Featured Artist: Virginia Patton

I took an art class every year of highschool and I remember my senior year pottery teacher telling me, "Leah, you need to remember to control the clay, don't let it control you." For some reason, though, I never could make that stupid clay do what I wanted it to do!!! Needless to say, I've accepted the fact that although I may be pretty creative, I am NOT artistic.


But somehow I've managed to surround myself with some crazy talented artistic friends. Maybe I'm hoping some of their abilities will rub off on me. Today, I'm featuring my friend, Virginia. Among her many talents, she designs some AWESOME jewelry that appeals to people of all ages. Above are just a few of her creations, including the bracelet that I just purchased (last picture) and LOVE! Her bracelets are my favorite, but she does it all, including headbands!!!


So for those of you who don't already know, you can find her stuff at Shoe Bar by Pieces in Fondren and on Etsy. Just search VLPatton1 under sellers. The bracelet I ordered was super affordable, high quality and arrived in just 2 days!!! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

OB-sessions: Maxis and Minis

I have been obsessed with this silk maxi since I first saw it in the Anthropologie catalogue. It finally went on sale and now is MINE! 

I've said it before.... I am so obsessed with minis with sleeves! I know I'm not supposed to be doing this much shopping, but I had to have an Easter dress! And this one was just so perfect. MINE!

***Please excuse the awkward poses. I've always had to model my new purchases when I get them home. Ed does what he can and took the pictures for me, but I know he thinks I am a huge freak.

Easter

Remembering the reason for the season...


"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Style Crush: Kate Middleton

Ok, like everyone else I can NOT WAIT for the Royal Wedding!!! I'm seriously considering pulling an all nighter so I can see it all live! This obsession has been deeply rooted in me by my mom. When I was a little girl I remember watching Princess Diana become a princess over and over again with her. 

And now.... Kate! I love her chic, sophisticated, timeless and oh so British style. What makes her even better is that she has always had this style. It hasn't just come from being in the spotlight. Even when she and Prince William first started dating she was already rocking those hats! I love that she is so confident in herself. And, that she still looks chic even dressed down (like in the third picture). 

I know a lot of people feel the same way, but of course I am DYING to see her wedding gown! I have a feeling Kate the Great won't disappoint...

The Loop

Being new to this city, I'm slowly learning my way around. So far, the only place I know how to go without using my phone gps is work... I know it's sad. The Loop (loop 101) has now become one of my favorite things. Scottsdale has way too many red lights and they are all always red!! No red lights on the loop, though. I jump on it and it spits me out only 2 miles from work. Plus, I love the view of the mountains! I leave at different times every day so they look completely different depending on the time. They're especially pretty early in the morning. But, this is what they look like at about 5pm on my way home.


Another thing about being in a brand new city is that the chances of passing someone I know driving down the road are much lower here. Which means that my car singing has reached a whole new level. I'm sure these Arizonians think I'm crazy. So, the song of the week (I know I'm going to get made fun of for this) is Pia Toscano's version of Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me. Yes, I downloaded a song from American Idol. But she is just SO GOOD! If you download the full recorded version of this song you will see what I mean. And you'll be able to picture me driving down The Loop pretending I'm on American Idol singing along...

Tutus & Tuques

Last night Ed's sister invited me to go with her to a Tutus & Tuques party. When I learned the story behind these parties I knew I had to share. It's such a fun idea! The parties got started by this lady who was touched by the story of a 5 year old little girl fighting cancer. The little girl's mom has a website and blog called Pray for Kate where she shares their struggles and asks for prayers. Be sure you haven't just put on fresh mascara before visiting this site. 


When the creator of Tutus and Tuques heard about Kate's story she was inspired to create these parties to benefit local children's hospitals everywhere. Anyone can get a group together to do it. All you do is contact Tutus and Tuques and let them know how many people you have and they will send you a box of all the supplies you need. I didn't know what tuques were, but they are knitted hats and are for the little boys and of course the tutus are for the little girls. The girl hosting the party last night hosts them regularly and alternates between tutus and tuques. Last night we made tutus and they were so easy to make and soooooo cute! All attendees are asked to donate $5-$10 just to help pay for all the supplies and keep the Tutus and Tuques parties going. Afterwards, the host or whoever volunteers takes the tutus and tuques to their local children's hospital. 


On top of it being a really good cause, it was a lot of fun and a good way to meet new people. If you are interested in hosting, just go to the website Tutus and Tuques and it will tell you everything you need to know. This would be such a fun and affordable way to benefit Blair E. Batson!

Treasure Hunting

Yesterday, I took advantage of my Friday afternoon off and did some treasure hunting after work. One of the FP girls told me a few places I should look and I fell in love with one of them, The Antique Trove. They had SO much cool stuff and most of it was super cheap. What I desperately need next is a coffee table, a table cloth and chairs for my dining table and curtains. I feel like those things need to be purchased first to determine what accessories would work best.  


But of course, what I fall in love with are things that I really don't need. I loved the bar cart in the third picture, but what am I going to do with that?!? It was only $35 though!!!! And, I think I have an obsession with lamps. As you can see, there were so many to choose from (most of which were under $75) I couldn't even narrow them down to even think about buying just one. So, I decided to wait and try to picture which ones would look best with all of my other stuff. Opinions are welcome (especially from all of my design friends out there)!