Paradise Island: Lillian

Welcome to the final post in our Paradise Island series!  I hope you've enjoyed the sneak peak into the lives of our Table for Twelve ladies...I think they picked out some pretty amazing selections, don't you?  If you missed anything- anything at all- you can get caught up here (missing out is never fun...just saying).  As for today...well...it seems I saved the best for last.  Today's Paradise Island is all about my Mom, Lillian.  I've told you all about how wonderfully amazing she is before, and in a fabulous case of perfect timing, I've got a sweet girl on deck that wants to give that thought an "Amen".  However genuine my bragging on my Mom might be...she's still my Mom, so there's a degree of "well, of course you'd say that" involved.  So when Amy, the Lillian's Paintbrush crew chief, e-mailed me and asked if I would publish a message of gratitude for her on Design-Muse, I didn't think twice before saying yes.  Amy is one of the most treasured employees my Mom has ever had.  After making the difficult decision to resign and enroll at Valley Forge Christian College this fall, Amy had a few things she wanted to say publicly.  I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to give her the floor.


Let me introduce myself, my name is Amy and I have worked for Lillian's paintbrush for 7 years.  Sadly, yesterday was my last day as Lillian's employee.  I thought it would only be fitting to share my love and appreciation for Lillian with all of you.  Now where do I start?  I wish everyone could know Lillian personally.  She truly is an amazing woman.  Her heart is full of love for those around her.  She also has an abundance of patience.  Each time I am ready to complain or get annoyed with someone, Lillian sees the side of the other person and can defuse the situation with understanding.  Another way Lillian has inspired me to be patient is a saying she uses... "I choose to remain calm."  She explained to me that the one thing we have control over is our emotions and that we can choose to remain calm. 

Lillian is also very gracious, she is always ready to give and help those in need.  There have been many times I have been in a jam and Lillian has come to my rescue.  She also has been a blessing to my family. For those who know Lillian, I am sure you have been touched some way by her kindness.  She is that way with clients as well.  When we all are tired and ready to go home, she pushes us to go the extra mile to make sure the job site is spotless and error free.

On a lighter note, one thing I will truly miss is her ability to tell stories.  I have the worst time telling any type of story, so this quality I truly envy of Lillian.  I love hearing her ask "have you seen this movie?" because I know a detailed story is soon to follow. 

Lillian has been a joy to work for and I will always be grateful for all she has done.  I will always admire her and take what I have learned from her into my next journey. 

Lillian- You have been a dear friend, and inspiration, and a role model to me.  I thank God for you.  You have seen me through all my ups and downs.  I am thankful I got to share these 7 years with you not only as an employee but as a friend.  You and your family have been a blessing!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support, for laughing with me and comforting me when I was down.  You're truly the best boss anyone could ask for!  I am forever grateful!

Q&A: Lillian would be famous for an unforgettable singing performance with a full orchestra.  Her celebrity BFF would be Marilyn Monroe and she would help her steal every last item in Eva Mendez's closet.  

1. Beyond Vintage Bead Detail Blouse, Piperlime $82.97  2. Wood Working Toolkit, Sunrise Exports  3. Betsey Johnson Teardrop Earrings, Macy's $35  4. Rouge Allure Lipstick, Chanel $32  5. The Dreamer Boot-Cut Jeans, Old Navy $17.50  6. SK-II LXP Moist Softening Serum, Bloomingdales $265  7. Clinique Quick Corrector, Nordstrom $14.50  8. Alexander Wang Oval Sunglasses, Saks Fifth Ave $369  9. Genoa Thong Sandals, Tommy Hilfiger $50

Paradise Island: Denise

I can't even believe I'm saying this, but summer is getting ready to abandon us folks.  My dear, sweet warm weather is preparing to head south for the winter and I'm just not ready to see it go.  But rather than waste too much time pining for it, I'm determined to shift gears- from barbecues to bonfires, pool side days to picking apples and from our fabulous summer series Paradise Island to...our next adventure (to be announced soon).  But it's not over yet!  In fact, today we've got the spotlight on pretty Miss Denise.  It's hard to describe Denise without saying things like "she marches to the beat of her own drum" or "she's free spirit" because those things are all true- she's one unique little stunner.  I'm not sure if that shows you the whole picture, though.  She's not some scattered flower child- she's an outrageously strong, independent, hard working lady (and arguably the only one out of all of us that's consistently on time, ha).  She's got some fun quirks, many of which manifest themselves in her uber fun sense of style, and those just make her more of a treasure to all of us lucky enough to call her family.  There's a few things in her Paradise Island picks I'm gonna have to check out myself (especially that water- she says it's part of the secret to her perfect hair...sign me up)!

