elizabeth's blog

Recent Trip to Asia and Our Thoughts Are With the People of Thailand

2011-11-14T16:00:00.012-06:00

I have recently returned from another trip to Asia. This will be a recurring theme in my blog being that my jewelry is produced there. Plus each trip is such a new and unique experience I have to share! Erin (my operations person) and I first flew to India on our most recent trip to Asia. We recently started new product development with a great group in Mumbai of whom we are very excited about! My first morning there, I tried several different types of Indian breakfast food at the buffet--one of which was called uttapam served with 3 different types of chutney--coconut, tomato, and yogurt chutney--all very yummy!

We had wanted to see the city on the day (Sunday) we had free, but literally our hosts and everyone of whom we asked at the hotel said you cannot leave the hotel area today because it was a major holiday...there were massive celebrations in the streets making it impossible to get around easily. A taxi driver also refused to take us to the areas we were interested in seeing. This holiday (the "Final Darshan") was about processions of priests and devotees escorting their idols in statue form to reach various "Chowpatty" (means beach in India) for immersion of the idols into the water.

While I so desperately wanted to see those processions, everyone discouraged us, so our focus became eating Indian food in our immediate area, then resting and watching news which included the moving footage of the 9/11 10th anniversary happenings in New York.

Our last night there, our hosts took us to a great Indian restaurant called Peshawri. They encourage you to only eat with your bare hands and also to wear an apron--while this is possibly a bit touristy and a little gimmicky, we loved it and loved the food! Here is Erin with her apron.

I typically get at least 3 or more foot massages during my trips to Bangkok--they are so wonderful and so affordable. This last trip was the busiest working trip I have ever experienced, but I was able to fit in 2 quick foot massages--a 30-minute one at the Bangkok airport on my departure home; and the other was fitting in a 15 minute foot massage prior to a business dinner at Sala Thip at the Shangri-La Hotel. This massage therapist caught our eye with her extra-friendly smiling face through the window as we were pulling into the hotel for dinner.

We spent 3 days at the Bangkok Gem Fair--this booth was full of all types of gemstones in their rough form and primarily from Africa. (take note of the bags and bags loaded with gorgeous rough...a jewelry designer's heaven!!)

Here is a new stone we are introducing in Spring 2012 in its rough form and as cabochons. I won't say yet what it is...but it's gorgeous!

Our thoughts are with the people of Thailand right now with the devastating flooding that they are experiencing. The U.S. news has not been posting much about these floods, but I am familiar with the happenings because it is affecting the several places where our jewelry is made...fortunately, about 80% of our artisan groups have not been affected as tremendously as others. But they all have been setback in a big way. One of the workplaces experienced 4-5 feet of flooding waters and now it's down to about 1-2 feet. And in places where the workplace is halfway up and running, the workers have trouble getting to work--many areas can only be reached by boat. Their water system is greatly contaminated because of septic tanks being flooded. Electricity is out (has been out) in many places. People who would normally stay in their homes (to protect them) although they are flooded are leaving because of the stench. There are countless sad stories that are reminiscent of the stories of Hurricane Katrina. The flooding began in the country in late July and has killed 529 people, mostly by drowning.

On a personal note, here is Lexi--a cute little Cairn Terrier mix of whom I am fostering. Whitney (my pug mix) and I are still getting to know her. We love her and highly likely will keep her. Rather, I should say I love her. Whitney is very jealous and working on not being the only dog/only child in the household--tough times. My poor calico cat Meadow is freaking out right now.

A little bit of schooling....

2011-11-01T13:20:00.012-05:00

I decided to refresh my knowledge on colored gems by taking a gemstone course at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco about 2 months ago. I wondered if I would be bored in the class being that I have 15 years in my jewelry business, but I ended up learning so many incredible things. The earth is full of so many surprises in the way of gems!

One of my favorite things I learned....

(angelio batle graphite sculptures and gorgeous pile of diamonds)

Graphite and diamond are two of the most interesting minerals. They have the same chemical composition: both are composed of carbon, but physically, they obviously are very different. When you look at the graphite and diamond, it is hard to imagine that they are identical chemically, for they are so different physically! Graphite is opaque and metallic to earthy-looking, while diamonds are transparent and brilliant. Another obvious physical difference is their hardness. The hardness of minerals is compared using the Mohs Hardness Scale, a relative scale numbered 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Graphite is very soft and has a hardness of 1-2 on the scale. Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance and have a hardness of 10. No other naturally occurring substance has a hardness of 10. Either way, each are beautiful in their own right...I could go on and on because I find this so facinating!..but I won't. ;)

I get asked all the time who takes the gorgeous photographs of all my jewelry. So I thought I should finally share...John Parrish photographs all of my work, and not only is he an incredible jewelry photographer, but also an amazing person with whom to do business! National magazines have even used his photographs of my jewels (Town & Country Magazine for example). I have been in this business for a long time, and it is essential to have great photographs of the jewels..thus, I have tried and test many, and by far, John is the best. Below are some of his most recent images of my Fall sterling silver and 18 karat collections.

Nature's Inspiration

2011-08-09T16:09:00.007-05:00

Once again, I am inspired by nature. These beautiful waters are very different from the turquoise water of the Bahamas. I recently visited Jackson Hole and these waters are from Yellowstone National Park's Caldera or Supervolcano, which is an area of lots of geothermal activity. Apparently it is a result of a great cove of magma located below the caldera's surface--these waters are so hot, that some of them are boiling--so they are not for swimming! The vivid colors in the spring here are the result of pimented bacteria in the microbial mats that grow around the edges of the mineral-rich water. The bacteria produce colors ranging from red to green. Love the contrast of colors...gorgeous right?!So much in nature influences my design decisions and especially stone choices: london blue topaz, chrysacola, dendritic quartz, pearl, abalone, aquamarine, rutilated quartz, and turquoise..the list could go on and on...all stones I see reflected in this one body of water, and at one point or another, I have used in my designs. It is nature that draws me to travel and it is these experiences in nature that inspire a majority of my work. This is another hot spring from a distance...so beautiful.
If you can believe it, I am off to Thailand again to finalize my Spring 2012 collection! I am sure I will have much to share from this trip...

Until next time...

xoxo

Elizabeth

The Bahamas

2011-06-29T11:31:00.016-05:00

I just returned from a family trip to Harbour Island in the Bahamas. The pink sands and turquoise waters truly inspire me. It was actually on a trip to the Bahamas 15 years ago that inspired me to start my business!

