Decisions, Decisions

Cute poster by Emily

I'm busier than ever these days and often feel like I'm killing myself to complete it all.  Reality has set in and I have a lot of questions to ask myself... the first being, what really makes me happy?  One of those things use to be posting on this blog.  The truth is - I miss it.  I often times start to share ideas/thoughts/random things that inspire me but then I stop myself due to so many reasons... the main one being that it's literally been a year since I last posted.  How would I ever make up for the past year?  Another excuse is worrying about what others will think.  I don't know why this bothers me so, but it does.  And maybe it's more so the unknown of who all is reading, rather than what they actually think.  It just seemed much easier to freely write about what made me happy when I was unaware that anyone even knew this little space existed.  Lastly, how do I keep my professional life and personal life separate?  I would never want my personal interests, beliefs, actions or words to affect the credibility of my business.  Maybe this calls for a new private blog?  Hmm... decisions, decisions.

Friday Flashback

circa 2006

I'm so glad Friday has finally arrived... it's going to be a busy weekend, but a fun one, as I get to spend it with these fabulous girls. Let the story wars begin!

PS- Safe travels to Kelly and Phil.

Junior Auxiliary's Catfish & Khakis 2009...

Don't miss the biggest party in DeSoto County, tomorrow night!Tickets are $40... includes open bar, all you can eat catfish, band, silent auction. Purchase your tickets here or at the gate.

Poster, tickets and t-shirt design by Address to Impress.

100 Days to Christmas!

Who knew?!? Today marks exactly 100 days 'til Christmas! I have to admit that I miserably failed the 100 Days to Christmas Challenge last year. Christmas '08 was a blur due to the launch of Address to Impress and getting ready for our first January Market in Atlanta.

This year, my business partner Jennifer and I are determined to actually enjoy our Christmas Holidays! While balancing re-orders as well as introducing 100+ new designs for January 2010, we will be ready to 'jingle' with the daily dose of inspiration & motivation from 100 Days to Christmas.

Each day over at 100 Days to Christmas you will find tips, tricks, reminders and goals to make your holidays runs smoothly. They even encourage hand-made, crafted gifts at little to no cost. Hubby will be glad to hear this since we're just a one-income family this year. He's graciously supporting me in pursuing my dream with AtoI and allowing me to focus on it full time. This means minimal shopping for moi.

So join me as I take the 100 Days to Christmas Challenge...

Today’s Goal is to get together My Holiday Planner. This is easy since I love any excuse to buy a new binder! Anyone else miss shopping for school supplies? Okay, I guess I'm ready. Leave me a comment if you plan to join the challenge. Lord knows I'll need plenty of folks holding me accountable!

Don't hold your breath... but I'm going to 'sporadically' try posting again! I'm also challenging myself to post a design a day between now and Christmas over at the Address to Impress blog, so you can get close look at all of the designs you see in our display at Atlanta Market below.

Cinco de what?!?

So where have I been? Well, these days I'm not quite sure. By the looks of pictures that I need to upload and share, I've been to Atlanta and Dallas for the gift markets... to Columbus, OH for a DG recruitment workshop... to Aspen skiing with Hubby... to Jackson for Kelly's engagement party... to Corinth for Lyndsey's bridal shower... to Tupelo for Jade's baby shower... to Gulf Shores for Kelly's bachelorette party... and on a train to New Orleans for Kelly's wedding last weekend. I know there's lots more but I seriously get anxiety thinking about recapping it all.

One thing I can tell you is where I'm heading next week... to exhibit at the National Stationery Show in New York! I've been swamped to say the least. I can honestly say I've never been quite so thrilled and excited about something while at the same time so physically nauseated by its prospect, in my whole life. The butterflies and insomnia have officially set in. It's crazy to think that I will have a booth, where people might stop by... to actually buy paper products... from ME!?! Even with business going as well as it has, I'm still in awe when the fax rings or I reload the web page to see new orders to process. Our 27 sales reps are doing wonders for us... Address to Impress is in over 100 stores in 12 states just since January! That's in under 4 months. I can't wait to see what shelves we adorn in 2010.

None of this eases the worry that I have about our invitations not looking right against the unseen shade of chocolate foam core that was purchased months ago...or that everyone will smile pleasantly and then just walk right by us... without giving us a second thought. I'm so super nervous and really need to get back to work on the press kits. I have no clue how I will get everything done on my 'to do' list before I leave for the Big Apple in a week. But I also know that somehow, some way, I will make it all happen. If not, it's because HE had different plans. Everything somehow always comes together magically exactly as its supposed to... which is something I need to remind myself at 4:15 am when I can't sleep because I just remembered something else I almost forgot to do, like order the carbon copy order forms!