Sorry fellas, she's taken.

Q&A: If Denise was famous, it would be for writing a memoir called 'Yes, I'm Mexican and I don't Speak Spanish'.  Her celebrity BFF would be Kate Hudson, and she would help her steal every last item in Rachel Zoe's closet.

1. Lip Balm, Burt's Bees $2.99  2. Black LePen, Paper Source $1.95  3. "Thora" Black Patent Flip Flop, Tory Burch $115  4. Jackie O Sunglasses, Chanel  5. Original Herbal Body Moisturizer, Hempz Body Care $20  6. The Invitation, Amazon $21.95  7. Penta Water, $29.50 for a 24 pack  8. Gold Mums, Batik & Crinkle Journals, Paper Source $18.95

Paradise Island: Jessie

Welcome to Paradise Island, week 9!  If you're behind on our Table for Twelve summer series, there's no time like the present to get caught up- click here to checkout everything you've missed thus far.  As for today, I've got the spotlight shining bright on my BFF, Jessie.  At the risk of spiraling out of control with sap, I'll just give you the facts.  Fact 1: Jess is the closest thing I've ever had to a real sister.  Fact 2: We make a really, really good team (in life and in board games) and balance each other out in just about every area.  Fact 3: She's the most hilarious person I've ever met.  Fact 4: There's nothing I would't do for her.  For more facts, you'll just have to wait on the release of the book we're co-authoring (though you might have to wait awhile for it...over the last two years the only thing we've finished is the introduction.  And there's a really good possibility we may have misplaced it).  I'm outrageously thankful to have such a loyal, stylish, beautiful right hand gal.  Now check out her Paradise Island picks!

Q&A: If Jessie was famous, it would be for winning Big Brother, discovering she's a long lost Kardashian, or having her own reality television show.  Her celebrity BFF would be Zach Galifianakis and he would help her steal every last item in Suri Cruise's closet.

1. Hammock, Via Nativa $89  2. Classic Shoe, Vibram Five Fingers $75  3. Continuous Protection Sunblock, Aveeno $9.59  4. Sport Top Bottle, Lulu Lemon Athletica $25  5. Light Blue Fragrance, Dolce & Gabbana $87  6. Groove Pants, Lulu Lemon Athletica $108  7. 'Pearl' Tankini, Nordstrom $58.90  8. Lip Balm, Burt's Bees $3  9. The Duron Boys :)

Paradise Island: Nikki

As we saunter into week 8 of our Paradise Island series I just want to take a second and say how on earth have the last few months flown by so fast?  I can't, for the life of me, figure it out.  We only have a few weeks left in our fun summer series but don't worry, this isn't the last you'll see of the Table for Twelve ladies.  I've got some fun things up my sleeve and I can't wait to share them!  But for now, let's talk about Nikki!  Were it not for Nik, my hair would be a disaster, my eyebrows would be running a muck and my life would be waaaaay less fun.  I've never met a person more devoted to her family, friends and her trash (did I say trash?  I meant reality) television than my lovely cousin Nikki- she's one in a bazillion for sure.  She wears a lot of hats but whether she's acting as stylist, chef, travel agent, nanny, counselor, cousin, sister, daughter or friend- you can bet she's doing a darn fine job and looking fabulous.

Nikki & her buddy, Ken Paves :)

Q&A: If Nikki was famous it would be for having lots of famous friends and doing their hair.  Her celebrity BFF would be Tiffani Amber Thiessen and she would help her steal every last piece from Jennifer Aniston's closet.

1. Bamboo Dreams Pajama Pants, Upland Waters $22.36  2. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Clinique $24.50  3. Moroccan Oil, $40  4. BADgal Lash Mascara, Benefit $19  5. Vietnamese Coffee Filter Set, Amazon $3.25  6. DVR box, TiVo $99-$299  7. Hammock Water Lounger, Amazon $30

Paradise Island: Courtney

Time for Paradise Island, part 7!  If you missed weeks 1-6, check 'em out here.  This week it's my pleasure to introduce you to my roomie, Courtney.  Over the last several years I've gone from thinking of Court as my cousin's friend to considering her one of my best friends in the world...more like family, really.  She the loyal, consistent, encouraging confidant everyone should have but few are lucky enough to find.  Plus she's a stunner.  And her hair is awesome.  And she has perfect penmanship (I don't know why I'm so obsessed with her handwriting but I can't stop talking about it to people...I just think it's amazing).  She's a gem, that Courtney...a real gem.

Courtney & her gorgeous Mama

Q&A: If Courtney was famous it would be for bringing back handwritten letters.  Julia Roberts would be her celebrity BFF & she would help her steal every last item in Jackie O's closet.

