Networking - Merchandise
I use this part of Social Notes to promote businesses
and networking opportunities that I think might be of
interest to all of you.  If you haven't yet sent me a blurb
about your business, I hope you'll get around to it soon.  

Please note the Navigation Bar on the left-hand side of
this page.  I finally got around to subdividing the
Networking section to make it easier to find things!
Tomboy Tools - Hand Tools
Tomboy Tools is a female owned and operated direct selling business started
in the US in 2000, Canada 2002, and the UK 2005.  As you can see our
company is growing!  Our company promotes the empowerment of the woman to
do it herself.  We sell ergonomically designed hand and power tools.  
These are high quality, warrantied tools.  Our mission statement is to build
confidence and empower women through education, quality tools and an
independent business opportunity.  I sell tools to women.  I demonstrate how
to use them at our parties.  I love my business.  Please
contact me about
scheduling your party, buying tools or joining my team.
Eva Luchak
www.LUCHAK.com
281-794-1094
 
The Glass Menagerie - Unique Gifts
The Glass Menagerie is owned and operated by Bonnie Russell.  Established in
2006, this web -based business offers a unique line of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
and Transgendered gifts and merchandise not found elsewhere.  The Glass
Menagerie specializes in custom hand etched glass, stone and metal items with
color being incorporated into many of their products.  Events or activities such
as a Commitment Ceremony, Anniversary, Gay Pride, Charitable Benefits, etc.
can all be captured on a personalized, commemorative item.  

The Glass Menagerie offers a wide range of drink ware and home accessory
products including (but not limited to) rainbow glassware, bar ware, wine
glasses (traditional and stemless), polished stones, blessing stones, custom
jewelry, specialty candles, vases, mirrors and many, many other items.  Their
designs and products are limited only by one’s imagination.  A select number of
their male oriented products can be purchased at Male U Wear.  Check out
their
website .
 
Urban Soles Outpost - a shoe & accessory store in the Heights
Shannon Riley and Inge Feagin have just opened this new store and it sounds
like just the place for all your lesbian fashion needs!  Urban Soles features
comfortable shoes from quality manufacturers like Timberland, Patagonia, Dr.
Martens, Simple, Birkis, Crocs, etc.   They are located at 506 W. 19th Street.
 Give them a call at 713-880-1187.
 
Mary Kay
Jennifer Eberhardt is  a new Mary Kay consultant.  She is currently offering
free pampering sessions to help you recover from the hectic holiday season.  
Facials, hand treatments, color consultations; these are all free with your
pampering session.  As Jennifer notes, we can all use an excuse to embrace our
girly side, even if you don't consider yourself to be a girly kind of girl.  Oh, and
 the guys are welcome too, they need pampering just as much as we do!  You
can reach Jennifer at (832) 279-5666 or via her
website.
 
Signs, Decals, Graphics, Banners and More
BannerLandTX.com says that their business is to make yours stand out from
the crowd (and who are WE to argue!).  Whether you are needing vinyl
graphics/lettering, decals, magnetic signs, lawn signs, vehicle graphics, or
banners - BannerLandTX.com wants to bid your next job.  Their goal is to keep
my overhead low to allow you to get the most for your advertising dollar.  No
minimum orders.  Volume discounts available.  For more info, call, fax or visit
their
 website,  or call  713-812-1002.
 
Candles, Oils, Etc
Mai Henson invites you to visit "Aromas of Elegance" for all your candle, oil
and other fragrance related needs.  At the present time the website is under
construction but you can call the office and the Sales Team can help with any
questions are purchase requests. Also, if the customer can't come to the shop,
the shop will come to them.  832-567-1711
 
Custom Bedding and Furniture
Joseph's says that if you can dream it, he can make it!  They feature custom
items such as

  1.) Fitted Sheets
  2.) Duvet Covers
  3.) Shams
  4.) Comforters--Quilted or Un-Quilted
  5.) Pillow Cases
  6.) Pillows
  7.) Cushions
  8.) Nursery Accessories
  9.) Draperies
10.) Sofa or Chair Slip Covers

   *Fabrics Available or you may bring your own!

Custom Furniture:  any wood available---any stain available.  Tables, Chairs,
.Cabinets, Armoires......*if we can draw it we can make it!  Custom Iron Work:  
Gates, Doors, Window Treatments, Tables, Chairs, Cages, Wine Holders....*if
we can draw it we can make it   Contact Joseph @ 713-805-4958 for a
consultation and estimates
 
The Sunglass Shoppe
What makes us different?   We like to think it’s the service. But the truth is,
we’re independent.   We bring the selection you want – When you want it.
And we know what we are talking about when it comes to Sunglasses.

We have been serving Texas for over 30 Years and the greater Houston
market for over 5 years. We are located in Memorial City Mall (713-467-
2141) and Willowbrook Mall (281-955-2560). David Goldberg is a partner and
runs the Houston locations.

Our staff is highly trained to help select and fit you in the perfect sunglass.
If you are looking for the hottest sunglasses being worn by celebrities or a
lens that utilizes the latest technology, we have a huge selection of your
favorite designer brands. Some of the brands we carry are Gucci, Ray Ban,
Dior, Tom Ford, Prada, Bvlgari, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbanna, Juicy, Pucci,
Oakley, Versace and Maui Jim.
 
New Business Book Emphasizes the Importance of Offshore
Leadership
 
Loyal reader Pam Kunkle has published a book!   