It will all work out... it will be fine. It must. Otherwise, I'll be forced to polish the resume 'cause Hubby will insist that I go back to working for someone else. And if it doesn't, stop back here in a couple of months to find some bargain basement deals on 12 tons of fabulous invitations and note cards by Address to Impress.

Literally, we are currently warehousing 12 tons of paper at the moment. Yes, we are prepared for the '09 Autumn & Holidays. So bring on the family photos for our 75+ new holiday photo card designs!

To Market, to Market

And I'm off...

to exhibit at both Atlanta and Dallas Markets.  Please wish me luck!

I'm going to do my best to recap our journey.  Be sure to keep up with us on our Address to Impress blog.   Or you can even join our new Facebook group.

One of my resolutions for the 2009 - to get organized enough TO BLOG MORE! 

Peace on Earth

She's the closest thing to having my own... a mini-me with a love for all shoes and Buxom lip gloss!

Since I'm not going to have my Christmas cards completed in time, I thought I would scan in my business partner's instead. I thought it was much more important to show this cute face!

Oh, and the design is by Address to Impress.

Atlanta and Dallas.... Here We Come!

Yes, I know I look ROUGH! I literally had two hours of sleep total in two days. We're shipping off our first box of market samples. It looks like I'm yawning more than saying "Halleluia."

Designs coming soon to a store near you!

My view for three days straight.



I know it's been over a month again. I truly wish I had more time to post but things have been wild with business. I know most everyone is crazy during the month of December but I can honestly say mine has nothing to do with the holidays. Especially since I only have 1 of my trees up and it was just completed yesterday. Not to mention that I have only bought one Christmas gift as well. You're the lucky girl, Aunt Kathy!

So I'm feeling ultra guilty for not returning phone calls and e-mails from so many of you. I promise they have not gone un-noticed. I love each of you too! I'm so lucky to have so many people who care about me. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time to tell everyone individually what is going on so I thought a new post may be the best way to let you in on the exciting news....

Heavens no, I am not expecting! No, something much more in line with my personal goals.... to start my own business.

Well, I did that just three short years ago with my friend Jennifer, but now we're taking it to the next level. We've been picked up my rep groups in both Atlanta and Dallas! We'll be showing in permanent showrooms in January at the Atlanta & Dallas Markets. Starting in January, we're going to have sales reps covering the following states.... Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Can you believe that?!?!?!

I honestly have to say we could not have done without the help of so many people. And I wish that I was through with asking for favors from friends and family but I'm afraid they've only begun. There's so much more to share with you all but I don't want to say too much until our attorney (Hubby, hehe) has looked over everything. Oh, It's killing me not to upload the pics of our catalogs, samples, packaging, etc. I hope to show you more after our debut at the Markets.

Merry Merry to you all!

PS- No, I haven't had time to do my own Christmas cards yet. It's just not going to happen. One thing I don't have to stress over. I'm hoping I'll get something done in time for Valentine's!

Now I Know

Sign by Dealighted - Black Friday Thanksgiving Deals

Sign by Dealighted - Black Friday Thanksgiving Deals

Mr._____Goes to Washington

Hubby waited in line for an hour to cast his vote this morning. I was able to walk in and out within 5 minutes by waiting until 9:30am. We will be bringing in the election at a Moving to Mexico party tonight. The results should be interesting!

Blast from the Past

Momma, a Halloween treat for you!

Me & my Halloween Cabbage Patch
October 1985

Wow, we beat Vandy

Note: Title should be read with sarcasm
Me and Hubby
Kelly, John Jackson, and Me
Me, Kelly, Sara Beth, and Stacey

We had the absolute best time at the MSU-Vandy game. Can you tell??? There's nothing like a weekend with your best girlfriends. I'm sure Hubby would agree with that statement. The day started off entirely too early after a late night out to Anthony's, only completed by a trip to Dave's (yes, Dark Horse Tavern). Don't worry, we were all champs. Kelly and I, especially, since we beat our neighbors at flip cup at 10 am in the morning. Come to think of it, Hubby probably deserves the gold star for setting up the tailgate at 7am. Thanks, Honey!

It was also Phil's birthday on Sunday. Umm, I bet that ride back to Jackson was fun. Not! Even more, I know the birthday lunch with the new extended family was a blast, hehehe. Either way, Philly Vanilli, I hope you had a great birthday weekend.

I seriously can't wait until we're all together again in February. What a great birthday gift to me!