Eliza, my niece, and I are sharing a yummy virgin pina colada at the Blue Bar at the Pink Sands Resort. I actually named some of my most recent designs in gold after Eliza, and they just so happen to have become best sellers! Turquoise Eliza pendant on strand of 18" pearls

You must check out our website (or a retailer near you) for our latest turquoise pieces in the 18kt and sterling silver collections...perfect for the summer season! 18kt mirabella earrings, sterling silver simone stacking rings, and coco ring.

Eliza and I built our own bakery on the beach. I "baked" quite a few "Pink Sand Cake Balls." The gorgeous beigy pink sand is made up of bits of coral, broken shells, and the tiny bright pink shells of a tiny microscopic animal--this is what gives the sand it's beautiful pink color.

My brother-in-law took us snorkeling on my first day there, and we found this sea biscuit (no worries, we made sure that it had no marine life inside of it). Someone dropped it and it broke into what you see here--I had no idea that the interior of a sea biscuit looks like this--it is very reptilian looking inside. Nature is incredible. Beautiful isn't it?

The view from my room at sunset. I am really looking forward to return hopefully very soon!

I am off to Jackson Hole, WY for a trunk show at the cutest store, Goodie 2 Shoes, and for some vacation time for the 4th. If you are going to be in Jackson Hole you have to come by for the trunk show and to visit this great store. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July with friends and family!

Until next time...xoxo, Elizabeth

Thank you Mom

2011-05-09T17:04:00.038-05:00

(Elizabeth and her mom, Jan in 1971)

I drove to my home town on Sunday to celebrate Mother's Day with my parents. We ate yummy fried chicken and butter beans along with cold asparagus and tomato salads - good southern comfort food that reminds me of all my growing up years. I still feel so "at home" in this house in which I spent the first 17 years of my life. I know this has so much to do with the way that my mom has designed each room there...while she still constantly makes changes to the house inside-and-out, I always feel safe and secure there as if nothing has ever changed. She truly knows how to capture our family's essence within the home.

I was 7 years old when my mom started her design business...I remember sitting in the sunporch with her when she was designing her first business card-there was a hand-drawn butterfly on the card-I thought, "my mom is so cool!".

My dad recently sent this photo to me and called it "Days of Hair and Smokin'" (the "hair" reference is due to his slight hair loss in recent years and "smokin" is for the Kool Menthol in my mom's hand - I know my mom would want you to know that the "smokin" ended almost 40 years ago!).

She and my Dad just celebrated their 50th anniversary. WOW! How time flies! They are an example of an incredible partnership to me.

I am so fortunate and grateful to have the mom that I have. I wouldn't be the woman I am if it were not for her. God only knows what career path I would have chosen if I had not had her amazing influence. Most importantly, she has blessed me with strong values of humility, being a good listener, compassion for others, and love. Thank you, Mom!

Check out the fun interview Modern Luxury Dallas did for their May issue with my mom and me! We had such a great time answering all of their questions together.

Until next time....xoxo Elizabeth

Bangkok Trip

2011-04-27T11:21:00.048-05:00

I just returned from a product development trip to Bangkok, Thailand. While Erin (my operations manager) and I were super-busy every day finalizing my Fall Collection (which I CANNOT WAIT to share with you..not now..but soon!!), without much time to explore the city, we arrived early enough to have a day of reprieve from the long flight(s) and the 12 hour time difference.

We had a yummy lunch at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which sits on the Chao Phraya River--this is probably my favorite hotel in Bangkok. Here is a photo of the beautiful flowers of Thailand creatively suspended from the ceiling in the lobby of the hotel. If you have never seen the flowers of Thailand they are truly amazing...stunning really

While at lunch I asked to be served a salty snack that I had noticed when we walked past their bar--while they quite possibly might not look appetizing to you in this photo, it's my new favorite yummy crunchy salty snack...they are fried and salted lima beans!! I later bought a little package of these little treats at a 7-11 near our hotel (you should see the huge difference in food and drink items between an American 7-11 and a Thai 7-11).

Here is Erin above (after our lunch) standing in front of the Chao Phraya River, which is a very popular area to visit when traveling to Thailand. We left this area to go to the Chatuchak market--which is a weekend shopping market with 8000 shopping stalls on 35 acres...needless to say, we visited just a few booths.

On Monday, we started working. Here is one of our Thai artisians making our Simone hoop in chrysoprase along with a photo of chrysoprase in its rough form.

The next picture is mother of pearl in its raw shell form--pretty cool, huh? We use a very thick piece of white mother of pearl for our large Simone Hope Star earrings, so as you can see, not many of these earrings can be made from one shell because there is only one part of the shell that's thick enough from which to cut this shape.

What looks like chopsticks are actually setting sticks used to set these tiny Simone-shaped stones into the Simone stacking rings.

This is lavender chalcedony rough...seeing gems in their rough form always reminds me of how my jewelry comes out of the earth, and then I just add a little design to it! Beautiful, isn't it?!

This is right outside of the building where some of our stones are cut, carved and polished. It's a great representation of how many people have a motorcycle in Bangkok--it seems to be the primary mode of transportation, and there doesn't seem to be any law about how one can drive a motorcycle...believe me!

Erin and I had to book a horrible route for our return from Bangkok, as it was during the Thai New Year holiday, thus good flights were hard to get with how late we booked our tickets. Therefore, we took FOUR FLIGHTS to return with a 6 hour layover in Korea in the middle of the night....so in preparation for this long 32+ hour journey, we scheduled a half-day of facials and massages on the morning before we departed. Health Land (pictured below) is a spa that I typically go to at least a couple of evenings per week after a long work day--you can get a Thai massage there for about $20 for 2 hours! I have discovered less expensive options, but with Health Land, I know that I am always guaranteed a good massage therapist.

And because she belongs in every blog entry... this is my sweet dog Whitney on the morning of my departure for Bangkok...she knew what was going on...and very unhappy about it. But she is always well taken-care-of and loved on while I am gone!

It was a fabulous and successful trip to Thailand but it is always good to be home! Until next time....xoxo Elizabeth

2011-03-30T13:42:00.085-05:00

It has been a whirlwind since my last blog post! We have had so many great changes around here. With the biggest change being an additional sales person, Michelle Mims.

My other salesperson of 3 1/2 years, Karen Bates Novakowski, took maternity leave for 3 months to focus on the arrival of her little girl, Eva, and just returned this month.

Personally, I have been busy designing Fall 2011. I took a trip to Tucson in early February, and had quite an amazing adventure. It was unlike any experience I've ever had shopping for gems. Something new has switched on within me, and I am nerdily becoming obsessed with rocks and fossils. If I could use dinasour bones in my jewelry I would. I just haven't figured out a feminine way to do it yet, but I'm sure I will. I went into a trance while shopping and became lost in it. It's truly incredible what comes out of our Earth! These are just a few things I found during my trip. I cannot wait to incorporate some of these beautiful stones into some of my one-of-a kind pieces!

