Sparta Pumpkin goes GAGA

THIS IS SPARTA!

For Halloween I dressed up like a Sailor and since the costume store was out of the doggie sailor costumes --he got PUMPKIN, So for Halloween he was Sparta Pumpkin.

This is me and my little sis Tiffany, I love her!

After all the Halloween business I did a Holiday bazaar at a local Golf Club.  Contrary to me thinking it was a "bust" an adorable little girl came by with her Grandpa and cleaned out my booth.

Grandpa is basically "Da Man" in my book! and for me the BEST part was seeing people enjoy my designs and hard work! 

So then it was Homecoming at my Alma Mater (TTU.)  I had a great time overall! I was very happy to see my sisters, meet my new grand lil...and all that happy stuff.  

This weekend I have another Charity event, where again I will be donating some Whimsies to be auctioned off.

The first of December I plan to have a Whimsies Holiday Tea open house and Music Video Premiere party!  I have been working on a Whimsies promo video with my Wonderful neighbors and their Fab editing skills.  I want it to go viral on YouTube and be noticed by Ellen DeGeneres, Philip Treacy and Lady Gaga.  Tall order? naww (not if you watch it), LOL!  I mean besides my humiliation, it will be a pretty entertaining Whimsies experience.  

Cheers!

Feeling Blog-tastic

Long time no see? yea that's me...Sorry!

Anyway I am feeling blog-tastic today! Meaning I'm going to post a blog! 

several things have crossed my mind very recently

1.  Should I continue to take out massive amounts of loans and Go to the Royal College of Art in London?

       --Philip Treacy went there-- (I want to be his intern BAD & I love Irish People)

      -- would I get in?

I'm just thinking out loud- or on this blog!  Really though, for those of you that know me: You will know that I get antsy if things get uneventful...I've got to go travel somewhere, and I never do something small-- Last time I backpacked through Europe (granted I had a 70 lb suitcase instead) but ya know tomato- taamato!

               ** tangent** I had to carry that dang suitcase up 3 flights of stairs at this hostel in Florence run by this creepy old Italian--who decided to carry my friend's suitcase and not mine.  I started to envy those cruise ship travelers! 

2.  I NEED to Read the fine print, ultimately meaning I need to be more skeptical when I take someone's "word for it"  I've basically gotten screwed over several times already...  I guess my "give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt" idea should be re-evaluated.  That's a little bit of pessimism for the day: Note to self* Not everyone has your best interest in mind, (although I would like to think they do.) #naive 

3.  Slowly I am figuring out how Manufacturing products works.  I'm currently learning to sew clothes to match the Whimsies I make.  Ultimately I want my own clothing line, to match my whimsies!

4.  I'm trying really hard not to waste my "20's" I'm figuring out really fast that the "20's" let's be more specific, the space after you graduate college and before you get married (that's where I am) basically suck. AND here's why!

                     1.  All your BFF's move away 

                     2. I'm in my childhood town again and let's just say NO THANK YOU

                     3. Student Loan Bills start to pile up 

I will say this though, I refuse to waste them (those glorious 20's.)  I will try my darnedest to make something interesting happen (oh ya know like become a famous Milliner and fashion designer....travel around the world giving motivational speeches on how this can be you as well)

     -Don't think I'm crazy, because deep down I am you and you are me, just insert whatever dream/ goal it is that you have and TRY to do it. (It's a SLOW moving process. I'm not going to lie.)

5.  For those of you who will NEVER let me forget that horrendously embarrassing music video I made of me dancing to "All the Single Ladies" (however  HOW many times I've SWORN I deleted it) GET READY....I am making a Whimsies Promo Video sure to rival my other one.

                -Apparently I have no shame, so take that into account for what is to come.

                     Think: Lady Gaga, Ellen Degeneres, Philip Treacy, puppies and Me Dancing 

                                     ***here's where you use your imagination****

6.  My puppy Sparta is adorable and he makes sitting next to one of my OBNOXIOUS 'gaseous' brothers bearable. (Don't light a Match)

Cheers!  

Millinery & Photo Shoots & Fashion Oh My!

