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Category Archives: Business
{Top 25 Southern Moms} The Suburban Diary
Thanks to the voting of friends and fans, The Suburban Diary was recently awarded the distinction of Circle of Moms Top 25 Southern Moms. I entered the Top 25 Southern Moms Contest in the last week, and still managed to climb to #12 with your help. Thank you again for your support, voting, time and sharing.
xo Emily Arnim, Mother to 3 and Writer + Blogger from Texas
Top Trending Articles You Love | 365 Days
Over the past 365 days, The Suburban Diary has flourished beyond my dreams. Thank you for reading what I work so hard to deliver… I am loving + learning life with my family and friends while writing about things I love. Here are the articles you viewed the most.
Top | Trending Articles | 365 Days
My Latest Wish List Item: Tom Ford Miranda Sunglasses
The Return of the Braid: Add a Boho Chic Accent to your Look
The Nude Attitude: Ten Wedges to Love
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Loving Lace Shorts
My New Wayfarers: Classic RayBan Modernized
Long Black Maxi Dress: A New Wardrobe Staple
Let Her Style Inspire: Bethenny Frankel
Kourtney Kardashian: Wooden Toys are Germ Free
Channel your inner Jennifer Aniston: Plain White Tee
My Joules Wellies with a Bow: In Love
Project Organization: DIY dvd Storage
2012 Oscar Style: Victoria Beckham’s Fashion Tri-Fecta (she didn’t design any after all)
Revenge of the Nerds: Hip to be Square
Coachella 2012: Hippie Chic Inspiration
The Tribe Has Spoken: Express Aztec Sequin Mini Skirt
Go Green: Striking Emerald Green that is
Thank you again. With Love, Emily
Top 20 Cities : Facebook Love
United States Painted on Wood ($40) | Sold on Etsy by: Girl in Air
Thank you for reading, visiting, enjoying, sharing and showing the love. Here is where your City ranks over the past month on The Suburban Diary Facebook Article Views.
| Top 20 Cities |
Houston, Texas
Katy, Texas
Austin, Texas
Miami, Florida
Dallas, Texas
New York, New York
Richmond, Texas
Shreveport, Louisiana
Sugar Land, Texas
Tampa, Florida
Rosenberg, Texas
Franklin, Tennessee
San Antonio, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Sealy, Texas
Los Angeles, California
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Atlanta, Georgia
I will keep the words flowing. Xo- Emily
{The Counter Houston} Primo Gourmet Burger
My Burger Invention: 1/4 Lb Beef, Herb Goat Cheese Spread, Avocado with a Tangy Russian Dressing…Mmmm
The Dangerously Delicious Trio at The Counter – Houston {Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Strings, Parmesan Fries} Served with a Light Ranch Dressing
Couldn’t have loved my burger any more at The Counter on Washington. The gourmet build-your-own burger eatery created a perfectly balanced Beef, Herb Goat Cheese, Avocado, Russian Dressing- Delish! The warm brownie and ice-cream was sinful and unnecessary, but I enjoyed it!
My first gourmet build your own burger experience in Houston was surprisingly refreshing. The Counter Houston has a fabulous monthly changing beer experience and surprise menu items, giving you even more reasons to keep visiting. The combinations are endless… Be cautious to the number of people you fit in a booth and don’t put so many things on your burger that it is a total mess. :) Think balanced and minimally, enjoy inventing.
The Counter Gourmet Burger Spot at 4601 Washington Ave – Houston, Texas
Oh the possibilities are endless…
Invent and Enjoy. Yours, Emily
{PH Design Shop} Lovely and then Some
My Fabulous White Leather Tassel Keychain
Well friends… I found a new shop in Rice Village Houston that I just adore and just had to share. PH Design Shop is lovely, amusing, and studious all rolled into one. Around every corner you’ll find yourself picking up trinkets, reading the fine print, laughing to yourself, and then walking around again. They have a splendid selection of books, stationary, leather goods, gifts and more to peek your curiosity. The finds within these four walls, are not those you see anywhere else, PH Design Shop is truly a one of a kind. My brief stop heralded this lovely White Leather Tassel Key Chain, some humorous Cards and a great Past Times Book.
Next time you visit Rice Village, make a stop into Sweet Paris for a Crêpe and Cappuccino, then walk a few steps down to PH Design Shop, you will be intrigued.
XO- Emily Arnim
PS. My purse swallows things and this fab key chain is impossible to miss and even more fun to hold! I will never lose my keys again…
Swag Alert: Autographed By Invitation Only
By Invitation Only with Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson
Who are the women you admire? Share one wonderful quality or more. Comment on this post for a chance to win an autographed By Invitation Only, signed by Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson. Alexandra & Alexis are absolutely women we should admire. They have mastered the art of a successful partnership and friendship! What lessons can we learn from them? So Many!! Swag Winner announced tomorrow May 9, 2012 between 9pm-12am.
I am reading a fabulously inspirational book from two of the Gilt Groupe Cofounders, Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson. By Invitation Only radiates with brilliance and fearlessly swift movement which catapulted the Luxury Flash Sale Concept into a Billion Dollar Business.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alexandra Wilkis Wilson for a Book Event at Houston’s Hotel Zaza last month and was in awe of Alexandra’s down to earth character. This culture appears consistent throughout my encounters with the minds of Gilt Groupe. I love it! Gilt Groupe has captured the luxury flash sale market and made it a shopping phenomenon, an addiction no doubt! I will use the inspiration I find from By Invitation Only and translate it into my journey.