My designs for Spring and Summer are so feminine, like these clothing styles for the season. Our gemstone choices are the perfect fit with the current color pallette. Rather, I should say our gemstone color pallette not only fits "now", but also will remain lasting options moving forward...that is to say, while they work with the current trends, they are not "trendy"!

On a recent trip to New York I spent time with my mom and sister. We are now making an annual trip together. Here is Susanna and my mother at The Waverly Inn.

I'd been wanting to check out the Waverly Inn, especially since I'd seen, "Public Speaking", a Martin Scorsese HBO documentary, which examines the life and work of author Fran Lebowitz. It was filmed almost entirely in "her booth" at The Waverly Inn with Martin Scorsese interviewing her. I highly recommend this film. To say that she is quite hilarious would be a gross understatement. Her favorite thing in life is basically being asked for her opinion on anything.

After my mom and sister left New York, I worked for a couple of days meeting with editors in the city, so this put me in New York on Valentine's Day....so in aniticipation of wanting a dinner date on Valentine's Day night, I had called my sure-to-make-me-laugh friend, Ray Griffiths (a fellow Jewelry Designer who in his previous life designed and hand-crafted tiaras in his homeland of Australia. Yes, that's what I said, tiaras!). We ate a yummy dinner at one of his favorite restaurants, Almond, on East 22nd and 5th Avenue.

I am leaving for Thailand in just a few days to finalize our Fall 2011 Gold and Silver Collections. We are testing a form of making gold jewelry that is new to me and my company--I am excited about this new adventure.

To be continued upon my return....

Trunk Show and Personal Appearance at Madison in Highland Park Village

2010-12-07T14:22:00.023-06:00

Sisters Kirsten Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford started their decorating firm in 1990, and then later opened the doors of Madison in Dallas in 2003. I am very excited to be doing a trunk show this Thursday and Friday, December 9th and 10th, from 10am to 6pm at Madison in Highland Park Village (near the Starbucks).

While my salesperson Michelle will be there both Thursday and Friday from 10 until 6, I will personally be there on Thursday from noon to 4pm. Please stop in to visit this fabulous store, and to see my newest silver and gold collections.

Interview with Madison's owner Kelli Ford:

Favorite must-have for Fall/holiday? Great cashmere throw

Your favorite piece of architecture in Dallas? My house

What is your favorite restaurant in Dallas? S&D Oyster or Nobu

What is the greatest aspect of your job? Compiling beautiful items from all over the world. Finding just the perfect thing is very gratifying and rewarding!

Wood Tray with Bone Handles

Interview with Madison's buyer Corie Able:

What is your favorite must-have for Fall/holiday? Nest Holiday Candle What is your favorite place for breakfast/brunch in Dallas? Parigi on Oak Lawn

What is your favorite piece in my collection? Your bangles!

What is the greatest aspect of your job? Getting to go somewhere beautiful everyday and helping clients find that perfect gift!

Have you ever been to Madison? If you haven't, now is the perfect time not only to see my collection, but also to experience this beautiful, cool store that also has great gifts for the holiday season! I will be shopping myself for the non-jewelry gifts that I plan to give.

Love, Elizabeth

Meet Julian Gold's Cheryl Ernst

2010-12-06T18:00:00.004-06:00

Please join us tomorrow and Wednesday (December 7th and 8th) at Julian Gold in San Antonio from 10:30am to 9:30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Be sure to tell your husbands or significant others to stop by after work tomorrow night for Men's Night at Julian Gold. Michelle, our newest team member, will be there until 9:30pm (Ladies come in early and pick out your favorites). Cheryl Ernst is the jewelry buyer for all the Julian Gold locations and has been with them for over 30 years and is loved and respected by everyone in our industry...especially all of us here at Elizabeth Showers!

Taken from a recent interview with Cheryl Ernst I asked her several questions about her favorite things including local spots:

Favorite Restaurant(s): La Gloria and Il Signo (both at the Pearl Brewery) and Picnikins

Recommended Architecture: The downtown San Antonio library otherwise known as "The Enchilada" and the Landa Library on Shook Street.

Favorite Dessert: The sticky toffee pudding from Cappy's

Best Part of Cheryl's Job: "Having the oppurtunity to work with people I genuinely care about."

Favorite Coffee: Olmos Perk

Favorite Piece from Elizabeth Showers' Collection: "You cannot ask me to pick a favorite piece in your collection. I love it all!"

Meet Peridot's Dawn Hendricks

2010-11-29T15:54:00.004-06:00

I met Dawn at a New York trade show on one of the piers in 2000. We had a great rapport with each other instantly. She now carries my 18kt gold collection and silver collection in her stores, both named Peridot. We have a trunk show this week at Peridot - the Larchmont location on Wednesday, December 1st, and then in the Greenwich location on Thursday, December 2nd. I asked Dawn about some of her favorite things:

Meet Gump's Serena Ramsey

2010-11-15T13:33:00.013-06:00

I am headed to San Francisco! I am having a trunk show at Gump's over the next few days. Please stop by if you are in the area - I would love to meet you! I am thrilled to be in Gump's not only because my family and I used to visit San Francisco often, but because the store itself reminds me of my childhood. I was lucky enough to have an interview with the jewelry buyer for Gump's, Serena Ramsey.

Tres Mariposas in El Paso, TX

2010-10-28T11:54:00.010-05:00

I absolutely love visiting Tres Mariposas in El Paso, TX. They are one of my first customers (my 5th to be exact) and have been buying my line since 1998! We have a trunk show going on there today and tomorrow from 10am - 6pm each day. I am so sad to miss this show personally, but when I do attend one of my favorite parts of my trip is staying with my good friend Irene Oppenheimer. She was one of the original buyers that brought my jewelry to the store, and although no longer with Tres, she has become one of my dearest friends. In honor of the season I had to post this fun picture of Irene and I attending a Halloween party a year ago when I was in town for a trunk show with Tres Mariposas. I had such a good time with her at this party!
Tres Mariposas has been known as El Paso's finest specialty boutique for almost four decades! Nan Napier, the store's owner, has the best sales staff and loyal customers. Every time I am there it feels like family. To learn a little more about Nan and her favorite things I asked her a few questions about herself, her work, and El Paso.
If you are in El Paso I hope you can make it by Tres Mariposas for our trunk show featuring my 18kt gold and sterling silver collections!

http://www.tresmariposas.com/

October 28th-29th 10am - 6pm

915-584-4444

Meet Alison Gross

2010-10-28T00:28:00.004-05:00

I am thrilled to introduce you to Alison Gross— she has worked for us for over a year now, and is moving on to work for Neiman Marcus! We adore her and will miss her. She has a fabulous blog named Luella & June— we interviewed her recently, and here’s the post…

Interview with Luella & June

2010-10-21T10:58:00.008-05:00

Thanks Luella & June for featuring us on your blog!

