Cat Burglar Discovered at the Dallas Farmers Market

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Today was a busy day – I have finally decided if I am going to be refining my canning skills it was time to work on my gardens and plant some things that I would want to can. I went to the seminar that Chef Joanne Bondy did there about canning and I’ve been hooked ever since! Fortunately The Home Idea Factory is close to the Dallas Farmers Market and I try to support our local farmers and growers any chance that I have. The Lifestylist® Brands are expanding to include some really cool products for the kitchen so I thought I could get some great fresh produce for photography and pick up some plants at the same time.

It was a rainy day so I didn’t have to fight the crowds which was great. I found some great plants, but I was having trouble finding someone who had catnip. Booth after booth said they didn’t have any, and finally someone told me it was because every time they had it, they would come in that morning and it would be eaten down to stubs. I finally found a booth that had some, but when she pulled out the flat it truly was flat in the middle – it turns out someone thought it was the perfect place to spend the night. He hadn’t gone too far -he knew good catnip when he found it. This redhead was caught fleeing the scene of the crime – and for once it wasn’t me!

The Home Idea Factory is home to all kinds of rescue animals, and the cats were thrilled with the catnip I was able to bring home. It didn’t last long, but it was money well spent – their looks of contentment were well worth it.

What is a Lifestylist® ?

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One of the questions I always get asked is exactly what is a Lifestylist®, and what is unique about the Lifestylist® Lifestyle. The second most asked question is what makes me a Trailer Diva!

The Lifestylist philosophy is about “Life Celebrating Style”. Our clients life and style is what dictates how a Lifestylist® works with you. My favorite example is I had a client in Phoenix, Arizona that was a major Phoenix Suns fan, and their team colors are orange and purple. The client wanted their entire home done in these colors. What they wanted is what they got, complete with a child’s room with a hardwood floor striped like a basketball court. They wanted to stylishly celebrate their interests and love of their home team and we did!

I just spoke to a friend who’s dog just dug up their entire garden and her daughter slammed the door on the neighbor’s hand – all in about 30 minutes time. Her needs and lifestyle are completely different from my son – no kids, no dogs, and lives in front of his computer. What my style is wouldn’t work well for either of them which is why I need to understand the client and what their “hot buttons” are. It’s takes extra time and sleuthing to achieve this – many times the client has trouble putting into words exactly what they are looking for but they know it when they see it. I take the responsibility very seriously – a person’s environment can truly change their lives in a positive or negative way. If someone is happy in their home their quality of life improves.

Next to being a mother, becoming a Lifestylist® is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I’m looking forward to expanding the concept and what it offers in the years to come. – we will be launching a new food line this Spring!

KidFilm 2012 by the USA Film Festival

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It’s hard to believe that this is the 28th year that the USA Film Festival has been holding it’s KidFilm festival.The largest children’s film and video festival in the US hosts bus loads of school kids from local schools and teaches them about film making and important social topics that are covered in the films. Then there is a weekend of programming that is open to the public where special guests come in and share their crafts with the audience.

This year Peter Brown – celebrated author and illustrator of books that appeal to the kid in all of us attended. Not only did he introduce 2 films that were made of his books,but he also gave everyone in the audience a copy of “You Will Be My Friend”. We all read the book together, then Peter autographed them for the kids.

Having the opportunity to volunteer at amazing events such as this are the reason I love being on the board for The USA Film Festival. It’s a group I’ve been involved with for years, and seeing families being able to enjoy quality events like this one make it very rewarding.

If you live in the Dallas area you should look into becoming a member of this amazing organization. They have special screenings many with guests in attendance all year long, and being a member gives you the chance to get tickets to many of these sold out events before the general public. For more information give them a call at: 214-821-3456.

We Love Animal Rescue Corps!

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Jr Lifestylist® Jenna doesn’t let anything come between her and her passion – animal rescue. Even though she has two broken wrists, she hasn’t stopped educating people on why it is better to adopt instead of buying from a puppy mill, store or breeder. Jenna’s birthday last year was a fund raiser for Animal Rescue Corps and she was able to raise over $100.00! We are so proud of Jenna and what a great role model she is.

