she does my hair!

So many of you have written asking "WHERE IS JESSICA, the girl who does your hair?!" I'm sorry, I should have posted this earlier. But don't worry she's still doing hair, just in a different location.

After several years at Toni & Guy in The Woodlands, Jess has moved on to Lot 8 in Rice Village. You might recognize the salon name from this show. I'm so excited for her and all the changes going on in her life! She is so talented, has been doing my hair for about 5 years now and can I just say people still comment on my last haircut! Ya, and it was about 5 months ago.

She told me to tell you to come see her and she'll take extra special care of you. Tell her I sent ya :)

jessica fixing my sister-in-law's hair for her wedding last year!

master cleanse.

Time for a little spring cleaning, don't ya think? I don't know if it's just the overall feeling in the air or because I share an office with a vegetarian, but lately I'm more and more aware of what I've been putting into my body and the whole digestive "where does it go" process.

I've done this twice before over the last couple years but wasn't completely honest and consistent. The first time, I made it through then on day 11 drove through Jack In The Box and got the hugest Angus beef burger on the menu. (I realize "hugest" is not a word, but it seems to work in this case.) Then the second time did it with a friend and we totally caved about maybe 5 days. And that was the best sushi I'd ever tasted :)

So now I have a block of time (10 days) where I have no parties, dinners, any social obligations that would pressure me to eat delicious food. I did my research, set my mind forth and today I started the Master Cleanse.

(funny sidenote, I had my fitting for the annual star of hope celebrity fashion show and was talking to Suzie Hanks from 93.7 The Arrow - she just started her cleanse yesterday!)

Start Your Cleanse!

It's easy once you get started. The jist of it is this: organic laxative tea before bed, wake up and drink 25-35 oz of salt water to flush your system. Then throughout the day you drink 60 oz of the "lemonade" - a mixture of lime juice, maple syrup, distilled water, and cayenne pepper. Everything you need to sustain energy etc. is in the juice.

Beyonce does it, isn't that reason enough to try it? Juuust kidding. It's great for losing weight, detoxing your body and relieving stress in the blood and muscles.

After I complete the cleanse, I'm considering following in the footsteps of my good friend Sarah Taylor by trying some juicing action. Click here to read more.

Giving Gown Boutique Day

We outfitted over 300 girls in Houston with everything they need to feel like Cinderella on Prom night - a gown that fits well, shoes, accessories, make-up and corsages.

Not to mention lots of compliments, hugs and confidence from women who love them.

It was an incredible success!

I took lots of photos, check them out here!

kristen's 80's birthday bash.

I guess there's always reason to celebrate when you have such amazing friends to celebrate. Kristen mentioned she wanted a party this year for her birthday so we all dove in and made it happen.

Domenica, Catherine, DK, Max, Liz V., Brandi, Kristen's mom and sister Stacey and I brainstormed and all together and through music, lights, video, photos, food, beverage, and attire created a rockin' scene out of the 80's...

Thanks to Max for allowing us to invade and transform Catalina Coffee into the most radical and neon party scene you ever did see...

And thank you DK for capturing the most amazing photos from the night!

For the full effect, click here!

i stayed over at dad's...

... for a couple nights and we had a blast.

we walked to crabdaddy's for dinner and music...

...had morning coffee and a lesson in rewiring lamps... ...and a late night drum session with dk and mixmaster kenai!

teens girls stand by their man.

Interesting yet apalling, this article from the NY Times reports teen girl's opinions about what happened between Chris Brown and Rihanna and whose fault it really was.

Read it here.

breakfast forever.

I wish breakfast could last forever... 1 hour, 2 hours, it's never enough to cover all the things we have to catch up on and want to hear from one another.

We meet at least once a week usually at Brasil or Catalina to have a meal, talk and read from Sparkling Gems for some daily encouragement. It's the richest most precious time I get with my best friends and as I've mentioned a million times before, I come away inspired, empowered and feeling abundantly loved. And today's breakfast was a million times extra special.

It's Kristen's birthday today!

And we have big plans... oh mama! This morning I picked her up at 8:45 and although she hadn't slept a wink from excitement, she looked refreshed and stunning! She had no idea where we were headed and once we pulled up in from of Hotel Zaza she starts with the "Shut up shut up shut up shut up!!" They tooootally rolled out the red carpet as we walked through the lobby and into the patio of Monarch restaurant, where our table was waiting. Domencia joined us not too much later, then Catherine, who is Kristen's lifelong BFF. It was so fun to watch Kristen as she sat and soaked it all up, relishing in the fact she knows she is so incredibly loved. It was a lovely morning and so peaceful... I hated to leave for work and feel the time I spend with them zooms by like seconds. Arg.

