​I’m excited to introduce you all to a personal friend of mine: Regina Boston of RMB Photography. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Regina for years now. She has shared in some of the most intimate moments of my family’s life; such as engagement photos and birth announcement photos. Enjoy this tribute to Regina; exploring insight into a craft she’s perfected for numerous families across the area. 

Regina, tell us about your business and how you became the successful business woman you are today.
“Photography has opened up a whole new perspective for me. I love to capture subjects as they are and to help people notice small beautiful details in the world around us. I use a natural style of photography, preferring to highlight the moments that make the subject special and unique. Fussy or sleepy babies are no problem – these photos are ones that will be cherished the most in future years when babies have grown into curious children. I snap photos of wrinkly foreheads, pouty expressions, and big yawns, instead of waiting for a ‘perfect’ expression. I specialize in newborn, child and family photography, because I am so inspired by the love families have for each other."

I capture real moments in my clients’ lives and that has led to a successful photography practice. I discovered photography as my passion in 2008 and have been traveling around northern Virginia, DC and Maryland doing photo shoots ever since. Each time I frequent a location, I see it through a new lens as I capture memories for new families. I also enjoy discovering fresh, new venues across the DC Metro and I am always on the lookout for beautiful, natural backdrops to relish in each season.”
 
How do perspective clients get in touch with you?
Email: RMBphotography@verizon.net
Website: www.RMBphotogallery.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RMBphotogallery

Who is Regina Boston?
She is someone who loves the simple beauty of nature and family: being outdoors, sitting by a fire and entertaining with special friends and family. I especially adore hearing live music with my husband; and soul mate! My family keeps me busy and I love every moment spent with my seven kids, ages 5-15, and our two dogs. In addition to being reenergized with my family’s energy, I also love enjoying a good glass of wine after a fierce session of kickboxing. I was born & raised in Montgomery County, but one day would like to move to the country and enjoy a slower pace of life. Until then, I’m capturing memories across the DMV… through the peaceful and stress-free golden years of retirement!
 
Describe yourself in three words:            
*Sincere
*Focused
*Ambitious

​What are your top three favorite places/things to do in Montgomery County?  
*Going for a hike up Sugarloaf Mountain… and ending at the winery for a glass
*Going for a run along Great Seneca Highway
*Eating a delicious meal on the patio at Not Your Average Joe’s, Gaithersburg
 
What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?              
Having the honor of photographing repeat clients and watching their little ones grow up!
 
How do you maintain a work/life balance?          
The beauty of my business is that it allows me the freedom to schedule my shoots around my family events. My view is that family should come first. 

Did you miss our Girls' Night Out (and my personal birthday celebration) at Urban Winery in July? Well fret not because Regina Brown of RMB Photography has captured some of the memories for us! Check out more of our celebration on Facebook: HERE. 

Dont' forget to join us for an upcoming event!
*August 29, 2016 - Quench! Rockville
*September 14, 2016 - Carluccio's Pike & Rose, N. Bethesda
*September 19, 2016 - Not Your Average Joe's, Gaithersburg (Kentlands)
*Future events are published to the Facebook page

It all started with just two pairs of leggings and a Randy t that I had received for Christmas in 2015. I immediately fell in love with the Lularoe brand, its uniqueness and the buttery soft fabrics. I realized how beautiful I felt in these clothes and knew that I could inspire women of all shapes and sizes to feel equally as beautiful and empowered. I also knew that given some effort, Lularoe would ultimately allow me the opportunity to spend have more precious family time.  Before Lularoe, I've dreamed about such a luxury, but I never saw it becoming a reality: that I could pursue a passion, empower other women and build a future for my family.  In February of this year, my mother inquired if I was interested in becoming a fashion consultant for the brand and the rest was history. ​

How does your company stay connected through social media? 
​Cara shares product and styling information on Facebook and Twitter. You can also join her VIP group for perks:
VIP Group | Facebook Page | Twitter | Email

Describe your brand in three words:
Flattering
Accessible (reasonably priced)
Comfortable
 
Tell me more about Lularoe. What makes Lularoe different from other companies?
The thing I love most about Lularoe is that they promote work-life balance; encouraging family time. Lularoe is also very relationship oriented within the team. They emphasize building lasting relationships with other reps and foster a sense of partnership and extended family. I've made so many new friends through personal interactions since I started Lularoe. Finally, Lularoe encourages fundraising. They love being involved in the community. Ask me how!