Meet Duncan and Boyd's Andrew and Chandler Ware

2010-10-18T14:23:00.001-05:00

We are having a trunk show this Thursday, October 21st from 10am - 6pm at Duncan & Boyd in Austin, Texas. Duncan & Boyd is a family business that originated out of Amarillo 40 years ago, and have opened a location in Austin at 3663 Bee Cave Road, 4-H.

I interviewed the fun husband-and-wife duo and owners of the Austin store, Andrew and Chandler Boyd, about some of their favorite things including recommendations about the city.

Duncan and Boyd

Showroom Open for Partners Card

2010-10-18T12:23:00.007-05:00

I am looking forward to supporting the Family Place as well as getting to meet with my customers! We will also be welcoming my friend Alexa Pulitzer from New Orleans into the showroom on November 2nd & 3rd. Please see details below about her fine writing papers and setting up a time to meet with her while she is here.

During Partner's Card, enjoy 20% off my beautiful fall/holiday 18kt gold and silver collections.

Showroom hours:

Friday, October 29th

Monday - Friday, November 1st - 5th

10am - 5pm

Extended hours Tuesday, November 2nd until 6:30pm

Alexa Pulitzer's hours:

Tuesday, November 2nd 1:30pm - 6:30pm

Wednesday, November 3rd 10am - 3:30pm

Appointments are highly recommended with Alexa Pulitzer.
Call 504.945.4843 or email alexa@alexapulitzer.com
to schedule an appointment to work exclusively with Alexa.

Partners cards and gift certificates will also be available in the showroom.

Meet Julian Gold Midland's Cheryl Ernst

2010-10-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Please come see me and my silver and 18kt gold jewels at the Julian Gold Midland store this Wednesday, October 13th from 10-5 and Thursday, October 14th from 10-3.

In preparation for my trip, I interviewed the buyer for all Julian Gold stores, Cheryl Ernst. If you keep up with my blog, you might recall my last interview with her the week of our show in their San Antonio location (September 1st). Cheryl has been working with Julian Gold for 30+ years and knows Midland well...she told us about some of her favorite things to see and do in Midland.

Visit their site here: Julian Gold

St. Louis DMA Trip

2010-10-11T15:30:00.004-05:00

I took a Dallas Museum of Art group trip to St. Louis and visited incredible art in several museums, galleries and homes. Deborah and John Scott previously lived in St. Louis, so between them and Charlie Wyly (The Lupe Murchison Curator of Contemporary Art at the DMA), and of course the DMA’s Amanda Telford, we were in great hands.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was:

-- Richard Artschwager: Hair Exhibit at The Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis...I loved this specific exhibit and the museum—very simple, clean and open space—and we were led through the museum by its great director, Paul Ha.

While I admire Artschwager’s work, there is probably only one piece that I would want in my home, and that’s the orange exclamation point that suspends from the ceiling, and looks as if it’s standing on the floor in the center of the room. I relate to this piece with all of the emails and texts with exclamation points that we as a society send. Usually they act as an expression of great excitement and sometimes anger, but can often lead to confusion as we lose our visual and verbal communication cues. I know I am guilty of this as I sometimes get carried away with exclamation points!

A Few of my Favorite Dallas Restaurants

2010-09-29T11:56:00.004-05:00

Dallas has so much great food to offer-- from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall hot spots I had a hard time choosing favorites. Here are a couple restaurants that I think all locals (and visitors) should try! What are some of your favorites?Kirin Court, Urban Taco, Louie's

Meet Julia-Carr Bayler of Belvedere

2010-09-21T12:21:00.003-05:00

I absolutely adore Julia-Carr Bayler and she is sooo easy to be friends with. She started Belvedere 11 years ago in Atlanta and it has become known as the high end home goods and jewelry store that has really transformed the city's design scene. If you are in the area, stop by our trunk show to meet Julia-Carr Bayler, and our very own Karen Bates, on Friday September 24th from 2pm-8pm and Saturday the 25th from 11am-5pm.

Belvedere Store

We asked her a few questions about her current favorites:

Best restaurant in Atlanta: Lots!!!: Shaun’s, Sotto Sotto, Abattoir, JCT. Kitchen, Holeman & Finch

Book you are reading right now: I’m actually plowing through a huge box of out of print books on interior design, fashion, etc that I bought for a song at an estate sale. They were priced so well that I even bought duplicates of all the books I already own by Billy Baldwin and David Hicks. Late night reading this week is “When You Are Engulfed In Flames” by David Sedaris. I especially love his stories about growing up in Raleigh, NC since I went to school at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Favorite piece of architecture in Atlanta: The legacy of Atlanta architects Neel Reid and Philip Shutze…beautiful homes scattered throughout the city

Best dessert in Atlanta: Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bars at Star Provisions (to-go)…also the Red Velvet Cupcakes at CamiCakes

Greatest aspect of your job: (1) The hunt (2) The transformation (3) Selling something that will give the client years of beauty and pleasure

Favorite Fall must-have: Weekend getaways to see my friends who are all over the country…Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Charleston.

Favorite Fall color: Benjamin Moore’s “Turning Leaf”

Favorite thing to do in Atlanta: Eat out with friends

What is your favorite museum/art gallery in Atlanta?: Jackson Fine Art (photography)

Favorite piece of jewelry: I wear my Elizabeth Showers chandelier earrings (three round and one teardrop) every day! The size is perfect…not too big, not too small, so they work day or evening.

Turquoise and Gold Chandelier Earrings
$1475 (18kt Gold)
$365 (Silver)

Caroline Finnerty and Duvall Fuqua are two of our customers through Belvedere and recently hosted a Carlisle and Per Se Fall Clothing Collections Trunk Show in Atlanta. I love the cute outfit that Julia-Carr is wearing below! Our turquoise is a great pop of color with black or chocolate brown. Duvall, along with Mimi Woodruff, will be hosting a Holiday & Winter Collections Carlisle and Per Se Show this week in Atlanta through October 5th. Go to Sister Act Collections to view their collections. Buy our jewels at Belvedere then hop on over to the clothing show to pick out an outfit to go with! Julia-Carr calls Duvall a walking Elizabeth Showers jewelry ambassador because she wears her emerald-cut Deco earrings daily, and wears her Marilyn chandeliers for special occasions. Love that!

