Meet the Newest IHOD Model: Sydney

I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to a new favorite blogger....just read one of her posts and you will see why. Her joy and humor shine through her writing and images, which is hard to accomplish as a blogger. Its kind of contagious! Take a close look at these images....

...I know, her outfits are killer! Also notice the accessories?! ;) Sydney agreed to model a few of her favorite IHOD accessories....and I was so excited to collaborate with her! One of my favorite things about her- she is a modest fashion blogger - so her style is so feminine and fun.) She will be modeling some more pieces in the upcoming week. Follow along as this killer lookbook is created! 

The Daybook - Possibly the cutest blog on the block:)

*Enjoy your pre-thanksgiving weekend!! I can't wait to plan the menu and table decor. 

Will be back Monday with the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide, new Handmade Giveaways, and a few other fun DIY's!  ALSO, if you want to win ANY item from IHOD's shop, head on over to AFOMT!!

IHOD featured in Chicago Collections Magazine!

(Style Spreads by country)

"Our Trend department highlights the season's must-have looks that can be achieved with key items found in Chicago stores."

1) Alexander McQueen Fall 2010

2) Noelle Leone Collection Gladiator Ring

3) Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax

4) In Honor of Design Hair Pins 

5) Deola Sagoe Aso-Oke Dress

Believe me, when I found out that one of my designs would be featured in the Trend Section of Chicago Collections Magazine, I was amazed. When I found out I would be on the same page as Alexander McQueen??! ...I about fainted. To say this is humbling would be an understatement. I am so incredibly grateful for such an honor. 

How it happened: The "trend scout" for the magazine walked into Mr. & Mrs. Boutique in Chicago, where IHOD accessories are sold. She eyed the hair pins, snapped some shots, and decided they would be featured in the next issue! So, I owe a HIGE thank you to Emily, the manager of the fabulous boutique. (If you are in Chicago, check it out!!) Needless to say, the hair pins started to fly off the shelves. How fun! So now, I continue to dream big, and ask God to bless the small efforts and time I have for this business. He continues to amaze me...

Happy Friday everyone! Please consider submitting your items for the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide!

IHOD now accepting Sponsors.

Happy New November Week! I got in late last night from my trip. Being with dear friends is the best medicine. I am so happy I got some much needed time with them. It was wonderful coming home to my boys though. I have a hard time being away from them!

Lots of exciting things coming up on the blog these next few months. Stay tuned!

For now, I wanted to announce that I have decided to open advertising to small businesses/blogs for the Holiday season (a few posts from MIL helped make this decision). I have had several inquiries, so I think its a good time of year to begin. Sponsorship can really help a blog keep going with the time and dedication it requires. I am looking forward to working with some of you! I will make sure each new sponsor will receive a special feature post. Please email me with any questions you have! 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Oufi Handbag Giveaway!

Can you believe how fabulous this bag is?!! I am so grateful to Oufi for hosting this giveaway and offering one of my readers a great start to their Fall Fashion Wardrobe;) Once again, I am JEALOUS!

TO ENTER (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1) Visit the BRAND NEW OUFI WEBSITE and leave a comment letting us know which dream bag or clutch is your current favorite:)

ADD'L Entries (separate comment for each):

2) Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway! 

3) Become a Fan of Oufi on Facebook

Open to International Readers! Best of luck!! Giveaway ends next Tuesday AM!

Last but not least, the winner of the Kristina Marie Garland Giveaway is #14 - Carly! Congrats!! Will be contacting you for your address! Thanks for all who entered! And thank you Kristina for hosting!

Sneak Peak at Little G's One Year Photos

My very talented sister Angela took some 1 year photos (a few months late;) of my guy. My heart melts when I look at them..

Don't want him to ever grow up!!

Vadjutka Jewelry Giveaway!

You may remember Vadjutka Jewelry from this post. Or maybe from this Storque article on photography...I am so honored to have Judit offer one of her gorgeous designs today for a giveaway!!

To Enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

Leave a separate comment for each please!

1) Visit Vadjutka Jewelry and leave a comment about which piece catches your eye!

2) Blog, tweet, or facebook about the giveaway.

3) Sign up for Judit's newsletter here for fun shop news!

* Good luck to all! You have until Monday night, July 26th to enter! Thank you Judit for hosting!

Giveaway: SUMMER SURVIVAL KIT!

Summer wouldn't be summer without fun invlolved...so I am excited to offer this giveway to pamper one of you with! Especialy for someone low-maintenance like me, this kit is all I would need to freshen, lift, and luminate. You can win this MD Perricone  Summer Survival Kit, which includes three steps at $125 value! Citrus Facial Wash, Amine Complex Face Lift, and the famous No Foundation Foundation. 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

WHAT: MD Perricone Summer Survival Kit

WHO CAN WIN: Subscribers and Followers of IHOD 

(this time its only U.S. and Canada only)

WHEN: June 29th- July 5th

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment why you need this summer survival kit!
EXTRA ENTRIES(separate comment): 
-Tweet, blog, or facebook about this giveaway.
-Become a fan of IHOD on facebook.

