Fall Color Trend Report: 2014

Hello Readers!

Each season, Pantone Color Forecasting releases their color report for the upcoming season. Since I have not received my September Fall Vogue issue yet, I am in full anticipation to hear all about the color combinations this season has in store.

I prefer classic neutrals, especially black in New York, but every once in awhile, I love buying a piece that accentuates my wardrobe. It's even fun using these colors with paint and crafts inside  the classroom and experimenting with different color.

You can even use their colors in interior design or buy a bunch of fresh cut flowers for your home. Flowers add a vibrant "pop" to any drab room. Try buying a radiant orchid in  the color "Radiant Orchid".  Some people are partial to "Trends" but I think it's fun to try different colors each season. So, enough of my babbling, here are the top ten colors for Fall/Winter 2014.

In no particular order. Have fun with it! Fall 2014:

1. Bright Cobalt
2. Cognac
3. Radiant Orchid
4. Sangria
5. Misted Yellow
6. Royal Blue
7. Mauve Mist
8. Aluminum
9. Aurora Red
10.Cyprus

Wedding Day Bliss

Hello Readers!

July went by in a flash! I can't believe our wedding day came and gone. We shared so many memories that evening with friends and family. It was a wonderful evening filled with joy and love.

Weddings are such joyous occasions that surround and embrace you with good vibrations and togetherness. I want to thank my friends and family for showering us with amazing gifts and a night we will always remember. My wedding planners, photographer, and wedding band were magnificent! If there was advice I could give a bride-to-be, I would say, relax and let everything just flow. That is exactly what I did. This event unfolded the way it was meant to.  The only time I thought I was going to ball my eyes out is when my dad kissed me on the cheek at the alter! I kept it together;)

My bridesmaids were beautiful and the wedding venue looked stunning! I think I was going for a formal romantic evening affair. I was imagining candlelight, chandeliers, and an old ballroom vibe. The flowers were white with a tinge of vintage pink roses and antique silver place settings with gold chairs and gold lined plates.

Jacquelyn Kennedy is an icon of mine and I had this picture in my head of her lighting a candle for a formal dinner at the White House. I think the recreation went all as planned. Here are some pictures of the wedding. These aren't the photographers photos, so I'm waiting to post those as soon as they are  finished.



My dress was a Legends Ramona Kreveza  gown I found in Belle Meade at a boutique called b. Hughes Bridal in Nashville, TN. I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on. I think my favorite accessory was my chapel length lace veil, and a borrowed pearl bracelet my best girlfriend let me use. My sister bought me the Mr. And Mrs. Kate Spade clutch as a wedding gift. It has such meaning that it resembles a New York license plate. I love it!

The night went by in a flash!  Professional photos to post! San Juan Honeymoon pics as well!

If you're planning a wedding, here are some great people to help!

Spencer Event Strategy:

http://www.spencereventstrategy.com

Stephen M. Tokar Designs:

http://www.stephenmtokar.com/blog1/portfolio/

Tom Forrest Photography:

http://tomforrestphoto.com/index2.php

Tony Quarles Discovery Band:

http://discoveryband.com

Spencer Event Strategy:

http://www.spencereventstrategy.com

My North Star: Etoile du North

Hello My Readers!

I hope you are all doing swell! I've been hard at work trying to kick start my creative motivation!   As you can see, I have a passion and eye for design and fashion. I also love teaching children and contributing to society in a meaningful way.

Late at night, I get bit by the creative bug that gets ahold of me and won't let go. Ouch! I'm tired, just let me sleep! It's a great feeling! I just wish it would bite me in the wee morning hours.

Since I live in the big city, it's only natural for me to gravitate toward Fashion Ave. I can't stop poking my head into Mood Fabrics. When I'm inside my creative button revs into overdrive and I can't stop touching all the beautiful fabrics.

I stumbled upon a jersey type stretch material and fell head over heels in love with it. I am a lover of stripes. Anything black and white, navy and white,  and red and white, just inspire me in their beauty. It magically brought me back to when I was a child wanting an exceptional blanket to sleep with at night.

It's lightweight but keeps you warm, and great for summer slumber because it has a cooling effect when you move. So cute as a weekend picnic blanket or a summer beach blankie! A perfect baby or children's blanket! I can totally see it over a stroller or in a crib.

I even put it on my fiancé when he was snoozing! I urgently needed a name and it "popped" into my head. "Etoile du North" which means "North Star" in French. As I'm eagerly anticipating my new last name and  shedding my old one, I thought I would rebirth my new brand!

I will be showing my new line shortly. I'm so excited! I will also be giving a percentage of the proceeds to an educational program in New York City. I want to improve their schools for the future. I found my North Star! Sneak Peek!

Children's Book in July: Time to Pee

Hello Readers!

Since I am a toddler 2-year old teacher, I thought this book would really come in handy for children's learning about potty training. As we age, it's really only natural to know how and when to use the potty. But, if you can think back that far, it's really a challenging concept for an itty bitty thing to understand.

 Children think very concretely, some look at me very strange when I tell them they need to use the toilet. I believe they are thinking,"why is she telling me to sit on that cold scary thing when my diaper is much more comfortable and easy?"

Don't get me wrong,  some children can sit and go potty as soon as they see someone else do it, but for others it's a little bit tricky. That's why I choose to talk about a good book, Time to Pee by Mo Willems. This book is very basic and full of illustrations and instructions on how to go potty.

Some children need charts and stickers, while others just need regular reminders. I have even heard about potty parties or to reward your child with a gift they have been really wanting. Every child is different! I have noticed that girls tend to learn the concept a bit faster than boys. Don't worry! Don't stress yourself out or your child, it's a learning curve for both parties.

Just remember parents, if you ever get impatient, just think about how someday you might be back in diapers walking ever so slowly to the potty. Show patience and understanding, you never know when you'll need your children's help someday! Give lots of love and excitement for those first few months of potty exploration!

The Joy of Juicing: Kristen's Karrot Elixir

Hello Readers!

I thought I would speak briefly on my fruit and vegetable juicing  journey. My mom introduced me to this wonderful concoction that is "oh" so good for you. Since I've been trying to stay fit and active, I have come back around to my love for it. My dad sent me his old juicer he no longer uses, so I said "Great"!

I went to the grocery store and bought all the necessities for my Glowing Carrot Juice. Carrots are beneficial because they are loaded with Vitamins A, C, K and B8. They also have fiber, potassium, iron, and copper.  Carrots can also prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Carrots are also great for your blood pressure, diabetes, digestion problems, prevention of cancer and macular degeneration.

Eyesight is essential for us all, but I haven't been too lucky in receiving the best eyesight, so it is essential for me to help my eyes in any way that I can.  Check out the link below about how carrots can help your health.

Here is a great elixir to keeping carrots in your diet.

Kristen's Karrot Elixir

1. 5 Washed carrots with tops cut off
2. Thumbprint of Ginger
3. 2 Granny Smith Apples cut and washed
4. 2 Naval Oranges
5. 100% Natural Coconut Juice (optional, but very yummy!)

That's all folks! Cheers to good health!



Benefits of Carrots:

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/carrots.html