The American Dream

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We all have our own version of what the American Dream is – for many that includes owning your own home.
My dream was to have my own Home Idea Factory – a place where this Lifestylist® could live and work, would have the character that would let me “practice what I preach” and have some room to garden. I was also hoping to have enough space to continue to help with the animal rescue groups I’ve joined. All of my dreams came true, and now I have a space that will never be “done”, but always evolving.
My father told my mother when they got married that some day he would buy her a place on a lake, and he did! Their Hideway Lake home has been the place that many of our family holidays, wedding, and birthdays have taken place, and it is full of wonderful memories.
There are people who are looking for an affordable place with a yard to raise their families, use as a second home or retire to and land lease communities can be a great solution for these people. Land lease communities are those where factory built housing are placed in communities where homeowners lease the land the homes are placed on in a community – many times with amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and tennis courts. I have always believed this is the perfect solution for affordable housing because it can be so cost effective, and I’ve been wanting to be a part of this solution hands on.
The time has come! Lifestylist® Design has been asked to re-brand and enhance the lifestyle options of two communities in Florida – Parkwood in Port Orange, FL and Countryside Village in Tampa. I can’t wait to get started – these communities are a great example of how affordable the American Dream can be. Be sure to get our updates on the progress at Parkwood and Countryside Village Facebook pages.

Lush Cosmetics Works to Stop Shark Finning

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One of my favorite beauty stores is Lush Cosmetics. I discovered them years ago in England and Canada, and I’m thrilled they now have a store in NorthPark Center here in Dallas. They specialize in natural products, including Henna which is the secret of how I stay a natural redhead ;)
They are wonderful about bringing animal cruelty to light and promoting sustainable environmental practices and the humane treatment of animals. This summer they have been focusing on Shark Finning, and have partnered with Shark Savers to protect sharks from extinction.
To support this cause they have produced “Shark Fin Soap” – a refreshing blend of lime, lavender and seaweed. Stop in to your local Lush store and buy this great way to cool down this summer and support a great cause. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Shark Savers.

Animal Rescue Corps Shows Compassion To Puppy Mill Victims

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Animal Rescue Corps has been busy in Tennessee this week saving over 120 animals from a life of squalor and sadness.  Devoted volunteers have been working night and day to give these animals a better life, and the outpouring of love and compassion from the people of Tennessee as well as others from all over the country has been amazing.
One of these amazing volunteers is Rachel McAuley. She and her severely handicapped daughter run their own non-profit with horses, and Rachel has spent several days at the ARC shelter helping out with this rescue. Rachel decided to do a “Letters to the Puppy Mill Dogs” event, and her daughter Mary who is 9 years old shared the following:
Hello Puppy Dogs,
My name is Mary and I have Special Needs just like you have Special Needs. I can’t walk because I am in a wheelchair and your past has kept you from walking due to cages, but don’t worry because your little paws are about to hit the ground. I can’t talk like you, but I can express myself with my eyes, sounds, and body language just like you. You have special needs that includes someone taking care of you all day with the respect that you deserve. I wear diapers and you use potty pads. I like the couch and you will like the top of a couch someday or a lap to lay on or a pillow to lay above your owners head. I like to be recognized, just like you want to be recognized. I love my parents arms and you are getting that feeling right now being in someone’s arms. Isn’t it nice, warm, and a safe feeling? Don’t worry my friends because you are going to get to experience this world that includes grass, playgrounds, children, and the roam of a house.
Make sure puppy dogs, that you Thank Animal Rescue Corps for coming to get each and everyone of you and the volunteers that are snuggling you up, by not biting when they put their hand in the cage to care for you.
You are Special!  Sleep Tight and Hang Tight because your world is about to be full of colors.
“God is always on your side, after all He created you.”
Trust Me,
Mary McAuley (9 years old)
My mom can type my heart!
If this doesn’t make you love and appreciate everything you have and cherish what an amazing role model Mary is to all of us…
Please help support Animal Rescue Corps and the amazing work they are doing. My very own special 9 yr. old Jr. Lifestylist® Jenna made her birthday party a fundraiser for Animal Rescue Corps – if she can help you can as well!
This Lifestylist® is trying to do her part by opening a store on eBay, and at least 10% of all of our sales will be donated to Animal Rescue Corps. All of these haunting photos were taken by the talented and compassionate Kristina Bowman.
Please join us in making a difference!

