Friday Collections and Pediatric Expert Update!

If you are looking for a fabulous gift for someone, check out these monogrammed plates at Neiman's. How adorable are these! They come in all different styles and colors. You order them in sets of 4. I just love these! I saw them in a magazine and immediate tore out the page for future purchasing.
On a completely different note, I did not realize that that crib bumpers were really not recommended for use. I read an article that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend usage of crib bumpers or anything extra in the crib (which I did know that). Well, I asked the expert - being that my father is President for the TX Pedi Society and on the board for the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said, yes indeed, it is truly not preferred as the risk of SIDS increases with the use of bumpers. The little one might roll into the bumper and then not be able to roll out. He has seen a number of cases where this was a likely cause. Also, I have a dear friend whose baby kept rolling into the bumpers and they had to remove them as she was getting in some sticky situations. So, with my new knowledge, I have definitely decided to forego cute bumpers and just have a cute crib skirt and sheet. One less thing to be concerned about...

(This is not my nursery - just an image... But my nursery does have all white furniture. )

My company: Advance Grants

Today, I finalized all my print materials and officially ordered my paper goods for Advance Grants - my company. Advance Grants mission is Helping Organizations Advance their Funding Stream through Grant Writing. My logo is above. I am still working on my website and hopefully my brother can still help me before he gets deployed. I used the design firm Lowercase a: a design studio for all logo work. What a fabulous company to work with! I really wanted to work with a local firm and I could not be more pleased with the outstanding service and final product. I am looking forward to promoting Advance Grants and helping non-profits in the SA area.

Third Trimester is here!

Well this week marks the start of my third trimester... I think. (My dates could be off a few days.) Regardless of the timing, I can definitely feel the difference. Sleep is already starting to be quite difficult. I cannot seem to find a comfy position. I cannot seem to stop going #1. I guess it is God's way of preparing me and Ben for the next year or so... Amazing how perfectly that is planned. In some ways, I just want to skip these next few months but in other ways, I still need more time. I have very little prepared. I am loving the feeling of little Luke inside of me. Yesterday, I finally had the realization that heels are pretty much out for the next 2.5 months. How sad - I could live in heels.



We start our childbirth/child education classes in a few weeks. Ben goes to Daddy "Bootcamp" in 3 weeks which will be good. We also are attending a "pet and your baby" class. I am a little concerned about this one. My little Dakota is so sweet and precious, and I don't really see him being a problem. BUT... he has been my little "child" for the past 6 years and is used to being pampered by me so hopefully we can include him in this process. Hopefully we can do the right things as dog owners to prepare little D for the big change.



A few peeps have been asking for some pics so here I am at the 3rd tri.

Beware of Subway Tuna Sandwiches!

On Wednesday, I was craving a tuna sub from Subway so I mosied over to my local Subway and got my $5 meal deal. Well, by 11pm that night, I was beginning to hate that Subway sandwich. 11pm was the start of a very violent night of food poisoning. Nothing, and I mean nothing, was left in me (well, minus Luke) by 10am the next morning. I was so weak I could barely move or even talk... and that is serious. The crazy thing is that simultaneously, my sweet brother Nate is rushed to the ER in Galveston for what they later diagnosed him with appedicitis. My dad left for Galveston at midnight to be with Nate where my sister was meeting up with dad, Nate and his girl friend. My mom and Ben stayed with me while I violently experienced this food poisoning. Around 6am, my mom then jumped on a flight to Htown to be with Nate while I began my recovery. Whew! So, it all ended well. Nate is now appendix-less and recovering well. I am almost back to 100% - 4 lbs lighter but fairly hydrated and on my way back to normalcy. I think I should report this to the health department just so they can have the info... I will have to look into that.

Anyways... what a crazy last few days.

Annie's Baby Find

My dearest friend Annie who is due with a little girl a few weeks after Luke, found a fabulous find that I thought is very blog worthy!

Picky Sticky www.pickysticky.com/

So, these are stickers that you can place on onesies at each month, year, etc... and snap pics to record your little one's growth! Precious. They come in many different designs. I picked out a couple that I thought were cute - boy and girl version.

Stieg Larsson's Trilogy

Over the past few months, I have really enjoyed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson. I have read all three and, by far, the second novel was my favorite. I could not get enough of that book. All of the books are on the best seller list right now, and if you have not read the books then get on it! The books are set in Sweden and have been translated into English from the original versions. The names of people and locations can be tricky because they are QUITE Swedish. :) The series is about this investigative reporter/writer and a quircky mysterious girl who is a brilliant hacker. They have quite a twisted adventure that gets you hooked immediately. Ben and I just watched the movie - which was big in Europe. It is in Swedish with English subtitles. It was pretty good and true to the first book. Worth the watch - but AFTER the book. The second movie should be out soon - if it is not already out in Europe.

Stieg Larsson was a brilliant writer who died in 2004 so he never got to see his hard work come to fruition. He had the workings of his 4th novel on his computer when he died and it will be interesting to see if this book becomes available and who finishes it.

Check it out and be prepared for many great nights of addicted reading!

Be a Pepper Baby!!

My sweet intern (from Southwest Center) gave me this precious onesie for little Luke. I absolutely LOVE DP and this was such a fun gift to open. I am sure little Luke will be a DP lover also since I do drink it periodically. Such a cute gift for DP lovers who are mommies!

