Shine some light: reach beyond your comfort zone

I have been blessed with several beautiful women in my life.  I mean LOADS!  So I thought I’d feature one today.  Since I have no idea if she’ll like the thought of me writing a blog about her I’ve decided until she approves I will change her name for the purpose of my story.  

So this friend “Lola” has inspired me multiple times since the beginning of our friendship.  I feel like I missed out on a huge opportunity during the short time we were neighbors.  You see I think she was supposed to be my design mentor for a season yet somehow I managed to avoid

first day of school....ever!!!

can you believe tomorrow is the first day of school?!?

I'm in a strange place with all this.
So much is happening in my life as if a speed train is at the station about to take off on an amazing page turning adventure I'm flying through the train station, hair blowing in the breeze, luggage in hand (light as you go).... trying to make it before the doors close.

summer days coming to an end as school begins
spray SPF brings my family such joy

You see, a local gal with whom we share

locked out...how we got back in...the miracle story!

What a night!!!!  You wouldn’t believe what happened....so I’d better tell ya before I forget the details and move onto the next exciting adventure.  We returned home from a visit with friends in far north Austin around 7:30pm.  I delayed the inevitable long enough it was time to go to work.  I headed out for the salon I’m currently redesigning around 10pm knowing I had a long night ahead of me....hanging shelves and painting.

after phase 3 of the salon transformation...more than halfway there....stay tuned for more pictures please lovely.

As you may already know I hate making several

Happy New Years Eve

Here I sit, Grape Nuts floating around in my bowl sweetened by the perfect Mr. Brown Sugar.  With a list of things to do (before 7pm tonight) that would keep a gal busy for weeks, I decided to take a wee break:)  What?!?!



and the creative

Weekend bliss joyfully welcomes my Monday reality

You ask "what does BCBG have to do with anything?" you'll find out

Can this new reality paint a completely different picture than last weeks’? 
The answer is yes!!!!

The showcase of my weekend’s adventures, tears, laughter, videos and the making of new friendships is finally in.  

Like a urgent news flash except NOT....because this flash of fun through photos brings JOY!!!!

Let’s highlight a glimpse then we’ll travel in order of events:

Style Feature: lighting

Light is so important when entertaining, working, playing, relaxing, reading, etc. 

Are you setting a mood? or do you need focused light for working or reading? 

I was shocked while traveling Europe (especially Italy and France) that they lighting was so bright & harsh even in intimate restaurants.  Yes, you should be able to see your food but lighting sets the mood and I will most likely never remember the food I've eaten but I always

Style Feature: French Cozy Chic in the Master Suite

The Master Suite:

In case you missed the story of this house and my sweetie cakes friend who owns it (and decorated it BY HER SELF) then click HERE to see loads of fabulous shots and hear the story.

for more pictures of this romantic boudoir please click to read more....

Featured Spaces: french luxe with a twist of cozy romantic

I've been away from the computer a while so I've been inadvertently holding out on you.  You see a couple weeks ago I invited myself over to a friend's house (nothing new there) so I could get my fingers (and my iPhone) into every nook and cranny of her gigantic and exquisitely decorated home in Dripping Springs.

click through to read the story & find more great pictures of her rockin' relaxing style...

bareback with Story



these kids loved their horse experience



Today's Horse Adventure:

Can I share a bit of random stuff first??

Horses have been a passion of mine since birth, really.  I learned bareback & western at the Cedar Valley Stables back when my uncle was owner.  When I moved to Texas (Corpus Christi-ish) I was welcomed into this amazingly beautiful family of equestrians---hello, perfect world! 

My girlfriend Morgan, then 10, and I would ride at least once a day but usually more like 3 or 4 (talk about passionate).   With sprawling roads to the left & right of us we were sure to find adventure.  My favorite was to find the longest stretch of grass along the road (‘bout a half a mile long) and announce a “dream canter” or a “race ya!”.  

There was the rare occasion (ok, not that rare) we’d take a midnight ride—alone or with the whole family.  We’d randomly jump on whichever horse we found into while roaming the pasture and ride along the beach after a long night of dancing.  What fun we had!  Those horses were so patient! 

saying a special "thank you" to Story



One time I was riding Kaanz—this beautiful teenage-boy-kinda-mischievous grey gelding---when we decided to stop off and chat with a friend.  While chatting I had one leg over his neck—chillin’ (like an idiot)—and sweet, goofy Kaanz bit the hot wire (electric fence)!!  I held on like glue…that is until I came to grips that it was nearly impossible for me to swing my body from under his neck (can you picture that) to the top of his back while at a dead gallop….I let go.….he trampled my legs:)  That’ll teach me!  I still have the dents in my shins.   (huh….did I have a saddle on or not?  No clue!)