The Elephant in the Boardroom: Is India Worth All the Trouble? by Pamela
Kunkle explores the challenges of business relationships that span the globe

The Elephant in the Boardroom: Is India Worth All the Trouble? by Pamela
Kunkle argues that certain hiring, training and management strategies can
improve the performance of U.S. organizations relying on outsourced labor in
India. The book is intended to serve as a roadmap for business leaders tasked
with managing personnel both at home and abroad and offers insight on topics
including travel, social interaction, language barriers, business continuity and
more.

"I was inspired to write after my company's decision to reduce cost by
outsourcing to India, which has been the trend for many companies in recent
years," Kunkle explains. "Too little has been done to prepare global business
participants for Indian culture. Without adequate training, these relationships
can result in misunderstandings, frustrated employees and customers,
delayed or over-budgeted projects and loss of reputation."

Designed to serve as a resource for businesses in transition, the book opens
with a description of how an off-shoring announcement can impact rank-and-file
employees. The following chapters focus on related management and workflow
challenges, detailing specific suggestions to reduce cultural tension and
improve communication.

"I hope the book assists managers and business executives with understanding
the Indian culture and how to design business strategies, manage, train and
interact effectively with Indian peers and subordinates," says Kunkle.

For more information or to request a free review copy, members of the press
can
contact the author. The Elephant in the Boardroom: Is India Worth All the
Trouble? is available for sale online at Amazon.com, BookSurge.com and
through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

About the Author
Pamela Kunkle is former vice president of customer service and human
resources of a leading global financial services firm. An avid researcher and
genealogist, she earned a degree in business management. Kunkle currently
resides in Houston with her family and pets where she is at work on her
second book.
 
Booty Parlor Sexy Shopping Parties
Ladies, if you are looking for a great way to have a Sexy brunch, Fabulous lunch
or Naughty cocktail party with the girls then a Booty Parlor Party with
Danielle is the answer!  Gather a group of your girls and provide some light
refreshments….I will bring my trunk of treats and you can shop the latest in
sumptuous body treats, flirty bedroom accessories and of course Designer
Toys!

As a Hostess you will earn 10% of Party sales towards catalog purchase and
have the chance to earn free as well as ½ priced products!

Book your party TODAY  Call Danielle  713.960.3454 Or shop
online  
 
Beyond Floors
At Beyond Floors of Houston, Clear Lake, and Galveston we provide premium
flooring services including Natural Stone, Hardwood, Tile, Laminate, Vinyl, and
Carpet.  In addition, we also specialize in Kitchen and Bathroom countertops,
sinks, and remodeling.  For the widest selection, highest quality installation,
and lowest prices available anywhere, come to Beyond Floors. We offer the
lowest price guarantee to help you attain the look and feel that you have
always dreamed of. At Beyond Floors, we specialize in helping our customers
achieve the perfect home at a price that they can afford. Whether you just
moved into a brand new home or plan to start a remodeling project, Beyond
Floors can help you every step of the way. We have the resources to provide
you with every aspect of your next flooring project. We will go above and
beyond to make sure that you are completely satisfied with the final result.

For more information about our showroom locations, please visit our
website  
or call us at 409-744-4100.
 
Houstonian Susan Parker has published her memoir
"Walking in the Deep End" is the name of the book and you can find out more
about it by clicking
here.  It will be available online at www.amazon.com on
October 9, 2009 and in bookstores January 2010.  Here what Kirkus
Discoveries had to say about it:
"An honest, heartbreaking memoir that chronicles a pattern of tragedy and
confusion…the author discovered a family history filled with dark secrets…As
her world became increasingly complex and difficult, Parker did her best to
maintain a sense of well-being, despite observing tragedies with which she was
too young to comprehend. The author and her family turned to their Christian
faith to guide them through the many rough patches they endured. However,
they found others’ interpretations of their faith to be ill-matched with their
own, and their churches and denominations were in constant flux as they
searched for a fitting interpretation. Parker spent her college years using
binge-eating as an emotional crutch and developed a serious case of bulimia,
with which she struggled for years. The memoir’s last third is by far the most
truthful and endearing segment, as readers meet the now-41-year-old mother
Parker, in the process of a messy divorce triggered by the discovery that she
is gay. Even in the face of endless challenges, the author remains
optimistic…She shows a gift for storytelling, and as a result, the book is
compelling and enthralling. Parker examines her psyche—and the mistakes and
tragedies that mar her life—with endearing bravery. Through her honesty,
Parker makes a successful argument both for faith and spirituality while
somehow avoiding the pitfalls of sappiness and overt sentimentality. This is
thanks in part to her sharing her beliefs, rather than preaching them.

Genuinely uplifting and inspiring."
 
Surprise Parties are in home parties for ladies only.  
I sell lingerie, lotions, potions, and other fun love stuff!  The hostess receives
10% off the party sales to spend on themselves!  You will get to taste, touch,
and sample items as they are passed.  You even get to take home your
purchases the night of the party!  Surprise Parties is the number one in adult
home parties in the nation.  We pride ourselves in providing an informative and
tasteful adult party.  Book a party today and don't forget to ask about my
specials!  

Carla Barron  
Surprise Parties
(806)584-4321
 
The Best Table In Tailgating!!!
Not only can it be used for tailgating but also, for fishing, picnicking, camping,
and beer pong!!!!! The unit can even be driven attached to your vehicle. Uses a
standard 2" hitch. When attached to the tailgate of a truck there is enough
clearance to open the tailgate and lay it down!!!!!!
Cleaning is easy because of the hight quality construction and rustproof
powder coating, simply hose it off when you're finished!!! Each table will
withstand a maximum weight of 30lbs. The total package weights 52 lbs and
the dimensions of the tables measure 18" x 36".  For more info, contact
Donna
Brown .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Social Notes
The Sometimes-Weekly Goings-On of Houston's Lesbian Community