The Mormon Way of Doing Business

My husband introduced me to this book which is getting a lot of buzz in the media right now. I know my Dad has read it as well. I just read the "Author's Note" yesterday and plan to read the whole book. It is a good read that focuses not on the religion, but why these Mormon CEO's are so successful in both business AND life. None of the featured execs have been divorced and all credit their success in business to the values and concepts taught by their religion.

Grown Up Kids Chair

Love this grown up looking kid's chair. We got two of them for Tenny's new play room. OF COURSE I'll be on the look out for sparkly hot and baby pink pillows as accents. We may get a pink sofa as well.

When we were at Target this weekend she made me get one down off of the end cap and let her sit in it.

Handcrafted Jewelry

I am quite impressed with some of the latest creations of my good friend Natalie. (not talking about myself in the 3rd person). I love these pieces that have a Sundance-esque feel. She sells them for a fraction of the cost Sundance does.

I especially love the little girl's baptism bracelet with 8 pearls.

Starbury Sneakers

These new sneakers from NBA'r Stephon Marbury are the hot new thing. They are only $14.98. When he was a poor kid growing up in the projects his mom said there was no way she would buy him Air Jordans. Their grocery money was only $20 per week....sometimes even per month. He doesn't take any cut for having his name on them.

At first I thought it was great, but kids wouldn't go for it. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but this last Friday's 20/20 episode showed kids and moms storming stores at opening just to get them. Mother's are crying that they can afford the hot, new shoe for their kids.
Marbury says they are "affordable"...not cheap. A shoe making analyst (they have those?) cut apart a Nike shoe and a Starbury Sneaker and found they were made of the SAME materials and were the exact same quality of shoe.

My Tenny Penny and Her Mini-Me

On a previous post I mentioned the outfit I commissioned for her 2 year old pictures. Yesterday presented an opportunity to go get them done. The full length shot is more representative of our experience, which I was expecting. I still love those pictures.
The close-up (smile) was a total miracle.

Thank you to Boss and Nana for the doll and inspiration for the look-a-like. Thanks also to Nan for the matching custom bracelet and KaLin for the finishing touch of flower buttons on the shirt!

A New Favorite GOOD Carbohydrate At Our House

These All Natural Alexia potatoes are delish with some egg beaters for breakfast. A few sliced strawberries on the side make you look gourmet...and feel a little special.
I originally looked for them in the frozen section with other potatoes and hash browns. Make sure to look in the "Organic" frozen section of your local Target if you want to try them.

"Making Choices"

I love this book. I finally finished it. I think I will read "Things I Want My Daughters to Know" next. See more about the author, Alexandra Stoddard here.

Many thanks to Tiffany for giving it to me and introducing me to the world of Alexandra!

Pink Jewels

Thank you to Grammie and Papa (Alex's Mom and Dad) for my new sparkles. I love them with a button down, or even just a simple T-shirt.

Madras Everywhere For Spring

So, of course, it's been a few days since a "shoe" post, so I've got to say it, I love these......and, despite my past comments of not "needing" anymore shoes, I bought them. My generous husband knows how much I love shoes.....and no matter your weight.....they always fit!

So the funny thing is that I was shopping with my cute, fashionista Mother-in-Law and my Tenny Penny and as we passed JCrew, she said, "Oh, all that madras stuff was in when I was young." I didn't tell her this, but I didn't know what "Madras" meant. Thank you for the enlightenment, M. I now know and it's EVERYWHERE. Hey, I think I had a Guess madras short outfit in the fifth grade. I'm sure I thought I was stylin'....and I didn't even know I was "madras-in".....err....a....whatever.

Also, EVERYWHERE this season are babydoll shirts. I'm working on a few style ideas for some and even perhaps one with a little madras goin' on. I need to get some tailored for my five foot nothin' frame and extra...uhh.....curves.

Easter Love Boxes

So these beautiful little babies will be mine in a matter of days for my Easter center piece. I'm so excited. See more of the talented Tiffany's creations here.

