5 days left to vote

i'm thrilled to be on the list of nominees this year for best jewelry designer in Dallas!  if you want to join us in voting you can vote once a day from every IP address.  there's an etsy coupon code VOTE2012 for 20% off your purchase to celebrate!  wish us luck :)

voting instructions:
click here
select 'start vote'
we are question #24 (you don't have to fill them all out)
don't forget to press 'submit' at the very end!

thanks for all your support - i know my mama hasn't missed a day! lol :)

cutting time

haircut is scheduled for tomorrow!  i'm still not 100% sure what i'm going to do yet.  so i'm still browsing a ton online.  can't wait!

exception to the golden rule

my architect has a strict rule that he puts on every set of plans for the contractor.  NO BRASS HARDWARE.  as soon as he told me that we had an awkward moment.  i think i might be his worst nightmare.
in his defense i know what he's referring to.  i would put an example pic here but i couldn't bear to upload the ugly pics.  blech...
i intend to change his mind.

time for a chop

i'll be cutting 15 inches off of my hair on wednesday!  that's how long it has gotten.  i like these images for inspiration to give the amazing Casey at Phillip K Thomas salon.  i've gone to her for over 6 years now!  a bunch of my good friends (including a sister) go to her regularly too :)
it took me four years to grow my hair out from the Katie Holmes bob and i'm officially sick of my hair.  i mostly wear it in a braid wet cuz it takes too long to style.  not to mention i am currently using 10 pumps of shampoo.  yes 10!
it's amazing how when you set your mind to something you can't wait - wednesday feels so far away!

more baby steps

the journey to having a house continues!

done:

signed with a realtor

signed with an architect

had professional stager evaluate the house and give me quite a list!

2 more trips with 20 more boxes to the storage unit to unclutter the condo

walked through condo with a handyman to get sell-ready

met with a lender

met with accountant to figure out how to show earnings (self employed is so complicated!)

found out i actually know nothing about my credit score (credit karma is not legit! lol)

still to do:

have handyman repaint/fix up

get condo listed

get 1 more line of credit - bank suggested furniture and financing it - i'm pretty set on Restoration Hardware

get a bank line of credit - i'm thinkin amex since they've had a business account with me for 8 years now

talk to local Waxahachie banks about possibly mortgaging the land (will build my credit and give us cash to build)

this is such an interesting process.  i am learning a ton.  sure, i get frustrated and would like to break ground now but i feel like all of this will make us even more grateful in the end!  cheers to the process!!

genius ikea redos

there is a world out there of people who give ikea furniture new life.  i was in awe when i found them.  

i WILL be doing this dresser with the trunk gold hardware - maybe make some nightstands?

and i LOVE the studded side table.  such an expensive look - brilliant.  i need a pair of these.

also - i'm love with this overlay sight for the last two pieces.  have to find a way to use some of that greek key goodness.

ikea chest redo

ikea side table redo
ikea side table redo #2
ikea chest redo #2

might as well buy a bag since i can't buy a house

Designed with nostalgia for the classics and with passion for the distinctive: ZINK.

i had the pleasure of meeting Ben Freedland, the designer and founder for Zink handbags.  as soon as i saw his product i knew i was going to have to buy something.  i just didn't know it was going to be 2 bags...

luckily this was at the FIG Finale sale so i got samples with minor imperfections at one tenth of the cost!  i will say that they are made with incredible craftsmanship and are well worth their full price.  i got a black tote with brown leather and a larger all black leather bag and i'm thrilled with them!  well done Ben Freedland, i love your work!

story of an earring

on saturday, i was selling jewelry at FIG Finale.  most of the merchandise was over 1/2 off so i told myself not to wear this $118 pair because people are looking for lower $20-$30 pricepoints and I'm not willing to part with these for that!  against my better judgement, i wore these.  

a beautiful woman walked up and fell in love with them immediately.  i told her they were for sale but not as cheap as what i had out.  she looked the booth over and left telling me my things are beautiful and to have a great day.  an hour or so later, on her way out, she stopped at my jewelry again; lamenting that these earrings weren't as inexpensive as the rest of my booth and falling in love with them even deeper.  in the next few moments she got caught up with a friend and i spotted the gentleman she was with standing near me.  i thought - why not - and handed him my card telling him if he wants to get her the earrings she wants here's how to reach me.  he asked what earrings she wanted and immediately pulled out a stack of cash.  we both watched her to make sure she couldn't see our little deal and made our exchange.  how sweet of him right?!

minutes later i heard squealing and yelping at the stairs leaving the event.  i knew it was her!  all the vendors stepped out of their booths to see what the commotion was all about.  it was her alright.  she was in a complete state of shock, running down the hall thanking me at the top of her lungs while he was laughing that it was me she was thanking!  it was such a blissful moment that it literally put a tear in my eye.  i smiled, told her she deserved them and to enjoy, and off they went.

