With Summer just around the corner it is now time to get fit and healthy and this Guide will have it all to get there. Check it out on May 1st. Accepting the best of the best in the industry to be featured in the guide, Email erin@housewivesinthecity.com for more details....... 
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Today is a day to reflect on how amazing us women are, not only to our friends and family, but to other women and to the world as a whole. About a month ago I was given an opportunity to sit in front of an amazing woman @Allison Levine who is well known for being part of the first American Women's Everest Expedition to climb Mt Everest. As she spoke about her story we all sat waiting to here what it must have been like to get to the top of this peak, how it must feel to achieve such an accomplishment. On the 2 month journey as you could imagine they faced incredibly scary challenges and  high victories. Experiencing moments when most of us would have given up and act in fear but Allison and her team pushed on.  Her story was unique because we thought this journey would have ended with her team reaching the top but they had to stop short only a 100 yards away because of weather that would have most likely took their lives.  Like most of us feel in life we are so close to our goal and sometimes something gets in the way or maybe out of our control to achieve that goal.  Allison had to go back to tell her story of stopping just short of her goal but knowing they couldn't complete it. It was years later after speaking with a dear friend who encouraged her to try again and was planning to join her on the climb ended up passing  away shortly after.  Allison decided to still go and in honor of her dear friend and this time she made it to the top!
What Allison shared with us at the end of her story really resonated for me, she said being at the top wasn't the victory, it was all the defeat, the challenges, the pushing yourself when all you want to do is give up. It was growing in that fear and not living in it!  She also expressed that the group of women she was with on the first trip up was more important to her even though they didn't make it to the top because they supported each other, they had each others back and she knew that having other strong people in your tribe is the most important thing to overcoming many of lives challenges.
Us women need to celebrate our struggles because they make us stronger, make us appreciate what we do have and make us appreciate one another and ourselves. Today and everyday celebrate you and celebrate what you bring to this beautiful amazing and at times challenging world! Happy International Women's Day!

​I am a summer girl all the way! Give me a cool drink on the beach and I am in my element.  But living in  Northeast Ohio the beach is not always an option.  What we do have however is snow and rarely a shortage of it. So what may you ask is our favorite winter activities here in the CLE?

Ice Skating - Along with having many indoor rinks to choose from there is also the option of the real deal right in the heart of Downtown Cleveland in Public Square - for only $10 you can enjoy this experience which ends on February 28th
Hours: M-Th: 11a-9p, F: 11a-10p, Sat: 10am-10pm, Sun: 12pm-8pm

Snowshoeing - I have actually done this and one thing to keep in mind the snow has to be just right or you will sink in and let’s just say it is like quick sand to get out lol!  It is an awesome workout! Lake Metroparks offers visitors opportunities to snowshoe on many different trails such as Girdled Road Reservation which offers backcountry snowshoe trails, Chapin Forest Reservation has about six miles of trails and Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers seven miles of trails. Snowshoes can be rented at Chapin Forest Reservation and Penitentiary Glen Reservation.

Skiing/ Snowboarding-  Because Lake and Geauga Counties are like living in the North Pole there is never a shortage of snow, cross-country skiing is a great way to get out and enjoy the parks! Or take a short 1-1/2 drive to Peak n Peek for the real deal and downhill – they also have an amazing indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi {my personal favorite part of skiing ;) }

View the Dunes - Have you ever seen the ice dunes along the Lake Erie shoreline? One word INCREDIBLE – be prepared to take some amazing pictures!

Sled/Tubing Down the Hills -  Lake Metroparks has many options for sledding – my personal favorite is since they have a fire pit at the bottom to get toasty between rides

Winter Camping:  Lake Metroparks offers winter camping at Girdled Road Reservation in Concord Township. It is a hike-in or ski-in site about ¾ of a mile into the Big Creek Valley.

X-plore the Parks: Hiking in one of the local parks or do some indoor/outdoor fun at Penitentiary Glen ad grab an X-plorer Pack for the kiddoes which are filled with fun nature games and seasonal activities

Chalet Toboganning Chutes – Cleveland Metroparks
16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville, OH 44136
OK not for the weak hearted - I have done this only with my eyes closed! Its so high up and straight down but it is FUN!
Two 1,000ft refrigerated ice toboganning Chutes operate with or without snow open now through early March.
 