A Trip to Anthony's

One of my dearest friends, the one and only Kelly Kirk (with the best monkey impersonation), was recently engaged and met us in Starkville to celebrate! We tried to show her fiance, Phil, that the Bulldogs know how to have a good time despite the losing season. We all had dinner at our favorite place, Anthony's in West Point. Somehow Hubby, Ray, and Amanda were able to dodge the camera. The rest of the crew is pictured somewhere in the collage above.

Oh and thanks for lining up the transportation, Sara Beth. Tell Delvin I'm sorry about the spill (as documented above)!

Flower Power

Last Friday, Hubby came home with two treats.... one for each of his girls. He said he knew he couldn't come home with a new dummy retriever for Bailey without anything for me. Hmmm, I think he's starting to catch on. Gosh I love him. He always know how to brighten my day.

Funny, for no particular reason he made us feel special. The power of flowers (or a dummy) is amazing, isn't it?

That night we had dinner and drinks with Keith and Ellen at Bangkok Alley. Always a good time with them! Afterwards, we went to see the movie Fireproof. I'll just say they definitely won't win an Oscar for their acting! However, every married couple should go see it.

Happy Halloween!

Gatlinburg, TN
October 2008

You're in for a 'treat'! I finally have pictures uploaded. More posts to come...

Friday Flashback

Brick House & Brick Layer, Law School Halloween Party
Circa 2005

Cowbells and Riverboat Horns

Anyone going to Knoxville for the Mississippi State-Tennessee game? We are going early with my parents and plan to spend the week prior in the mountains. Hubby, Dad, and I are all Bulldogs and Momma graduated from UT so we're all excited about the trip. My mom said she use to take the party boats back in her sorority days and that this the best way to travel to the UT games, so it should be a lot of fun. They still have limited space available on the boat, so pass the word.

Cruise to the MSU-UT football game aboard the ‘Bulldog Battle Boat’

Bulldog fans heading to Knoxville for the Mississippi State vs. Tennessee football game Oct. 18 can take part in one of the great traditions of SEC football – arriving at Neyland Stadium by boat! Neyland Stadium is nestled up against the banks of the Tennessee River. By the thousands, Big Orange fans go to home games by boat, tying them together for a floating tailgate party, hours … if not days … before kickoff. They call them the "Volunteer Navy."

Cruise to the stadium in style and avoid game day traffic aboard the ‘Bulldog Battle Boat.’ The 200-passenger riverboat will board at Marine Park, approximately five miles downstream, and drop its passengers off approximately ½ mile from Neyland Stadium. Owned and operated by the Tennessee Riverboat Company, the boat will be at the Marine Park at 2:00 PM for all to board. The riverboat will provide a direct return after the game.

Reservations are now being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is $50 per person and includes boat passage and a sandwich lunch. A cash bar will be available, and a DJ with MSU ties will be aboard.

For more information, contact Bill or Blue Reeves at:breevesms@gmail.com 601-954-9292 (cell) 601-982-5834 (home)

You must pay in advance to reserve your spot. Mail checks to: Bill Reeves, 1200 Meadowbrook Road, Unit #27, Jackson, MS 39206. Please provide your name, address, phone number and a valid e-mail address.

*Note: E-mail will be used to communicate specific details about the trip. Please include a valid e-mail address.

Finally, an Excuse!

Found here.

My mom found this quote over the weekend and said "Hillary, this fits you to a T!" If you know me at all, and you ask my opinion (or even if you don't ask), I'm often known to trump one's ideas. Until now, I've never known why I'm so bossy. Yes, I admit I tend to take charge at times. Finally, I have an excuse for the way I am!

Anyone looking for an early Christmas present for me? I will take anything from Mary Phillips Designs. I've loved her products for years now. I swear she just keeps getting better!

HUE Should Try It

While researching colors for our Spring/Summer 2009 stationery collection, I found this link to a quiz where you put color chips in order by hue. Give it a whirl!


Below is my score:
Based on your information, below is how your score compares to those of others with similar demographic information.
Your score: 7
Gender: Female
Age range: 20-29
Best score for your gender and age range: 0
Highest score for your gender and age range: 1410

Found via How About Orange

Here we go....

18 comments??? That's all I get?? No more love than that? I know who really cares! Proof is in the comments. Thanks goes to those of you who have not forgotten me. Let's just say that if I didn't have a stat counter that told me over 700 folks checked in just this week, then I'd say forget it.

However, it's your lucky day! That's if you're the caring (read: nosey) type who likes to know what's going on in others' lives. Oh yes, I confess I care about each of you too.

Even though I'm still not feeling very witty, nor do I think in terms of "blog posts" anymore, I am going to try to jump back in. No way am I going to attempt to post what's been going on the past 11 weeks and six days. I almost made you hold out until tomorrow for the three month count. Oh the mere thought of recapping just stresses me out! Instead, I'll just start...

