Thursday, September 30, 2010

State Fair Etiquette

The State Fair is in town and while we are all looking forward to the guiltless tasting of our favorite fried foods and fitting snugly into the crowd of fellow Texans, we might, first, want to review a short list of manners that are often overlooked at such events. Having fun in the frenzy is important, however, the casual atmosphere tends to break down even our most basic and habitual manners. Here are a few simple reminders for how to keep our behavior appropriate and in- check before completely letting go.


What to wear:


-The State Fair is a place for casual attire but it is by no means an invitation to wear daisy- dukes and show more skin than you normally would. Stay cute and cool in a strappy sun dress and with the change in season it's a perfect time to put the cardigan to good use. You might even want to throw on a pair of cowboy boots or a hat to represent the Lone Star State!


How to eat the finger foods:


-Most of the food choices will be finger foods so we don't have to be afraid to eat without utensils. There are, however, guidelines that will help us to look neat and as polished as possible while we enjoy a corn dog or two! Be sure to grab a few extra napkins when you order your food. If you're in a position to do so, place your napkin on your lap but if you're standing (which will probably be more likely) then you can wrap the napkin in a cone shape around the stick of your corn dog and that will help to catch any fallen crumbs. Chew with your mouth closed, as you might remember your mother telling you. Then when you're finished, the extra napkins will come in handy if any condiments have strayed during their journey from the corn dog into your tummy. And of course, they're helpful in cleaning your hands of the greasy feeling that remains after indulging in any yummy treat. Remember to dispose of your garbage in the trash bin. I know it sounds obvious but in a rush or in the midst of a crowd something as easy as that can seem like such a chore!


Waiting patiently:

-Do your best to remember that everyone feels antsy while waiting in a line. There will be millions attending the State Fair so there are bound to be long lines. And lets be honest, not everyone has the patience of a saint but some of us can at least act like we do. So if you feel an elbow in your back and a stomp on your fragile little foot, instead of reacting, just let it go and keep your composure. The line will shorten and everyone will eventually reach the front, but if you make a fuss getting there, the end experience will not be as enjoyable.



Now we will be sure to remember our manners and to have consideration for everyone around us. That way we can all enjoy the fair as well as each others' company! Hope to see you there!





Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Hallo-teen Costumes

Halloween is generally a fun time for all of us! But after scanning the selection of Halloween costumes for teenage girls, I found that it's nearly impossible to find an appropriate costume!  They seem to be too childish or simply too sexy. 

Jennifer, the mother to a 15 year old girl, wrote to me asking if I had any suggestions for her daughter's Halloween costume. The costume should be something much less than revealing but at the same time will allow her to avoid looking like a child. Here are some solutions that I came up with:


-Check online websites. Although these costumes look a bit risque in the pictured examples, if you try a size larger than your usual fit then the ensemble will stay appropriate and cute!  You could also put black leggings or a tee shirt underneath them if they are too short or low cut. www.BuyCostumes.com has an entire section devoted to Teens!  I like this sailor costume!

-It is always fun to dress-up with a friend or a whole group of people. If you can't find a costume in the store or online, think of a celebrity duo or the cast of your favorite show, then shop around and pull together your own costumes!

-Channel a fun-fashion era such as the 70's or 80's and find a costume using cool vintage finds.

-Humor is usually a good way to divert from all negativity. Be something silly or quirky and you're bound to get tons of positive attention. I found one high school sophomore who was Abigail Breslin's character from Little Miss Sunshine and another girl who was Madeline. These costume ideas were just so creative! Don't they inspire you to think out-of-the-box? Dressing as something silly instead of sexy will also exemplify confidence. A girl who is comfortable in her own skin doesn't need to be scantily clad to stand out!

-If you are crafty, check out Martha Stewart's Halloween Special Edition Magazine.  She has costume ideas for a Jelly Fish, a Mummy and a Leafy Sea Creature that are great inspirations.
Family Fun's Halloween Special Magazine also has great do-it-yourself ideas including an iPod Costume, a deck of cards costume or a spilt bowl of spaghetti.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Congratulations to our Zoodies winner!


