My Ugly Dolls
Found these (and more) at Books-A-Million. At the time, when I found them, it was the perfect time because I needed a pick me up. So thank you Ugly Dolls.
Meet Indrid and Recky….
From their tags:
“Indrid is not the boss. He’s not the assistant manager. He’s the hard working cog in the machine who gets the job done. The unsung hero. The everyugly. He’s the Uglydoll you can share a vat of orange juice with while talking about life, and how chocolate doesn’t go with orange juice.”
…and…
“What, you got a problem? No? Well Recky does. He is in desperate need of someone who is willing to listen to his stories and dreams. Recky is looking for a pal who knows where he’s coming from. You know, like how when you go to the store to buy an extension cord but come back with bags of snacks and toys, and you forgot all about the extension cord? Hey, life can get tough, we all need a little back up from time to time.”
Books-A-Million had more Ugly Dolls but these two spoke to me and so I adopted them and now they live in my office.
Bombarded
Hey there ya’ll. How are my little love bunnies doing today?
Me? I’ve been better but that’s beside the point. It doesn’t matter.
I was going to get on here and write about the bombarding awesomeness I receive from Twitter and Facebook but then thought better of it. I’ll move on.
So, summer is almost upon us. School is out, seniors are graduating, swimming pools are open, and the sweltering heat will soon make us all wish for Fall again. Of course I always wish for Fall. The weather here in the south is my only complaint, about the south. I’ve blogged and written about it enough though. It is something I will eventually learn to live with, even if menopause is nearly upon this 40-something year old.
Do you have any fun summertime plans? I’m sure some of you will be going to the beaches. What are some of your favorite beach destinations? What are you favorite beach activities? How long do you normally stay? Let’s have a beach conversation in the comment section.
I probably won’t be going to the beach this summer. Which is fine, I’m not really a beach person anyway. My kids are though, and so is The Gent. I would go for the kids, if we could. But it’s rather expensive, the beach. I don’t think the kids would find it at all funny if I purchased one of those plastic kiddie pools to put on the back patio and surrounded it by sand from Lowe’s. No, they probably wouldn’t see the humor.
Oh well.
I need to work on my Southern Sin entry for the Creative Nonfiction contest anyway. I have a topic, a theme, I’ve written a little bit of it but I’m finding it hard to continue. I don’t know why. Yes, I do. I keep listening to the Debbie Downer in my head - the editor, the critique monster. I can’t tune her out. She keeps insisting on me to show her my worthiness and awesomeness but I always come up short. So I end up not even trying.
Well, I’m just glad I have a four-day weekend coming up. Friday I have to go down to the school and pick up The Boy. He’ll be home for summer!!! Yay!! Now I just need to find things to keep him from being bored and out of trouble. Actually, we are working a plan for that right now. And I hope The Girl gets A JOB! ::sigh:: and if we can just get her to do her summer reading then I’ll be happy. That’s all I want, I don’t think I’m asking for much.
For me, though, summertime is not any time special. I won’t be going anywhere on vacation. I will continue on as usual. I’ll keep reading your awesomeness though on social media and live through you vicariously.
Hello There
Why hello there! Yes, it has been a long time. Listen, I just wanted you to know that I’m still around and I still plan to keep this blog going but it may be in a new direction - I will probably just go back to the personal blogging. I enjoyed my short stent in the fashion blogging world but it just wasn’t for me after all. Don’t get me wrong, I still feel the pang when I see great style out there and want to write about it but I just need to put that to bed.
If you want to really keep up with Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville then all you have to do is follow them on Facebook. That is where all the real news is happening.
Anyway, yeah, I’m just going to ease back into my regular ole normal personal blogging.
Thank you.
FWAH Mixer, April
Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville Mixer/Networking Event
Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville (FWAH) will be holding a special Mixer/Networking event on Thursday, April 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Spring Hill Suites Marriott, located at 745 Constellation Place Drive in Downtown Huntsville.
Business features for the April FWAH Mixer/Networking Event will include the Radarmen, I’m Bossy and O J Photography.
The Spring Hill Suites will offer “finger food” appetizers priced at $12 per person.
As Alabama’s premier fashion event, FWAH invites you to be a part of its success. Proceeds from FWAH will go to the Kids to Love Foundation, the John Stallworth Scholarship Foundation and the Studio for Teens.
For more information call 256.585.4452 or visit www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com. Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Fashion Alliance is also on Facebook.
Queen Esther’s Wardrobe
Queen Esther’s Wardrobe is a non-profit charitable organization created to help other women. They are putting on a fashion show on Saturday, April 28th.
There will be a Mix and Mingle starting at 1:30 and the Fashion Show will start at 3:00pm The cost to attend is $12.00, all proceeds will go towards the shipping of dresses to poor communities in Peru.
