Simply Opinion. Unless Stated Otherwise

Stylish Sale Saturday

2011-03-25T14:19:00.012-05:00

I always love a bargain! Who doesn't. . .unless you have so much money it's coming out of your ass and you really don't have to worry about it.

I don't know what it is. I mean, yes, a lower price on something that you know someone out there has paid more for is great but I think it is the thrill of finding it and the chase to get it.

I am seriously, seriously addicted to craigslist! I've shown you the table that I got, the post office boxes which were great finds. Well, I've bought two more pieces of furniture in the last week! The funny thing about it is, one of them is a couch that originally came from the same store as the table and chairs that I shared with you.

Here it is. . .EQ3 Saga Sofa. IT FREAKIN' MATCHES MY La-Z-Boy Chairs!!

The other piece I bought was a knoty pine. . .. hehehe naughty pine ;) armoire. I mean if you have seen one armoire I feel like you have seen them all.

With all of these great deals and my browsing on the net, I figured I would share some great deals and designs with you. I will list them by store or website :)

The Foundary.com

I am addicted to this site. They have really cool gifts, decor, etc. and there is something new everyday! Don't be surprised if you don't see some of these items that I show on the site today. . . it means that sale has already ended. But trust me, more cool stuff will come.

The ever so exciting Target

Target always is helping out new lines and getting them out there for the everyday shopper. I can't thank them enough for introducing the Liberty of London brand to me last summer! Well, they are now offering Dwell Studio bedding and what not at their stores and online. I am in love with this Baroque design. I must have it for when we get our new king bed to fit our family :) If you remember from an earlier post, I already bought my son's bedding. . . and of course it is Dwell. But for some reason, it is MUCH more expensive haha. shhhhh.

It comes in a comforter set and a duvet set. You also get the option of shower curtain, rug, pillow, and more! And to me, it's a steal for a king set for $99.

Ohh IKEA how I love thee.

Granted, if you are looking for super sturdy, lifelong, solid wood furniture, this isn't the stuff for you which also means you are going to be opening up your wallet a little more.

I love this set. It comes in several different color options as well. You can get the king size bed frame, chest of drawers, and two night stands for $708! LET'S DO IT!

IKEA COME TO NASHVILLE ASAP!!!

Who knew WestElm was so affordable?!

I'm pretty sure if you come visit my house within the next couple of weeks, these pillows will be on the new couch. :)Just when you thought it couldn't get any better. . .I bring you Crate & Barrel

I need these for my son's room! Notice that the orange ones are the only ones on sale at the moment.

Crate & Barrel loves your pets. . .they know that they deserve good design as well!

Now that I've shared Crate & Barrel. . .well we can't forget CB2

Which we need BOTH OF THEM IN NASHVILLE!

I know someone who I'd love to get this for that is probably going to read this at some point ;)

Now I'm not huge in the fact that this is a short-hand text message pillow, but I am a sucker for pieces that have white type on a black surface!

I couldn't leave without putting something cute, really well designed and baby related in today's post. So here are some diaper bag organizers from Amazon.com The cool think about Amazon is that if you are a student or mom to be, sign up for Amazon Prime. . .It gives you FREE 2 day shipping!

A Great Mid to Late-Day Distraction and Inspiration

2011-03-23T14:02:00.006-05:00

This is probably one my new favorite shops on Etsy. These prints are so freakin' cute and funny. So many of them sum up my life I think this designer is living in my head but has the illustration skills I lack!

Check out Yellow Heart Art on Etsy.

if you know me, you should know where this is coming from! HAHAHAHA

fo sho!

love!

for some reason this reminds me of my girl Jordan over at PaperStitchVintage

This reminds me of someone I met in Cali. . .If you are still around,

you know who you are. HA!

everyone needs to have a little fun!

beautiful!

freakin' love this!

Another Bean-eriffic Tuesday

2011-03-22T13:51:00.014-05:00

You know what's harder than keeping this blog up? Decorating a nursery at an affordable price and with some taste!

Holy geeze this entry will not even cover half of the crap I've looked at over the past several months. . .I wish I would have saved all of the screen shots of all of the cool cribs I've seen. I should apologize now for not being able to link these images with their relative sites for you to look up. I'll get better.

So here is a barrage of photos of really cool cribs, bedding, and toys that I will be getting, liked, considered and only wish I could afford. . . .

What we are going with:

The husband is an amazing woodworker so he is going to build the nursery furniture for me and the Bean :)

you can find this crib for sale on Etsy.com :)

I like this kind of storage so he is going to build something along these lines and a bookshelf.

I want to find bright colorful canvas baskets to use. . .but these are from
Pottery Barn Kids for reference.

We hope to get all kinds of cute but educational and fun wooden toys like these.

And last, but not least. . . the bedding!

You

Dwell Studio's Skyline Crib Set. . .and yes, I already bought it. . .I had to.

The set is sold out everywhere and I was terrified that I wouldn't get it in time. I found it at a cute little shop in Cali called The Pampered Tot

I have only purchased the set and not the accent pillow, changing pad cover, etc. . .so I hope to get that as well. :)

So I missed a day. . . don't act too surprised.

2011-03-18T11:56:00.008-05:00

I know, I know. . .I failed miserably yesterday. . . I didn't get the post up. In my defense, it was St. Patty's day and just because I'm pregnant, doesn't mean I can't indulge in a fun holiday tradition with an O'Doul's and some water?! heh?

Well, I will make this post extra special and extra photoy. I know . . not a word. . but you get what I mean. I have a bunch of random pics that I have taken of cool things I wanna share with you. First off, these bad ass old postoffice boxes I got off Craigslist. For those of you that don't know me, my husband recently got me addicted to Craigslist. I find all kinds of amazing stuff on there for me and for friends. Wonder if people would pay me to do it? It's so f'n addicting!

Back to these postoffice boxes. Pretty sweet huh? The lady I purchased them from got them a few years ago at the Nashville Flea Market. Each of them have their own combination and the back is completely open. I initially wanted to use this as a decorative piece in the baby's room but seeing as how the furniture and theme are changing constantly, this is going to go somewhere else in the house with some fake tea lights, small picture frames and maybe a cool vine plant. :)
While we are on the topic of Craigslist. . .I have to show you the dining room table and chairs I found and purchased for $450 when in reality. . .brand new . . .it was worth over $3000!! I would say it is still worth more than $450 but I know how to bargain. :) It is Calligaris from Italy. Ohh la la . . .HA!
Next. . .the really cool new ketchup package design by Heinz for Chick-fil-A. If you are like me and no longer live near a Chick-fil-A. . .and trust me, I miss it dearly. . .then you might be missing out on this really cool new packaging!

Not only does it give you 3 packets worth the ketchup in 1 but you have the option to dip or squeeze!

A few things I've learned with my first experience of this new packaging:

1. I like to eat my fries as soon as I get them, so the squeeze feature seems to be my best choice while driving. (I did do a little dipping, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.)

2. Two problems with the squeeze option: to tear that plastic open is kind of a pain in the ass and when you squeeze, you aren't able to get all of the ketchup out because of the way the plastic bends.

3. Finally, MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you order a large fry, ask for at least 4 total packets. . .2 STILL DOESN'T CUT IT.

I thought I might save this for the next post. . .it's gonna be all about decorating the baby's room . . .well, everything I found but can't afford. . .lol. But seeing as how we aren't doing a physics theme anymore. . .I'll share.

I love the color palette and textures. . .also the symbols for each scientist/physicist are pretty sweet! They are a tad on the expensive side for the larger prints, but TOTALLY worth it!

Everyone have a great weekend and I'll be back . . .possibly Sunday.

I leave you with one of the most hilarious freakin' videos I've watched in a long time, courteous of my good friend Kayce over at 3rd Bird. Check out her blog!