Meet Amanda Pinson

2010-09-20T11:01:00.016-05:00

We love Amanda Pinson in Chattanooga! I am so inspired by Amanda's store--I am looking for ideas of how to redo my Turtle Creek showroom, and Amanda's aesthetic is so along the lines of what I would love when revamping our space here. Her look is light and airy and feminine and just beautiful.

Karen will be selling both our silver and gold collections Wednesday and Thursday this week (September 22nd and 23rd) from 11am to 5pm daily. Please come join us!

Here are Amanda's favorites including some great things-to-do in Chattanooga:

Best restaurant in Chattanooga: There are no bad restaurants here!

Book you are reading right now: Life of the Party by Christopher Ogden-- the biography of Pamela Harriman, quite the brilliant, femme fatale.

Greatest aspect of your job: Meeting all the fantastic people in my business.

Favorite Fall must-have: An arm full of bracelets!

Favorite Fall color: Midnight blue

Favorite thing to do in Chattanooga: The lifestyle here is very relaxed--I couldn't begin to pick one thing, but mountain drives would be near the top.

Favorite piece of architecture in Chattanooga: Main Post Office downtown--beautiful Art Deco.

Best dessert in your area: Chocolate Molten Cake

What is your favorite museum/art gallery in Chattanooga?: The Hunter Museum is top notch.

Favorite piece of jewelry: Hands down the ever-stunning Marilyn earring in turquoise or maybe in London Blue over mother-of-pearl for Fall.

Marilyn Chandeliers in London Blue Topaz over Mother of Pearl

Joe Star Ring

2010-09-16T10:41:00.002-05:00

I have to write about our first men’s ring. One of our best customers is Diane Podwysocki (or rather Dipod, which is her nickname) from Okotoks, Alberta in Canada. Her husband is Joey, and I think as he watched her collect my jewels over the past 2 years, he had kept his eye on one of our bestsellers, and asked us to make it for him in a masculine style. So we designed it without diamonds, used a dark smooth smokey quartz cabachon and beefed it up with more gold… and it turned out really cool. We are calling it the “Joe Star Ring” as a spin-off name on our "Hope Star" ... Joey should feel special as this is a momentous occasion!The scenery behind Dipod and Joey is the Calgary Skyline. The tower is called the Calgary Tower and was one of the tallest buildings built in the early 60's to celebrate Calgary's 100 year anniversary. Dipod is wearing two jewels from a past collection--my turquoise pinwheel earrings and pendant.

Joey and Dipod are in-town right now, and Joey is cooking a feast for me, my friend Erin (who also works here), and another mutual friend of ours, Lynn Larson, who is also starting to represent us at a few trunk shows around the United States. I can't wait to see the Joe Star Ring on Joey and to taste the feast!

Meet Peachtree Place's Lucy Callahan

2010-09-14T09:54:00.030-05:00

Lucy Callahan opened Peachtree Place in 1985 with the idea of bringing a little Southern charm to the North Shore of Chicago. My salesperson, Karen, will be visiting Northfield, Illinois for a trunk show tomorrow and Thurday (Sept. 15th and 16th) from 11am to 5:30 p.m. daily. To find out more about their city we took some local tips from Lucy.

Best Meal: We are right next door to The Happ Inn and love their Black 'n Blue Burger--not to mention the Salmon, Turkey and Beef Sliders...and they have outstanding drinks...

Best Dessert: Without a doubt the carrot cake at Jerry's--unlike any carrot cake you have ever known.

Favorite piece of architecture: The Tribune Tower with flying buttresses and spires--also 120 stones from important locations such as the Parthenon, the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Alamo and the Great Wall of China are embedded in the facade.

Book I am reading now: The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart

Greatest aspect of my job: All the wonderful people I get to work with: The Peaches (all of us), our customers and our vendors and I have had this pleasure for 25 years!

Favorite Fall color: Any shade of purple, lavender or plum.

Favorite thing to do as a local: Get down to Lake Michigan in any way, shape or form. It is as blue as the Caribbean--did you know that?

Favorite piece of jewelry: EASY! The Madeleine Bangle in Emerald Quartz, Chrysophrase and Diamonds! I love, love, love it!

Meet Reinhold's Marie Helene Morrow

2010-09-07T09:56:00.001-05:00

I will be at Plaza Las Americas in San Juan, Puerto Rico this Thursday, September 9th, from 2pm to 7pm and then Plaza del Caribe in Ponce this Friday, September 11th. Marie Helene Morrow owns the Reinhold stores in Puerto Rico, and she is loved not only by everyone in our industry, but also by people who know her far and wide all over the place! I feel truly honored to have my gold and silver jewelry collections in 2 of her stores.

I asked her several questions about her favorite things including some local Puerto Rican spots.

Favorite Restaurants: Pikayo at The Conrad in San Juan

and Lola in Ponce

Favorite Dessert: Puerto Rican rice pudding and coffee ice cream -- Marie Helene says, "If the restaurant doesn't have these, then I pass."

Best Part of Marie Helene's Job: "My ability to communicate with super-talented people."

Her Favorite Color of the Season: Purple

Book She is Reading: Comfortably Numb

Her Favorite Thing from My Collection: Our large chandelier earrings...see below...

Doing Good: NCL's Promising Young Women

2010-09-03T10:00:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday I spoke to 100+ young girls on behalf of the Dallas Chapter of the National Charity League, a nationwide group of mothers and daughters committed to doing community service work together. The girls range in age from 12 to 18 and do local community service year round at Ronald McDonald House, Operation Kindness Animal Shelter, Meals on Wheels and many other agencies.

During their annual retreat I explained the story and evolution of my business (the fun parts and the not-so-fun parts) and I recounted some intimate details about my recovery from anorexia, and that there are plenty of resources available for help including The Elisa Project in Dallas. It was a fun and attentive group of young women with whom I really connected. The group's theme for the year is "Oh The Places We Will Serve," taken from the Dr. Seuss book.

I expressed to them how service work (which is also the 12th step in 12-step programs) keeps my life and what is most important to me in perspective. And that helping others is a gift that always gives back to the giver.

Girls working on blankets for Operation Kindness Animal Shelter

Meet Julian Gold's Cheryl Ernst

2010-09-01T09:47:00.008-05:00

Please join us today and Thursday (September 1st and 2nd) at Julian Gold in San Antonio from 10am to 5.30pm! Cheryl Ernst is the jewelry buyer for all the Julian Gold locations and has been with them for over 30 years and is loved and respected by everyone in our industry...especially all of us here at Elizabeth Showers! I personally adore visiting San Antonio because it's like a small town in a big city--I grew up in a small town, but I love the variety of culture in big cities, thus San Antonio is one of my favorite Texas cities to visit.

