A Quickie

If you're not following my wonderful stylish and fabulous friend at Y'all & Yanks, then you're just crazy. Her adventures as a newbie in the city are sweet, poignant, funny and fashionable... just like the lady herself. Now, go on. Get over there!

Twenty Four Candles

I turned 24 on Saturday and spent the weekend celebrating! On Friday night the beau and I headed over to Little and Daddy's where we had a birthday cookout with Sis and some friends, present fest, homemade ice cream courtesy of the beau, and a rousing death match of Spoons.

Saturday morning was spent teaching some Vietnamese refugees to sew - a post of its own, and a truly amazing experience. The first of many with these incredible women, to be sure. The rest of the day was a surprise... the beau had planned the afternoon and evening to make me feel loved and special, and he made sure to include my favorite activities. First? A trip to Laser Quest, where I dominated him in several rounds of laser tag (have we discussed my obsession with laser tag? It's intense), a post-match meal at Zaxby's (my fave) where we split the aptly titled Birthday Cake Milkshake, which was a party on my tongue, and then we got fancified and capped the night with the Lobster and He-Lobster at one of our favorite hangouts, Thomas Street Tavern. Today while Little and I plugged away at the epic 100 Dresses (also a post of its own) for Hems & Hers, the beau took my car and washed, waxed and detailed it. Those who know me in real life will know that my poor CRV hasn't been touched with a nary a sud or splash of water, much less a vacuum cleaner in years, so that was such a treat. Without further ado, a few snapshots of the weekend. I'm so excited about my 24th year... I have no doubt that it will be unforgettable and amazing.

The Boss of Me

Since I've been self-employed for the past eight days, here are some thoughts on my new life:

- I have a newfound appreciation for syndicated sitcoms... Friends, The Office, King of Queens, Gilmore Girls
- Daytime TV sucks... except for the Disney Channel. Around "after school" hours is a jackpot with Jonas L.A., Sonny With A Chance, Wizards of Waverly Place and more
- Degrassi is an amazing show
- I have the TV on a lot. A whole lot.
- I don't have to Windex binders anymore (at least not in the last eight days)
- I don't miss collating or hole punching
- Sadie has no idea what to do with me home all day. I seriously cut into her napping hours
- I love being my boss. No joke... I'm awesome as a boss
- I'm also the best employee ever
- I love the challenge of making Hems & Hers better and better each day
- I feel incredibly blessed
- I'm no less terrified of all this than I was eight days ago
- I'm also no less excited. I love my life right now. All praises to the Father!

Gettin' Pretty

Jessica Key Fine, the photographer at Southern Sunshine's wedding just posted a few shots from the event on Facebook. I love this photo of Stately Lady and I getting beautified.

'Maids

This weekend I had the pleasure of standing beside Southern Sunshine as a bridesmaid as she wed her perfect match, Mr. CGL II. I had a blast with the beau as arm candy and celebrating with friends such as Miss Stately Lady (a bride-to-be herself!). I created the ringbearers' pillows for the day, and I was thrilled to provide a Hems & Hers custom piece for Ave's reception getaway. To no one's surprise, she looked stunning! I wish the beautiful couple every happiness, and I am so thankful that I was a part of their gorgeous day!

Heart Ache To Heart Ache

On Thursday, July 15 my grandmother Mimi passed away in Sulphur, La. In the last nine months we have lost three grandparents and an aunt, but what a celebration knowing that they're all in Heaven celebrating and praising our Lord together! Mimi joined her husband and daughter once again, and there is so much joy and comfort in that knowledge. We were able to spend a great weekend with our family in Louisiana, and I take such delight in the fact that there is so much love and genuine affection as a family that flows even in the midst of sadness and grief.

In the Meantime

While I'm waiting for my tenure here at the agency to end, I've become a lonesome leper... unspoken to and left to my own devices. Not so bad really as I'm getting tons of groundwork going with Hems & Hers, and I have some truly exciting opportunities set up for the fall. I've also been doing lots of "research" studying my favorite celeb fashions. Of course perennial favorites like Reese, Carrie, Taylor, Leighton and the like continually top my picks, the dark horse has become So You Think You Can Dance's amazingly beautiful host Cat Deeley. Cat first grabbed my attention a few seasons ago for her always on point wardrobe and breezy hair and make up, but when I read that she's her own stylist, she became a top pick. Check out some of Cat's style choices and let me know if you agree that she's a big Deel-ey (har har har).

Two Weeks

I've been considering it for months. Fantasizing, daydreaming, praying, thinking, analyzing, crying, venting, questioning... and now, it's done.

On Tuesday I gave the ad agency I work for my two weeks notice. I'm taking a leap of faith and will be pursuing Hems & Hers full time. I am both terrified and exhilarated at the thought of it. The business has grown so much over the last year, and every sign indicates that it will only continue to as I increase the amount of time and attention I'm able to pour into it.
The decision was not made easily, and I could document each and every offense I've endured at my current place of employment that has led me to this choice, but ultimately none of that matters. What led me to take this step was an unequivocal, "Yes," from the Lord each and every time I poured out my wants, desires, fears and insecurities. He has shown up in huge ways time and time again over the past few months as I've edged ever closer to this life-changing pinnacle, and I have no doubt that He'll continue to hold me in His hand.

I have so many plans for the business, and I'm brimming over with ideas. I'm about to pop with excitement, and my last day here can't come soon enough. I am so thankful for the opportunities I've had at my current place of employ, because it has prepared me on so many levels for what I know lies ahead... both the joys and the struggles. And I am so humbled and honored and thankful for the support system I've had surrounding me as I push closer to this goal. My family, my friends and the beau have been immeasurably wonderful, and I love them all so incredibly much.

So, hey, if you need some cute pieces of clothing, I could use your patronage now more than ever... teehee!

Make It Work

This small corner of the interwebs has been a sad, desolate place over the last week, but I assure you I'll fill you in on the why shortly! In the meantime I've been meaning to post these pictures of my new Hems & Hers workroom. Sadly, I forgot to take before shots, but thanks to Benjamin Moore and my glorious beau, I am tickled to pieces with the finished product. I've been in it for a couple of weeks now, and having a dedicated sewing room and "happy place" has done wonders for the creative juices and my productivity! I've added several delightful wall paraphernalia since taking these photosnaps, so I'll post those tomorrow!

This

This is the cutest thing ever, and it basically made my week. Love you, E!