The Saturday Hustle – OPA


We started out the morning at La Jolla beach. Beautiful walk on the coast dipping our feet in the water and looking at hot surfer dudes. However, when we went to walk back to our car we both realized we had been so excited to walk on the beach that we forget to remember what street we parked the car on. I even have an iPhone app for that and I forgot to use it. It took longer to walk up and down the streets looking for the car than the time it took to walk to the beach. But…we found it. Finally. That’s all that matters.

Today was our last book signing, outside the SHRM conference, at Buffalo Exchange -  San Diego (5th and University). Another great day (although the Jamba Juice beforehand helped) and again we met some awesome people. I was also excited because I got to wear my Goodwill, made out of curtains skirt.

Our main goal this trip was to get west coast exposure. We knew we would with the organized book signings but we also took stock to use for “street promotions.” To walk around downtown San Diego and pass out books to folks. Just a meet and greet. We started it tonight to get some practice and it was a blast. A few people looked like we were trying to hand them poop in a bag but most folks were excited. It’s sad that people are apprehensive when you try to give them something free. But I do understand that “free” is often not really “free” so I get it.

We ended the night with a great meal of yummy Greek food at Athens marketplace and are starting to feel like real San Diegoans

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Friday margharitas and mayhem

Friday started off with us actually being able to eat before 9pm at night. We had a great breakfast at a place called Café 222. I had peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast. It was sooooo good!!

We then worked all afternoon until time to go to a boutique called Pure Boutique. This shop is focused on bringing in local designers and artisans. The jewelry was amazing and they had a cute line of Angry Girl logo’d merchandise that was adorable.

Afterward we went to Old Town for some margarita’s and Mexican food. This area has a lot of Mexican culture and the atmosphere was lively.

Each place we go to eat we have been taking a few books and passing them out to other customers. Hoping it will generate some excitement and exposure. This has been one of the best parts of our trip. People have gotten excited and tonight they were lined up for me to sign their books. In each free book we give away we place a card asking them to go to my blog and post their review. Hopefully we can create many new friends this way!

Laina

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Cecilia Boutique – First California stop

Our adventures in San Diego started off with a long flight and a never-ending stand in the line for the rental car. Amy was lucky enough to see a guy attempt to spit tobacco in a bottle that had a cap on it but it was all good when Johnny, a rental car place employee, told me I looked 26 and upgraded us to a 2011 Mustang Convertible. There was no way after that the day could end bad. So even though by the time we got our car, and drove to our first stop, we only had minutes to spare it was worth it.
It did take us about 15 minutes to figure out how to close the convertible top which is a bit excessive for 2 college grads but we prevailed. After a successful book signing we checked into our hotel and took off for Little Italy where we had a great meal and glass of Pinot Grigio.
Tomorrow off to LA!!!!!

Elizabeth Leffler-Agia, owner of Cecilia Boutique in San Diego, has worked hard to create a stylish collection of name brand designers such as Sanctuary, as well as local clothing and jewelry designers. Originally from the mid-west, Elizabeth started as a stylist for a photographer and went on to be a personal stylist saying “I enjoy the personal connection I have with people.” Gaining inspiration from her grandmother, Cecilia (for whom the boutique is named after) and who was an avid artist, Elizabeth wanted to create an environment for women that was as comfortable as they would be in their own closet and in my opinion she has succeeded.
See some snapshots of the great merchandise below.
Laina

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Whew…lots to do

I hope you all enjoyed listening to Elijah’s music yesterday. Him and I are now facebook friends…I am so thrilled:) Today has flown by. I have heard many heated debates today on the whole health care issue. As a human resource professional I have had people asking my opinion and sometimes you should be careful what you ask for. To be honest I have mixed feelings but then it can be hard to make one decision that will make everyone happy.

Book sales are going pretty well for Stilettos & Scoundrels. Just placed my second order for books to take with me to the DSW book signing on Saturday and a fellow Rainmaker, Amy Woodall, gave me this great idea of having a DSW US book tour. So my Rockstar admin, Amy Bucci, is looking into using this venue for other events. I need to get the schedule up soon but in April I will hit Indy and New York City. May I will be heading to Chicago and Las Vegas and June to San Diego. If of course we make enough money selling the books. It’s kind of like living paycheck to paycheck. Though if I could ever get the business book to print (yes it is a month overdue) I would be much better off. Everyone keeps asking me what my hang up is and I just don’t like it. Not an answer anyone likes but it’s all I’ve got.

I am also back on the bandwagon of building up Chiczofrenic so if you aren’t already a member go to Chiczofrenic.com and sign up!

Have a great day!
Laina

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