By Invitation Only
My Take: Have an Idea, Create a Plan, then Move Fast!
With the right team, intellectual property and the largest network in the entire world- you can make it happen.
Besides the obvious inspiration from Alexandra and By Invitation Only, I am totally hooked on Gilt’s fabulous sales! If you haven’t joined Gilt Groupe, BUYER BEWARE… The deals are too good to pass up!
XO,
Emily Arnim
Bold and Passionate: Being a Writer is Enough
I know writing is the plan for my life, so I am pressing forward with all of my heart and soul living my life-long dream. While thinking over my life plan, along came a revelation- Being a Writer is enough, I don’t need to search for anything else to do! I will write about my Family, Farm Building Adventures, Travel, Culture, Fashion, and Mind for Magazines, Newspapers and other Publications. Why stop with The Suburban Diary? I am going to push my writing, and myself, to new levels… And learn something new every step of the way.
Rocking my Beso Beso Ring from Southern Hippie While Writing
Our Texas Farm – Established 2012
Writing for The Suburban Diary will be my foundation, I will pursue a life of adventure with my family, and share my experiences with the world. I will be bold, explore, learn, grow and write in the midst of my life. Writing is my passion, and holds the power to journal the details of my life, which otherwise might not be written. I do not want the spotlight; I prefer obscurity and to simply write about my experiences. I hope to touch the lives of others through each word and most of all, have a life well lived with my family… Pretty Simple!
My Kentucky Derby Hat Self-Portrait from S5A modeled with my Juicy Suit
The Husband and I – Viceroy, Anguilla – Heavenly!
Three Pieces of Me – San Juan Capistrano, California – Priceless Sunset
My Sweet Angel and Sassy Pants Ashlyn
Please take me with you Mom – Love, Blane
My Precious Baby Dane – Exhausted and Not Letting Go
The Boys’ Engineering and Sweet Saint watching his Mama!
Where we spend so much of our time – The Backyard
Super Bowl 46 – Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana… One of our Many Adventures
TEN Places I would LOVE to be PUBLISHED – I am prepared for NO’s to get to YES
1. Town & Country - {A Town & Country Inspired Piece}
2. Conde Nast Traveler
3. Departures
4. Southern Living
5. Vanity Fair
6. New York Times
7. National Geographic
8. USA Today
9. The Huffington Post
10. My Book
Here I am, ready as I’ll ever be, now it is up to me! Stay committed, grow technically as a writer, spread my wings and reach out!
In Boldness and Passion,
Emily Arnim
Billion Dollar Blondes: By Invitation Only
By Invitation Only with Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson
I am reading a fabulously inspirational book from two of the Gilt Groupe Cofounders, Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson. By Invitation Only radiates with brilliance and fearlessly swift movement which catapulted the Luxury Flash Sale Concept into a Billion Dollar Business.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alexandra Wilkis Wilson for a Book Event at Houston’s Hotel Zaza last month and was in awe of Alexandra’s down to earth character. This culture appears consistent throughout my encounters with the minds of Gilt Groupe. I love it! Gilt Groupe has captured the luxury flash sale market and made it a shopping phenomenon, an addiction no doubt! I will use the inspiration I find from By Invitation Only and translate it into my journey.
By Invitation Only
My Take: Have an Idea, Create a Plan, then Move Fast!
With the right team, intellectual property and the largest network in the entire world- you can make it happen.
Besides the obvious inspiration from Alexandra and By Invitation Only, I am totally hooked on Gilt’s fabulous sales! If you haven’t joined Gilt Groupe, BUYER BEWARE… The deals are too good to pass up!
XO,
Emily Arnim
Buzzing About: Fort Bend County’s Own Children’s Museum
Children’s Museum of Houston Photo From: TexasTripper.com
I was recently invited to attend a coffee to discuss the development of a Children’s Museum in Fort Bend County. The coffee was hosted at the lovely home of Charlene Pate in Sugar Land and orchestrated by volunteers and patrons of the Children’s Museum of Houston. The room was filled with Fort Bend County women ready to hear what the buzz was about. I was invited by the always delightful, Debbie Fash. Does Fort Bend County have what it takes to support it’s very own Children’s Museum and what would be needed from the community to make it come alive? The Children’s Museum of Houston Executive Director, Tammie Kahn, was prepared to reveal the proposal, rouse support and address concerns from the women she would depend on to pioneer the idea into fruition.
Imperial Sugar Plant Sugar Land, Texas Photo By: The Suburban Diary
The Children’s Museum of Houston envisions a historic, innovative Museum in the heart of the Imperial Sugar Land Development. Boasting beautiful, charming and nostalgic scenery, this historical site is a place I can imagine visiting time and again. Imperial Sugar Land is home to the new Minor League Baseball Team, the Sugar Land Skeeters, and their magnificent stadium. Imperial Sugar Land has a weekend Farmers Market and, according to their website, has plans to create a master planned community. The development will be a balanced, sustainable, mixed-use environment with a variety of retail spaces, offices, entertainment, civic buildings, residential, and open spaces.
