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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A Celebration of Wine

Last week, By Design was invited to a wine tasting event and I couldn't wait to go.  I have never done an actual wine tasting before even though I love wine!
Two refrigeration distributors hosted the event to showcase small wine refrigerators.  They had four each set to two different temperatures to house the eight different wines we tried.  I had planned on circling all of the wines I like and gave up after I liked them all!
The man in the middle, Dan Redmond of Mosaic Wine Group is a wine broker and worked with the man on the left, Robert Craig who is a wine maker from Napa Valley and the restaurant Benjy's to create the wine parings we enjoyed.
Cindy and Dan Redmond.  Dan and Robert did a great job educating us about the different wines, how they were made and why serving them at the correct temperature is so important.  I learned that most people serve white wines too cold and that mutes all of the aromas and flavors.
The event was hosted at a restaurant called Benjy's.  Their wine room was amazing and perfect for the cozy event.
Cindy and I with the wine maker, Robert Craig.  As we were having our picture taken with him, he said this was the best part of his job! :) 

Sunday, March 28, 2010

New Plates

For any other person, getting new license plates wouldn't be that big of a deal.  But for me...my new plates are from a new state!  After heading to the courthouse last week to register my car and purchase my new plates, I was going to attempt to replace my plates by myself....good thing I didn't!

Getting the front plate on was no big deal but....

the back plate didn't want to go anywhere.

Really! It didn't want to move!  The part had rusted terribly and needs to be replaced.

So, we replaced the front plate, added my registration sticker to my front window and stuck the back plate in the back window until I can get the new part. So....

To be continued....

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Black Eyed Peas

On Thursday night the four of us, Adrienne, Greg, Brandon and I headed to the Houston Rodeo to see the Black Eyed Peas!  The concert was so high energy- crazy costumes, loud music, and lots of dancing! We all had a crazy amazing time!




Thank you jumbotron!
Thousands of glow sticks and cell phone lights!
I love the rodeo!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Baskets of Hope

Village Schools International (VSI) is a ministry that has deeply touched and inspired the owner of By Design Interiors, Peggy Fuller. And today, it touched mine. VSI is an organization building schools in Tanzania to give every child the opportunity- no matter how poor their parents are- to go to school. Today, 3600+ children are enrolled and attending school who otherwise would never have gotten the chance.


While this campaign was having amazing effects, VSI soon discovered there was a deeper problem in the villages of Tanzania....AIDS! The people infected were too sick and weak to leave their homes and unable to assist in the building of the schools. In spite of their sickness many were left to take care of their children, grandchildren and other orphans of this horrible disease.

Village Schools International began to provide transportation for villagers to receive antiretroviral medications. Within months, the medication had allowed the people to work and provide for their families once again.

Today, VSI is helping 883 households in five villages. Until they are able to farm again, VSI has encouraged them to return to an enjoyable and profitable past-time: making baskets.  The materials for these baskets are free and easy to find. Not only are the baskets useful for many things, they provide additional income and hope for the people of Tanzania.

These beautiful baskets become not only a useful tool, or an occupation for these women, but an opportunity to make something beautiful with the resources they have. At By Design Interiors, it is a joy to make beautiful homes for individuals using both the resources they already have, as well as those that are available to us. We are privileged to partner with VSI and inspired by the women of Tanzania's strength. We have received several baskets that are available for sale with the funds going back to help the people of Tanzania.

Each basket is as unique as the individuals who make them. Some of the women put their names on a small piece of paper inside the basket. This one shows that this lady is taking care of 9 children, 6 died and left their kids behind for her to care for. These baskets are her livelihood.

If you are interested in learning more about Village Schools International or purchasing these beautiful baskets, send me a message!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Funky Beds!

So Adrienne and Greg are possibly in the mood for a new bed frame and I couldn't help but search the web for a few minutes tonight in search of the perfect one.  While I may not have found the perfect one for them...I found some pretty amazing stuff and just had to share!
Hyder Montpelier Bed
Found this on a blog and LOVE it! :)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Rodeo Cook-Off

On Saturday night, Greg, Brandon, and I headed to the Rodeo Cook-Off to enjoy some great barbecue and live music. I didn't realize how big of a deal the cook-off is....they had estimated around 100,000 people in attendance! There were rows and rows of tents, each with their own funny name, barbecue recipes, and live bands.

Wamhoff Development!



Somehow through all of the craziness, we were able to meet up with some of the women I work with, Cindy and Larissa. We had so much fun hanging out, the only thing missing......cowgirl boots! Well, and AJ too! I really miss my dance partner!