These are a few of our favorite things…

With the annual Women on Fire retreat approaching quickly (this Friday!) and our entire team in crunch-mode with the final stages of planning, we wanted to shine the light on some of the behind-the-scenes superstars that are making our event extra special.

The following collection represents some of the most heart-centered, out-of-this-world amazing brands that we trust, know and love. We can’t thank them enough for their generous and gracious support. So without any further ado, we are more than thrilled to introduce you to our 2015 Women on Fire Retreat sponsors. Shop, connect, like, browse and share to your heart’s content!

sonsor dsw sponsor rnichols sponsor Gigi

  1. DSW ~ Designer Shoe Warehouse
  2. R. Nichols ~ Gorgeous stationary & gifts
  3. Gigi New York ~ Beautiful leather accessories

sponsor Paddywax sponsor Mura sponsor Framebridge

  1. Paddywax ~ Artisan candles & home fragrance
  2. Murad ~ Deluxe skincare products
  3. Framebridge ~ Custom picture frames & online art framing

sponsor neuro sponsor mantraband sponsor 100 pure

  1. Neuro ~ Drinks with a purpose
  2. Mantraband ~ Empowering jewelry
  3. 100% Pure ~ organic cosmetics, bath & body

sponsor Branch Basics sponsor blue apron sponsor peeled

  1. Branch Basics ~ Plant-based and pure cleaning products
  2. Blue Apron ~ Fresh ingredients/meal delivery service
  3. Peeled Snacks ~ Tasty healthy snacks

sponsor bobo's oat bars sponsor teapigs sponsor sock it to me

  1. Bobo’s Oat Bars ~ Delicious handmade treats
  2. teapigs ~ High quality whole leaf tea
  3. Sock It To Me ~ Fun and funky socks

sponsor epic blend sponsor popcorn sponsor LaFleurir

  1. Epic Blend ~ Premium organic lip balm
  2. Open Road Snacks ~ Small-batch-crafted-taste snacks
  3. Fleurir Chocolates ~ hand grown chocolates

sponsor kluster 1471337_616797878387055_1173681039_n sponsor Hollywood

  1. Kluster Shop ~ Happy jewelry
  2. Dana Frost ~ Signature/Custom blends, pure essential oils
  3. Hollywood Fashion Secrets ~ Fashion fix-it solutions

sponsor kitty sponsor noble vines sponsor Festive frog

  1. Art Notes ~ Fine photography cards and postcards
  2. Noble Vines ~ California wines
  3. The Festive Frog ~ Vintage barware, glassware, etc. rentals

trimbach sponsor sponsor Kellie Haddock sponsor mimi

  1. Esprit du Vin Fine Wine Merchants ~ Trimbach Wines
  2. Kellie Haddock ~ Amazing singer & songwriter
  3. Empowordment Cards ~ Inspiring greeting cards

axios wine sponsor wine coach sponsor sponsor cookies

  1. Axios Wines ~ Napa Valley wines
  2. The Wine Coach ~ Wine expert and standup sommelier
  3. Cookies on Demand ~ Homemade cookies for delivery

sponsor seven sisters

  1. Heritage Brand Links ~ South African wine

Make sure to follow along with us this weekend by searching for #wofretreat2015, and checking our Facebook and Instagram for live updates! We can’t wait to share with you all the amazing inspiration, strategies and support that are sure to unfold. 🙂

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Announcing our special SURPRISE Women on Fire retreat speaker!

Our biggest and best event of the year – the 2015 Women on Fire Retreat – will be held in Chicago, April 23-25, and we have a surprise for you!

We are thrilled and proud to announce that Sheri Salata, president of the Oprah Winfrey Network and Harpo Studios, will be our guest speaker on Saturday, April 25. Sheri is one of the most accomplished and prominent professionals in television today.  And, at the same time she is one of the kindest, most caring and genuine women I’ve met. You will LOVE her!
She first joined Harpo Studios in 1995 and served as executive producer of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” from September 2006 through its finale in 2011.
She only occasionally speaks outside of her industry, so it is a special honor to have her on our Women on Fire stage.During her session, you will learn about her life and work, her ups and downs, and you’ll be able to ask her your questions!As a Woman on Fire, you are invited to attend this amazing weekend retreat, which will be filled with inspiration, strategies and support and much, much more.  Please check out all the details for this nurturning and uplifting weekend here.

