Today is a special day. See that lady in the middle of my sister and I, that’s Mom and today is her birthday! 
Without even being consciously aware I pick up my cell and call speed dial #2 [only second to #1 being default voicemail]. It is my direct link to my Mom. We talk on the phone sometimes 6 or 7 times a day. She is my other half. She knows me all to well! Andrea and I would consider ourselves pretty blessed to be able to call our Mom our best friend. Between the three of us, more affectionately known as the “3 musketeers”, we share it all. We tell each other everything! The highs and the lows. All of our smiles, tears, laughs, joys, celebrations, struggles, problems, and usually birthdays. Not only that, we share SO many memories…from day trips to Atlanta time and time again to cramming begging the dressing room attendant to allow 3 people in a one person dressing room. Somehow we just cannot get enough of each other.
This year we will not be in the same place, but we’ll celebrate together in spirit! So this post goes to you Mom,
“HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
Love Ya Always, Jewels
What’s in a name? As the Park is to the City, so the Word is to Life. Central Park is comprised of 843 acres– an area that constitutes less than 6% of the entire island of Manhattan. Despite its small bite out of the Big Apple, the Park has a huge impact on the lives of New Yorkers. Similarly, the Word is life-restoring for Christians. Despite its small size, the Bible’s impact on our lives far exceeds that of any other book on our shelves. In it, we can run about in joy, explore meaningful truths, and delight in God’s promises. The founder of Park Forum, Bethany is an email friend of mine. She has a BIG heart the is bursting with love for the Lord, and I encourage you to support her work in the city!
So, that is where is all began. You might be wondering what that little 125 x 125 pixel square geometric grid of green, white and black is on the right hand side-bar. Let me tell you, it’s your direct link to The Park Forum. Whether you’re a New Yorker of not, the site is worth subscribing too. Their daily urban devotional, Morning Walk, serves up a warm dose of inspiration to me everyday! These quick reflections don’t take a lot of time to read through, but ADD a lot of “goodness” to your day. It is for sure to be added to your blog feed after you visit, also serving as a reminder that…”in whatever we do (even in reading online blog posts), in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)!
[if you feel called to support The Park Forum, you can do so by mail or you can choose from their online donation methods here]
designer spotlight #6 :: meet jenna of sweet fine day
Actually before you meet Jenna, first things first. Check out her and her husbands business: whimsy&spice, a Brooklyn confectionery. All of their cookies and sweets are hand rolled, hand cut and hand packaged using only the finest ingredients with no added preservatives or artificial flavorings. Take a look for yourself at these little exquisite works of confection! Pictured are some of the seasonal cookies below. They are absolutely splendid! Forget chocolates in a box this year…send you Valentine something special:
Where did you drink your morning coffee? on the couch with the computer on my lap.
Is that my favorite room? I don’t know, but I’m on the couch a lot.
…well, considering that the couch is where I end up working, I guess the answer, actually, would be yes it’s my favorite room.
How do your balance being a mommy, and your growing design & confectioners bakery, whimsy & spice? I don’t…still not yet. We’re learning, but most days, life is chaotic. [check out Jenna's talent here]
What part of your job is the most enjoyable? I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people through the business.
When did your design/creative obsession begin? I’ve been drawing since I was small. It’s really all I did in high school, and I spent most of my energy my junior year getting scholarships to art school. Oddly, though, once I got to college, my interest waned and took a backseat to just experiencing life and living on my own. I regained my interest and commitment when I switched to another creative medium – studying music.
What’s influencing your design these days? My friends, other designers and artists.
What are your favorite creative trends in the art & web world“? Not a trend follower. I have no idea.
Fresh, bright, and beautiful OR warm, cozy, and rustic? fresh, bright and beautiful
What is the best gift you’ve ever received from anyone? I was a few thousand dollars away from paying off a 60k student loan debt from grad school. My mom cut me a check to pay it off. I felt like I had a new life. I am so grateful.
What is a must-have recipe for ever home? pancakes
Favorite splurge?? bags or shoes.
Best place to getaway? Hawaii or Paris
What thing in your home do you use the most? other than my computer? the coffee maker.
Leave us with one word: breathe…
Thanks Jenna for taking time out of your BUSY schedule! x, julie
*images courtesy of sweet fine day
