Jump

In this edition of Two for Two Tuesday, I am faced with a rather unique situation -

"Jump" by Van Halen - a forever icon in music

"Jump" by Madonna - a forever icon in music

So what is the meaning of "Jump" to both musicians?

Van Halen -

"...a television news report...about a man who was threatening to commit suicide by jumping off a high building..."

"...one of the onlookers of such a scene would probably shout "go ahead and jump"..."

"..."go ahead and jump"...invitation to love..."

No. 15 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s

(Wikipedia source)

Madonna -

"self-empowerment theme"

Full background on Wikipedia

My take away -
The word "jump" defining the title and lyrics of a song can easily be misconstrued.  The song must be carefully listened to in order to understand the better meaning.  Van Halen is the best example.  In this way, appreciation for both songs is set.

Wake Up Monday

The Monday blues are here...a day no one looks forward to.  Jump into the day and be surprised at how quickly the day goes by when staying productive.

Wake up this Monday to Van Halen's "Jump."

Have a great day!

Sunday Favorite

In this edition of Sunday Favorite, the most well-received post this week was Fashion Direct Sales.

I will let the link speak for itself.  A side note, though...Thank you for giving the post a chance and considering my story in the world of direct sales.

Happy Sunday -
From Set List to you

Remember When Friday

In this edition of Remember When Friday, I thought I would reflect on another Remember When Friday from late March.

In the March Remember When Friday edition, I wrote about cold and dreary weather reminiscent of spooky weather.  In fact, the March post reflected a past post - Spooky Day : Spooky Music.

And so to avoid confusion, I will let the March Remember When Friday edition speak for itself.

Happy Friday!

Fashion Direct Sales

In this edition of Anything Goes Thursday, I will once again write about fashion...from a direct sales point of view.

Chloe + Isabel

- Requisite phone interview
- Select starter kit if accepted
- Online customizable boutique included
- Sell from home or at pop-ups
- 25% - 40% commission
- Unlimited earning potential
- Entrepreneur
- Merchandiser title
- Merchandise Manager/Senior Merchandise Manager titles upon reaching certain financial thresholds

I was with Chloe + Isabel for three years.  I chose the basic starter kit.  I customized my online boutique to reflect who I am.  All of my sales were through my boutique because the highly suggested methods were not practical for where I live.  I maintained the 25% commission rate throughout my time as a Merchandiser.  I made my rounds on social media. 

From day 1, my heart was set on Merchandise Manager.  Three years later, I left as a Merchandiser. 

Corporate has a huge effect on direct sales companies.  Chloe + Isabel was not immune.  There were changes that affected many...I was one of them.  And so I left.

Avon

- Select starter kit
- Online customizable store included
- No set recommendations on how to sell
- 20% - 50% commission
- Unlimited earning potential
- Entrepreneur
- Independent Sales Representative title
- Financial growth potential

I am a new Avon Sales Representative (as is already known).

Chloe + Isabel was lucrative in many ways.  So why Avon? 

Wide range of products.  Generous prices.  Orders $40 or more receive shipping.  Women's, men's, and children's selections.  Guaranteed must-haves.

Avon and Chloe + Isabel are classified as direct sales, but both are considered as more of a lifestyle by nature.

I am not a natural salesman.  So why Avon?

Full control in how sales are driven in, as opposed to strict recommendations. 

Profound love for the products.

Trust in the company.

I will never know how I went from academia to fashion to fashion direct sales.

In this edition of Anything Goes Thursday, I suppose I have found my reasoning.

Wednesday Once Over

I am fairly well caught up to speed with past posts, so in this edition of Wednesday Once Over I will, once again, suggest scrolling through the archives.

Idea!

If you find a post that you want to see more about, let me know in the comments section!

Uptown Funk v. Happy

Which rendition is best - "Uptown Funk" or "Happy"?

Leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Happy Tuesday!

Two for Two Tuesday : Part 2

"Happy" - Pharrell Williams

 

Two for Two Tuesday : Part 1

"Uptown Funk" - Bruno Mars

 

Happy - Lip Sync Style

The start of a new week has arrived.  Wake up to "Happy" as performed by the McKinney Police Department...Lip sync battle style.

The challenge has truly gone viral.

Have a "happy" Monday!

Sunday Favorite...

...A favorite unexpected.

In the last edition of Remember When Friday, I suggested to readers and passersby to, in this one instance, create their own memories by exploring the archives.

This Remember When Friday edition received page views similar to those from the launch of Set List...a favorite unexpected.

And so on this Sunday Favorite, I would like to share Archives from Remember When Friday.

As always,
Play it!

Farewell to Saturday Special

I am so sorry to say that after ten flash fiction stories, I have run out of steam.

I am announcing now, then, that I will no longer be posting on Saturdays.

Monday through Friday and Sunday posts will remain always.