Imperial Farmers Market Sugar Land, Texas Photo By: The Suburban Diary
It took less than 20 minutes for me to get to Sugar Land from Katy, and I experienced no traffic- BONUS! This area is at the crossroads of West Houston, Sugar Land and Katy, providing convenient access to all of the area’s residents. Although I love visiting Houston and enjoy the Children’s Museum of Houston, I think Sugar Land will be a unique experience for museum goers. Not only will you go to visit the Museum, but also to visit the shops, restaurants and other venues within walking distance. You get a pleasant old town feel in a seemingly busy world!
Historic Imperial Sugar Plant in Sugar Land, Texas Photo By: The Suburban Diary
Over Spring Break I visited the Children’s Museum of Houston with three girlfriends and our brood of children. I thought to myself, why did I choose Spring Break?!? Despite the droves of people and celebrations of Spring, the Museum seemed to have a handle on crowd control and the line to purchase tickets was speedy and almost non-existent. Our group was able to experience most of the Museum without waiting in any lines. Despite the crowds, our adventure turned out well and the kids had an absolute blast!
Musician Greeting Visitors and Entertaining in the Courtyard at Children’s Museum of Houston Photo By: The Suburban Diary
When listening to the Museum proposal, I remember thinking to myself, how many times will we be able to visit the Museum before we experience a burn out?!? Will the novelty wear off? After our adventure over Spring Break, I realized, of course not! Experiments and discovery are different every visit. Each time you explore the museum you experience it differently, acquire a thirst for more answers and knowledge , and have new questions. I am hoping that in addition to some of the wonderful exhibits and areas they have at the Houston location, the Children’s Museum of Fort Bend County will incorporate some history and nature, creating a more organic style of learning as well. I think this will not only create a unique experience for Fort Bend County residents, but a different adventure for the Houston residents who want to visit the suburbs and escape the big city for the day! I am hoping for some wonderful special programs to appeal to individual interests, this will help drive more visitors to the museum. Creating a comfortable area for parents to sit while they observe their children in exploration will play a vital role in attracting visitors as well! Many children with inquisitive minds love to explore independently; they want their freedom, and that is fine by me, as long as I have a comfortable place to perch!
Dane Discovering at the Children’s Museum of Houston Photo By: The Suburban Diary
So what do you think? Would you support the Children’s Museum of Fort Bend County? Will you be a Regular Visitor or Founding Member? I absolutely am on board to help do what it takes to get a Children’s Museum in Fort Bend County- I love adventure as much as my children do!
May the Adventure Continue,
Emily Arnim
Circle of Moms: Top 25 Tech Savvy Moms
Thank you Loyal Readers, Friends and Fans of The Suburban Diary for voting in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Tech Savvy Moms Contest! I know many of you follow The Suburban Diary on Facebook, but for those of you who only subscribe to the blog, I had to share the wonderful news!! What an honor for me because of all of you!
XO,
Emily Arnim
Southern Hippie Plants Her Free Spirit and Baby Hippie Sprouts
Elizabeth Lockhart, Queen Hippie at Southern Hippie
I am beyond over the moon for Elizabeth Lockhart of Southern Hippie! She has planted her free spirit in a quaint shop on the outskirts of Austin, Texas in Georgetown. Her charming cottage radiates with her hippie chic style and sets the mood for a care-free shopping experience. I wanted to sit down her lovely couch, talk for hours, have a glass of wine, listen to music, shop and try on… Unfortunately I was on my way out of Austin, so I will have to save that for my next visit! I was able to do PLENTY of shopping during my short visit though, any longer would have been grounds for a lengthy explanation!
Rory Beca Shorts and Naven Skirt sold by Southern Hippie
Beso Beso Jewels sold by Southern Hippie
Hippie Chic Silks and Prints sold by Southern Hippie
A Soulful Display at Southern Hippie
Not only has Elizabeth planted roots for Southern Hippie, but now boasts a new obsession for us, Baby Hippie! I picked up a Pink Chicken Dress for a dear little girl I love, and it is absolutely precious! I am OBSESSED with Southern Hippie’s designers- MuMu, Rory Beca, Wildfox, Beso Beso, Lovers+Friends, Georgie and so many of her other lines to channel my inner Hippie Chic! I am lucky I haven’t landed my Amex on the injured list yet!!
Pink Chicken Caftans and Tunics for Girls- Oh My! sold by Southern Hippie
Lil Nest "Tweet" Onesies with Pom Pom Sleeves sold by Southern Hippie
Southern Hippie and Baby Hippie have officially given us no excuse not to shop with her for fabulous finds. Shop in her Chic Cottage, schedule a Private Southern Hippie Party, connect socially through Facebook or Twitter, telephone her, and coming soon… A Vintage Airstream customized to setup pop-up shopping wherever she travels- Sneak peak below!
Southern Hippie's Vintage Airstream Boutique with Elizabeth Lockhart
Love me some Southern Hippie! A Texas Girl to the bottom of her soul, with a Chic California Hippie Twist- LOVE HER! Shop Southern Hippie and support a local Texas Girl!