Totally Bean-Tastic Tuesday

2011-03-15T13:00:00.008-05:00

I would ultimately like to dedicate one day out of the week to discuss nothing but the Bean. . .but we all know how flaky I can get about blogging. So, instead of designating a specific day, I'll just pick at least one day and talk about it.

Today I had my week 23 check up! It was a quick meeting with the doc, the kind I like. There were tons of wonderful news. . . and some not so good news (which I already knew that it was coming).

Bad news first:

• I have gained 10lbs since my last visit! A total of 22lbs since my first visit. . .this es no bueno! I mean I guess it isn't terrible and could be worse, but I'm going to hate life trying to get the excess pounds off after Bean is born.

This means laying off all the pasta that fills me up and dropping the pie!

Great news:
I don't know all of the exact numbers but this is kinda how it went:

• Bean has a 1 in 15,000+ to have downs syndrome

• No cystic fibrosis

• 1 in 9900+ chance to have Thalassemia (I think this is right)

and a great over all screening. . .so no inherited, degenerative, or any other kind of diseases that we know of thus far.

FACT: whether or not my child has any of these diseases tested for, we will love him all the same!

Let me just tell you, this next visit. . . not so pleasant. I get to drink this fabulous Glucose drink one hour prior to getting my blood drawn for testing.

When I say fabulous. . .I mean - guaranteed to taste like shit no matter how wonderful one of the three optional flavors sound.

Tropical Punch - Unless it's Kool-aid, I've never had any luck with this flavor.

Lemon-Lime - I'm not a fan of sprite so I don't think I would remotely like this.

Orange - It was the only option left.

And, when I say one hour prior to getting my blood drawn. . .meaning. . . I have to drink this drink within 5 minutes. No mixing, no rinsing my mouth out after, no eating, no mints, no ANYTHING! Suck it up and drink it, and be sure to look at the clock.

If I finish this drink at 7:56 my ass better be in the phlebotomist's chair with a needle in my arm pumping whatever blood she needs at 8:56.

Oh well. . .comes with the territory. As I like to say: "Symptoms of being pregnant."

Until next time. . .and I am doing my best to do this every other day. . .enjoy life and it's lemons.

Let's See If I Remember How to do This

2011-03-13T14:52:00.006-05:00

Well Hell. . . . It's been a looooooonnnnngggg long time. I guess I should see where I left off to figure out where to start.

I mean ever since Greece my life has been super busy and BEYOND crazy. I think picking all of those four-leaf clovers last spring really helped.

Let's do a sitcom "to be continued" recap:

Greece last May with my girls. . .had a blast!

California last June - August working a kick ass internship with TOMS Shoes.

As soon as I got back from Cali, I was back in school for my final semester. . . . Senior show went off without a hitch!

November 29th, my husband, after 3 years of searching, finally got an engineering job.

December 1st, I get a job the amazing people and company that I had interned with all Fall, DBD Daniel Burton Dean.

December 2nd, was my last day of school and ohhh one other thing. . .

I'M PREGNANT!!

Meet Bean.

YUP, that's right! I'm pregnant. . .I am due to have a little boy this July.

Oh, and last but not least. . .we bought a house in February :D

So yeah . . .that's my recap. Crazy shit huh?

Never underestimate the luck of the Irish and those pretty little clovers ;)

I am getting back on the blogging train and have so much to share. . .There's no way I'm giving it to you all now.

Sorry for the Absense

2010-06-30T00:09:00.006-05:00

So, I know it's been a while since I have posted. Things have been so busy and by the time I get home from work I'm exhausted.

Things out here in Cali are going wonderfully. So well, in fact, that I really don't want to leave. I absolutely love it here. (minus the traffic and the drivers who make up their own laws)

The job is amazing! I love TOMS even more than ever! The people I live with, work with, and hang out with, are so wonderful!

I have had the opportunity to learn some interesting things, go to design conferences (Dwell on Design), eat at great places (Diddy Riese), and anticipate some great events that have yet to happen!!

I got to introduce some of my great friends from back home to my new friends here in Cali. Jonathan, Kayce, Amanda, and the rest of the gang were at the Country Music Throwdown Tour and Katie was with Fox at the 1st annual PacSun Ballyhoo event at Santa Monica Beach!! Both events were absolutely amazing!!

I have tackled In-n-Out Burger, Korea Town, and a few other spots . . . but I still have so much I want to do and only a little over a month to do it!!

I know in the next few weeks I will be going to Malibu, checking out Vegas, making it to Hollywood, and possibly Lego Land. I will keep you updated as much as possible.

On a not so happy note, I have lost a wonderful friend, and a DAMN GOOD person!

Jeffrey Alan Burnsides
April 1983 - June 2010
You will be missed dearly!!

Far Too Long, I know!!

2010-06-11T07:51:00.004-05:00

Hey yoooooooo!

So I know it has been incredibly too long since I last blogged. Things have been completely insane and I promise to catch you up on my amazing summer thus far!

Right now, in a nut shell, I went to Greece and Turkey for 11 days. So AWESOME! I have a million and 5 pics to post. You may want to check FB in the next few days for those.

Right now, I am in Southern California working at TOMS Shoes!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! If you never thought you could never catch a break or get what you want, you are terribly mistaken!

This is a total dream for me. Hard work, passion, honesty, and self worth really pay off!!

Meet the TOMS Summer 2010 Intern class!!!

(front): James
(back starting on the left): Melanie, Erin, Lizzy, Me, Jina, Jake, Micah, Nicole, Brian
(not pictured): Avery, Tobi, Chelsea, Dominique (and some amazing interns returning from the Spring class)

This is so surreal! I will be telling you more about my California adventures as they occur.

I got back from Greece on June 5th (10:30pm) and flew out to Cali on June 8th. . .first (direct flight) got canceled. BUMMER! I didn't get in until 10:45pm.

Made it to our apartments which turned out to work FANTASTICALLY!!!

Team Kittyhawk includes: James, Jake, Jina, Lizzy, Nicole, Erin, Mel and myself. More to come on that later :D

I bunch of us stayed up and got to know each other. The next day, we all went out to a beach and chilled for a bit. It was beautiful out. I mean no humidity and around 70ish.

We then headed to the Third Street Promenade where I there discovered H&M (this will not turn out well) and also went to Pinkberry! The Green Tea was pretty fantastical.

We ended up sitting at the Georgian Hotel and met Chelsea and Brian there. After that, Mel, Nic, Erin and I went to Wal-Mart for some things. . . . ummmm yeah. . .what an experience!

It was the first 3 story Wal-Mart, in a shopping mall that I have ever been too and well, I'm not sure that I am going back! It was a tad frightening. Oh Crenshaw.

Anywho. . .I gotta go get ready for my second day on the job!!

Hope to see you soon!

It's been crazy around here!

2010-05-07T10:25:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!!!

I promise to get you a long and detailed blog later this afternoon. It has been absolutely crazy around here with everything going on.

Until it is up, please do what you can and donate to the Middle Tennessee Flood Victims by visiting http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/ or the Red Cross. Any time or donation will help.

Thanks so much and I will be back soon!

Only Time Will Tell

2010-04-24T18:53:00.013-05:00

The NFL Draft is almost over. . .and a couple of my guys went.

Ben Tate went in the second round as the 26th pick to the Houston Texans. I am very happy for Ben, but I unfortunately cannot cheer for the Texans. . .a little bit of a rivalry.

Walter McFadden went in the 5th round as the 7th pick to the Oakland Raiders. Perhaps not ideal for being the 5th round, but still. . .he was drafted, right?

I guess only time will tell about how they will potentially do in the NFL. I wish them the best of luck!

I have a little update on my TOMS auction winners. . . Both very pleased with their shoes, I must say :D

I haven't received permission (actually I haven't asked) to use their names, so I will not post them. But the person who won the Jonathan Singleton & The Grove TOMS sent me a pic of him wearing his shoes to class!!!
LOOKIN' GOOD!!!