I asked her several questions about her favorite things including local spots:

Favorite Restaurant(s): La Gloria and Il Signo (both at the Pearl Brewery) and Picnikins

Recommended Architecture: The downtown San Antonio library otherwise known as "The Enchilada" and the Landa Library on Shook Street

Favorite Dessert: The sticky toffee pudding from Cappy's

Fall Must-Have: Cheryl says, "I love that everyone is layering all their necklaces together. From short to long & all different colors. Jewelry just completes the look!"

Best Part of Cheryl's Job: "Having the opportunity to work with people I genuinely care about."

Favorite Coffee: Olmos Perk

Favorite Piece from Elizabeth Showers' Collection: "You cannot ask me to pick a favorite piece in your collection. I love it all!!"

QVC and Trip to New York for Meetings with Press

2010-08-27T13:50:00.020-05:00

I was just in West Chester, PA to be on QVC, then took the train into New York to meet with several magazine editors for editorial placement. I met with editors from Real Simple, Self, Rapaport, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Town & Country. They all requested samples for various photo shoots, one of which is for a December cover shoot of a celebrity for Self Magazine (I can't say who it is yet)...crossing my fingers that our chandelier earrings will end up on this beautiful celeb! She's blonde, sweet, smart, and adorable and one of my favorites! The shot above is of the jewels that they requested...will keep you posted if it happens. Self had shot some of our jewelry on Ellen Pompeo for one of their past issues, but they sadly chose for the cover a photo of her without the jewels...so you never know what will happen until print time...we will keep you posted!

I also met with Stefania and Claudia from Town & Country - I adore them! They included our new Simone turquoise Hope Star earrings in their July Philanthropy issue this year.

Town & Country featured our 18kt gold turquoise Simone earrings, and here they are below in the sterling silver version.

Sterling Silver Simone Hope Star Earrings, $495

The weather was rainy but the highs were around 70 degrees while I was in New York - I didn't mind the rain because I was getting such a wonderful break from the horrid Texas heat (but happily returned to Dallas to 80 degrees on Wednesday).

Birthday Sale

2010-08-23T14:00:00.005-05:00

click here to SHOP!

enter the word BIRTHDAY in the promotional code box,

then hit “recalculate” for the discount to appear.

shop now through tuesday, august 24th at midnight

39th Birthday

2010-08-23T10:00:00.001-05:00

I turn 39 today…mid-afternoon to be closer-to-exact. Wow, my life has flown by. And it’s been quite a journey. About 2 ½ years ago, I suddenly realized my age, my marital status (I wasn’t married), and the fact that I didn’t want to be a single mom but wanted to have children…and was frantic for a few months about this fact. I then took a deep breath, relaxed, and realized just how young I still was, and still am. Matter-of-fact, I am younger than I have ever been. I am wiser than I have ever been. And I feel more attractive than ever (from a spiritual and contentedness perspective). I really like and love my life. I feel very blessed. I recovered from anorexia 18+ years ago, which gave me the gift of a new, wonderfully full life where I'm free to be the woman I desire to be, which includes helping and inspiring other women who are struggling with eating disorders. While my struggles with anorexia do not define me any more, they were the catalyst to become the woman I am. I am still young, going easy on myself, and enjoying the present…that is my present to myself for my 39th birthday.

Eliza Moldawer (my niece) and me at Disneyworld

"GAIA" --meaning Goddess of the Earth

2010-08-19T14:58:00.005-05:00

Recently I have been inspired by a woman named Paula Minnis who started a company called GAIA. Her involvement with the IRC (International Rescue Committee) led her to mentoring a Burmese refugee and mother of two, Catherin, whose story of struggle and oppression inspired Paula to start GAIA. GAIA's mission is to empower and employ refugee women from dire situations across the world. With a sustainable income these women are given the chance to make a new life for themselves in the U.S.

Catherin

How Paula's volunteer work transformed her life:
In her own words, "I volunteered with several organizations in Dallas including Attitudes & Attire, Genesis Women's Shelter, and Children's Cancer Fund. I also traveled to Peru last summer with an organization called Global Vision International, where I built fuel-efficient stoves for indigenous communities in the Andes.

Upon returning, I increased my commitment to the IRC, and became really focused on ways in which to improve the lives of the refugee women after they are resettled here. My goal with GAIA is to help marginalized women in our very own community, because once they feel empowered and their dignity is restored, they in turn inspire and influence their own children....so it ideally becomes a lasting positive change!"

The name “GAIA” - meaning “Goddess of the Earth” - was chosen as a way to honor all women, from the ones who make GAIA products to the ones who purchase or receive them.

Interview with Peridot Fine Jewelry

2010-08-17T07:52:00.003-05:00

I have known Dawn, the owner of Peridot, for almost 13 years. She first picked up my beaded jewelry collection (now currently known as my Vintage collection) and is now selling my 18kt gold and silver collections. I adore her and her fabulous stores (One in Greenwich, CT and the other is in Larchmont, NY)!

To read my interview with Peridot Fine Jewelry, click here to visit their blog!

Hiking Crested Butte to Aspen

2010-08-16T16:01:00.002-05:00

I traveled to Crested Butte in the middle of my summer journey and went hiking with friends Monica, Amy and Martyn--we hiked from Crested Butte to Aspen in about 8 hours--we hiked up to the top of West Maroon Bells which has an altitude of 12,490 feet. I am in healthy shape, but having only been in Crested Butte for 4 days, I had not acclimated to this altitude, thus was a bit out of breath at the top of this mountain! We dined in Aspen at Mezzaluna--I had yummy pasta and ate it all as I was starving after that hike. Then we drove back to Crested Butte through Kebler Pass.

If you are in or near Aspen, don't forget to stop by Elliott Yeary, one of our fabulous retailers!

The 28-mile unpaved road drive through Kebler Pass was a bit eerie but beautiful even in the dark--did you know that one of the earth's largest living organisms is the grove of Aspen trees at Kebler Pass? The Aspen tree forms large stands of genetically identical trees connected by a single underground root system. WOW!

I had no idea I would be riding ATVs (4-wheelers) for 6 hours with 2 guy friends of mine through the mountains of Crested Butte in the Cement Creek trail area--what exhilarating fun! During part of our journey, we raced around --above the tree line-- which here in the Rockies is about 11,500 feet. Here we are high-fiving after our first little run when the guys realized that I was actually a risk-taker ;)

Tabernash,CO and Devil's Thumb

2010-08-13T10:02:00.007-05:00

Dinner outside at The Devil's Thumb Restaurant in Tabernash, CO (next to Winter Park) with my friends Clay, J., and Ali. I enjoyed yummy Rocky Mountain trout for dinner. And for an early birthday celebration (I will be 39 on August 23rd!), I blew out a candle and we shared a white chocolate bread pudding with caramel and vanilla bean ice cream

(the bread made from croissants)...I thought I wouldn't like it because I don't like white chocolate, but it was divine!