I want to start by saying that I've been suffering from excruciating neck pain, (that's what she said lol) neck pain that's a result from leaning over my craft table making as many Whimsies as I can.  With that being said I am sorry for not writing sooner! So I'll fill ya'll in on the shenanigans going on in my Whimsies world!

1. Whimsies by: Jules
Fascinators for the Royally Minded
(fascinator hats and hair accessories)

2. After making Whimsies (which is what English people used to call Fascinators way back when) I had to have an English inspired photo shoot to showcase them.  My friend Kelly, Owner of K'S Imagery came over to my house and kindly took the photos for me!

3. A few Photos from shoot! "K'S Imagery All rights reserved 2011"

That's me and my puppy Sparta

Tiffany my Little Sister from my Sorority <3 her 

Whimsies close up

Jinny: My Bff and Sorority Sister, too

My Favorite little girls!

Royal Table! Which consists of my awesome friends/models

4. Behind the scenes videos... a touch of embarrassment for me but we all know I have no shame.

5.  Now for a Fashion show! I am excited to announce that my fall Whimsies line will be in a Glam Stars Production called "Daring to be Bold" a red carpet affair this Saturday August 27. 

                                --Random side note* my brother Richard- who I choose to call Rich-nerd is bringing a girl with him, that I actually Like...whoooaaaahh!

6. New Names: My mother, Jane has been re-named to Mumsies.  If you're American try saying "Mumsies" with an English Accent... did you giggle? I know I did!

7. Rinse & Repeat, Meaning I started another business called BespokesModel & Talent with my friend Mindy.  It's a promotional talent agency, & eventually we will also expand into managing talent. 

Lastly, look for way more to come!  All of course focused around my Anglophile tendencies! (If you haven't noticed I'm basically obsessed with all things English and especially William and Kate.)

CHEERS!

My New Venture: Fascinators

Today I had a massive allergy attack.  I had to double puff my inhaler because my asthma decided to go all wonky... One benadryl and two inhaler puffs later... I had made my very first batch of fascinators. (apparently I'm allergic to feathers)
I am fascinated with fascinators and I get to be very artistic.  I think of it as hair art.  So I've decided to make some to sell on Etsy.

Background:
First everyone should know that I have an affinity for England, or we can just call it obsession.  YES I was upset I didn't marry Prince William, but Harry is still available so I'm ok...for now at least.  Anyway I think my English affinity comes from my English relatives... My grandfather (great dad as I called him) was English and he was in the Royal Air force.  My Aunts apparently used to read tea leaves (I've never met them but I'll be looking them up when I pop across the pond).  I've just been drawn to this country, like something inside me just gravitates towards all things English.  Plus I love fashion, I literally wanted to go to boarding school in England just so I could wear the uniforms.  I went so far as to plan it all with my guidance counselor in 9th grade...(mom freaked and wouldn't send me) So I joined cheerleading instead, again for the cute outfits.  I once told one of my various English friends that I was Greek and English.  He replied "No you're not, I'm English, I was born in England" It was futile talking to him.
Next: the Royal wedding, I made my own fascinator bc "what was I going to wear to the wedding, on my couch at 4am in my jammies??"
I wore it to church and a few other places and people kept asking me to make them some so I finally listened and here I am making some right this very moment!

I am waiting for the rest of my millinery supplies to come in from England, Australia, and California so the pictures below are just the beginning!  In the next couple of weeks I will have a Facebook page, and Etsy store set up.

I call my fascinators whimsies.  That's what they used to be called way back when, today they are known as Fascinators.

Drum roll please! Presenting my new business! (feedback is always welcome)

Don't we all dream of that little piece of fairytale? Disney wrote about them, but why not experience it and take home your little piece of the pie? 

Royally inspired by your heart's desires!

CHEERS!

Fergie Ferg- Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson is the real Fergie, btw

Sarah Ferguson is doing a mini series on Oprah.  "Finding Sarah from Royalty to the real world" on OWN
It's definitely something to watch!