They are also have a dress drive that is currently going on and will continue until June 1, 2012.
You can find out more on Queen Esther’s Wardrobe FACEBOOK PAGE.
Queen Esther’s Wardrobe was birthed out of a desire to help other women. Someone helped us and now God has positioned us to be able to help others.
.
Our goal is to make each woman feel like the Queen God created her to be. Donations can be materially (ex.clothing) or monetarily.
.
All donations are tax deductible. Let us know at the time of the donation if a tax receipt is needed.
.
If giving monetarily, please make check or money order out to NLOI-Huntsville and put Queen Esther’s Wardrobe in the memo section.
.
Donations can be sent to Queen Esther’s Wardrobe c/o New Life Outreach-Huntsville
P.O. Box 14367
Huntsville, AL 35815.
Any addtional information you might need you can inbox LaQuintte Sumpter Ruth on Facebook or emailqueenestherswardrobe@gmail.com.
Get your passes today for the Fashion Show early. Passes are 1 for $12 or 2 for $20. The last day for these prices is April 25th for proper accommodation purposes. At the door it will be $15 for show only. There will be food, fashion and several giveaways!! So get your passes early so you won’t miss out!!!
Inbox LaQuintte Ruth or email queenestherswardrobe@gmail.com
The Daily Flowers
Good morning my little love bunnies. Hope this Memorial Day weekend finds you reflective and relaxed. Me? I’ve been hermitizing myself up in the house under cool air conditioning with the animals, television, and my Mac. The Gent works weekends and The Kids have been with him for the most part. I mean come on, it’s a golf course and they both have the bug. Actually, The Girl went yesterday to work but today both the kids are there to play. So once again, I have the house to myself, today, on this Sunday of my three day weekend. No, I am not complaining.
I did step outside on a few occasions though. One was to snap a few quick photos of the flowers on the back patio. On Facebook I saw where The Daily had put out a call for photo submissions for “what’s bloomin’ in your area?” They wanted it done via Instagram with the hashtag #thedailyflowers. I understood this jargon, I use Instagram all the time. I knew it would be no big deal to do, would hardly take up any of my time so I thought what the heck.
Here is what I submitted.
Click on any photo for larger view
The Daily stated that they would pick out their favorites from all the submissions and post some of them on their blog on Tuesday. After I posted my photos it wasn’t but a few short hours later that The Daily (or the person managing this particular project) came through my Instagram and LIKED some of my photos. Yay! Now whether or not they’ll be selected for Tuesday’s publishing is something else but still, you know I’ll be looking out for it come Tuesday.
Regardless if they pick any of my entries or not, the call for submission only reminded me that I had a paid subscription to The Daily and I needed to start using/reading it again.
Something New
So I’ve discovered Spearmint Tea.
The other day, The Gent brought home some spearmint plants. At first, I thought to myself, “What are we gonna do with spearmint plants?” I have to admit that out of all the mints, spearmint is my favorite. But still, what are we going to do with spearmint plants?
Then The Gent snapped off a couple of leaves crushing them between his fingers before dunking them into my sweet tea. It was instant love for me. Now I can’t drink sweet tea WITHOUT our spearmint leaves.
While I do love spearmint (in gum and candy) I didn’t think I’d like it in my tea but thankfully I was wrong. Normally I don’t like all those fancy schmancy flavored teas out there offered by the restaurants these days, blech. But our very own spearmint leaves in our store bought Milo’s tea that we sweeten ourselves with artificial sweetener (eegads, I know but oh well) is totally awesome!
Included in this entry is the photograph I took of my very first spearmint tea. The new direction I take this blog just may be about Instragram photos. Who knows.
Interview with LeJeune House of Fashion
I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Her name is Ellena Smith and the name of her design label is LeJeune House of Fashion. I have had the privilege of working with LeJeune and getting to know her as a business woman has been very beneficial to me. I’ll let her do the talking though. Here is my interview with the founder of Alabama Fashion Alliance and Fashion Week Alabama in HUNTSVILLE….
LeJeune House of Fashion, 256.585.4452
When did you start in your business?
I started in my business professionally in 1997, while working a part-time job. In 2000, I worked almost a 10-year stint in the corporate sector, but stayed connected to fashion by spearheading and participating in fashion oriented initiatives.