I am still waiting on a pic from The Features TOMS winner. ;) He got me his pic!!! Check it out!

I am happy to say that doing something like this and helping out such a wonderful cause really can bring people together. I have met some incredible folks and made some friends along the way.

Speaking of The Features, I have some pics from them from One Day Without Shoes!!!!

Rog with his Chocolate Stitchout Corduroy TOMS on and the guys with their logo and the TOMS logo bag!!!

I can't thank them enough for all of their support for TOMS and myself! You all truly ROCK and deserve all the best!!!

We had our spring cocktail at school a while back, HUGE success. . .have some pics to share. Enjoy.

If the pictures don't say enough. . .WE HAD A BLAST!!!

These are some pretty amazing people in these pictures and if you ever get a chance at meeting them in life, they will blow you away!!!

Finals are almost over and I couldn't be happier. I have been working on some outside projects that I have been having a lot more fun with and makes me really want to do more but I should just be focusing on the now and worry about all of that later.

Guess that's all for now. Need to get back to work.

Toodles!!

A modge podge, potpouri, bloggini finish

2010-04-22T08:19:00.003-05:00

Hope you all liked my little bit on dream interpretations last night. Granted, I am no psychologist, professional dream interpreter, or doctor, but it's always fun to learn something new about what our "subconscious" is telling us while we sleep.

I was also told that when you dream about other people, ultimately, you are dreaming about yourself. You are the people in your dreams. I don't know about this, but there could be some truth to it.

Well, now that that's over. . .new topic.

Foursquare!

I myself and a few of my friends use Foursquare on our iPhones. I like this little application because it is sort of fun and a challenge. I am currently the Mayor of 7 venues and I am lacking in the badge department.

The reason I bring this up is that I just want others to be safe! I didn't realize it, but when I connected Foursquare to Twitter, it was telling everyone my location. I didn't think much of it at first until a friend of mine asked me if I was just asking for a stalker. . . .then I was asked the same thing from another friend. I never thought about that. Creepers are out there so beware. . .and please be safe and informed before you start telling everyone your location at every given moment.

UFC/MMA

I am a huge fan of MMA fighting. I'm not sure what it is about two guys beating the crap out of each other in an eight sided ring that seems so entertaining to me. It actually can be pretty gruesome at times. I guess I like watching that like other women enjoy their soap operas. I like to watch the guys develop as fighters in their different skills, talk and interact with the other fighters, and see their personalities evolve.

Of course I have my favorites . . .the teeter from time to time. . .

Lightweight Division
Clay Guida
Gray Maynard

Welterweight Division
Georges St-Pierre

Middleweight Division
Grove Kendall
Herman Ed

Silva	Wanderlei
Silva	Anderson

Light Heavyweight Division
Bader Ryan
Evans Rashad
Griffin Forrest
Liddell Chuck
Nogueira Antonio Rogerio

Heavyweight Division
Carwin Shane
Nogueira Minotauro
Slice Kimbo

And of course my favorite all times!!
The Natural and ol' Royce Gracie

So yeah . . .a little into my knowledge of MMA. . . coming up very soon. . .College Football, NASCAR, and more ;)

TOMS Teen Vogue Shoes

2010-04-17T07:43:00.004-05:00

TOMS Shoes has teamed up with Teen Vogue to get some creative peeps out there to design a pair of TOMS to be manufactured and sold for a limited period of time.

The top 10 have been put on the Teen Vogue website for voting. I think they are all pretty amazing myself but, I am torn between 3 of them. (these are in no particular order)

Allison Quattlebaum, 18, Apex, NC. Read her essay.

Alexandra Trenary, 18, Raleigh, NC. Read her essay.

Brooke Shaw, 18, Coral Springs, FL. Read her essay.

(see all 10 amazing designs here)

If you haven't heard about TOMS from me or if you just have been living under a rock for a while, here is the information about the TOMS Movement:

One for One

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.

Why shoes?

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

One for One is spreading

TOMS has also inspired other companies to implement a One for One model. Ralph Lauren sells co-branded Polo Rugby TOMS, giving a matched pair with every pair sold. Element Skateboards has issued limited edition TOMS + Element shoes as well as a One for One skateboard. With every skateboard purchased, one will be given to a child at the Indigo Skate Camp in Durban, South Africa. It is TOMS’ hope that as our One for One movement continues to grow, more and more companies will look to incorporate giving into what they do.

Our Story

In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers.

Since our beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 600,000* pairs of shoes to children in need, through the purchases of caring customers.

*As of April 2010

So, become a part of something amazing, inspiring, and motivating and order your TOMS and/or vote for your favorite pair at Teen Vogue and order those. . .I know if one of these three pairs win. . . .I will own them :)

Funny little thing called love bloggini

2010-04-13T16:10:00.006-05:00

I am a little late getting this to y'all. . .not too late, it just happened yesterday afternoon, but I didn't have a whole lotta time to write about it.

I live kinda out in the woods a bit. There are other houses close, but there is a heavily wooded area in our back yard. That being said, we tend to attract some wildlife, i.e. skunk, raccoon, woodpeckers, coyotes, and TONS of deer.

Isabell (Izzy) my little beagle LOVES the deer. There have been many of time that she has gotten loose and had gone exploring in the woods on the scent of some deer. There was one time that I found her across the cul-de-sac sitting in the neighbors yard staring at a buck about 10 feet away from her staring back.

It's interesting the way animals communicate and hang out.

Well, I get home yesterday and walk around back instead of walking up the hill to get in. Iz is on her run around hanging out in the nice weather. I said hi to her like I always do in a little puppy voice and she didn't run to me, automatically, like she usually does. I was wondering what was going on and look up to see a deer just standing in the yard staring at my every move. I figured the thing would just run off as soon as I took a step but it didn't, it just stared. I didn't make eye contact at all with it and made it inside to watch.

Izzy was just running around like a neurotic little dog and that for sure, I thought, was going to scare that thing to death, but nope! It stood there watching her like "what the hell is your deal, weirdo." and ate some dandelions . I took a few pictures and tried to get some video to show you, but of course my little camera didn't last long.

Here is just a little bit for you.

p.s. turn your sound off. . .it's not relevant, I sound ridiculous. . .just talking.

My happenings during my One Day Without Shoes

2010-04-08T18:03:00.017-05:00

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone that attended and promoted TOMS Shoes One Day Without Shoes. Not just in my community, but all over the world!! It was an incredibly amazing experience.

It is still going on for most of us, but I am so excited, I just wanted to go ahead and blog.

We all knew that the weather in Franklin, TN was looking really drab for today. It was raining late last night and early this morning causing the temperature to drop immensely! We went from 80 degree weather to the 50's. burrrrr I thought this was going to cause our ODWS to become virtual, which is totally okay too! To my surprise, we had a virtual and actual ODWS event!!

Everything started today when I visited my boss at school. Unfortunately, she was unable to be apart of ODWS all day, but she was kind enough to promote the event for a few hours. Here she is holding the banner I created. :)

She said: "I haven't even had a pedicure, they are going to look horrible." I said: "Think of all of the people who go every day without shoes and have unfortunate and 100% curable diseases feet look! Trust me, your non-pedicured feet are fine" ;)

I decided to write on the bottom of my feet to see how they would look after a day of walking without shoes. Here is the before picture, we'll get to the after a little later.

Here is my other boss at school, Melinda! Isn't she beautiful in her TOMS Red Wrap Boots?! She was doing her part in the virtual shoe department.