It's so beyond interesting listening to her story.  She is a name I've heard wrapped in scandal from the time I was a little girl.  Now she is telling her story in a riches to rags fashion.  I mean she literally microwaved a metal cup because she didn't know how to use microwaves!  She had four ladies in waiting...etc  It's Sarah freeing herself of her life's burdens and rebuilding her life.  Uplifting and motivational all at the same time.

I always find it enriching to see how people overcome adversity through introspection.  How can you hate someone who says "my bad" and then tries to fix it?

She asks "How do you get self worth"  it's disheartening and uplifting all at the same time.

She is a good person, a people person, and she was destroyed by the media etc.  Watching the tears well up in her eyes as she openly searches for love and acceptance from anyone makes my heart feel for her.

After all, aren't we all searching for love, acceptance & our place in the world?

CHEERS!

Prince William & Catherine Wedding blitz!

April 29, 2011

Most of the world has gone barking mad for Wills and Kate & I happen to be one of them. Sadly for the rest of the people that are ready to chunder at the site of anything wedding...feel free to purchase these Royal Wedding Sick Bags.

As for me, I have already made myself a Fascinator: Click here to see the definition of Fascinator.  I'll probably make more as there is a significant demand for them...comment if you would like one!

I found out through one of the various and excessive "Wedding Specials" That Prince William and I share a favorite dessert: The Eaton Mess-- combination of fruit, strawberries, raspberries, cream and meringue. It could possibly be on the menu for the royal reception, but we will see!

My Very First EATON MESS, Compliments of The Plough Inn, Winchester, UK 

I look absolutely dreadfully American...I need a sick bag!

They have everything rehearsed down to the second...there is NO room for error!

It's a bit of a downer that Sarah Ferguson has been banned from ALL Royal festivities, It's like the Sirius Black family tree, only the Royal Family didn't use a magic wand to burn a hole through her spot.

Let's move on to Wedding gifts for the Royals.  I've found some rather odd things that one can purchase for 19.95....that would be Kate's wedding ring.  Fancy that? pretty cheap there aye?

My friend Lauren Horner found royals nail decals  and Knit your own Wills & Kate.

Let's not get our knickers in a twist, there's some for everyone!

All kinds of Masks and partyware....(gag me this is gaudy!)

I don't have a clue what some people were thinking when they made these products to sell, Moving on...

 I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed at the crack of 4am Friday drinking some hot tea, watching the Royal Wedding of Prince William & Catherine!

Oh thank God!!

CHEERS!

Dick and Jane Do Dating

Ok so here is the sad deal.  When you graduate from college the plethora of men shoots down to nill, especially if you end up living with your parents.

This brings me to the awkward world of blind dating....

So I went on a blind date a couple months ago (I really hope that guy doesn't read this) With a guy I'll call Joe... I'll send a thank you to Brooke for at least trying!

So Joe and I went out for drinks...Mind you I had no clue what he looked like, so I stood there till some stranger came up to me.

Blind Date # 1  


Mistake #1   Me---"Yea I'll add you on FB" "Oh snap! Those billy bob pics with the Cheeto and cigarette are still up..."  = game over before it's even started....

Who is this freak? She's a pretty fun girl that's all I know...

Now all women who have been taught anything know there are several FAUX PAS to never mention on date one...I mean that is if you decide to play by society's rules.

Within 30 minutes I heard about this guys brother's wedding, babies, ALIENS (which scare me), his allergies, politics and religion.

I was given about 10 of his business cards and told to "give him a call sometime" ummm For real? 

So even though this guy was hott and I would've overlooked the whole alien addiction...I mean let's be real we never talked to each other again.

Blind Date # 2 

I don't know if I can honestly say this...it pains me greatly, and kills what little ego I have....but date #2 was from Match.com--GAW it kills me to admit that.... But again I have no shame.  

(Shout out to Jinny Keeton for #2)

I don't have much to say...nice...not too awkward, except for that high five I gave him when he was trying to hold my hand during the movie.  It was normal and generic...except for the fact that I was out $40 at the end...I mean my parents are from the North, but I was born in the South. nuff said.

Have talked to him...but not seen him.

Will the saga continue on # 2?? 

