Monday, March 7, 2011

Nick Vujicic



This weekend Northland Church in Longwood, Florida had a special guest speaker, Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs. His story is so inspirational! He regularly preaches and gives speeches on subjects such as disability, hope, and finding meaning in life. The sermon was so encouraging and motivational. It was an awesome service! 


Here is his story taken from the Northland website: 

Throughout his childhood, Nick dealt not only with the typical challenges of school and adolescence such as bullying and self-esteem issues but also struggled with depression and loneliness.  He constantly questioned why he was different than all the other kids surrounding him; why he was the one born without arms and legs. He wondered what the purpose behind his life was, or if he even had a purpose. According to Nick, the victory over his struggles throughout his journey, as well as the strength and passion he has for life, can be credited to his faith in God. His family, friends and the many people he has encountered along the way have also encouraged him.
By the age of 19, Nick started to fulfill his dream of being able to encourage other people and bring them the Gospel of Jesus through motivational speaking and sharing his testimony about how God changed his life and gave him a future and a hope. “I found the purpose of my existence and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire.” Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we each encounter in our lives, and that our attitude towards those struggles, along with our faith and trust in the Lord can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face.
Now at 29 years old, this limbless young man has accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime. Nick recently made the massive move from Brisbane, Australia, to California, where he is the president of an international non-profit organization called Life Without Limbs. Since his first speaking engagement back when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions of people. He has also told his story and been interviewed on various televised programs worldwide.
When he does have time off from his busy schedule, Nick enjoys golfing, fishing, swimming and listening to music of all varieties, and most importantly, spending personal time with lifelong friends and family in Australia and the U.S. And most recently, Nick has begun to explore acting, with a starring role in the movie short, The Butterfly Circus, which can be viewed http://thebutterflycircus.com/about/who-we-are/.  As Nick says, “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”

Nick says to always pray for a miracle, but if you can't get a miracle, become one! He is truly a miracle and delivers a message filled with hope.
There will be another service this evening, at 7:00 pm, and can be watched live online at http://www.northlandchurch.net/. 
Here is a sneak peek:

http://vimeo.com/20258317

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Civil Wars



This song by The Civil Wars is so amazing! The no-frills duo, comprised of Joy Williams and John Paul White, just released their first full-length album, "Barton Hollow"on February 1st.  I love the simple, pure quality of just an acoustic guitar, piano, and the two brilliant singers. Chris Willman writes, "Each song is an intimate conversation, and no third wheels or dinner-party chatter are going to interrupt that gorgeous, haunting hush." Gorgeous, indeed! I can listen to this over and over and over...





Monday, February 28, 2011

Hooray for Hollywood

Jason Merrit, Getty Images






It was like a breath of fresh air on the red carpet last night, lots of jewel tones and modest necklines; but my favorites were the pale, sparkly gowns above. Newcomer 14 year old Hailee Steinfeld (far left) was my favorite of the evening, sweet, demure and age appropriate in Marchesa.







Gwyneth was stunning once again in Calvin Klein
photo: Steve Granitz/Wire Image.com
                                                          


                                                                                                        

                                                                  Jason Merrit, Getty Images

Natalie Portman, who won best actress for Black Swan, glowed in this deep purple maternity dress by Rodarte. She thanked fiance, Benjamin Millepied, "who has now given me the most important role of my life."

                                                              Photo: Huffington Post
                                                    Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott.


             
                                                               Photos: EW.com

Anne Hathaway, who hosted the event with James Franco, had eight costume changes. Stylist Rachel Zoe, who is 9 months pregnant, was responsible for the incredible looks. The 70's style, swingy, silver beaded tassel dress was my favorite, along with her loose, wavy hair. I also loved this burgundy silk chiffon Atelier Versace, along with another perfect hair style.


One of the highlights for me was watching Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi (NBC's Chuck) perform their song, I See the Light, from Disney's Tangled. Chuck is my all-time favorite television show and Zachary is a man of many talents!


Friday, February 25, 2011

Big Cartel

New Look for Big Cartel Directory!
I love Big Cartel's new look, it is much easier to browse their store directory and find what you are looking for. For me, it is still not as easy (or as fun!) as shopping on Etsy, but the stores do have a unique, indie feel and now you can shop by category.



To say thank you for checking out my blog and my Big Cartel store, take 20% off your total purchase! Use coupon code BLOG20 at checkout. Here is the link:
http://punctuation.bigcartel.com/
(coupon valid only at my Big Cartel store- February 25-27, 2011)

Monday, February 21, 2011

Etsy Treasury

Thank you to Retreauxgirl for featuring me in her latest treasury, a tribute to John Lennon and peace! Treasuries are a fun way to shop on Etsy and can also be used for the front page. I love Retreauxgirl's vintage inspired style, check out all of her other treasuries here.

Friday, February 18, 2011

BHLDN

It's Finally Here! 
The new wedding collection by Anthropologie is finally here! BHLDN (pronounced Beholden) debuted on Valentine's Day and  I'm absolutely smitten! Where was this site 10 years ago? The line includes stunning wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses you really will wear again, fabulous party dresses, lingerie, shoes, accessories, and vintage inspired jewelry.  Coming soon: wedding decorations! 











Friday, February 4, 2011

All You Need is Love

Artists at Artistree Co-op, a one-of-a-kind handmade gift boutique and art gallery in Orlando, Florida, were recently challenged to create some new work with Valentine's Day in mind. Since the Beatles are one of my all-time favorites, I particularly love this acrylic on canvas, mixed media creation by artist Jennifer McCully.

I still have all of my old record albums, and am fortunate to have a few Beatles classics. I spent some time today listening to them and a few others on iTunes and compiled a list of my top 5 favorite Beatles Love Songs! It's tough to choose, but here they are:

1. In My Life- 1965 Rubber Soul
2. And I Love Her- 1964 A Hard Day's Night
3. I've Just Seen a Face- 1965 Help!
 (I also love, love, love the McCartney version on the 1991 Paul McCartney Official Bootleg Album)
4. Things We Said Today- 1964 A Hard Day's Night
5. The Long and Winding Road- 1970 Let it Be