Teaching manners...

Please & thank you... a few of Joel's first words... {his first word was "hi" at 3 months old}. Anyway, because it was his birthday last month, he got lots of presents {mostly cash, which mommy likes}. Manners are important, so I decided to design some thank you cards that matched with his birthday theme. Check out his concentration on writing J.O.E.L! It's never too young to teach kids to show their gratitude.

**Here is Joel hard at work. I told you he was concentrating! Watch out Michael Jordan!

*He had to write his name 30 times!

More "rockin" stationery & thank you cards to be launched soon! This is just a preview!

lipstick jungle. part two.

I finished "Lipstick Jungle" sometime last week... & let me tell you... once you start reading, you won't want to put it down! Although it is about successful career women in their 40's, I could somewhat to relate (or see myself in their positions--I hope! *keeping my fingers crossed*) to their different stories. It is hard to compete in a male-dominated business world. Nico O'neilly is a wife, mother (of 1 girl) & an editor of a popular magazine working her way up to become a director of publishing. Wendy Healy juggles life as a wife, mother (of 3) & president of a movie studio. Victory Ford is an unmarried 40-year-old fashion designer who relishes in her single status freedom.

Yeah, it's definitely a "girl's book"! Each woman's story/situation brings light to an important issue in today's society. They're all faced with the moral dilemma of being "punished" for their success in this male-driven world. They prove that they're in their positions not for being beautiful or sleeping their way to the top, but because they earned it. The characters give the reader a sense of confidence that you can have it all & no one can stop you...

It's not just a jungle out there... "it's a lipstick jungle!"

new look... =)

I know... I've redesigned this blog (& the site) so many times already. But I keep coming up with new & innovative looks! I guess that's what happens when you're so inspired by so many things in life! ha! Just kidding (but I'm really not). The website is ALMOST finished. I just don't want to launch it without everything being completely up to my sister & my HIGH STANDARDS of excellence! =) My mind has been on overload lately... with work, business, family... EVERYTHING! But it's okay. I enjoy the stress... I enjoy the "busi-ness" of my life! =) My many tasks in life keep me grounded. Sometimes I feel like I can't handle so much, but I love doing what I do... you won't hear any complaints from me (well, maybe you will, but I'll get over it REAL QUICK).

The way I see it, I don't have to work 24/7. I don't have to have a career. I don't have to own a business. I don't have to join the PTA or be a room mom or go on class field trips for my son. I don't have to take on so much. But I DO! Even though my days are filled with work, appointments, school & "single-mommy stuff", I still find a way to fit some "ME" time in. If it's grabbing something to read for 15 minutes, or listening to some music in a warm, relaxing bath while I fill out paperwork & come up with designs... I make time for me. And at the end of the day, I may fall asleep in my bathrobe and a towel on my head... but I look forward to living another busy day filled with all sorts of surprises. =)

P.S. I'm not just speaking for myself. My sister is just as busy. I don't think I'd be where I'm at today if it wasn't for her. I appreciate everything she does for me on a personal level & all she does for PB...

check out [[the look]]. 8/16/08

Check out Eva Longoria Parker's look... she makes this simple outfit look absolutely stunning and classy! (Old Navy jacket, YSL platforms)

Picture provided by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Check out Selita Banks. The skinny jeans with the blazer tied with a brown belt accentuates her awesome figure. And her shoes are HOT! Love them!

Picture provided by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

**Information obtained from "InStyle Look of the Day" email. For more InStyle looks, visit www.instyle.com**

{inspiration begins with... assorted pillows with colorful fabric}

The planning for my upcoming nuptuals is never-ending... I am so easily inspired, although it gets a little frustrating since there are so many ideas, so many colors, so many themes, so much to do... and only ONE single day.

Today's wedding inspiration are the pillows {to the right}... and what do you know? These BM dresses totally match. They are from Priscilla of Boston. Thanks to Kristina, who is always on the look-out for bridal gowns for me, spotted this designer's website. They have a HUGE collection of wedding dresses, & I just fell in love with these dresses. Too bad I'm only having 4 bridesmaids.

