Halloween, Halloween… what does it mean?*

I’m not a big Halloween decorator. The extent of it so far this year is Sofia's pumpkin and an orange ribbon on my heart wreath on our front porch. Of all of the holidays throughout the year, it’s my least favorite to decorate for, even though my favorite color is orange! Go figure!

But I do appreciate seeing what other people do in their yards and on their porches, as long as it’s not too ghoulish.  And I love the excuse to wear more orange and black than usual. My bright orange J Crew cords and orange wool coat have been fall staples for several years now! I don’t wear them together, of course. I would look like The Great Pumpkin, which is not the look I am going for!

I was tickled to get this image in my inbox this morning. If I could decorate with Hermès boxes, I think I’d be bit more inspired by this holiday.

I have enjoyed my friend Jeanne’s Halloween blog posts this week. Her point of view on Halloween is classy and creative… right down my alley. Thanks for the fun reads this week, Jeanne.

Happy weekend everyone!

*This is a song my four-year-old learned at preschool and I can’t get it out of my head!

It's Time to Fleurish!

Hi friends,

As many of you know, I have spent the last year since leaving Starbucks soul-searching, networking, reflecting, reading, writing, listening, learning, growing, parenting, volunteering, and seeking the elusive work-life balance that we all deserve.  Through it all I have prioritized flexibility and doing work that feeds my soul. I didn't just want a job, I wanted more. I want it all. I want something that leverages my 17 years (gasp!) of professional experience and also fuels my passions around color, design, fashion, home, gifts, wellness, beauty, relationships, and helping talented people and cool brands I believe in thrive.

Announcing Fleurish Partners

So without further ado, I am thrilled to let you know that I am officially launching my own boutique marketing and communications firm called Fleurish Partners.  Fleurish Partners helps specialty brands achieve their business goals and thrive by creating deeper connections with their customers.

We are partners in bringing our clients’ brands to life through strategic marketing and communications, social media, public relations, digital marketing, color communications, special events and community relations programs.

Our specialty is local, national and international specialty brands in the design, fashion, home, gift, wellness and beauty categories.

I am already working with some great clients and loving it!

Why Fleurish?

First of all, it’s a great word! I was inspired by an article I read in the May issue of Whole Living magazine about positive psychologist Martin Seligman’s latest book: Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being.  I couldn’t get the word out of my mind. But for me it was spelled the “French way” – Fleurish – and it means to be successful and prosper beautifully. I decided it was the perfect name for my company which aims to help specialty brands thrive.

I'm excited about the journey that lies ahead and to see where this venture takes me. I plan to keep writing this blog (as time allows), but be sure to "Like" Fleurish Partners on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for the latest and greatest.

For the whole story, please visit www.fleurishpartners.com.

What do you CRAVE?

CRAVE

This weekend I picked up the latest edition of CRAVE Seattle, The Urban Girl’s Manifesto, and I literally haven’t wanted to put it down. It’s chock full of amazing and inspiring entrepreneurial women doing really cool things. From the inventor of babylegs to boutique owners to fitness gurus and personal stylists, it’s all about businesses that are locally-owned and operated by women, right here in our city.

Little did I know, there are now CRAVEguides in 32 cities, from Amsterdam to NYC to Portland, LA, San Francisco and everywhere in between.  If you haven’t heard of CRAVEguide, it’s billed as “The ultimate guide to the places women CRAVE in the Seattle Metropolitan Area, including more than 150 women you need to know.”  You can take a peek inside to see what I’m talking about.

I’m excited to explore these local, stylish, women-owned businesses, and hopefully meet a few of these inspiring women too. You can find CRAVE on Twitter (@CRAVEseattle) with this fabulous description: “CRAVE innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in town.” And they’re on Facebook too, of course!

If you’re not in Seattle, check out the CRAVEguide for your city. You’re sure to discover some great new business and probably re-discover some old favorites.

Here’s to amazing, inspiring, authentic, smart women everywhere!