Prob not

Blind Date # 3

This one is set for this Friday...can we say 3rd times a charm? I'll let ya'll know if its a sham... All I know is  he is a teacher.  So he had to pass a background check for that?  Meaning my chances of getting murdered have significantly lowered....I'll keep you posted, and If I end up chopped into little bits...my readers can tell the cops for me.

What I've learned so far:

1. Dating sucks....

2. Just stop looking (easier said then done)

3. Leave the guy you really want alone...no one likes a stalker

4. Just drink

5. Pray

6. Aliens will always freak me out, unless they are the Toy Story ones

7. Don't add them on Facebook and if you do-- DELETE-- your unbecoming shots...like the one above...currently still on my FB....oh fiddle sticks....

Well happy hunting

I have the worst humor ever, but this is hilarious 

CHEERS!

Moonlighting

Moonlighting: Working another job on the side in addition to your daytime job.

Consumer Review: NISSAN LEAF

So today I got a side job working promotions. It's a weekend thing at Cool Spring's mall passing out information for the NEW Nissan Leaf.  It's so easy a monkey could do it. Plus I've solved the "How on earth do I meet people" question.  The Answer is promotional work, that's how.  Did I mention the good pay? I was asking the other people, some of who do this type of work all the time, how much they've gotten for other jobs.  They all said between $15 & $30.  SAY WHAT? For real I am signing up for more of these events.  Cool people, Cool product, Cool pay, why not?

Anyway so the Nissan Leaf was unlike any car I've ever driven.  It's all electric, so to turn it on, I pushed a button. It doesn't make a noise either so it felt like I was gliding on air.  I seriously thought the Jetsons were going to pull up beside me.  To park it I just pushed another button.  It was the coolest thing.  Everyone should test drive one.

That's where you plug it in, Super easy!

The gear shifter is that short nub with the blue, push it and your're in park

This car has an iPhone app, and it talks to you....It's the new Herbie, or the super advanced car for the next cars movie.

My car couldn't dream of prices like that!!

So I test drove the new leaf and I would so get one, if I had the money.... So I guess after say what...hundreds of random promotional events I'll have enough for this car.  Anyway it's for sure worth a look.

CHEERS!

St. Patrick's day: Pinch patrol

Ok, so I can't help but pinch people, especially on a day that says PINCH AWAY! So on St. Patrick's day I devised a simple plan to maximize my pinching.

Step 1: Basically just wake up and pinch the crap out of people who are still in their pajamas.  They'll never know what hit them...except sheer confusion since they'll still be half asleep.
Step 2: Just pinch everyone you see, just because it's fun...I got everyone at work...but I'm sure they hate me now.

Ok So I love to dance, and one of my favorite places in the world is DUBLIN, Ireland. Irish people rock.  Anyway here is my "ode to Irish step dancing." and some history too!

 The cool thing about these Irish step dancers is that they are local to Franklin, TN!

Now let's chat about St. Patrick, He is the reason for the season...or hoopla. Here is St. Patrick's history!

Quick Fact: 3 leaf clovers are the lucky ones...Americans are the only ones who think 4 leaf clovers are lucky! who knew? (I still search for the 4 leaf ones though)

OK SO HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR ST. PATRICK'S DAY? I Want to know what silly or normal or crazy night that you had! Post it on my comments, and people can vote...the winners will get fame/ glory and a personal interview/post!

For Example: Last Night I went to a local Irish bar and probably embarassed myself...correction I'm almost positive of this.  I secretly hope the other attendees were just as "pissed" as I was.  Anyway I got a funny hat and a blinking shot glass!  It was a wicked cool time. I can neither confirm or deny...

cider in a Guinness glass...sorry its basically sacrilegious 

So Remember!

Who IS you?

CHEERS!

Life is like a box of crawfish: Forrest Gumping Mardi Gras Style

I eased on down the road to the deep south.  Once I landed in the Bayou, I began exploring.  My goal was to see and try all the local favorites....on the Gulf Coast in LA & MS.

New Orleans, NO NO's

1. Do not pee in the street

2.  Do not wander down alleys--Gang bangers chill there

3. Avoid Bourbon St. after dark

4. Do not stay sober---(no open container laws!!)

Now for the chain of events for Mardi Gras....