Top 3 LLR must have products are:
1. The leggings because they're soooooo comfortable and they flatter any figure
2. The classic t, which is always my go to when I'm on the run
3. My newest love: the Amelia dress! It’s super easy and even more flattering.
 
Do you have any lularoe styling tips?
*Always try it on! Pieces hang on the hanger much different than on the body.
*Every piece in Lularoe is versatile. There are so many ways to style each piece the possibilities are endless!

Pūrjus is offering families an alternative to sugary, processed beverages. Kids are loving it and parents appreciate giving their children delicious, high quality, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, certified organic 100% juice… and having some for themselves as well.  This Austrian-made beverage is also free of any preservatives, artificial flavors and colors.
​
My 3-yr old son enjoyed a "big boy cup" of apple juice while mom savored the beet apple pear juice on the rocks. I have to tell you that I was amazed by the freshness of the product. I really enjoyed the fresh beet flavor which was slightly mellowed out by the natural sweetness of the apple and pear juice.  

​"pūrjus currently comes in three flavors:

* apple juice: Light and refreshing, pūrjus apple juice is rich in antioxidants which may prevent chronic diseases and avoid aging. Research shows that apple juice can help boost brain function and increase memory. pūrjus apple juice, taken from European Streuobstwiesen (meadow orchards), delivers two full servings of fruit per bottle.

* beet apple pear juice: Combining three popular juice flavors, this variety is a great alternative for people who want the benefits of beet juice in a delicious, fruitier taste. In addition to the benefits of beets and apples, pear juice provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. This juice provides one vegetable and one fruit serving per bottle."

* beet juice: pūrjus beet juice features the sweet, earthy beet flavor people love. Beet juice is known for its many health benefits including reducing blood pressure and helping to reduce cognitive decline; each bottle is the equivalent of two vegetable servings."

How exciting ladies! The Housewives family is continuously growing!

Check out the map below and see if you need to connect your out-of-state family and friends to our groups across the US.

​How many times have we heard, “Don’t forget to count your blessings”? This is something that we should all remember to do. Just minutes ago I turned 36. The number is nothing special, no milestone; actually it’s rather square [a dose of my corny comedy… get it? 6²!].  

For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Lizabeth Coppock. I’m the [*quick witted] blogger and event coordinator behind Montgomery County Housewives in the City. By day, I am an auditor for a company that I’ve just celebrated my 10-year anniversary with. I have an amazing husband who loves me despite my quirks and silliness and keeps me level headed. Then, there are my two beautiful boys; who seek to offset their father’s efforts! 

​I’m a rather passionate and creative person. My pastor recently asked our small group to describe ourselves as a pizza, too which I responded “extra cheesy, extra saucy… and loaded with tons of pepperoni, sausage, bacon and any other meat you can find”. Why all that meat? “Because you never know what to expect, but I’m frequently hard to digest”.  That pretty much sums up my directness, but deep down I’m really just a caring, generous soul that is overflowing with feelings. ​

These are just some of the things that come to my mind when I am counting my blessings. It’s so easy to forget our blessings and take them for granted that I would encourage you to take a moment to compute your own blessings! 