Might not seem like a real funny story but I assure you…I laughed!!!

Time for one more story? 

Sometimes just for kicks Morgan & I would each jump on a horse—no bridle, no saddle, or anything else to hold onto—on a black moonless night, lay down on the horse’s neck (to avoid being clotheslined by a tree) & KICK!  We’d run them all the way back to the house …..practically blind:) 

now that’s trust!  

Uhhhh…or stupidity!

Well with 2 kids at my side, today wasn’t quite so adventurous; however, ANY contact with horses these days is pretty exciting :)  Here's today's adventure:)

love those little donkeys....quite friendly & perfectly sized

love n hugs (soaked in the best aroma ever---HORSE)

Trish

I'm so ready for bed right now...the past few mornings my "rise early" attempts were thwarted by my selfish, lazy flesh suit. . For some strange reason I love staying up really really late. I just get so much done, the house looks great when we all wake up and its easier to stay that way. Tonight I did all the ironing for the month (I only make myself do it that often....I mean, why buy clothes that need such maintenance anyway!) I did some more filming for the "staging" series I'm working on. I feel like I went back to college lately, trying to learn to edit videos that is. Not to mention learning to PAUSE when talking to myself...i.e. you out in computer land. If this is your first read of my blog then I'm sorry for the inside chatter amongst my dear friends keeping up with things:) You'll be aquainted with the way I do things soon enough. I'm determined to wake up early tomorrow for quality God time....you hear that? you're my witnesses!

For tonight let me be brief...I know, what does that even mean???...I finally took my advice about writing someone a real letter. I wrote my friend Kim in North Carolina...or South Carolina, I still need her address in order to mail the thing. My Dad's letters (which I haven't even come to the halfway point:) inspired me to write...with a pencil...and paper to someone I love who lives far away. Maybe she'll be my pen pal. You see, my past is even decorated:)....Ages ago we were college roommates (best friends ever since). Boy do we have stories....talk about living life in abundance! WOW! I was putting myself through school (UTSA) while working 3 part time jobs to keep me there. Her & Roberto (that's a whole other story) let me live with them under the radar to save me from having to drop out of school....keeping up with my schedule meant I slept about 2-3 hours a night. One of my jobs was in the school library putting books back on the shelves. Rollerblades and late late nights helped me there:) had the time of my life & met some really fun people.

So many stories I won't get stuck on that...maybe she'll tell of the time we were studying in one of those private study rooms with the big windows. We would put our chairs on the table, books in our laps (just to be silly & get attention, imagine that)...a big football player dude walked by & then stopped in his tracks.. stunned at the sight I guess...oddly enough we start "posing down" with this big dude for like 5 minutes. We did a pose, he'd matched it...back & forth. FUNNY girls:) I love making memories with friends....and strangers:)

So my tip for the day: get something out of that story...whatever you get from it is what you needed to hear tonight (or today or whatever). So let it sink in or laugh like you're taking medicine for your heart:) LOVE YOU...hugs n love

t

laughing again

can't sleep...too many things on my mind...so much happening....the last 24 hours have been a roller coaster ride of emotions

Went to Dad's today with Marc, Amanda (my sis) and her family just to mow, clean up & see about tying up some loose ends. Oh, and remember the letters I told you about? Apparently my Dad wrote letters to all of us before making the decision to end his life. even typing that out seems so terrible...all over again...anyway, "Where are the letters?" we prayed many times over. We asked God for "the letters" and our prayers were answered....:) more on the letters in tomorrows blog. Yes, it includes a video so stay tuned.