The Most Isolated Country On Earth

I love the show "Explorer" on the National Geographic Channel. I have it Tivo'd. It has been continually showing "Inside North Korea". I knew it was communist and ruled by a dictator, but I had NO IDEA how isolated it is. No cell phones or Internet is allowed; except by "The Dear Leader" who lives a lavish life and is adored by all. Whether by fear or sincere worship, "or both", all North Koreans hold him in the highest regard from birth. If a foreigner (usually foreigners not welcomed) photographs even his likeness in a picture or statue in the wrong way, they will be thrown out of the country. A large majority of North Koreans believe the Korean War never ended and hate Americans. No decorations are allowed in private homes EXCEPT that which displays The Dear Leader. Also amazing, the North and South Korean border (pictured) and their bizarre means of communication. (Bizarre because the North forces the American Troops and South Korean guards to use some simple, regimented practices)

"Explorer" features everything from the gestational path of a fetus in an elephant, to contracted security agents making upwards of 160K in three months to put their lives on the line to protect officials in Iraq.

Lelli Kelly Love

I have been admiring Lelli Kelly's for quite some time (over a year) for my little Tenny Penny. There are many adorable styles in older girls, but somewhat limited in her size. I settled on and purchased these ones yesterday and keep looking at them. I'm excited for her to wear them. You can't have buyer's remorse for something you "visit" and develop an online relationship with over so much time, right?!? Thanks to "Ya-Yin....KaLin" for helping us pick them out. Thanks to Daddy for letting us splurge!

Dylan's Candy Bar

So apparently I am one of the last people to find out Ralph Lauren's daughter has a candy store called Dylan's Candy Bar. It looks so cute. I think the fashion items look darling... and of course the candy looks scrumptious.

Dr. Phil Potty Training Doll

So I realized it is not Tennessee that is lacking a commitment to potty training, it's her mother. However, dear sweet Shana turned me onto these anatomically correct potty training dolls that help follow the Dr. Phil one day method. I think I will make an online purchase in the next couple of months.
The funny thing is I just realized when I mentioned to Tennessee's Dad this morning that I was thinking about getting the "Dr. Phil doll" and he said, "There is a Dr. Phil doll?" with a horrified look on his face........he was picturing....a DR. PHIL doll. Too funny. Can you picture it saying, "You've got to get real!"

Snowboard Celebratory Belt

I'm pining for the snow and clear blue skies I'll be enjoying this Saturday while snowboarding at Snowbasin. I've decided on a celebratory belt (not happening this season) next season for my first Gondola ride/run. Last time out, I conquered the "Little Kat" and had a humbling experience on "Becker Chair". I think I need this belt in a brown or pink or cream to match my snowboard attire.....or maybe a sassy sparkly number. Now, if only a five year old doesn't run me over!

Galapagos

While visiting one of my best friends living in the D.C. area several years ago, I attended an IMAX, 3D showing of Galapagos at the National Museum of Natural History. It was an awesome viewing experience. I am not clear if this is the same feature or not, but it will be on the National Geographic channel beginning March 18th. I can't wait.

Glamour Pals

I just love this picture. Tennessee is so lucky to have such a great Daddy! What a good sport! Too fun!

Thanks "Bophie" (Sophie) for the cool hair stylist kit for my birthday! (available at Deseret Book)

LOVE BOXES...I can't get enough

Well, I am absolutely in love with Love Boxes by Tiffany (tm). I received my first Love Box from a very special friend when my Little Tenny Penny was born. It was a fairy box to match the nursery. Ever since, I just can't get enough. I love to receive them and give them. The artwork is unique, bright, beautiful and just amazing. The ARTIST (Tiffany) holds the same attributes.

See Love Boxes by Tiffany here.

Mommy Couture for My Tenny Penny

I never knew how much I would love doing Tennessee specific projects. I love designing something unique for her. It is so fun to come up with something that is custom made for my little Tenny Penny. The inspiration for this outfit comes from the doll she received for Christmas from Grandpa Boss and Nana. She has two little blonde pony tails like TN wears sometimes and just looks so much like her. I decided they needed matching outfits(so they can get their picture together, but not exactly, because the doll has overalls on and I didn't picture that on TN. Although I should have picked more turquoise, I am really excited about how it turned out. I think Leilani (the tailor) did such a great job. I scanned all the material and made a mock up of those pieces for her to go off of. I then cut and placed the flowers on the T-shirt and took a photo so she could see how I wanted them to lay. I got the over all style of the skirt from a Meli-Meli cupcake skirt. (see it here)

Now, if only Tenners wants to get her 2 year pictures taken. Christmas pictures were crazy, so we'll see. I always like to have flowers or some sort of a prop when she gets her pictures, so I think the doll with matching pony tails will be fun.