This Saturday is The Junior Auxiliary of DeSoto County's Catfish & Khakis. It seems like I've been working on this fundraiser for months. Actually Address to Impress has just made so many edits, proofs, and "final prints" to the tickets and posters that it just doesn't feel near as cute as when we first designed it. I've still got a few more responsibilities with setting up the silent auction and signs this week. After this event, it'll be one less thing on my list of responsibilities. I can't wait to dance with The Bouffants!


Let me know if you want to go! Tickets are $40 each and you can buy them at the door.

Tempting

I'm still BusierThanEver but I'm thinkin' about making a comeback. It's been over two months! Anyone still check this thing???

Truth Be Told

I apologize I haven't been on top of blogging lately. I'm still evaluating whether I'm spreading myself too thin by being involved with so much in addition to my daily job (AtoI, DG Recruitment, JA, to name a few). I may be taking a break from the blog for a while since my husband, friends, extended family, and home are not getting the TLC they deserve. If you've called or e-mailed and I have not responded, please try again. I truly do appreciate them. It's the e-mails, comments, phone calls, and cards that inspire me to keep this thing going!


Mississippi State & Ole Miss Delta Gamma Officers and Advisers


While I'm still compiling all of my pictures from Convention, I thought I would fill you in on what's been going on and why this blog has not been a priority...

- Our church's VBS was last week. The theme was Power Lab and I was a Crew Leader for the pre-schoolers. It was the cheapest form of birth control yet!
- Hubby bought a Honda Accord and has decided to park his SUV for a while. That makes four cars for two people. We look like a used car lot!
- Hubby won his appeal! We celebrated last night at Old Venice with the attorney that had the case before him.
- My job it tough these days! The furniture industry is struggling. I may be looking to get into something else soon. Anyone know of any job opportunities that would be fun while using my creativity???
- I'm helping one of my college friends, get her china & gift shop, The Square Cupboard, ready for the Grand Opening on July 26. We're really excited that she'll be carrying paper products by Address to Impress, our line of stationery & invitations. If you're ever near Hernando, stop by!
- Jennifer, my stationery business partner, and I have plans to attend the Atlanta Gift Market next weekend. We will be evaluating whether or not to attend next year as an exhibitor. Exciting but nerve racking at the same time. If we decide to take the challenge, we're really going to need your support!

I'm sure there's plenty more I'm forgetting but I've committed myself to helping Jamie complete The Square Cupboard's window display in time for the 4th of July festivities.

I hope you have a safe 4th of July!!!

All Volunteery Eyed

Alright, I just may be in over my head. I've got entirely too much on my plate right now. If you haven't heard from me, I'm still alive and not ignoring you. I've just got A LOT going on!
It's officially Wednesday now and I haven't slept a wink, yet. I'm hoping to get in bed after I fold the last load of clean clothes. I'm half packed for my flight to Palm Springs, which leaves in about 8 hours (9 am).

I would have gotten in bed at a decent hour if I didn't have a 2 and a half hour JA meeting tonight. Yep, my first one that I've made it to. Let me just say... provisional = pledge. I swear it's just like a sorority, only worse. You pay dues, volunteer a bazillion hours, and there's not even a swap or formal to look forward to!

Speaking of sorority & volunteer, I'm off to learn some new rah-rah recruitment tips and to pick up a few awards at Convention. Yes, I'm doing the whole Recruitment Advisor thing again in August. So contact me if you know any great girls that just graduated from high school and are going through Rush at Mississippi State.

I'll be back next week...

Summer Swap

S- Seersucker Belt by lulu belle bags

U- Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock by Neutrogena

M- Madras Handbag by lulu belle bags

M- Monogrammed Beach Towel

E- Essie Enamel Nail Polish- Essential Color Mademoiselle

R- Recipes- Summer Favorites


Many, many thanks to Heather from Life with Lulu for her fabulous Summer Swap package! Heather is the mom of three precious girls and is a very creative handbag designer. Imagine my surprise when I received this large box of goodies after being away on business for so long. The gifts were to have a summer theme and boy did she put thought into her items. From the seersucker belt to the madras handbag, to the sunblock and beach towel, she really outdid herself. And thanks to her, I'm all set for summer now. If any of these items are an indication of her personal taste, then I know we would be dangerous shopping together. I absolutely loved it all! It's hard to pick a favorite item but I'll leave you with one of the recipes she sent that Hubby and I can't wait to try...


Skip and Go Naked

1 container of frozen limeaid

1 limeaid container filled with vodka

3 beers

Pour over ice in a pitcher, mix or shake... serve over ice!