Tuesday Tidbit - Schipperke

I thought I would share a little bit about my dear little dog, Dakota. He is a Schipperke and many people have never heard of this breed before. He is such a spunky little guy. About 6 years ago, I decided I wanted a small dog. My brother, Joe, and I searched the pound and Humane Society in the Houston area and did not find any small dogs that I really wanted to adopt. I do love all dogs but I was looking for "the one." Joe happened to discover a Schipperke puppy in a pet store. I had never heard of a Schipperke before and I instantly fell in love with him. We decided to look for a local breeder instead of pet store and we found a breeder in Galveston. We went that day and I saw my sweet little Dakota. He was the runt of the group but he was my favorite - so fun, lively and fiesty. I just adored him instantly. So, hence, I have my Schipperke. My sister thought Dakota was a perfect name for him so with family assistance I got my first dog! He has been with me across the country and we have lived in many different places. He is such a fun little dude. We call him "littles", "little bear", "doodle bug", "picklesworth" - you name it but he is truly a mini tasmanian devil!

Schipperke facts:

Schipperkes have a lion-like mane and are completely black. Most Schips have docked tails. Schips range from 12 lbs to 20 lbs. Little D is 13 lbs.

Known for a stubborn, mischievous and headstrong temperament, the Schipperke is sometimes referred to as the "little black fox", the "Tasmanian black devil", or the "little black devil." They are naturally curious and high-energy dogs, and require ample exercise and supervision.

Schipperkes are very smart and independent, and sometimes debate listening to owners, instead choosing to do whatever benefits them the most.

Due to their bravery and adventurous character, not to mention low center of gravity, Schipperkes are excellent boat dogs, and are often found cruising the world aboard sailing yachts and powerboats. They are not prone to seasickness. They are known to be "little captains." I must say that my little Dakota loves boats and water. He is a true blooded Schipperke!

Possessed of extraordinary senses and an inherent suspicion of strangers, the Schipperke sleeps lightly and makes a keen, vigilant watchdog. He is convinced that he is a big dog and may physically challenge an intruder foolish enough to ignore his sharp, penetrating bark. Dakota is severely mistaken that he is a big dog. When we go to the dog park, we must always go to the big dog side for him to have proper play... The small dog park only promotes "loving the lady canines" and human petting - forget any idea of true exercise...

Schipperke is pronounced Skip-er-key.

Anyways... just some fun facts about Schipperkes.

What are you doing for someone else today?

I was listening to the radio while running errands today. I love to listen to the Christian station - they just always play such uplifting music. (If it gets too sappy, I change it to Lady GAGA or country but usually I really love it.) ANYWAYS... Today this DJ was sharing about this 17 year old girl who took her dad out for lunch. While they were eating, the teenager noticed a soldier in uniform eating alone. She sought out the manager and paid for the soldier's lunch without him knowing. That really moved me. I know I hear stories like that periodically but it was just a reminder to me to do something thoughtful and unexpected for others... Don't get too wrapped up in my needs or wants. I don't mean to - and sometimes I don't even realize I am doing so - I love to give to others and make others happy. But, by nature, I can get selfish and forget to do nice things for others daily, if not weekly...

When Ben and I got engaged, we were in this fabulous restaurant in a very privado room - only a few patrons were seated in this wine room. We had a full 5 course meal with beverages each course - it was definitely a spectacular meal in a fine place. Well, at the end of our meal our waiter said our meal had been taken care of... Of course, we were shocked and Ben went to inquire. Apparently, two couples who were each celebrating 20 plus years of marriage together saw Ben propose and wanted to buy dinner for us to wish us a happy 20 plus years like they have experienced! It was so special and unexpected, obviously... We will never forget that and we will keep that tradition to pass onto others as we celebrate our anniversaries.

So, today I am challenged to do something for someone else today - regardless if they notice it or thank me or even acknowledge me. Just do something because I know it will make their day and maybe it will remind them of such good in the world and to pass the love on!!

Friday Collections

I haven't posted my Sunday collections update lately - although I look almost daily at new fun finds for napkins. Check out my latest finds online. Wouldn't these be fabulous to have for your dinners and cocktail parties!
Go Navy!! These make me feel like enjoying an Arnold Palmer or Mint Juleps...


Some more Vera Neumann finds...

Precious rooster cocktails...

Love the Christmas Vera!

Eyelash Flash Part Deux

Today I enjoyed a half day at the day spa. A fabulous way to spend a rainy Thursday. I traded in all my Aveda Pure Privilege points for a gift certificate. I found out I had to use it all in one day - no products only services. So after a facial, cut and style, I still had $25 left. So, I asked them what can I do for $25. I had the option of eyebrow wax or eyelash tint. Well, eyebrow wax... blah blah... Eyelash tint - why not?!?! So, today I had a professional eyelash tint. Thankfully I did not technically "pay" for it because it did not work for me. I think it works more on blondies, greys and light-haired peeps. I already have dark lashes and was just hoping that my light tips would darken. I was thinking automatic mascara for 2 months. But,... no. I look the same pre-mascara as before. Maybe a tad darker (like 1/100th of a shade darker) but you cannot really tell. Oh well - fun experience. So, Thursday tidbit for you darkies - don't waste your money on eyelash tint.

Eyelash Flash!

So,... tonight I am blogging about a silly subject - but it is one that is on my mind.

My sister (right or bottom - depending on your computer) and I (left) were blessed with very long full eyelashes - no extra work needed or required. I don't usually have anything negative to say about my lashes - 99.9% of the time I LOVE my lashes. Well, I am starting to get suspicious about the effects of pregnancy on my eyelash growth and separation ability. My sister and I have basically always tied on lash fabulousness... For heaven's sake - I was asked to be an eyelash model at one point. But, lately I am noticing that my lashes are less than fabulous. I was so suspicious that I took a photo of my sister's lashes and then forced her to take one of mine to compare. Check this out... You will notice the commercial like length, separation and beauty of sister's lashes. My lashes are looking a little jointed and out of control - not so fan-like. This is a new development...

Again, I realize this post seems a bit ridiculous but it is just another new development is my road to motherhood... Interesting, I know.