CLASSIC CAROLINA HERRERA FOR SPRING 2010

Sunday Blessed

African American Women @ Howard University
Originally uploaded by discoverblackheritage

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

Have a wonderful day,
Sharon

CUTE CLIPS

I found these cute clips at the 1 Euro store yesterday.

I used them to hang photos onto my "Inspiration Ribbon" which hangs over my cutting table.

My current inspiration is the color palette from "Marie Antoinette" starring Kirsten Dunst. I have a couple of photos from "The Duchess" starring Kiera Knightly hanging on the ribbon as well. I really like some of the design aspects from this film too. I plan to incorporate my Duchess inspiration into later projects.

I'll post preview pics from my Spring/Summer collection soon, so visit me again!

Bis Spater!

Sharon

I MADE IT OVER!

(Photo image Ginny Powell)

So, today I mastered another hurdle since I moved to Germany a year and a half ago. I went to the doctor by myself! Now, I know that visiting the doctors office alone is really no big deal but, if you are new to a country and are not fluent in the language, this can be quite intimidating. Normally my husband would accompany me to really important appointments where the language barrier can be challenging but, today he had to work. I don't think he really wanted to go with me to this anyway. The appointment was with the gynecologist. Everyone at the office was very nice. I understood all of their questions and even asked a couple myself. I think that I worked up a bit of anxiety prior to the visit, hence the high blood pressure but, I am happy to say that things went smoothly.

I have been enrolled in language courses, with the exception of summer break, pretty much since I arrived here in the Summer of 08. German is not an easy language to learn. Nonetheless, I have reached the point where I can go shopping alone, I can get around with public transportation, and I can hold a simple conversation with others and answer the telephone without freaking out. I am also able to watch the news and read the newspapers with understanding. In my language courses I have met people from other countries who have been living in Germany 10-20 yrs., and they still do not speak the language well. I'm not saying this to toot my own horn but, I feel that if one is going to live in another country and make a life in that country then, they should have a good grasp of the language. It's important to know and be able to understand what's going on around you. I can't always have my husband there to hold my hand so I have to learn the language. I also keep a handy pocket translator in the case of a "I don't know that word emergency".

In December I finished the one year German language course for beginners and, I passed all of my exams. I'm not finished yet. I have enrolled in another course which begins next month. The last course required me to go to classes everyday for 3 hrs. This time, the class is twice a week for 1 1/2 hours. The only way to master a new language is of course take a class. You must also amerce yourself into the culture by getting out and listening to the conversations that you hear around you. Reading is very important but, simply speaking the language is the best way to learn. I used to get so embarrassed when I made a mistake when talking to someone. But my husband always say's "language is like a flower, you have to cultivate it". Now, I don't care so much when I make a mistake. I just count it as part of the learning experience. My husband are still speaking mostly in English however, we are conversing more often in German. I'm looking forward to mastering German and then moving onto another language. I think French will be next.

Bis Spater! ( See you later)

Sharon

TEA TIME!

I enjoy having a cup of tea everyday. Peppermint is my favorite! I would enjoy tea time even more if I cup sip it from one of these lovely vessels created by artist Nini Violette. See more of her work here

I want to have a tea party!

Sunday Blessed

African American Woman
Originally uploaded by discoverblackheritage

I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made

Psalms 141


Have a wonderful day,
Sharon

BETWEEN THE SHEETS

I took a couple of hours off from working on my Spring/Summer accessory line to make myself some lounging pants to wear around the house. I made these from old bed sheets. The patterns are a bit bold but, I think they're fun.

This fabric has a great vintage look to it. The stripes are actually embroidered. I had enough fabric left over to make a skirt out of it. ( See photo below)

This fabric has an interesting Fleur-Di-Lis Pattern. I love how lightweight these pants are.

I can't wait to wear this skirt! I just need to finish it with a zipper.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD LITTLE ONE!

To celebrate the arrival of my newest nephew, I thought I would highlight some super cute graphic bodysuits that are available from Baby Gap. Barry Jr. was born on Wednesday January 20th. He weighed in at 7 lbs. and measures 21 ". It will be awhile before I can see him in person but, if he looks anything like my brother, then he's a pretty handsome dude!

WHAT A LOVELY HAT!

Isn't it pretty. Simple elegance and great design detail. I can hardly believe that it is made entirely of TOILET PAPER!

Yes, that right, I said toilet paper. It was designed and created by the very talented Ann Kagawa. She is the winner of the 2009 Toilet Paper Wedding Gown Competition. I didn't even know there was such a thing. I used to work in a bridal salon and once in a while we would have toilet paper gown challenges to boost moral at work. Our creations are nothing like what Ann came up with. You can view her winning bridal gown and follow her design process here.

AHHHHH........SPRING!

Yes, I know, we still have a few more months of winter but, I am already getting geared up for spring. I watched the 2006 version of Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst, again. I am in love the the romantic color palettes used in the costume and set design. The colors are so inspiring that I will be using these pretty pale shades in my accessory line. This small collection of necklaces, chokers, collars, hair pins and fascinators will arrive in my Etsy shop for Spring/Summer 2010.

I'm really excited and I have alot of work to do. So, on that note, time to get busy!

Make it a great day

Sharon

H&M “The Garden Collection”

H&M is launching an environmentally conscious collection called "The Garden Collection". The garments are made from organic and recycled materials that have been produced with sustainable materials or from recycled PET bottles and textile waste. Materials include organic cotton and organic linen which are both produced without the use of hazardous chemicals. They are also using recycled polyester which is made from the recycled Pet bottles.

I love the concept and the clothes are feminine and romantic. Can't wait to check it out in stores. For more info visit http://www.hmthegardencollection.com/welcome/

A SNOWY DAY