1. Oversized Sunglasses, The Row $442  2. Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers, Staples $19.99  3. Digital Photo Frame, Best Buy $27.99  4. Paper Braid XI Stripe Hat, Diane's Beachwear $44 5. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover, Amazon $12.74  6. Moroccan Straw Summer Beach Bag, Traders & Company $20  7. Maxi Dress, BCBGeneration $148  8. Recycled Sari Journal, Eden Project £16.59  9. Nikon D7000 DSLR Camera, Nikon $1,500  10. Blow Out Your Curls Straightening Cream, Hair Rules $20

Paradise Island: Nina

Happy Thursday!  We're a whopping six weeks into our super fun summer series...if you missed out on any Paradise Island excitement, take a second to get caught up here.  Today is all about Nina, our skinny mini supermodel extraordinaire.  Nin and I have been friends for over a decade (can that even be right?  I just double checked my math four times...man...we're getting old) and I can tell you, she's as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside.  I love that she lives in Nashville, I love that she's a part of our little Table for Twelve crew, and I love that she has a killer sense of style.  In fact, when I saw her Paradise Island picks I literally said- out loud- "I hope we're going to the same hypothetical island cause I'm borrowing all of that".  True story.

Q&A: If Nina was famous it would be for writing a book on parenting & being the wife of Dinner & a Suit's bassist.  Mila Kunis would be her celebrity BFF and she would help her steal every last piece from Emma Watson's wardrobe.

1. Coral Pullover, Revolve Clothing $158  2. iPad, Apple $499+  3. Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block Sunblock, Ulta $9.99  4. Turquoise Earrings, Etsy $145  5. Lane Lines Mailot Swimsuit, Anthropologie $49.95  6. EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera, Canon $685  7. Organic Lip Balm, EOS $3.29  8. MMJ 187 Sunglasses, Marc Jacobs $110  9. Lindt Truffles, Lindt $15

Paradise Island: Natalie B.

Can you believe we're already into week five of our Paradise Island series?  Somebody pump the brakes cause summer is flying by way too fast!  Today it's all eyes on our resident Twi-Mom (her words, not mine), Natalie.  Not only is she absolutely beautiful, she's brilliant too.  And she has a husband we all adore.  And she gave birth to a perfect human being.  If I didn't love her so much, I'd have to hate her. :)  Nat is fiercely competitive, so you can bet your bottom dollar her picks are legit (although I still can't bring myself to read Twilight- sorry girls)!  

Natalie's beautiful family

Q&A: If Natalie was famous, it would be for having a famous son.  Nicole Richie would be her celebrity BFF and she would help her steal every last piece in Lauren Conrad's closet.

1. 3pk of 14oz Skittles Crazy Cores, $8.64 Walmart  2. Wallflowers Creamy Nutmeg Home Fragrance, Bath & Body Works $12.30  3. The Twilight Saga, Amazon $55.63  4. Dirt Texturizing Paste, Jonathan Product $14  5. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray, Nordstrom $100-$150  6. Ceramic Flat Iron, Chi $101  7. Studio Fix Powder, MAC Cosmetics $26.50  8. Fruit Tea, Bread & Company  9. La Viva Vera Hipster, Vera Bradley $58

Paradise Island: Sandi

Welcome to Paradise Island, week four!  (Need to play catchup?  Check out weeks one, two and three here)  Let me shoot straight with you for a second, today's post is all about my Aunt Sandi for one reason and one reason only- I was in the mood to brag about her today.  She's my Mom away from Mom and is truly one of the most inspiring people in my life.  She's the Nora to our Walker clan, the Kris to our Kardashian craziness and I just love her.  If you knew her, you'd love her too.  Plus her picks are on point (how classic is that 'Reserved' towel?  It may be my new favorite thing).  

Q&A: If I was famous it would be for writing a book entitled, 100 Things My Students Have Taught Me.  Sally Fields would be my celebrity BFF and she would help me steal every last piece in Kris Jenner’s closet!”

1. Feather Earrings, Etsy $38  2. Large Brim Hat, San Diego Hat Co $54  3. Hope in a Jar, Philosophy $28-$105  4. Cranberry Almond Snack Bars, KIND healthy snacks $44.50 for 50  5. Women's Barefoot Pace Glove, Merrell $100  6. The Amethyst Heart, Amazon $11.69  7. Orange Peel. Mandarin and Vanilla Soy Candle, Whispering Woods $13.50  8. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Fragrance, Sephora $80  9. Reserved Towel, Lazybone £9.99

Paradise Island: Nadine

Welcome to Week Three of our fabulous Summer series, Paradise Island (click here if you missed weeks 1 & 2 and have no idea what I'm talking about).  Today we're exploring the wonderful world of Nadine (and what a wonderful world it is).  Nadineski is the ultimate class act...I'm telling you, your IQ is sure to raise a few points just by being in her general proximity.  Not only is she smart, she's crazy stylish.  In fact, her accessories in particular slay me on a regular basis.  Check out what made the cut on her Paradise Island list (trust me, this girl knows whats up...these are some solid picks).