I'm looking at 1, 2, 3, + 4 being the ones for me... but I'm actually leaving it up to my BMs... I'm such an easy bride. They get to choose {as long as they each pick a different color!}

{inspiration begins with... taffeta, satin, & lace}

Anyone who knows me... knows that weddings are my life... aside from paper, ribbon, flowers, and other events. {not to mention my family & friends!} Anyway, when I feel like I'm in a creative rut, I can always turn to my extensive bridal magazine collection, and I am not only inspired, but immediately feel a glow within me. Cheesey? Sometimes, I suppose... Odd? Definitely not! Bridal magazines are FILLED with inspiration & {of course} wedding gowns!

My personal favorite is: St. Pucchi. I love the designs... so haute couture! Stunning - Sophisticated - Smashing - St. Pucchi!

Giddyup, Cowboy!

Joel will be starting kindergarten this month (I can hardly believe it myself)! He is currently at Crescent Ave Christian Preschool. For his last day, they throw their annual "Western Round-Up", which is supposed to be a lot of fun. Well, Miss Sevilla {the preschool director} & Miss Tonya {Joel's teacher} asked if I wouldn't mind designing some sort of postcard for this special event.

It all began with some simple "save.the.dates" I included in Joel's birthday goodie bags last month. They're similar to the invites I made for his b-day party {posted on 08.08.08}. Never having attended one of their Round-Ups, I didn't know exactly what they were looking for. Versus plugging it with a bunch of conventional clipart that screamed "GIDDYUP for the RODEO", I created something with a more "antique western" flavor. My goal was to create something that they could use next year... as well as something they could do in both b+w or color.

Well... since the Round-Up is 2 weeks away, I'll be sure to post the photos. Hopefully, it'll be a great turn-out.

School days... 1st grade here he comes!

Yes, it's that time of year! School is about to begin! My son is entering the 1st grade this year at Orange Glen Elementary School! Boy, time flies! I can't believe my son is going to be a FIRST GRADER already! Because school will be starting in 2 weeks, I'm going to be super busy trying to get calling cards ready for parents so they can contact me, getting acquainted with my son's teacher & the principal/office staff at the school (it's his first year at OGES), buying all of the necessities (from school supplies to clothes), and maybe (if I have the energy) volunteering to be the ROOM MOM (or joining the PTA)! Wish me LUCK! =)

It will be an amazing year! I LOVED first grade! I'm eagerly anticipating the start of this school year... I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my son will have a wonderful & stress-free (for me) year! I'll be sure to post pictures soon!

"Lipstick Jungle" part one.

Since I finished "The Friday Night Knitting Club" a few days ago, I began reading a book that I've had on my "to do" list for the past few months. It's actually a tv series now... it's the most recent novel by the author who wrote "Sex and the City" (Candace Bushnell).

"Lipstick Jungle" is a juicy, page-turner... I've been able to read 75% of the book in just a few days (it's hard to put it down =S). It's about three amazing & successful businesswomen who happen to be the BEST of friends. Each woman has a different story & situation; each one is not only successful in her particular field (a fashion designer, a magazine editor, and a movie producer) but they all SHINE and set the standard to another level (in industries mostly dominated by men)! It's set in good old New York City... and it discusses the everyday struggles of women in business trying to juggle other aspects of life (family, relationships, money, etc.).

Stay tuned in the next couple weeks. I have some juicy quotes from this book. I think I'm going to check out the series on NBC on Wednesday nights (it's in the 10 spot)... I have to catch up from ALL of season 1 (available on nbc.com) because season 2 is set to start on September 24. Sooo excited!

Winning & Losing.

I ♥ quotes. I use them for inspiration in both my work & everyday life. Here is my quote of the week:




I tell my son this almost daily... or at least when the topic of winning & losing comes up. I try to instill that winning isn't necessarily everything and it's okay to lose... but not to get used to it, or strive (or settle) for failure. I think it's important to set goals and try everything in your means to attain them (of course truthfully, honestly, and in good measure--because cheating, lying & stealing are NEVER okay in my book).



Life isn't always fair. No one's life is absolutely perfect (truly!). Be thankful for what you have... work hard & persevere! Plus, I think this quote is appropriate now that the 2008 football season is just about to begin... GO CHARGERS!!!