A Spring Time Dream

Like most southern-born-and-raised belles I've grown up reading Southern Living. Well....my mother always had them lying around, so for the first part of my life I just admired the beautiful pictures of gardens, various travel destinations around the South and, of course, the wonderful seasonal recipes! 

I never could have dreamed of being featured in it; twice! The April 2013 run of the magazine features "Secrets to the South's New Riviera." It highlights the "most posh-pools, on-trend designers, and tasty eats" along the gulf coast of Florida and Alabama. 

I was so humbled when they asked me to be apart of such a fun and exciting feature! It was a joy to work with the Southern Living team and my fellow Florida fashion designers, Nicole Rockhill and Caroline Smith, (they were both so sweet)! 

The dress I am wearing in the picture is one of my favorite dresses from Judith March's 2013 Spring/Summer collection. The light-weight fabric is perfect for the South's notorious summer heat waves, but my favorite part of the design is the bow! The design is inspired by the simple class and sophistication of women like Jackie O' Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, with a hint of Southern swank mixed in as well.

This Classic Linen Dress is available wholesale through Judith March! Shoppers can find a retailer near you by searching "Retail locations" on the Judith March website. Deja Vu is also carrying it and the entire Spring/Summer collection at our four locations (Fairhope, AL, Key West, FL, Seaside, FL and Panama City Beach, FL and our online store). 

I am so blessed to have such wonderful customers, co-workers and support system. Judith March and Deja Vu wouldn't be what it is today with out all of you, so thank you so much!!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Fashion Designer by Day..Dugout Mom by Night

After a long day of analyzing business numbers, selecting fabrics and designs for Judith March's upcoming collections, I was excited to get out of the office and head to the ball park for Fox's first ever T-ball game. 

Not only was it Fox's first time at T-ball, it was also my first time as Dugout Mom. I really didn't know what to expect, but as I arrived to the field I knew I was in for an entertaining evening. Imagine this. Sixteen four to five year old little boys on a baseball field. Some were rolling around in the grass, some were running around like wild Indians, some were trying to balance their gloves on their heads, and they were all excited to use their outside voices. 

As game time approached their coaches rounded them up for their first real team huddle. They all put their tiny hands in and not so unanimously yelled "Go A's!" So began the beginning of Fox's baseball career and my career as Dugout Mom! 

As dugout mom my job was fairly easy. Bring snacks acceptable to the boys (Gatorade and goldfish), line all the boys up ready for the batting line up, get them ready for batting (helmets, bat, encouragement--check, check and check) and help the coaches maintain order. All the boys on the team are so sweet and well behaved--so they made my job easy as pie!

After two innings of play the game was called. During the game all of our little baseball players got on base, hit the ball, ran to home plate, had a handful of goldfish and had a glorious time! Red faced and exhausted the boys made their way to their last team huddle for the day! All the parents watched, each one radiating with pride as they showered the boys with praise and encouragement. Each time one of their teammates or opponent touched the ball they cheered along with the fans of both teams!

The entire event only took about 45 minutes, which was enough time for me to learn how thankful I was for the blessing of getting to be dugout mom! I only hope Fox's baseball career continues so my dugout mom career can as well. :P

Key West Adventures

A whirlwind.

That pretty much sums up our adventure to Key West. Lauren, Sara and I went down there to make a few facelifts to our new Deja Vu location on Greene St. After a few long nights, a super early morning and countless craft projects we finally finished! 

Its amazing how much a space can change with a little papier mache, deer antlers and creative placement. My favorite display we made was a rooster made out of recycled fashion newspapers, my old family pictures and cardboard. Since there are so many roosters running around Key West, I thought it was only natural that we put one in the store.  

Our rooster display! My favorite thing we made. 

Although we worked most of the time, it was nice to get away and visit one of the most enchanting place the Florida has to offer. It seems every time I visit Key West I find another thing I love about it! 

Favorite place to Stay: Old Town Manor Bed and Breakfast on Eaton Street

Favorite Brunch: Blue Heaven on Whitehead Street

Favorite little shop: Besame Mucho on Whitehead Street

Favorite local hangout: Schooners Warf Bar

Blue Heaven--they have the BEST blueberry pancakes!

As we boarded our flight home, I felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness and humility for all of the things God has blessed me with this year. A perfect, healthy son, a supportive and loving circle of family and friends and the peace-bearing love He gives me every day! I am so thankful! 

Tailgating in the Sand

This past Saturday we started our first annual "tailgate in the sand" on Grayton beach. The pictures should show exactly how much FUN we had watching football while our feet were planted in the beautiful South Walton sand!

Made out of Seaweed!

Meg and Joel

This was an act of congress....

Glued to the tv

It got a little chilly at night.

Meg and Joel throwing Fox int the water

Live to Work, Love to Live

First was Kelly's bach party in New Orleans

We have all been on the road lately...even little Louie

Sweet Megan holding all of my magazines that I bought in the airport, because my back hurt so bad from carrying them.

My Sweet friend Blair sent this to me with this caption on it. This was taken on the sidewalk in New Orleans. 

Desperate for a phone charger...so the only one left in the airport was in the middle of the walkway...Megan, as usual, took the proper safety precautions and put the child's booster seat on top of it.

Jacque and Janis in Vegas

Deepak, our India factory owner, was also in Vegas.

Some of the girls in New Orleans for Kelly's bach trip.

Fox and his new dog paddling around in Grayton.

All of the tshirts had special meaning. Angel was my first dog and Tennille was the street that I lived on growing up. Note to everyone.....I normally don't wear tutus or tube socks! We were all good sports for Kelly!

Joel babysat Louie for me while I was gone.

Everyone needs a little mountain/sunset time after a long adventure.

The girls were so tired after Vegas was finally over.

Who am I Going to be Today?

Mom? Designer? Fisherman? Cook? PTA Member? CEO?

Sometimes I wear about five different hats in one day....Christie at the office likes to ask what personality/mode will I be in today? So here is a glimpse of the fun....

Fox at the Dentist

Fox caught a 7 pound bass.....he was so proud!! & I was too!

Photo shoot time

Orientation for Kindergarten...I even signed up for PTA

This is how I feel most days around 5pm

Sometimes breakfast is challenging too!

Loved Spending time with Nina Debrev on the set of Vampire Diaries

Meg and I working hard at the new line "Jacque & Janis"
www.jacqueandjanis.com

Summer Lovin

In Seagrove Beach, Florida

It has been an amazing Summer!! Here are a few pictures to show how much fun we have been having!!

How awesome would it be to have one of these fabulous boards to surf on??

Loving the beautiful water right now

Me and CC

This bird was sunbathing on the Grayton beach the other day and she just hopped right on my shoulder...I sent this photo to my mom and the text below is what she said....My mother is a hoot. (no punt intended)

I was like, mother, only you would think like that!!

Last but not least!!!! Guess who got engaged?? My sweet co-worker and best friends "Megan and Joel" They are my absolute favorite couple of all time!!!