Congratulations Tiffany! You were chosen to take home an adorable Zoodies sweatshirt! Please send your contact information to morgan.carnevale@hotmail.com and we can arrange for you to receive your prize!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Making Memories with Sticky Bellies

I know what it's like to go camera happy when your new born wears her first dress, or when he puts on a facial expression that resembles a smile, but how many photographs must you take before realizing the truth behind these snapshots? The constant documentation is taking away precious time that you could spend holding, caring for, or playing with your child. While I'm not suggesting that we do away with the camera completely, I do think that we should lessen the frequency that we take it out. Let us take the lens out from between our eyes and our infants and spend some quality time making memories until the real milestones approach. Here is a little incentive to start this movement!
A darling product that I came across and love, is Sticky Bellies. Sticky Bellies are these clever little stickers that look like fabric appliques. The stickers are numbered from month 1 through 12 and you can stick them on any piece of clothing then safely tear off, and dispose of them when you're through!

The purpose of the Sticky Bellies is to enable you to photograph your baby once each month, then when your child turns one- year- old, you will have brilliant documentation of the growth that your baby experienced during his or her first year. What a great way to save your family's memories with cute chronology! And at a price like $14.99, why not give them a try?

Friday, September 24, 2010

Party in a box!

Sounds like fun doesn't it? I have searched far and wide and finally, I've found it! The simple solution to planning a well- decorated, last minute party is here and it can all be delivered to you in a box! Or actually, in an envrionmentally- sound bag...
The name of this social event saver is the ACME Party Box.

None of us ever plan to be unbelievably busy or painstakingly overwhelmed so anything that can ease our frantic nerves when organizing an event that is contingent on time, is a huge blessing! The ACME Party Box Company is a company that was thought up by two working moms who were always eager to host a good party. However, as they were two working moms, party planning wasn't exactly a cake walk. Finding party goods at one location seemed like an impossibility so to help fellow party planners cut down on wasted time, Lisa and Cathy put all of the essentials and more into an eco- friendly, sophisticated and fun party kit!

They offer "grown- up" party boxes (at the top) as well as party boxes for kids (middle) that come in several different themes and multiple options for guest settings. Lisa and Cathy even give you a chance to customize your own Acme Party Box. These reusable party goods are completely affordable and totally chic, so really, what more could we ask for? A party favor? Oh wait...that's already been included!

Take advantage of this wonderful find and be the first of your friends to use the ACME Party Box Company.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Play Dress- up with just one zip

Every day can't be Halloween, although our kids would just love that! Girls can be princesses in school, at the movie theater, or on a play-date, wearing sweet, poofy dresses and pink plastic beads, but little boys can't be Batman three days in a row. That's just unheard of! This is why Carlee, the hands-on creative mother of two boys, designed the Zoodie. This silly word, "Zoodie," is, in fact, what it looks and sounds like. A Zoodie is a hoodie that allows your child to look like a zoo animal (or a dinosaur or a unicorn) while sparing you the disapproving looks from mothers surrounding you. You know that look that says, "You're really letting your kid wear that? Take some control!" So in an attempt to appease her boys while saving face in the Mom Community Carlee invented the most adorable sweatshirts that double as everyday costumes. Although this idea was inspired by her boys, Carlee couldn't bear to exclude any child from playing dress- up so thanks to the Zoodie, your little boy or girl can become any animal from a skunk to a ballerina mouse. Just ask her! She loves to take special requests for orders, and why wait? These playful hoodies start at just $36!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Win Wednesday - French Impressions

Dallas author and interior designer, Betty Lou Phillips, is one of my favorites!  She is so charming, talented and gracious.  Her interior design firm, Interiors by BLP, is in demand all over the world and her new book, French Impressions, is her tenth interior design book!  Amazing!  