There are are only 21 seats remaining, so please grab your seat now. When all seats are taken, there will be no more available and the Retreat will be SOLD OUT. We keep these events small and intimate so that you can have the best experience possible.

If you have already registered, good for you, and you are in for a major treat to hear Sheri in person!

You also will walk away from our weekend together refreshed, re-energized and re-inspired after meeting other like-hearted Women on Fire and learning from roles models such as Sheri.

To register now, please go here.  Or contact Dianne@womenonfire.com

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community of women who lift each other up to live the lives we dream of.

Love,
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Announcing Keynote Speaker for Women on Fire retreat

I am absolutely delighted to announce the first of our keynote speakers for the 2015 Women on Fire Retreat in Chicago!

ABC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo, author of the popular book Thinspired: How I Lost 90 Pounds — My Plan for Lasting Weight Loss and Self-Acceptance, will share her insights, strategies and inspiration for overcoming your toughest obstacles so you can live the life you dream of.

Step Into Your Dreams ~ and Fly is the theme for this year’s event, which will be held at the beautiful Doubletree-Magnificent Mile in Chicago from April 23-25, 2015.

You are invited! And, if you haven’t yet registered, please do so now!

With only 35 seats remaining and the cost only $399, our retreat is expected to sell out soon.  (To help you with this important investment in yourself, there is a special two-pay option available.)

Please don’t wait and miss out on this incredible weekend to be energized, inspired and connected to other fabulous women — just like you!

You will leave this phenomenal gathering with your next steps in hand toward what you truly want in your life … and so much more.

And …

Once word is out on who our other special guest speaker is, all seats will be gone and we will be SOLD OUT.

Please don’t miss out on Women on Fire’s biggest and best event of the year.

Please register today.  And if you are already registered, please consider another amazing woman who needs to be here, and share this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with her.

Thank you so much for being a part of this powerful circle of women who support each other to live our dreams.

Love,

Debbie

P.S. Please don’t worry. If you’ve already registered, you’re on the list!

P.P.S. As New York Times’ best-selling author and lecturer Marianne Williamson says, “Women on Fire is the ultimate ‘you go,girl’ community for inspiration and support to manifest your own inner light.” No place better than our annual Women on Fire Retreat to shine your light!

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Time Sensitive! You don’t want to miss…

If you’re like me, you are running around like crazy preparing and planning for the holidays.

So I only want to take one minute of your time …
To tell you that our 2015 annual Women on Fire Retreat — Step Into Your Dreams ~ And Fly! — in beautiful downtown Chicago April 23-25, 2015 is officially open for registration!
And … if you register now and before December 31, 2014, you will receive an EXCLUSIVE INVITATION to join me and some of our special guests for a private VIP reception the night before the retreat for FREE. (If there is even space available at the reception after December 31, it will cost someone $125 to attend.)  Register today and you’ll be coming for free!
You will find ALL of the fabulous details and registration right here. With only 120 seats available and nearly 50 spots already claimed during our pre-sale for Women on Fire monthly members, this event is sure to sell out!
For any questions, please be in touch with our Member Care Director Dianne@womenonfire.com.
Come Spring, I see you strolling down Magnificent Mile, relishing in the inspiring energy and the joy of being part of this amazing community of Women on Fire! What better way to propel yourself into the New Year than by making time to work on your best life, while surrounded by unconditional love and support, in one of the greatest cities in America?
Now, that’s a present to give yourself to go into the year with:-) Please register today!
Love,
Debbie
P.S. Is there someone you want to share this special weekend with? A sister, daughter, mother, best friend or co-worker can make the weekend even more amazing! Many women are bringing someone they love and want to enjoy time with. And don’t miss out on the special pricing for women between the ages of 16-26!

Were you in the room?!

I love you.

I thank you.

From the bottom of my heart, you are the most amazing women in the whole, wide world!

Proof was in the ballroom this past weekend at our 2014 Women on Fire Retreat in Naples, Florida! The way you loved and listened, uplifted and supported each other was truly like no other experience.

If you weren’t able to attend this year’s gathering with all of us, please promise me you’ll consider it next year. (We’ll be in planning mode soon to secure the date and location…in the crush of winter, Florida’s sun and 75 degrees seems to work out just right for a weekend respite 😉

I urge you so strongly to join us because you deserve this one amazing weekend of the year just for YOU. A weekend to learn and to be listened to and heard.