Despite life's many blessings, our journey is not always going to be easy. Just because our paths may not be straight at times, however, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stop in our tracks. Take today for example. I had full intentions to support The American Kidney Fund’s silent auction at Gordon Biersch this evening. My mom is the recipient of a kidney due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which I also inherited. I thought it would be a great gesture to support to this organization’s initiative to educate the public on kidney health and kidney disease prevention. However, my Crohn’s Disease decided that my attendance wasn’t “a must”.  After weeks of on-again, off-again discomfort, it hit me like a brick: I’m officially in Crohn’s flare up territory. It’s a very dark and ominous place to be. At about 2pm is when I nearly slid all the way down the spiral slide, but I caught my bearings.  While the pain can feel completely intolerable at times, I thought back on my decade and a half-long battle with this disease and remembered that I had made it this far.  So, I called off the pity party and recalculated my GPS toward PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. At 36 years of age, I can sit here and let my life perpetuate my disease or I can buckle down and take action to be at my best and kick Crohn’s “where the sun don’t shine”!
​
So instead of bidding on silent auction items this past evening, I found myself deep in thought, conjuring up the perfect trifecta approach to regaining control of my life: SPIRITUAL, HEALTH and MENTAL adjustments.

SPIRITUAL:
I know that when the first card on a deck is God, the rest of the cards effortlessly fall into place. I’m giving God more control over my life and putting Him first [even before MOCO Housewives... shhhh!]

HEALTH:
I'll be working with my GI physician and nutritionist to ensure that I am treating my body well from the inside-out. I'll also be working with Pure Barre Rockville to ensure that I am keeping a healthful balance! *More details to follow!

MENTAL:
I'm going to commit the rest of the year to taking "ME" time and maximizing family time as well. Prayer and meditation will be integral to improving my overall positivity. 

I'm planning on checking in periodically and letting you all know how I'm doing in my journey. I hope to give some inspiration to each of you to be at your best!
 
The fact of the matter is that the arrival of my birthday was a reminder to be thankful for yet another year of life.  Life itself is such a blessing. It is cut short for so many people that we need to remember to count each day, and especially each year, as nothing short of a blessing!

#countyourblessings #personalresponsibility #whatisyourformula     #declareyourhealth

​From the desk of Amy Myers: "I like where I'm headed with Rodan & Fields, but it took quite a little while to find the path for my journey. Like many other local families, we had gotten to the point where we were consumed with facilitating my children's busy calendars; including sports, school related activities and social activities. My husband and I have been married for 15 years and we have 3 children; ages 12, 9 & 3. I've worked at a local bank for nearly two decades; where I am currently the assistant manager. My husband also works full time as an Operations Manager. Simple, family activities were slipping out of our finger tips... Never able to have dinner together at the same time. Limited quality time together as a family. No time to clean the house... You get the picture! 

​[Enter stage right: an Angel!] My girlfriend had been asking me for over a year to join her team. At that point, I had not even tried the products apart from a sample packet of Microdermabrasion paste.  I put off the requests for quite some time due to my overburdened schedule. However, last summer while sitting at the lake with my mom, she points out to me how bad the sun damage was on my face. Gee, thanks Mom! So, after I arrived home from vacation, I made it a priority to call my friend. We met and I signed on almost immediately. At that point I started my first ever Rodan & Fields Regimen and I have never looked back. Not only has Rodan & Fields erased my sun damage, but my skin is clearer, brighter and more radiant then ever! I love the products that Dr. Katie Rodan & Dr. Kathy Fields have created. Why? Because they work! I've made it my mission to share this same experience with others: more than 50 happy Preferred Customers in less than a year's time! I've also created my own team of 4 Consultants who also see the value in these amazing products!"

​Describe yourself in three words:
Outgoing
Friendly
Funny

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
I would say where I am today with Rodan & Field. I am currently a Level II Executive Consultant and I have done this by helping and watching people transform there skin into something that they can feel comfortable in. 

What are your professional goals for the next six months? 
I plan on continuing to share these amazing products with new customers.  I would also like to reach Level IV by growing my team during this same time. 
 
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Ladies, I am finally where I want to be! Honestly, I am in my years old and I have finally found something I love and feel really passionate about. 
 