Best of luck! Thanks for entering! Can't wait to see who wins!

News: Need your advice! + Shop Updates

Hi friends:) I just got back last night from our little vacation. We traveled to St. Louis and Louisville for a wedding, visiting old friends, my sister's graduation party, and soaking up time by the pool:D I am wiped out and avoiding unpacking...he he. It was so much fun though and well worth it.

I am in the process of adding lots of new items to the shop. Just wanted to give you a peak of my design process. I am always finding inspiration through imagery and it often turns into an accessory design:) Here is just one example..

(Little Miss Modern Circles Headband)

Also, NEED SOME ADVICE! I would like to open a second online shop site other than etsy for a few reasons. Does anyone have a shop on bigcartel.com or any other online market place? I need your feedback! Let me know your experiences...pros and cons!

Look forward to catching up with some blog reading:) Be sure and check the shop for new items popping up this week!

Bits O Honey Giveaway!

So happy to introduce to you Bits O Honey Designs. Monica is from one of my hometowns...Atlanta, Georgia. I discovered her through my friend Katie. Her designs include handmade fabric wallets, clutches, business card cases, and my fave.."that time of the month" clutches. All in bright and eye catching fabrics at affordable prices! I decided I must have one of every pattern....okay well maybe just one of each category;) She is offering one of you lucky gals the chance to win a free card case clutch of your choice!

To enter (leave a separate comment for each):

Visit Bits O Honey and let us know which one you would choose!

Tweet, facebook, or blog about the giveaway!

(Must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD to enter.)

Winner will be chosen next Monday night!

Best of luck!

Bride Blu + Discount for readers!

When I discovered BrideBlu, I knew I had to share this shop with all of you. Her pieces are stunning. I would wear all of her designs! Well, guess what?! Cat is offering a special discount to IHOD readers! Lucky you.....You get to take 20% off your purchases from now until May 20th! Just enter the discount code "In Honor Of Design" in the checkout. Happy Shopping!

You can find more Bride Blu Here:

Shop | Blog

Happy Birthday to Gabriel and Giveaway Winner!

(I made this invitation for his birthday celebration:) Working on some DIY's for the party...)

Today is my baby boy's first birthday. Definately bittersweet for me... I know they say it goes by fast , but I still want to defy time and make each day last a year. Last night, Gabriel woke up from a bad dream crying so hard, so I ran in there to comfort him. As he laid his head against my chest holding his blankie, I couldn't prevent the tears from falling.... I wanted the moment to last forever. I thank God for the opportunity to be a mother, and I look forward to having more children:) Motherhood isn't always easy, but I have never experienced a greater love and joy in my life (next to marriage). It is a gift that I don't take for granted...

Time to announce the winner of the Rachel Ray/Melissa & Doug Giveaway!

Congatulations #28 House of Payne! Please contact me with your info!

If you didn't win this time, you will eventually! I have more giveaways in the works! Thank you for entering! You all are really fabulous!

             

Rachel Ray and Melissa and Doug Giveaway!

I am so happy to offer this giveaway to you lovely readers thanks to CSN Stores! They are sponsoring one of these items to the lucky winner! You can choose any of the fabulous colors in the Rachel Ray Tea Kettle OR the super fun Melissa and Doug brand (my favorite brand of kids toys) Slice and Bake Set for your little one!

I am sure you are familiar with some of CSN stores products and websites. They offer everything from  corner tv stands and cookware, to kids furniture and decorative items for the home. Here are just a few of their sites: allchildrensfurniture.com, cookware.com, allmodern.com

I love that they have so many affordable selections!! Check it out!

To Enter (Must be a follower or subscriber of the blog):

1.) Leave a comment that says which item you would choose and why:)

For Add'l entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

2.) Share on Twitter 3.) Share on Facebook 4.) Share on your blog!

Best of luck!

           

              

and the winner is....

Thank you to all who participated! If you didn't win this one, don't worry...lots of fun coming your way! Check back next week for the new giveaway! My sister is getting married this weekend! So I will be in and out this week...a little crazy, so if I haven't said hello this week yet, you know why!

              

Liberty of London and Forever21 Style Giveaway!

Remember this post about my Liberty of London Crush and this post about Blush Tones? Well I Pulled a few of my favorite items to do a GIVEAWAY for my readers!...just to show how much I appreciate you! Will be open until Monday April 12th at midnight! Open to International Readers!

To Enter (Leave a separate comment for each add'l entry):

1) Leave a comment! (Must be a follower or subscriber of the blog)

2) Share on twitter and let me know you did!

3) Share on facebook and let me know you did!

4) Blog about this giveaway and let me know you did!

If you don't have a blogger ID please leave a valid email address!

Lastly, to announce the winner of a{touch of}love giveaway!!

Congratulations to # 9...ELEISE!! Lucky girl! Will be in touch!

                

a {touch of} love GIVEAWAY! + Discount!