Ali and I in front of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains and the beautiful Colorado sky. Something else great about the Devil's Thumb Ranch, you can plan any type of event- weddings, meetings, and fun spa getaways with friends-on its 5000 acres.

Winter Park with Whitney and Friends

2010-08-12T11:20:00.004-05:00

I am staying a week in Winter Park, CO with my best friend from childhood, Ali, her husband J, their 4-year old son, Sam, and a mutual friend from high school, Clay. My dog, Whitney, my friend Clay and I hiked up one of Winter Park's mountains to Sunspot to eat lunch during my time here--we both had yummy bison burgers and fries. It rained on us a little on the way back down, but we enjoyed it all, especially seeing how much fun Whitney had off the leash! She ran off for a few minutes, but Clay and I split up and found her, thank God!

After our hike, Whitney was soaking wet, so we put her in the back of my MINI Cooper--she actually stayed back there and seemed content in her little space. There happens to be a large annual gathering of MINI Cooper enthusiasts here in Winter Park--go to MINIs in the mountains for more info--it's occurring now, August 12-15th--there are about 325 MINIs in town right now--we saw 22 in a row this morning on the highway!!

Erin's Birthday

2010-08-02T09:28:00.001-05:00

Rosy, Lynn and I celebrated with our friend Erin for her birthday at Fering's at The Ritz here in Dallas about 3 weeks ago. Erin has been a friend from and since our years at SMU in Dallas and has now worked for me as my operations manager since December 2007! Now when you call my office, you can put a face with the name. From left to right: me, Rosy, Erin, and Lynn

Whitney & Her Life

2010-07-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

The more time I spend with my dog, Whitney, the more I realize how in-love with her I am, and how much she puts me at peace. I am about to journey on a 2-week trip with her in my Mini Cooper to visit friends in Colorado and New Mexico. This will be her first trip to the mountains!

Here's a bit of helpful info if you have a dog: I use Dee's Doggie Den (dog daycare) here in Dallas 2-3 days per week so Whitney is not lonely and gets to play with her friends while I am at the office all day. I also use Dee's for boarding as well, and am beyond happy with it!

Ronda's Wedding

2010-07-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

From left to right: Ann, me, Christie, Ronda, Misty, Julie and Catherine (Ronda’s niece—one of the flower girls—pictured in front)

One of my very best friends, Ronda, got married a few weeks ago at the Dallas Arboretum. The wedding was so beautiful, and Ronda looked so beautiful. She and Mark (her now-husband) are 2 of my favorite people in the world! She wore my turquoise and chrysoprase drop chandeliers. See the chandeliers on Ronda below...

You can find these earrings at many retailers in gold ($2450) and in silver ($495)--click here to take you to our list of retailers--also available at www.elizabethshowers.com.

Elizabeth Carlock Designs

2010-07-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Carlock interned for me in 2005/2006, and not only have I always adored her, but also I am inspired by her continued passion to help others. In the summer of 2009, she launched Elizabeth Carlock Designs. She now travels to Uganda several times per year to volunteer with the AKOLA Project --she helps to train many Ugandan women to make crafts ensuring that they may sustain a consistent income. Elizabeth sells and markets her jewelry designs that these women make, and all the profits made from this collaboration go directly back to the AKOLA Project and other UAPO initiatives. I am planning to go with her on one of her next trips...my plan is to volunteer with AKOLA and then to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda! ;)
I will keep you posted!

Belvedere and Jonathan Adler

2010-07-23T14:40:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Adler, Karen, Julia-Carr Bayler, Steven

Here is my adorable sales director and mom-to-be, Karen, with Jonathan Adler on the left. Julia-Carr Bayler is the owner of Belvedere and good friends with Jonathan. He stopped by to see her new store and was speaking at a forum that next day.

Come visit us in Atlanta at Belvedere for another trunk show September 24-25!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2010-07-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago, I travelled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the 3rd year in a row to do a trunk show at Goodie 2 Shoes. I adore the store (I always buy several things for myself), the women who run the store, and the customers! We had another great show and a lot of fun. This is me with Jenny on the left and Susan on the right.

After the show on Thursday and Friday, I always hike all weekend every year I am there. This is me at Phelps Lake at the Rockefeller Preserve. It's a dreamy hike--my favorite of all the ones I have done thus far in the Jackson Hole area. This is the first year that we hiked the entire lake. It's a great inspiration for me--for new designs as well as inspiration to simply enjoy the moment and to be grateful for the beauty of this earth.

Train Concert in Las Vegas

2010-07-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

Karen (my sales director) and I had the luxury of seeing Train while at the Couture jewelry show in Vegas last month...I wanted my picture with the cute lead singer, Pat Monahan.

Pat Monahan was such a great entertainer. I had no idea he would be so amazing!

A bunch of women were called from the audience up on stage and were given “Trainette” t-shirts to put on…I know a couple of them, which made it that much more fun to watch!

Girls Lunch Date

2010-07-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

This is from this past Thursday at Neimans--me, my almost-9-year-old niece Eliza, my mom, and my sister Susanna. We ate lunch at downtown Neimans in the Zodiac Room—it reminds me of when I was a little girl and we would drive from Hillsboro to Dallas each season to shop for new clothes.

I loved the Zodiac’s popovers with strawberry butter then and I still love them now—yum!

Spring Inspires me!

2010-04-26T11:51:00.001-05:00

Spring is truly here!
I feel so inspired in so many ways--two of which are:
1) to just play in this beautiful weather!
And 2) to create interesting things (some of these "things" can be jewelry, art, a dinner party, a fun afternoon with friends)!

I was recently inspired to turn an incredible photo that I took in Madrid last summer into an art piece...... I blew it up and mounted it in plexiglass to where it looks like it's floating on the wall. I love it so much that I am doing this with several of the interesting photos I took in Europe last summer.... will keep you posted on what I do next.
My mom is going to put this one below in her showroom because she likes it so much, and is now asking me for more ;)

The creative process for me is sometimes very random.... a few months ago while in Bangkok, I found a 1000+ year old pair of hoop earrings (or so it was claimed to be that old) that was a fish body with a dragon head.... I designed a similar pair but am still working on where to go with them -- they are too heavy to wear so they might get turned into brooches.... to be continued....