A little later, I was working on some projects in class and I receive a phone call from a fellow classmate saying that he was just in a Publix, barefoot, and got kicked out. I couldn't believe he went in there barefoot. . . .I mean, I appreciate his support and what he was doing, but you just gotta be smart on where you try to go barefoot. . . TOMS will understand. We don't want to break any health code violations. Here is a pic of him and his buddy. They haven't had shoes on since 12:00am this morning! You guys are awesome!!
Here is a little segment of screen shots from the web. . . these are all of my friends supporting TOMS away from school or that I was unable to see today!! They either changed their avatar, tweeted about TOMS or just overall spread the word. You all rock!

The next little segment of photos are the feet all on campus :) What beautiful toenails everyone! There are also some TOMS in here as well.

Because we thought that the walk wasn't going to take place due to the weather, we had a documentary screening as well!!

We also had a small, yet fun activity. I took the posters of all five facts given to Campus Club Members by TOMS and hung them around campus. I offered the first person to be able to give me all five facts correctly a small TOMS prize!! (the images are in descending order)

Of course these aren't all of the posters we hung. We had several everywhere. . . but I will spare you from that unless you want them, and I will move on to more. . .

And now, finally, our walk!!! Since the weather was bad/chilly. . .I didn't expect this to happen at all. . .but we had a few troopers who made it out and who really brightened my day and warmed my heart by their support!

On our walk we got to know each other a little more. I found out that we had a recent graduate from Belmont with us, another that just graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, two participants from school and an amazing 9 year-old named Lucy with her mom.

Lucy was an amazing story for me. She found our event, and "she" signed up for it! Her mom swore it was all her idea!! I was amazed by her support for TOMS and what we were doing. It was truly inspiring.

I wanted to know how everyone knew about TOMS and it's funny because my two recent college grads knew because of Hanson. . .that's not the funny/ironic part. The funny/ironic part was that Lucy knew about it because of The Jonas Brothers. I am sure if TOMS was around when I was younger, I would have heard about them because of New Kids on the Block!! I think it's wonderful that these amazing and accomplished bands support TOMS like they do!

It was truly an inspiring and groundbreaking day for TOMS and those who are supporters. I can't say enough about the movement! Join us and support One for One!

Oh, before I forget. . . .the after view of my feet:

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR BEING APART OF TODAY! FOR ME AND FOR TOMS!

Some pretty happenin' kicks! Follow-up bloggini

2010-04-07T14:02:00.004-05:00

Well. . .The final pair of designed TOMS from the band Jonathan Singleton & The Grove are FINISHED!!! So happy with the completion as well as the way they look!! I almost wish that I had won the auction for these as well. :) Enjoy!!

Don't forget
One Day Without Shoes
is tomorrow!!!!

Calling all TOMS owners bloggini

2010-04-05T10:52:00.002-05:00

HEEELLLLOOOOO all you amazing people!!

I have a little project and am in need of some donated materials that seem to be a little hard to come by.

I am looking for some TOMS Shoes that have been worn down and are really not wearable anymore. I don't care if they are falling apart, I want to recycle the materials from them for a really cool project that I have been presented with.

If you have some TOMS and would be so kind to send them to me, I would be willing to compensate you for shipping up to a reasonable amount but I will take any donations whatsoever. Just contact me at merissatomlinson@gmail.com.

As soon as the project is finished, I will tell you all about it!!

Thank so much!!!

Some pretty happenin' kicks!

2010-04-03T13:13:00.006-05:00

If you have been following along with me, you would know that we had an auction for some one-of-a-kind pair of signed TOMS from the bands The Features and Jonathan Singleton & The Grove.

I learned from this process that designing shoes isn't easy and that people are really caring and understanding about the process, especially when it helps such an amazing cause!

FACT/SUGGESTION/DISCLAIMER: The use of the bands and their logos were granted to us by the band members and I do not suggest doing this without permission. All proceeds went to the cost of the shoes and charity. I also ask that you don't do as I did (because at the time I did not know) and put TOMS on eBay. The resale of TOMS on eBay is not recommended and I ask that you please not ever do it and support this decision by asking others not to do it.

I had auctioned three pairs of shoes. Two for The Features and one for JS & The Grove. I got all the shoes in and boy did I mess up!!

I thought I had checked and double checked and even triple checked, but because the shoes for two of the auctions were almost identical, i got them switched by accident. DOUGH! I accidentally gave a size 12 to the band that was suppose to be a 13 and vice-versa. There wasn't a whole lot I could do now since the 13s were already autographed :( Luckily, the guy that won that auction said that "I have 12 in TOMS now & they aren't big so 13s should work and you've already gone through so much for these things I say let em rip!" I can't tell you how relieved I was! This guy has been super amazing, friendly, and wonderful throughout this entire ordeal!! More people should be like him :)

As for the other pair of shoes, I felt so horrible because I know this guy has been so uber excited about getting them, even before he won the auction! I called around trying to find another pair of 13s in the Nashville area. . .none of them had them in the Natural Canvas, although Whole Foods said they had olive, white, black, or ash gray. I was broken. . . almost in tears. I just didn't want to let this guy down. He has been so patient so I called him to tell him what had happened. He was so kind to say that he would be willing to do them in gray and that he was going to be near where I am going this weekend for Easter that I could drop them by. HUZZAH! This is going to work out after all!!

I called Whole Foods back and asked them to put the 13 gray TOMS on hold for me. . .she said "we don't have them in a size 13". I almost lost it.

I did the only thing I could do and ordered them from the website and paid for two day shipping. Yes, I might have not raised any money and probably lost a little in this process, but there are a couple of pros because of this incident: 1. another child will receive a pair of shoes because of this purchase; and, 2. we were able to use these as testers for all of the designs :D

I hope to get this new pair of TOMS in by Monday so that I may ship them to the auction winner by Monday afternoon or Tuesday. I will post pictures of those when they are made. . . but I already know they are going to look FANTASTIC!

The third pair, The Features (female), were auctioned off at The Features Exit/In show back in February. . .I love the head logo!!!

Here are some photos of The Features TOMS that I am so jealous of and want both pairs!!! I LOVE THEM! and YESSSSSS, they are handmade. I couldn't have done any of this without the help of my REALLY GOOD FRIEND Melinda! Whew girl! She is the only reason I have any hair left along with my sanity. She's really amazing!

DON'T FORGET! One Day Without Shoes is on April 8th! Sign up to join our walk, look for one near you, or start your own! Franklin, TN O'More Walk
Find a walk near you
Create your own

A pair for you, a pair for me, a pair for a child who is in need

2010-04-01T09:12:00.006-05:00

Our Style Your Sole Party was such a HUGE SUCCESS!! I couldn't have been happier with the way it turned out!

I am in the final wrapping up stage of getting everything finalized and closed. We were able to give over 40 pairs of shoes to children in need! That is so incredible to think about! We have also raised over $500 to donate to Partners In Health, who TOMS teamed up with to help those in Haiti.

We are finishing up The Features designed TOMS as well as the Jonathan Singleton & The Grove TOMS this weekend. I know those that purchased those are getting anxious and I can't wait to get them their shoes!!

It's almost surreal that it is all over. I mean, this has been planning in the works since December and now it's over and successful. I just can't get TOMS off my mind. The good news is, I don't have to. :) April 8th is A Day Without Shoes! Whether you are in Franklin, TN, Santa Monica, California, or anywhere in the WORLD. . .join us and go without shoes for one minute, one hour, one lunch break, one day to experience firsthand what it is like to go without shoes and how we take for granted that we have something to protect our feet from day-to-day and how a simple pair of shoes impacts a child's life.

TOMS understands that it isn't practical for everyone to go barefoot, so there are other ways of supporting this amazing movement and keeping your feet covered. :D Check it out here!

If you are in Franklin, TN and you want to join us for our 1 mile walk through downtown Franklin on April 8th, be sure to RSVP to our event!! We would love to have you and the weather is looking FABULOUS! Bring anyone and everyone with you :)

ONE for ONE

As promised, here are some pictures from our event! We have 40min of video so that is currently being edited and will be posted soon!

here are links to more of the pictures :D

Pictures!!