{Credit to our friends at Lake Metroparks} 

Following up from my post last year I started on the journey to be more of a minimalist and less of a materialist. Lets just say I have been about 50/50 on this venture. First off my apologies but I am a girly-girl and I really do not see that changing anytime soon so for all my fellow Material-Minimalists out there yes that is my new term. I am going to break down how I was able to be both. 
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1. Organize - which means buying organizers. One cannot organize without visiting the containerstore or your thirtyone rep now can they.  

2. Unsubscribe - OK this one is embarrassing because I have lets just say more than 1 or 2 emails in my inbox. But this past year and I won't name names here but I was privy to an account that I saw that had well over 15,000 emails in it. Yep all those 0's are correct so I was feeling pretty good about myself I must say - LOL  But lets get back to it.  Make it a habit to UNSUBSCRIBE to at least 1 -3 accounts a day after a while you will see a huge difference. When it comes to my work accounts I made folders and when I am done reading it they go in the clients folder. 

3. Create New Habits - along with unsuscribing and organzing the key to minimalism is to make your life simple - I never bring mail into my house I read it in the car and throw away what I do not need and take pictures of the rest in a free app one I really like is CamScanner

4. Which brings me to my next topic the dreaded PICTURES. Ok this is a work in progress. I have a problem here like a huge problem. So for us picture-aholics  (yes that's another made up word) there is the CLOUD such an amazing place to be.  Once I have been completely convinced that my photos will not disappear in this mysterious CLOUD then I will be cured of this disease for once and for all ;)

5. Spend less time connected to electronics - Ok this is the hardest one but it is necessary. Today we are all connected 24/7 to our devices. When we are spending quality time we are still holding our phones and taking a glance here and there. This year I am making it a priority to limit my online habits. If it is done in small increments of time then it doesn't feel like an impossible feat. Limiting electronics to a few times a day (non - working hours of course ) and adding in one new activity per day/per week {yoga class, meditation, reading, volunteering, going on a walk} will allow for that balance that we all need to be present and feel grateful in the here and now. 

6. I saved the best for last: Clothes, accessories, purses, shoes, makeup - OK who are we kidding getting rid of all this or scaling back is probably not gonna happen. Although I do donate, when I rid of the old I have to do my part in supporting my leading ladies here at Cleveland Housewives in the City and pick a little bit of new!!  And you can too!  Check out these amazing BOSSBABES here on our blog and at our free ladies events and help to support women owned businesses and charities as a proclaimed MATERIAL-MINIMALIST too!

What was social media for you like in 2017? For the past year I have delved deeper into social media and all I can say is WOW ~  Information Overload! I also know that social media is a platform that means something different for all of us. It could be a source of information, a way to communicate something about us our lives, our business or our beliefs. It can be a place of good or a place of not so good. It really is what we make of it, which is the beauty of it all. We can get pulled in for hours or shut it off and experience life electronic free - you know the old fashion way when our parents were kids oh wait when I was a kid actually -lol! So what's my new year look like in the world of Social Media  - one word  - VALUE   
Whether I am looking at someones social media I am going to ask how does this add Value to my life or to my business. But more importantly how am I providing Value to someone else. I am sharing positive ideas for growth both personally or professionally. I am providing not only interesting content but content that people can gain valuable information from and maybe act on or at the very least make someones day with a thoughtful quote or a beautiful picture. I have seen many social media accounts over this past year and I am drawn to ones that have a message that they want to share by not only highlighting their uniqueness but by wanting to add VALUE to their reader or follower. Here is to 2018! Let the VALUE posts begin!! 

A Cleveland Holiday Tradition

  November 24 - December 31, 2017
​Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays · 10am - 6pm
  Wednesdays & Fridays · 10am - 9pm
  Sundays · Noon - 6pm
  Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve · 11am - 3pm


 Glow Admission Adults: $16
Children (3-12): $12
Children 2 and under: Free
FREE for Botanical Garden and
Holden Arboretum members
Purchase Ticket Online
**Glow is open Monday, December 18 from 10am - 6pm

​HOLIDAY CIRCLEFEST
​Saturday, December 02, 2017 12:00 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2017 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2017
WADE OVAL
10820 EAST BOULEVARD 
CLEVELAND, OH 44106
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EVENT PROGRAM University Circle's popular holiday event is now two days! Join us on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 and experience Cleveland's cultural treasures at the 24th Annual Holiday CircleFest.