Archives

In this edition of Remember When Friday, I am not sharing a memory from Set List's past.  Instead, I ask that you - readers and passersby - explore the Set List archives to find a favorite memory of your own!

Happy Friday!

Avon

In this edition of Anything Goes Thursday, I thought I would promote my new business venture with Avon.

I am excited to say that I am an Avon Independent Sales Representative!

I am an entrepreneur at heart and Avon is very much all about fashion, so the opportunity means a great deal to me.

I am thrilled to have my own online store - http://www.youravon.com/lahovis.

The products range from apparel to beauty to body and skincare to now children's products...the list goes on!

And so if you find interest, explore my store to browse or buy!

(!Avon only ships within the United States!)

Wednesday Once Over

In this edition of Wednesday Once Over, I thought I would detail Duran Duran's Paper Gods album cover in particular.

The Duran Duran Paper Gods album cover is intriguing.  The images are a tribute to past songs and albums in the band's history.

For example -

The lips and eye are iconic to Rio.

The chauffeur's cap is iconic to "The Chauffeur."

The pink telephone, champagne glass, and saxophone are iconic to the song, "Rio."

The sumo wrestler reflects the questionable "Girls on Film" video.

The teeth reflect "Wild Boys."

The Eifel Tower is in reference to the title song from A View to a Kill.

The silhouette of a woman reflects "Skin Trade."

The tiger and snake honor the iconic Seven and the Ragged Tiger album.

The white shoe represents the single cover and video for "Come Undone."

The ice cream cone is in reference to "Perfect Day."

(Wikipedia source)

Two for Two Tuesday : Part 2

In Part 1 of this Two for Two Tuesday series, I posed a question to readers and passersby - which is better.  The selection to choose from - Duran Duran albums.  Specific songs - those that defined each album.

As mentioned before, leave a comment to share your thoughts!

Album #3 - All You Need Is Now
Song - "All You Need Is Now"

 

 

 

 

Album #4 - Paper Gods



Song - "Pressure Off"

 

 

 



 

Wake Up Monday

What Goes Around Comes Around is a gorgeous boutique in SoHo featuring luxury vintage fashion brands.

"What Goes Around Comes Around" is a powerful song as performed by Justin Timberlake.

With the natural blend of fashion and music, today's Wake Up Monday is the official video for "What Goes Around Comes Around."

Happy Monday!

Notice

Confusion over a large gap following the Saturday Special Break post has led me to delete it. 

In the post, I stated that I am taking a brief break from the Saturday Special Flash Fiction series.  From then to now, feel free to explore the archives for other Saturday Specials.

As always,
Have a great weekend!

Sunday Favorite

On this lazy summer Sunday, Lovely Day is the most well-received for the week.

Not much needs to be said about the Lovely Day post as it was the feature for Wake Up Monday...Bill Withers and his classic song.

Have a great Sunday.

Remember When Friday

I imagine "Uptown Funk" went viral the moment the song hit radio stations, iTunes, and so many other channels.  "Uptown Funk" is the main background for the peanut butter brand, Skippy.  And now "Uptown Funk" is the choice for lip sync challenge.  This, then, leads me to memories of when I first discovered "Uptown Funk" and dedicated posts to Set List from so long ago.

My first "Uptown Funk" post was the song's video in May 2015.  As of then, I have posted "Uptown Funk" being an occasional mental record loop, a feature on Amazon (I am no longer an Amazon Associate), and many other posts.

Three years strong and "Uptown Funk" is a staple in music and pop culture.

Remember when indeed.

Happy Friday!

Uptown Funk - Lip Sync Style

In this edition of Anything Goes Thursday, I thought I would share "Uptown Funk" as performed by the Norfolk Police Department...Lip sync battle style.  The video is amazing and has gone viral.

"Don't believe me just watch"

Farewell to 1928

In this edition of Wednesday Once Over, I am bidding farewell to 1928.

1928 was an affiliate merchant through the affiliate network, ShareASale.  As evidenced in previous posts, the 1928 brand is vintage and timeless in beauty and style.  The collections within 1928 (such as T.R.U., Downton Abbey, 2028, etc.) are beautiful, unique, and in keeping with the 1928 tone.

If you may have noticed, all posts relating to 1928 as well as the 1928 banner have been permanently removed. 

As of July 9th, 1928 has terminated its affiliate program.  The announcement was sudden, unexpected, and immediate.  I do not know why nor am I in a position to ask.

Although the program is closed, I do still encourage considering a purchase or simply window shopping because the jewelry is just breathtaking and truly one of a kind.

And so I say farewell to 1928.

Two for Two Tuesday : Part 1

In this edition of Two for Two Tuesday, I have a question for you - readers and passersby.  The question - which is better.  The selection to choose from - Duran Duran albums.  Specific songs - those that defined each album. 

I will feature a total of four albums between today's Part 1 and next Tuesday's Part 2.

Leave a comment to share your thoughts!