More Pictures

I love pictures

YUP, there's more!

aaaaaaannnnnnnndddddd CUT! bloggini

2010-03-28T22:07:00.003-05:00

The Style Your Sole Party has came and gone! I feel it was extremely successful! The weather was beautiful, the people were enjoying themselves, and there was so much to look at!

I will have pictures coming to you soon!

Although I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, I still feel so much stress for what is still to come.

I guess just sit back and relax because this is going to be a bumpy ride for about 5 more weeks. And then, smooth sailing for the summer. . .I hope.

GREECE & TURKEY HERE I COME!! ooooooo I can't wait for that trip!

I leave this short, but sweet bloggini with the song that is in my head :)

It's a Sound Thing. . .

2010-03-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

To help me get through a bad day, designer block, or just depending on the mood I'm in music plays a role in all of it. I guess I shouldn't just say music, sound in general but we will focus on the music part.

This little bloggini is going to give you a little taste of what music I listen to and maybe give you a little sumthin' new to listen to.....again, just a little bit no where close to everything.

PS. . .Don't steal

Classics:
Super Tramp -Take The Long Way Home

Styx - Renegade

Faith No More -Epic

Forigner -Jukebox Hero

Journey -Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'

Country:

Jonathan Singleton & The Grove -Look Who's Back In Love

Carrie Underwood -Before He Cheats

Rap:

Outkast -Bombs Over Baghdad
I Like the Way You Move

Dorrough -Cream on the Inside

Flo Rida -Right Round

Baby Bash -Cyclone

Everything Else:

The Features -Lions
Wooden Heart
(any The Features Song ever made)

Jack Johnson - Flake
Let it be Sung
Sittin' Watin' Wishin'

John Mayer - Assasin
Edge of Desire
Something's Missing

Maroon 5 - Secret

OAR -Crazy Game of Poker

30 Seconds to Mars -The Kill

3 Days Grace -It's Not Too Late

Audioslave -Like A Stone

. . . . This is just a little taste of it all.

Recipe Day!!!

2010-03-14T13:43:00.005-05:00

I wasn't sure what to blog about today and then I realized that I've been doing some cooking recently and trying out some new things in the kitchen. Don't get me wrong, I am no Top Chef, Iron Chef, or Food Network chef, but I do like to try new things and sometimes tweak them when I don't have all of the ingredients or just to make them my own.

I like things that are simple, not too difficult to make, and that uses the fewest dishes possible! Not to mention, I work on a budget.

Should we start with dessert first? I think we should. . .

Peanut Butter - Chocolate Ritz Crackers (This is typically a Christmas gift/treat idea)

*Some parchment paper or aluminum foil

*At least 1 box of Ritz Crackers (I get the Good Value brand b/c they are just as good at half the price)

*A jar of your favorite peanut butter (I would stick with creamy)

*2 packages of Almond Bark Baking Chocolate (it should be down your baking aisle)
You can choose to do white chocolate but I normally do milk chocolate. . .no reason you couldn't mix it up a bit.
Did I mention how simple this is going to be?

1. Go ahead and lay out about 2-3 sheets of your parchment paper or foil on your table, depending on how many sandwiches you are planning on making.

2. Make your peanut butter sandwich crackers. I would suggest a lot of peanut butter if you like. The chocolate tends to get a bit heavy and if you don't put enough peanut butter in them, you will lose the flavor.

3. Follow your directions on your Almond Bark package and melt the chocolate in a large bowl. I know this is kind of tedious because you can only microwave it for 30 seconds at a time but FOLLOW it because your chocolate will burn and will not taste good at all. TRUST ME I've tried it.

4. Once the chocolate is melted, I drop 2-3 of the peanut butter sandwiches flat into it and let them get covered on one side, then i flip them and push them down into the chocolate so that they are completely covered and I use a fork and spoon to pull them out and let an excess chocolate drizzle back into the bowl. (if you may have a better method than this, please share with me). Then place your chocolate covered peanut butter sandwiches on the parchment/foil and let them sit while you finish the rest.

5. Once you have finished all that you want, you should either let them sit overnight so that the chocolate is firm or if you decide that they are firm enough, you can bag them or put them in an airtight container or baggie. May I suggest putting a few in the refrigerator. . . they are pretty good when they are cold!

IF YOU HAVE LEFT OVER CHOCOLATE.......
Don't let it go to waste. . . this may sound crazy, but it is so DELICIOUS, take some Original Pringles and put them on foil or parchment paper, take your remaining chocolate and just drizzle it over them. Let it set and bag them up. This too is to be a huge hit to whoever you give them to.

Simple and tasty!! These make a great X-Mas, Easter, Birthday, any time gift for teachers, friends or parties.

Here are some images of different ways others have decorated theirs for you to see. . . sorry that I haven't taken pictures of mine in the past. I will make some soon and do that.

I hope you all enjoy!

A little break. . . maybe

2010-03-13T08:48:00.008-06:00

Today officially starts Spring Break for me. . .well sort of.

This much needed break couldn't have come at a better time. I mean, it will be great to not have to worry about deadlines for the next week, but I do have to worry about them for when I get back.

No word about the TOMS internship yet, I wouldn't expect anything for a while. . . I'm still nervous and on the edge of my seat hoping and praying that I get this internship. If you haven't noticed already, I am EXTREMELY passionate about giving!

I am still planning, purchasing, arranging, and promoting the TOMS Style Your Sole Party at O'More College of Design on March 27th!! Please come out for a fun time and help promote a GREAT cause. You can purchase your shoes at the event from Nashville Clothing Company if you haven't already purchased some. :)

I know you have heard me say enough about that so I am going to talk about something a little different. . . . SURPRISE!!!!

The O'More annual cocktail party is coming up. Myself and the rest of SGA are doing our best to top last years. . . and I think we might just be doing that.

I wanted to buy a new dress for this occasion, but due to a budget, I don't see that happening. . .I can however dream and research dresses online, and here is what I found:

This AMAZING gown was found when I was searching for a yellow dress. Don't ask me why I wanted yellow, I have no tan, but I really wanted one.

I saw this dress and instantly fell in love!! I honestly don't dress up often but when I do, I like to do it right. After a little more research I found that this dress came out in 2007 and it is Oscar de la Renta. . . . . FACT: Oscar de la Renta is not cheap, kinda like $8995 NOT CHEAP! Of course my heart was broken after seeing that price tag and this dress was extremely far out of reach.

Moving on:
This cute little number was found on Etsy.

This dress would fit my body perfectly because of the high waist line and the way it flows down. . . .my hips need a little privacy so this dress could totally take care of that. But the more I look at it, the more I realize that it isn't really what I am looking for in regards to a cocktail dress. Don't get me wrong, still really cute, just not the "ONE".

I'm a tough shopper. Unless I feel like it is the "ONE" or an unbelievable deal, I won't buy it.

Then there was this dress:

Again, perfect cut for my body style and it accentuates the small waist and torso but there is just something about yellow and black that reminds me too much of being like a bumble bee. Not that yellow and black don't go together, but I prefer canary yellow with a navy. This dress also reminds me of a 50's house wife. . .and I don't know that it would compliment my hair style.

Call me crazy. . .but there is something about this dress. . . I'll need to marinate on it a little more to figure out what it is, and I know it goes against everything in a dress that will flatter my body. . .but I'm liking it.

Since I haven't found any winners, I guess the search will continue. I will try and keep you updated, but there are no promises. Well. . .no promises but more than likely.

Don't forget to get your TOMS and give a pair of shoes to a child in need. . . . .I can't wait for the new wedges!!! Check the beautiful babes out!!

FACT: I WILL own one in each color!!