Petsmart Takes a Wrong Turn

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I am so disappointed in Petsmart – they usually are one of the more compassionate pet supply stores. They have done a great job sponsoring adoption events with local shelters and groups, and I was really surprised when I saw this promotion yesterday.
Apparently if you bring in your movie stub from the new Nickelodeon film Rango you can get $10.00 off the purchase of any reptile. Supporting  the impulse buys of any animal is such a bad idea, and if potential pet owners think their new family members are going to be as cute and entertaining as the ones in the film, they are in for a letdown.  As someone who has owned quite a few snakes (the things you find out about this Lifestylist® here!) I can tell you they are very difficult to take care of, don’t eat things you would normally want to feed to anyone or any thing, and if taken care of will be a member of your family for decades.
Petsmart -unless you are willing to take back all of the reptiles you sell after the new owners get disenchanted with them, I hope you will rethink this marketing campaign and make a $10.00 donation to the shelters that have to take care of these animals after they are abandoned.
I think the movie looks fantastic, and I know my Jr. Lifestylists are going to be joining me to see it more than once! Let’s teach our kids the difference between what is involved in the real-life responsibilities of bringing an animal into our homes vs. the fun, animated ones they see on the big screen. Rango will be coming into my home, but he will be seen on my television screen not behind the screen of a cage.

Being Thankful

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Happy Thanksgiving! This holiday is about food and family, but even more than that I like to use it to remind me how thankful I am for what I have, and for those around me.

For over 25 years my parents were very active doing disaster relief with The Salvation Army, and even raised the money for a state of the art canteen for the Tyler Texas location. Whenever there was a disaster or need and my parents got a call they dropped everything and hit the road. One of the most memorable phone calls I ever received was when Hurricane Katrina hit and my parents answered the call. They called me when they were outside the Super Dome not having a clue what was going on inside. For six weeks they were in the French Quarter feeding the volunteers – my Dad always joked he always wanted to have a restaurant in the French Quarter and he finally got his wish!

Whenever this Lifestylist® could I joined them on the road helping my Mom cook up to 2,000 hot meals a day and seeing first hand what mother nature can dish out. People were so sweet and hospitable, even though many had lost everything that they had. It was always hard to leave – I wanted to stay there and help rebuild.

This year I have been blessed to be involved with three amazing organizations – Shared Housing, Genesis Women’s Shelter and HomeAid/Homebuilders Care. I am always so drawn to the kids – many of them have seen things we can’t even imagine, but they always have the best manners, always say please, thank-you and give the best hugs :)

It’s harder than ever to make a living, but even if you can’t make a donation to a worthwhile charity think about donating your time -you’ll be very thankful that you did.

Life is a Beach

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My grand-kids life in Orlando, so they have been to all of the theme parks and other venues there more times than I want to think about. This visit I wanted to do something different, and thought we would visit some of the local spots that are more about lifestyle appreciation and less about spending a large sum of money to be entertained.
Our first stop was the Morse Museum in Winter Park. When I was in Orlando this year acting as the Lifestylist® on The New American Home, one of the neighbors told me about this amazing museum. It was breathtaking, and their collection of Tiffany glass and jewelry was unbelievable. At first the kids didn’t want to go, but once we got there they loved it and we stayed for over 2 hours. My daughter joined with an annual membership so they can go back often. I’m going to talk more about this gem in a later post, but it’s a must see.
My son and daughter-in-law are expecting  a new baby into this world soon, so we all decided to go down to West Palm a day before their baby shower and spend a night at the beach. We chose the Hilton at Singer Island which was right in the beach, and under $200.00. This costs much less than 4 of us going to one of the Orlando theme parks, we could take our own food and snacks, and besides food and lodging it was free!
It was great to see these Jr. Lifestylists put down their video games and enjoy nature. Jenna and I went and explored a reef at low tide, and Christian and I ventured out on the full moon lit evening to search for the sea turtles that were coming in to lay their eggs. Magical memories that none of us will forget.
The baby is expected in a month – I’m thinking there may be some more beach time in our future while we wait!