Her Chic Cottage is located at: 4230 Williams Drive #2 . Georgetwon, Texas . 214.673.4449
XO,
Emily Arnim
Be Inspired: Quotes From My Heart
Mystic - Painting by Susan McWilliams
“The art of writing is the conversation.” -Emily Arnim
Take the Bull by the Horns: My New Stationary
Longhorn Stationary by Kelly Kay from Paper Lane
Well, this Kelly Kay Longhorn Stationary is not exactly what I thought I would have picked up for myself at Paper Lane in Katy the other day, but now it is in my hot little hands and I am totally digging it! I definitely make purchases based on my emotions, so apparently the Longhorn resonated with me that day… Was I thinking about my Dad, about The Texas Diary or about our new farm and the longhorn I’ve always wanted?!? Who knows! Either way I am making progress on my overdue thank you list with these Texas Chic Notecards and I love them! Kelly Kay is sold at Neiman Marcus, The Horchow Collection, as well as online and store front retailers across the country if you can’t make it to Paper Lane in Katy. (Store Locator Here)
Not only do I love my new stationary, but it sure feels good to tackle my thank you note list- I am WAY overdue!
XO,
Emily Arnim
The Great Divide: Forget the Two Space Rule
Today during my Publishing Class in Austin, Texas it was very interesting to find out the Two Space Rule Between Sentences is a rule of the past! I do know that in blogging I use a Single Space Between Sentences, but had no idea that this rule applied to formal writing and books as well. Thought I would pass this along and save you the extra tap when typing! I also found this article pretty insightful if you’d like to read more…
Truly yours,
Emily Arnim
Clare O’Connor, Forbes Writer: On The New Self Made Billionairess
Sara Blakely Photo from Forbes.com Credit: Ben Baker, Redux
A billionaire, the determination is almost inconceivable… Sara Blakely, the Spanx Entrepeneuress has joined the club of the most brilliant business minds and lucky blood lines who have made the Ten Figure Mark! Clare O’Connor, Forbes Writer, wrote a fabulous feature with the driven Sara Blakely, and I was interested to read the article just by the title!
Undercover Billionaire: Sara Blakely Joins The Rich List Thanks To Spanx
On March 15, 2012 Forbes Facebook Page announced a Facebook Chat with Clare O’Connor to discuss her inspiration from Sara Blakely. Of course, I joined in for inspiration and education. Here are some of my personal highlights from the chat… (PS – You still must read the feature from Clare though, some wonderful insight into Sara’s climb.)
Alex Knapp: If she started her business with $5000, what did that $5000 go to?
Clare O’Connor: That $5k went towards materials from craft stores like Michaels, a Barnes & Noble textbook on patent law, and $700 for a lawyer!
... She spent two years working-full time selling fax machines while researching her first Spanx prototype. And as for failures, Spanx came after she failed the LSAT twice trying to get into law school! …step 2 was to professionalize her business and “hire her weaknesses”, as she’s fond of saying. She brought in a CEO with 10 years’ experience at Coca-Cola to run Spanx.
… Sara told me many times in the course of reporting this story that her advice would be not to seek validation from others. If she’d asked her friends and family if she should go ahead w/ Spanx early on, they’d have said no, as it admittedly sounded crazy!
…she got her product on the market through a combination of smart PR and selling herself and her prototype like crazy to buyers at dept stores, starting with Neimans in Dallas.
…She’d say to keep working your day job and work on your idea when you have the time — at night, weekends, whenever — until you’re at a place when you can execute. She only had $5k, but she also had 2 years of work when she took the prototype to market!
Kate Pierce: Did Sara share any insight into how she balances family with running her business? (A question rarely asked of male billionaires.)
Clare O’Connor: Good question! She has actually scaled back her involvement in the day-to-day running of the company since she had a child just over 2 years ago. Her CEO Laurie Ann Goldman runs the company from an operational standpoint. She (Sara) is the face and the DNA of Spanx, and she is still in the office often, but she’s at a place now where she has 125 staff, so she has time for her family.
…Spanx does sell direct to the public on its website but early on she was focused on getting it into stores, and not in the boring hosiery departments but up front near the clothes/shoes in their distinctive red packaging.
…Well, she kept focused on it because she knew that if SHE needed this, other women would too. She’s also thin, but she knew it’d fix the problem of visible pantylines. And if it was good enough for her, it was good enough for all women. Turns out she was right, if sales are anything to go by!
Emily Petersen Arnim: I like that… “Hire your weakness”. I wonder if hiring your weakness can be done in the way of an effective partnership or shareholder of sorts to help you take it to the next level without significant capital.
Clare O’Connor: You might be right, Emily. In this case, Sara was keen to finance Spanx herself and not take any outside investment, but I’ve been asked whether the business would be bigger now if she had. Who knows. Women often find it more difficult to get VCs/investment banks/etc to invest, sadly.
Emily Petersen Arnim: For the record… I think Sara apparently made very wise… decisions for her business. She is a role model for all of us. If you can make it work to control the shares… and bring on major players, wow- what an accomplishment.
Clare O’Connor Emily, I agree. And I’ve had fantastic feedback on this story from young women — not always the first demographic to pick up Forbes for inspiration, admittedly. She’s made it work, but she wasn’t an overnight sensation. This is Spanx’s 12th year.
Read the full chat on Forbes Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/forbes
Read: Undercover Billionaire: Sara Blakely Joins the Rich List Thanks to Spanx
Read: How Spanx Became A Billion-Dollar Business Without Advertising
Shop: The full line of Spanx is now carried at Zappos.com . If you’ve never shopped at Zappos.com, oh do I love it. Fast, Free Shipping and Returns!!