One for One :)

Get a Little, Give ALOT Bloggini

2010-03-06T19:50:00.002-06:00

Time is winding down on your opportunity to order your shoes for our TOMS Style Your Sole Party on March 27th! Monday is the last day to order from me on this FORM. Just in case you don't get a chance, we will have Nashville Clothing Company on campus vending what inventory they have.

I knew that this event was going to be huge for me and for my school when I considered doing it in December, but I didn't realize how big!!

No, we probably aren't going to have 100 people like other college campuses. . . I mean comm'on . . . we have MAYBE 200 students total. But, we are going to have so much fun with wonderful friends and hopefully wonderful weather!

The idea of having an auction of specialized, designed TOMS from the bands Jonathan Singleton & The Grove and The Features is showing to be a GREAT SUCCESS! Not only are we raising money for Haiti and Partners In Health, but we are actually getting publicity for it as well!!

Nashville Scene

The Tennessean

You still have an opportunity to bid on these shoes! The auctions do not end until Monday:

The Features Auction

Jonathan Singleton & The Grove

I am so grateful for being able to spread the word about TOMS and their great cause. I have had some amazing responses as well and followers who would not have known about it unless I had told them and that truly makes me feel good inside. I am accomplishing something with a purpose and I think everyone should do it AT LEAST once in their lifetime.

Thank you so much for listening and I hope that my experience and passion for TOMS Shoes and their cause will help you realize a passion of your own and influence you to pursue it!

Get Your TOMS On

2010-03-02T19:46:00.005-06:00

Thanks to some wonderful friends and their talented husbands, we are now officially auctioning some celebrity TOMS for our SYSP and to help raise money for Partners In Health!!

First up, we have the band that I always talk about. . .THE FEATURES!!!

Here are what the shoes will look like. You can't see the other shoe, but it will have the signature of all of the band members. Not only are you getting a fabulous, one-of-a-kind pair of signed TOMS but you are also helping a child in need who will also receive a pair of shoes.

If you are interested in this auction, you can go to this site where you may bid and there are more details regarding this auction. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL OF THE INFO!!!

The Features Signed TOMS Auction
Next, we have Jonathan Singleton & The Grove!!! These shoes will have The Grove symbol on one shoe with the signatures of all of the band members on the other.

Again, not only are you getting a fabulous, one-of-a-kind pair of signed TOMS but you are also helping a child in need who will also receive a pair of shoes and Partners In Health who have teamed up with TOMS to help the people of Haiti.

If you are interested in this auction, you can go to this site where you may bid and there are more details regarding this auction. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL OF THE INFO!!!

Jonathan Singleton & The Grove TOMS Shoes Auction
I can't thank these two amazing bands enough for all of their support and fabulous music!!!

Don't forget, if you are in the Franklin, TN area and you want to style your own TOMS, please come join us for O'More College of Design's first ever Style Your Sole Party on Saturday, March 27th from 1-4 on O'More's Campus located at 423 South Margin Street, Franklin, TN 37064.

The last day to order shoes for the event will be on Monday, March 8th. There will be shoes vended at the event by Nashville Clothing Company, but there will be a limited selection of colors and sizes so to make sure you get the ones you want, please order from this form TOMS ORDER FORM

If you have any further questions feel free to email Me (Merissa) at sys@merissatomlinson.com

I want to give a special thanks to the sponsors of our event:

Nashville Clothing Company
Chick-Fil-A South Franklin
Smoopy's Vintage Bikes
Stevierocks & The Blues Connection
O'More College of Design
O'More College of Design's SGA

Also, thanks again to The Features, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove, Jay Sheridan PR, and many more. . . you know who you are!!!

A little bit of this and a little bit of ________

2010-02-23T08:48:00.003-06:00

Kicking off the big week by going to see Blake Mycoski, founder and chief shoe giver for TOMS Shoes! I'm a little intimidated in the fact that I am going to Vanderbilt Langford Auditorium to see him. There are over 1,000 people who have RSVP'ed attending and a majority of them is their Campus Club.

I have just started our Campus Club this semester at O'More and we will be lucky to have 15 people. . .granted, we are a small school comprising of no more than 200 students, but still you can see how I could be intrigued at the large group.

This will be a great experience, nonetheless. I will meet more people filled with the same passion that grows every day for me.

OHHHH I have some great news too!!! I haven't heard anything about the internship, BUT . . . . . check out this picture AHHHHHHHH Does that map look familiar???? I can't believe they tweeted about me!!!!! Well, about my promotional piece!!! I was soooo excited! I am trying not to get too ahead of myself, but I am happy I made an impression and that I am doing my best and working my hardest to be apart of something that I truly have a passion for.

I will let you know how it goes tonight :)

Thursday and Friday I will be attending the AIGA DISH Conference at Lipscomb University.

I decided to enter the Show Off competition in hopes to win the MacBook Pro that they are giving to the Best in Show. Even if I don't win, this will also be a great opportunity to see and meet some great people and studios here in the Nashville area. Not to mention, I will be given a portfolio review by people other than my department head at school. Not that his input isn't duly noted, it's just that it is only one opinion.

I do want to give a big shout out to some of my fellow classmates and congratulate them on the Addy awards they have won! 7 students, 20 awards!!! AMAZING!

This weekend I will be traveling back to Cookeville, I guess you could call it home but I'm not going to, to celebrate the engagement of two friends. I cannot wait to see my dad, I haven't seen him since Christmas . . . and I miss him so much! I will also get to see my best friend from High School! She's a pretty amazing lady and it's been even longer since I have seen her :(

So, yeah, it's going to be a busy week. I will survive. . .I always do and it makes me stronger in the process!

I will give everyone an update as I go along and I hope you stick around.

DON'T FORGET!!!

STYLE YOUR SOLE PARTY IS 3/27 AND YOUR LAST DAY TO ORDER YOUR SHOES WILL BE 3/8!! ORDER HERE

Thanks so much to Chick-Fil-A of Franklin for coming on as one of our sponsors for the event!

WOW Whatta Show The Features Bloggini

2010-02-15T17:35:00.010-06:00

I have claimed to be very very busy, and I have. But there has been a little me/fun time thrown in there every now and again.

I really enjoy listening to and taking in good music. The fact that I know and/or have connections to the bands make it even better. I absolutely LOVE The Features! You can ask anyone who knows me. I am an uber fan! Not to the point that I am a crazy stalker or anything . . . that's just weird, but if i have the opportunity to go to a show, involve them with charitable events, or to share their music with friends, I do! Not to mention, I may have a slight crush on the drummer, but no worries. . .the husband knows, and is ok with it ;)

Their last show in the US was on February 5th at Exit/In. I knew this several weeks prior and decided to wait to buy tickets, I figured it wasn't a big deal and I would get some.

Well, a few weeks before, I go and talk to my friend (who happens to be a wife of a member) who said that there was a ridiculous rumor going around that Kings of Leon were going to play at that particular show. I was like "REEEAAALLLYYY" only because it was kind of a surprise. Don't get me wrong, I like KOL, but I am a much bigger The Features fan. I mean comm'on they are two different sounds and everything about The Features says "I'm going to put you in a good mood, I'm going to make your day ten million times better than it was before you turned me on". KOL on the other hand kind of puts me down a little or if I really just have to be in the mood for it.

Back to the story, I go online to buy tickets, and they are SOLD OUT! I was nearly to tears. I even got in a fight with a guy on Craigslist because he thought he knew what he was talking about and that KOL was going to be there and trying to sell two tickets for $250 each when face value was $10! Out of his f'n mind!!!

I posted a want ad on Craigslist and luckily was contacted and purchased two tickets for the show from a guy in Michigan. Sucks that he had to sell them and missed a great show, but ROCKED for me because I made it!!

