My New Look

As you can see, I just got a blog makeover from the famous and talented Danielle. To say that I absolutely love it would be an understatement. I purchased the kit and I knew Danielle would do a fabulous job, she always does. However, this blog design blew me away. I LOVE it. Thank you, Danielle.

If you have ever considered ordering a blog makeover, check out Blogs by Danielle. She is so much fun to work with and you won’t be disappointed. Danielle is running a special on blog makeovers through July 4th.

Top Three Things I Love About Blogs by Danielle…

1. Danielle never uses the same design kit more than 2 times. She feels everyone deserves to have their own unique design.

2. Danielle donates a part of her earnings to charities, including one of our favorites Half the Sky.

3. Danielle can save your original design and create a holiday design or any other special occasion design. When you are ready to return to your original design, she can replace it. It’s a great way to change your blog look without purchasing a new design each time. Check out her site for details, prices, and specials.

Word Collage

I found this cool site from another blogger. It's SO fun! The site takes words off your blog and creates a collage. I kinda love it that Anthropologie is #1.

A Surprise

Tonight when I arrived home from a very short business trip, I had a package at my door. I was SO excited. The package was from New Day Foster Home in China. I've mentioned my friends, Carrie and Jacob , in a past post. This is the Foster Home they are serving at. The staff at New Day is so sweet. They designed these beautiful and classy note cards as an appreciation to their donors. The note card has a Chinese Knot in the upper left corner. “The Chinese Knot is made by hand from a single piece of string; the Chinese Knot is an age-old symbol of the interconnectedness that binds us all together.” I absolutely love the note cards and the meaning behind them!

The letter from New Day said, “We believe that our children are not the victims of chance and circumstance, but that their lives have great significance and purpose, and together we have the honor and pleasure of being a part of their lives for a short time while they wait for their forever families.”

The Pretty Package

The Note Cards

(not my greatest photo)

A Relaxing Day

Saturday Amy and I had a relaxing day of grooming and shopping. I have many days where I NEED to be groomed... manicure, pedicure, eyebrow wax, haircut, new make-up, you name it. Well, Saturday was one of those days. I needed a manicure so bad. My cuticles were dry and flakey. So, for our June Girl's Night we had manis and pedis and then shopped at the Galleria. We stopped by my favorite candy store in the world, Dylan's Candy Bar. I used all my self-control and just looked at all the delicious candy and didn't buy anything. Yay... Me!

Inspiration Book

My mom has done it again! She created an Inspiration Book for my sister and me. I LOVE it. An Inspiration Book is where you keep magazine pictures, photos, quotes…anything that inspires you. I’ve always had a similar book but it wasn’t pretty. I started my first Inspiration Book in college. The majority of my book is filled with decorating ideas. I live in an old building, built in the 1930’s. It has tons of charm and I really like it. The landlord let me paint, which always adds character and warmth. However, I don’t own my place and I’m looking forward to the day I decorate my own house.

Inside of the Book and it has Pockets!

The fabric on the Inspiration Book is from Amy Butler. I love her fabrics. Amy Butler also has a line of scrapbook items at Michael’s. I’ve made banners and greeting cards with her paper. On her website, Amy has fabric and paper project ideas. I made these paper flowers with the help of her website.

Other fabric designers that I really like include, Tina Givens and Anna Maria Horner. My mom and I are hoping to attend the Houston Quilt Show this October. I’m keeping my finger crossed that I get to meet one of my three favorite fabric designers.

In 2006, my mom made this photo album cover for my China pictures and documents. She purchased the design on the internet and uploaded it to her sewing machine. Next we picked colors for the design and ta da! There's so much detail in this album, I love it. Thanks, Mom!

Getting to Know You....

1. What time did you get up this morning? 9:25~ Not good, the alarm was set for 8:00

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Both

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Sex and the City~ Twice

4. What is your favorite TV show? This is a little embarrassing; I have a lot of favorite TV shows. Desperate Housewives, Jon and Kate Plus Eight, Keeping Up with the Kardashian’s, Greek, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Top Chef, Project Runway, Oprah, Days of Our Lives, The Hills. I really should stop now.

5. What did you eat for breakfast? Nothing. I know I should eat breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day but sometimes I just feel kinda sick in the morning.

6. What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms, but if they are served to me I’ll eat them and tell you they were delicious. I would never be rude.

7. Your favorite potato chip? Thin Tortilla Chips

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? The CD I just made on ITunes. It has all my current favorite songs.

9. What kind of car do you drive? A Ford Taurus. It’s a company car.

10. Favorite sandwich? I love sandwiches. My favorite… fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

11. What characteristics do you despise? Negative Attitude

12. What are your favorite clothes? Dresses !!!!

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? China, Vietnam, or Dubai

14. What color is your bathroom? Tan and Red

15. Favorite brand of clothing? Anything from Anthropologie

16. Favorite time of day? Evening

17. Where would you want to retire to? Napa Valley~ it’s so pretty and I love the weather

18. Favorite sports to watch? I really don’t like sports but if I had to watch something, I would say LSU football

19. Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke

20. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night Owl

21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Not right now.

22. What did you want to be when you were little? I’ve always wanted to stay home with my kids, probably because my mom was home with us.

23. What is your best childhood memory? Every summer my dad planned a two week vacation. We traveled by car and plane all over the U.S.

Summer Vacation~Not sure where we are but don't we look happy... he he

24. Nicknames? My dad calls me “Jewel.” My sister is named Jennifer and people have always called me Jennifer, so I answer to it.


25. Piercings? Ears. When I was younger I had my bellybutton pierced. Tacky~I know.


26. Eye Color? Blue


27. Favorite day of the week? Saturday


28. Favorite restaurant? I just found a new favorite in Chicago, Avec.


29. Favorite ice cream? I don’t love dairy products but if I had to pick, Blue Bell Pralines and Cream.


30. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Wouldn’t that be fun~ Anthropologie


31. Bedtime? I’m trying to fall asleep around 11:00 or 11:30


32. What are you listening to right now? The news


33. How many tattoos do you have? NEVER


34. Next film you'll see? I want to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants


35. Tag anyone? Yes…

Danielle
Amy C.
Amy M.
Leslie

Happy Father's Day

My dad has taught me so many things. My sister and I are strong and independent because of him. My dad has the highest standard of ethics and morals of anyone I know. He is disciplined and determined. He taught me how to manage my money when I was very young. I remember as a child getting an allowance of $10 a month. My dad taught me that you should always save 10% and give 10% to the church. I’m sure you’ve already done the math in your head and you’re right… that left me with $8 a month. Ouch… I did learn a valuable lesson that I carry with me today. Thanks Dad and Happy Father’s Day!

My High School Graduation~I did get more than $10

P.S. Rudy Giuliani was on my flight from Newark to Houston.