Album #1 - Astronaut
Song - "Reach Up For the Sunrise"

 

 

 

Album #2 - Red Carpet Massacre

Song - "Red Carpet Massacre"

 

 

 

 



 

Lovely Day

I am a bit slow on this Wake Up Monday, so I thought I would share a sentimental song to get the day going.

Enjoy "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.

Sunday Favorite

In this edition of Sunday Favorite, the top post for the week is Detroit.

Detroit was a common theme between Billy Squier's "Everybody Wants You" live performance and "The Heat Is On" opening the Beverly Hills Cop film set in Detroit in the beginning.

Follow the link above for more.

Happy Sunday!

Saturday Special : Top Favorite

In this special edition of Saturday Special, the top flash fiction fan favorite is Play It : Jazzy (Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 6).

Flash fiction needs no recap.  And so the story says the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

Must choose...

In this edition of Anything Goes Thursday, I thought I would share facts about my interest in music that I do not always post on Set List.

Let's jump right in.

Favorite Jazz Style -

Smooth Jazz & Swing Jazz

For example, The Rippingtons  have a modern upbeat tone and are classified as smooth jazz.  On the other hand, Chris Botti is emotionally driven and along the line of Miles Davis.  I would not necessarily classify Chris Botti as smooth jazz, but I do not know where else to go.

Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, just to name a few, define swing jazz.  The beat is strong and lasting.  Audience engagement is encouraged.

Favorite Rock Style -

Classic Rock

Aerosmith, Rush, AC/DC ... Just to name a few

Favorite Jazz Musician -

Greg Adams

I would classify Greg Adams as smooth jazz and, as such, highly recommend "Burma Road" for its tap into the listener's imagination.

I could easily go on with my favorite jazz musicians, but Greg Adams is one to notice.

Favorite Rock Band -

If you know this blog, you will know my answer - Duran Duran.

Country Music -

No ... Just no

Rap Music -

Generally no.  However, there is one song from the soundtrack to the movie, Blue Streak, called "Criminal Mind" that does not necessarily sound like rap in the traditional sense.  Otherwise, no.

Classical Music -

Generally no.  However, some tine ago I purchased a Thomas Kinkade Christmas album with orchestral music performing traditional carols.  Lovely renditions really and rather soothing.  Otherwise, no.

Live Concert -

No.  The volume is too overwhelming.

Favorite Radio Station -

90.9 FM WDCB

Local to my former community college.  Mainly jazz during weekdays.

Happy Birthday, USA

July 4, 1776 - Present

May there be joy and content happiness across the United States of America on her most special Happy Birthday.

Beyonce National Anthem at Presidential Inauguration Ceremony 2013 | ABC...

Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture (Finale)

Detroit

In this edition of Two for Two Tuesday, seeing double is the theme.

Detroit.

The YouTube post I shared on Monday (July 2nd) featured a live version of "Everybody Wants You" by Billy Squier as performed in Detroit, Michigan.

"The Heat Is On" opened the Beverly Hills Cop film.  The Beverly Hills Cop film began in Detroit, Michigan.

Let's take a look back at "Everybody Wants You."

Notes -

- Opening track to Emotions in Motion album (released in 1982 - multi-Platinum)
- No. 32 on Billboard Hot 100
- No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Tracks (held for six weeks)
- Billy Squier was especially popular on MTV

(Wikipedia source)

My take away -
Apparently Detroit was the place to be in the 1980s.

Wake Up Monday

Summer heat is in full swing, so I am rather slow to  get the day started.

I hope Billy Squier's "Everybody Wants You" 1983 live rendition will wake up this Monday.

Sunday Favorite

This edition of Sunday Favorite comes as a  surprise.  The most well-received post for the week is Passion for Fashion.

If I were to follow up with a second theme, I would by far say entrepreneurship.  My Chloe + Isabel boutique was mine to own.  I  customized my boutique.  I defined how I ran my business - from reaching out to potential customers to keeping in touch with existing clientele to maintaining social media.  I was very much an entrepreneur and the feeling was amazing.

Although I am no longer with Chloe + Isabel, I still feel a sense of entrepreneurship with my blog, Couture Tales, especially. 

Couture Tales is first and foremost a short story blog with a fashion theme.  On the other hand, I discovered the possibility of affiliate marketing for Couture Tales.

Keeping in tune with the fashion theme, I was accepted into the Stella & Dot program. 

Stella & Dot is the leading competitor to Chloe + Isabel, but is of greater difference.  Stella & Dot offers fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, a partnership with trending designers (such as Rebecca Minkoff), a fashion forward apparel line, an array of handbags, and so much more.  There is always a sale or special.

When I feature Stella & Dot in a post, I  am marketing their products which, in essence, means I am an entrepreneur. 

Fashion entrepreneurship is in line with my passion for fashion.

And so this edition of Sunday Favorite focuses on the forever favorite topic of fashion.