I have seen The Features about 5 or 6 times now and the shows just get better and better!! I suggest you see them when they come to a town near you. I swear you won't be let down. All the energy the great music I mean DAMN, what more could you ask for.

They are on the new Tap Tap Revenge 3 iPhone App. (I have), they are in Fringe Magazine which is a local Nashville magazine, they will be featured in NME magazine, they are helping with a TOMS Style Your Sole event which they will be designing and signing a pair of TOMS to be auctioned the week of March 1st. . .I will be keeping you posted on this. . .we already auctioned off these shoes:

All I'm saying, is don't deprive yourself of a great band because you have never heard of them. You are probably missing out on the next big thing!

The Features Website

The Features Poster I made for an event

A sick giveaway that I am super sad I missed!

I'm not going to apologize

2010-02-12T12:58:00.010-06:00

YOOOOOOO!

I know it's been a while since I've last blogged, but I'm not going to apologize. I have been crazy busy trying to make my life mo' betta.

I have so much that I can talk about and I just might do that because who knows the next time I'm going to be able to post? I'm going to try and get better about it but I do have priorities!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. . . . ehhhh and that's about it on that subject. I don't really get all worked up for this holiday.

To more fun stuff. . . . I have finally completed my promotional piece and handwritten applications/online application to try and get my DREAM internship with TOMS Shoes in Santa Monica California!!! Granted, the promotional piece and handwritten app wasn't necessary, but I felt like it would be a better opportunity for me to show them who I really am!

I don't know how you can really show your personality and creativity with an online application (not saying it's a bad way of doing it) I just wanted to do more :D

Here is my promotional piece:

I love everything about TOMS and that is why I created this piece. I love what they have done, I love what they are doing and I want to be apart of it. This map indicates each country that they have donated shoes.

I bought this map and used stamps and inks to write "As of December 2009, TOMS has given over 400,000 pairs of shoes to children in need. . ." ". . . and I want to be there for 400,000 more!"

I found different little images of tiny TOMS, laminated them (thanks to Dewayne our security officer at O'More) and cut them out. After I bought little double-sided stickies and adhered them to the map in each location. I also printed out my logo and the TOMS logo and put them in their correct location.

I thought it was creative. . . :D

I even decorated the box that I sent it in.

After quite a fiasco with FedEx and their shipping rates, I just took the pyramid box, spray painted it white, sketched a TOMS flag on an edge and spray painted the TOMS name on one side. . . (I used the awesome stencils they sent in our campus club kit).

On the third and final side, I took each style of TOMS i.e. Classics, Cordones, and Botas (I left off the wrap boots, stitchouts, and vegan. . . but there is a reason why) and I put an image of each. . . each image is of a pair that I own or that are being shipped to me as we speak! :D I own the Classic Remarques and Classic Natural Burlap. I have the Cordones Aira
and my Botas Amigas are on their way!!!

So, back to the package . . . .I tend to get a little distracted when I talk about my TOMS collection. The end where you open it, has my logo on it. . . clever . . .I hope.

For some reason, I didn't take any pictures of my application that I made but it was pretty amazing. . .

I hand wrote the online application and answers, used a recycled paper and natural hemp to secure and cover it. I included a dvd that has a movie to answer the question "How would your best friend describe you?" and that included much more than just one friend! This video will introduce you to some of the most amazing, caring, loving friends that anyone could be lucky to have. The director, editor, man with a plan, Eric, did such an amazing job helping me with this! :D

I also created a packet that included all of the information for our upcoming Style Your Sole Event at O'More on March 27th! Here is the online order form I created for the event. The last day to order is March 8th!! So come on out and style your soles!! And finally, I included my resume in a handmade envelope.

All of these items were sent in a handmade white canvas bag (my wonderful sister-in-law sewed it for me and Anastasia from school helped me with the drawstring) On the outside of the bag on one side I did a gel medium transfer of the TOMS logo which I stitched on all by myself haha, and on the other side I had another gel medium transfer of my personal logo!

I will blog about the process of a gel medium transfer if you would like to learn more. They are really awesome and I have to thank Susan DeGarmo for teaching her altered book class and showing us some pretty amazing techniques.

So I have been so busy with all of this, school, SYS, my website, etc. That is where I have been . . . promise I haven't been hiding.

I also would like to say that I have been working on a t-shirt design for the Threadless/TOMS contest and my first idea got denied. . .boooo!! I will work on it some more and hopefully one or more will get submitted.

It's a tad hard to read so I will work on it. . .but keep a look out and vote for me :D

Be kind, rewind.

Our Wintery Wittle Wonderland

2010-01-30T13:07:00.003-06:00

HOLY SHIT! The weather people finally predicted snow correctly in middle Tennessee. It's amazing.

It's basically a half inch of ice on top of a a few inches of beautiful powdery snow! Good for snow cream!
JT and Izzy were having some fun, sniffing out some deer and playing around.
We wanted to go sledding but we don't have a sled. The closest thing was a knee board. No worries we weren't planning on using the knee board in the summer.
FACT: You cannot steer a knee board very well on snow!

sorry it's sideways. . . .
You have to be all bundled up to stay warm in this mess!!!

hope you enjoy :D

Do as you say to say as you do bloggini

2010-01-28T19:51:00.004-06:00

Life has been a tad stressful lately, a good stress (if there is such a thing), but stressful nonetheless.
I notice the more stressed I am the more concerned I get about things going on around me. I tend to over think more about tiny ridiculous things that I have no business being so upset about.

I tell myself that I am not going to let myself get stressed, I'm not going to have a nervous breakdown, and I am not going to let things get to me and what happens? Pretty much all of the above.

Seriously, I think it is okay to breakdown every once in a while and just let it all out. I don't mean a nervous breakdown because that is never really good, but it is a proven FACT that it's okay to cry. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It doesn't matter where it is or how it's done, just don't condemn everyone else to it if you tend to be cranky. :p Just let it all out!

Style Your Sole - O'More College of Design

2010-01-19T15:43:00.002-06:00

It's TIIIIIIMMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Most of the details have been figured out and it is time for everyone to start blogging, tweeting, Facebook-ing, everything they can to get as many people at this event as possible.

We are having our first TOMS Style Your Sole Party at O'More College of Design in Franklin, TN. The event information is as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Where: O'More College of Design Backlawn
423 South Margin Street
Franklin, TN 37069

Questions or Inquires: Contact Merissa at sys@merissatomlinson.com

Unfortunately, shoes will not be shipped to anywhere but you are welcome to order your shoes from TOMS because they ship pretty much everywhere!!

So, you may be asking, what is a Style Your Sole Event? What is TOMS Shoes? And how did you get involved?

Answer: I’ve recently been appointed as the O'More TOMS Shoes Campus Representative (if you’re not familiar with TOMS, in a nut shell, they are a caring, giving, amazing company who offers a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. ) Currently, they have given over 140,000 pairs of shoes to children all over the world. Therefore, when you purchase TOMS, not only are you getting a stylish pair of shoes, you are providing a pair to someone in desperate need.

A Style Your Sole Party gives you the opportunity to order a blank pair of TOMS and customize by painting, drawing, sewing, etc. to convey your personality and creativity. Basically, it’ is a fun, creative way to give back. We are asking that everyone purchase their TOMS here:
http://merissatomlinson.com/online_form/form.html The person who recruits the most people to purchase TOMS for the event will receive their TOMS FREE.

(In order for you to get your TOMS for free, you must be the person who recruits the most people to sign up for TOMS and they attend the event. Be sure you have them put your name in the Recruiter Box on the order form. They also have to be purchased from this site http://merissatomlinson.com/online_form/form.html If you order from the TOMS site, it does not count because it is only available for the local community or anyone attending the event. You must, yourself, purchase TOMS and if you are the winner you will be reimbursed.)

Like I said before, this is only for anyone who is local and plans on attending the event or picking them up from the event. No shoes can be shipped.