Best beach drink EVER! - Heather

Rowdy Frynds Recap

All our rowdy friends have not settled down!

This past Friday we went with eight of our friends to the Forum to see Hank Williams, Jr. And Lynyrd Skynyrd was a bonus. For those of you who attended, you know how exciting it was. For those of you who didn’t, you definitely missed out. The pictures above don't really do the night justice. Yes, it was that much fun!

Russell's Memorial Weekend

Hubby and one of his best friends, Greg Ochs, had a much more adventurous Memorial Weekend. They hiked the Grand Canyon! My only request was that he take plenty of pictures. He did take a good number of them but they were all on Kodak disposable cameras since he broke his father's digital camera at the BEGINNING of the trip. Typical. Yes, those are snowflakes you see in some of them. Apparently, it was snowing at the top when they started so the visibility was not the greatest. They were also able to fly fish on the Colorado River since they hiked with their poles. It appears he had a great time without me!

I tried to get him to guest blog about the trip but for some reason he has prioritized jury trials & depositions over my blog.

Note: I apologize for the quality of the pictures. It will help to click on the collage to make them larger.

Hillary's Memorial Weekend

The Memorial Weekend was great, mainly because Megan came to visit me from Ohio! Thursday consisted of two trips to the aiport (one to drop off Hubby and another to pick up Meggy), a drive by Graceland, Meg's first taste of soul food, cocktails at the Peabody, lots of shopping, and pedicures. On Friday we hit the road early towards Orange Beach for Kassi & Marc's rehearsal dinner and wedding...


Best wishes, Kassi & Marc Rushing!

PS- Meg, only 1 week and we'll be poolside in Palm Springs together...

Roll Call!

I desperately need to update my blogroll. I've been meaning to do this for a while now but I keep procrastinating. I figure I'll use this as an excuse to buy me some time until I find a moment to post the new pictures you've been so patiently awaiting. If I don't have you on my current list to the right and you would like to be, please leave me a comment! Also, if you're listed and you'd prefer not to be then let me know that as well so I can remove the link. Even if you're a lurker and I've never personally met you, I'd love to add your blog to the list so my friends and I can get to know you.

Note: This is a great way to increase traffic on your blog and make new friends!

Rough (week) & Rowdy (night)

I just got back in town. I've been on business for the past week in High Point, NC showing my new fabric line. It looks great! All I ask is that you all go out and buy some type of furniture. Our industry is really hurting these days.

I apologize if you have e-mailed, commented, etc and I have not responded. I have a lot on my plate at the moment and I hope to play catch-up this weekend. I still owe you picutres of Hubby's big hike, Kassi's wedding, and Megan's visit over Memorial Day Weekend. However, I'm currently busy with the following this month... Showtime in Tupelo, VBS, JA meetings, DG Convention, MSU Recruitment, and the list goes on!


Tonight we have tickets with about a dozen of our friends to see Hank Williams, Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd on their "Rowdy Frynds" tour in Memphis. Who knows, I might have a few pics to show you just how redneck we are in Mississippi!

Material Girl

I'm still here "wining & dining" my customers. Sorry for the delay in posts! I should be back at it next week, if not sooner.

Safe and Sound

I just spoke to Hubby on the phone. He made it safely out of the Canyon. I wish I could say the same about his father's digital camera. I tried to tell him to take our's since it was already broken but oh no, he had to go off and break another one. Now I'm just that much farther from getting my dream camera.

Memorial Weekend

Happy Memorial Day! Meg and I got back late last night from the beach... the weather was beautiful! I'll try to post pics of Kassi's wedding before I go out of town for business this week.

Hubby arrived safely at the Canyon. The last time I spoke to him was at noon on Friday. I won't speak to him again until he completes the hike, hopefully early Tuesday morning. Please keep him and Greg in your prayers. It's been so hard not talking to him!

We're off to Beauty Shop for lunch and then I have to drop Megan off at the airport. So sad. I just wish she would move to the South!

Wedding Advisory

I'll be at the beach for Kassi & Mark's wedding all weekend. Cross your fingers that the camera works!

Trip Out

Geez, you'd think Hubby was joining the Marines. He got a buzz cut and he's put himself in boot camp with daily marathons and lunges. Tomorrow morning he's off to hike the #1 wonder of the West.

Pictures to come if he makes it! Maybe I can convince him to guest blog for the first time.



On another note, we helped uncover the family's pool on Sunday. Bailey was in Heaven! That girl loves the water. She even started fetching off of the diving board. It wasn't easy but I managed to capture a few shots of her.

Note: Cousin Sophie prefers to watch from the sidelines!