Each page of French Impressions is more beautiful than the next.  The photographs are gorgeous and give great interior design ideas for everything from a grand dining room to a kitchen pantry.  Every detail of a home, from the laundry room to the closet, should have beautiful decor and her ideas and inspirations are fantastic.  


You can get your copy of French Impressions at a book signing event at Neiman Marcus Downtown on Thursday, October 14 anytime between 1-3.


Betty Lou also shares tips on living like the French!  She shares all sorts of tips for dinner party etiquette all from a uniquely French perspective.  


She writes:


-Be aware of the 15 minute rule. If asked to arrive at 8, appear exactly 15 minutes after the appointed hour.  do not arrive any earlier or more than five minutes later.


-It is unacceptable to apply lipstick at the table.  In fact, it simply is NOT done.  French women are united in the belief that "a woman must never put on lipstick in public; one does that in private."  "She must never let anyone witness her grooming in public."


-Do not cut salad; fold a leaf with the fork or the help of a small piece of bread.  It is rare that leaves are large or unwieldy, since most hostesses see to that.


-Some Parisians say it is a supreme compliment to the hostess for a guest ask for recipe; but do so later, not at table.


-If asked to pass the salt, pass only the salt, not the salt and pepper.  Here, the two are inseparable but not in France.  Since salt has superstitious connotations, place it within easy reach rather than handing it directly to the person. 


-Between courses hands must rest on the table, not in one's lap.  


-Try a portion of every course.  Unless allergic to a food being served, it is a faux pas not to do so. 


To win a copy of French Impressions,
-Sign up for our newsletter
-Follow me on Twitter
-Like me on Facebook
-become a follower of this blog
-or leave a comment on this blog!


The winner will be announced on Friday so check back to see if it is you!  Good Luck!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Bridal Buzz!

I hope you will join me on Saturday the 25th of September for a Bridal Open House at The Linen Boutique on Lovers Lane.  There are some amazing vendors participating in the great Bridal Show and the first 25 guests will receive a gift bag valued at $700!  Amazing!
I will be signing copies of The Wedding Workbook while you are registering to win an amazing Bridal package!  See you there!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Have Some Fun with this Fall's Fashion

With plenty of new looks on the runway this Fall, the infamous question resurfaces, "How can we transform runway looks into ready-to-wear?" Here is a look at my favorite new trends and how to wear them on the street!


You don't have to be in the front row at Fashion Week to know that flowing feathers are the accent of choice this season. Open any fashion magazine and find feathers flying. They can whimsically float along lower hemlines or flock along collars for a more dramatic presence, but any way you wear them, do it with a confidence that says peacock rather than pigeon. If you don't want to jump, but would rather ease yourself into the trend then try out an accessory like a single- feather necklace or an evening bag with feather trimmings.









A great trend for this coming season is the pops of color seen paired with classic silhouettes. This means that not all of our vibrant pieces need to be pushed to the back of the closet. Could it be, we're able to save both time and money this season? Believe it! Because this season, saturated hues are going to allow us to stand out in autumn, wearing electric blues, pinks and purples, without looking like a walking faux pas. If this sounds too risky for your liking then accessorize with a vibrant handbag or an eye- popping set of heels.



Layers, layers, layers! Especially, with lacey garments. When I hear layering, immediately I think, BULK, but that doesn't have to be the case. With thinner knits and lacey tops you can pile on clothing while keeping a feminine shape.




Every few seasons leopard print seems to make a blip on the trend radar but what really changes is how to wear it successfully. Animal prints can very easily fall face flat into fashion catastrophy but if you keep sophistication and class in mind, then your spots will steer clear of those horrible images that initially come to mind when a leopard print mini skirt is mentioned. Last Fall we saw tons of vintage inspired leopard print coats paired with cigarette jeans or a black pant. Isabel Marant showed a look that was both cool and chic on the runway (below), and although the chucky furry jackets were just right,then- now, we're transitioning into a more flowly and feminine approach, and continue to accessorize accordingly with leopard print bags and belts.