A weekend to connect with other like-hearted women and to celebrate just how far you’ve come in life!

A weekend to explore all your dreams and to think about your life’s next steps in the support and safety of women who care — and women who want the best for you.

All while listening to some of the most authentic and powerful speakers you could imagine. Here are some snippets from what we heard:

The root word of discipline is “disciple.” So the next time you’re complaining that you don’t have discipline, you have to ask yourself: “Do I want to be the disciple of my own soul?” ~ Nancy Aronie, NPR commentator, author Writing From The Heart and founder, Chilmark Writing Workshop

 

An educated girl can break the cycle of poverty in her family in just one generation. Loung Ung, Cambodian genocide survivor, human rights activist, and author First They Killed My FatherLucky Child and Lulu In The Sky

Joy needs to be a conscious choice. ~ Loung

To go beyond surviving to thriving means choosing your heart. ~ Loung

Thank you, fabulous Women on Fire sisters who attended and everyone who cheered us on. We know many of you wanted to be with us and weren’t able to come.

Next year my dream is for every Women on Fire sister to be in the room to be showered with inspiration and support.

Safe travels to everyone returning home from Naples. Look for a special email from me this week.

Thank you all so much for being a part of this life-changing community. When you have Women on Fire sisters at your side, you are never alone in your journey to live your incredible life!

Love,

Debbie Signature

P.S. Thank you to fabulous photographers Heather Stone and Rob Berkley for the wonderful pictures. More to come!

You’ll never guess what we’re giving away…

How would you like to slip into one of the most luxurious spas in the country, receive a world-class massage, relax in a hot tub, sauna and plunge pool, soak in the sun on a private deck — and then leave with a gift of exquisite products – for free?

Sneak peek at The Waldorf Astoria Spa in Naples

We thought so!

So we have a plan for you:-)

You are eligible to win when you attend the Women on Fire retreat in Naples, Florida at The Waldorf-Astoria beachside resort on February 28-March 1, 2014!  (And if you’re not yet registered, you can STILL win. Please go here.)

Register for the retreat by January 23, 2014 and have the opportunity to win this fabulous gift. You will receive:

*Your spa package can be claimed during the weekend of the retreat or saved for a later date.

Inside the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Spa

Here’s how to be eligible to win:

First…
You must be registered to attend the Women on Fire retreat weekend Ignite Your Life—and Soar. If you have yet to officially register, please do so here! You have until TOMORROW Monday, January 20, 2014 to receive our lowest pricing 🙂

Next…
Share the Women on Fire retreat page link — www.wofretreat.com — on your Facebook page, and tell us why you are excited to attend. Be sure to tag the Women on Fire Facebook Fan page @WomenOnFire so we can see that you posted.

*If you aren’t a fan of Women on Fire on Facebook yet, you can “Like” our page by clicking here!

Example post

Sample text– feel free to copy this directly or write your own:

I can’t wait to attend the Women on Fire retreat in Naples, FL from February 28-March 1, 2014 at the Waldorf Astoria resort! It’s my favorite time to connect with all the fabulous women in this supportive community and to take some much needed time for myself! Who’s coming with me? http://wofretreat.com/

*If you do copy and paste, after you’ve pasted make sure to go back and retype the Women on Fire tag @WomenOnFire so we are notified before you post it live!

OR

Send an email inviting one (or more) women to join you at the Women on Fire retreat. Make sure to send them the link to the retreat info page at www.wofretreat.com, and bcc meredith@womenonfire.com so we can keep track of how many personal emails you have sent.

*Don’t forget we are extending the discounted members registration rate to guests of current Women on Fire members!

Entry details:

You will receive one entry for every Facebook post and email that you send. Keep in mind that each Facebook post and email must follow the above guidelines to be officially counted.

Deadline:

You have until January 23, 2014 to enter to win this luxurious spa package valued at over $300.
The winner will be selected and announced in The Spark! on January 25, 2014.

By attending the retreat, you will be taking time to focus on you, celebrate yourself and the women attending, and receive the inspiration, strategies and support that will keep you thriving and moving toward goals and dreams all year long!

So we are thrilled to give away the ultimate gift of relaxation to help you on your journey and to make your weekend even more magical! Good luck and keep an eye out for your name (fingers crossed) in The Spark! on January 25!  Happy posting.