How do you maintain a work/life balance? 
Since I am my own boss, I work my Rodan & Fields business around my children's schedules. I start in the morning before I change into "mommy-mode". I take time around lunch to make sure I am staying on top of my customers' requests. Then, I reconvene in the evenings; around my kids' numerous activities and needs. In the times that I have to dedicate more to my business, my husband and I take on a "tag team" approach to take care of the family needs. I'm committed to Rodan & Fields because they allow me to stay committed to my family! I can be successful without putting in an exorbitant amount of hours. 
 
What are your top three favorite people/places/things to do in your city? 
I love frequenting wine festivals. My favorite restaurant is LJ's and Jagger James Hair Salon is my go-to to keep my hair looking fresh.
 
What is your goal for retirement?
My short term goal is to leave my job this December so that I can focus exclusively on this amazing opportunity I have been given. Rodan & Fields will be like retirement for me!
 
Do you have any advice for women who'd like to start their own company? 
* Find something you are passionate about. 
* Never, and I mean never give up. I have heard more no's than yes's.  I will here more no's, but that is okay. However, I also have people who reach out to me that I would never think would be interested. You can never think someone is not interested in what you have to offer them!

​Ladies, let me introduce you to the next kitchen must-have. “Must-have” products in the market as of late usually refer to something new, but it this case we are talking about something tried and true: CUTCO.  Cutco has been producing high-quality kitchen knives, cutlery and cookware in New York since 1949. Cutco's roots are deep in the American culture, so what better a day to feature Cutco than on the Fourth of July? Not only is Cutco "Forever American", but it is also forever insured by "The Forever Guarantee" and a lifetime of free sharpening so all across America. Consider this your Independence Day from replacing dull knives time and time again.

I was recently acquainted with Benjamin Howard and the Cutco brand at a local expo. Ben happily shared his extensive Cutco knowledge and tips in a personal demonstration.  I have to say that I was quite impressed at watching him hack right through a mango pit with minimal effort. Ben, being such a likable guy, also let me monkey around with his knives [pic] and he even showed me how to use his kitchen "super shears" to make a flower out of a penny! I knew right away that I couldn't wait to introduce my housewives to Ben and the Cutco brand. 
 
Ben Howard is a proud Cutco independent sales representative for Cutco. He spends his days demonstrating Cutco products and scheduling service appointments for knife sharpening; ensuring that customers are happy with their products forever.  He's been recognized within the organization for being ranked number 1 nationally in sales performance and he realizes that his customer base is the reason for his success. He is also well on his way to earn a vacation to Cancun; an opportunity that is the result of his business success. 

Ben is self-described as a passionate, caring and pensive individual; each of these wonderful qualities become perfectly evident while he educates customers on Cutco products and talks of his beautiful wife. With Cutco, Ben and his wife have a much sharper outlook on life.  He manages his own career and has the opportunity to earn significant commissions while still being able to enjoy dedicated family time with his bride; going to see new movies, hiking and trying out local restaurants.  
 
According to Ben, "Cutco is one of the few products that people actually love owning and the only product you can buy that will be guaranteed for your family generations to come".  Over 16 million households own Cutco knives and can attest to the value of their investment. Make sure to schedule your own personal demonstration today. Until then, check out Ben's picks for the top 5 Cutco knives that women should own:

1. The hardy slicer
2. The cheese knife 
3. The trimmer; a go-to utility knife
4. The petite chef
5. The boning knife; for raw meat
6. Wait, there has to be a 6th: The pizza cutter; which has many different uses

​SEE FOR YOURSELF TODAY!

