Pre-Order My Book

Over the weekend my publisher sent me the complete exterior of my book which was pretty exciting. Also exciting? The books is NOW AVAILABLE for pre-order! So let's get out those credit cards folks and get you taken care of - and don't be afraid to go baller status on it and buy a couple. =)

 

Also in book related news, I will be conducting a mini book tour this August in Houston, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Dates & locations TBA. I'm also trying to trick Danny into thinking there's a European leg of the tour, specifically in Paris and Milan. When we get there I'll just be like "Oh, that? That fell through. Bummer. Might as well do some shopping while we're here though, hey Dan?

 

Here's the back cover alone;

Click here to pre-order your copy today!

Also follow my book on twitter!

Florida for Father's Day

Macy and I snuck down to Florida for Father's Day in order to spend the weekend with my Dad. We spent Sunday at the beach; frolicking in the ocean, collecting shells, perusing a Pottery Barn catalog (me), and eating sand (Macy). Here are some of my favorite pics from the day.

 

*Just Kidding! I'm actually reading Jen Lancaster's latest book, because I read all her books, and I have The Budda in the Attic on deck which I'm excited about.

 

Happy Fathers Day Dad! We love you more than words!

 

 

P.S. The winner of my Noonday Giveaway is "Regina C". Congratulations Regina - I'll be in touch!

HEAD HUNTER

I was a head hunter for six-ish years, prior to moving to Texas. First for a company in the Chicago Loop which is actually how I met Danny as he was a client. (Not only did I lock down the account but months later - a husband!)  Later I worked for my family's staffing company in Wisconsin. Recently I've been getting back to my head hunting roots but in a more literal fashion. One of these beautiful specimens is going to be "hired" very soon.

 

One. The Festive Fox    Two. Z Gallery Deer Head    Three. White Faux Taxidermy

Four.  White Faux Taxidermy    Five. Urban Outfitter Deer Trophy Wall Sculpture

 

 

Which one is your favorite?

 

SUIT & TIE OUTFIT POST

Photography Credit: Awake

Upon getting tickets to the Justin Timberlake/Jay-Z concert this summer I screamed, then cried, then started thinking about my outfit. (Which is the standard series of events anytime I'm really excited about something.) While this vintage top I scored from Cheeky Vintage would be perfect, it's polyester and might be a little hot for July in Chicago.

Therefore, I'm thinking I'll rock a tee, cut offs, and one of the below cute but cheap bows I found online. In fact, I think I'll even get bow ties for the entire group that I'm going to the concert with. I'm sure my brother in particular will appreciate the gesture.

 

Anyone else going to the concert in your own respective city? Let's do this y'all!

-GET YOUR OWN BOW TIE-

The Best of the World Wide Web

The following is a list of things on the internet that make me very happy.

 

Leisurely peruse it in hopes you'll share in some of my joy.  

 

picture stolen from Fabulous K

I want this mug.

Yet another impressive brainchild of Meg Biram (& fellow TX blogger, Katie Anderson),
To & From Magazine  is an online mag of gift ideas for every occasion - and not lame ideas like you see US Weekly but legit, sweet ideas.  

Along the same lines as Whimseybox, Birchbox, and Dick in a Box (ha!) Lo Bosworth (who we know and love from The Hills) started a company called Revelry House - which is a "party in a box". For $179 you get all the décor you need for whatever soiree you're throwing. It's expensive but well curated & would save SO much time and energy. The 4th of July box is currently on sale here.

I started following Will Ferrell on twitter and he's cracking me up. Here are some of his tweets that made me legit "lol";

-I've got 99 problems and they're all FABULOUS! ~ Gay-Z

-Why was Helen Keller a bad driver? Because she was a woman.

-I almost got raped in jail. My family takes monopoly very seriously.

-*Walks in subway* Cashier: May I take your order Me: I would like a $5 footlong. Cashier: Sure that will be $5.37 Me: The fuck you just say?

Today is the last day to enter my giveaway. It's a cinch to enter meaning you don't have to like anyone on FB, follow someone on twitter, etc. Check 'er out here.

Viet Hoa Grocery Store

 

One of the best parts about moving is that we now live within 5 minutes of a thriving Asian community. This weekend we headed over to the Viet Hoa Grocery store to revel in a little culture while picking something for dinner. Danny and I spent a few weeks in China when we were first married and it was one of the highlights of my life. Doing stuff like this always enables me to reminisce about our trip. (Though our Christmas Card from that year pretty much says it all.)

Being a Asian grocery store there lots of items we weren't familiar with. This, for example, is called a "jackfruit". According to Wikipedia, the jackfruit has a "meat like taste" and "meat like texture" which is why I'll be sticking with my morning banana. 

The Wild Pig Meat, being on sale and all,  also caught my eye.

 I wonder how many Weight Watchers points this is?

 

  

At last, something we were familiar with! Though these rice and carrots were slightly more gigantic than the Caucasian versions.

 

While Danny and Viet Hoa employees weren't looking I put Macy on the rice for a photo op. Was that sanitary? Probably not. But will it make a good Christmas card photo? Hell yes it will. Am I afraid to ask the occasional rhetorical question? No I'm not.

 

 

Despite the intentions of getting something for dinner, we left Viet Hoa with nothing but imported beer and patronized a local restaurant instead. It was a great way to spend a Sunday evening and perhaps a weekly tradition we'll start.....at least until Homeland returns...because Homeland trumps everything. 

 

THE END / Cuối cùng.

 

 

 

Noonday Collection GIVEAWAY

The Noonday Collection - let me break it down for you. It's a online collection (jewelry, accessories, & home goods) whose profits go to families involved in adoption.

How exactly? The artisans live in 3rd world countries (Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, etc.) and make the goods. This trade gives them a way to create income and provide for their family. A stable income means they are less likely to abandon a child.

On the flip side, an adoptive family in waiting can host a trunk show for Noonday and 10% of their profits can go directly towards their adoption. (Even if its a domestic one!)

It's a win-win. Actually, for you today, it's a "win-win-win" because one of you sexy Greetings from Texas readers is going to win some of this Noonday jewelry. Holla!

 GIVEAWAY DIRECTIONS

1. Peruse Noonday Collection & see what jewelry, accessories, etc. catches your eye
2. Leave a comment below with your fave item & email address
*bonus entries for people who follow me with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Instagram

**Giveaway open through Wednesday, June 12th at midnight.

 

 

P.S. Thanks to Noonday Ambassador, Lilly Neubauer, for sponsoring this giveaway. Check out her personal blog, Pancakes and Beet Juice!