Links That Light Us Up

22nd Edition

Hello Woman on Fire!!

TGIF!!! We hope you have big plans for the weekend, whether that includes spending time with friends or relaxing at home. But before Friday is officially over let’s get straight to the links 🙂

Best Girlfriends Getaway- It’s that time of year!! Registration for the annual Women on Fire retreat- Ignite Your Life and Soar 2014, opens next Monday, November 25, 2013. We have limited spots so make sure to register early!

Save The Date Women on Fire Retreat 2014

Best Impulse Buys- This list is pure genius, we don’t even have words. Check out the 24 clothing items by Peggy Wang from Buzzfeed.

24 Genius Clothing Items Every Girl Needs by Peggy Wang from BuzzfeedPeggy Wang

Best Brain- Are you a lefty or a righty? Take the 30 second test from Sommer + Sommer to find out.

The 30 Second Brain TestSommer + Sommer

Best Insta Artist- @Cintascotch is taking Instagram art to the next level. We were immediately drawn to the photo below for obvious reasons… P.S Paris Registration opens December 2nd, are you on the list?

Best Instagram @cintascotch@Cintascotch

Best Roasted Brussels– Our resident chef and favorite food blogger Phoebe Lapine of Feed Me Phoebe has crafted an absolute masterpiece with our favorite vegetable — brussels sprouts!! She even went the extra mile and paired them with Gruyere and toast- DELICIOUS!

Brussel Sprouts and Gruyere Toast from FeedMePhoebe.comFeedMePhoebe.com

Best Winter Tune- If you need a break from Christmas carols in the coming months but still want a winter theme, try this tune from Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. It’s appropriately titled “Winter Song.”

Best Body Double- Need to run some errands but don’t have the time? Check out this new app called Postmates and find someone to run to the drugstore, pick up groceries and grab your dry cleaning all with the click of a button.
Postmates - The best NEW task request appPostMates

Best ‘You Go, Girl’- We announced this on our instagram months ago when it was first released, but are happy to report that Gloria Steinem, Oprah Winfrey and Sally Ride were all officially awarded their Presidential Medal of Freedom this week! #yougogirls

Cheers to these Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients

We hope these links brought some light into the end of your week! Let us know if anything is lighting you up on the web 🙂

love,

The Women on Fire team

P.S. Did you miss last week’s links? Check them out here!

The discoveries of a young Woman on Fire

Guest post by MEREDITH SCHOENBERGER

As a woman, I grew up being encouraged to “blend in.” Into one another, into the background, into myself.

Since childhood, I’ve walked the fine line that exists between having confidence in my own success, yet being modest enough to hide my achievements. It’s exhausting, and even that’s an understatement.


Meredith Schoenberger speaking during the recent Women on Fire event in Chicago with Debbie Phillips (Photos by Heather Stone)

And, then I attended the Women on Fire Retreat, 33 floors above ground in the W Hotel’s Altitude Room overlooking Chicago, in the warm embrace of the WOF community, and for the first time that line to share my light disappeared.

That weekend in Chicago was a life-changing experience that overwhelms me with love when I think about it.

I’ve never been in such a supportive and accepting environment before.

I walked into this situation knowing maybe a couple of people, and I walked out with a whole lady gang, who are rooting for me to overcome and succeed.

It has left me close to speechless (a rare occurrence, my friends and family would tell you!), and every time I let my mind return to the memories of the retreat, I can’t help but smile.

Being only 23, and having the privilege of sharing an entire weekend with the largest collection of successful women I’ve ever encountered at one time, has me convinced that I’m doing something right.

I couldn’t tell you what that “something” is just yet, but I can tell you that I’m not as worried as I once was about trying to figure it out.

I was one of the youngest women to attend the WOF Retreat and I know that my age had an impact on the types of questions I asked and answers I sought.

I’m at a point in my life where the abundance of choices seems superficial; the competition amongst women feels toxic; and more than 90% of the time I feel completely lost, but am too anxious to admit it.

In my experience, women my age often seem more concerned about last night’s episode of Honey Boo-Boo and what “so and so” wore to her wedding than talking about their proudest moments and what their goals are for the coming year.

Very often, I’ve felt out of place when surrounded by my peers, and have been put-down one too many times for trying to offer encouragement and give unconditional love.