Big party planned for Saturday - can't wait!! Will post photos :)

Thank God for my beautiful friends...

too much candy.

I found this today and melted to mush.

Too much candy from Capucha on Vimeo.

kenai on probation.

Don't let her puppy eyes fool you, she's the Master of Heartbreak when it comes to escaping punishment. She's been around long enough she knows how to play you and within an instant you forget how bad she was, can't belieeeeve how cute she suddenly is, and forget all your previous frustrations.

Last night as Kenai and I arrived home after eating dinner with DK, she bounced out of the car and took off after a cat in the neighbor's yard. I didn't think much of it until the hissing, barking, and shrieking became so loud I realized this poor dumb cat didn't get away fast enough and Kenai was now terrorizing him in full retrieval mode. I dropped the 50 things I was carrying and shot across the lawn to the neighbor's yard, screaming "KENAI, COME!!" to no avail. I couldn't see them because they were so far under the hibiscus tree, part of me afraid this cat might come after me, on my hands and knees crawling under the massive bush my eyes finally caught a glimmer of her red collar, instinct punched my arms in, I grabbed my stupid dog and fell backwards with all my weight. The cat, shocked and pumped with adrenalin, scurried up the bush and out of sight. Thank God he was still alive.

Kenai, now in my tight grasp is dancing around and looking for more cat chases or audience applause as I pull her up the porch stairs and into the house. "Bad dog, bad dog, bad dog!!" I kept repeating, my heart racing and my breathe short. A quick glance at her face and I see dear Lord... a lot of blood. 

I cleaned her up and rinsed out all the scratches on her little nose, telling her continually how lucky she is that we have nice people and tough cats in this neighborhood. I decided then she would definitely be on probation with no more sleeping on my bed, no freedom in the front yard and always, no matter how short the walk, on a tight leash. Until Further Notice.

Before I went to bed, I was sure to tell her I loved her but that she was still in for it. When I left for work the next morning she was absolutely the best, most obedient little doggie you ever did meet, trying so hard to work it and get me to fall for her act. 

I think in a small way, this is good practice for DK and me for one day when we have kids. In being consistent and on the same page where punishment is concerned, I think it's important we implement these ideas early on. So we'll practice on Kenai and the puppy coming soon! 

This afternoon DK picked Kenai up from my house to take her to his place until I got home from work. He told me at first she was so bouncy and acting so innocent but he stayed strong, asked her if she's been a bad girl and like that (snap your fingers) her ears went back and she put on the puppy eyes. He clicked her leash on tight and walked her to the car. I swear she thought "Ohhh, he has no idea how bad I've been and I'm off scotch free!" Not so much, little missy. We're on the same team here :)

donald kilgore's turtle.

Overcoming Tough Times [HD] from Donald Kilgore on Vimeo.

california favorites...

i just found these photos dk took in california last summer and love them so much!

me with kristen

Dry Creek General Store, Kristen, DC, Chiara and me

Muir Woods Forest

me, Kristen and DC at the Pasalaqua's beautiful home...

Santi in Healdsberg

have you seen this?

Click here.

aids walk houston 2009.

I've known Eric since we were kids...
Remember this bear? He supports AIDS Foundation Houston too!
Last year at AIDS Walk, someone stuck this here on Allen Parkway and it's still there.

And the rain started coming down hard!!

my aggie sisters.

It's the scariest part of my job and takes me so far out of my comfort zone, I don't even recognize what galaxy I'm in anymore. Speaking publicly. My stomach turns flop flop. But I don't know why this happens cause afterwards, when it's all said and done, I get to meet people, share my story and tell how great God has been in my life. The most exhilarating rush in the world.

Jessie Sartin emailed me several months ago asking if I'd come speak to the Aggie Sisters For Christ during their upcoming weekend retreat. I was floored and thought it would be a blast - I have such great memories of College Station from David's time there. I figured I'd show up, talk with 50-60 girls and have some great laughs. But God kept drawing me away from these cute ideas of what to do and say and pulled me to really open up and share some grit. I wrestled with it so much but it wasn't until I showed up just after sunrise to Lake Bryan, approaching a field completely littered with tents (some blown over and others somehow still standing) I surrended the last bit of ME that argued with God over what to share.

After a few beautiful songs of worship, I stood before a group of 250-300 girls and just poured open. The lake behind me, the girls before me, it was so surreal and I felt more comfortable and welcome than I have at any place I've ever talked. The setting was so beautiful, so relaxed and it was more about the interaction between all of us together, not just me preaching to them. I shared some painful things about my life and how God so obviously carried me through it, through this refiner's fire, that He didn't just meet me on the other side but was with me every step of the way. I shared about His love in my life, about His best for us and about Luke 17 and forgiveness.