Spanx now boasts a full line of “Underwear”, Activewear, Swimwear and a Mens’ Line too. Spanx has been through the ranks! Congrats to Sara Blakely, you deserve it if you’ve made it this far!
Truly Inspired and hope you took at least one thing from this article!
Emily Arnim
Julianne and Emily of Emi-Jay
Have you read about the teen sensation Emi-Jay? These teens followed their dreams and are traveling around the world while selling their addicting hair ties- I’m in LOVE!
Emily Arnim, The Suburban Diary by Classy and Fabulous
Read More Business Articles from The Suburban Diary
Happy Valentine’s Day to The Suburban Diary Readers
Go With Your Gut: Making Choices and Taking Chances
Which Road To Take?
Life is full of Making Choices and Taking Chances… So how do we know when we are making the right choices and taking the right chances? We don’t- EVER- go with your gut! There is no crystal ball in our hands that will give us all of the answers, the crystal ball must exist in our hearts and mind! We must have the confidence, the fearlessness and the knowledge to make the best decisions for ourselves and then run with it. We have to know that failure, success, mistakes, changing, growing and learning will come with every choice we make and chance we take. If we look at every choice and chance as a learning experience, no matter what the outcome, we cannot lose! Make a choice, take a chance, then press forward and follow through until the end! Learn from Every Experience!
Here are some quotes that I found inspirational…
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”
~Pablo Picasso
“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.”
~Author Unknown
“This nation was built by men who took risks – pioneers who were not afraid of the wilderness, business men who were not afraid of failure, scientists who were not afraid of the truth, thinkers who were not afraid of progress, dreamers who were not afraid of action.”
~Brooks Atkinson
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
~Dale Carnegie
“I failed my way to success.”
~Thomas Edison
“If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.”
~Win Borden
“A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.”
~Rita Mae Brown
Practice Making Choices and Taking Chances- You Will Face Life Head On!
Yours Truly- Emily
Calling, Purpose, Passion: Explore, Discover, Learn, Grow
At some point in our lives some of us begin to question our calling, our purpose and our passion. Sometimes those questions we have and the answers we seek become clouded and influenced by the societies in which we live. We allow money, others judgments, the pleasures and the pressures of society to influence our path instead of discovering our own.
“If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise.” ~Johann von Goethe
I am at the point in my journey when I begin to question choices and the paths I am taking. Fortunately, by the incredible Grace of God, our life experiences are a part of our journey and teach us even more about ourselves, they don’t count as strikes against us. My Purpose… To Explore, To Discover, To Learn, To Grow. My journey is my passion and purpose, as well as the journeys of my children. Do you agree?
“Learn to… be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not.” ~Henri Frederic Amiel
With this life theory, I battle with a guilt of sorts, a feeling of selfishness- however I am quick to push it out of my mind. I believe the guilt comes from the external, not internal, worrying about the judgment of others and societal pressures of being the typical “Super Mom”, “Super Wife”, “Super Woman”. Truth be told, I am Super Mom, Super Wife and Super Woman and so are you! From the outside in Women are bundled into a stereotype of who society thinks they should be and how they should live, and unfortunately we are not always strong enough to break those stereotypes. We are all super in our own way if we believe we are! As women we have so many facets of our lives, experiences, responsibilities, outlooks, expectations, approaches, pressures and influences- we are all different! What is a stereotype anyway? A generic term for a lack of true adjectives!
“There is just one life for each of us: our own.” ~Euripides
We are all different, no external judgment could possibly be accurate, therefore it should not influence us and prevent us from living! No one can see inside your soul, your heart and read your mind- EVER! Life is about being comfortable with yourself…Life is about Living Passionately, Growing Internally, Being Selfish, Not Living Externally. We have to learn to recognize those influences that could be altering our paths of passion!
If we lived our lives in the same way, how would the world have culture? Would our children grow up to be Artists, Chefs, Writers, Computer Scientists, Engineers, Biologists, Doctors, Entertainers, Accountants, Archaeologists, Government Officials, Historians? Or would our society would be over run by “Prototypes”, instead of passion filled souls? I believe we are born with natural strengths, and interests we acquire through experience and exposure… That is how our passions are discovered!
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Seuss
As parents it is our job To Explore, To Discover, To Learn, To Grow with our Children. We infuse our children with the confidence to find their passion through Experiences, Journeys, Teachings, Guidance and Reasonable Freedom. Through living we will influence our children to live passionate lives of purpose, not Prototype! Remember, what would our world be like without souls and minds from every walk of life? Would we have those who loved to educate? Museums brimming with art and artifacts? Restaurants with incredible food? Movies to watch? Books to read? Sports to watch? Doctors to keep us healthy? Wonderful wines to try? Of course not! Would we be able to express our individuality?
My personal journey is my purpose and passion. I am choosing a journey that is right for me- not right for everyone. I am making a decision not to live my life based on the external judgment, but the internal judgment. I am taking a journey through life and making steps towards my calling and purpose. The invisible, the internal, the untold, the unknown… Those are all the secrets locked inside of my soul! Unlocking them one by one, discovering everything there is to know about myself, my world and my family throughout my journey. The paths I take along the way help me grow, learn valuable lessons and enable me to influence the lives of my children and others! Are you paving your own path? You influence someone everyday!