What made you decide to start your business? History
I have always designed since the age of 12 in my hometown of Birmingham, AL. In elementary school I made Barbie Doll outfits and sold them for 25 cents. I also made chokers, wallets and purses out of upholstery fabric that my father had left over after fulfilling upholstery services to his clients. In college I made most of my money by selling a line of blouses that I created out of scraps and end piece of fabrics that a neighbor donated. Her name was Lydia Aqeel, and she was a seamstress, and her daughter Zenobia was my best friend. Because my line of blouses were extremely well received, I decided to sell my designs through upscale boutiques when I relocated to Huntsville in preparation for marriage. I begin to realize that in order for me to truly express all side of my creativity, I need to work in an environment that was less controlled, thus I opened my boutique and design studio in 1997 in downtown Huntsville, off of Clinton Avenue. It was then too that I desired to establish a professional fashion group to help with the success of business, which giving back to community. Out of that came the birth of The Huntsville Council of Fashion Designers, an all volunteer group that make up the annual event “Designer Against Breast Cancer”, a fashion show honoring survivors and raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
Tell me what you do.
I design a line of ladies apparel sizes 2-18 that help expand existing wardrobe options. I also plan business and fashion-related events. I have a passion for business marketing and development, empowering women through example, education, and personal interface, and positively impacting the lives of people that I come into contact with. I am coming to realize that I am a visionary, full of insightful ideas, and because of that most of my aspirations are outside of the box - - but I believe in them.
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client is someone who first appreciates the work and creative thought of a fashion designer. They are confident, smart, and open to new ideas. They love purchasing, wearing LeJeune and shares it with all of their friends and acquaintances.
What is one of your recent accomplishments?
My most recent accomplishment was launching Fashion Week Alabama in 2011. I, along with a committed team, pulled the huge undertaking off on a shoestring budget. It was groundbreaking. I am presently working on Fashion Week Alabama-Hsv 2012, where plans are to expand the Fashion Week vision statewide and beyond.
How do you network? Build business?
Social Media is mostly how I network. But most importantly, I believe in connecting with people - - to know their dreams and aspirations, along with what they are presently doing. I can draw a lot from just these 3 things. I’m not afraid of reaching out to someone I do not personally know. I attend various networking events across the city of Huntsville, when my schedule allows and I always try to make the most of that opportunity.
My business is built, undoubtedly, by word of mouth, with the use of social media being an awesome tool .
What is your key to success?
My keys to success are sincerely connecting with people, staying current, being consistent and follow-through. I am always working to improve in these areas.
Can you share a tip with the readers?
Connect with people. Not just for what you can get from them, but for what you can bring to the table. There’s power, empowerment and opportunity when we sincerely connect with people.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I stay current with fashion and business trends by reading, pictures and video, surfing the web , talking with business owners, talking with people I know and don’t know. I believe that just as a business has to diversity its streams of income, a person has to diversity its streams of people, business, and life experiences.
What is your most rewarding moment?
Giving birth to my daughter Celine, and my husband and I experiencing that joy. Launching my first fashion & design studio in 1996.
Community Involvement?
Founder of Designers Against Breast Cancer (1997-1987), a charity fashion show that featured breast cancer survivors on the runway, and involved upwards of 100 volunteers. We raised $11,000 for the American Cancer Society. Served as Director of the Huntsville Council of Fashion Designers and Creative Business Alliance, both initiatives supporting business and various local charities.
Is there anything special you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions?
Events:
Fashion Week Alabama-Hsv, scheduled for June 9 through June 16. More information at www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com. Hosting a monthly networking mixers in support and promotion of Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville as well. Check website for dates and registrations.
Promotions:
Special on Basic Sewing & Design Classes by LeJeune. Regular price $100/Specially Price at $50 if you register during the Month of March. Students will take a basic pattern, and ad their own flair, creating their own designer garment!
LeJeune also offers Basic Sewing and Intermediate Sewing Classes at Hancock Fabrics-South Memorial Parkway. For class schedule, send request to lejeune@lejeunehouseoffashion.com
In your own words:
May the way I live my life speak louder than my words.
### End of Interview ###
This concludes the interview. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know LeJeune. She is quite the lady I tell you. I admire her immensely and I am proud to know her.
Interview, LaSonja Greene
[caption id=”attachment_5413” align=”alignleft” width=”224” caption=”LaSonja Greene”]
[/caption]
I would like to introduce to you the Executive Director of Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville, LaSonja Greene. I had the pleasure of interviewing her for the blog. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have.
Name/Type of Business: Empowerment/Motivational Speaker
POC: LaSonja Greene
Phone: Email: greenepublicrelations@gmail.com
Website: LaSonjaGreene.Com
Twitter: @LasonjaG
When did you start your business?
My business started many years ago but was not officially launched online until this year.
What made you decide to start your business? History.
I decided to start a business out of my passion for people and because of the reaction from others I had inspired. It completes me to help others break down what seems to be complicated issues and situations into manageable pieces that are easily conquered. I enjoy analyzing and objectively approaching obstacles because it opens the view wider to the big picture. Watching the impact of change into self-acceptance is spiritual and electrifying.