I hope this helps with choosing your ensembles this fall. This season's trends beg us to be daring so remember to have fun!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Lady Like Bags are Back...



and I couldn't be more thrilled! After several seasons of oversized hobo bags (which I must admit I appreciated because they worked well as diaper bags!) Grace Kelly's style has returned!



This season, take a cue from your grandmother's closet and search for the ultimate tailored bag. They come in all sizes so chose the size that works for you. Most of them have a handle and some of them come with a detachable shoulder strap. Put some thought into how you will use it and make a choice that works for you.



Here are a few of my favorite trinkets, tokens and treasures:




Treasures:






The Hermes Kelly Bag was named for the iconic Grace Kelly who used it to cover up her baby bump! You don't need a bump to pull of this this look though. It is certainly and investment bag but one that can be passed down for generations. This season, choose one in a fun bold color to accent you fall pieces.BVLGARI's colaboration with actress Isabella Rossollini resulted in a bag that I just adore. Although it also come is a warm camel color, I adore this black bag with it's dark green accents. It is so chic and I am dying to get my hands on one!




Tokens:







Elaine Turner's Jackie Metallic Suede Snake Bag is a fantastic fall choice. It is a lot of bang-for-the-buck at $295. The inside of the putty bag is hot pink which makes me smile and the detailing is wonderful. It also comes in bronze. You will be right on trend with this bag that was inspired by the amazing Jackie O.




Trinkets






On sale now (from $149 to $107.99), you can steal the look from old-school Doctor with the Guess Leona Bag at Macy's. This structured bag comes in Black and Camel (super hot color this season!). I love the modern lines and contemporary take on such a classic style. Unlike some of the other lady-like styles this season, this bag has plenty of room to hold everything you might need for your busy day. It is perfect for the gal-on-the-go!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Prevention and Preparedness

We learned a lot at last week's Feather Your Nest event with Safety and Security Pro and former Secret Service Special Agent James Savage.  He was fascinating!  I walked away from the event feeling safer and stronger than ever before thanks to his wonderful advice and tips.
One of the things that really struck me is the importance of being prepared for something unexpected.  The U.S. Government recommends that we all take time to put together a safety kit for our homes.  Their list of recommendations can be found at www.Ready.gov. The list is wonderful but I must admit I went shopping to put our kit together and it was really hard to find some of the items and the price tag adds up really fast!  I wish that I had known about these pre-prepared kits!  They are easier and less expensive and take up a lot less room than the kit I put together!  Just as Jim Savage recommended, I purchased one for my car and one for our home.  To order yours, please call or email Natalie Miller at nmiller@iaedallas.com or 972-380-4234.

Here are the contents:

Deluxe Family Kit
This kit is designed to support a family of four for three days.
Cost: $159. 95 (tax included)
Each bag contains:
First Aide
12            Benzalkonium Chloride Antiseptic Wipes
6            Antibiotic Ointment packets
8            Gauze Sponges, 2”x2” and 4”x4”
4            ABD Tendersorb
1            Gauze Roll
            8            Adhesive Bandages, strips, triangular & butterfly
            1            Tape
            2            Finger splints
            1            Cold Pack           
                        Scissors and Tweezers
                        Latex gloves
                        First Aide Guide
Food & Water
4            Emergency Food bars, 3600 Calories each
48            Emergency Water Pouches, 4.22 ounces each
Light, Warmth & Communications
1            Standard Flashlight,
2            Alkaline D-Cell Batteries
1            AM/FM Radio with Batteries
4            Emergency Blankets, Mylar-type
2            Light sticks, 12-hour green
10             Candles, 5 hours each for a total of 50 hours
1            Waterproof Matches, Box of 20
1            Whistle
Sanitation
48            Pre-moistened Towelettes
12            Infectious Waste Bags with Ties
3            Large Waste Disposal Bags with Ties
4            Toilet Paper, Mini Roll
1            Liquid Soap           
4            Toothbrush & Paste Sets
1            Toilet Deodorant, 2-ounce pack
Miscellaneous
1            Pocket Knife, 3”
1            Manual Can Opener, 3-in-One
2            Dust Masks