Now fast forward to this evening....with my mind & heart on reading these "letters" it took primping mindlessly in the mirror for an hour for me to finally shift to this evening's event...10th Annual Kyle Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. As often & as hard as I've cried in the past 2 weeks I laughed tonight. I mean laughed!!! The Bible says "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine" in Proverbs....well tonight my heart doeth good...mine for sure and I'm certain many of those amazing people that surrounded me tonight. I wish I had my camera crew there to capture the funny. Maybe next time:)



my new best friend--Jessica
brilliant pre-law athlete @ UT

 

So I sat at this table...the FUN table...otherwise known as table 20...right next to this fantastic gal, Jessica. She was me only 15 years ago and most likely much nicer than I ever was. Oh, and super brilliant. So you'll have a chance to meet her soon as she'll be appearing on my show....most likely about doing what you do with excellence. She's a top athelete with "mad skill" (cause that sounds cool n hip). Not only is she cute, she can get us into the sports places on campus...not sure what that means but it sounds fun, huh!?



Marilyn---Volunteer of the Year



Wendy...amazing chiropractor



I saw loads of friends & made several new ones. God is so good to me...He knew I needed a good laugh & sent the right people to inspire my creativity....hugs to you all. And to "The Director" who said I won the "Award for Best Dress"....thank you and you can just send it to my agent! xoxo




Pictures & more about the letters tomorrow...or maybe even Monday cause tomorrow is church & our long awaited church Valentine's Banquet at Green Pastures.....yet another perfect evening with friends.



Cyndy--friend with HIT newspaper!

Beverly...pilates master &
soon to be mama of 3

xo

Trish....aka Blu Wyatt ;)

Eat More Pie...and pray for someone...maybe not at the same time:)

After a really long day I nearly went to bed just now…then remembered I had some things to share with you.  You see, you’re part of the family & I must share with you the little nuggets of the day.  How are you living decorated today?  Have you written down your vision yet?  Takes some time, eh?  Well, as long as you’re being honest with yourself & moving forward no one can give you a hard time, least of all me:)

A few things I want to share about today... but let me rewind to yesterday briefly to tell you about a great lady who lives decorated by doing what God has truly gifted her to do & surrounding herself with things & people she loves.  Julie owns Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX and if you haven’t been you MUST go.  We went yesterday & I was immediately inspired by the Eat More Pie sign…I mean HELLO….totally my motto.  Maybe you can add ALL desserts to that tag line then it would be more “me”.  Anyway, she had just made this funky chandelier out of utensils (how fitting) and the unique guitars I guess she made as well. There are loads of write-ups about this place featured one one wall & the other is filled with pictures of her family...inspiring! So check her out & you’ll certainly be back for more.  Say hi to Shana when you go!

Now I jump forward to my “today”.  I received a voicemail that my dearest best friend just lost her Mimi & is in San Antonio.  I loaded the kids in the car as soon as I unloaded the groceries (and played with the lost dog who wouldn’t leave our yard) then headed her way.  My friend is one of the kindest women you will EVER meet with such a heart for God, Jesus & her family.  To see her hurting is nearly unbearable.  After catching up on each other’s lives she asked that I pray for her. We put the kids in front of the TV (no worries, it was wholesome programming) and we headed to the car with Koko. I thank God for answered prayer! 

I was inspired to share for this reason; someone may have asked you (or will ask you) “pray for me” and what better gift than to stop everything you’re doing and pray right then and there?  Time doesn’t always allow but when it does…when you MAKE time I promise when you see prayers answered.  there is no greater gift or way to beautify your life by sacrificing for someone you love…someone God loves!   She has VICTORY TODAY….by faith she received it!!!

Thanks for letting me share that very close-to-my-heart story from my day’s adventure.  And a road trip is always a great way to shut everything out & touch base with your Creator.  Watch the clouds roll in (or around) as you chug along.

Jumping a bit more ahead: remember that cute dog?  Well while driving to SA I prayed & asked God to have His perfect will with that curly bundle of love.  SO….sure enough when Marc got home he was still here…just as adorable as can be.  I gave him a bath (with Tiernan’s help, of course) and now he’s waiting for me in my bed.  Even as I write this I have tears peaking in my eyes. Do you know how much I miss Paisey Poo…still?!  This may be an answer to prayer (even though I promise I did NOT pray for another animal)

Did I steal someone else’s dog, you ask?  NO!  I went door to door in the cold trying to find his home (even though I admit I hoped against it).  I left my card on houses, left flyers near both mail centers….now I pray he will be in the perfect home for him.  Sorry for the length of this one but you’re probably already signed off & I’m all alone here…oh, well.  I LOVE HIM! 

