can stand it and get in. Following a shower with your favorite shower gel or body wash, cover your entire body in Bath and Body Works Relax Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Lotion. My friend Latricia told me about this stuff and it works. It goes on with a minty smell but then almost immediately, the mintiness fades and it smells so good. Put it on every crevice of your body so your skin can drink it up. Then, every time you move around in your sheets you’ll smell it.

In order to keep the chill down mode going, I may do some mindless, light cleaning or just get in my bed with my sheets smelling of Downy Water Lily and Jasmine fabric softener. That has got to be the best selling fabric softener in the world.

You can also have a glass of wine and turn on some nice music. Just do your best to think of anything other than stressful things, like, “My boss is a fool, but I can’t afford to quit”, or “Could my man be cheating?”, or “How am I going to pay my American Express bill next week?” After I’ve snuggled in with my Westie, Wesley, I pick up my little vile of Aveda Blue Oil and roll it behind my ears and on the back of my neck. This stuff is as good as any sleeping drug.You don’t really know it’s working, but I promise you, you will sleep soundly after applying it.

On the home stretch to losing consciousness, I read a book that has absolutely no purpose other than to entertain me. The idea here is to escape your life and enter someone else’ long enough to forget your own stress. I’m currently reading Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. I’m not a big reader, but these books are like crack! That woman is an amazing author. After following my practices, I believe you’ll be on your way to some good pre-bedtime lounging. Every night this may not be possible, but give it a try at least 2-3 times per week. I definitely look forward to it and you will begin to look forward to it, too.