The fabulous Allegra Love just opened a new shop! Everything in it is to die for! and guess what?! This beautiful "No Strings Attached Garland" can be yours! So many uses and several color options! Garland Giveaway starts today and ends in one week!

Here's how to enter (leave a separate comment for each):

1) Visit a{touch of}love and leave a comment which lovely you are crazy about.

2) Tweet, Facebook, or Blog about this giveaway.

3) Let me know if you are a new subscriber, follower, or facebook fan!

THAT'S NOT ALL! Allegra is offering a DISCOUNT for IHOD readers only! Here's the details:

10% Discount for In Honor Of Design Readers 3/30-4/2/2010.

Please add INHONOROFDESIGN-10% in your buyers notes via Etsy.

Discount will not apply to shipping fees and will be refunded after payment has been received.
Discount will only be applied if INHONOROFDESIGN code is provided in your buyers notes.

I don't know about you, but I am taking advantage! I just bought these for a wedding gift!
Lastly, to announce the winner of the Silver Dog Jewelry Giveaway......thank you for all who entered! It was lovely to hear from you!

CONGRATS TO #37! CANDYCE!! Please contact me for details!

BEST OF LUCK ON THIS WEEKS GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY! The Silver Dog Jewelry

 The Silver Dog shop has graciously sponsored this Orchid Pink Rose and Black Czech Glass

necklace giveaway! Isn't it gorgeous? You will die when you see what else is in her shop! The most beautiful array of jewelry in spring tones!

To Enter (leave a separate comment for each):

1) Visit The Silver Dog and leave a comment here about which piece you are loving:)

2) Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter

3) let me know if you are a new follower or subscriber!

BEST OF LUCK!!

ALSO...so excited to announce The Fig Leaf Giveaway via random.org...

Congrats to SARAH!!

Get ready to pick your passport cover of choice!!

Tuesday News: The Fig Leaf GIVEAWAY!

I wish I could win my own giveaways! This one is OO-LA-LA!! The lovely Christa from The Fig Leaf is offering YOUR CHOICE of one of her Passport Holders! This is our way of encouraging spring traveling! They are high quality, Unique, eco-friendly designs that will keep your passport safe for travel and leave a little extra room to store some other goods:)

TO ENTER (Separate Comment for each):

1) Visit the Shop and leave a comment here telling us which item is your fave!

2) Let me know if you are a subscriber or follower of the blog.

3) Tweet, Facebook, or Blog about the Giveaway!

I will draw the winner via Random.org one week from Today! GOOD LUCK! 

          

Tuesday News: Introducing BLANQI Body Stylers!

Do you remember my friend Natalie? Well her sister is also super talented....Valerie and her best friend Sabina, both mothers themselves, first introduced me to BLANQI when they asked me to model for their up and coming Pregnancy Body Styler line. LET ME TELL YOU, these are a motherhood MUST HAVE! They just launched BLANQI at Nordstroms! I can't wait to get my hands on one. After getting to try one during the photoshoot, I can tell you there is nothing else like it available on the market....It is comfortable, versatile, and stylish! So read on for more about this dynamic duo who pursued a dream, and made it a reality. Show some love!

This is when I was 9 months pregnant with my son Gabriel:) 

Yeah, I don't look like this on an average day...

FIND BLANQI HERE:

Website | Nordstrom's | Facebook Fan Page

So, which way would you wear it? With your 5 inch Jimmy Choos are yoga pants? ;) I say both.

Slow Readers Book Review: Half Broke Horses

My CS3 Software stopped working over the weekend.....of course in the middle of some major graphic design projects...It may be an interesting week. So in case my blogging is choppy and inconsistent...you know why! :D

I FINISHED THE BOOK! Remember how I told you about Slow Readers here? So glad I joined the group, because it has gotten me reading again. I am making the time to do something I love. Our first book was an incredible read...

I was sucked in right away.... The opening scene is set by a flash flood that threatens to take the lives of three young siblings. The oldest,  Lily Casey Smith, with her wit, smarts, and fearless demeanor directs them all to safety. The chapter follows with many more incredulous scenes and stories re-told by Jeannette Walls, the true blood grand-daughter of Lily Casey Smith. Jeannette Walls tells the story in the voice of her grandmother, and captures the details and essence of the era. Set in the early 1900's, Jeannette reveals the character of a young girl whose courage and gumption get her through the brutal hardships and surprising circumstances of her life.


This character's life humbles you to no end, and makes you appreciate the luxuries that American women are allowed in today's time. Lily's spirit and humor is contagious, and this NY Times Best-Seller has you wanting to know more when the book ends. The short two-five page chapters also make it easy for you to pick up where you left off. 


This book was an adventure that takes you into an era when people fought hard for what was theirs, valued the land and all things God provided through it, and didn't take anything for granted. When I was finished I felt like I had learned from Lily's mistakes and victories throughout her life:)

photo via Jamwithsand

I hope you get the chance to read this! And if you are part of Slow Readers, can't wait to read your review! What book are you reading now??