After an hour flew by, the girls broke off into smalls groups and later shared in front of the entire group the things they discussed. I was blown away by their beauty, their hunger for God in their lives, their maturity and their perspective. I wished I could have had what they had at that age, not just in maturity, but this support system of like-minded women carrying one another through the college years. Wow!

And just when I thought I couldn't be any more blessed or wowed, Jessie and her committee stood before the girls to close things out and present a surprise that makes me shake my head in disbelief even right now.

Jessie talked about how they usually give towards missions all over the world, sometimes AIDS in Africa and things of the sort. But she was struck by how we are so quick to help overseas (which is very important) and sometimes forget the need in our own city... that helping with AIDS in a country far away is easy but how dealing with it so close to home is scary and uncomfortable. After discussion, the girls were more than supportive and the money set aside was donated to AIDS Foundation Houston, knowing what an advocate I am for the organization.

As I drove away from Lake Bryan it started to sink in and I was so overwhelmed, I bawled. I pray one day my daughters will exude and display the kind of love and grace these women are living out loud... thank you, ASC.

march 15th.

Today my brother and his beautiful wife celebrate their first wedding anniversary!!

So incredible! I'm so choked up, missing them so much and going through all their beautiful wedding photos... ahhhhh, what a beautiful couple.

I love you both so much and can't wait to see you soon!
Photo by Chris Periera.

the disease continues to spread.

It's continuing and is spreading closer and closer to home. It seems as though Houston's been pretty sheltered from this crisis affecting jobs and the marketplace until recently. Now the news of one massive layoff after another rabidly plagues our headlines and prayer lines. I hate this...

In an attempt to catch up on 24, DK and I have watched many episodes in a row recently and because of this, the stories, non-stop action and life-threatening plots seems to infiltrate my dreams and even some of my real life perspective.

TV is so powerful - so much so I've started viewing this economic crisis as a deadly disease and CTU is working tirelessly around the clock trying to keep from spreading. We the people are targets, fearing for our lives, fearing the worst, and not sure when or how the disease with strike. Will it be me? Will it be you? First it's someone distant... still uncomfortably connected to you but whew, we're safe for now. A neighbor's relative. A co-worker's brother.

But then it attacks someone you love. And maybe even you.

Are we powerless against this force? Is it inevitable? Is there really anything we can do to stop this from happening? And will CTU come through and save the day at the last minute?

I wonder if the real terrorist in this season is the fear and doubt we're facing. We're focused on the what happens if we get layed off, how will we make ends meet, oh please Lord spare me!! When the truth of the matter is - there is hope. There is also a God who, throughout history has continued to provide and meet our needs. I feel scared and I feel fearful. This is NUTS!!! But scripture tells us to fear not because fear is not of God.

Let's pray over Houston and pray that God will reign, that in place of fear our city will display PEACE, HOPE, sound mind and JOY. And when the fear creeps in and the enemy plants doubt in our hearts and mind, break free of it and tell the devil where he can go.

And say it fiercely through gritted teeth. Make Jack Bauer proud.

365 days complete!

He started on his 21st birthday in 2008 and committed to taking 1 photo a day for the next 365 days. Meet themanilow. Along the way, he documented his senior year of college, learned heaps about himself and his creative ability and made tons of friends. Today he took his final photo!! Unreal!! This is proof it can be done. Now question is, what next? Happy Birthday J, love you much.

anatomy of a perfect date.

He knows me so well. Celebrating our first year together was perfect and a representation of us, the things that are important to who we are together.

DK worked so hard and prepared an incredible meal and created the perfect setting with lighting and music - these two elements are absolutely necessary! Ray Lamontagne, some candle light and oh my gosh it smelled so good when I walked in!! DK usually cooks dinner at his place but for this night, he went all out. With the help of our good friend Clive Berkman, DK made Steak Diana, guiltless mashed potatoes and out of this world green beans. For dessert, a toffee chocolate brownie.

Now I realize I'll never fully comprehend the depths of DK's creative ability, but last night I just about fell over when I saw his latest creation. Again, astounded. When DK gets me flowers, he doesn't do roses or carnations or anything ordinary. He knows that I love variety, local and in season blooms. So he created this mess of wild flowers with colors, textures, and odd shapes - with names no one can pronounce. He arranged these flowers for me - the most thoughtful and breathtaking bouquet I've ever seen...