To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. ~e.e. cummings, 1955
My encouragement to you is to live your life selfishly in a sense. Learn about yourself, live your life passionately, and learn to let go of the external pressures of society as you live. Learn to enjoy things for yourself a little more and do not feel guilty!! Gradually Let Go, Take it All in, Be Yourself, then Pass it On!
Best Wishes to All for a Life of Passion! Emily Arnim
Accessorize Your Smart Phone: Be Chic and Distinct
I am LOVEing my new Clairebella iPhone Case from The Polka Dot Monkeys! This little beauty was gifted to me by my Mother-in-Law (and my sweet Ashlyn received one too). I love the case she custom designed for me. I may even buy another one – I am thinking a Gold Design would match with so many things I wear too. I can change out strategically when I want to match my outfit. Accessorizing my iPhone- bad I know! Check out the designs available and pick out your own pattern, font and color available for your Blackberry, iPhone, or iPod.
- Clairebella iPhone Case from The Polka Dot Monkeys
Customize your Color and Pattern to create a Distinct Design with your Monogram…
Clairebella Cell Phone Cases from The Polka Dot Monkeys
The Clairebella Smart Phone Cases are $59 – Current Wait Time is 4 Weeks
(More Patterns Available) Like The Polka Dot Monkeys on Facebook
Have fun accessorizing your smart phone, Be Chic and Distinct!
Best Wishes- Emily
PS… This is the next Suburban Diary Swag! Comment on this article with a positive quality you possess! I will give away sometime next week!!
A New Chapter in My Journey Begins: Challenge and Intrigue
- Rice University Glasscock School for Continuing Studies
My adventures of learning continue and I could not be more excited about my journey! Taking my first Writing Class, The Memoir: Weaving a Tapestry of Your Life at Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies has me feeling like a giddy little girl with big dreams… Thinking Nothing is Impossible!! My childhood dream of writing books is closer than ever because I am taking the next step, a small step. Learning something new will be a positive and challenging experience for me. How will you be challenged and intrigued?
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” -Lao Tzu
Taking action towards your goals does not always mean you see immediate results. It means you are climbing the staircase to your goal with enthusiasm and optimism! The key to happiness is to enjoy your journey, explore and experience along the way. We can not be so fixated on the end result that we set ourselves up for discouragement. I know that I will pour my heart into this learning experience, and anything that happens- happens for a reason. I am ready for the challenge and intrigue!
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one.” -Mark Twain
- Little Things, The Life Styled Blog
There are so many opportunities for us to grow as individuals, start a new business, learn a craft, take up a hobby, learn a new language, learn to play the piano, learn to be a better speaker, study calligraphy, learn to edit pictures or learn more about something we are already practicing… You name it – it is out there for you online, in classrooms, through clubs and other settings. Expand your horizons. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Start somewhere – anywhere!
“If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.” ~Benjamin Franklin
How will you be challenged while finding your passion?
Best Wishes!
Emily
Be Efficient: Organize Remotely With No Wifi
So as I spend some quiet and idle time in South Texas, with sketchy Internet on my phone, I’m challenged to come up with ways to be productive to meet my 2012 Goals… So naturally I go to my computer and stare at an unorganized home page! As a Mother, Wife, Blogger, Multi-tasker, Family Historian, Event Planner, Etc it is a shame that I have never let my unorganized home screen bother me before… Our computers have the capability of keeping so many pieces of our lives organized and I was failing!
Suddenly I looked at my folders and clipboard items in disarray then was on a furious mission to customize my home screen with strategic folders, placement and colors. I needed a refreshing picture to keep my spirits high and mind clear while working away, so found an enlightening wallpaper before I started my home screen reorganization.
My goal was to create a functional, well organized and visually appealing home screen and now I have it made! Of course I will add new things and reorganize for functionality, but I’ve started myself on the right track… Let me tell you it feels great!
Be Inspired – Get Organized – Create Files for Life!
Best Wishes!
Emily
PS… Another post without wifi so any formatting errors will have to wait until I return!
Accessorizing the New Phone
I finally did it! I got rid of my blackberry after months of issues with it either freezing or just shutting down after taking one picture. I am now a proud owner of an Iphone and I’m loving it!
One of the many reasons why I was so excited to make the switch was for all the cute cases and accessories you can get for the Iphone.
- Emily Arnim, The Suburban Diary by Classy and Fabulous
Want a custom sketch for your iPhone case??? I love it!!! Mrs. Classy and Fabulous is your go-to girl!!! I love my Kate Spade case, but how gorge is this?!? Love!!
Yours truly, EmilyThe Importance of Goals for My 2012
- SMART Goal Setting Concept Chart
I think it so important to set goals, make a plan to achieve them, and enjoy the journey of reaching your goals without letting them take over your life! I personally will always have goals, milestones and dreams in my life. Since a very young age I have always had high hopes and big dreams. I have put myself out there, pushed my life in the direction I thought best and not let anyone discourage me- instead used their negativity to fuel my determination. Sometimes I fail and sometimes I succeed, but the important thing is that I’m not afraid to go after what I want. When I failed, I learned valuable lessons and I think that has made all the difference. Don’t count failures, but Remember Lessons! I believe luck has been on my side more often than not, that there has always been a Guardian Angel on my shoulder, and I couldn’t do anything without the support and constant positive thoughts from my Mom, Grandmother and others. Evaluating my life, my goals, how to reach my goals and my past history with goals- will help me reach my Goals for 2012. Think deeply about what you want to do in 2012 and make it REAL- Because YES, you can!!