Survival Kit I
This kit is designed to support one person for three days.
Cost: $79.95 (tax included)

Each bag contains:
First Aide
6            Benzalkonium Chloride Antiseptic Wipes
3            Antibiotic Ointment packets
8            Gauze Sponges, 2”x2” and 4”x4”
2            ABD Tendersorb
1            Gauze Roll
            8            Adhesive Bandages, strips, triangular & butterfly
            1            Tape
            2            Finger splints
            1            Cold Pack           
                        Scissors and Tweezers
                        Latex gloves
                        First Aide Guide
Food & Water
1            Emergency Food bars, 3600 Calories each
12            Emergency Water Pouches, 4.22 ounces each
Light, Warmth & Communications
1            Standard Flashlight,
2            Alkaline D-Cell Batteries
1            AM/FM Radio with Batteries
4            Emergency Blankets, Mylar-type
2            Light sticks, 12-hour green
1            Whistle
Sanitation
12            Pre-moistened Towelettes
3            Infectious Waste Bags with Ties
1            Toilet Paper, Mini Roll
1            Liquid Soap           
1            Toothbrush & Paste Sets
Miscellaneous
1            Leather Palm Gloves
2            Dust Masks

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Win Wednesday - A Charitable Child and His Happy Blankie


Children are often selfless, yes, but very rarely can that translate into changing and improving another child's life in another state or even on the other side of the world. David Holdridge was just seven- years- old when he came up with Happy Blankie, a concept that expanded into a remarkable mission.

In 2008 David decided that he wanted to combine his little sister’s two favorite things, which were obviously her stuffed animal and her blankie. With some help and encouragement from his mother, Emily, the comfy half stuffed animal- half blankie evolved into a charitable cause that not only warms our hearts, but also, the bodies and homes of children in need.

For every blankie sold, David, Emily, and the rest of the Happy Blankie family donate a blankie to wherever you choose for it to go in the world. Therein lies the message behind their motto, “One to love. One to give.” Such a beautiful idea that sparked in the mind of a compassionate seven- year- old boy.

Happy Blankie was kind enough to donate one small and one large blankie as giveaways for two lucky readers! Here is how you can enter to win:

- Follow our blog
-Follow us on Facebook
-Follow us on Twitter
- or comment on this blog entry!


If you participate in all four then you will be entered four times to win an adorable Happy Blankie! Our winner will be announced here on Friday.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! Get to know Susan Posnick!

If you are looking for the perfect way to get freshened up for Fall, stop by Neiman Marcus Northpark on Friday the 17th of September between noon and 4 to meet Susan Posnick and learn about her fantastic makeup techniques! I just came from the store where I purchased Susan's wonderful ColorFlo Mineral Foundation and ColorCorrect Brighten/Correct pencil.  I am going to keep the pencil in my handbag for my much needed mid-day touch ups!
Because I spent over $55 I also brought home a travel size Shimmer with Sun Protection and a mini applicator brush!
Susan cosmetics are amazing and, on my way out the door, Neiman Marcus NorthPark's dapper General Manager, Malcolm Reuben, told me how excited they are to have Susan's products in their store now!
The best part about buying your new makeup this week is the Beauty Event!  If you spend over $100, which is really easy to do at Neiman Marcus, you get a tote bag filled with fabulous products to sample.

Monday, September 13, 2010

A Gift that’s Perfectly Personalized with Congenial Charm


We all experience gifting slumps every once in a while. Sometimes when we need to find the perfect present to celebrate a close friend’s birthday or to congratulate a bride on her wedding day, we just can’t seem to find a gift that is unique or special enough for the occasion. Well I have found the most alluring gift that is the solution to this needless problem!

