Category Archives: Bits+Pieces

Weekend Wrap Up

This weekend was a blur! I was beyond busy with blogging and things around the house but all-in-all in was GREAT!! I met so many new people, had tons of fun, worked with amazing designers and photographers on photo shoots and even finished OITNB (Orange Is The New Black). Side Note: I can’t believe I have to wait another year for a new season. I’m more than sad about that!

All of my activities started Wednesday with hosting a private preview party at Mod Chic Boutique in Rice Village. I also hosted the Summer Garden Tea Party event at Mod Chic Boutique on Saturday. There is nothing like seeing peoples eyes light up when they lay their eyes on a garment that they know is perfect for them.

Sunday was soooo eventful! I started by attending the Brown Bloggers Brunch at Sweet Paris in City Center. The food was yummy and the company was amazing. Right after that, I traveled a few minutes away to the monthly Houston Bloggers Union meeting. There Elly, Jillian, and Jaclyn discussed ways to discover your value and monetize your blog. They were hilarious to listen to but more than that, they were honest in lending a hand to up and coming bloggers.

Lastly I was able to be a part of Designer Natalie Harris’s Damsel White Label Renegade Shoot Out. Natalie provided her out-of-the-box wedding gowns and models, while vendors brought in bouquets, flower crowns, and almost any prop you could imagine. Photographers were free to style their own shoots by selecting the gowns, models, etc.

When I finally got home I was truly exhausted but I honestly don’t regret one minute of it! Cheers to busy weekends, Enjoy the recap!

Mel’s Modern Caillgraphy

I first met Mel when she came aboard at our school as a second grade teacher. Like many teachers she is multifaceted and crazy talented. It only took knowing her for a short while to realize this. As the school year started I saw her classroom come together beautifully. I could not help but notice all the unique hand lettering and calligraphy. Of course I went to ask where she had found such cool things for her room and her response was, “I made them”. My mind was pretty blown at that point. I later found out that she held a job while she attended college that allowed her to create cool custom stationary that helped her to nourish her creativity.

Not long ago Mel decided it was time for her to start her own business and named it “Three M Designs” (Melodie Marie Musgrove). She later changed the name to a much sweeter one to avoid any confusion with other companies with similar names. Her design company is now called “Maggie Elaine Designs” after her beloved weimaraner Maggie and her favorite character from the tv show Seinfield.

When Mel invited me to her home to take these photos I was even smitten with her living and work space. It is so vibrant and indicative of her talent as well as her artistic abilities. Every element and piece is carefully selected and in its right place. Her dining/work table is covered in butcher paper to protect it from craft materials and one small chalk board at the entry way allowed me to feel welcome and ready to create as soon as I walked in. The two stars of Mel’s home include a custom 5’by 6′ canvas piece hung carefully on the wall that says ” If you love what you have, you have everything you need ” and an original 1970’s sofa gifted to her by her grand parents. The sofa is adorned with bright floral prints and is built to last just like the special bond she shares with her family.

When I asked Mel what the future holds for Maggie Elaine Designs she said, “To continue to give her customers special stationary made from the heart”. As she continues on her path as an educator and future principal she will continue to design one of a kind creations. Check out Maggie Elaine Designs on Etsy for custom graphic lettering and stationary. Nourish your creativity. Enjoy!

Saks Grand Reopening

The new Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston is designed to be an experience. It has a new open layout that is two levels which allows everything to be spacious and grand. If you are wondering what’s different about the new location, I’m here to hook you up!

The new Saks is an additional 20,000 square feet, has 22 in store designer boutiques, 15 exclusive brands and an expanded restaurant. The Houston Saks is now the third largest in the country and is home to the second largest beauty and fragrance department in the nation outside of the New York Saks. There are now eight private shopping suites, the 10022 SHOE department, the Fifth Avenue Club, and a brand new amenity called the Saks At Your Service program. This personal shopping service has dedicated staff that will deliver Saks products in a custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to your office, home or hotel.

When I vacationed in New York a few years ago, I was pulled into the Saks to check out the Bond cologne counter at my husbands request. Being in the new Houston Saks definitely gave a luxurious New York feel. The art installations make you feel like you’re in a museum and add a new element to the shopping experience. Go check it out when you have a free moment. Until then please partake in the photos I snapped for you. Enjoy!

Four Seasons Reno Reveal

Hey peeps!!! I got a chance to check out all the new renovations and changes to the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel downtown. As a DIYer I was excited to see such drastic changes. They have completely upgraded all the massage rooms, couples massage rooms, nail bar, check in area, and locker rooms. Mrs. Rosie even hooked all us girls up with a fresh coat of polish as a special treat! Of course I took delicious photos to share with all of you, enjoy!!

The Shelby Rose Collection

The Shelby Rose Collection began with a mom of two looking at her makeup pouch and wishing it was something that she loved. Shelby loves dance and over 26 years she has led, choreographed and performed countless times with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets dance team. Even today as an elementary school teacher in Houston, Texas Shelby hosts a dance club for the students that she teaches physical education to.

Only close friends and family knew of another talent that Shelby would soon explore again. Shelby’s grandmother, Rose Marion Pullum was born in 1905 and gave Shelby the first sewing machine she ever owned. Rose taught her how to sew and creating and crafting has been apart of Shelby’s life ever since. At a friends request, Shelby sewed a few throw pillows and it was then that she realized that if she made her own makeup pouch, should would love it much more the the ones she currently owned. Shelby dusted off her sewing machine and explored her creativity in new ways.

Shelby went out and got fabrics that she loved for the pouches that she planned to make. While shopping for fabric she realized that she didn’t love her pouches because the INSIDE was boring! She resolved to fix that problem by using playful sophisticated prints on the outside and eclectic linings on the inside. It was then, that The Shelby Rose Collection was born.

Her handmade pouches come in 3 different sizes and are customizable. They can be used as a pouch as well as a clutch when you’re going out. You can check out The Shelby Rose Collection on:

Instagram: shelby _rose1905

Facebook: Shelby Rose

Pinterest: The Shelby Rose Collection

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