I know it seems like a lot of stipulations, but I don't want anyone to be under any misunderstanding about the event.

Thanks so much for everything and for following and/or reading my blog. I hope this event is extremely successful and will get a lot of people's attention.

One for One

It's been a while

2010-01-15T17:18:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the hiatus. School is starting and I have been super busy preparing for the TOMS Style Your Sole Party that I am planning for this March. I will be blogging more and more about it as the information is relevant.

Be sure to mark your calendars if you are in the Franklin, TN area to attend! It is going to be a great event with an AMAZING cause that each and every person should be so lucky and happy to promote.

The event is:

Saturday, March 27, 2010

1-4pm

O'More College of Design's Backlawn

423 South Margin Street
Franklin, TN 37064

For questions or inquiries: sys@merissatomlinson.com

Adult Shoes will be $47.75 (that's including shipping and fees) and youth will be $41.75.
The online order form will be ready for you to order by Monday of next week!!

Stay tuned for more info!!

One for One!

A little plug for you to love blogini

2010-01-07T20:40:00.005-06:00

What better way to promote yourself then by doing it socially through a blog, facebook, twitter, etc. Hopefully seeing my work will get some of you more interested in what I do and would like to see or own more of it in the future. I hope to have my personal website up very soon!

Enjoy!

More to come as I come to more

2010-01-05T19:37:00.007-06:00

If you haven't noticed already, I am pretty passionate about TOMS Shoes and everything the represent.

It would be an absolute dream to be apart of their internship program at their headquarters in Santa Monica, CA. I will be finishing up the application and sending it soon :)

Anyhoo. . .the real reason for this blog:

I am currently the TOMS Shoes Campus Representative for my college. I take extreme pride in having this opportunity to spread the word about TOMS to everyone. I am planning, with the assistance of O'More College of Design and their SGA, a Style Your Sole Party.

In short, this is where you are not only getting to style and create a one-of-a-kind pair of shoes, you are giving to a child that is in desperate need of shoes as well.

If you would like to be involved in this movement, whether it be participation, helping create, or donating to the cause, please feel free to comment to this post. ALSO, please share with everyone about this event.

Here is some information I know thus far:

Location: O'More College of Design in Franklin, TN
Date: March 27, 2010
Time: TBA

There will be forms to fill out to order the TOMS soon. The person who gets the most people signed up will receive their TOMS for FREE!!!

Please visit the TOMS website to learn more about the cause. Our first planning meeting will be held Monday, January 11th at 11:30 on O'More's Campus. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come.

One for One

That new, pre-owned, smell blogini

2010-01-04T12:46:00.005-06:00

2010 really has been good to us so far, let's hope the momentum keeps up!

Since an 8pt buck decided to go car hunting back in early December, and chose my husband's car as it's shot, we have been looking at vehicles for my husband.

We decided on a Jeep Wrangler a few weeks ago and all we needed to do was find one within our price range and with low mileage. That was proving to be difficult. I mean, of course, we did have other criteria that it needed to meet, but we weren't being too picky.

Most of them that I found were a couple thousand too much and no one was wanting to negotiate, others had over 100,000 miles or close to it, and some were over 4hrs away and impossible to go look at.

Finally, I came across one and thought it was too good to be true.
http://www.getauto.com/vehicledetail/adid-18742154/2002/jeep/wrangler-x/franklin/tn

FACT: This is indeed my husband's vehicle, but. . . due to the little binding contract that we made 4 years ago, that little one called 'marriage' I will be driving this car when I want ;)

So. . .found this beautiful red 2002 Jeep Wrangler with only 32,000 miles on it and we basically stole the thing!!

I'm ready for some warmth and to go ridin!

Blogini Give Away

2009-12-29T20:42:00.003-06:00

So, my girl Little Chief Honey Bee AKA Kaelah Bee has some pretty sick giveaways on her blog and anyone that is reading my blog should check her's out too!

There are two separate giveaways right now with several ways to enter. I, personally, am going for the domesticated betty giveaway. But check it out. I hope that one day, when I have at least 50 followers, to have pretty sick giveaways too!

Good luck to you all and check out my girls!

http://www.kaelahbee.com/

http://www.akaingrid.blogspot.com/

http://katiemarkus.blogspot.com/

It's still my opinion with a little ranting peppered in. Better late than never

2009-12-22T14:45:00.004-06:00

Unfortunately I work retail, well not all the time. I worked at a retail store for a little over a year and then had to quit due to school and not being able to offer them the minimum required hours. (that's a whole other story). Any hoo, I am working there for the holiday season to make some extra cash. I figured with all of the idiots I have to deal with day-to-day I would list you a few things that many people forget when it comes to shopping in a mall, etc. that you should make an effort to remember:

1. Just because people work in a retail store, in the mall, doesn't mean that they are not as smart as you, or perhaps smarter than you, that they are uneducated and that you can talk down to them as if they are pieces of trash.

2. If you don't agree with something, i.e. return policies, coupon offering, or the way a giftcard looks, that is not the cashier's fault. They only work there and do whatever they can to help the customer out. Now, I know not all cashiers are this way, but I tend to be as well as many in my store. You can catch more flies with honey so stop being so bitchy.

3. If a store runs out of boxes, it doesn't mean you should yell at the person who told you that they ran out of boxes. It probably isn't their fault. The fact of the matter is, boxes are normally a nice gesture from a retail store, but they honestly don't have to offer them to you, because most of them don't. Just go on down to the Wal-Mart and get you a set of 3 for a dollar. . . if that is too much for you, well then maybe you should have just bought a giftcard.

4. Stop getting hateful with someone that has been nothing but nice to you and find every reason possible to bitch at them. The fact the store doesn't take checks is a safty precaution for you and your bank account and get the F*CK out of the stone age and stop writing checks as a form of payment unless you have to mail it somewhere.

Anywho, figured I would get this posted since I started it several days ago.

Hope you had a happy holiday ;)

2009-12-19T14:45:00.000-06:00

Mini-Blog. . . I shall call it a Blogini My Coney Bloggini

2009-12-11T14:14:00.007-06:00

As you know I have made it to Michigan to visit my wonderful lady of a Great-Grandmother! I have spent most of the day with her in the rehabilitation center that she is staying in while she gets better. This place is good to her. Anyway, I have managed to get Internet here and my 86 year old GG is watching Jerry Springer and now Maury. She cracks me up! She is the funniest lady I know and everyone loves her!

Now to get to the point of this Bloggini. . . . .I left for lunch and decided I really wanted a Coney Dog. . .a TRUE coney dog and I thought if I went to a place that advertised having real coneys, they would serve a real deal Holyfield coney dog.

FACT:

Coney Island hot dog (also Coney dog, or Coney) refers to two different kinds of hot dogs.

In some areas, it is a hot dog made from beef with casing, topped with an all meat chili, diced yellow onion and yellow mustard. This type of dog was primarily developed in Michigan, and served there and in the "heartland" states; that is, the non-coastal states of the U.S.

In other areas, most notably central and western New York, a Coney is a white hot dog, a stronger and more spicy variety of the traditional pork hot dog. These are sometimes also referred to as "white hots." Coney dogs of this variety are usually served bare or with mustard. ^[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coney_Island_hot_dog.

Well. . .I ordered two from this restaurant called Senates Coney Island Restaurant http://www.georgessenateandconeyislandrestaurant.com/ . . . I should have visited their site first and then would have probably reconsidered.

So, I see the menu and that I can get a coney for $1.90 I said "I'll take 2". This is what I got. . . . I not only looks, but it was delicious! HOWEVER!!! It is a coney impostor!!!!!! They did not have the one thing that I would attribute to a coney dog and that is the all natural casing that is suppose to come around it. So disappointed, but that will not stop me from trying the next place ;)