You are browsing the archives of 2007 August.

I love all types of crafts, especially those you can share with others. I first heard about the amazing work of Eleanor Leinen, known as the “Celebrity Gift Wrapper” on a segment I saw on a local newscast. (Above is a screenshot of her website.) On the segment she shows how you can make a gift even more special by making the presentation memorable. The elegance of her craft is so detailed and creative, that it makes you not even want to open the gift! Click here to see her wonderful work. Here is the video of the segment I saw, and below are some screen captures.

I love how she used sheer glittery cloth in the gift bag instead of tissue paper.

I’ll admit that I’m a big kid. In between college, running my business and doing all of the “adult” things in life, I still watch the Disney Channel sometimes (ok, alot) and like to embrace my inner child. One of my many interests is interior decorating. I love watching decorating shows, and one is Trading Spaces: Boys vs. Girls on the Discovery Kids Channel, a spin-off of the adult Trading Spaces. The room makeovers the kids and designers do on the show are so imaginative and whimsical. They inspire me bring a creative theme into my own bedroom or art studio. Here are some of my favorite rooms from the show (the link will come up in a new window, and you can click the arrow to see the before and after of the room):

One of my very favorites the Broadway Theater. I love the purple and gold combination, the wall painting and the lights!

Another one of my favorites, an “Underwater Dream.” I wish my room looked like that!

Another favorite, the Actress Dressing Room. I love the elegance of the gold and red silk drapery and pillows.

I’m loving the canopy in this African Safari!

This South Beach room takes me back home to Miami. I’m loving the lighting, palm trees and colors.

Here’s a room that was transformed into a Princess Tower. I love the shades of purple, the arch over the bed and the realistic landscape on the wall.

If I were this kid, I’d love to be sent to my room as “punishment” in this Beach Paradise.

It looks like a real Jungle!

Back in the day, to an early American General Store and a Rustic Log Cabin

Here’s a cool “High-tech Spy Warehouse”

Here’s an African and Puerto Rico inspired room and a colorful India inspired room

This one doesn’t even look like a bedroom! It’s a funky Jazz Lounge.

Here’s a quirky Animal Palace. I love the patterns.

He can wake up in the middle of the night to make tracks in this Recording Studio

A future President?

An indoor Skater and Mardi Gras Queen

A delicious and colorful Candy Factory

An “Imperial China” feel and “Japanese Style”

Making Ancient History and preparing for lift-off

You can check out the show’s homepage for more pics, some DIY craft ideas, and the TV schedule. Too bad I’m too old to apply to get my room made-over!

Where is the love these days? Based on what you see on the news these days, you’d think that it no longer exists. However, a few days ago an Oprah show supported my faith in the trueness of Love. It was the Valentine’s episode with incredible couples and love stories. One man, Emmanuel, who survived the violence in Sudan kept the picture of a girl he met years before and amazingly met her again and married her.

The couple that touched my heart the most was the extraordinary Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney B. Vance. Because they knew the relationship was special, they decided to abstain from sex until marriage. What a way to prove your loyalty and love to someone.

Angela Bassett and her husband say their marriage is so strong “because they keep ‘God in the middle.’ Angela even had ‘GOD’ inscribed on her wedding band between her and Courtney’s initials. ‘I can only rely on his strength,’ Angela says. ‘I’ll attempt to see [Courtney] even in those moments that aren’t perfect, perhaps in a small way, the way God sees him.'”

Wow. All I can say is that is amazing, and truly beautiful. The best love stories really aren’t written or created by people…

– Renewing my belief in True Love

“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”

– Oscar Wilde

Beauty Review:

During the summer months my hair gets really dry and brittle. This conditioner makes it feel moisturized and oh-so-soft. It also has protein, which helps prevent breakage.

You can buy it at a large beauty supply stores that cater to salons. I bought mine at the JC Penney Salon. I love it!
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Recently at college, I planned and hosted an event called Royal Rejuvenation – Beauty and Wellness Fair. It was part of Black History Month, and the theme was “Treat Yourself Like the Royalty You Are.” The event stressed the importance of taking care of your body, mind and soul, including yet beyond make-up and beauty products. I invited representatives from MAC, Warm Spirit, physicians, and other organizations to come to talk about health, wellness and different beauty techniques, especially relating to the multicultural community. I’ll be posting more pictures, beauty & wellness tips and info about the event later!

These are some of the giveaways from the event including Carol’s Daughter
Hair Milk, one of my very favorite products and brands!
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I’m no beauty expert, but if you want some awesome, frequent beauty advice, check out author Tia William’s blog, “Shake Your Beauty.“ She has been beauty editor at several magazines like Elle, Glamour, YM and Teen People, and she definitely knows what she’s talking about! I Her beauty reviews are fun, and always on point. She is truly an inspiration to me as an aspiring journalist and author. Check it out!