We decided to give Jack Bauer the night off and instead sat on the couch and talked. It was so fun to relive moments from a year ago, when we barely knew one another to now and how everything we know compares to when we didn't. And to say out loud how everything we believe about each other lines up specifically with what we've prayed for in a mate. A year ago, I might have argued that because I had no idea what he was about and the amazing man he truly is. We also talked about how grateful we are for everyone, friends and family, who know us together and seperate, supporting us fully and believing in us. I can't believe it's already been a year.

And this is just the beginning!

one year celebration!

Today marks our 1 year anniversary... I've been having trouble all day comprehending this much time has already blown by.

Our gift to one another? Naturally, a creative project :) Still working on our "Year in Review" video compilation with photos, radio segments and music. I think we'll edit down a version for public view eventually too... there's a LOT of embarrassing dorky evidence we could never let loose. HAHAHAA!!

Happy Anniversary DK, I love you!

she so is hip, ain't she?

Brandi is one of my best friends and has the coolest most unique style of anyone I know.

It's only fitting she started a blog on music, local fashion and her own advice on where to go, eat or sit in Houston.

She loves this city just like me and hopefully soon her cool effects will infiltrate your world too :)

giving gown on Fox!!

If the video doesn't work, click here!

the opposite of reality tv.

I'm writing a letter to the producers of The Bachelor tv series to suggest either a show category change or an alternative name to this show. "Unrealistic Romance" was one idea that came to mind, "The Degradation of Modern Marriages" was another one I've been mulling over or "A Mockery of Morals and Values" kinda has en edgy feel to it... don't ya think?

If you've never watched, it's the truest train wreck of a tv show. I swear I'm not going to watch anymore and then find myself fast forwarding through commercials like a bat out of you-know-where to continue watching the most pathetic yet glamorous set up of just another failed relationship. Train. Wreck.

I only started watching with 3 episodes left in the season and figure I missed out on most of the make out sessions, drama between girls, and Jason telling each poor contestant that while he "really felt a connection" with her, he just doesn't see her as his wife or his son's mother. Oh puh-leeeeze.

But beneath all my ranting and yelling at the tv/Jason, I feel sorry for the people involved. I really do believe they enter this show hoping for a chance at love, for a change of scenery... and no doubt a false sense of short-lived fame. But why put them through this? Why create an opportunity for change... for the worst?

I'm not gonna lie, I know without a doubt that after stepping out of a limo dressed in a gorgeous gown and entering into a whirlwind of adrenalin filled, over the top romantic and otherwise unaffordable dates with some hot guy I watched and grew to love on a previous season of The Bachelorette, I could possibly fall for the guy too. I guarantee though that 80% of the adrenalin would be my competitive spirit rising up within me, wanting to prove that I'm more sincere, more real, more in-love and more capable of winning that man's heart. Couple those elements with tv cameras and lights in your face 24/7? Jeeze Louise.

So then what about After The Final Rose? Jason breaks Melissa's heart and fakes emotion through the whole breakup on national television. And while Chris whats-his-face is sitting right there, furrowing his brow and feigning sincerity?! (I think that's what he was going for anyway, I'm not sure.) Melissa had a great argument and fought well. But apparently Jason was incapable of controlling his head AND his heart and couldn't get Molly off his mind... and then let Melissa go. It was just too easy!

But despite all the gossip chats that reveal Molly and Jason have been going out since before Christmas and the Melissa breakup scene was an act, the whole thing is absolutely whack and bottom line is not God's best for this covenant and committment founded in God-willed marriages. I'm out of breath...

What is this teaching us, much less our children? I won't even go into concerns about unwanted pregnancies and current divorce rates - both results of painful choices, possibly mislead ideas of passionate love and in some cases a lack of knowing how to work through things. For some people, giving up is just an easy option. If we all had the opportunity to hop from hot tub make-out sessions to overnights in a tent with a hot guy for the rest of our lives, maybe love would last forever and come a little easier. But it's just not realistic.

I think The Bachelor/ette series would be FAR more interesting if at least the couples in question were given an opportunity to experience real life adventures together. Imagine the endless possibilities and OHH the real life drama that would spring from these episodes!

"On next week's The Bachelor... Jillian cooks a meal for Jason's boss and co-workers in their home together!" Or, "When The Bachelor returns, Jason caught a bug and is puking his guts out - stay tuned to see how Molly handles the situation and takes care of him..."

Finances, road trips together, talk some politics, discuss religion, do something creative together, clean a messy house, hang out with each other's friends, ATLEAST play 20 questions and know the other's favorite candy or color.

I realize I can't stop a fast moving train (wreck) and am not really going to write a letter to the producers. I will however do my part to be real and true in my relationship with DK and be grateful for and utilize for the married couples and tools around us to help continue building this strength in love. Aaaaand, smootching in the hot tub doesn't sound half bad either :)