- The Incredible and Admirable Benjamin Franklin
Here are a few great quotes on goals to inspire you… They will inspire me all year!!
“The goal you set must be challenging. At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach. It should be challenging enough to make you stretch, but not so far that you break.” Rick Hansen
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Zig Ziglar
“We all have two choices;We can make a living or we can design a life.” Jim Rohn
“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” Thomas Jefferson
“An average person with average talent,ambition and education, can outstrip the most brilliant genius in our society, if that person has clear, focused goals.” Brian Tracy
“The major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get.” Jim Rohn
“Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Artistotle
“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” Napoleon Hill
“Establishing goals is all right as long as you don’t let them deprive you of interesting detours.” Doug Larson
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” Andrew Carnegie
Set Goals, Write them Down, Look at them Daily, Share them with Someone You Love and Enjoy the Journey!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
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Ring in the New Year with a Fashionable Planner
- Mom Agenda Day Planner
I bought the Mom Agenda about 6 months ago and Love it! Now that I know I will use it, I may invest in this Kate Spade Tudor City Large Debra Planner featured here in Culture Map’s Recent Article on keeping fashionably up to date!
- Kate Spade Gold Tudor City Large Debra Planner
Do you Rock an Ever-Trusty Planner or stick to the Date Book on your Phone? Times are changing, but there is something wonderful about having everything at your fingertips in print! Try Paper Lane in Katy, Paper Source in Highland Village or City Centre- Houston and many other specialty Stationary Boutiques around your town for great 2012 Planner options!
- Paper Source Houston
Plan in 2012!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
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My Project: Organizing with a Decorative Flair
What better way to have fun organizing than incorporating your own decorative flair to the project along with a little DIY? I am so inspired by the new show on Style Network, The Amandas!!! Love it!! I came home from Hobby Lobby about 1pm and less than 2 hours later this is what I have so far!! Read below for a few tips and details…
Office Organizing Project, The Suburban Diary
First of all, I purchased the rack from Home Depot and assembled it yesterday. The remaining materials were all purchased from my local Hobby Lobby (unfortunately this was not the week for wood and metal to be on sale), but I had to buy it while I’m motivated! Secondly, I knew that I would buy it and start on it right away, otherwise I would procrastinate and it would sit in my closet forever waiting for its debut!! Haha! Lastly, this is where I will start and who knows if this is what it will look like as time goes on… I’ve read that you need to experiment and be open to changing in order for the organization system to be functional for you. Also do not to put lids on your storage- they only serve as a barrier between you and staying organized! PS. This is not my craft area, but I put the kids paint in here so it would be close to their new easel I have downstairs!!
For you DIY Lovers… Consider using Mason Jars for organizing, Old Vegetable Cans can be kept plain or wrapped in Scrapbook Paper, or wrap Shoe Boxes…
The most important thing about organizing to me is making it functional and beautiful! If you enjoy looking at it, you will be more likely to keep it organized- Consider it a part of your Home’s Decor! We have to LIVE in our houses, so make them functional, livable and enjoyable!
Organize, Organize, Organize… One Project at a Time!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
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Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!
20 Questions: Emi-Jay Dynasty
Julianne and Emily, The Emi-Jay Dynasty
- Julianne and Emily of Emi-Jay
I had the pleasure of an opportunity to have a 20 Questions interview with Julianne and Emily, the young fashion entrepeneurs living out a fairytale of sorts in Los Angeles… Meeting Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Kardashian, having stars like Lauren Conrad and Jennifer Aniston sport their chic little (Made in the USA) hair ties and vacationing in Paris. At the young age of 16 these girls have already begun their tour of the world! Peek into the minds of these amazing young entrepeneurs- LOVE Julianne and Emily of Emi-Jay!
1. How old were you two when you started Emi-Jay?
E&J: 14 years old
2. How did you first come up with the idea?
E&J: “We came up with the idea when we saw a growing trend of hair accessories and started coming up with headbands and barrettes.”
3. What do you want to be when you “grow-up”?
E: Magazine Editor
J: Stylist
4. What celebrity’s style do you love the most?
E: Olsen Twins
J: Blake Lively
5. What is your favorite school subject?
E: French
J: English
6. Do you work everyday?
E&J: “Yes, how much we work all depends on how much homework we have!”
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
E: Dubai
J: Italy
8. Who is the “coolest” person you’ve met so far?
E: Sarah Jessica Parker
J: Kim Kardashian
9. What is your favorite junk food?
E: French Fries
J: Sour Patch Watermelon
10. Where do you see yourself living in 10 years?
E: Paris
J: New York
11. Which celebrity were you most excited for being “spotted” in Emi-Jay?
E&J: Lauren Conrad
- Jennifer Aniston in Emi-Jay Hair Ties
12. Where is your favorite place to shop?
E&J: Ron Herman
- Long Sleeve Button Down Silk Blouse, Ron Herman- Los Angeles
13. Do you have a favorite movie, book or magazine?
E: Vogue Magazine
J: The Devil Wears Prada Movie
14. Do you have any bad habits you wish you could break or any pet peeves?
E: “My pet peeve is dirtiness or being unorganized.”