If you are in the process of starting a new business, consider Ben's recipe for success:

1. Your business is what you put into it. Make sure you invest your time and energy into making it great. I spend considerable time acquiring product knowledge and industry standards so that I am well-informed. I'm also committed to customer service and follow-up to ensure that each customer is satisfied. While you are your own boss, keep in mind that Hard work produces success!
2. Be willing to push through a lot of discomfort and struggles. The harder you push, the greater the reward will be when you succeed.
3. Sometimes you need to take the negative comments of your peers with a grain of salt.  Perspective is great, but don't let negativity become your reality.
4. Have Fun! You are going to spend a lot of time "working", so you might as well make it feel less like working and more like a good time. Choose a field that you are passionate about.
5. Don't forget about work-life balance. Carve out some time to spend with your loved ones.

 
CONNECT WITH BEN TODAY!
Ben Howard, Cutco knives
Schedule a knife sharpening | Schedule an in-home demonstration | Purchase Cutco Products

​If you frequent the Montgomery County Housewives’ monthly events, you’ve most likely met Tabitha Harvey, an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She and her team greet our guests with a contagious smile, beautiful energy and a wealth of knowledge about Mary Kay’s latest products! She and her team are experts at all things Mary Kay, but now it’s time to take a peek into her life, her successes and the inspiration she brings to others. If there is anyone more motivational and inspirational among us  that seeks to build up her fellow women, it is Ms. Tabitha Harvey!

​“As a beauty consultant I teach anyone with skin :) how to take the best care of it. There are many different skin types and Mary Kay offers a product line for all of them! My number one objective is to have my customers loving their skin for life. I achieve this through complimentary, customized skin care and color consultations. I knew I would own my own-business one day. I didn’t know it would be Mary Kay, but when I happened upon this opportunity at a skin care party, I was won-over by:
*The low start-up cost
*The company's philosophy: God first, family second and career third
*Mary Kay’s social impact through its foundation
*Mary Kay’s support and training programs
*My love for the products

​The road is not always smooth but my foundation is strong! I made a decision based on my personal goals and that is what has kept me going for the past 8 years. My business is the vehicle to my goals and dreams. It is also the vehicle to helping others feel beautiful and courageous and confident. As a Sales Director, I mentor and coach others to achieving their own personal success.  My job is to “give my job away”! My philosophy is that if you are teachable and coachable, there is no limit on your potential!”
 
How does your company stay connected through social media? 
Tabitha shares her skincare magic on Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tabithaloveurskin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tabloveurskin

Describe yourself in three words:
*Hardworking
*Caring
*Fun

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
Not only have I promoted myself to the top 2% or my company's direct selling sales force, but I am continuously coaching and mentoring others in my organization to do the same. My extensive team has collectively earned the use of 6 Mary Kay career cars; which is a wonderful achievement that I have had a hand in.
 
What are your professional goals for the next six months?
My six-month goal is to add 100 more skin care customers to my customer base (I love our skin care), double the size of my organization and develop more leaders.
 
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Community outreach or missionary work!
 
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
There is never a perfect balance, but I do my best to manage my competing priorities: 
*Sometimes my work requires a period of hyper-focused attention. The same is to be said of life. Whichever it is in that moment determines how I allocate my time.
*If there are competing obligations, family and health come first.
*I try to live my life in harmony, so I do unplug (yes, 100%!) when it is “me time” or family time. We all need time to recharge our batteries.
 
What websites do you visit every day?
*darrendaily.com
*intouch.org
*I also have a daily dose of my social media pages:  Facebook | Twitter

What are your top three favorite people/places/things to do in your city?
*I love, love, love York Castle Ice cream on 355 in Rockville
*Very close by is China Bistro (aka Mama's Dumplings). I die for their beef celery dumplings! Seriously, you have to try it!
*And to keep me looking on point without the long wait, Odalis Hair Salon in Gaithersburg. I've been going there for years and pretty much have my entire family and many friends going there as well.
 
What is your goal for retirement?
I plan to have worked smart enough to allow me to leave a strong legacy and a positive impact on those with whom I came in contact with. That is what retirement means to me! I would also like to financial security, so I will own my retirement outright with no mortgage or bills & have enough saved for health care costs. I plan to have the resources to live somewhere tropical, spoil my future grandchildren (that I hope my children will bless me with), volunteer and give more. Thankfully, I will also retire as a Mary Kay National Sales Director, which comes with a very generous retirement plan!
 