Kelly Wilson Antiques carries a beautiful collection of imported antique English china. Each piece is about 100 years old! And what is so uniquely charming about these pieces is the hand- drawn initial, which is done by Kelly on every dish, in decoupage. You have the choice of creating a custom made dish or you can choose a piece from a previously monogrammed selection. Monogrammed gifts are always a touch more thoughtful because of their personal characteristic. A few years ago I received one of Kelly's beautiful pieces from my mother and I will treasure the gift for a lifetime. One more thing! The dishes are for decorative use only so if you are going to gift one to a friend, please keep this is mind.

Are you pants too long?


I love wearing jeans in the Fall but I hate that I need to pick my shoes around the length of my pants!  Sometimes I want to wear flats with my jeans and other times I want to wear a heel!  Well, HemGems has come to the rescue!  These fantastic button like studs can be attached to the hem of your jeans so that you can adjust the length as desired.  You can either cuff them, roll them under, or tuck them under so that you can keep that original hem.  There are great instructions on how to use HemGems on their website.    I am so excited because now I can wear my jeans with flats or heels and the bottoms won't get frayed!  They come in a classic rivet or a pyramid style stud and both styles come in Silver or Gold. Each set of 8 is $19.99 which, if I am doing my math right, it less than what my tailor charges me to hem my jeans!  What a find!

Friday, September 10, 2010

The Perfect Modern Picnic


Alright....admit it....you love the idea of a picnic.  I know that I do!  And, although we have had some rain, we have also had some absolutely gorgeous days that would make for the perfect picnic.  I love the picnic process.  Everything from picking out the menu to  packing everything up has a romance to it. The real problem comes with finding a picnic basket.  Not only are they expensive but they are also hard to find.  Well....now there is a fantastic solution:  The Boxsal!

I love everything about the Boxsal!  Not only is it green but it is also completely fun and, at $35, much less than any other picnic basket I have been able to find!  So here is the deal:  The Boxsal is a perfect alternative to the traditional wicker picnic basket.  It is made of recycled cardboard that is shaped almost like a briefcase.

It comes with a set of flatware, plates, napkins, cups and bowls for four that are completely recyclable or compostable!  It even comes with a compostable trash sac for the garbage you make!  Everything about the Boxsal is green right down to the instruction sheet that you can re-use as a grocery list on the back.

All you need to do is select from the three Boxsal options (Urban Picnic, Today's Date or Office Escape), place your order, fill it with food and wine and set off for your perfect picnic.  I love the "color by numbers" Today's Date Boxsal that comes with crayons.  It is perfect for a date picnic and comes complete with questions that can trigger fantastic get-to-know-you conversation on the side.

Now, before you head out on your picnic, you must check out Boxal's blog for advice on what to wear, what to play, and what to do to perfect your picnic.  It is a fantastic resource for adding a little extra to your lunch.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

National Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept 12th

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.  I think Grandparents deserve their own special day for all of the special things they do.  I think it is a great opportunity to visit with your own grandparents or to honor the grandparents of your children.  Here are a few of my suggestions to make this grandparents day special for the deserving people in your life:

-Cook a special meal using your family's famous recipes and honor your families heritage.  If your grandparents came from Italy, have a big Italian meal.  If they came from Scotland, use tartan tablecloths.

-Give a gift that has sentiment.  I always love giving photos and these frames from Pottery Barn are wonderful!  The shape of the frame is simple yet unique and the mat that comes with the frame gives it a very polished custom look.

-This is a great day to pull out the cameras to record a special time together.  Take a multi-generational photo and ask your grandparents to record some special memories on video.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Dallas Flea is back!

I can't wait to visit The Dallas Flea again this weekend!  I love what Daily Candy Editor and all around stylista Brittany Edwards has created for great weekend fun!  This is the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind handmade trends from scarves and vintage clothing to furniture and lamps.  I promise that this in-door market is not to be missed.  The Dallas Flea's September show will help support Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with it's $5 admission fee.  The first 100 shoppers will receive a free canvas shopping tote so arrive early!  The Dallas Flea takes place on Saturday, the 11th of September at the South Side on Lamar (1409 S. Lamar St. 75215) from 9 to 4.  See you there!