For a full list of activities and participating organizations, download the event brochure by clicking the red "Event Program" button on the left-hand side of this page.
Saturday, December 2
Noon-5:00 p.m.
Shop for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts at the newly added Holiday Market, presented by Constantino's. The Holiday Market is University Circle's first outdoor shopping experience. Enjoy a taste of Cleveland with food and beverages crafted by Table 45.
Lace up your skates and enjoy Skate with Santa and live music at The Rink at Wade Oval. Get your photo taken with Santa in a special igloo on Wade Oval!

Take a leisurely ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and watch as ice carvers transform solid blocks of ice into works of art.

See the event brochure for specific times and further details.
Sunday, December 3
1:00-7:00 p.m.
From 1:00-5:30 p.m., more than a dozen of University Circle’s renowned museums, gardens, galleries, churches, and schools open their doors free of charge and offer an afternoon of activities, music, food, fun, and shopping. Visitors can look forward to live performances from talented musicians, craft making, historic displays of holiday toys, storytelling, the city’s best gingerbread house competition, and much more.
Outside, Wade Oval becomes Cleveland’s Central Park with the Holiday Market (presented by Constantino's), food and beverages crafted by Table 45, ice carving demonstrations, horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, and The Rink at Wade Oval (from Noon-7:00 p.m.; weather permitting). At 5:30 p.m., the activities will conclude with a special Wade Oval Tree Lighting, presented by Quake Energy, and The Cleveland Museum of Art’s dramatic Winter Lights Lantern Procession.
See the event brochure for specific times and further details.

Janet Jackson State of the World Tour
https://www.theqarena.com/events/detail/janet-jackson-171203


Wicked at Playhouse Square

http://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/wicked-1

A Christmas Carol at Playhouse Square
https://ev15.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=ACC&linkID=psq&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=&_ga=2.102391105.1357935639.1509999643-705144709.1504893631


A Very Electric Christmas
http://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/a-very-electric-christmas-1


Andrea Bocelli in Concert
https://www.theqarena.com/events/detail/bocelli-171201


Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/schedule


Cleveland Comedy Fest
http://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/contest-preliminary


Get Fit Healthy Living Expo and Indoor 5K and 10K
http://www.ixgetfit.com/

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In just a couple of weeks we're publishing a Shop Local Holiday Guide to highlight local businesses and promote holiday specials for our CLEVELAND area readers.
We'll showcase local boutiques, spas, salons, caterers, photographers, bakeries, florists, inns, specialty studios and more!
Email erin@housewivesinthecity.com for all the info on how you can get your business in our Holiday Guide today!

 Beautycounter's Mission is to make safe products for everyone.  Beautycounter has a Never List of 1500 harmful ingredients that we will not put in our products.  The products are not only safe to use but high performing with great results. There are beauty products, skincare, haircare products, children products and baby, something for the whole family.  If you strive to be healthy then consider what you are putting on your skin not just what you put in your body. 
Want to earn FREE PRODUCTS contact me to host a Beautycounter Social either at your home or a online social, invite your friends for a fun and informative event.
My name is Kim Ubic and I would love to help you find the Beautycounter products that would work best for you.

​EVER Skincare Because Results Are Everything
BOTANICALLY POWERED INGREDIENTS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE
ANTI-AGING RESULTS.
 
Our Pure Results Regimen With Lsr10® is CLINICALLY PROVEN TO TARGET THE TOP 10 VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING. I first joined EVER because of the amazing before & after photos, now I am in love with the community & mission. If you've ever wanted to be a part of something BIG from the beginning, now is the time! EVER skincare is experiencing rapid success and we’re on the verge of major growth. We need Independent Specialists in this area to help capture the unmet demand for a luxurious product line that delivers real results with only good-for-you ingredients in the $17 billion skincare market.
 
No doubt part of EVER’s success is the transformative results, the positive accolades from numerous beauty insiders, and awards our products have already garnered. We’ve won an Allure Best of Beauty award in the natural wonders category in 2015 and 2016!
 
Choosing the right products for your skin type and concern can be overwhelming - so let me help you take away the guesswork!  It's as simple as taking this quick and fun skin quiz.  In just a couple minutes you’ll learn about what products are right for YOU and why. 
www.everskin.com/with/sallydenman/quiz
 
I am obsessed with this line and know you will be too - even if for some reason you aren't we have a 45 day, empty bottle, money back guarantee so you can feel confident with every purchase. All you have to lose is a few wrinkles!
 