But at the WOF Retreat, I felt that I belonged.  I told Debbie that I knew I was meant to be there in that moment.

The Retreat, with women of all ages, was the first opportunity I’ve had where I was encouraged to celebrate myself in the company of other woman.

It was the first time that I felt I could be proud of who I am and how far I had come without the backlash of judgment or jealousy.

It also gave me permission to gush over the accomplishments of other women, and express the unconditional support that had been silenced in the past.

The Retreat provided women with the tools, the space and the love that it takes to tap into your most authentic self. And once you tap into who that woman is, you become one step closer to leading the life you have always wanted to live.

So, from this day forward, I’m taking a vow to no longer blend-in to the box labeled “female.”

I’m going to fight for my big dreams; I’m going to push forward in my next steps; and you better believe that I will always credit the WOF community for helping me to realize that I should.


The youngest attendees at the Women on Fire Retreat: Emily Neal, Elle Celeste and Meredith Schoenberger with Debbie Phillips (who is not so young!)

A Cleveland, Ohio native, Meredith Schoenberger majored in creative writing at Miami University.  She currently works as a talent coordinator for a music management company, and lives in Los Angeles.

Although not fully convinced that the West Coast is best, she has her sights set on New York City in the near future. She’s passionate about helping young women prepare for the real world and is currently on her way to making that dream happen.

Best-ever Women on Fire Retreat!!

My heart is full.

What an amazing, inspiring weekend with women from 22 states and Canada at our annual Women on Fire Retreat held this year in Chicago!


The fabulous women who attended the Retreat! (Photos by Heather Stone)

Next week I’ll say more about what it was like to be in the energy of all these dynamic, creative, supportive women who are making a difference in the world.

But right now, those of us on the East Coast are preparing for the effects of Hurricane Sandy, and I am sending love and hope for everyone’s safety.

Meanwhile, please join us in a few Women on Fire moments from the weekend! More pictures next week.


Chicago host and Woman on Fire Debi Lilly cheering!


The wise and talented Sophfronia Scott, publisher of the next Women on Fire book, shared our plans for inviting co-authors to participate. Very exciting!


Kim Davis, Dana Frost, Nancy Neal and Cindy Clendenin listen intently to Margo Frazier sharing what she is “on fire” about in her life!


Blue Women Group? Not exactly! Dreaming Big was this year’s Retreat theme.  Everyone received a blue-gel mask to promote relaxation, better sleep, good dreams!


My sweet mother Mary Lue Phillips attended her first-ever Women on Fire Retreat. Here she is, happy in the moment with Laura Benton, Meredith Schoenberger and Arlene Alexander.


Enjoying the Retreat with my best friend Jan Allen, a coach and life strategist, who moderated a panel on Career Leaps and Changes and also discussed on her experience giving a TEDx talk. (Photo by Jamie Eslinger)


Yoga teacher and trainer Laurel Hodory led us to discover techniques for becoming centered and grounded.

To everyone who participated in this powerful, engaging, life-changing Retreat, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Safe travels home.  And stay tuned for next year’s Retreat date and city!

If you haven’t attended a Women on Fire event, I hope you will soon. No better way to fill your cup:-)

Fun Video: Women on Fire Recap 2010

Hello to you and to 2011!

Here’s a quick look back on 2010.  These video snippets are but a fraction of the fun we had at Women on Fire in 2010. Especially check out the wisdom of Janette Barber and Stedman Graham!

I hope you see yourself in this video. You are the reason I personally enjoyed a phenomenally inspiring and exciting year!

Super talent Jamie Eslinger, Women on Fire’s marketing and communications director, created this video. She and I had so much fun going to the beach in Naples, Florida to film the last scene in it.

Of course, I could have talked for an hour instead of a minute.  I have so much to say to you about living your life full out!  Your gifts, strengths and talents shared are changing the world.

Enjoy the video and feel free to comment on anything you want to say about your experience with Women on Fire.  I love, love, love hearing from you!

Congratulations for everything you’ve accomplished, created, achieved – and survived! – in 2010.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of our Women on Fire community. You are – and we are together — changing the way women connect with each other and feel supported to stay strong on our paths to succeed.

Lots of new plans, programs and events ahead in 2011 to inspire your extraordinary life!

With love and excitement for all your possibilities ~

Debbie