Memorial Day 2011

We had a lovely weekend in Destin, Florida, but we're sad to be home because we could have used a few more days on the beautiful Emerald Coast.  Today is Memorial Day, however, and a time we should be thankful for all the service members who have died while serving our great country, the United States of America. 

It's a wonderful holiday, one in which also marks the beginning of summer activities.  The local pools open, schools let out for summer vacation, and barbeques and cookouts take center stage.  Celebrate with a red velvet cupcake, I am!



HomeandGardenIdeas.com



Let's Get Packing

My husband and I are going to Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Florida for Memorial Day weekend and can hardly wait.  We were able to get super cheap air fare out of Columbia, South Carolina with Vision Airlines so we jumped on the opportunity to get away.  We haven't traveled since this past November (Jamaica) so we desperately need some relaxation.  I love summer because I can get tan, be near the water, and wear super cute fashions.  I found some super cute items that are a must for any Florida vaction.

1. Oliphant (Oliphantdesign.com)

2. Judith March (various stores)

3. Betsey Johnson (various stores)

4. Rayban (various stores)

5. Jack Rogers (jackrogersusa.com)

6. Oliphant (Oliphantdesign.com)

So You Think You Can Dance???

This is one of the best shows ever (in my opinion of course)!!!  It starts tonight and I am so excited.  Season 7 was seriously the best ever.  The talent of Lauren, Kent (such a cutie), Alex, AdeChicke, Robert, Billy, and all the others was beautiful to watch each week. 

I've been watching some of the dances on youtube this week, and one in particular always touches me.  Billy and All-Star Ade (beautiful dancer) performed a routine demonstrating how people overlook others.  Specifically in this dance Ade overlooked Billy because he was homeless.  Think about all the people who we overlook because they are not necessarily homeless, but have a learning disability, a mental illness, or facial disfigurement.  Sometimes, we ignore others becuase we can't relate to them based on their economic status, fashion styles, educational backgrounds, and so many other shallow things. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSA6WFFF1aY&feature=related

Vera Vera on the Wall

Vera Neumann is an icon and famously known for her scarves worn by Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe in the 1960s.  Her first job was a fashion illustrator and a textile designer in New York.  While working and evolving her creativity in the city, she met George Neumann, who later became her husband.  He had a familial background in textiles.  This was a match made in heaven (actually NYC), and they combined their passions and developed Printex, a company producing linen placemats.  During WWII linen became scares so the Neumann's became resourceful, utilizing parachute silk from army surplus stores which marked her scarf business. 

Although Vera Neumann died in 1993 and Printex sold several years before, the brand still exists. The Vera Company, reflecting her original designs, manufactures clothing, scarves, wraps, home linens, and art.  Also, vintage "Vera Scarves" can be purchased on Etsy or Ebay today.   

Let's Sparkle this Week!

The last week of May is one of my faves becuase I get a long upcoming weekend, eeeeek!!!  I'm going to Florida this weekend with my hubby because we scheduled a last minute vacay since he had time off work.  This also means I need to work extra hard to get some good sales in for the month.  What better inspiration is there than sparkle? 



http://keepcalmand.tumblr.com/



The Importance of being Nice

It was my 2012 resolution to attend church regularly, and one of the most memorable sermons came on Epiphany Sunday when I was taught humility is key.  We are almost half way through the year, and I am having to remind myself of this lesson more than I would like.  We are all sinners and sometimes we let our emotions take over when someone unexpectantly says something too bluntly or rudely.  Other times, we say the things that are hurtful that we really don't mean.  I came across this picture with a similar message of humility.

After realizing I usually fail to be humble or nice when I react to someone's remarks that take me by surprise, I began researching tips on how to alleviate these situations.  One of the first sites was Emily Post, the queen of manners, so I had to share her tips.  They are simple and help put these instances into perspective.  As a Christian, I would like to expand on her thoughtful tips of "what would Jesus do?" 

1. Don’t take it personally. Perhaps the offender is having a bad day.
2. Size up your annoyances. Is it worth it to make a fuss over something small, or is it a waste of your emotional time?
3. Set a good example. Rudeness begets rudeness. If you speak sharply to the bank teller, don’t be surprised if you get the same treatment in return.
4. Count to ten. When someone’s behavior makes you angry, take a few deep breaths and ask yourself, “Is it really worth blowing my stack over this?”
5. Laugh it off. If you can’t come up with a friendly joke, just chuckle and change the subject.

I searched for the print above and finally found it.  This great message was beautifully created in a typographical art piece.  Perhaps I should purchase it or make one simliar so that I can remind myself daily of these key principles.



http://sugarpaper.com/store/good-reminder-print-p-699.html



Luxury Monograms

While I am in the process of setting up my website for my pillows and skirts, I came across Luxury Monograms.  The owner lives in NYC and her home was recently featured on Made By Girl.  I love her styles becuase they take traditional monogram designs a step further into something very classy and chic.  This is making me want to start a monogram machine jar for when I make a good sale a work.  It also might make me work harder, ha!

Eccentric Glamour

* http://www.20x200.com/art/2011/05/eccentric-glamour.html

Simon Doonan

• Creative Ambassador at Large, Barneys New York
• Worked in fashion for over 35 years
• Writer: Confessions of a Window Dresser, Wacky Chicks, a memoir entitled Beautiful People and a tongue-in-cheek style guide entitled Eccentric Glamour
• Regular guest on America’s Next Top Model, VH1, Full Frontal Fashion and The Joy Behar Show
• CFDA Award
• Lives in New York City with his partner, the ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler, and their Norwich terrier, Liberace