Simply Comfortable clothing size 2T to 26. Boutique style clothes at less than boutique prices. Brought to you in our mobile boutique.  ​

What is Intuitive Risk Management International?
They are a full-service management consultancy firm specializing in risk management advisory services that help our clients meet the challenges associated with business and life risk. With focus on providing comprehensive and innovative solutions, our clients are empowered to overcome challenges and work smarter, not harder.  Transforming Companies! Transforming Lives!
​Use code: IRMI_Housewives for a 10% discount on consulting and coaching services.

How We Help Clients:​
Business Consulting & Coaching
Employee Benefits Solutions
Small Business Solutions
Family legal plans
Identity Theft Protection
Education & Training
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU DRIVE CHANGE TOGETHER WE WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE.

The management consultants of choice with a mission geared towards helping protect businesses of all sizes reduce and mitigate their risks, improve operational efficiency and implement best practices to position companies for growth.  Our legal service and identity theft programs providing solutions that protect and benefit employers, small business owners, individuals, families and specialty professions. Providing consultative services, education, awareness and outreach is key to our approach; analyzing challenges and assessing needs to provide solutions that empower and make a difference.​

Tell us about your business and how you became the successful woman you are today.      (how did you get the courage to start your own business, what motivated you, how many hours you put in, how you keep a positive outlook, etc)


I was introduced to this company by my best friend. She was having hormonal complications and opened my eyes to how the laws for personal care products in the United States was very little. I started to do more research and learned that companies can still use ingredients that are known to cause allergies, endocrine complications, cancer, mimic estrogen, etc. I felt like I had to be a part of Beautycounter's movement to get safer products into the hands of everyone. Not only are their products effective, but safer than a lot of options out there. What sets them apart from most companies is their "never list" that bans more than 1500 ingredients that are harmful to human health. The United States by law ban 30 on a 1938 law! The European market bans 1400 and Canada bans 600. In the United States and Canada, it is legal for companies to use dozens of chemicals under the simple word "fragrance." Beautycounter has a 5 step ingredient selection process to rigorously ban ingredients that are harmful, very transparent. Another aspect that sets Beautycounter apart is the taking action in Washington to urge Congress for better laws. Knowing what I had learned, I needed to share this with my friends and family to help them make safer product choices for themselves. 

Describe yourself in three words: 
determined, loyal, sincere

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?

 Joining Beautycounter

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
To grow my team. 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I don't think that I can attempt another profession, lol. 

How do you maintain a work/life balance?
What's awesome about being with Beautycounter is that I can fit it into the pockets of my day. Even when I'm out and about with my daughter, Beautycounter seems to come up in everyday conversations. The busier I am, the more I can get in front of new people for Beautycounter. 

What websites do you visit every day? 
I am always on the Environmental Working Group website to check other products that I use in my home to research how safe it is to use in my home. There are dozens of personal products, cleaning products, food products that are rated on 1-10 for safe ingredients with 1 being the best. I also love fashion so I am always on some local boutiques that I shop at. 

What are your top three favorite people/places/things to do in your city? 

Since I work from home, it is hard to get out and about without my daughter. When I do get a night, I love food, so I love going out to new restaurants. Since I am with my daughter most of the time, we go to the rainforest a lot and just trying to meet new people and hanging out with her friends from school. 


What is your goal for retirement?
My goal is to travel more.

Do you have any advice for women who'd like to start their own company? 

Starting your own business is challenging. There will be growing pains for sure. Even when it looks bleak, just keep going and stay positive. Always be around people who support you. I get a lot of no's in my business, but it's a numbers game, so the more no's I get, will lead to a yes. 

Any final comments you’d like to share? 

I can't speak well enough about Beautycounter. I am so happy that I took the job to be a consultant for them. I don't feel like a salesperson or too pushy because I am just educating people about environmental health. Once you try the products, people seemed to get hooked. There's a saying that some of us use that Beautycounter is a cross between Chanel and Whole Foods with the performance and safety of it, lo. A lot of people aren't ready to hear the facts on how bad ingredients are and then there are some people that just don't really care. You just have to respect that and move on. 


connect: 
Christine Ponsart
​440.655.5844 | c.ponsart08@gmail.com
website: www.beautycounter.com/christineponsart
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.weisenseelponsart
instagram: http://instagram/cpon08
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