Nadine & her husband, Mark

Q&A: If Nadine was famous, it would be for being in the most successful sister girl group ever or having the most relatives and friends with February 2nd birthdays.   Tina Fey would be her celebrity BFF and she would help her steal every last piece in Khloe Kardashian's closet.

1. Summer Group Tote, Michael Kors $158  2. Blasted Nail Color, OPI for Sephora $9.50  3. Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick, Chanel $32  4. Prescription Sunglasses, SEE  5. Glam Life Sandal, Kenneth Cole Reaction $29.99  6. Santal 26 Candle, Le Labo $70  7. Bright Coverup, Anthropologie  8. Kindle, Amazon $189

Paradise Island: Natalie D.

Time for Paradise Island, round 2!  Did you miss round 1?  Check it out here or I see some confusion in your future.  Today's subject is Ms. Natalie, whose style you know a bit about already (if you don't, check out her Mirror, Mirror posts here and here).  Nat's look is hard to define, but if you backed me into a corder I'd call it bohemian with a definite edge and a touch of hipster.  She understands that sometimes less is more (the girl can rock a tshirt and jeans) and sometimes more is more (she's not afraid to make the occasional serious fashion statement, which I can certainly respect).  Check out her must-haves below.  

Q&A: If Natalie was famous it would be for winning an Oscar.  Her celebrity bff would be Emma Watson who would help her steal every last item in Natalie Portman's closet.

1. Duchess Music Notes Italian Printed Leather Journal, Barnes & Noble $34.95  2. Ipod packed with Paramore  3. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, Sephora $23  4. American Apparel Tees, American Apparel $58 for 3  5. Bee Raw Honey, BeeRaw $12  6. Brookside Dark Chocolate Acai with blueberries, Costco $17.88  7. Black Rose Ring, Chanel $1,550  8. Garden State, Amazon $11.49

Paradise Island: Me!

Have you ever played that game "Desert Island"?  You know what I'm talking about.  "You're going to a desert island and you can only bring 3 books/DVDs/etc....what do you bring?".  It's an oldie but a goodie and I think it tells you a lot about a person.  Which works out really well for me, cause I've got some lovely ladies I've been dying to introduce to you in a more in depth manner (and I mean that in the least eHarmony way possible...although there are a few single ones wink, wink).  I know everyone thinks they have the best family and the most amazing friends, but I'm pretty sure I actually do.  And this Summer, I intend to prove it in a rather fun manner.  I asked all my beautiful Table for Twelve girls to help me put together a Summer series I'm calling Paradise Island.  It's the same concept as the desert island game...only less Survivor and more Atlantis Resort.  The stipulations I gave them were as follows:

1) Choose 5-10 items you'd have to bring with you to "Paradise Island".

2) Concentrate on pieces that reflect your personality and style.

3) You have no budget.  Go.

I'm so excited to show you their fun finds and let you in on just a glimpse of their fabulousness.  Make sure you check back here every Thursday this Summer so you don't miss out on a thing!  

All that being said, I'm starting off our new series with my Paradise Island picks.  It's got favorite thing after favorite thing...this is me in a nutshell, folks.  And just in case our roundup of goods fails to give you enough insight, I asked the girls to include answers to a few short smile-inducing questions alongside their picks.  Here are mine: 

If I was famous, it would be for being Joey from Dinner & a Suit's sister, writing a wildly successful book or marrying congressman Aaron Schock (don't get me started on my 'why I'd be a good political wife' shpeal). :)

Princess Kate would be my celebrity BFF...

...and she would help me steal every last piece in Ashley Olsen's closet. 

1. Classic Novels Boxed Set, Barnes & Noble $63  2. Nutella, $4.96  3. Sam Edelman 'Gigi' Sandal, Nordstrom $59.95  4. DiorShow Extase Mascara, Sephora $28  5. Coco Mademosielle Eau de Parfum, Chanel $61.50  6. Gold Ring, Areaware $230  7. Stationary, Etsy $8  8. Wayfarer Sunglasses, Ray-Ban $145  9. Neriage Mug, Far 4 $165