Disclaimer:  I would NEVER want to take someone else’s dog (or make a little kid cry) so I have to do all in my power to find his home but he acts as if he’s been here forever.  Hopefully he’s potty trained:)

"Your house is Pinterest on steroids"...best compliment ever!!!!

Pinterest on steroids

I can’t believe I’m only NOW sharing this…my friend Julie came into town (Monday) from Arizona, where her & her husband live.  Now, I must admit, Julie & I were never very close.  She had many close girlfriends & I had a new marriage, a thriving business, church activities & a baby on the way when we really spoke for the first time.  Its pretty safe to say I was a bit consumed …. I certainly wasn’t my “normal” friend-making kinda gal.  

What started our friendship?  We spent a short time sharing an office at the real estate firm where my husband worked (and still does).  It gave me a place to meet clients, lay out my sewing projects & work the marketing & bookkeeping end of business while also giving me a chance to have girl chat.  I was privileged to hear all her wedding planning details as they unfolded.  I mean, what woman doesn’t like to share the joy of a friend about to walk down the aisle…..not me.  I love seeing my friends blessed & walking out God’s plan for their lives.  Well Julie is no exception.  I’ve seen God do some really great things for her & it makes me smile.  Its just the beginning Miss Julie!  Then we introduced them to Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover.  Totally life changing for them just as it has been for us.  So the bond was strengthened.  She then planned a diaper shower for Marc & I while we were expecting Koen.  Her attention to detail was remarkable & I’m sad she isn’t here to help me plan this big party for October 22^nd!!!!  Her husband has his 10 year high school reunion far away from here on Friday.   Its ok folks, it’ll be great.  Mark your calendars ladies.  Invite to follow via FB or evite if I have your email address. 

Well I gave you a little (ok a little too much babble and side winding) background story just to share that she was able to drop by the other day (Monday)  & see the boys, Koen for the first time, and have a tour of the house in progress.  Now mind you, when she called I had just finished painting my new dresser --gift from God (free & gorgeous)-- and had only JUST placed it in the study.  Ok….do you know what that means?  I had clothes, jewelry, and just about everything else you can imagine strewn all over the study & spilling over into the bedroom.  Disaster!  I tell all my clients, it’ll have to get worse before it gets better…but when you have to take your own dose of advise its not so fun.  So with minutes on the clock until Julie arrives I’m flying through the house picking up…staging….making it all picture perfect for her first impression.  I even wrote “welcome home Julie” on the chalkboard just as you enter the front door.  Over the top?  I think NOT!!!  If you know me you know I’m the type that likes every single thing in its place, tidy, neat , totally & flawlessly decorated (although this house is still a work in progress as I’m sure I’ve already  mentioned).  Well the part of the story Marc enjoyed telling her when she arrived was that when I was running around cleaning (still in my painting clothes from the dresser project) he said “you might want to change” and I retort off the cuff “it doesn’t matter what I look like, she’s seen me cute, she’s never seen the house!”.   I mean am I right?!?  First impressions are so important & you never get another one.  “ok…could you come back again in 3 months & take another tour?  Pretend you’ve never seen it before.”  That doesn’t exactly work, right!? 

So there you have it….now I’ve arrived at the point of my story.  I have to share the most amazing compliment I’ve ever received on my home: 

“Your house is like Pinterest on steroids!!!”  The tone of voice & body language actually placed about 17 exclamation points on the end of that statement.  WOOOOHOOOO!!!!

Best ever compliment & coming from someone who is confident in her own style.  Bunny Trail: One thing I think is so important is once you find & identify your own unique style (call me to help if you don’t quite know yet) then stand strong there.   I have a LOT of friends that have a very different style than I do & some even laugh when they come over & see something new (which 90% of the time they hate….I mean strongly dislike) but all that makes me do is laugh…never getting offended because I’ve been around enough homes & different people to know everyone is unique & what I try to do for my clients is pull out their style & lead them to a successful palette & concept for the space to really work for them.  Change is sometimes hard but a healthy change must be welcomed & embraced  change must come  On a small scale, as an examplem what’s in now won’t necessarily look so wonderful in 10 years.  There comes a time to redecorate.

I didn’t plan on going into all of that but it must’ve been for someone out there listening.  Change is good….embrace it & move forward.  Read Jeremiah 29:11 for a little food for thought……

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  (NLT)

 love to all....and ni-night.

t