Every now and then I get a lucky day. So last Friday I had the extreme pleasure of enjoying that day on The Buzz Bus. I was riding the MAX into downtown and with all of my other companies bowing out earlier in the week, I was still strategizing in my mind about who we should interview and where our hula-hoop stops should be. All of a sudden I think... KEEN. They have that whole "recess is back" revolution going on! So I call the office and since this is Portland... they would be a no brainer, but they had Friday morning meetings and I felt my heart get squashed again. Then, I began to call my friend, Stephanie who works at the fabulous company Horny Toad only around the corner from my favorite coffee stop, BaristaPDX. She totally pulled through and our day was turning around for the better. We got some great video and photos of the Horny Toad squad. Then we decided to do a reconnaissance on Keen, only 3 blocks away. So while they are pulling the Buzz Bus Airstream I see my friend Tsveti from non-other than the amazing New Zealand company, Icebreaker. Funny enough she was visiting her husband who is a Keen employee and was so excited to give her company a recess. Plus, they are a new sponsor with the OIWC. So she gave me directions to their headquarters and we then had an amazing time visiting and getting a tour of their USA TouchLab. They are all pretty special people. The girls with Buzz Bus were so excited how the day turned out and I have got to give a big shout out and thank you to them for giving me a great opportunity and to the fabulous companies that surround our downtown! You guys make such a difference and for years to come I will be grateful for your time and energy!! This is one of the many reasons why I love Portland!
It's that time of year again... where the retailing worlds collide with the vendors of the world in one lovely humid town filled with thunderstorms. Yes, I'm talking about Atlanta or better known to all of us as Hot-lanta! In the months of Summer it definitely lives up to its name. July is known as 'MARKET'. This is where I come alive. I love seeing all these cool people with their wonderful shops come in and talk shop. I love being able to provide them with that item that will be a smash hit for their store through out holiday season and beyond. It's great when they can get excited over our products after having looked at over 100+ other companies and products. Between June and August we have our largest gift shows and people come from all over the US and Canada to shop here. It's row after row and floor after floor of all the hottest accessories from floral - toys that cater to museums, boutiques, high-end apparel stores and car washes. Yes, the latter seems odd, but it's true. There are a lot of hip car washes that now have an accessories area. As well as contemporary home stores that love creating a special area that their customers can take something home while waiting on their customized furniture. Table top is great for that. So this week, our showroom, Just Got 2 Have It will be wining and dining all the fabulous buyers that will step in and shop with us. I'm excited to share all that is great about our stainless steel accessories. Stewart/Stand is on fire! Come on by and see us if you're in the area. Have a great week. Thanks for reading.
This is what arrived for me about a month ago. I didn't realize what a tasty treat this would end up being. I was skeptical at first. Honey Milk? Sure, I used to love steamed milk with a drizzle of honey when I couldn't sleep as a kid. But, as a protein drink? So, I popped open the first one; honey flavored of course and to my surprise it was delicious. Really delicious. So, I started one by one enjoying each flavor. Coffee was a nice surprise one morning when I was running late for the gym. Like a two for one. They are great for meal replacements and as a recovery drink. If you are lactose intolerant Athletes Honey Milk™ shouldn't be an issue, though I am more sensitive than most; I have to be honest and say that drinking this did give me some intestinal issues. One bottle of Coffee Light is 150 calories, 3.5g Fat, 11g carbs/sugars and 20g of protein. I definitely suggest this product for anyone looking for a solid drink that will help them take in additional protein with only about 150 calories. Go for the light if you are looking to decrease fat, as it still has a solid protein count and will help you in recovery while helping your reach your target goals. Enjoy and drink up! Happy Summer and thanks for reading.
So I'm finally getting the opportunity to run in these amazing Montrail Mountain Mascochists that I got about 2 months ago. I've been so incredibly busy - and am so excited to finally get some quiet trail time in the coming months. When I first tried them on, I was instantly impressed at how rigid, but comfortable they were. Much like my Montrail Rockridge trail runners, which I have totally loved. The stability and fit of these shoes allow for a thin sock. My heel has just enough room to allow for natural movement but not so tight that a blister appeared. It’s worth noting that many folks are finding the Mountain Masochist runs large and are buying the shoe a half size smaller than they normally wear. For the record, I’ve been happy wearing my standard size 9. If you haven't heard of Montrail's new Outdry technology then be pleasantly surprised. The patented OutDry waterproof-breathable technology provides the most flexible and lightweight protection available to keep runners comfortable in all conditions. The rain just pooled on my shoe with little droplets. It's awesome and sure to make the Gortex lovers take notice. As I continue to add miles and mud, I'll be updating my review here periodically. It's summer and my travel season is kicking up. I can't wait to hit the So. CA dirt, as well as Dallas, Atlanta and NY. If you are looking for a new trail shoe that has the flexibility of a road shoe but can handle the terrain you dish out then definitely try these on for size. Thanks for reading!
OIWC - vision board from Michele Flamer on Vimeo.
Yesterday, I was speaking to one of my closest friends, Kris who is just 2 sessions in of what will be the biggest challenge of her life. She has breast cancer and is totally owning it! Yesterday while on iChat she told me that her hair was starting to fall out. 10-14 days in, if you are the majority, your hair will start to come out while styling it. We were trying to see if her hair would stay put until my visit on Feb. 3rd. No such chance. Last night's status on her page was " So proud of her and love that she continues to be in charge of her journey. Last night I decided, like our friend, Jerri who shaved her head just a few hours earlier. See, we decided that when Kris was diagnosed that we'd all buzz our hair off together. But since we each live in different states, this would be the only way of showing support so far away. So this morning, we headed out to IHOP for my birthday breakfast and then bought a pair of clippers to buzz my head.
ypes of lifestyle goals help to clear the way for success all year long. I have one other goal that will benefit my tummy as well as my soul and that is utilizing my cookbooks and my iPad to cook new recipes weekly in order to eat well, seasonally and buy local. 
