Category Archives: Bits+Pieces

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers

Water Safety with Wolfies Swim School 

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Grant Learning swim form.

Thank you Wolfies Swim School for partnering with me to bring this post to my followers!  ​

It’s time! My baby boy is 4 years old and he needs to learn how to swim. Not only will it be a confidence booster for Grant but knowing how to be safe in the water could potentially save his life. Statistically children 1-4 are at the highest risk of drowning and like most parents, I don’t want to put my child at risk by not arming him with skills and knowledge.

Wolfies Swim School began in Houston’s Meyerland neighborhood in 2005 and through amazing customer service and quality instruction grew to the Bellaire & West University locations.Wolfies provides swim lessons for children and adults and is the best in the business.

When I signed Grant up for Wolfies the process was really easy! The Wolfies staff walked me through the entire process and even called to check on us as Grant’s lessons progressed. One of the best things about signing up for Wolfies was that they asked me what MY swim goal were for Grant. We signed up for a week of everyday lessons and four weeks of weekly lessons as a way to immerse him and give him several opportunities to get comfortable with being in the water.  As a mom I wondered how Grant would react to swim lessons simply because he is fearful of water. Even at bath time if water would get on his face or ears I could tell that he didn’t like it immediately.

I have to say that on the first day there were some tears and fear but by the second day he was a willing little swimmer. Grant went from not wanting to put his face or ears in the water to asking if he could jump in the pool! I see Grant progressing towards the goals that I’d hoped he would accomplish already. In his first week, Grant began blowing bubbles, being more comfortable with putting his face and ears on the water, climbing out of the pool, and pushing off the platform with his feet. WHat I love most is that Wolfies is helping Grant to be safe in the water. The Wolfies teachers are so calm and relaxed with the children. They push the children within their comfort zones. The small class sizes, fun teachers, and amazing instruction is just what our family needed. We still have more lessons to go and I can already say, we are Wolfies for life!

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Proud moment after blowing bubbles.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

On the first day of swim school, Grant was very hesitant to put his face in the water.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

The first time Grant blew bubbles.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Wolfies has fun toys for little swimmers.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Grant and Mr. Kenta working on arm motions.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Each time Grant blew bubbles he was so proud of himself.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

The first time Grant was fully submerged! Success!

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Fun with his swim mates!

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Small class sizes.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Learning water safety skills like getting himself out of the water.

Best Houston Swim School, Wolfies Swim School, Little swimmers, learning to swim

Working on kicking his legs.

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!

img_2203

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!!