Tell me what you do.
I empower others so that they reach their full potential in life. It is important that everyone realizes that we are all made different with different life assignments and paths. The sooner that view is clear, progress toward each person’s specific design begins to be seen both by the individual and others.
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client/s is/are a huge audience ready to start their life where they are. I want an audience of people not looking in their bag of short comings but looking in their soul to see who they were designed to be and contribute to the world.
If I had to choose someone to work with, I would choose Tyler Perry or Oprah Winfrey. I would not choose them because of their popularity or wealth but because they value mankind and truly work from the heart.
What is one of your recent accomplishments?
My most recent accomplishments are, of course, my online launch of LaSonjaGreene.Com, receiving my MBA from Auburn University and becoming Executive Director of Fashion Week Alabama, one of the biggest events in Huntsville and Alabama.
How do you network? Build business?
Social Media is certainly the way to go. There are so many ways to promote and market your business with little or no cost at all and reach my desired audience.
What is your key to success?
Persistence and dedication.
Can you share a tip about your business?
Schedule your event early. To make your event memorable, have the right speaker, LaSonja Greene.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
Market Research is what helps keep me on top of what’s happening in my industry. The internet certainly helps make that research obtainable. Life is a university and my best educator. Because I am in the people business, observing the actions and behaviors of people is meaningful and provides insightful wisdom. I am and always will be hungry for continued knowledge from structured institutions because it provides the credentials the world uses to qualify good talent.
What was your most rewarding moment?
My most rewarding moment was when I opened the high school football program from my daughter’s school and my daughter had in her write up that I was her role model. Priceless!
Community involvement?
I enjoy working in the community. Fashion Week Alabama, PUMBC, VP-Board Member, Board Member-Auburn Clubs of Auburn Alumni, Team Captain-Relay for Life, Duty Free Lunch Coordinator for Madison Academy.
Is there anything you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions, specials?
Look for details on a City-Wide Girl’s Night Out to raise money for Relay for life on Friday April 27, 2012 and celebrate my business launch to Huntsville and Professionals Month.
In your words.
My Plan is to change the world one person at a time by helping them EMBRACE the person they were designed to be, EXCHANGE with others your triumphs and victories to strengthen our society, and EMPOWER anyone around you to do the same.
My Purpose offer the best I have to give to help make others see their life and their purpose.
My Gift to love purely, laugh a lot and out loud, and be kind to all of mankind.
### End of Interview ###
The Alabama Fashion Alliance is looking for a blogger who would like to write fashion related articles on their own blog. Please contact info@fashionweekalabamahsv.com to find out more information. I have been doing it up until now but I am relinquishing my position. Everyone has been so nice and easy to work with and I appreciate all of them. I look forward to following Alabama Fashion Week in Huntsville as an audience member from here on out.
Of course, I’m not giving up completely, I’ll still promote them here on the blog and occasionally write some more articles but I just can’t do it with the consistency I had been doing it.
The Cemetery
This is a photo I took when I was in Portsmouth, Ohio in July. It is the cemetery where my grandparents are buried along with other family members.
I know it may sound morbid but I love this cemetery. You could probably drive right by it and not know it is there or it may look small from the outside. However, once you are inside, it seems to sprawl out forever and a day. It is one of those strange anomalies; you know, how you look great in a new outfit in the department store mirror but when you put it on at home and look at yourself in your own mirror you think, “What the heck was I thinking?” Yes, one of those kind of anomalies.
The cemetery is called Greenlawn Cemetery and it is the only public cemetery in Portsmouth, Ohio. It is spread across 40 acres and established in 1829.
The plush green grass, large shade trees, and old weathered tombstones make for a peaceful retreat for me. I know that sounds bizarre but it was so quiet in there and the outside world faded quickly from my mind. I probably could have taken a blanket and picnic basket and just stayed there all day. I wonder if people would look at me like I was crazy, or if I’d be kicked out.
I told my kids that I could spend all day in that cemetery and if I lived in Portsmouth I would probably visit there every day. They looked at me like I had just grown three heads but when they turn 40-something years old and become parents of teenagers then maybe they will get it.
Now, I have been in other cemeteries before but I have never had this feeling of contentment from any of them. I wonder what it is about the Greenlawn Cemetery that put me at ease so quickly and has me longing to return?
Original photo, before Instagram:
Just thinking about the cemetery, and remembering the day I visited in July, makes me take a deep sigh. Maybe the feeling of contentment came from seeing my grandparents grave and re-living all the great memories I had with them. Times were different just a short few years ago (27 years ago) and I was still somewhat innocent, not yet jaded from this big ole world. The last two years of my high school days were lived with my grandparents as my guardians. I wish I had paid more attention to them back then.