One of the first things we did was go to a parade in Pass Christian, MS.  It was my first parade and I got swamped with beads, and bit by fire ants.

Afterwards I went to a bona fide fish fry.  Something I got to watch since I'm a celiac. BUT I ate, well I swallowed it, my FIRST OYSTER.

Then a nice lady there showed me how to do it the "big girl way" that involved CHEWING the oyster.  For some reason I just couldn't chew that gelatinous blob.

For Fat Tuesday we went to Metairie, LA. They had 3 parades in a row! There I learned how to SHUCK oysters! This really cool lady who looked horrendously unapproachable...turned out to be approachable and she showed me how to shuck oysters and eat Cajun crawfish!

Sometime after the parade my friends mother pushed me down a hill, I got in a scuffle over an LSU shirt, and some old man, who thought he was Hugh Hefner, tried to take me home....I almost went because he had jello shots.
The next day Metairie was taken out by tornados and floods...But I'd still like to say thanks for a good time....at least from what I remember.


We also went to the Beach, where we were swarmed by seagulls.

We Went to New Orleans, pronounced NAWLINS and got some famous drinks.

Pat O'briens Hurricanes...GLUTEN FREE!

And a drink called a hand grenade, Also Gluten Free...but I had to take a risk first because the ingredients are secret.

* If you have Celiac Disease, New Orleans is a difficult place to visit.  I almost cried 3 times because I got screamed at by waiters...etc who just didn't understand that I WASN'T a spy from FoodNetwork or being picky.


Also GLUTEN FREE FRIED SEAFOOD at CASAMENTO'S in Uptown New Orleans.  I gorged myself it was disgusting, but delicious all at the same time!


and remember!!!
1. WHO DAT?
&
2. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!...Let the good times roll!

CHEERS!

Consumer Review: Netti Pot

Jinny used a Netti Pot to relieve her stuffy nose. It worked! but it was disgusting to watch.

This video grosses me out, but it shows how to use the netti pot.  and it actually works.

Try not to puke!

CHEERS!

Monocles are in Style...who knew?

I went to visit my sisters and friends in the grandiose town of Cookeville.  I Forrest Gumped my way through the weekend...only this time it wasn't so fantastical.  It actually was a "the glass is DEF half empty" kind of a weekend.

Thursday was the highlight of the weekend...being it was actually fun...Besides breaking my glasses, which I am currently using as a "Monocle"  and accidently running up a $75 tab at Bob's/Wooly Bullys.  I may be eating beans this week, but Thursday was worth it.

       My monocle                                                                                                           Thursday: Before

After

Friday: it was a blur, it that it didn't go by fast enough.  I got so stressed out I actually smoked a cigarette and I have asthma!  Here's the glossy version of bad to worse: 

1. Being the proverbial elephant in the room, led to SEVERAL awkward introductions & absurd informational discoveries

2. Bad pilfering people

3. Being inebriated and stranded for a short time led to poor choices of machinery operation.

4. (Crazy silly dancing w/ Jinny-- this was fun)

5. The MOST shocking discovery came when all the glitter was on the floor.  Let's just say if you were "BORN THIS WAY" tell the girl you're dating. K thanks.

6.  60/40 is NOT OK when you're the 40.

7.  I was out even more money and this time it was a waste.

8.  The *SH* hit the fan

...and that was my Friday

Saturday: I woke up with heartburn due to beefstick overload, but Saturday was better.

1. El Tap fixes everything

2. Got to see some more friends

3. Jinny's car broke and we got trailed by an angry old lady. Then we met her dad at Uncle Pete's where another old Mormon lady made a crack at my broken glasses.  Yes, everyone please make a joke....

4.  Shopping where I bought 4 shirts all the wrong size...size tent/sack (hopefully they'll shrink in the wash)

5. Bob's --saw even more friends--only I was broke this go around

7. Got called: Asian, Mexican, Indian, Pacific Islander, Spanish and Greek.  My ethnicity still eludes people see previous post. 

6.  And this is how my night ended:

I can't wait till Spring Break...stay tuned for more to come from the Bayou.

CHEERS!