Do you have any advice for women who'd like to start their own company?
*Don't take advice from people you would not want to trade lives with.
*The thing about entrepreneurship is that you have to want it more than you fear failing. It is the most rewarding experience to nurture your business and grow it and to be in control of your destiny. Don't be afraid of failure. Many successful people tried and failed but we only know their names because they never gave up. "We fail forward to success". Also, keep in mind that we mostly regret the things we did not do in the end.
*Surround yourself with like-minded people. You are like the 5 people you hang around with the most. So seek out entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-minded people. "Don't share your 8x10 goal with a 3x5 mind" - Sean Keys’ profound words to ponder!
 
Any final, motivational comments?
Yes! Decide to be your best and live your best life now! There is never a perfect time to start a new adventure. Live each day as if it was your last and ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing right now serving my purpose?" and “If I should pass tomorrow, have I lived a life that I would be proud to have eulogized?" Make today count!

CONNECT WITH TABITHA HARVEY TODAY!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email 

​Meet Kara Branham, owner of Drama Mama Cakes. Drama Mama is a top-notch, home-based bakery servicing the DMV!
 
Drama Mama Cakes began very organically with Kara’s desire to have a great cake for her first child's baptism. She had a vision in mind and was determined to "do it herself".  She borrowed tools, did some internet research and went to work. Although that cake wasn’t nearly half the caliber of what Drama Mama creates today, it was something she’s still very proud of.  

​“From there, I made my children's' birthday cakes, cakes for family members, and cakes for cookouts and potlucks. One day a distant friend messaged me on Facebook saying she was in need of a specific cake and asked me if I could I help...  I balked!!!  At that point, I had never made a cake for anyone else and certainly had never charged for one of my creations... I went to my husband and asked his opinion and he told me to stop being a "drama mama"... And the rest was history!"
 
Kara has come a very long way; now owning a full artillery of every tool she needs to make the very best cakes. That coupled with impeccable skill and creativity leaves a trail of satisfied customers.

Describe yourself in three words:
*Perfectionist
*Organized
*Loyal/Dependable

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement(s)?
I consider both the longevity and growth of my business as one of my greatest achievements. Drama Mama is my baby and the more I nurture it, the more I continue to watch it flourish! It’s a beautiful thing! A second fulfilling accomplishment is my expanding client list and the number of new customers that seek me out to create the perfect cake for their special event. Finally, I know I am doing something right with all of my repeat customers who are frequently returning for their next unique creation!

​How does your company stay connected through social media? 
Kara shares all of her new creations directly to her Facebook page:
Facebook: Facebook.com/dramamamacakes
Email: dramamamacakes@comcast.net

How do you maintain a work/life balance? 
I make time for my family. I’m actually a sports mom and you’ll frequently find me on the sidelines cheering for my children! I cherish family time, so I often power through the nights… Long nights with lots of coffee!!  Additionally, Drama Mama also brings my husband and me together in the kitchen. After all, he is my #1 sous chef!
 
What websites do you visit every day? 
I find myself on Facebook frequently. This is where I post my latest creations and where new customers find me. I also love Pinterest. I visit it for cake inspiration and for fun recipes to try and share with my clients and Facebook followers!
 
What are your top three favorite people/places/things to do in your city? 
My home is my very favorite place. I would choose people over places; specifically my children, my husband and the rest of my family. 
 
What is your goal for retirement?
My retirement goal is simple: financial security. I continue to push myself and my business to be able to achieve this!
 
Do you have any advice for women who'd like to start their own company? 
Push yourself to perform at the next level. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish on pure will alone!

CONNECT WITH KARA BRANHAM TODAY!
Facebook |​ Email | Phone