Wondering what I have been up to lately? I have been busy preparing for the baby's arrival! I had my final baby shower on Saturday and on Sunday I had a big Salvage Life Sale at my house. This will probably be the last sale for awhile. Let's see...what else?...setting up the baby's room, selling furniture we no longer need on Craig's List, clearing some of my clothes out of the closet in the baby's room, getting massages and Chiropractic adjustments for my increasingly painful back, going through baby hand-me-downs from family and friends, doing extra photo shoots and stocking up on merchandise so my business can make it through the newborn stage, and waddling my way through the mall to find Christmas presents.


My favorite three-layer dip from Trader Joe's. Sun-tomato, Pesto and Cream Cheese. How cute are those star crackers?


Pinwheels! Cream cheese, ham and green onions wrapped in a flour tortilla and sliced up. The other version has olives and bell peppers, Delicious!


Pretty centerpieces!


The cake was made of cupcakes and had the cutest little baby made of fondant on top.


My mom gave me a box of my baby things and I absolutely love this sailor dress! i can't wait for her to wear it!


My Grandma got me the travel system (stroller and car seat) that I registered for.


My sister Amy got me the most adorable white faux fur coat for her to wear next winter.


Me and my dear cousin Joan!

Salvage Life Christmas Party and Sale

Here are some pics of the merchandise set up at my home for the Christmas Party and Sale I had on Sunday.

Happy Birthday Peace!

The iconic peace sign is about to turn 50. Dimensions is the only place (that I know about) giving it a formal Birthday party of all shapes and sizes. So lets go eat some proverbial cake! Some of the peace loving brands you will find celebrating at Dimensions are Awake, Twisted Heart and Lisa Freede.

"From tie-dye to stripes and scarves to stone, there is peace at last at Dimensions. "

I guess being over the hill isn't so bad when you are a sign.

6100 Westheimer, just west of the Galleria.

Monday through Friday, 10am – 6:30pm

Saturday, 10am – 6pm.

Now it's Obama's Turn... What shall he wear to his Inauguration?

Richard James Savile Row look for evening

Sean John look for evening

Salvatore Ferragamo look for day

Nautica look for evening

A Tommy Hilfiger look for day

A Countess Mara tie

With all the focus on what Michelle wore or should wear, both during the campaign and her anticipated outfit for the inauguration, we can be forgiven for forgetting what the President-elect should wear. Luckily some of the world's most adored menswear designer are on the ball. WWD.com has exclusive sketches from designers ranging from Salvatore Ferragamo to Sean John. See the slideshoe below for all the sketches of day and evening looks plus some snazzy ties. My picks are above.

Russo's Best Pizza in Houston

No seriously...it is. I'm far from being a food critic, but if there is any food I know well, it is the pizza pie. I can't believe it has taken me so long to write about Russo's Coal Fired Pizza. They are the first coal-fired pizza oven in Houston, and the results are amazing. A slightly charred crispy crust with a wide range of topping choices. Oh man my mouth is watering. They are located off of 290 at Hwy 6, but believe me, it is worth the drive.

19817 Northwest Freeway

Houston, TX 77065

(281) 477-6002

Crap-Free Christmas

"He recycled this gift! He's a regifter!" -Elaine Benes

As you conquer your Christmas list, give your favorite people gifts that won't be just another piece of crap laying around cluttering up their home (the aramotherapy alarm clock zen rock fountain seemed like a great gift at the time...). Here are some of my favorite crap-free ideas:

Yummy "of-the-month" clubs - Fruit of the month, Wine of the month, beer, cheese, ham, farm animals...whatever makes the receiver happy.

Gift wrap an experience - instead buying the newest high price electronic item, put that money toward a getaway vacation. That new iMac will be obsolete in a few years, but those vacation memories will never die.

Give the gift of culture - tickets to a movie, theatre, art gallery, opera, museum OR any sporting event

Consumable Gift Certificates - Dinner date for 2, Starbucks, Smoothie Shops, or favorite restaurants...not to be confused with actually eating the certificate.

Adopt an animal from the Houston Zoo or a beautiful Florida Manatee

Donate to a charity that the receiver is passionate about

Monthly Bill Relief - if they are a really good friend, take on one of their annoying monthly bills, or give them a monthly luxury (lawn moving services, housekeeping, babysitting, gas, dry-cleaning, car wash, gym membership, or grocery gift cards)

Cyperspace - gift card to iTunes, Netflix, or an online magazine

Spa Treatments - massage, facial, mani/pedi. ATTENTION ALL MEN: you can never go wrong with this one.

Invest - Savings Bonds, stocks, etc.

Hire a professional organizer...ya know..to help them get rid of the crap they get from other people

A Berry Merry Christmas

It isn't too late to get those holiday cards out to all of your favorite friends. Take advantage of A Punkin Card Company's fantastic holiday sale. Save 40% off your entire etsy order when you use the promo code "holiday40" in the message to seller and receive a refund through Paypal. Here are some of her beauties...