Win Wednesday - Bulgari Beauty!

One of our precious readers, Wendy, wrote in to me last week to ask me about the extra plastic lid that comes in all of the jars of beauty creams she is addicted to purchasing.  She wants to know why it is there, what it is for and if she should keep it on there!  To be honest, I had the same questions so I turned to my friends at BVLGARI who have developed the most amazing skin care line using their BVLGARI Gem Essence complex which uses fine and precious stones to help the skin resist external stresses.  It is  like putting all of the positive energies of gemstones on to your skin!  Can you think of anything more luxurious?  Here is what they had to say about the plastic lids in their products:


  “The plastic disks are on the jars of our skincare products to prevent contamination. Once the jar is opened, since it is not a pump, the plastic disk provides an element of protection.”


Sounds like a good answer to me!  I like anything that prevents contamination!  I like to keep my lids with my products because it makes me feel like there is a little bit of extra protection.  I hope that answers you question Wendy!

In addition to their helpful insight, our generous friends at BVLGARI have also put a special skin care treat aside in their Dallas boutique for one lucky reader!  
There are four ways that you can win.  For each of these, your name will be entered into the drawing one time.  Here is what you can do to enter:
-Follow our blog.
-Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/KimberlyWhitman
-or leave a comment on this blog entry!  

Our winner will be announced here on Friday!   I have been using these products myself and I can't resist telling you how amazing they are.  There is something so special about opening the amazing BVLGARI jars with lids modeled after their signature jewelery pieces and then the fragrance of the products takes over and makes you fell like you are getting an incredible facial in a luxurious spa.  The best part, though, is the way your skin glows after you use the products.  Trust me, this is one big prize you don't want to miss! Good Luck!



Friday, September 3, 2010

A Greentastic Tablescape!


Huge thanks to Shari Lidji for sending me pictures of her fantastic green dinner party!  I absolutely love the way she used all natural elements on the table (Banana leaf table runners, cactus pad salad plates and hollowed out oranges were used as bowls) but didn't sacrifice a bit in style!  She says that it made for really easy clean up too! Check out her blog for more photos and ideas.  She is also the very talented creator of Red Llama Studio Quilts!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

The ABC's of Interior Design include an E for Entertaining!

I was so honored when The Designer Detective, Shay Geyer, asked me to be the E in her alphabet!  I love her fantastic blog on Interior Design and her wonderful segments on Good Morning Texas!  She is a gem.
Clever Shay decided to make a blog entry for each letter of the alphabet.
Click here to read my tips for E - Entertaining!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Plum Life




If you are one of those people who leads a hectic lifestyle that includes needing to manage a family full of schedules, you are probably feeling the heat right about now!  School has started.  Homework is hectic.  Soccer Games, Ballet Class and Back to School Parties are all being juggled.    It is crazy hard to keep it all straight!  
Well....you are in luck because Dallasite Regen Fearon has developed a software that might just make you sane again!  No more placing your mobile phone down in the fridge while you reach in a rush for a juice box before school and not finding it again until dinner time (yes....I actually did that).  No more miscommunications with the hubby about who was scheduled to pick up your children from school.  This is the perfect calendar software for anyone on the go who needs to grab on to their last shred of sanity!
They have a wonderful video on their website, www.plumlife.com that explains many of the benefits of the software and they are giving free six-month subscriptions to our listeners and readers if you sign up for one month at $9.99. Simply use the code KIM06.  That is so nice!  
Want to hear something even nicer?  Founder, Regen Fearon, is personally willing to chat with any one of you who wants to know more about the software and how it can help you! She is happy to talk/email with any of you to help you set up PlumLife so it best fits your particular situation.  You can reach her by using the Give Feedback or Contact Us buttons on the site.
 

design + development by kelly christine studio