J: Germaphobe
15. What color is your bedroom?
E&J: Both Girls rock White and Grey Rooms.
16. Snow bunny or Beach Bunny?
E: Beach Bunny
J: Snow Bunny
17. What are you afraid of?
E: Bugs
J: Earthquakes
18. What is the best thing about your success?
E&J: “Seeing the growth and popularity of what we created!”
19. Where was the last vacation you took?
E&J: Paris
20. Do you see Emi-Jay designing anything else in the future? If so, what would it be?
E&J: Emi-Jay hopes to venture into the Luxury Accessories Market.
21. Do you have a boyfriend?
E: No
J: Yes
- Emi-Jay Military Collection Hair Ties
Love Emi-Jay on Facebook and Check Out www. Emi-Jay . com
PS… The girls were landing in Paris two days before Christmas when I sent them the final draft of 20 Questions!
Wow! I am so impressed and inspired by these girls. Growing up I was always trying to come up with something… I admire these girls for pursuing their dreams to the fullest! Do you have a Dream and a Plan to Get There? Can you enjoy life’s everyday moments at the same time? “Enjoy the journey, it is Life!”
PS… Emi-Jay graciously sent me several packages of their hair ties and I cannot wait to give them away to you all!! Thanks Emi-Jay! I first featured Emi-Jay on The Suburban Diary in this post… Emi-Jay: Best Hair Ties Ever!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
Read About More of My Favorite Beauty Products
20 Questions on More Intriguing People
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Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!
2012 Personal Growth Plan: Education in My Stars?
Well Greg shocked me and bought me a professional camera for Christmas- it is more than I even know what to do with… What a phenomenal chance for me to learn something new; I will use for my family and blogging at the same time- Bonus! Side Note: I wonder if this has anything to do with the famous Houston Photographer and Astrologer Herb Hochman telling me in November he saw Education, Photography and Traveling in my life?!? Now here I am now with Photography and Writing Classes a key part 2012 Personal Growth Plan!
- Herb Hochman
I am so excited, but daunted by the complicated options the camera offers (and a little heavy)! Now off to school I go for the Photography Class I have always wanted to take, but never taken. Exploring my options, but I will start sometime in January or February… Have a few trips on the horizon so working around those dates unless I get a private class at Houston Center for Photography.
- Cannon Mark 2 5D SLR
The second part of Educate in my 2012 Personal Growth Plan is to take writing classes. My first writing class will be at Rice’s Glasscock School , The Memoir: Weaving a Tapestry of Your Life… I am so excited about this class- it is in perfect alignment with my life right now!
- Rice Glasscock School Houston, Texas
So what would you like to learn? Another language, to communicate better, to eat better, to paint, to start a charity? You name it, there are learning opportunities for personal and professional development available at colleges everywhere… Explore your options and enjoy the journey of learning and growth!
My 2012 Personal Growth Plan: Educate (Photography and Writing)
Family, Organize, Educate, Schedule, Pictures, Volunteer, Health, Career, Friends, Habits and GOD
Only an open mind can grow!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
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Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!
My Break and a Peek into 2012
- My 2012 DIY Glitter Project
Well after a little break from blogging, lots of Christmas celebrations with all of our family, 2012 Personal Growth Plan on my mind, and a dive into my first phase of my January organization projects- I am almost feeling back to normal! We were out of town 11 days in December (on top of a couple of trips in November) and I had no idea that the time away would leave me with as much pressure as it did to get everything in order… But it all came together and more importantly, we ALL came together! The hustle and bustle it required to pull together Christmas quickly was more than I bargained for, but the smiles on faces as we enjoyed the celebrations and giving made it all worth it. I vow next year, not to escape in December though- Lesson Learned!!
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, enjoyed your family and are ready to make 2012 a year of Personal Growth! So many things about 2012 that I am looking forward to, and I look forward to sharing them with you! Don’t forget to take care of yourself, take a breather, start documenting what changes and goals you have in mind for your life, and let us all get ready to make ourselves even better in 2012! Sneak Peek into mine… Family, Organize, Educate, Schedule, Pictures, Volunteer, Health, Career, Friends, Habits and GOD. I will be sharing more as I finalize my 2012 Personal Growth Plan. Out with New Year’s Resolutions and in with 2012 Personal Growth Plan!
Merry Christmas and ready for a Happy New Year Friends!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home and read away or search a topic!
Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!
Best Hair Ties Ever: Love Emi-Jay
If you don’t already own these- They are a MUST! I don’t leave home without at least one or two Emi-Jay Hair Ties! They are amazing!!! I love that they don’t damage your hair, they look chic, you can opt to wear the hair ties on your wrist as well! These tweens scored big with their Emi-Jay creations! Congrats little ladies… You’ve got me hooked and lots of celebs too!! Thanks to my bestest Ashley Guidry for turning me on to these!!
Buy direct at Emi-Jay Online or find them at Anthro! I recommend online because they sell out so fast at Anthro!
Love your Hair and Emi-Jay!!
Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary
For more of my Beauty Favorites Visit my Beauty Page!
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Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!