And then at the Tucson gem show this past February, I found a piece of mountain jasper that is cut into the shape of a surfboard. I am personally obsessed with primates, and I also like to surf, so I designed a monkey clinging to the "surfboard." Here's the drawing.... again, to be continued.... we are making this piece right now. I realize the drawing looks a little like a naked man -- I promise the real pendant will look like a monkey!

Check out our adorable Deco Collection 18kt yellow gold emerald-cut lemon quartz earrings in May's Real Simple magazine. A great Mother's Day gift!

Our Dallas Turtle Creek showroom will be open April 28th through the 30th, as well as May 3rd and 4th from 10am-5pm daily. This is a great time to shop for graduation or Mother's Day gifts as well as for yourself of course. I am so excited because we will be offering many pieces from my new silver collection and my new 18kt gold collection for spring. Shoppers can also purchase pieces from the 18kt gold and sterling silver collections online at Elizabeth Showers.

10% of retail sales at Elizabeth Showers Showroom and on our website will be donated to two wonderful charitable causes--2x2 and The Elisa Project*--from april 27th through Mother's Day.
*read more about these charities below

We now have available in our showroom and on our website signed copies of my mom's book, Glamorous Rooms, which because of its success, has already gone into its fourth printing. I am very proud of my mom! What a great Mother's Day gift.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you

The most current Town & Country Magazine features a page on 2x2, the event my mom and I co-chaired last fall benefiting amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. Kudos to all involved! What a great event. And the bonus was that I absolutely loved working with everyone, and I also learned a lot about modern art. Thank you to hosts Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and also of course to Melissa Meeks for all that you do!

And please remember that my 18kt gold collection is also available in Dallas at Stanley Korshak and Forty Five Ten.
Click here to find a store in other cities.

*2X2 supports amFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research and the Dallas Museum of Art's contemporary art acquisition program. The Elisa Project is a Dallas-based organization that specializes in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders through support, awareness, education, and advocacy.
Please visit their websites, http://2x2online.org/ and http://www.theelisaproject.org/
for more information.

To a Fabulous New Year

2010-02-01T14:01:00.000-06:00

And YAY because BLUE is one of my two favorite colors and it's making a huge comeback
this year! Pantone, the global authority on color, announced that 2010's color of the year is turquoise! Regardless of it being a hot color for now (I honestly haven't seen it not be a hot color), I simply love it for its bold color--I wear it with almost any clothing
that I put on. I have mixed it primarily with gold over the years, but also have
recently started to mix it into our Silver Collection. I am also using london blue
topaz which has a richness that I adore. And I am using london blue topaz over
white mother of pearl which is yummy!

Our Turtle Creek Showroom Hours

Our Turtle Creek showroom is open the week before Valentine's Day from Monday, February 8th through Friday, February 12th from 11am-5pm daily. I will personally be here both Monday and Tuesday (the 8th and 9th) . Please send your sweetie in to see
us! Or of course, please shop for yourself. We have just officially launched both
our new Silver Collection and our new 18kt Gold Collection for Spring! I am so
excited about both of them. I feel better than I ever have about my designs with
my new collections. Shoppers can also purchase some of the Silver Collection online
at www.elizabethshowers.com
And please remember that my 18kt Gold Collection is also available in Dallas at
Stanley Korshak and Forty Five Ten. Click here to find a store in other cities.

Tucson Gem Show

I am going on a hunt for fabulous gemstones next week in Tucson. I am designing
custom jewelry now in 18kt gold, so please let me know if there are any lovely
gemstones that you would like for me to find for you.

Save the Date for ESTEEM

The newest event of The Elisa Project - is a celebration of positive body image
that will be held in Dallas in conjunction with National Eating Disorders Awareness
Week. Local celebrities will join girls and women, boys and men, of all ages and
sizes, to embrace healthy, balanced lifestyles and self acceptance. By helping
to increase awareness about eating disorders and the importance of positive body
image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to be healthy.
For more info, click the link below to visit The Elisa Project's fabulous NEW
and improved website! (their new website was designed by my friend Adrienne Cornelsen's company, InSite Interactive ;)

New Year's Celebration in My Home

I had a casual gathering in my home to celebrate our new year in mid-January with
everyone who works full-time for me--Maria, me, Karen, Blanca and Erin (Dori took
this photo and is not pictured here).

A funny thing that happened--we all took a tour through my house, and when we returned
to the kitchen, my dog Whitney was standing ON TOP of the kitchen island eating
the crackers and brie with fig preserves! Should I call her Marley?

A few of my favorite things during the holidays

2009-12-09T16:20:00.000-06:00

Christmas Traditions

Ever since I was a little girl, it has been a family tradition amongst the females to go see Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. My mom said that the first time I saw the sparkly costumes, I turned to her and said, "It's diamond," but I pronounced it like "It's die-men," so we still say this to each other every time we see it. This was my first year ever to go without my family--my friend Ann and I went to see it at The Winspear Opera House and the ballet and the opera house were both beautiful!

Holiday Lunch at the Zodiac Room

Lunch in the Zodiac Room at Downtown Neiman Marcus always gets me into
the Christmas spirit. My friend Jennifer and I had lunch there
today! I always love the popovers with strawberry butter (which are
actually a year-round tradition there). The holiday decorations at
Downtown Neimans never cease to amaze me.

Cooking at Home

Here is my mom's copy of a cookbook that my maternal grandmother,
Margaret Anne, and her friend Betsy put together in the early 80s--it
contain recipes (or "receipts" as they called it here) from various
friends throughout my hometown. As you can see, it has been put to
good use. I always get a good chance to re-visit this old copy of it
during the holidays (I do have my own copy that has hardly been
touched but I have recently developed more interest in cooking :)

Pictured below: My sister and me at Thanksgiving

Childhood Photos

I want to share a few family Christmas snapshots from the
early 70s-- they are a mix of me, my mom and dad
(Jan and Jim), and my sister, Susanna (and 1 pic
of my family's home during a white Christmas in the 70s).
Check out Mom's huge hair and Dad's sideburns!!

December Decadence Event

For holiday fun, join me and my mom tomorrow night from 7 til 9 (Thursday, December 10th) for Forty Five Ten's December Decadence event.

Call 214-445-7754

Pink Memo's FASHION DISH

Reserve your spot and enjoy a yummy holiday lunch with my friends and me at Pink Memo's FASHION DISH at the W this Monday at 11am (December 14th).

Call 214-397-4106

Showroom Opening

After 13 years of business, I finally decided to open up a retail
showroom of my own on Turtle Creek.

Click here for more information and holiday hours.

I hope to see you during the holidays! Love, Elizabeth