the next day i was chatting with one of the show coordinators who said she heard about what i orchestrated for that customer.  i really didn't think i'd done that much!  she informed me this beautiful woman survived breast cancer and was celebrating her one year anniversary that day.

wow!  i want to hug her!  how amazing God would put it in my heart to wear those that special day.  wishing this client a long life filled with more surprises and happiness free from cancer...

work out the girls

i've had many comments after i blogged that i don't workout in sports bras and requests to get more info on exactly what bras i use.  breakin' the barrier of the uniboob!  so here we go...

victorias secret wear everywhere push up bra 2 for $40
i went to florida for a week with ben and forgot workout bras!  oh darn, i had to shop again.  there was no gap body around so i got 2 of these babies.  the straps can cross, which i have done permanently.  that way it works with all my racerback tanks.  i started to steal them to wear for everyday as well, but they are technically designated as work out bras in my closet.

gap body wireless bra
for some reason i don't think this is my exact favorite one.  just go in and ask for the wireless one where you can cross the straps.  i couldn't tell online if these straps move or not.  this is my favorite one - i have it in 3 colors and they get pulled first from the laundry.  sooo comfortable!

gap body wireless lace
again, this doesn't look like the exact one i bought but i do tend to shop the sale racks so that's probably my problem!  this is a fun one to wear and is also really comfortable.  sometimes i like knowing i have lace on at the gym.  it's like i'm rebelling!

they're here!!!

the wingbacks came in today and they're amazing!!! i was so excited when i saw them - they're even more amazing in person! i would recommend this etsy shop any day - incredible customer service, great shipping quotes, and excellent craftsmanship.  the chairs will be living at my friend's house for now (as seen in the photo). can't wait until i can show the pic of them in the waxahachie house...

sooooo soft lips

this stuff is incredible!  i never really 'get' chapstick.  it doesn't soak into your lips - it just sits on top of them.  i mess with my mouth too much and just end up eating 10 lbs of wax a year.  so i got this to try it out and I  LOVE IT!  think lotion for your lips.  you can apply it twice a day and have amazingly soft moisturized lips.  had to share this amazing find!  i will be permanently stocking this guy...

king of king beds

i was browsing the 'look for less' link on decorpad (which is soooo fun to get lost on) when a link led me to Vielle and Frances.  after browsing their beds i fell completely in love with this Lilly Pulitzer bed.
upholstered - check!
           gold - check!
 four poster - check!
       canopy - check!
    gorgeous - check!
i know it's ridiculous but it makes my heart beat faster...
my entire aesthetic is cozy yet modern with hints of asian influence and hollywood regency
this bed is all of that!

no guilt cookie

thank you to Autumn for introducing me to this amazing Quinoa cookbook!

i am so excited to make my first recipe from this book!  this cookie is sooo good! and i love knowing it's healthy.  i shared them with some friends and family and they all asked "what's quinoa"!  here's a little bit of info for y'all to catch up on this amazing grain.  (think fight cancer, complete protein, prevent heart disease, antioxidant...)

Healthy Cookies
2/3 c water                                                    
1/3 c quinoa                                                    1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 c butter, softened                                          1/4 tsp salt
1 1/3 c packed brown sugar                            1 1/4 c quick cooking rolled oats
2 large eggs                                                     1 c flaked unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract                            1/3 c sunflower seeds, unsalted
2 cups whole wheat flour                                 1/3 c flax
1 1/2 tsp baking powder                                 1/3 c sesame seeds
1 tsp baking soda

bring water and quinoi to boil.  reduce, simmer, and cover for 10 minutes.  turn off heat and leave for 6 minutes.  fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
preheat to 350 degrees.
cream butter with sugar.  add eggs and vanilla.  mix thoroughly.
combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, & salt.  add oats, cooked quinoi, coconut, sunflower seeds, flax & sesame seeds to the flour mixture and stir well.
combine with butter mixture.  mix well.
cook for 8-10 minutes.

what i like right now

i got the kindle fire for christmas with a gift card.  i don't read!  so naturally i got some magazine subcriptions and bought some movies.  it was the perfect companions flying to and from florida this last week.  here are my top 3 highlights from bon apetiet and southern living!

circa lighting wow this lamp is gorgeous!  i fell in love with the site as well.  hoping i can get a trade account with them!
bon apetite cookware really?!  so cool!  i know the regulations for selling product on HSN are cuhrazy so it has to be great.  might have to get the immersion blender cuz i don't have one yet!
potlikker noodles these look sooo good!  

my day with executive chef darrell mizell

can i tell you how excited i was to get to wear a chef's jacket?!
this is me with Chief Executive Chef Darrell Mizell.  with over 45 years experience as an executive chef, he has a local following, knows his spices, and is funny as heck!  (not to mention he trained with the best including the likes of Morimoto & Mario Batali). he was kind enough to let me give inspiration for the special of the day.  i mentioned braised short ribs were a favorite of mine and he took it to a level that was out of this world!  here's what the menu read today:

Braised Short Ribs a la Ragout

French style short ribs presented in a burgundy herb and tomato essence with a rich french red wine sauce

Served with chef's three cheese au gratin potatoes

'chief', as GM Muhammad refers to the chef, used onions, tomatoes, lots of wine, and spices to create this masterpiece.  what's amazing about this staff is that the key players we're all in on this project from the moment Mr. Patel (who also joined us for lunch) decided to build it.  chef Darrell got to hand pick this kitchen where he makes his magic happen.

the special sold out within 20 minutes!  luckily they saved 2 portions for ben and i.  it tasted amazing!  i'm still drooling looking at this photo even though i'm sooo full!

 peek here at the special soup du jour, Spicy Shrimp Chowder!

taking notes as fast as i can to try and get all of his 45 years of knowledge in!

i was so sure we got along great until he met ben, took his hand, and moved in near his ear to say "i'm sorry"!  lol!  whatever!  chef is married to a redhead italian woman so i can't be that bad!

chef Darrell taught me how to do the incredible design on the plate.  you layer dots of dessert flavorings and drag a toothpick through them

Chef Darrell's Amazing Award Winning Key Lime Pie
Crust *makes 10 crusts so adjust accordingly
5 lbs graham cracker crumbs
1 lb melted butter
incorporate - grab a handful and squeeze it to see if it holds - add more butter as needed
hand press into pie pan - pack and pat it down
run your finger along the top edge to give it a lip (see pic of Darrell doing this trick!)
bake for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees
freeze for 1 hour before filling

Filling *makes 6 pies so adjust accordingly
1 gallon sweetened condensed milk
1 quart egg yolks
1 quart key west lime juice
8 peels chopped very fine lime peel - don't get any white from the peel!
mix yolks on slow for 5 minutes (do not over mix or you'll make cheesecake)
add key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk and blend another 5 minutes
add zest and mix 1 minute
let stand in fridge overnight
stir air back into your mix before filling the crust (or you'll make cheesecake)
bake 225 degrees for 45-55 minutes.  check it at 45 - it should not jiggle

where i am right now

yesterday: in hotel room - hotel gym & work work work

today: lunch at my favorite cafe Station 400 with my amazing husband, stroll along Lido beach then St Armand's Circle, & some french pastries

later tonight: amazing dinner at our usual spot Epicure

tomorrow: spending 1/2 the day with the hotel chef who is showing me his famous key lime pie and preparing the special of the day i got to create!!! braised short ribs in an herb tomato fondue over penne with potatoes au gratin

all day every day: counting my blessings

stay tuned for pics!

things i like today

CB2 pendant lamp ~ Room & Board canopy poster bed ~ Eurway set of 4 dining chairs

ready for the architect

we're moving along with plans for living in Waxahachie!

the realtors are coming tomorrow and the condo is going on the market feb 1

i have plans to get designing started with the architect

we keep talking to more mortgage brokers

soo all this doing has got me thinking even more about the house.  here are some things i've been getting together to discuss with the architect...

 i would love this in stone at the front door but it would be cool painted into the floor there too

spring preview

here's a peek inside what's about to go up on etsy!  each of these styles comes in 6 delicate, bright, and spring toned color options.  along with semiprecious stones and color we have another collection using parts ordered from motorcycle manufacturers!  i designed this season just before Christmas and we've been working really hard to get the sample set ready!  we're making over 300 pieces to get this sample set done and will finish just before dallas market starts the 26th.

the last 3 days has consisted of shooting product and finding a nice spot on the couch to work on all the edits.  with my self-diagnosed ADD i need something going in the background, so i've gone through all seasons of Nikita and now I'm working on Army Wives on Netflix!  oh and fighting whatever version of the flu i got.

peek into food for a day

i get so excited when i go to whole foods!  i am so in love with the ingredients i bring home and i can't wait to use them.  i got some more interesting ingredients for smoothies so i'll try and post more.  this one was good and made the perfect amount (what's in the glass is exactly how much it made!). i was inspired by this pinterest post.  i have the hardest time sticking to a recipe so i didn't use one in there exactly but it gave me some ideas to help me branch out.

i've now taken 2 jam classes from Garden Inspirations in Waxahachie.  i LOVE their peach jam so much i have only 1 tbsp left.  i made crepes the other day and filled them with peach jam and nutella.  loved it!  my favorite thing about their farm: they have a small shed with a tiny fridge with fresh farm eggs on the 'honor system'.  anyone can stop by, take their dozen of colorful eggs, and they trust you to leave the $ in the envelope.  brilliant!  i can't wait to live in Waxahachie!

 i'm obsessed with this sandwich right now and crave it every day.  i use the Salata herb vinaigrette with mayo as the sauce and it tastes so good - i ate a whole piece of bread dipping it in the sauce to "test" the flavor.  lol.